Do you happen to know which output tap they were using on the 200iq?
almarg, They mentioned 2.4 ohm impedance dip before hooking up the amp. I heard a 2 but not sure if 1-2 or 2-4 tap. pokey77, ARC GSi75 is using KT150 and 200iq is 100 wpc with KT88 so my guess it can handle a tougher load?? 200iq can roll KT150 and I mentioned to dealer it would be an interesting experiment. jbrrp1, I have TAD E1. It's 2 dbs more efficient than CR-1 @4 ohm. It's the least fuzzy setup speaker I've ever owned. It's doesn't boom and sounds great plucking them anywhere. I drive them with tube and SS amps. Wilsons are a little different from my experience, rinpoche, when you audition the 200iq, I suggests also audition a SS amp for comparison. If I was to buy the Sabrina, buy a VAC pre that has low output impedance and an used SS amp. For under $5000, Parasound JC-1 is a great option. It has low and high bias setting. Use low to watch TV and high for listening to music. For under $10,000, you can get Pass XA160.5, Bryston 28B-SST2, Hegel H30, Ayre MX-R ... lots of excellent options. So pre + used SS amp are a smidgen more than Sigma 160iSE. My .02! |
knghifi,
Those are some good points. I have a VAC Ren Sig II that is a very nice sounding tubed preamp that plays happily with any amplifier setup, and I have tried SS amps, but I always come back to tube amps. They just bring me closer to the palpable sense I get at live music events, and as much as I would like the convenience of SS, it doesn't do the same for me. Of course, I haven't tried anything close to all of the SS contenders, but I'm too happy with my tubes right now for that. It all gets down to our personal reactions as to what is sonically important, and there is no accounting for that - - we like what we like.
Interesting that your TAD E1's are not too fussy in placement. I was captivated by those at the Zesto Audio demo at RMAF 2014, and that is what got me investigating the TAD line and eventually ending up with the CR-1's. The E1's are a great speaker. I find the CR-1's to be quite dependent upon placement for issues of imaging and for harmonic fill in the upper bass, lower midrange, so they seem to be less forgiving - - kind of their reputation! But when you do get them right, boy, do they sing so sweetly and so true!
I'm curious, what amp are you driving your E1's with?
|
Knghifi,
I agree with you in that there are numerous very good choices available. I'm curious to read how the VAC iq matches with the Sabrinas. Many roads led to Rome.
Charles, |
Of course one can build a system around any particular component that uniquely floats their boat. If it turns out to be the VAC amp, a very enticing piece, and the results with the Wilson's are not suitable, you could easily elect to sell the Wilson's and go with speakers better suited to enable the VAC to shine its best.
Many roads indeed but not all are created equal.
|
jbrrp1,
I also have a VAC SigMKIIa pre and just had it upgraded to SE several months ago. Kevin offers an upgrade every decade and I STRONLY recommend it. A No Brainer!
I'm driving the TAD E1 with ARC Ref250SE and Hegel H30. H30 in the summer and backup. |
Rinpoche, what other loudspeakers did you listen to when you picked the Sabrinas?
|
All, looks like I am a little late to this Rowland/VAC watering hole... Here are some clarifications about M625 S2 and Aeris DAC....
1. The M625 series operates in higher bias class A/B. It does not run in class D, as someone seems to hav suggested instead.
The current version of M625 is M625 S2. This model delivers 325W / 8 Ohms instead of the 300 of the original. Internally, it has several enhancements over the original and its sound considerably more refined. A while ago I received some details from the factory:
...
The 625 S2 improves upon the original 625 in a number of
important areas.
We have taken the existing circuit topology and improved the
important distortion specification at higher frequencies (above 2kHz) to a
virtually unmeasureable level extending beyond 20 kHz .
This was accomplished with an innovative error correction
technique previously unknown, or never implemented in the art of amplifier
design.
The S2 incorporates a new custom designed input transformer
and linear phase low pass filter for improved input signal buffering and EMI
immunity.
Gold plated Cardas XLR input connectors with Rhodium
contacts and teflon insulation provides a visually distinguishing
appearance from the original 625 and provides improved signal integrity.
The S2 amplifier incorporates ceramic Rogers circuit board
material for reduced dielectric energy storage.
The S2 Power Factor Corrected regulated Power supply
improves upon the original 625 by incorporating Jensen four-pole capacitors
which offers nearly an order of magnitude
reduction of output impedance and noise suppression.
The power supply output voltage has been increased slightly to yield a 25 watt
increase in total amplifier power output.
