Zuesman:
I am considering the 761 vs 861 at this time. My dealer only has the 761. You mention that the 861 is 25% better than the 791. Please elaborate and explain the difference.
Trying the 761 (stereo mode) in my system, I particularly like the bass, separation of instruments, clarity and articulation. The tonal quality of the bass and lower midrange seem very good. As the frequency rises, the tonal character of the instruments seem to become harsher, brighter, especially instruments like violins. French horns sound more "brassy" and lose some of their "roundness" or "warmth" (vs other brass instruments). Note I am playing classical music. My preamp is a VAC Master, all my cables are Shunyata (sigma for power, omega for interconnects) and my speakers are Sonus Faber Il Cremonese-- so my system should be on the warmer, less clinical side.
I therefore am interested in knowing in particular if the tonal quality of the 861 is different from the 761. If other sonic characteristics are also different that information would be appreciated.
Thank you for answering. I appreciate your insight.