2. amps-preamps
  3. 1139901878

High end amp recommendation in China

I need some help.

I am in the process of upgrading my amplification. My current system consists of Egglestonworks Rosa loudspeakers being fed by an Electrocompaniet EMC1-UP CD player through a Mark Levinson 383 integrated. Analysis Plus silver cables all around.

Overall, nice sound - very nice actually, but the 383 doesn't drive my Rosa's with the authority I want.

But here is the wrinkle - I live in Shanghai, China. High end options are limited. I have a very good dealer here who is very knowlegable and helpful, but limited in their selection. My choices are Krell, Mark Levinson, and Halcro (and Graaf if I want to head down the tube path - I don't).

I am demo-ing a 320S pre / 436 power set-up in my home now. First impression - wow - talk about authority! Sucks me WAY MORE into the music than my integrated. Bass, imaging, width, and depth. I have heard the Halcro stereo amp (the 38?)demonstrated in the store - double wow - though I think it is out of my price range. I have yet to listen to the Krell's, but my previous experience with them back in the States is that they are not the sound I am looking for (Lyle Lovett, Eddie From Ohio, Diana Krall, etc)

So give me your opinions / experience.

Yes, yes, yes. I know - I intend to listen to my ears. I am just looking for some help to guide my ears into the right general direction.

No, no, no, don't tell me that these all are horrible and non-musical and that I really need to listen to Brand X - its just not an option for me.

In advance, thanks for your help!

ChinaBrad
bradleypeacockba28

Showing 2 responses by bradleypeacockba28

bradleypeacockba28 OP
7 posts
 
Dracula,

Good to find another audiophile in SH. I did buy a Halcro DM38 from Excel Hi Fi in Shanghai. They are great! I can forward contact information to you. Send me an email.

Cheers!

Brad
bradleypeacockba28 OP
7 posts
 
Dan (porschecab),

Thanks for your response - this generally confirms my ears as well.

Re: Cello - I don't know specifically about Cello, I will look - but in China things are "complex". In theory, I can also get Pass, Gryphon, Meridian, Musical Fidelity, and several others. I say in theory because I can walk into a shop in a loud crazy cyber mall, see one piece from a mfrs line blasting away in competition with the din all around. If I like it, I can special order and buy the other peice from the line that I really am interested in (fully pre-paid, of course!) Obviously not a real audition process - and I am not going to drop this kind of money without a proper audition - first in a quiet shop, and second in my home. There is one "true" high-end shop where I can do both of these things. As I mentioned above, their staff and service are great - even better than my old shop in the US. It's just that their selection is limited.

I did receive good news last night - my annual bonus now potentially puts Halcro in the list of opportunities. I plan to bring home and listen. Any experience with the line? I would be looking at the DM38 stereo amp - not the big monoblocks.

Thanks!

ChinaBrad
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