I am using a Dared 300B with (chinese) Shugang tubes for my headphones (not quite enough power for my mains) and very happy. This may not help if you are interested in the high power ss amps you mention.
There are a number of companies manufacturing in the Shenzhen area, but that's far enough from Shanghai that I usually fly... |
Brad -
Levinson and Krell are both great. Levinson, imo, tend to be slightly more laid back than some of the Krell FPB monos. I like both for certain things. I personally run Cello Duet 350s which, to me, is a hybrid of the two!!
The perfect amp!
Can you get Cello over there?
Dan |
unless you are going to be there for years, just get a good head amp and phones |
Look into Opera Audio, their Forbidden Line, with a great, great looking Calaf amplifier. It might be right up your alley and I bet, it might be attractively priced instead of the $3200.... Even at that price, might be a steal. As always, an audition is at hand. For the looks, it is a killer.
http://www.opera-consonance.com/products/calaf.htm |
Dan (porschecab),
Thanks for your response - this generally confirms my ears as well.
Re: Cello - I don't know specifically about Cello, I will look - but in China things are "complex". In theory, I can also get Pass, Gryphon, Meridian, Musical Fidelity, and several others. I say in theory because I can walk into a shop in a loud crazy cyber mall, see one piece from a mfrs line blasting away in competition with the din all around. If I like it, I can special order and buy the other peice from the line that I really am interested in (fully pre-paid, of course!) Obviously not a real audition process - and I am not going to drop this kind of money without a proper audition - first in a quiet shop, and second in my home. There is one "true" high-end shop where I can do both of these things. As I mentioned above, their staff and service are great - even better than my old shop in the US. It's just that their selection is limited.
I did receive good news last night - my annual bonus now potentially puts Halcro in the list of opportunities. I plan to bring home and listen. Any experience with the line? I would be looking at the DM38 stereo amp - not the big monoblocks.
Thanks!
ChinaBrad |
Brad,
Your unfortunate audition options point out the value of a good dealer with regard to purchasing audio products.
>I can walk into a shop in a loud crazy cyber mall, see one piece from a mfrs line blasting away in competition with the din all around. If I like it, I can special order and buy the other peice from the line that I really am interested in (fully pre-paid, of course!) Obviously not a real audition process - and I am not going to drop this kind of money without a proper audition - first in a quiet shop, and second in my home.<
That kind of atmosphere does not promote sales of any kind.
People in that situation probably buy on personal recommendations of friends--or reviews they can get their hands on.
We are fortunate when we have great dealers who will spend hours of their time helping in the audition process.
Larry |
Brad,
I am also living in Shanghai and could be interested in Halcro. Could you let me know where I can audition them in shanghai?
Thanks, |
Dracula,
Good to find another audiophile in SH. I did buy a Halcro DM38 from Excel Hi Fi in Shanghai. They are great! I can forward contact information to you. Send me an email.
Cheers!
Brad |
I would recommend Chapter Audio without hesitation.They offer the best iron fisted grip on the bass region bar none and with liquid 3-D.
First Impression Marketing Ltd
Phase One, Chai Wan Industrial City,
60 Wing Tai Road,
Chai Wan
1901
Hong Kong
T +852 (2556) 3628
F +852 (2515) 0728
E fim@hutchcity.com |
I'm in Shanghai as well. Moved here in December and downgraded my system a bit. Living in Luwan. Where are you buying your CD's in town? I end up buying music in Tokyo and HK when I visit. You have any good leads on rock, metal, blues, well anything for that matter? |
brad, did you ever audition the krells? i would think they would be a great match for eggleston's stuff. how do you like the halcro? i've never heard them, but i'm really looking forward to it.
sometimes, in a sort of conscious dreamstate, just before i wake up, i imagine i just brought home a dm58 and a pair of wilson maxx's... but soon i awake... *poof*.
i have krell, levinson, dynaudio now. very happy. i, too, find the levinson, the newer stuff esp., kinda laid back for my taste. incredible detail and control, just not as much meat as i'd like for my setup. so, krell. which constantly amazes me. even my wife notices the differences, and that's saying something.
fwiw. |
Would second the Opera rec - heard rumors they go for 1/2 price over there - and they're already cheap here. The tube amp I have from them is simply incredible, but you're probably better off with the "Forbidden" line. |
