I''m playing the Pure Music 1.6 demo through the Streamer II. Lawdy. A hundred bucks is a lot for a license but it's good. Memory play and dithered volume means you can lose midfi preamps.
Michele Surdi |
Hi Srajan,
I've purloined enough musical selections from your pages that I am
compelled to award you the 'Personal Folder Award' in my iTunes.
Sorry there is no ribbon or plaque presented by a bikini laden harlot,
still, thanks for the music.
Fred Crane |
Hi Srajan,
I'm a faithful reader of your excellent online Hi Fi mag. Would just like to point to you to an inexpensive digital playback system which I came across which
play backs .WAV files recorded on flash memory card. It isn't pretty. In fact it reminds me of the Sony Walkman back in the 80s but the sound is shockingly good. I really wonder how it measures up to the high end CD transport.
Do check it out!
Best regards,
Kuan Yau |
Hello Srajan,
Comments about reviews.
One of the things I love about the reviews you conduct personally is that whenever possible,
you offer the reader comparisons against other equipment you own or have reviewed.
Of course this provides a very useful yardstick for the reader who may be interested in purchasing new equipment
- and it makes for good reading too as it adds a competitive element.
I write this in response to the recent review of the SGR Audio EL30s in which the reviewer completely avoided
comparisons against his (well known) reference amps (both almost similar in price).
A quick peek at some of his previous reviews shows that on occasion the same reviewer does make comparisons
- so it's not as if he is against making comparisons.
Have you considered making comparisons a policy for all your writers to follow?
I understand that not all writers agree with this but it would be good to see this as a consistent policy for all reviews.
Naveed
Beyond certain core policies primarily on conduct, I've not instigated the type of streamlining you propose because I prefer variety - different approaches to reviewing, different reviewer personalities. If I ran a publication where without a writer's name at the end you'd have no idea of who wrote the review—because they're all freely interchangeable to the extent that if one writer left, you'd be none the wiser—I'd be bored to tears. That's just me of course.
Practically speaking, I do this for a living to make it a point of owning a reasonable inventory of hardware specifically to conduct comparisons. But most everyone else on the team does this as a hobby. They tend to own just one system. Comparisons aren't always meaningful then if you own a $3.000 amp but suddenly review a $15.000 unit for example.
And, imagine how boring it would be if a writer with a Bryston 4B amp used it in each single amplifier review. You'd soon get real tired of reading about his Bryston amp. Insisting on this type of policy can, at least in my book, backfire in various ways. So no, we don't have such a policy.
Srajan |
Srajan,
That you for the mention in your review of the Burson separates.
Little did I think my thoughts would have weight as I wrote you just in passing. To reach out as you did brought a kind of validation to what I feel, coming from someone whose view I hold in high regard -:)
All the best,
Tim Patchett |
Re: going passive, "the best preamp is no preamp."
Best regards,
moiz.no
Mujtaba
It's blanket statements like these which litter the audiophile highway of frustration. People on the retail side of our business like yourself should know better. What's true in one context isn't necessarily so in another.
Srajan |
Hi there,
Thanks for a very interesting review of the W4S DAC2. I had the benefit of a two-hour home demonstration and as a result ordered one. One interesting result I found was that the performance is significantly better using the S/PDIF input via my Empirical Audio Off-Ramp USB to SPDIF converter rather than using the W4S native USB input. I encourage users to experiment with D/D converters with the DAC2 to get the best performance. Needless to say, this is likely very dependent on the source and cabling. I use a standard non-optimized HP laptop running Vista and driving 5M of stock USB cable. It's possible that a higher spec computer and shorter cable would reduce the performance difference.
On a related note, I think it'd be great if 6moons did some reviews of computer players. iTunes on my laptop for instance is massively inferior to the same machine running other players. Of the various players I've tried, I am consistently impressed with XXHighEnd, which admittedly needs a lot of tweaking for best performance. I appreciate that the multiple dependencies for Mac/PC, OS, CPU etc make this complicated but I think a piece on the subject from 6moons would add usefully to the debate.
Thanks again, regards
Tim Summers, Hong Kong
As reported,
I too had S/PDIF superiority at first but this completely vanished once I ran firmware v1.4. That said, a 5-meter USB cable perhaps does become an audible bottleneck. As regards media players, I'm not experienced enough yet. I just bought Amarra 2.0.
Srajan
|
|
Hi Srajan:
I enjoyed your article on the return of the passive. You probably know these two but for completion, the Pass B1 is passive and a buffer and there's
also the Lightspeed Attenuator which works a little different. I have not tried them but would love to read more comparisons between different passives.
Thanks for your reviews.
Malcolm Born
Yes, I do know about those. That's why I mentioned the FirstWatt by name and hinted at the Lightspeed as a variable resistor triggered by light intensity.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
Thank you for your detailed review on W4S DAC2. There are now so many new mid-priced DAC for CAS in the market: Antelope Audio Zodiac Plus, W4S DAC2, Mytek Stereo 192, Arcam rDAC, Eastern Electric DAC, the coming HiFace Young DAC.etc. The Eastern Electric DAC was extremely popular in the Hong Hong HiFi Show last week. I also preordered one (all stock sold out & so was the Zodiac Plus). Does 6moons have plan to review the Zodiac Plus & the coming Zodiac Gold, HiFace Young & Arcam r DAC? I also hope that the new HiFace EVO will be reviewed in your website. I will buy one & pair it up with my Eastern Electric DAC.
Best wishes,
Peter Kan
I'd expressed interest with Antelope when word of their USB DACs first leaked. That ball has been in their court since (see next email). On the other converters you mention, no current commitments exist but manufacturers interested in reviews can always contact us.
Srajan
|
Dear Srajan,
I hope this email find you well and you spend a good time this summer.
I want to inform you that I made all efforts to send you the first review unit from Antelope.