...
I have received the M625 S2 manual complete with technical specs. Here is a link to it on my public DropBox. https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/53640097/JRDG_M625_S2_MANUAL_REVA1.pdf
And here is a link to the January 2016 review article on HiFi News:
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/53640097/HFN_Jeff%20Rowlad%20625%20S2_hires.pdf
All Rowland amps can be driven successfully from the Aeris DAC without a preamp in between... I drive my own Aeris directly into my M925 monos. If you use a preamp between Aeris and amp, you should set the Aeris attenuation to the DAC's equivalent of unity gain: per the Aeris manual, the right volume LED is lit up solid without flashing.
I have used Aeris on its own as well as with the Rowland Criterion linestage. Criterion is the now discontinued battery-powered version of Corus. With Criterion between amp and DAC the presentation is slightly softer/warmer, while driving Aeris into amps directly, resolution and transparency is maximized and background noise essentially non existent.
It is worth pointing out that Aeris as well as Rowland amps take a very long time to break in completely.... Complete stability is achieved at approximately the 1500 hours mark. Particularly, evaluating such electronics with less than 800 hours on them will yield false results... Aeris for example may still sound subtly peaky in the treble... Yet, there is nothing peaky in a fully stabilized Aeris... Sound is extremely complex and rich, without emphasis on any particular band of the spectrum.
As for Rowland delivering magic... Yes, Aeris + my M925 monos do deliver extreme magic to my ears. It is my conjecture that the combination of Aeris with M625 S2 would be as satisfying, while not attaining the same enormous scale of power-dependent parameters. Eventually, I hope to be able to verify this hypothesis in my own system.
BTW, there is now M725 in production.... Essentially same circuitry of M625 S2, but in monoblock configuration. 330W/8 with 1200W DC SMPS and dedicated PFC unit in each chassis.
Let me know if you need further information.
Regards, Guido
|
Guido,
I love the Aeris DAC's sound, but dislike the way the gain is accomplished. Per your statement, "If you use a preamp between Aeris and amp, you should set the Aeris attenuation to the DAC's equivalent of unity gain: per the Aeris manual, the right volume LED is lit up solid without flashing." I was originally told to set the attenuation on the DAC so that the left and right volume LED's are of equal brightness. I didn't have enough gain, so I settled on 10 clicks below the right volume LED flashing. I reached out to Rowland three days ago and yesterday Mr. Rowland told me to adjust the gain as you stated. What a difference and I was thinking of selling my 625 S2 and getting the 725 S2's for more power...NOT ANYMORE, THE 625 S2 HAS PLENTY OF POWER now that the gain on the Aeris has been correctly set. |
"Pokey77, ARC GSi75 is using KT150 and 200iq is 100 wpc with KT88 so my guess it can handle a tougher load?? 200iq can roll KT150 and I mentioned to dealer it would be an interesting experiment." Knghifi, let me say, I'm not all that knowledge about tube gear. I just know what I like. And when I heard that ARC amp the first time, the presenter made a special point of it employing the KT150 tubes; I would guess to imply that the amp is stronger than rated. I can tell you that many at the demo were amazed at the power, grip, resolve, and transparency that the GSi75 demonstrated. To us, it sounded like it had significantly more power than its reported 75 wpc. -I've not heard that much tube gear that really impressed me, and I've heard much more expensive tube gear driving significantly pricier speakers, but the GSi75 integrated with the Sabrina's is, for me, heaven. It has that tube magic with SS resolve and clarity. I have no idea what the VAC and the Rowland in this thread sound like. If I've heard them at a show, I have no real recollection.
|
Hi Richard, I freely admit that the UI for volume attenuation/gain on Aeris is a little, ahem.... Techno-terse.
I would have prefered an LED with attenuation values, in addition to an independent indicator that would light up when the unity value optimum for direct use into amps is reached.... E.g. same solid LED, but with label "Direct".
In general, you will find the Aeris manual to be a pretty good source of operational info on the device. Volume control for direct use into amps is discussed on page 16.
Delighted that with Aeris at 0dB attenuation, your M625 S2 delivers all the juice you need for your hungry speakers!
