Results 1 to 5 of 5
-
December 1, 2020, 09:18 AM #1
Soundstage Luxury & Performance Electronics Shortlist
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
December 1, 2020, 09:30 AM #2
Re: Soundstage Luxury & Performance Electronics Shortlist
The Boulder/Gryphon/MSB amps are the top three I would choose too. I haven’t had a lot of time with the Sim 888’s, so I can’t say definitively, but the Sim 860v2 is a terrific sub-$20K performer.
The MSB amps are the proverbial odd ball here, because you are talking somewhat new world class amps from a company more known for world class DAC’s. But the amps are all that - and more. The MSB amps TRULY perform above and beyond when paired with the MSB DAC’s. Why? The output impedance of the DAC is a perfect match for the 75ohm input impedance of the amp. Thankfully, MSB was one step ahead and also put a multiple input impedance selector switch on the back to ensure their amps will pair very well with more than just their DAC’s.
As a friend of mine and I found out on Friday after several hours, choosing between the Boulder and the Gryphon amps is not an easy task. Both have exceptional, unique qualities. The Gryphon really pairs well with the Gryphon preamp and takes things to a whole new level and we love the green bias link between the two. The Boulder amps seemed to pair well with it’s own preamp, but other preamps as well and never really got “hot”. But the bass from the Gryphon is seriously subterranean and quite addictive. The transparency from the Boulder was also quite addictive. Both are world class. Oddly, one only comes in silver and the other only comes in black! Maybe that’s the way to choose. ??
Although I personally love a preamp in the system (old habits are hard to break?). The full blown preamp module from MSB sure helps make Jeff’s point in the article.
As for mono vs stereo, this is a little trickier. If the amp is made purposely as a mono, then yes, generally that’s the way to go. But some amps which are switchable, you have to watch the minimum ohm rating a little closer and more carefully match with your speakers. That being said, there are a few cases where Joe and I have found the stereo version to be a little sweeter sounding. Hegel H30 comes to mind.
Another great article again showing world class products from world class companies, all of which resemble the term “luxury”.My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
December 1, 2020, 12:19 PM #3
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,776
Re: Soundstage Luxury & Performance Electronics Shortlist
Ironic he believes in short signal paths, but all the recommended amps use hundreds of transistors.
I personally would go a different direction, but ultimately it depends on the speaker. Dart, Nagra, FirstWatt, etc. and of course even a few tube amps which I know he shunsBrinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
-
December 1, 2020, 12:34 PM #4
Re: Soundstage Luxury & Performance Electronics Shortlist
Hard to argue with his favorites. In an industry that has many high quality amplifiers, getting a list down to 3 to 4 is tough and will never get 100% agreement across audiophiles. As with the speaker article last month, some really good choices but some of the usual suspects are missing.
Lastly, I really enjoyed his approach on this article a bit better than the previous speaker favorites piece._______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
-
December 2, 2020, 10:36 AM #5
Re: Soundstage Luxury & Performance Electronics Shortlist
I agree, hard to argue the choices although I do not have much personal experience with the brands. The one thing I would argue is his not including a dedicated pre-amp. I assume that these top tier DACs have wonderful volume functions built in, however maybe I am just old school, but to me a pre-amplifier is one of the absolute primary components.
On numerous occasions I have tried running a DAC as the main control unit. Every time the systems sound just seemed to fall flat. Even units with what are regarded as exceptional volume sections such as the T+A seem to be completely out gunned by a dedicated pre-amp. Another issue with this is finding a DAC with quality analog inputs. Not all of us live exclusively in the digital world. He mentioned turntables (and phono stages) but how about other components such as a tuner or an SACD spinner. Yes some DACs are equipped to run their own spinners through their on board DACs (Esoteric, etc.). This is not the norm.
I have just found that a quality pre-amplifier makes as much difference in the sound of my over all system than most any other component, including and especially the power amplifier. Maybe this is because I am not playing on the level that Jeff is discussing, but it is definitely something that my experience tells me. A pre-amp should be one of the primary components in a system.McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Harmonia had Dr Paul Mills himself at Axpona.
What is going on with the recent...