Okay, leave it with me. I will figure it out. You are all very sweet. R |
There are some used Audioquest Wel and Blue Yonder on line as well as Nordost Valhalla (not sure which ones, maybe II?). Right now my dealer was kind enough to lend me Transparent until she finds something used that would be right. I got the demo amp so it has some hours logged on it already. And I am doing my best to listen as much as possible. Thanks for the informed advice. R |
Okay, so my dealer just emailed to say that I have to return the loaner to the shop. Now I need to really decide. I will figure something out. Does anyone know anything about Siltech 770i (Or some such number)? There is a used pair for sale. And/or I can get the same Crystal Cable at a not too too bad price for sale. Or, buy something -- dare I say it, new?
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Facten, That is so so sweet. How do I contact you? |
I am not sure how to do that? Sorry, I am new to Audiogon. I don't see where I send you a message? |
Hello Facten, I figured it out. Please let me know if you get my message. Thanks!!!!!! |
Do any of you have any experience with this amp: Coda Audio 15.5 Class A?
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Hello Ricred 1,
I don't have another amp at home. I bought the JR 625 and I love that everyone on this discussion has been so supportive and helpful. I am very happy.
My Wilson dealer just got the Coda in. I have a friend who is looking for a used amp. So, sorry if this was confusing. It isn't for me -- I have already made my decision. Now I am on to cables!!! And next year or if I win a lottery (LOL) I will add a pre-amp to complete the system and have many hours of happy listening.
Sorry for any confusion. R |
You might not believe it but a dealer offered to trade my Devialet for an Audio Quest Blue Yonder intereconnect which in Canada sells for over $6000. Is this possible? |
One thing I do agree with is that "we are headed in the wrong direction". While I do listen and learn and value all of your suggestions, in the end it is my ears and my budget at play. So, there have been many suggestions given throughout this 9 page discussion. Some great, some good, and some .....
I am listening and learning. As I keep telling you all (especially Inna). I am a Canadian and as such I use a Canadian audio site to sell stuff so I do have a very good profile with positive feedback. I don't use Audiogon because they charge a fee and shipping from Canada is expensive. The Devialet is on sale — it sells for 9999 new. I have had few real offers or I would sell it. I would never sell it for the price of a 6000 cable. I just wanted you all to know.
As for AQ, I used them in my last stereo and at the time (15 years ago) they were fine. Now I have Crystal Cable (for very specific reasons — it had synergy with the Devialet). The loaner Transparent sounds muddy, so I will not keep it and have to return it.
However, one of the kind people on this thread is sending me a cable so the immediacy of getting 'the right one' is not as urgent. And, you all know, it is a personal subjective thing — I think we could agree on that? I have been looking at the brands you suggested but have not found anything used for sale. I love used. I am a woman. Oh no, maybe I don't fit the stereo-type (no pun intended!!).
As for being able to differentiate between Vedic Sanskrit and Middle Persian, I am sure you could tell by the script that they are different. But I have to say I found that to be very funny.
One thing I can't digest and yet I respect and appreciate are the technical specifications. I remember when I heard the Sabrinas. Peter McGrath from Wilson was there. So, too, were about 10 men who had gathered for the audition. For the first hour all they did was talk and talk about 'specs' and tweeters and so on. Finally I asked, 'do you think we could listen to them?'. Peter laughed and said, 'oh of course.'
The thing about used gear is that you might not always find what you are looking for!! And I really don't think that goes for houses. I mean, who only buys new houses?
I am a student on this discussion. I have listened and acted on some of your advice. But, I am not bound by it either. R |
I could listen just to hear what it sounds like? Will I even be able to tell? |
Sorry, that was very confusing. I see a pair of Wel on sale used elsewhere for a lot less money. They are older but does that matter? It was before the new connectors were implemented. I did not mean trade the Devialet for cables -- that would be a BAD deal. Very bad. But used AQ Wel might be good? No?
I also can buy CC Ultra from Croatia for a good price. |
Hello,
Okay, so explain this to me. My dealer says that AQ Wel and/or Blue Yonder costs more than $8000 CAD for a 2 m XLR interconnect. And on Audiogon there is a .5 m Wel with dbs for $1895 and a Blue Yonder for $1360. Now are they 'real' of 'fake'. How does one discern this? Even AQ suggests there are fakes out there. They look real from the pics. I am not stuck on AQ by any means, but wouldn't this be a good deal if it was authentic.
Also, a guy in Poland is selling a Crystal Cable Ultra interconnect for a reasonable price. I am a bit nervous (yes, it's true) about this deal, but it is a great product at a good price?
