I knew in the first few notes we had a (clear) winner...sorry to preempt the voting. Not even warmed up and with compromised cabling, the impact and impression was OVERWHELMING. Last night I listened extensively to Burmester CD 03 thru the VAC and Ref 40, a great way to sonically and musically test gear, in addition to some prized vinyl. I've never listened to a component and immediately felt compelled to grap a pad of paper and pen, but this Centaur made me want to. As I listened here is what I wrote (noting it may be very system and room dependent):
Not hyperbole....I'm finicky and fickle and not easily impressed, I knew in the first few notes, this is as it should be. Left me wanting for nothing (a feeling I cannot ever remember having). I cannot believe what I am hearing. Instant connection like when I met my wife or first drove my R32 (even more instant than my SL600...price doesn't dictate outcome). The Centaur is a game changer, transformative (truly)....as impressive (actually more) of an upgrade than any component change I've made including ARC Ref40 or Magico speakers...and those two were huge upgrades.
In short, more of everything...liquid smooth, all there for the taking, smooth and musical. Only amp that has been able to grab me by the balls and whisper in my ear at the same time.
This is how I want my Magicos to sound, for real. Enveloping; heard detail not there before; all the nuances captured...felt like human beings were singing to me; wanted to kiss the singer of track track one...never heard anything like this before.
What I read about all the potential of my ARC Ref 40 preamp, I'm now experiencing, in spades. I understand its potential now. Makes me feel better about acquiring it by a country mile.
Sound stage laterally is FINALLY balanced and even in hight and width and presence. Layers, layers, layers. Round, round, round.
Dynamics finally. Not artificial or hyped but there and in my face. But perfect flow and timing. Fast when needed. Slow when necessary. Everything but never too much, but always climactic and engaging.
Finally, detail and all of it at low volumes.
Totally balanced across the spectrum and continuous not disenfranchised presentation.
Now I understand macro and micro detail and dynamics in perfect tandem.
I'm done, the race is finished, I'm in love finally with an amp (ok that may be hyperbole).
The Centaur's sound is "emotional, beautiful, pretty, determined, in control, effortlessly powerful, balanced; and, it conveys the drama and nuance/detail perfectly in the same moment"
Sorry for the rambling, but wow wow wow wow wow. I am very impressed and happy. All the hours researching, dollars spent, and the reach was worth it for sure.
PS, the bass and slam and movement of air from my magicos is now in a different league, naturally and harmonically correct at same time.
