My Long List of Amplifiers and My Personal Review of Each!

Clearthink-

I really don’t think Jay is trying to hide that he’s a dealer, he has mentioned many times.  Don’t you think that’s ok,  why wouldn’t it be. 

Lol! I am doing my thing, this is it, and I’m not stopping you from doing yours. 

So Jay how’s that analog coming 😊

This is some childish stuff you guys are engaging in. Sorry but this doesn’t do much for me and that my opinion on it. It’s still ok if you choose this don’t get me wrong I’m just stating my opinion. Ignoring those you don’t want to hear from is the best way.  If you don’t want to hear this ignore it.  I don’t understand why tensions are so high. This is just an audio thread nothing more.  If you enjoy the thread great, if not that’s ok too. You have a right to agree or disagree but it’s not reason to let this stuff get under skin. I happen to like most of the things here. Anyway just thought I’d share. Lol!  IMHO

Rbach

We’re all doing that,  suggesting how each other should conduct themselves. It’s definitely time to leave it alone!  You first 🤣🤣

I agree, that’s ok. Lol! Just thought I’d give my opinion

I’m not there but I doubt I would like it. I’d probably be in the other 50% that liked the smaller ones. I agree room not set up for sound system. Glass every where etc, but he thinks it’s great. Butt ugly too IMHO

I like to mix it up too to get a sounds tailored specifically to my taste. Full loom and all a matched May be a good starting point but it never has been the end game for me.

Jay I understand how the use of aftermarket power cords on the ultra high end makes no since to you. That’s because YOU prefer the stock powercord sound, at least on your Boulder gear. What you have to realize is that everyone hears different and YES it is POSSIBLE that SOMEONE may like it different than you do. This is why people like to be their own cook. That’s why all these companies are in business. It’s personal preference that’s all. You’ve always been your own cook that’s why you enjoy your system as much as you do. You chose the speakers, the amps, the digital the room treatment and the room it self. We’re all making our own sound. Take that away and you loose the fun in my opinion. So that why it makes since to me. However I don’t put a lot of money into powercords cords but I don’t have or need the level of gear that you have either. I’m looking forward to what you will be doing next. I assume at this level you’ll be moving in a different direction since you’re pretty much at the top of this Ultralinear, highly revealing type of system, or are you? Lol!

Jay The Stromtank added to the D’Agostino preamp brings it pretty close to the Dartzeel price doesn’t it? Also makes them both Battery powered basically too. 

Back in the day I had the Rowland Battery powered Coherence II. There is a certain smoothness with battery power that is quite attractive. 

Ricevs is there a web site for this inverted you are boasting about?  I’d like to read about it myself and possibly try it.  You can message private if you want. 

Ok thanks

Jay if you want total control of this stuff you’ll need your own web site.  This is audiogon a group of audiophiles who will always feel free to voice their opinions with in the audiogon rules and guidelines.  Regardless of what you want or who the OP is this thread is made up of many many people all with different opinions.  This thread has more topics, discussions  on more types of equipment and is more versatile than any other thread period.  This is what makes this thread so cool and Jay you started it. That is something to be proud of.  Thanks Jay for all you do  and for keeping it alive. 👍👍

Many of us not only want our  equipment to perform well but we also want it to look good as well.  The Stromtank fills the bill on both. Does it cost more,  well yes of course it does. You don’t get a classy look for free and I suspect the performance is unquestionable as well.  Remember this is a cost no object system. If I had my system all together like I want it ( like Jay ) then a Stromtank would be a nice addition to top it off. Performs well AND looks great. Good move Jay.  Just about the time we think you’re at the top you fine a way to push it just a little bit more. Great sound. 

Wow!  The clarity on the 2500 is amazing, so much better than the s1000 no doubt. So detailed and musical. I may have to rethink my priorities, lol!

Ricevs you make a great case and I’d definitely consider trying it at some point. The money back guarantee makes even more attractive. However, Hard to say if it would sound better than a Stromtank since I haven’t heard the inverter system you speak of. Hard to image that it would but nothing surprises me in this stuff anymore. Would have to have them side by side or at least in the same system to make that judgment. Someone may do it but I only know of one that could and I doubt he’d mess with it. I’m sure it must be pretty good as I can sense your passion for it. I doubt I’d cry tears of sadness if I owned the Stromtank tho  lol!

Viber I agree the Dire Straits would be a better recording to judge by. However just based on what I heard I think the 2500 will have an advantage when it comes to clarity as it should.

@theaudioamp we’ll I think all you need is an iPhone or iPad with headset. Surely you can hear differences in things he’s done in the past, I know I can. Now granted it not even close to like being there but there are differences. Which is better is always questionable and debatable and things like imaging,  instrument placement and such is not too good but things like detail, warmth, dynamics are noticeable  and  differences can be heard don’t you think? Maybe it’s possible you Dac is part of the problem. Try without and see.