Saluti, Guido |
Ricred1 5-23-2016 9:14pm EDT
I was originally told to set the attenuation on the DAC so that the left and right volume LED’s are of equal brightness. It could be that that setting would be appropriate for use with a preamp providing significantly higher gain than whatever gain your Corus may be set to. (The gain of the Corus is indicated as being "Independently Programmable 0 to 20 dB on each input"). I would guess that part of the rationale for the adjustment Guido and Mr. Rowland pointed you to might be that it would minimize possible sonic side-effects of the DAC’s volume control mechanism. Such as what is referred to as "bit stripping," if the volume control function is implemented digitally. In any event, glad that the issue is resolved. As I mentioned earlier it would seem, on paper at least, that your 625 S2 can provide much more power than would ever be used with your speakers. BTW, Guido, I think you may have inadvertently misworded the second paragraph of your post just above. I believe the reference to unity value should be for use with a preamp, not "for direct use into amps." Best regards, -- Al |
Again, a lot of good information is arising in this thread. To answer the question about what other speakers I auditioned -- I didn't. I had no intention of even purchasing speakers. I went to a Sabrina audition with Peter McGrath and lo and behold I was hooked. At the time it was used with MacIntosh equipment (not my favourite) but they sounded just great. I loved everything about them. The were refined, warm and yet alive all at the same time. I love the cabinet (also important to me). And by selling my older equipment I could afford them. I haven't listened to anything else. I think they are perfect. I just want to pair them with a good amp and be happy listening!! |
Al, the Aeris volume control is neither purely digital nor purely analog. Per the Rowland knowledge base, it operates by varying the reference voltage in the DAC chip. See:
http://jeffrowlandgroup.com/kb/questions.php?questionid=617
There is a variety of other technical information on the Aeris DAC in the Rowland knowledge base:
http://jeffrowlandgroup.com/kb/categories.php?categoryid=205
Regards, G. |
Oops... You are right Al... 0 attenuation / unity gain is for DAC feeding a preamp... I Must be getting old! G. |
Thanks for the references, Guido. I read through the one on "DAC-based Volume Control," and many of the others. All of which seemed to me to be informative, meaningful, and technically persuasive, yet concise and well presented.
A model that would be good for other manufacturers to follow on their websites, it seems to me. Assuming, of course, that they have similarly meaningful and technically persuasive information to present :-)
Best regards,
-- Al
|
One of the amplifiers used in the Stereophile review of the Sabrina was a Mac 275. The reviewer first used the 4 ohm tap and thought it sounded fine. Wilson's Peter McGrath mentioned that Audio Research amps sounded best from the 8 ohm tap. The Mac was switched to the 8 ohm tap and both McGrath and the reviewer preferred the 8 ohm tap. Therefore, setting the output tap to correspond to the lowest impedance dip may not result in the best sound. Even though the reviewer acknowledged the solid state amps provided deeper bass, he preferred the overall sound best with the tubed Mac 275. Comparing the anechoic frequency response whereby there is a pronounced upper bass hump to the impedance magnitude indicates this is where impedance is lowest. A tube amp will likely produce less drive in this range which may minimize the bass hump. It was also noted the Sabrina's bass Q was on the under damped side which a tube amp will tend to make more pronounced which may even things out. I prefer a quality tube amp for its more natural sound. Have fun in the auditioning process. |
Thanks for that input, RHL. I would point out, though, that the MC-275 in particular, and also most and perhaps nearly all ARC power amps in particular, have considerably lower output impedances (corresponding to higher damping factors) than most other high quality tube amps. And although those numbers are not specified for the various VAC models, I would feel very confident that difference would apply in their case.
And in fact the MC-275 is arguably almost in solid state territory in that respect, with a specified damping factor of "greater than 22" for the latest version, corresponding to an output impedance on the 8 ohm tap of less than 8/22 = 0.36 ohms.
Although the ARC GSi75 integrated which Pokey reported to work beautifully with the Sabrina is something of an exception in that regard, among ARC amps, having a specified damping factor of "approximately 4," which corresponds to a higher output impedance than is typical for their products. But assuming the 4 ohm tap was being used when he listened to it, I suspect the corresponding output impedance was probably still lower than on the 4 or 8 ohm taps of most or all VAC products.
On the other hand, though, there can sometimes be a tradeoff between which tap is most suitable for a particular speaker, and which tap results in the output stage of a particular amplifier seeing a load that it is happiest with (e.g., which results in the least amplifier-generated distortion, or amplifier-generated distortion that is least offensive in terms of its spectral distribution). So, yes, for that reason among others it would be advisable for Rinpoche to try all of the available taps.
Regards,
-- Al
|
The tap discussion is way above my head but I am writing it down and when I go to the shop to hear the VAC 200 iq system I will ask about it. If the VAC 200 iq is one of the winners, and I get to bring it home to try with the Wilson's -- I will report back on the combo for sure. But, if I hear you both correctly, the 8 tap is possibly the one to try first? Then the 4?
