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Nothing deleterious stands out yet the music flows in a way that is determined by the strengths (and hopefully not weaknesses) of the components downstream. In other words, the P-20 is as non-biased non-partisan non-coloured a messenger as you’re liable to find.
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Recordings with sublime low-level detail and microdynamic transient information such as Sera Una Noche, Arcoluz, Buika’s In My Skin and even Puscifer’s Conditions of my Parole all were reproduced with unblemished detail and delicacy but in the case of Puscifer’s title track with equally thorough power and savagery. |
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I’ve mentioned the SOTA bass qualities of the P-9 when I reviewed it and above. The P-20 equals the P-9 in terms of power, tightness and depth but adds another level of detail and nuance no doubt due to its extraordinary transparency. Those who appreciate the skill and dexterity of such greats as Brian Bromberg, Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and the like will revel in the P-20’s bass agility and deftness. At the other end of the scale the life-like highs are extended, ‘airy’ and vibrantly detailed with textural and tonal complexity.
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Spatially the P-20 throws a wider and deeper soundfield than the P-9. The P-20 is larger, more ‘open range’, better resolving. Peter Gabriel’s New Blood is a massive recording and sometimes quite scary in its dynamic scale and the P-20 presented and preserved its orchestral immensity and musical grandeur. But put on a cozy intimate jazz ensemble and the ‘vibe’, tone and life of the performance are immaculately and impeccably transmitted by the P-20’s honesty, balanced presentation and tonal integrity. No matter the genre, nothing is recessed, nothing in your face. The recording is reproduced intact, unembellished, unaltered. Preserved.
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Conclusion. The P-20 is a triumph of neutrality and transparency while bestowing on you all that the music contains. Its luxurious yet elegantly understated styling hides technologies and a circuit design that are totally translucent to the music whether it be in pits, grooves or bits. If you were to analyse the P-20’s presentation in the usual reviewer's defragmentation mode, you’d find a component that is completely proficient and adept at all the elements of music reproduction. But mired in such deconstructionist pursuits you’d be missing the point of such an honesty-entrusted performer. That's because the pellucid P-20 just conveys the music. And you wouldn't want to miss that... |
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