@theaudioamp Well one thing is for sure this conversation sure is entertaining. I busted out laughing when I read the cancer diagnosis from the picture of the cousin. Thanks for that, 😂 However you can tell the difference somewhat if you use headphones or even ear phones. You should try it and see it will surprise you. 

Wow sounds like Timothy Leary stuff. ☮️ 🤔. Nice to see psych is also involved here as well. This thread has it all doesn’t it.  Even some audio at times 🎶🎶

@theaudioamp
People that deal from there home have to be very particular of people they let into their home. For Jay just to invite you in without knowing and trusting you would be totally irresponsible as a husband, Father and business owner. I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind agreeing to such a ridiculous request. Seriously? You’ve got to be kidding. @jays_audio_lab Beware of this guy!

@grannyring That Bluetti looks like a pretty good deal if it works. Not out too much if it doesn’t work and still a nice thing to have around for other power needs. However if it works, Great! I like the additional battery option that allows you to move the battery only in a separate place from the inverter. I don’t even have terrible power now and no dedicated line, so I’m pretty sure It would give some improvement. It will give me an idea of if I’d want to go further into this type of power conditioning. I enjoyed the video on it. Thanks

@jays_audio_lab What pieces of equipment do you have plugged into the Stromtank? Would be nice to hear it without the Stromtank again with these recordings you used on your last video.

What music server are you using?

Dsd? We’ll hard to tell what is going on here but It isn’t my favorite. Sounds a bit veiled or soft compared to the past few videos. Maybe more natural but missing the sparkle and instrument edge and attack. Also seems the dynamics are somewhat restricted. Now of course this could be the recording. I much prefer the past couple videos to this one. Maybe a few more recordings will tell the story more accurately.

The question Jay is what does it sound like to you. Which do you prefer? Your right some will like more warmth some more detail. I’m sure both sound very good but living with the system as you have allows you to better decide which is best. This is your system which do you like?

The reason why there’s no a separate thread is that this one has everything under the sun in it and is or used to be read by more people than any other.  People know if you want to reach the most people you post it here. Everyone wants to jump on board this train and be heard. That’s why I think there not a separate thread.

Natural Clarity is definitely a balancing act. I think a lot has to do with your listening levels, quality of your system and the type of recordings you usually listen too. I’m a low level listener so I want a lot of natural detail, however there can be too much if your equipment is not up to the task or if the recordings you listen to aren’t that good. Personally I’d error on the side of too much detail rather than not enough, then you can fine tune from there. Looking forward to this next video on this topic, should be very interesting.  @jays_audio_lab Good idea let the moderators do their jobs so you don’t have to. 

I think of clarity in terms of information or details of the recording. To me the more “TRUTH” the more CLARITY”.  Sometimes I can’t handle the truth…..of some recordings tho.  So if it’s that bad I just move on to something better. There more and more great recordings coming out than there used to be. 

The system may be a little more relaxed or natural but I’m not a fan of this one Jay and that’s ok. Seems to be less detailed with a hint of glare in the midrange. I just feel no improvement over the past very detailed sound you have had. Doesn’t have that see through transparency of the past which I like. That being said this sound is still a great sound on it own but when compared to some of the past recordings then I prefer the past one. Remember this is just a personal preference based on a YouTube presentation

@viber6 you are only going to get the recording. The mics are placed at different distances all over the place then the recording engineer EQs,  adjusts and mixes the levels of each to what he thinks sounds good and natural, based on his live music experience. Trying to compare the recording to live is almost impossible unless you were there and even then you only get the perspective of your position. Such it is with tuning a system. You tune it to your personal preferences because you are not at the performance. Jay is giving you his preference from his perspective. Thats all you can do. Perhaps the system becomes bright, tipped up or congested when cranked. I’m guessing the instruments aren’t as clearly separated. I understand Jay said “too much going on” but sometimes you have to read into these subjective descriptions. Most audiophiles understand what he means here.

@viber6 I understand what you’re saying and a guitar at 60-80 db at what distance 1 meter? but several instruments with vocals added May exceed that at 1 meter. I doubt Jay is blowing his ears out at 90db not with Mágico anyway. He will have to let us know what level, although the point here is that with increased volume levels the Opus PC is not as good. Whatever that level is.

@rsf507 yes your right it is subjective making it difficult to ultimately determine. Too many variables and not enough info.

@viber6 yes I agree with the concepts you just presented, tho I thought the human ear was most sensitive and resonates at 5khz but you could be right. Anyway thats why discussions about SPL levels can’t be appreciated. Different frequencies different tolerances. Also I do agree that proper levels are important but proper tonal balance is the key here if you want it to sound real.  A lower level just puts you further back in the hall but can still sound real if tonally correct.  Some systems will alter the tone with volume level which is not good. 

@viber6 So true. Always striving for the unattainable. So the best we can do is inch closer a little at a time.  However some systems are doing pretty good at low level retrieval. I feel the recording process will always be the greatest limiting factor. Recording companies just aren’t going to go to that extent to please a handful of audiophiles. That’s why there will always be a place for live concerts. 