Also, from what I understand, the JR amp doesn't need anything like this, right? It just needs to be adjusted via the Aeris according to the manual.
I am happy to hear there are fans of the JR 625S2/Aeris combination. And VAC lovers as well. At least I know I am in the right zone. Thanks |
Rinpoche,
The "taps" are what you connect the speaker cables to on the rear of the amplifier. They are clearly labeled as 2 ohms,4 ohms, 8 ohms etc. The taps are in plain view. You'll have to listen to the different amplifier tap settings and just choose the one that sounds best to you. I'm glad you are enjoying this experience.
Charles, |
You are correct. there are no speakers impedance adjustments in the Rowland M625 S2... Its output taps are expected to work for all common speaker varieties.
If you connect Aeris to M625 S2 directly, use the Aeris remote for setting volume at your preferred level. If there is a linestage between Aeris and M625, Set Aeris gain to unity/unattenuated... Solid right volume LED lit up, and then use the linestage to set listening level.
Bear in mind that results have a lot to do with the degree of break in of the devices you are testing.
Regards, G. |
For now the 625 S2 would be connected directly to the Aeris. Same with the VAC. However, and I do hesitate to throw some other amps into the discussion, but what do you feel about Dan A'gostino The Classic Amp? Is that a crazy alternative? Too much for the little Sabrinas? |
|
Rinpoche 5-24-2016 5:18pm EDT
The tap discussion is way above my head but I am writing it down and when I go to the shop to hear the VAC 200 iq system I will ask about it. If the VAC 200 iq is one of the winners, and I get to bring it home to try with the Wilson’s -- I will report back on the combo for sure. But, if I hear you both correctly, the 8 tap is possibly the one to try first? Then the 4? Absolutely not, in my opinion. And my apologies for wording my previous post more technically than I should have. I don’t doubt that the 8 ohm tap may very well be the best tap to use with the Sabrina when it is driven by a Macintosh MC-275 tube amp or by most Audio Research tube amps, as was stated by an exceptionally credible and knowledgeable source (Peter McGrath). However my basic point was that the MC-275 (and other McIntosh tube amps), as well as most ARC tube amps, are COMPLETELY different animals than both VAC amps and the majority of other high quality tube amps, especially in regard to major differences in their output impedances. Which in turn are especially relevant to tap selection. Differences in amplifier output impedance mean differences in the tonal effects that result from the interaction of amplifier output impedance with the variations of speaker impedance over the frequency range. Given all that has been said, I agree with the others that all taps on the 200iq should be tried, but my guess is that the 1 to 2 ohm tap has the best chance of being optimal, the 2 to 4 ohm tap has the next best chance of being optimal, and the 4 to 8 ohm tap has the least chance of being optimal. Among those three taps on the 200iq, by the way, the 1 to 2 ohm tap will come closest to the behavior of a solid state amp (such as the Rowland) insofar as the tonal effects of the interaction of its output impedance with the impedance characteristics of the speaker are concerned. Although of course there will still be differences between the Rowland and the VAC, resulting from both impedance interactions and the intrinsic sonic characters of the two amps. On the two higher impedance taps of the VAC, look particularly for signs of excessive brightness, and/or for weakness in certain parts of the lower bass region, and/or for poorly defined bass. Best of luck, and best regards, -- Al |
Thanks so much Al. I got it!! |
Do you think I should try the ARC reference 150 with the Aeris? Or the Air Tight tube amp? Or am I going in too many directions? |
ARC, Mac and Airtight will all work with Sabrinas and they will all sound completely different. The Mac--warm, rounded, rich but slightly veiled in comparison to ARC which will be more transparent, open and expansive, but not strident. I have owned both with Wilsons and these are my conclusions. Airtight is an excellent company whose amps I have enjoyed listening to but never with Wilsons. Good luck. |
Based on what Al has written it seems that the ARC tube amplifiers may utilize a larger degree of negative feedback (NFB) than the VAC amplifiers. I say this due to the lower output impedance (higher damping factor ) of the ARCs. Depending on the particular speakers this can be advantageous. It truly is dependent on the speaker design and intent of the builder. The Sabrinas could require amplifiers with more NFB with the resultant lower output impedance. Again, nothing substitutes for actual listening experiences.
Charles, |
I concur with GPGR4Blu... "ARC which will be more transparent, open and expansive, but not strident."
In my experience at RMAF for several years, ARC amps have been consistently my favorite amps, together with Rowland and Solution. They all meet my sound/musical concept.