So, guys, what do you think? |
My dealer loves them with the Wilson's.
I think this seems to be a good deal — used — and so if I didn't like them — for whatever reason, I could always sell them again.
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Folkfreak, can you tell me what WBY means? And would it make sense then to go with the Blue yonder which is 1 m over the .5 m Wel?
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I offered 1500 for the .5 m Wel and he accepted it.
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Needless to say, the Devialet trade is terrible. I totally agree. And if I gave the impression otherwise, I am sorry for the confusion.
Folkfreak (I really like your user name), the choice is Blue Yonder 1 m for less $$ and newer cable, or Wel .5 m for more $$ but both are a good deal. Thing is, I don't really need more than .5 m. The DAC sits on top of the amp?
Ricred1, I agree but I am not in the market just yet for the preamp. It will come. Maybe in 6 months to a year. I will look to see if there are any good used preamps that will work with the 625. A Corus perhaps, but how often do they come up? A tube amp, perhaps? Maybe a demo. I would like to hear some with the amp but first want to spend sometime getting to know it as it is. So, a good cable makes sense, no?
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Hi Almarg, Would you mind translating this for me? Are you saying that .5 m cable is not good in terms of sound? And what do you mean by 'but given its very short 0.5 meter length I'd be hesitant to read too much into such a finding'? I am not sure what you are saying?
Also, the DAC is definitely broken in, and I think the demo 625 is well on its way. I don't know for sure how many hours of operation.
R
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PERFECT!!! Thanks Almarg! R |
Hello,
Thanks, that helps.
You see, there is a 1 m Wel for sale also. But, of course, it is a bit more money. Other than resale, there is no point spending more as far as I can see. I trust the cable will be fine. I will get it, connect it, and leave it. And probably not think about it again until I buy a preamp down the road. Unless it sounds terrible , that is — but again I have few comparisons. I only have this loaner Transparent that to me sounds a bit blah to my ears. Buying the Wel means I won't buy the Crystal Cable interconnect or any other cable. I will just leave it in the system and hopefully be happy. |
Thank you Charles, and everyone on this discussion. You helped me more than you know. I did take instruction and advice to heart. You are a great bunch and I am so grateful I started this in the first place. It is my first time doing this and it has been incredible, I think. Also, you all seem passionate and engaged in your own musical experiences and that is what comes through loud and clear. |
Have you heard Peter, Paul and Mary sing All My Trials!! So gorgeous!! |
P. S. I am Canadian. We all dive right into the water/deep end. The water is way too cold to wade in slowly. LOL |
Hello,
I hear you, Mapman, and I agree. Here's the thing — with Guido's wise words — it seems that the DAC and amp will do splendidly on their own without the immediate need of a pre-amp. It might be fine forever that way. So, the only thing missing in this set up is a cable. One interconnect XLR. I budgeted for that. My x-dealer raved about the cable I found on Audiogon, and it was a great deal from my point of view. Less $$ than the Transparent loaner, which I found to be a bit blah. So, I can love it or list it -- as they say, and break even. Nothing to loose. Only experience is gained. Win win situation I think. If it doesn't work, I can always try the Mogami cable. The Dac has a new fuse, a new cord, and so on — it came that way from my nephew for free. What more is there to add? How might the thing be improved? I had no other plans. |
Loving Jennifer Warnes at this very moment!! |
Maybe one day Charles1dad!
I am finding that transcendental moment even with the Transparent loaner cable. I think the AQ is going to be amazing. I really do. But I will let you know next week when it arrives and settles in. |
Hello all,
I did hear the 625 S2 with a preamp. I heard it with a high end ARC and it was really stunning. It was warm and just gorgeous. That is why I thought down the road I might add in a tube preamp. But, that decision, if you have learned anything about me here, will take time. I would love to hear it with the Corus as well. Of course, I am sure it will also sound fabulous. My dealer didn't have the Corus on hand to hear. Once I reach that plateau, and we all know it will happen, that will be the first thing I audition. I could let you all know when it happens, because I am sure it will. It is an exciting adventure and today I was loving where I am at. Although they say it's the journey and not the goal, when it comes to music, both are critical. You are an amazing bunch. Thank you so much for sort of holding my hand through this. Do you do this all the time because Audiogon is lucky to have you. |
I have listened to my files vs. Tidal files and I find there is a difference. Can't beat the selection -- I agree. And I do use HD Tidal.
What do you think about music centers such as Audirvana and others? |
Hello jon2020,
Another mystery!!
