2. amps-preamps
  3. 1287546373

Audiolab, Rowland integrated - nothing in between?

Of course there is something in-between. Question is if it's worth it. I am thinking about uprading my Audiolab 8000LX integrated but even used Rowland or perhaps Gryphon are beyond the reach at the moment. How much would I really gain if I got, say, Naim or Plinius or whatever?
My Michael Green Design free resonance speakers need really good control or they become loose. Audiolab does OK but it's not good enough. And I want more resolution, better imaging, soundstage etc. Cables are Purist Audio Colossus.
So. what do you think?
inna

Showing 5 responses by inna

inna OP
7,923 posts
 
You see, that was exactly my point. Used Rowland goes for about $2500. Why would I want to spend $1500 or so for something lesser instead of waiting for a while?
Also, I heard that Naim sounds too forward, don't know about that Australian stuff. I don't like Krell sound except for very old Krells, the same with Levinsons.
inna OP
7,923 posts
 
Zoya, I listen mostly to jazz/rock fusion and what can be very generally called world music including tribal/ambient. I appreciate dynamics,low distortion, clarity and power of the sound but also certain sophistication of it.If I could I would get LAMM or Rowland separates. $2000 used doesn't buy much; besides I would need a really good interconnect and another power cord which would be at least $500-$750 more. So Rowland or Gryphon integrated seem like a logical upgrade. And after that, yes, separates.
inna OP
7,923 posts
 
YBA Passion Integre could be an option. Anyone knows it well? How is the PRaT, dynamics and bass? I would not worry about the transparency, soundstage etc. - I am sure it's excellent at that.
inna OP
7,923 posts
 
Well, I doubt that many use this Audiolab with $500 power cord, $800 interconnects and $1600 speaker cables. If not, they have no idea of how much performance you can extract from it. But..I think I got out of it everything or almost everything it is capable of.
I decided to get Rowland integrated or older separates when I can afford them. In the meantime I'll try to fine tune the analog fron end. Actually the system doesn't sound too bad at all.
Thank you everyone for your posts.
inna OP
7,923 posts
 
As some of you recommended, I decided not to wait for years to be able to afford Rowland or Gryphon and got Redgum RGi120. Great stuff. Before buying I talked to them in Australia. The company appears to be in a good shape. They replied next day and were quite helpful.
More to discover