unsound-
last Summer I was playing around w/ older CJ gear. This year there are several integrated amps that are on my list to demo. I will keep you guys posted on developments. Stay tuned.
Happy Listening!
Showing 50 responses by jafant
Circling back around to you -unsound it was a CJ MF 2300 and PV 10 pre-amp. I do not know much about CJ that old. Sounded pretty good as I wanted to attempt to dial-in my room. This week I have an opportunity to audition the newest Anthem STR integrated. I will post a report over the weekend for you guys. Stay tuned. Happy Listening! |
2nd Note; CDs used during audition- Jamie Cullum- Twentysomething (2004) Verve Pearl Jam - Ten (1991) Epic Nirvana - Unplugged Live in New York (1993) DGC SACDs used during audition; The Rolling Stones -Hot Rocks 1 - (2002) Abkco Pink Floyd - DSOTM - 30th anniversary edition (2003) Capitol Pink Floyd - WYWH - (2012) APO Journey - Greatest Hits - (2001) Columbia Tsuyoshi Yamamoto Trio - Autumn in Seattle - (2001) FIM Happy Listening! |
unsound- ask and you shall receive my audiophile friend. Last week I had the distinct listening pleasure of auditioning Anthem's new STR Integrated amp. My dealer/retailer is Cohen's Electronics. These guys have been in business for 5 decades and back in the 1990's were a real audio/hifi force. Times change and so do the customers. Since the early 2000's they bought into the home theater scene. Last year we had talked about bringing back the Audio side full on. Associated gear was a Yamaha universal BD-A1040 spinner, Goldenear Triton Three loudspeakers and Monster interconnects and speaker cabling (house brand cabling since the 1990's). Surprisingly, this combination of gear and cabling proved to be an excellent match. The amp weighs 40 pounds, very solid in build and construction. Sleek styling and Silver in color was my review sample that came from my area Anthem sales rep/manager whom had around 150 -200 hours play time. This gentleman owns a pair of Thiel CS 3.7 loudspeakers in his system as it turns out. I am in the process of finding out the rest of his system and musical tastes. Also, there is another gentleman whom lives in my area that bought his STR last month and uses a turntable set-up (hopefully I can connect with him for a follow-up soon). Auditioning took place in a dedicated room that is very well damped, dead quiet. I would say it is 15x15x12 maybe larger and still under 20x20x12 in size. I sat 8-10 feet away from the system. The Yamaha player is impressive using its coaxial output into the STR DAC input. The sound and presentation was excellent. Powerful, energetic, robust, dynamic (micro/macro) a touch warm of neutral is my description. For those who have heard the Anthem 225 integrated, the STR, represents the next level of musical enjoyment. These (2) amps are not lean, dry, thin nor anemic, for the record. I was easily able to hear deeper into the music on my reference CD titles than I can recall from previous demos. The same is reported for SACD playback via the analog output from player into the analog input of amp (no HDMI on the Anthem), PRaT was in effect big time. Again, this system was very musical from top to bottom. I can only imagine the synergy of my speakers and the STR. MSRP is $4499, even at full retail, this amp is a steal. One is going to spend much more for separates or a different brand's integrated of equal quality and power ratings. Later this week I will make an offer on the review sample. Highest marks across the board. Happy Listening! |
Thank You- nutty yes, this amp is very powerful. The music just flowed without any effort to my ears. I started at level 30.0 on the volume. Then increased to 20.0, certainly loud at this point. By the time I reached 15.0, the sound was as loud as I wanted. The Anthem 225 is no slouch as we all know. The STR represents the next evolution of integrated amp. A killer DAC is on-board for those who want to go computer audio/streaming route. In 2018, the Integrated amp has certainly come-of-age. And this is simply one company for example. Think about those other offerings at the $10k level and up to the $20k level. Happy Listening! |
Good catch- unsound and marqmike. The CS 2.4 does not have a powered woofer section. It does not need one, in my opinion. All listening was conducted w/o any subwoofer. This was my first introduction to Goldenear speakers. The Ribbon tweeter really shines and images well. The soundstage had plenty of depth and width in appropiate manner. All instruments exhibited proper texture with excellent separation, space and air. Still, Thiel captures a more naturally rich timbre. Happy Listening! |
unsound now, the fun really begins as I start pondering a CD/SACD spinner and cabling that ties it all together. I have only heard Anthem gear w/ Audioquest cabling (older models). Other than Audioquest, I have spent the most time with Transparent Audio cabling (I do not know if this brand is a sonic match?). Happy Listening! |
Thanks! for the specs- unsound. those thoughts did cross my mind of course. I am working on a connection with the Anthem rep for my area/district whom uses this integrated in his system featuring CS 3.7 loudspeakers. I will take the 138w doubling down into 2 ohms, so long as, the current is engaging. Happy Listening! |
Good to see you- oblgny you are my "go to" guy for all things integrated amp(s). Factually speaking, I was thinking about you during my STR audition. Agreed, the demo was excellent and did not have me wanting more outside of this amp's capability. Hopefully Anthem will provde us with an answer regarding current(A) ratings soon. Happy Listening! |
Coherent Source Service, LLC, is located at
763 Newtown Pike, Suite 130 Lexington, Kentucky USA 40511, about one mile from the old Thiel factory. You can reach them at rob@coherentsourceservice.com. Tel: (859) 554-9790. Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/service-continues-legacy-thiel-loudspeakers#p3Yb3pr5tSLhifxb.99 This came across my desk via Stereophile.com Agreed, beetlemania let us continue to support Mr. Rob Gillum. Happy Listening! |