Now we are finally close to releasing samples and the target date is mid September...
Best wishes,
Leizer Benvenishty
Antelope Audio
|
Hello Srajan,
You must be having a blast with the ultra-familiar (to you) high-resolution unlimited bandwidth Tangos and Esoteric C-03 serving as the ultimate constant for a series of "find the perfect amplifier" experiments. After extensive listening to and living with the fruits of brilliant amplifier designers in this system (various First Watts and Yamamotos, Nagra MSA, Emillé KM-300SE, Crayon CFA-1 seem to be the winners), you get to see how your own vision executed by a master (Sasa Cokic) makes music. You've nailed it visually! Even compared with the stunning Emillé, the Kaivalyas are exquisite. I can't wait to read how you think they sound (and to see you struggle remaining an unbiased father describing your offspring)!
One amplifier you loved in your pre-Tango days is the Octave V80. I'd be very interested in that amplifier making a return visit to the current system, especially now that you've heard the First Watt, Nagra and Kaivalyas as well as great tube integrateds like the Crayon and Emillé. The Octave, a one box complete solution (including MM/MC phono, headphone, and remote), seems like a dream partner for the Tangos.
Cheers from chilly California (global warming has missed us, at least for a summer).
Tim Baughman
I actually don't have the Octave V80 so a return to it won't be possible. And to remain factual, the Crayon isn't a tube but transistor amp. Aside from that, yes it's the kid in a candy store syndrome. One brilliant aspect of the Tango is its non-reactive nature. According to the designer, the impedance is extremely flat at 6 ohms and below 1kHz. It makes amplifier selection far less a matter of drive/control and far more about sonics.
And yes, the Kaivalya turned out fantastic but credit for that really must go to the Serbians. They converted my rough ideas into the final product.
Srajan
|
Hey Srajan,
I auditioned a FirstWatt J2 a few months ago, associated equipment was the RWA Isabella and Zu Druids. I thought the J2 was hands down the best amplifier I had ever heard. Only problem was that I couldn't listen for more than 15 minutes without significant listener fatigue. It may just be a teensy bit too resolving for me. Having said that, the J2 conveyed an aliveness and nuance to presentation that I haven't been able to get out of my head.
Is the F3 very much like the J2 but with slightly less treble energy? And how would you compare the F3 to the M2?
I presently have an RWA Isabella. Wondering if the Wyred4Sound STP-SE is sonically superior or if the STP-SE is merely (but importantly) better value for money but without the tube rolling flexibility of course.
Thanks for any insight you may be able to share.
Sincerely,
Wilson Yeung
The M2 is mellower and a little 'darker' and more 'voluptuous' than the F3 and J2. Between the F3 and J2, I'd contact Nelson Pass directly. I've not heard those two side by side. I have heard the F5, M2 and J2 side by side to be very confident in how they compare. From memory, the F3 and J2 are very similar. Whatever difference there are, Nelson would be in the best position to tell you.
The Wyred preamp is what I refer to as an 'activated' passive preamp. It's very close to a true 'look no power cord' passive but has superior drive over long interconnects and just a bit more tension in the music and perhaps a tad less speed and lucidity. The Isabella is warmer, slower and denser. It really depends in which direction you want to shift the sound. Knowing the Zu Druid well, I'd characterize it as dark, fleshy, highly dynamic, somewhat opaque on top and very dense. The FirstWatt amps (particularly the F5) would slim things down and kick up the energy and light. The Wyred would go a bit in that direction as well. But if the J2 already had too much treble energy for you on the Druid, I doubt that anything but the M2 in the FirstWatt catalogue would suit you. All of these amps have wide bandwidth and low phase shift to light up the top end. The Isabella meanwhile is a 'Druid as preamp' machine. You've got chocolate with chocolate. If you want to go the other direction, only change one thing at a time to not overdo it and end up with... well, whatever the opposite of chocolate would be. Lemon juice? I personally love lemon juice and drink it with a bit of honey and hot water. When my gut puckers up, I'm happy. Most people hate it though. See what I mean?
Srajan |
Srajan,
Loved the photo above the statement regarding the Burson and the
Modwright: soft focus out back compared to sharp focus up front.
I just feel that the Burson is a wonderful performer with the same
attributes but different conclusions. I have the older P-100
integrated and with my Tonian TL-D1s, it's making the best sound my (limited) ears have heard. This is not to draw you out but just my
preference. Having said that, could it be due to something as simple
as component matching? The Burson does everything so right that I
find it refreshing in its exacting, detailed presentation.
All the best,
Tim Patchett
The Burson works very well in booster mode. How it'll perform with its stable mate preamp will be reported in its own review. It is a very exacting performer no doubt. The response to those qualities will, as always, be a function of listener bias and also associated equipment. There's nothing limited to anyone's ears. You hear what you hear and build a system around that. Everything else is irrelevant.
Srajan |
Srajan,
Thank you so much for your wonderful site. I have discontinued subscriptions from several magazines because I prefer your magazine. I have purchased Avantgarde Uno Nanos and I'm curious what of the FirstWatt models you would recommend for the most "300B" like sound.
Thank you in advance!
Jeff Tyo
F3 or J2.
Srajan |
Noticed the reader letter mentioning Luciana Souza. She is indeed a
wonderful singer and I was fortunate to see her in concert a couple
of years ago. To my ear, perfect pitch and completely composed as a
performer. Not only does she come from a distinguished musical
family but she's married to Larry Klein, producer
extraordinaire. Here's the Wiki for your reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luciana_Souza
Alan Kafton
|
Srajan,
I've been following your site for almost a decade but this is the first time I am writing to share some impressions on the Nagra CDC and the discontinued stereo power amplifier Nagra MPA. I bought an MPA in 2002 and sold it in 2009. I bought the CDC in 2005 and sold it in 2010. Together with Verity Parsifal Encores, these were my minimalist audio system components over several years.
