Acoustic Zen Adagio, How Good Are They?


Just read the glowing review in TAS. Has enyone heard these and if so is all the positive press justified?
rja

Showing 3 responses by merelyok614e

Hi 2100.

Got my modified Almarro 318Bn. Burning both units in now ( The amp and the Adagio.)

Im particularly taken back by the bass this combination provides. It goes fantastically low but is at the same time taut. The ribbon tweeters are something else as well, detailed and airy.

But what really impresses me the most is the ability for the Almarro and Adagio to tackle almost all types of music. I've tried chamber music to large scale orchestra ( Mahler anyone ? ), Hiphop to Electronica ( Think cut chemist / Public enemy / Fourtet ), and some indie and death metal ( Belle & Sebastian, Weezer and some Converge ). Jazz is to DIE for imo. I spinned some Coltrane and Hartman just yesterday ( vinyl! )and Hartman's voice was palpable and so lush. Coltrane's sax just made me want to melt, that rich baritone and tonality of it all...man.

However, i do find that the music DOES compress alittle during very loud or intricate passages ( depends on the volume tho. ), but not in an entirely noticable way. I think it clips rather gracefully.

Ultimately, im very very statisfied with the pairing and i couldnt ask for more. S.E.T midrange and intimacy coupled with deep, ballsy S.S type bass and the ability to play almost all types of music..( well unless 16hz organ tones are your kinda thing...) Im a happy camper!
Hi 2100,

I have feeling you're from Singapore. I am too getting the Alamrro 318Bn to pair with the Adagio.

What cables are u using in your setup?

Thanks.
Hi 2100,

yep guessed it from your handle.

I am going to change the caps in the 318B. Heard the stock version with the Adagio and it already had oodles of promise.

Frankly, those power tubes on the Almarro are real monsters and the sound that it produces belies the fact that it has *only* 18 watts of power.

The Almarro/Adagio combo is just very musical and warm, but with nice bass slam and control to boot. Something that im looking for. Infact, i prefer the Adagio over the newer Hyperions.