Interesting post nyev. For me, McIntosh preamps and power amplifiers, also Michell Engineering GyroDec TT with an SME IV or V tonearm. But, who can forget Tim de Paravicini designed Luxman C1000/M6000 combination, shear beauty IMHO, no idea what this combination sounds like, would love to own it though. As for speakers, who can forget the stunning looks and SQ of Gale GS401A speakers, here is what they look like:
What Gear is Universally Adored?
I’m always on the lookout for gear that seems to be universally and widely adored. Such gear in my experience is difficult to go wrong with, despite the fact that we all have unique variables in our rooms, systems and tastes. My experience with such products seems to be consistent with what the consensus is. As I said these examples I believe are rare. My first encounter with this was when I had read near unanimous glowing adoration for the Gryphon Diablo 300 amp. Up to that point in my search I was ready to quit HiFi because the gear I was testing with home demos, including separates, wasn’t doing it for me. But after reading all the praise and an endorsement of the Diablo 300 at that price point from @jays_audio_lab , I went to demo the Diablo. To be honest I didn’t fall in love with it until the first moment I turned it on in my system in my space. But I totally love this amp I feel differently about it than any audio component I’ve ever owned, even expensive ones. I had the same experience with the Innuos PhoenixUSB and PhoenixNET devices, which are USB reclockers and network isolators, respectively. The PhoenixUSB in particular has seemingly almost unanimous praise and I see why (although one could argue it makes sense to step up to the top streamer from Innuos which includes the tech in one box, at least for the USB reclocker.
So, my question is, what other gear do we universally adore? I’m not talking about things we each adore - please don’t list those. I have very premium Nordost speaker cables that I love but I know not everyone loves these. That’s an example of what not to list in this thread.
To Start:
- Gryphon Diablo 300 Integrated amplifier
- Innuos PhoenixUSB USB Reclocker (I know some say it makes sense to step up to the top level Innuos streamer that includes this tech in one box, but that doesn’t stop everyone who has it from loving it. I love it as well)
- Herbie’s Audio Anti-Vibration footers. Bought these for my speakers and my experience is in line with all who have reported great things. I don’t have experience with other more pricey options.
- Chord M Scaler upsampler (I think? I struggle to find more than a handful that don’t like this device. I’ve not heard or used it. Yet.)
- Chord Dave DAC (haven’t heard myself)
What else belongs on this list???? Why I love such products is that our collective consistency of positive experience is greater. Meaning, you can be more assured (but certainly not entirely sure) of how you will feel about the product in your own system. Products called out should have unanimous pro reviews and most importantly must have lots of positive buzz in forums with little to no negative comments.
Also - it’s okay and even a good thing if Amir at Audiosciencereview says the product sucks balls.
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I had both a DAVE and an M-Scaler and I sold them both. Something about the Chord sound just doesn't do it for me, so I guess it's not 'universal'! @yogiboy - you should see some of the McIntosh threads - some people just hate the brand and consider it totally overpriced for what it is. No opinion here, as I've not heard any, |
@2psyop , feel free to insert “like” if you so choose, and participate in the discussion. That is fine by me! And I as noted I am not looking for gear that you personally “like”, but rather, things you are aware of that the community universally “likes”. But thanks for reading my way-too-long post. Not sure this thread will go anywhere as it may be too open ended, but thought I’d try… |
