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Neutral is a good description for how the Densen handles amplitude. The 130+ exhibited the presence and ease of some of the better tube units with the precision of the better solid-state devices, remarkably reminiscent in character of the Wyred4Sound STI1000 preamplifier stage. With the Catalina the amp demonstrated a combination of bass extension, warmth and control that matched the Bel Canto/AudioSpace Reference 2S pairing. This translated as tremendous articulation without leanness. Acoustic bass instruments had body and texture with the wooden properties intact and proportional to the string information. The presentation was however different from some of the big tube or muscle amps which emphasize weight and slam. The Densen was more "float like butterfly, sting like bee."
The lower to upper midrange transition was even without spotlighting or etching, approaching the performance of extreme products to recreate the aliveness of the event. The flavor was refined solid state as opposed to tubular lush with an open and transparent character exhibiting sufficient natural warmth to project solidity and sufficient dynamic agility to allow the music to breathe. Upper frequencies were handled with a smoothness reminiscent of some of the better tube designs like the Acousticbuoy Scorpio, with full extension but no exaggerated air. The Raal tweeter’s scrutiny was answered by nonchalance, sounding consistently unforced, extended,and less mechanical. Overall the 130+ handled the spectrum in a very balanced fashion and displayed a lack of character without emphasis or spotlighting in any specific area.
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On soundstaging the Densen captured some of the precision of the better transistor designs with a bit of the dimensionality of some of the better tubes. This allowed for images with good dimensionality and also separated objects within the soundstage with clearly defined distances. There was however a difference between the way the Densen rendered placement and the way it handled space. The 130+ favored transparency in communicating hall information, giving see-through clarity without filling in those open spaces with a sense of acoustics the way some do. It emphasized musical content over context, creating an interesting dichotomy that was rich in instrumental character but slightly dry in venue data. The differences were not dramatic compared to the AudioSpace 2S/Bel Canto pair but considerably more so against the H2O pre/power combo. Stage dimensions were wide and deep but lacked the forward projection that some amplification gives to the presentation. The soundstage began at the speaker plane and moved back from there. Coupled with the 130+‘s intrinsic transparent style it lent an open window effect, revealing observational detail rather than an immersive experience.
Altogether the Densen was a heavy hitter beyond its size. On an overall basis it competed favorably with separate components and like the Wyred4Sound integrated confirmed how a single box solution can be viable. In fact the two rivals had much in common especially in their linestage approach and character, achieving enviable levels of dynamic integrity and tonal openness. It was in the amplification stages where they part company. Densen has chosen to stick with classic class AB circuitry where Wyred4Sound champions class D. This gives Wyred a serious advantage in horsepower that the Densen cannot compete with. Yet given a compatible loudspeaker the 130+ does not sound less endowed and counters with somewhat better focus and lower-end warmth. It is only with inefficient monster speakers that the superior muscular mettle of the Wyred shows musical might the little 130+ doesn’t possess. Both are superb but for different applications.
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With the Catalina the Densen Beat 130+ was in its glory. There was no strain driving this 6Ω 89dB load and the little integrated threw a dynamic performance equal to the AudioSpace Reference 2S/Bel Canto combination and with refinement that came quite close. Here was a compact piece that could make the Raal tweeters sing with sweet precision and keep the Scanspeak mid/woofer in step. The result was open, unfettered and natural, leaning only slightly towards transistors by avoiding lush, a remarkable achievement given the discriminating nature of the speakers attached to it. The pairing with the AS3/5As was equally delightful, affording the nearfield monitors a wide soundstage with a high level of articulation and good extension into the extremes as well as playing to the speaker’s primal strength of midrange life. The Densen had no difficulties with the lower 82.5dB efficiency and 11Ω load.
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The Apogee Duetta Signatures were the sole speaker to break the Densen’s composure. While on paper they are a 4Ω 86dB load, in practice they are extremely current hungry and dip lower in impedance and efficiency than the numbers would suggest. Practical recommendations on amplification start at about 100 watts with a very robust power supply and although the 130+ comes close with its 80-watt rating, it was still a little reticent compared to its stunning performance with the Bogdan Audio Creations speaker. The short period that the Densen spent as preamplifier gave me a chance to identify the characteristics attributable to its linestage. Paired with the H2O muscle amp it now uncoiled the same level of dynamic agility that had defined its performance with the Catalina and applied it to the Apogees, gaining a bit of weight in the lowest octave as well as a touch more dimensionality in the midrange. This performance was simply first rate now and a real challenge to standalone preamplifiers. In the context of expandability to multi-channel configuration, it bode well for the fundamental integrity of the core preamplifier stage.
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Densen is one of a number of manufacturers to highlight the advantages of integrated solutions where some SOTA efforts approach the price of automotive transportation today. I have not had the honor of driving such units but based on the performance exhibited against separates and other integrateds that have come and gone, I would say that the Densen, while not the most powerful or expensive choice, should be sonically sophisticated enough to bear scrutiny against pricier fare. Tube lovers especially of the specialized low wattage variety may still prefer the sheer presence and emotional envelopment those devices offer but they would also be impressed to hear the very real dynamic life and superior control that allows the B-130+ to speak with simple transparency and authority. It is tonally self effacing but dynamically bold.
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Conclusion: Does the B130+ live up to Densen’s motto "life is to short for boring hifi"? Did it inspire me to play air guitar or air conduct? It didn’t stir me to frenzy but was quite emotionally involving and in fact presented a musical portrait that was never boring. The 130+ concentrated firmly on the musical content, capturing its dynamic pulse and managed a natural frequency balance that allowed it to breathe with ease. Used within the capabilities of appropriate power and impedance matches it doesn’t just knock on the doors of the high-end but is that. Caveats? On the mechanical side be careful with your choice of cable connectors. Be aware of the subwoofer limitations if you are committed to that route. Match your room size and speaker requirements. On the sonic side the Densen presented a transparent window on the event, not an encompassing experience of venue. Bass was responsive and deep but not Krell massive. Other than those qualifications the Densen deserves an obvious and easy recommendation. If you like the size, ease of use and involving musicality the B-130+ brings to the table, this makes a good choice. Interior decorator approval is as high as the performance level. Available through authorized distributors and direct from US distributor TrueHarmonix.
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Quality of packing: Double boxed cardboard containers. Styrofoam end caps. Oversized air bubble pouch for the remote.
Reusability of packing: Yes.
Condition of components received: Perfect.
Delivery: Via FedEx.
Website comments: Extensive information ranging from company history, philosophy, product information to listening tips.
Human interactions: Professional, quick, and informative.
Warranty: Lifetime to original owner with proof of purchase.
Final comments & suggestions: A product that makes it very easy to forget about the electronics and concentrate on the musical content. |
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