Reliability: One month after I bought theMPA, a persistent hum started. I sent it over to Nagra for repair and I enjoyed trouble-free performance for 7 years. In 2009 the same hum started again and very soon afterwards the amplifier stopped working. Repair was very expensive,so I exchanged it in the dealer's shop.
After four years of flawless functioning, the CDC started having problems. The drawer would not open completely, the CDP would not play certaintracks, stopping abruptly before the end of the disc and finally the display did not show the track numbers and other information any more. I send it over to Nagra for repair through the dealer and paid 1.500 euros but when I received it back, something was broken inside during shipping. So I exchanged it in the same dealer's shop.
In light of the above, I cannot conclude that Nagra products are reliable for the asking price. I paid 10.000 euros for the MPA and 13.500 euros for the CDC. However, I have to say that the Nagra people are very helpful and take care of their customers.
Sound: Although I do not use Nagra products now, I must admit that I am missing their sound, especially that of the CDC. I learned listening through Nagra. I like the balanced and human dimension of their sound, which avoids exaggeration and is clear and transparent. I like that their presentation is not mellow or romantic but a bit lean, true, natural and humble. In a word, I would describe the Nagra sound as really aristocratic in the best sense of the term.
I am sending you this input as an old Nagra user for I see you are about to review MSA.
Finally, I want to thank you for my audiophile education through your site. After your review of the Boenicke W20, I bought a smaller model from them (now discontinued), which I am currently enjoying.
Regards,
SV |
Hello Srajan,
I have been following your writeup of the Modwright KWA 100 amplifier. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up with similar $3K units. I am waiting to see your final view point. I have a decent audio system but don't need more than the 140wpc the Modwright is capable of at 8 ohms.
I did email Dan and indeed he will be coming out with a maxed-out 100 SE model within the next 30 days or so. I truly hope you will have the opportunity to compare the standard model to the SE version. Dan says it is much better in every regard - for only $700 more than the stock edition. I am going to wait the extra few months and see how the SE version is rated. btw, good informative honest writing as usual.
Jim B.
Dan wrote in this morning explaining the SE option and offering to ship out a unit for comparison. I accepted.
Srajan
|
What happened to the Zu (Soul) review?
Don
Sean Casey informed me now that a review loaner won't be available until October. Seeing how my preview published in May after being solicited for this assignment, it was prudent to cancel the review due to ongoing unavailability of actual samples.
Srajan |
Dear Marja & Henk,
I enjoyed reading your review of the Dr. Feickert Analogue Blackbird turntable. I'm always interested in your reviews because I also own a pair of Avantgarde Duos, so to have your perspective on what works (and what might not) is helpful. However, I was disappointed that you didn't refer to your earlier review of the TW Acustic Raven One in some way. Both 'tables retail at similar prices, both in fact had a Jelco arm fitted if I understand correctly, and you regarded both very positively. In fact both have an Avian/Black theme to them! Can you elaborate on the Blackbird/Raven comparison for us?
Regards,
Peter Earnshaw
In the course of writing the review we have thought about including the Raven for comparison not least because of the German/avian/black leitmotiv. Srajan also saw this and while editing the review added the respective birds in the headers. However, there are too many factors that differ to make the comparison an honest one. Just to name a few, since the Raven review we have moved house, hence the acoustics are different and we all know how much the room contributes to the overall sound. Then there are different cartridges used, a quite heavy Zu DL-103 and a much ligther Lyra Dorian. Also, the cables were different for both reviews.
This outlines a primary reviewer dilemma. Should one always revert to the exact same setup for each review so that only the piece of equipment under review is changed? We always try to stay as close to a 'reference' as possible but it's not 100% possible over time as one's system evolves. A second dilemma is availability of loaners. It is very hard to arrange for equipment in the first place. Most of the time only one piece is set aside for review or demo and demand can be high from other reviewers, magazines and dealers. With more exotic gear it becomes even harder. So the only practical thing was comparing the two tables on memory.
That's
tricky when more than a year has passed. On that basis—only as good as aural memory is stable, trustworthy and accurate—the Raven/Vivid Two/Lyra Dorian combination in our old room sounded lighter and smaller than the Blackbird/Jelco/Zu Dl103 combination in our new room. The latter had more grandeur and pizazz over the full range. With both turntables being in the roughly same weight category—around 20kg—sporting roughly the same tone arm, the main differences were two vs. one motor and the cartridges we used. For a one-on-one comparison, we should really have both tables on hand and swap cartridges between them. As this involves impossible logistics, cooperation and above all time, such a thing was not feasible, hence we deliberately passed on comparative comments in the review. We hope you can live with that.
Best, M&H
|
An open letter to Allen Wright of Vaccum State Audio:
Hello:
As I know you know, we published a reader review by one Pat Kennedy on your
preamp here.
You link to it on your website.
As of this morning, I have added a publisher's comment ahead of the review
proper. A reader pointed out that Pat Kennedy operates under the handle
Banpuku with his own website where he sells Vacuum State products. His
Banpuku system listing on Audio Asylum mirrors that which Pat Kennedy lists
in our review to perfection.
The likelihood that Pat = Banpuku is thus a near 100%. Needless to say, Pat
doesn't reply to my email about it.
If factual, this is very deceptive. To approach 6moons in this fashion then becomes more
than unacceptable.
I also fail to see how you as the manufacturer wouldn't know which of your
customers moonlights as a dealer. If you knew about it, you're part of the
deception. If you didn't, you should probably investigate this matter ASAP.
My editor's comment has the links you'll need.
I look forward to your response.
ATB.
Srajan
Patrick is indeed the holder of the name Banpuku but he was not our dealer when he wrote the review. In fact, I doubt that he's a dealer in any real terms of sales volume but he bought the RTP3D preamp and loved it so much he felt he should write the review comparing it with the expensive units he had previously owned or had had on extensive loan.
