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During this review period we had a visit from M.A. Recordings’ Todd Garfinkle and
PrimaLuna’s Marcel Croese who were working together on a recording project in
Holland. Both were impressed by the capabilities of the X-DREI to loosen up the
music and declutter it. The more we listened to the X-DREI, the more we liked the
added value it produced for many recordings. It was similar to the old saying ‘we fix it
in the mix’. Now you can fix it in between your pre and power amp. We also tried the
X-DREI in two other settings. One was with the PS Audio PWD as preamp with built-in
volume control directly into the X-DREI which connected to the Avantgarde Duo
Omega horns via a pair of Hypex Ncore evaluation-module power amps.
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This setup
needed balanced connections so we used that capability of the X-DREI. With these
very high-resolution loudspeakers and the ultra-linear Ncore amps, the X-DREI did
what it’s good at and in addition introduced zero hum, hiss or any other perceivable crud or opacity into the
system. Switching it on and off caused no clicks or pops. Often too much detail is
counterproductive. Remember the early Dire Straits CDs? They were advertised as
‘brilliant’ but had too much detail to sound coarse and metallic. The X-DREI does not
add detail—not that it should be possible in the first place—but it somehow ‘cleans’ the sound like an archeologist’s
brush wipes the dust off an antique trophy.
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A final setup came by way of the Acoustic System International LiveLine preamplifier
and Grand Stereo 650wpc power amplifier. Here we used our downstairs room with
the drop/egg-shaped Vaessen Aquarius loudspeakers. In this power-play setting the
X-DREI convinced again by unraveling the sometime musical mush into distinct
voices, instruments and sounds whilst maintaining the music's overall coherence.
Experiments with the scene selector showed that the virtual stage illusion could really
be altered in width, depth and height to thus suggest an accordingly altered listening
position. For us the middle position was most preferable because it resembled the
familiar perspective of our regular listening position.
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All that said, we still don’t have a clue what really goes on inside the DREI module.
The explanation in the Neutral literature doesn’t quite cut wood. But it is the result
that counts. The X-DREI thus adds itself to the Schumann resonance devices, minute ASI
acoustic resonators, wood blocks and its many copies where how exactly they do the
things they do in a musical setting remains an unanswered question - but hey, life
has many unexplained things. With the mysterious X-DREI the end result is
sometimes stunning, in other cases more subtle but with each and every recording
we used, there was an effect which no other ‘tweak’ or accessory has managed
before. And this effect was very favorable. For purists the whole notion of an after-preamp
is like cursing in church. For open-minded music lovers it's more like a little
blessing.
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Quality of packing: Excellent
Condition of component received: Perfect.
Quality of owner's manual: N/A
Website comments: Confusing and in need of a linguistic overhaul.
Pricing: Steep but there is no alternative.
Human interactions: Quick and friendly though secretive.
Remark: With recording quality getting worse every day, the DREI technology can
repair some of the damage done.
P.S.: When we sent the review to Neutral for technical scrutiny, Alberto replied that
they are working on the website’s linguistics. The secrecy will remain however.
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Neutral responds: Dear Marja & Henk, I would like to introduce myself. I am José Manuel Jiménez, CEO of Neutral Audio and the designer of the DREI technology. I would like to thank you for reviewing our X-DREI DeIntermodulator and congratulate you for your understanding of such a special device which is so different from others and in fact quite unique. Permit me to make a small observation.
“The X-DREI thus adds itself to the Schumann resonance devices, minute ASI acoustic resonators, wood blocks and its many copies where how exactly they do the things they do in a musical setting remains an unanswered question.”
As usual what is written is not always to everyone's taste. Regarding myself I don't particularly like my DREi technology compared to other 'esoteric' or 'magic' products as it isn't our case. DREi tech. is just technology. If it weren't we would not be having the unprecedented success with sound technicians and engineers who as you well know think little of ultra-expensive cables and 'faith products' so beloved by some amateurs. It is true that I have to keep some of the technology secret. If not we could loose the advantage of being its creators. This is normal industry practice and an efficient way to protect oneself against competition in all sectors. Maybe for that reason we can be in 'two waters', between the esoteric and the technical, and that might be confusing. But please don't forget it is only technology, demonstrable and measurable. For example you can see my graphs and oscilloscope images and and any technician can test it in a lab.
Anyway, if it seems right to you—and of course it is up to you—you might include a brief declaration in your review disassociating us from 'esoteric' or 'magical' types of products and associating us with those that are purely and simply really new audio technologies. Apart from that, once again my sincere congratulations in tackling a difficult task and many thanks for your explanations in the review. Best regards.
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