Unfortunately, high power tubed amps like ARC require upkeep to maintain top notch performance -- tubes sag over time. I personally prefer to have "launch & forget" devices in my home.
G. |
Charles1dad 5-25-2016
Based on what Al has written it seems that the ARC tube amplifiers may utilize a larger degree of negative feedback (NFB) than the VAC amplifiers. I say this due to the lower output impedance (higher damping factor ) of the ARCs. Depending on the particular speakers this can be advantageous. It truly is dependent on the speaker design and intent of the builder. The Sabrinas could require amplifiers with more NFB with the resultant lower output impedance. Again, nothing substitutes for actual listening experiences.
Yes, that’s all true and well said, Charles. The VAC 200iq is specified as using 6 db of feedback, while the ARC Ref 150SE, for example, is specified as using 14 db, a considerable difference. I’ve never seen the corresponding number for the MC-275, but its unusually high damping factor (for a tube amp), its somewhat low gain (feedback reduces gain, everything else being equal), and numbers I’ve seen for other classic MC tube amps, suggest to me that it could be in the vicinity of 20 db or so. My older VAC Renaissance 70/70 MkIII amplifier, btw, has a six-position switch that allows the user to select the amount of feedback. The settings range from zero to 7.5 db. I use the zero feedback position, which works well with my particular speakers (which have a particularly flat impedance curve and no dips to low values at any frequency). As you indicated, judicious use of feedback in a design can be either advantageous or disadvantageous depending on the characteristics of the speaker that is being driven. And also on how well the design of the particular amp avoids the sonic downsides that feedback can potentially introduce. Best regards, -- Al |
So far, it sounds like JR is still winning for combining great sound and ease of use. And perhaps the VAC 200iq is next given its new self-biasing feature, though I have still to hear it. The exciting listening adventure continues!! |
ARC seems to know how to do NF with tube amps right and on paper would seem to be called for with the Wilson speakers.
I lost track. Is ARC versus VAC versus JR in home with the Wilsons the shootout? Or just JR versus VAC? Its a great shootout by the way. Three of my absolute favorite brands each with unique pros and cons. Any tickets available? :^) Can't wait to hear the results. |
Mapman,
I don’t believe that ARC gets the use of NFB anymore (or less ) right than does VAC. I say this because it strictly depends on the speaker in question. For example Al’s speaker sounds better with his amplifier’s zero NFB setting . In fact the scenario is true in my case as well. My particular speakers sound their very best with my zero NFB amplifier compared to those with NFB.
So again depending on the speaker characteristics either the ARC or the VAC could be the "ideal" choice. ARC’s 14 db of NFB may or may not be the preferred amount. Amplifiers which offer selectable NFB levels are a very good approach as it provides flexibility. Perhaps the Sabrinas are more compatible with amplifiers that rely on increased NFB.
Charles, |
Charles I simply meant they get it right for their products as designed not that they do it any better or worse than others who do it differently for different reasons. Practically their tube amp market share probably does help confirm the relative effectiveness of their approach for many using many different speaker designs.
I would love to own a VAC but would probably only do it if I were willing to build my system around it, mainly the speakers. Atmasphere (OTL) is another example of a higher output impedance tube amp that dictates certain speakers more for best results. SET tube amps are of course another.
ARC tube amps would seem to fit better for more that build around certain speakers that may be a harder load to drive but still prefer a tube amp. Different strokes...... |
Mapman,
Yes I see your point, expanding the potential field of speakers that could be used successfully.
Zero NFB amplifiers would require more specific /careful speaker matching. But oh so good when that match is right 😊.
Charles, |
I have had very low NF SS amps designed to sound more like tube amps and they had their unique charms.
The best products are always designed by the best engineers capable of making the right design decisions and backed by a manufacturing process capable of realizing it reliably. Well designed and made products + system synergy is everything when it comes to performance and results. These are all top notch product lines being discussed so the key is to get the synergy right and each amp line is significantly different in that regard.. |
I wish it was easier to audition the amps with the speakers. It is an expensive journey and I won't have a lot of time with the pairings. So, let's all hope my ears (and my heart) are open to the music. Thank you again and again. |
Hi Rinpoche,
You are correct in that as good as home auditions are your time with the amplifiers is understandably limited. However it’s still a very worthwhile and valuable exercise. You reference using your ears and heart, absolutely the right approach. Choose what musically touches you the most deeply and you’ll be fine. That's what music lovers do and you're a self confessed music lover.