Only after submitting the review did I suggest he become our dealer
as approaches to 'regular' dealers had received no response in our currently difficult financial times and market.
Allen Wright
While I appreciate your response and situation, given that Pat Kennedy reviews under one name and operates an online dealership under another as though he had something to hide ... it does raise a flag even if only on perception. It thus compels me to leave my editor's comment in place.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
I had the opportunity to visit Ken at 32 Ohm Audio in Portland last weekend, and I was incredibly impressed by the store and Ken's approach to audio. Ken's shop is an important milestone in efforts to bridge the gap between audiophilia and the rest of the music-loving world, and I tip my hat to you for recognizing this.
High-end headphones have opened me up to a world of audio that I could never have experienced with speakers, because of both expense and the endless challenges of room interaction. Many of the most expensive headphones in Ken's store, which max out at around $1500, sound like gazillion-dollar speakers. Spending an hour in 32 Ohm Audio is like having the best from Wilson Audio, Magico, Rethm and others all in one place,perfectly positioned and ready for a private listening session. The best offerings from Sennheiser, Grado, Audiotechnica and Beyerdynamic (the T1 was my personal favorite) are that good.
Put simply, there is no audio store in the country that offers this sort of diversity at such a high level, and none that appeals so much to such a broad audience. I will support 32 Ohm whenever I can and encourage your readers to do the same.
Best regards, and thanks as always for a great read,
Oliver Mains |
About your Voxativ preview, I love the virtual relationship harkening back to the JBL Signature C34 cabinet, kind of a newer femaled version with high heels and a kick ass wide bander.
http://www.lansingheritage.org/images/jbl/plans/c34/page2.jpg |
Greetings Srajan,
In my exploration of passive preamps I've found that running an interconnect post attenuator is often much more detrimental to the overall sound that one might assume. For many years I've run with some version of these. (They've been through a few minor changes since they were first introduced.)
No, not the most convenient or cosmetically desirable but for the money the sonics (under the right circumstances) are unbeatable. My current setup doesn't allow me to run them but I can't recommend them highly enough for those who have the appropriate system.
Cheers,
Joseph Pagan |
If it's not too personal, how many hours of sleep do you get at night? I don't imagine it's more than a couple if the number of components you review—and at great length!—is any indication. I'm awestruck. Most humbly,
Mike Silverton,
Editor, LaFolia.com
Senior Editor, StereoTimes.com
Consultant, NuForce, Inc.
Working 8 or more hours a day 7 days a week out of your own home without distractions, commuting or other downtime can get a lot done. It's no magic, just discipline which comes easy when you enjoy what you're doing.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
Just finished reading your Kaivalya story so far - it's wonderful! Thanks for sharing it. And the Kaivalya is absolutely gorgeous! I look forward to the listening test.
Also, thanks much for your 32-Ohm series on headphones. As a current apartment dweller, headphones are the only way I can truly let loose and give the music its full head - especially with classical organ, which can get rather loud at proper levels! But I'm afraid you may have cost me the price of a nice set of recabled Beyerdynamic T1s...:-) Especially since you've verified for me that the T1 will work nicely with my iDecco.
Lastly, on the subject of your site's load time - absolutely no issues here and I'm usually reading it in a comfy chair with my iPad, which is not quite as fast as a full computer. In fact, you're to be commended for a site that works splendidly on the iPad as well as in normal browsers. Thanks again.
Regards,
Paul Kuehn |
Hi Srajan,
I found a wonderful Brazilian singer I think you might like—Luciana Souza. Do you know her work? Beautiful voice; virtuoso pitch and rhythmic accuracy; very exciting at up tempos; wonderfully expressive at slow. Less romantic and soft-edged than Paula Morelenbaum but equally fine in a different way I would say and the two CDs below are as well recorded as Morelenbaum's Casa.
Souza has two recordings of duets (Brazilian Duos and Duos II), each pairing her with a series of Brazilian guitarists doing Brazilian tunes. (Tom Jobim is not the only fine Brazilian composer of songs!) Both discs are sung and played brilliantly and are very well recorded. I think you would like her a lot, knowing your preferences a bit and having profited by your recommendations. Here are links to sound samples.
Best,
Marshall Taylor
PS: BTW, I much prefer her on this Brazilian material than when she sings in English. She does the latter well, but something is tamer and not nearly as magical, to my ears at least
|
My NuForce HDP finally arrived together with my new Sennheiser HD800! I was
expecting it to sound good but it sounds even better already at the
burn-in stage. To my suprise the HDP is a lot nicer (more musical -
smoother I guess) than the pretty cold and digital Benchmark DAC-1 I auditioned it on.
I just wanted to thank you again for the replies etc. The HDP is exactly
what I needed and your award for it seems spot on! It's a shame so few
people know about it. I think there'd be a huge market for entry-level audiophile products such as the Icon line. Especially since with
headphones it's pretty cheap to get to a fairly high level compared to
traditional loudspeakers.
Cheers,
Valtteri Vainikka |
6moons is spoiling me. I can't take much more of the endlessly retarded, new improved crackle snap pop marketing of most other magazines, net or print. The M2 piece really has something to say to mature audiophiles (oxymoron I know). As one F5 owner and admirer to another however,I Istill feel that
the Nagra VPA have a margin on it in my rig when it comes to all-around imaging Bbig tannoys, remember? Why oh why didn't Nelson make an unbridged mono version?
Keep on chooglin'
Michele
PS: Should you ever decide to go subscriber I'm easy.
There is talk of monos - perhaps the J2, M2 or F5 could apply? We'll have to see what the man decides. My vote would be for the J2.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
I just love your reviews and your writing style. You should be very proud of your contributions to the world of hifi. I just read the comment about slow loading speeds and want to reassure you that every computer I've used here in New Zealand to view your pages loads fast and successfully without fail. Your website is also very easy to navigate through.
