Nvp, was curious because with A-200s there are 2 set of speaker outputs per mono
amp as well, but no select switches to be found. Well, perhaps more for bi-wiring / bi-
amping purpose in this case I assume?
Classact, thanks for your feedback!
Re : Accuphase - FMA, will jot brief impression in my system's page so as not to run this
thread off its course. *My A-200s had around 150hrs on them currently. Anyway, looks
like Dave has had much experience with FMA too having owned them before. |
Quote : "I considered the A-65 but it doesn't have two speaker outputs, which is what I need. So it'll be the A-46 for me."
____________________________________________
Hi Classact, are you using the A-46 as yet? If so, did you find bi-wiring them wrought much further improvement? Appreciate if you could extent on the difference.
Can imagine how mighty fine your ProAc's are sounding now driven by A-46.. Enjoy! |
Hi Classact, interesting.. In so doing, do you use switch or manually? - as I don't recall seeing any A/B speaker select switch in most of their recent amps. My vintage integrated (E302 - '80s) did have them though. What cabling (IC, SC, PC) you using?
The C3800 is an extremely well built and great sounding piece. Have you gotten around to listen yet? Or perhaps already using one now? ;) |
Dave,
When I bought my 268, CHF rate was about .90c to the dollar, so @CHF110k paid
$100k. They have since increased the rrp a little and with current exchange, a friend
paid $128-130k for his just a couple of months ago.
Unlike most other brands, FMA strictly adhere to their fixed pricing policy. Which is
fair to all and a good thing for their residual value IMO. Was actually offered 100k for
mine recently by a another friend. Not bad at all considering it used for 4yrs.. (of
course it's in as new cond.) ;)
My 611 which I bought new in '93 @36k, sold them last year and still got close to 20k
for it. Again, not bad for a 20yrs old un-reconditioned amp! So there you go speaking
of their value..
*Sorry if a little off topic. |
Full Accuphase system driving the late F.Serblin's last masterpiece Ktema :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnQ7MzjOotE |
Hi Dave,
Agree.. That I come to think of it, yes the 268 is definitely silly money and cost wise
not in proportion with the rest of my system.. ;P But I just can't seem able to rid it yet
for what they do so well (linearizing). Rendering all my precious older nostalgic CDs
(hundreds of which are rather poorly recorded) pretty much 'very' listenable, and that's
what matters most to me ~ the musical content. Hardly ever listen to perfect audiophile
pressings anymore nowadays, most of which I found boring ~ of course when so, with
linearizer setting off / bypassed mode would be best.
Pass is yet another highly reputable and well regarded marque in the 'A' turf. Bet they
could sound just as wonderful, or probably even better.. It's all in the synergy. Follow
your heart.
On a slightly different note, I see you are currently using JBL S4700? Might be better to
have them on stands, no..? Stumbled upon this on YouTube, hence visualized how your
system would be with Accuphase, here's the link :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eplKGurrnc
Great looking and sounding speakers for sure.. Enjoy! |
Nvp,
Congrats on your A-65 acquisition, they should be awesome.
I had inadvertently deleted my old system page while trying to edit things. It's dated
anyway, will post latest when I find the time to take some new pics. In the meantime
just laying low whilst enjoying the A-200s and DP-900/DC-901 settling down and
rounding in to form nicely. With few recent cable upgrades, better than I had
expected, so big smile here. Next up probably trying out their Power Supply units..
but one (baby) step at a time. ;)
Labo,
Have you tried playing with the HS-Link interfacing your DP-800 > DC-801?
I did with 900s, and the improvement wrought over the standard Accuphase's green
freebie cable is not subtle and definitely a worthwhile upgrade. Few cables worth
noting/checking out are Acoustic Revive Lan-1.0PA, AIM Shieldio NA3-R, and
Audioquest Diamond Ethernet RJ/E. Do give them a go and let us know. Goodluck. |
Hi Dave, thanks!
Not quite Nine yet, still on Seven creeping up ever so slowly at the moment.. ;P
Nvp,
As per your request which aroused my curiosity, on a whim I have just re-tried plugging the 900/901 direct to A-200s again (this time using Siltech Empress DC XLR as Ic), and A-B'd them for a bit.
Although my immediate preference was still firmly with pre in chain, surprisingly realized that with good IC, the Accuphase combo direct to amp did managed damn fine sounding results too.. Hence can imagine how some would opt to run them this way forgoing pre's.
If you are currently running single digital source only, in your position, I'd opt first for the 800/801 combo (but do check how much differ 800's output is from 900's), throw in the best Ic you could into your A-65 and I believe you are set.
Will take one heck of an excellent/sota pre to beat that and not to mention the hefty $um involved. Further, you have, and still using the DG correction unit right?
*Add in pre later, only when you happened upon a truly sota one at a truly good price. ;) |
Hi Nvp,
Some further thoughts..
After having trialled for couple more days :
*Without Pre ~ The direct/rawness of detail/transparency/resolution and more upfront presentation as always seem impressive and fun to listen to initially, but sure enough signs of fatigue sets in given longer periods.
*With Pre ~ Soundstage sounded more expansive with better dimensionality, presented in a far more relaxed and enjoyable/addicting manner, no fatigue here. *Overall better dynamics and PRAT too, closer to that of live performances.
*However I'm here using same source for comparisons, where else in your case, a supposedly superior one substituting the Pre set-up, so results will invariably differ.
Do weigh into your consideration also that perhaps buying an excellent Pre is after-all the much wiser investment (longer term one) compared to buying a SOTA Cdp? *Either way, just make sure the 800/801 combo you are considering are priced right, one which can be re-sold later at little/no loss to you. ;)
Btw. Do you use HS-link (RJ/E) as interface into your DG? If yes, do try one of the upgraded cables I mentioned above. A worthwhile upgrade for not much money, imo. |
Nvp,
Here's a link to one Japanese Grand Prix Awards for cabling to use as guideline :
http://vgp.phileweb.com/vgp2013_summer/vgp_p2_13.html
I'm currently using the AIM NA3-R or AQ Diamond RJ/E, both to very good effect albeit
slightly different presentations.
Another well reputed one is the Acoustic Revive LAN which should be better distributed
and cheaper too (around $250 for 1m piece). The AIM, AFAIK, is now only being sold
to/within Japan.
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/acousticrevive3/1.html |