Charles, |
rin, that is good advice from Charles. You are well prepared. The only thing else I can think of is go in with a good sampling of the kinds of music you will be listening to planned out ahead.. Some good recordings, some lesser, various genres of interest, etc.
|
Hello. Just to update you all -- I went to listen to two new amps this morning: a Hegel integrated (they didn't have the H-30) and a Luxman. As nice as they were, in my mind (and heart) they were not as engaging as the JR and/or VAC integrated. When I asked the salesman/owner if he would recommend or if he had anything else to listen to he did mention something in the $35,0000 range and then he bascially said 'go and buy those if you want something commercial'. Also, her was aghast at digital music (which I do use for many reasons) and said something about a "Stradivarius"? Well, on to the next!!!! |
Ugh sorry to hear that Rin sounds like a lousy dealer and I'm assuming a different dealer than the one offering JRDG and VAC? Hopefully so and don't look back, no reason to return to a dealer that would treat you like that! And good for you keeping an open mind and auditioning other amps, but sounds like your heart is pretty set on either JRDG or VAC so I hope you are ultimately able to arrange an in-home audition on those two.
|
Hello everyone. I would love your input on this. Today I went to hear a PS Audio amp (BHK 250) along with either a PS Audio DAC, a Sim Audio 750D DAC/cd transport and at one point we added in a VTL pre-amp. It sounded very good. My question(s) are: what do you think of the PS Audio BHK250. It is a hybrid (though you all probably know that). And what do you think of the SimAudio 750D instead of the Jeff Rowlands Aeris DAC? Any insights you could provide would be great. There are so many great pieces out there, it is now hard to figure it all out!!! Input is welcome. And the VAC 200 is not in yet so no news to report on that front. |
rinpoche,
I feel your pain. Unfortunately no one can tell you what to buy. Only your ears and wallet can decide what's best for you based on your sonic priorities. It's a pretty easy decision, what sounds best based on how much you want to spend. |
Rinpoche,
I must agree with ricred1. It's all up you once you've listened to a component. You'll get opinions that run the spectrum, unavoidable due to the subjective nature of it all. The new PS Audio BHK has received excellent reviews Thus far. You're correct, there are many really fine products available. As has been said here before trust your ears and pick what moves you the most emotionally.
Charles, |
Very solid choice on paper for your speakers and would appear to mate well with tube preamp if desired.
|
Rinpoche,
I know everyone is dying to ask but is not asking.
So, I will ask the obvious - have you decided what to get?
J. :) |
You are adorable. And I can hardly wait to get something. BUT I am still waiting for the VAC 200 iq to come in so I can listen to it. I am finding the wait a bit brutal, but patience is going to pay off down the line. I have decided not to go with the PS Audio. It is still between the JR and VAC -- unless some of you have other suggestions. I rejected the ARC GSi75 -- it was good but I thought the JR and the VAC were better. There is a pair of JR 725 monoblocks for sale???? but I feel badly for the store if I go that route. Am I crazy? |
Hi rinpoche, unless the M725 monos on sale are the S2 version, the M625 S2 that you are considering will deliver a much purer, more musical sound.
The original M725 of course will be more powerful than M625 S2, because each monoblock is equipped with its own 1200W SMPS and PFC unit.
Thus, unless sheer power / authority is a factor, I recommend you go for the M625 S2.
For the best of both worlds, there is now an M725 S2 in full production.
Saluti, Guido
|
".....I am finding the wait a bit brutal, but patience is going to pay off down the line."
+1, Rinpoche.
The wait is killing me more. :)
You remind me of myself when I first started in this crazy hobby more than 2 decades ago.
It was the same then - too many choices and too many decisions to make but only 1 final decision can be made. You will learn that you have to pay to gain experience in this hobby - to get the best overall sound, from all the different components, that suits you and your room.
Opening your wallet often is the only one inescapable fact in this hobby..
Happy hunting!
J. |
I hear you. Thanks for the support. I agree. But, my wallet is not deep. So, hopefully I will get it right the first time. I will let you know as soon as I make the plunge,
|
Call me names if you wish, but I suggest you get rid of Wilsons and start listening to various speakers/amp combinations. In a few months you might end up with something truly great.
Your wallet appears to be pretty good if not exactly perfect..
In your place I would probably start with Kharma/LAMM/Purist Audio and then move from there.
Of course, both Rowland and VAC would give you excellent sound with your speakers, but that's not my point. If you want great sound - you must make a great effort to achieve it. So far you are not making it. Sorry, man. |