Thanks for your great work.
James Grant |
Frederic,
Thanks for the latest reviews and updates on Franck Tchang’s incredible inventions. He’s quite an out-of-the-box thinker and his cables, for example, are revelatory (I own the IC’s and speaker cables).A quick savings tip for all your readers: he Sound Quest Isopads that you enjoy on your ASI rack are nothing more than 2” x 2” x 7/8” furnace vibration pads and can be purchased from several industrial sites for .$25 a piece. I realize that the Sound Quest price of $25/4 is not a huge audiophile purchase but at 25x the price they seem like highway robbery….okay maybe not highway, more like small cobblestone road. Here’s a link to one of the suppliers:
http://www.pexsupply.com/DiversiTech-MP-2C-Rubber-Cork-Anti-Vibration-Pad-2-x-2-x-7-8
Ted Brady |
Srajan,
I read the third page of your W4S DAC2 review yesterday. As I am considering the DAC2 for purchase, I was a little concerned about the failure of the "comm link between micro chip and USB transceiver." To get to the point of my e-mail, I came across subjects such as reclocking (or not), I2S and RF transmission that seem to dovetail with your page 3 product report.
Earlier this week, I saw an offer by a member of the Houston Audio Society to sell his DAC. I did a little research on his dB Audio Labs Tranquility DAC. The comments on this DAC appear to be positive but the unit is limited to 16/44.1 and only has a USB input. These capabilities are short of what I am looking for in a DAC. The interesting information I came upon is the reply by the DAC designer (made on 12-11-09) where he discusses what is necessary to implement various input options.
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frr.pl?rdgtl&1260416833&openfrom&1&4
Regards,
Harold Hughes
The comm link issue was, it seems, due to an earlier firmware code that's been updated to v1.4 in the replacement unit which works peachy.
Srajan |
Srajan,
Nelson Pass is definitely an electronics savant, his control, precision and understanding are awe-inspiring. Your review of the M2 was also awe-inspiring. I imagine an incredible amount of work on your part and your writing was so precise and concise…a tour de force.
Leo Rodriguez
PS:
I was thinking the HRT Streamer + deserved a Blue Moon award because it proved superior to the Blue Moon winner [NuForce]? On the subject of website loading, 6moons has always been among the fastest websites and easiest to use. |
Just (another - I hope!) support message for your site speed! I've never had problems with it and echo the opinion that it's pretty
easy to navigate too!
Now, as to its effect on one's bank balance...
Well, thinking about it, I've enjoyed the various experiments caused
by your reviews and even made a profit now and thenas well as had lots of musical enjoyment.
Listening as I type to iTunes/iMac via Kingrex USB and Zigmahornets
(my own polystyrene variants).
Main set-up includes Firstwatt F3......etc! All influenced by 6moons reviews.
I'm sure some of us are tempted to put a "Parental Block" on the site though
- for ourselves!
Chris Skelton |
Srajan,
Just a quick counterpoint to the letter you received re: your site's loading speed and its navigability. FWIW, as long as I can remember, it's always been one of the quickest sites I visit - and I see dozens - if not hundreds - daily.
Its ease of navigation is unsurpassed by any other high-end audio review sites. IMO, that's due to the clean layout and graphics. In addition, you keep things organized into manageable groups. Some sites are like a veritable maze to navigate. Please continue providing us with the audio industry's best international audio review and commentary site. Most people that I know are aware of its quality and comment on it, if not on line, then certainly in conversations.
Best regards,
Jim Smith |
Hello,
I have known about your website for quite some time but don't frequent it much for a few reasons. For what it's worth... have there been any discussions to somehow improve the performance? Your website is the slowest loading site I have ever frequented by a large margin. Content is delivered painfully slowly and often times does not load completely or has to be refreshed. This experience is universal no matter what computer or Internet provider is being used. Until that issue is ever resolved 6moons will always be on the fringe. It's a totally frustrating experience trying to access your content and I always kick myself for trying again.
Also, the site has always been difficult to navigate even if you could ever get the content.
Thanks.
Your experience is certainly not common. My server is in the US, I live in Switzerland. I access the site many times daily and have from as far as China and Cyprus. It's plenty fast. My collaborators live across the globe and quite quickly point out issues (which tend to be the occasional coding error, typo or factual mistake but, rarely, also that the site was down during server maintenance or machine failure). Lastly, our site sponsors (from as far as Korea, the US and Europe) would rightly ask for their money back if the site didn't work properly. After 8 years of operation, I haven't seen evidence of slow loading. It's certainly possible that the server has occasional issues but from what I can see, it's clearly not the norm. I'm not sure why you're having problems, sorry.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
I
am sitting here listening to Juanita Hall Sings The Blues [Counterpoint Recordings DJZ-623] and I am moved to once again thank you for your great review of the Crayon CFA-1. I just love this amplifier and I seriously doubt that I will ever want to exchange it for another. So thanks again.
Peter Borelli |
Hi Srajan,
Your commissioned amps have turned out beautifully. As always, your candor is refreshing. Just after receiving a gorgeous implementation of your personally dreamed concept, you are questioning whether valves hold their place at all. It's a great question. I see something like these amps and am always attracted to the beauty, the vintage look, the warmth of the sound and glow. Maybe the best combination is the convenience of the Clayton Shaw approach (mac mini + dac/pre doing software-based room and phase corrections on the music itself), along with the convenience of everything through iTunes using an iPad, and have that chain end in a pair of beautiful tube amps. But it would seem that the music file corrections in his system might make the amps matter somewhat less (assuming power is managed correctly)...
Jim Schneck |
Your new amps look really gorgeous and quite elegant. I didn't think a white chassis would turn out that well. I trust they'll sound as good as they look.
Alan Kafton
That's the $23.000.000 question -:)
Srajan |
Srajan, I noticed this comment in your recent review of the HRT MS Pro. I couldn't agree more and wonder why more reviewers haven't mentioned it.