No, I am not using a cd player at the moment. Should I? |
I am playing from a laptop but I am open to a music server. Any suggestions? |
I appreciate this, but I am not buying a server. At least not now. I have a long usb and that will do for now. I thought you meant did I use a music center like J. River or some such thing. I use MAC so I am actually mostly on itunes and wouldn't mind trying a center like Audirvana. I have Tidal but I am not convinced by the quality of the files. I would love to hear you all weigh in on this. R |
I very much like the idea of a mac mini to the DAC and an ipad to navigate. That sounds optimum to me. I will look into it. If I have any questions, I will get back to you on this. Thanks. E |
Hello all! I am very happy so far with my new amp and I just found an add on Audiogon that I want to run by you for a preamp. I was going to wait, and still might, but when something comes along it is good to check it out. What do you think about this with the 625 S2? Good? Not good? Keep looking? Buy it?
The ad says: A Sonic Masterpiece! -- Lamm LP2.1 Deluxe Phono Preamp -- One Demo Unit Available - Mint Condition, $6995
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I think this thread has served its purpose. Thank you all very much. I wish you all the best. I am grateful to you and your excellent suggestions. May you all be well and happy.
R |
Let's not make this a gender issue, when it is all about preamps. Also, my purchases have been very clear and so have my goals. Not that I need approval here. I need(ed) suggestions and recommendations. Many of which have been very good and I have taken to heart.
The preamp has always been part of the vision for the overall system. That is not the issue. I have listened to the system (as I wrote) and, to my ears, it sounds complete with a preamp.
Where the individual parts come from is also not an issue that you 'all need to be concerned with, but just so you have it straight the speakers, DAC, and amp are broken in (just not all by me).
The Devialet has nothing to do with this. Nor does the USB? And yes, HD files on itunes — So, let's move on and maintain the kindness and civility we have maintained for 10 pages. I was just running by an ad for a preamp I noticed. All the best, R |
Thanks. I appreciate all the fine suggestions. I have one crystal cable power cord from the old set up. And a Transparent usb that seems fine. Otherwise, all is well.
I must say I don't philosophize about equipment but equipment enables me to philosophize, if that makes sense.
best wishes to all of you, R |
Hello -- again,
Someone wrote to ask me how everything has worked out. Well, I got rid of my Devialet and purchased Jeff Rowland 625S amp + Corus to go with the Wilson Sabrina's. I love it. I just added the JR PSU and I am hoping this will provide the warmth that I am looking for. So far, so good -- but I am only at the beginning of the break-in time. All is well here and we are really loving it. Sounds fabulous. Brings out the best of all worlds. I hope this answers your question. There is no way the Devialet can compare, though it is an amazing machine for the price and for what it does -- pretty much everything. But the JR is incredible overall and I am so happy I listened to my own ears plus some practical advice from my dealer and friends (Guido included). Who knows, if I found a used VAC one day I might add it in from time to time. But for every day and all uses, JR is the man.
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In terms of ARC, I don't know -- it just didn't touch me the way that the JR did. It was lovely and I even paired an ARC preamp with the JR amp -- so nice -- but overall I went with the Corus. The VAC was also gorgeous. I am just not sure that for all uses a tube amp is the way for me to go. The 625 does not need a preamp. It sounds amazing just with the Aeris in my opinion. BUT, I wanted the fullness that I think a preamp brings to the system. I was fortunate to receive one as a gift so that was a no-brainer for me. Still, I think I would have gone that route anyway. I stack the 625 and Corus so space is not an issue. Not saying this is a good thing to do, but it is better than not having them -- if I had more space and longer cables I might spread things out a bit more, but I don't. It also has to look good. So, whatever one you decide on is the right one for you. In this line up you can't make a wrong choice (in my opinion). Also, you might start with the Aeris and 625S -- then when your listening plateaus -- add in the Corus (or tube amp). I find the PSU is going to be a welcome addition to this set up.
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By the way, I should clarify that it is the Jeff Rowland 625 S amp that I am referring to.
all the best! Rinpoche |
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Thank you Al. That is so sweet. I am very happy. And I feel very fortunate to even be having this conversation. I look forward to finding that sweet listening experience. Wow M925S !!! You must have quite a room. |
Hello -- From everything I have heard I agree with you. I have never had a tube amp. I initially went out looking for one. I loved the VAC. It was gorgeous. But it is also hooked into my TV. I was just nervous to have a tube amp. It was a personal thing. But I hear you. You make it sound easy. As a woman, it is also about not having to think about it. Even a screw for each tube -- I would have to learn how to do that. I mean, of course I could. But ... maybe as a second amp for deep listening. I just haven't found the need yet. I am very happy with the JR set up. But maybe one day. It is an adventure for sure. |
