I recently had an audiophile epithany that opened my eyes to what really matters in a system.
I have known Miguel Alvarez for about 3 yrs since I work as a sales associate and systems designer for a mid-hi-end specialty retailer and Miguel was a factory representative for a large audio company.I have always been quite aware of Miguels passion for music and the extremes he has been willing to go to recreate a true musical experience.
When Miguel told me of the difference his new a/c filtration and ground system made in his system and that it would make a huge improvement in any system I was a bit skeptical in spite of how much confidence I have in him.
Miguel asked me if he could bring the Troy in to where I work and hook it up for an audition and I was anxious to check it out so I told him to bring it in.
The first thing I noticed was the amazing craftmanship,I can't remember the last time I saw a product so well made,solid african bubinga cabinet,beautifully machined front panel,ultra high quality power cord ,a true labor of love from someone who really cares. But enough about that the important thing is if makes a difference! so we hooked it up to a Cambridge Audio 640AII 75wpc integrated amp,Cambridge Audio 640 CD player and Focal Electra 1027BE speakers using only Audioquest type 4 10ft speaker cable(200.00) and Audioquest 2m sidewinder audio interconnect cables(80.00) and we put on a recording of Eva Cassidy singing the old Louis Armstrong title "What a wonderful world".We all just sat listening me and 4 other guys 2 that work with me and 2 of my good customers/fellow audiophiles that just happened to be in the store when Miguel came in.
Nobody had to say a word we just all looked at each other,the music said it all!!!! I could have sworn Eva Cassidy came back to life and was in the room singing to us!!! It was music!!! holographic,detailed with an awesome soundstage,like nothing I have ever heard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What ws even more amazing was that we were using low priced cables and a 600.00 amplifier!!!
I have been an audiophile for over 30yrs and have spent 15yrs of my life in the Audio business and have never heard a component made such an impact on a system. So before you spend 10,000 on a preamp or 20,000 on a power amp all in search of audio nirvana,buy this first!!!!!! yes it is expensive but worth every penny!!! You will have a more musically satisfying experience with the TROY in your system and an affordable amplifier than you would without it and 30-40k worth of electronics.
I was ready to upgrade my 10yr old McIntosh preamp but after hearing what the Troy can do I am saving up to by that instead with no doubt that it will make my system more musical.