For now, my silly question is how hi-rez files are supposed to become popular with the iTunes nation when we require Fluke, Switch or other intermediary software and file conversion rituals to make 'em work?
I've had good results using XLD (X Lossless Decoder)—a free software download—to convert files from FLAC or WAV to AIFF or Apple Lossless. It's a very simple program to use. Just drag the files onto the icon and presto, they are converted. I haven't had any trouble with it so far. You might want to give it a try if yo are having problems with Fluke, Switch and others.
X Lossless Decoder: Lossless audio decoder for Mac OS X
Evert Sharp |
Dear Srajan,
a
brief note to say a huge Thank You for your meticulously detailed review of the First Watt F3. I'd had a not good experience with a well-known valve supplier in relation to the EL84s in my Leben CS300x and got to wondering about not using valves - which I have been wedded to for about fifteen years. Your review persuaded me to take a risk on the First Watt. The folks at Reno in the US couldn't have been more helpful.
It is paired with a Music First preamp and into Living Voice IBXRs with Kondo cables thru' out it is just wonderful. The little Leben had to go for repair (a dry joint) and Kevin Scott upgraded the pot which makes an astonishing difference - but the clarity of the First Watt is addictive as also is the bass. I listen to a lot of piano and it's a whole new experience.
So, to reprise a couple of earlier e-mails, I'm no longer interested in the Trafomatic EL84 flagship. Apart from anything I don't like that shape of amp. However, I am potentially interested in the M2...
Is there an approximate time scale for your review to appear? In the meantime thanks again for the F3 review!
Best wishes,
David Deboys
The M2 is in Cologne as we speak so it'll touch down in La Suisse tomorrow and my digs the day after. Give or take 6 weeks and I should have a report. The ModWright KWA-100 showed up today and my Kaivalya monos should ship next Monday so it's raining amps over Chardonne right now...
Srajan |
Dear Srajan Ebaen,
I am writing to see if you are interested in my submitting a report on the recent Lone Star Audio Fest held last month in Dallas Texas, USA. I was actually an exhibitor at the show with my company Audio Crafters Guild so given the usual wall between manufacturer and journalist I had dismissed the idea of writing it up for publication. That changed with your recent Industry Features article on Canjam 2010 by retailer/manufacturer Ken Ball. Industry Features is my favorite hardware section of 6moons and your acknowledgement that input from the actual doers does not instantly taint information and in fact provides insight for the reader is pragmatic. I like the way it treats your readers as adults who can consider source and context.
If you are interested I see a couple of options for the article. One is a straightforward “here are the pictures of the rooms and descriptions of who was there and why”. A second idea is a first person account of my experience as a small manufacturer preparing for the show, setting up and displaying my babies; along with what the other rooms featured. Having exhibited at RMAF and LSAF and attended CES I will attempt to give the reader a peek at the ‘other side’ hoping they will use that information the next time some pundits make absolute decrees based on 5 minutes in the sweet spot chair in a hotel room demo.
In either case I would of course refrain from negative comments about my fellow exhibitors, especially those competing with ACG products. My main goals are to raise awareness of the small low-key LSAF to help assure its continuance and less magnanimously some publicity for ACG. I have photos taken with my Canon G10 in 15Mpixel format of many of the rooms. If you are interested I will approach a couple of other sources who were taking photos with the goal of presenting every room of the show.
Regards,
Norman Tracy
Audio Crafters Guild
Absolutely. The 1st-person perspective is the ticket. It's more - um, personal and thus, interesting. Given the context and just like with Ken Ball, it also establishes and celebrates proper subjectivity rather than attempt to hide behind always faux objectivity with the omniscient commentator perspective. As you rightly said, we do trust the intelligence of our audience. So by all means, count me in. Thanks very much.
Srajan
|
Hi Srajan,
I
hope you are doing well. What a lovely review by David Kan this morning! I think it is a classic example of what your site does exceptionally well. You found a couple of interesting pieces of equipment that many of us have not heard about, reported on them with passion and intelligence and published a review that was written clearly and cohesively. Please pass on my compliments to David or if you send me his e-mail, I would be happy to do myself.
Cheers,
Irv Gross
Director of Sales
Magico LLC |
Hi, Srajan-
I just discovered your excellent site 10 days ago after a chance encounter with a Peachtree iDecco at a local dealer led me to the web to learn more - and was steered to your excellent review of the iDecco from a link at signalpathint.com. Given that you were well impressed with the iDecco even in the context of your working and living with even more superb equipment, you can imagine my reaction to it as someone who, for the past 10 years, has lived with nothing more sophisticated than a Bose home theater system. And while I've had iPods since the first model, the best I've ever heard them sound was through a pair of Bose headphones.
So, you can imagine my astonishment when I ventured into this dealership to check out a Sonus S5, and the dealer decided to demo the iDecco for me, running through some Sonus Faber Toys and an REL T1 sub. As you might guess, I was smitten. Then I found your review and a few others and you confirmed what my less trained ears had suspected - that the iDecco was a superb product especially for the price. So, a few days later I returned and bought one with a pair of Monitor Audio speakers.
And thus, I've been bitten once again by the audio bug. In my youth, I once worked at one of the more mass market audio stores and had some modest equipment then, but I've been away from it for over 20 years. I've really been enjoying your site and just ordered Jim Smith's "Get Better Sound", which was also influenced by your endorsement.
Thanks for providing such a great resource with such a unique style. I'll be a frequent visitor.
Sincerely,
Paul Kuehn |
Hi Srajan,
6moons illuminates the alchemical blend of science, art, creativity and unique individuals that make high-end music reproduction so intriguing. Without 6moons I would certainly have heard of Nelson Pass and possibly Frank Tchang but I would never have gained the insights about their visions and approach to bringing the magic of music into the listening room at home.