A lot less trouble with the cat 🤔

Where is the gryphon in that picture,  not your place right?

I think some want us to think Jay has worse power than most.  Not sure why. It’s coming from the same source tho. No matter what kind of power you have,  dedicated lines can help. Also very likely that having a conditioner like the Stromtank will also improve most systems. When you are  at this level everything is revealed so now the improvements will be more easily recognized. When you have perfected a system to this point the next logical area to improve is the real source which is clean power. So now that’s taken care of where to look next?  It’s definitely a system worthy of the “Lab” name. You can really compare things with this system. Good job building a true reviewer tool. 

Nice video of the Mágico factory. 

Very interesting how different the philosophies can be between speaker manufacturers. However Mágico and Harbeth total opposites in terms of everything from materials to costs. Hardly a comparison. As far as bang for the buck well that is even questionable as well. As far as Mágico paying YouTubers I doubt that. By the time Jay produces this video I’d bet it has cost him quite a bit. 

@cleeds I understand what you saying and yes nothing wrong with Jay being paid. I’m just saying that this is not the case here with Mágico that’s all.  Jay wants to give an honest review and factory tour  with no obligation to sugar coat anything or any appearance of bias. This is just to show us about the company that built his speaker.  Therefore I’d be willing to bet He hasn’t received a dime from Mágico.  

@zprr Well I think an ad is only that if you are selling something. So as this is worded I’d say yes it’s allowed. The OP is doing the same thing. So I’d say what’s ok for one is ok for all. Technically if your selling an item you should place your ad in the for sale section. Hope this helps. BTW he’s  not doing the dealer any favors by announcing to the world that this dealer discounts. Manufacturers kinda frown on that.

@clearthink

First, the question is, what is the intent of your statement to begin with? How does your statement add to this thread. It seems as tho you believe Jay has some kind of hidden agenda. That is why you receive such negative feedback here. I see no evidence of ill intent here by Jay. Secondly I believe Jay is providing us with a great opportunity to learn about this company and tour the facility so why try to put a negative spin on what he’s doing? Also as far as I know he’s not a Mágico dealer. Watching him going though all the equipment and tweeking to get the best sound he can is enlightening and entertaining also many of us have learned a thing or two. There is no good reason to constantly disagree and point out the slightest mistake in every statement he makes. The videos allow you to hear for yourself so you don’t have to take him at his word solely. So I enjoy watching these and tho I may not alway agree with everything I don’t feel the need to discredit or insult. So if you relax and enjoy you may find something you can benefit from and the rest of it, well don’t make a big deal about it. You obviously like this thread since you follow it. My suggestion is if you disagree strongly with something be tactful and non accusatory or private text him. Hope this helps.

@jays_audio_lab Yes Jay I’d be very careful in making big changes at this point. Look at all you’ve been through to get where you are and to put together the right combination of everything to suit this space. Any move at this point must carefully calculated and not irreversible.  You have fine tuned to such a great extent. Now you have a very linear system with excellent resolution. Once you start into analog you have just about as much tweeking there as well to keep you busy for a while.  However that being said change is fun too. I can’t count the number of systems I’ve gotten where I wanted it only to begin again in a totally different direction which I consider part of the fun.  Great job here that you’ve done, thanks for taking us along. 

@thezaks i get it I just didn’t think his comment that Alon wasn’t the only designer d warranted the comment that’s all. Hey not a big deal we all have a right to our opinions including rbach. 

Well I don’t think Keithr’s statement that Alon wasn’t the chief designer makes him a”Mágico hater”. That’s pretty strong language and only serves to provoke. Maybe he’s not a fan of Mágico I don’t know, but stating Alon wasn’t the designer isn’t a hateful remark toward the company. Not the way I took it anyway. Im sure Alon has put together a highly specialized team of individuals to accomplish the goals of his company.  I think Jay has made his Mágico’s sing and I believe he is capable of making a lot of speakers sing in his system. His relentless pursuit of making a system sing have earned appropriate recognition here on this site as well as YouTube. 

Well Jay I’m very impressed with the video production. More so I think than the Mágico factory. You and your wife did a great job with this.  Congratulations!

Good question Viber!

So I just listened to the three amp shootout. What got me most was how difficult it is to get the Mágico to sound great. It requires an amp like the Boulder to make it stand up and speak to you. Every other amp paled in comparison. This tells me more about the speakers than the amps. What can I say I’ve been spoiled. The sound went from the best I’ve ever heard to just ok. The lack of dynamics and authority was what I noticed first. Second was the lack of clarity. If I had to pick I think #3 at first impression. I’ll listen again and see.

@jays_audio_lab Lol!! Just to keep the record straight, “the best YouTube sound I’ve heard”. Live may differ and I haven’t heard yours live yet. Looking forward to what you have next. I’m guessing big Gryphon. Can’t imagine what will give the Boulder a run. Should be interesting. 

Yep it sure has, I agree!