Lamm ML 2.1 SET vs ASR Emitter II, DartZel

Funny,at HE-2001(or close to there)I was offered a Dartzeel(by the show demo person)for 7200 bucks.I am serious,yet now(and I do understand the dollar's low value)this amp pulls in 2.5 times that amount.PLEASE!!It sounded very nice to me,yet I doubt it would significantly outperform a domestic comparable unit,like the Hovland Radia(similar power rating).

As to the HP rave of another Euro potential "dump your stuff,and run out for this";how many times have we seen this one,before.Let's see,Forsell,Versa Dynamics,and a plethora of other worldbeaters,that after time had plenty of flaws,yet were a rave until the Auto Industry("change for the sake of change",and create some BUZZ)mentality began to wear out the welcome.

To me TAS,and HP are "strictly great entertainment".That is the only consistent and logical way to view them,for me!!Actually I have my own set of tastes,and like it that way.

The latest TAS,sort of reminds me of a Television network kicking off their new fall TV season.Best timing for the shrewd marketing of product.You have all seen it,and my pocketbook has been a victim on plenty of occassions.Liken the new "supposed great" shows to the cast of characters that the ever powerful,and probably bored stiff(I doubt if HP could change a cartridge anymore)HP gives valuable(a la publicity)exposure to.The seemingly usual suspects(an arguement can be made,here),that HP loves to mention,ad nauseum,like there aren't other worthy contenders.Lets see;VPI,Classic Records,NOLA(better mention them,alot,or say sayonara to your mega buck(and loud)speakers.Need I go on?Oh yes--Lets help Jadis get back into the U.S. market by seeming to be blown away by the 40,000 dollar Jadis CD player(now surpassing the cute little 4,000 dollar unit,which smoked the 60,000 dollar Burmester),which is almost as good as the VPI 5,000 dollar LP player(which HP seems to like,as of now).Can the Scoutmaster really be better than so many of the other designs,heard,or is the Scoutmaster's price so good,that VPI will make serious dough,for some nice constant exposure.I think the folks at SOTA(bargain stuff)are shaking their heads,but they are not too local,to Sea Cliff.What happened to the promised Kuzma Airline?Oh,sorry.Kuzma doesn't come from Long Island.VPI and NOLA do!!Anyone sort of get this?

I could go on,but this is really only OPINION,so please no poison!!

sirspeedy: I think you would be very suprised how it would compare to your Hovland Radia! If you were offered one for that amount in 2001, it was a prototype. The first production run did not start until 2004. I have one of the initial "pre-production" units, and it sounds great. I appreciate that you thought it sounded "pretty good" in a show situation where the other equipment was probably not very familiar. But, I assure you it is very special. If you want to hear one and compare it to your Hovland, let me know and I will be happy to arrange something.

sirspeedy...I do not know HP personally but I have corresponded with him over the last few months asking his opinions on various things related to the Emitter. I have an ASR Emitter I Exclusive Blue that I bought new about 5 months ago and was interested in his thoughts regarding cabling, etc. From his emails I can tell his enthusiasm for the Emitter is genuine. He has struggled over the last six months writing the review because he was having a difficult time conveying his thoughts as to how the Emitter had transformed his listening experience. I guess one testimate to the Emitter is that several of the TAS staff have actually purchased one for their personal use.

It is interesting that HP calls it revolutionary. That implies that this is brand new product. In fact, the Emitter has been made by hand since the mid 80s by ASR. Fredrich Schaefer has believed in the design concept from the beginning and he has just continued to refine it. Our German friends have had the pleasure to know of this product for many years.

Although it will not save you any rack space it may save you from looking for a new amp/pre-amp anytime soon. The unit is really that amazing.

I am not a dealer or have association with TAS, ASR, or its importer -- just a guy who had tried many products and finally found a product that comes with no hype and easily stands on ite own merits.

Crozbo-

Having corresponded with HP over the years, I agree the ASR review demonstrates his continued enthusiasm for listening to music.

If the ASR is as good as HP, Owl and you say, I'd gladly get a new rack to hold all it's parts.

Owl, regarding your Meitner gear, do you have the DAC6 or DCC2? If the latter did you by pass the DCC's premap function and directly connect DAC to the ASR?