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Review 1 of 2
Price Paid:
$2000.00
from Private sell - locally Summary:
This is modified by CJ in SE model and was used as the reference preamp for many years by an Audiophile magazine. Could not fit in my rack, but had to buy anyway! Amps are custom made monoblocks, based on Nelson Pass design, 40W class A. Speakers are made by Greek manufacturer (Analysis - model Omega) panel designs with full ribbon. CD transport by HHB (CDR-850) and converter by DCS (professional DSD D/A). Nothing comes close to this preamp in terms of "natural feeling" of acoustic instruments. Probably the best next thing to the live performance! Clarity is no object either, and what strikes most of all is the BALANCE between, say, 1st and 2nd voice in a vocal duet. Must listen to fully appreciate (I did, for 1 month before I buy...) Can be a "tad" less responsive in ultra fast transients, but I can live with it, I think. No remote also, but who cares! Hands - down, the best preamp that I have heard. Had to go for it. Strengths:
Warm, transparent sound throughout the spectrum. Immense bass reproduction, warm character, does not "shout". Weaknesses:
Very weak phono stage, bulky, perhaps a little slow on fast transients - in relation to pure solid state designs. Similar Products Used:
Gas Thaedra, Audio Research, Motif and CJ various preamps, Naim Nac 32, Passive preamp by Ypsilon.
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