All of the individuals who believe they can reproduce a musical event better than anyone else must, by definition, have quite an ego. Because smaller volume high-end audio is not typically a road to riches, the vast majority of these companies are boutique in nature. And because the products tend to be quite expensive and highly personal, I think that many audiophiles like to have an idea about the people whose designs they are buying, not just the products.
I recently came across some extremely striking electronics from Acoustic Plan. With their minimalist blue face plates they are simply beautiful. In trying to learn more about them, I stumbled across the rather bizarre experience you had reviewing one of their loudspeakers (also quite striking, by the way, at least from the front and sides). Based on his own words I learned enough about the head of Acoustic Plan to know I likely won't give any of my hard-earned money to his company no matter how beautiful his products may sound and look. Similarly I was surprised to read in the letters section the nasty diatribe from Simon Yorke, taking you to task for not visiting his display away from the main show in Munich. There are a lot of turntables out there. (By the way, shortly after that email there is a short note of appreciation from Neil Young, I assume the famous musician one. Ironic, since he is known to be a Simon Yorke TT owner).
I don't expect to learn about every manufacturer's character from your reviews but often they do it with their own actions and words. The in-depth visits with people like Nelson Pass and Frank Tchang are fascinating though! On the suggestion side, -it would be interesting to read a review of the Consensus Audio speakers, especially the Magma, which is strikingly similar in design to the Tangos (I think Frank was involved with Consensus in some way). The Magmas are $5,000 more than the Tangos and don't have resonators! Another intriguing speaker is the new Tofana from Isophon of Germany. Very cool design.
Best regards,
Tim Baughman
High-end audio very much is about buying (into) the personal visions of individuals - into what constitutes good sound, proper engineering, timeless design and value. Unlike a commodity or appliance, there's an artisanal aspect to it all which, as you said, makes it important to learn as much as possible about the creator and not just the bits of metal and wood we end up with. Whenever the opportunities arise, all of us enjoy going the extra mile to paint the fuller picture. It's not always possible - and sometimes the picture isn't what we hoped to see and report on -:)
And yes, I too think that Franck Tchang was involved in certain earlier Consensus speaker designs.
Srajan |
| Srajan,
I am a few days from pulling the trigger on a pair of WLM Diva Monitors in Tineo finish (after a bit of effort, I found a good deal). These will replace my current second-hand Totem Rainmakers, which I pair with a Cayin A50 tube amp. In connection with the Divas, I am considering upgrading to another integrated amp. I am considering the Luxman 550A-II, Shindo Apetite, Leben CS-300sx and Almarro 318B. I know that you have spent quite some time with WLM speakers and was wondering whether you had any suggestions for an integrated.
I would appreciate even a sentence or a few words of your input.
Thanks,
Vin Thorn
I only know Shindo from word of mouth and Leben from my collaborators. The Almarro runs very hot, that particular Luxman I haven't heard. From 'deep tube' to 'modern tube', I'd array your options in the sequence of Shindo, Leben, Luxman and Almarro. Depending on where you want to be, sonically, that's where you'd pick. Other natural mates would be the WLM/Trafomatic EL34 integrated and the smallest Octave.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan,
Not that I'm bothering you often but I want to this time. Hope all is well in Switzerland where I'll be returning for the summer holiday. In nearby Lenk no less!
Anyway, onto my question. I currently have an Acoustic LiveLine power cord in my system. I am now looking at including either 1 more pc or an RCA cable. The budget is not likely to stretch to include both, my system's been upgraded quite a bit as it is. In your experience, where would you think the most can be gained? Another pc or the ic instead of the Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II I'm running now, no slouch by itself.
On my upgrade, I've sold both my Arcam CD23 and Modwright 36.5. Also the Powerplant Premier has gone. I'm getting a much better sound with the Chapter Audio Sonnet S that has replaced it. This is an integrated CDP/preamp. It plays CDs at an for me absolutely unprecedented musicality and includes attenuation plus a number of flexible settings. Moreover it can be used as the center of a digital audio system as it has 4 S/PDIF and 1 USB input. I am looking at the new Mac Mini to complete a compact but hi-quality system. I must add that the software on the Sonnet S is not 100% foolproof yet but the importer has given his guarantee that those minor issues will be solved and he will 'zap' the improvements into currently delivered machines when available. Good service in my book!
I have no idea whether the company is up and ready for a review of this product. Their website is 'basic' to say the least, and then I'm being complimentary. I do think they have a magnificent product that the audio world should know about. Maybe that starts with you.
Best wishes,
Dirk
Between power and RCA, I'd go with the RCA. Thanks for the tip on the Chapter Audio.
Srajan |
Hi Srajan
I have been very impressed with Acoustic System Int. products. I have the SRA Craz rack which is fairly similar to what GPA does. I am planning to get into vinyl. Would you recommend a Heartsong rack over SRA?
Regards,
Prem
I'm not certain. I used to own GPA Monaco racks which were physically too deep for my current space. The transition to HeartSong racks came by way of being fully 'Tchanged' as it were, not by comparing. I thus don't know from experience just how I'd rate them in an A/B. Common sense would suggest that the SRA approach goes deeper into noise attenuation while the HeartSong approach is strategic tuning and resonance shifting. Which would be more appropriate for your needs I couldn't say.
Srajan |
Srajan,
Discovering and reading 6moons reminds me of my
experience as a brand-new audiophile in 1977 and
discovering The Absolute Sound, Stereophile and
Audiogram. I greatly enjoy your site and I have
learned much from it. Your perceptive listening
acuity as well as your colorful and sophisticated
writing style makes reading your reviews enjoyable
and informative, like Harry Pearson was at his best.
In 1979, I happened upon the wonderful world of
high-end headphone listening via the Signet TK 33
Electret Condenser headphones. They sold for $300,
a rather princely sum for cans in those days. The
TK 33s had an energizer box that could be directly
driven by any stereo power amp. I purchased a 25wpc Electrocompaniet pure class A amp
second hand out of the Audiomart. The sound was
stunning. Beautiful, lush, rich yet superbly well
defined with a huge sound(head)field and rock'em
sock'em dynamic swings that were startling. I have
been a true believer in high-quality headphone
listening ever since and it has been my primary
listening source all these years. Headphones allow
me an intimacy with the music, an inner experience
and satisfaction from my recordings that only headphone listening with the best cans can give me.
It's great that the wonderful benefits of headphone
listening are discussed and encouraged on 6moons.
Happy Listening,
D. W. Whitlock
Glad you're enjoying 6moons. Yes, I have been on the headphone soap box for
a while now. Guilty as charged -:) I feel the audiophile press at large doesn't give quite enough
coverage to the sector. Particularly with the current economy, that's a
shame. Consumers not exposed may not believe how good it can get if
they've never tried it. I reason that if someone in my position, with a
lot of exposure to better speaker-based setups, keeps reiterating and
covering the upscale headphone theme, perhaps a few people will be intrigued
enough to actually try that route.
I feel the same about the iPod. It has far more potential than getting bashed as fit only for the MP3 nation. Hence my enthusiasm for the Peachtree Audio iDecco and, looking ahead, my excitement over the potential of the new Cypher Labs Algorythm Solo. If portable audio can be elevated to true hifi standards now, the future for our hobby looks far less bleak. I'm always surprised by how many audiophiles are quick to discredit convenience (they also do it with PC audio). Headphone listening opens the doors to anytime, portable headphone listening to anywhere. People don't grasp that greater convenience inevitably means doing more of it. What good is a hobby that must be shoehorned into time slots when family and neighbors give their consent?
That's why particularly top-notch portable audio (iPod, iPod DAC/headphone amp, quality cans) has my attention. As a concept, many audiophiles and our press at large seem to discount it as midfi. I think it's the (very rosy) future. For starters, it gets audio out from the basement sweet spot into the streets and out into nature. Doing it in public can't be a bad thing. If the iPod can be transformed into a $3.000 CD player (loaded with uncompressed files streamed digitally into a higher-quality DAC with a better volume control and output stage), our kind of hifi can begin to make real inroads. Nothing else can.
Srajan |
Hey Srajan,
I have enjoined your headphone articles. I bought a pair of W1000
several years ago based on your writing and have since progressed
through HD650, Edition 9, D5000, and finally the D7000. Which
brings me to the D7000. It is really a fabulous headphone (mine is
driven by a RudiStor RPX-33, which is absolutely wonderful and
under-covered in the media). You have mentioned Denon headphones in
your articles,but I don't recall any specific impressions you may
have of the D7000.
If you have not heard the D7000, I would urge you to give them a try.
They are the first headphone I enjoy without reservation,
almost psychedelic at times in fact. Paired with the PRX-33, my
journey may be at an end though I do want to hear the HD800 and T1
at some point.
Thanks again and keep up the excellent work. It's amazing how your
site has continued to pioneer thoughtful audio journalism in the years
since our interview. I believe, in terms of traffic, 6moons.com is
second only to Stereophile.
Best,
Austin Jackson
I only heard the D5000 at a show. That was too bassy for my tastes. It appears the D7000 is a different animal? Good tip indeed. On site traffic, we indeed do get a lot. But how it measures up to the competition I'm not sure. The usual means to count that aren't that reliable. Nor do I need to know. My concern is for quality and an interesting product mix which the community of our readers can rely on as a constant. I leave worries about biggest and best to others who tell us at each turn that they are.
Srajan |
As an audiophile-type guy new to the headphone world, I have had many very expensive speaker-based systems. Through reading many of your reviews on headphone equipment, I jumped in and started sampIing all the headphone equipment I could in the Chicago land area. I am amazed that I actually prefer this concept even over the most expensive system I have ever owned; and I have only heard three systems ever that I liked more than mine in any high-end store. So I just attended the Chicago CanJam 2010 show and got to hear some of the equipment you have reviewed. I have always wondered how accurate reviewer's descriptions of sound could be and I now can say that you are a very good listener/writer. I enjoy your style of writing very much. I sampled the two Woo 300B units with the difference being the tubes. And I can hear many of the things you describe in your review concerning the Woo and how it responds to different tubes. Thanks for putting so much effort and time into your site. I visit it frequently now and have great confidence that I can figure out whether what you describe/like in a review is for me without having to wonder if we hear differently. Your reviews are so specific that even though I may prefer more of a bloom and steam room effect sound, your preference for more of a PRaT sound will not trip me up because the descriptions are so well placed into a sliding scale that I know just what you are explaining. This is unique I believe so thanks very much again for all your efforts and also for promoting headphone listening. It has greatly improved my life.
Dave Mahan
I'm pleased your life has improved as a result of getting some information from our site, Dave. As this hobby can quickly degenerate into a toys-for-boys affair, it's gratifying to hear that the real reason we're doing this does occasionally meet its mark. Seriously though, you have discovered what's been my contention for a long time. Most audiophiles/reviewers are quite clueless over just how stellar performance can be for a much lower price than they're referencing vis-à-vis the usual speaker systems
if they just investigated serious headphone setups. And yes, certain things are different which might take some getting used to. On a whole though, freedom from room issues, greater linearity and often greater bandwidth and very often much higher resolution do give headphone listening a real edge. I'm pleased as punch that someone with ambitious speaker systems concurs with me on that count. Being able to listen at 2:00AM in the morning without any sacrifices in high fidelity nor disturbing the neighbors is quite the deal.
And yes, the most important thing for the reader of any reviewer is knowing whether their descriptions coincide with yours. You needn't favor the same things. As long as black is black and white is white, the information presented is useful and can be applied to personal needs and desires.
Srajan |
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