My last solid state was the Pass X600, but my comment extends to every solid state I have ever witnessed. The digital player is the Liteon 2001.
My interest is in those who have switched THEIR solid state with THEIR digital.
I have honestly told you my reaction to the switch I made. |
Ah! Daniel, close to my heart. I am driving Apogee Scintillas with the eAR 2. I still have my Aleph P pre amp. My sweet Jolida 100 fitted with terrific tubes has lost out to the cheapy ($150) Liteon, already improved with three cd inserted patches.
It was the vaunted X600 that was replaced by the eAR. |
Aren't we splitting hairs? There is a wide gulf in approach in power production between digital module powered amps and bipolar/mosfet type amps. They just aren't the same. Maybe I am using the wrong code word.
I know that TacT is truly digital to the final analogue conversion. Likewise, OTLs are true valve gear.
The small cool running digital modules are sweeping into the audio arena. There are new better (and worse) modules being introduced all the time. |
Bigkidz and others, it pains me to diss my good old Pass buddies. I'm just a crass consumer after all..
Yes, synergy is important. I am not totally surprised the Spectron took a back seat to the Pass and others. There is room for improvement. The fact is that improvement is happening with great speed.
The eAR has an analogue power supply, while all the "digitals" I can think of are using a switched power supply. The ICE module was built to surpass earlier module designs. Acoustic Reality goes further and improves ICE. All I know for sure is the eAR sounds analogue to these ears. |
Marakanetz, I have heard those criticisms before concerning some digital modular designs. The field is in it's infancy, and will grow unevenly.
Tubegroover, I understand. My eAR has not been around much. On some Martin logans, it was matched against Sonic Fidelity. The eAR equaled the SF in musicality and involvement, but went further in uncovering the real thing, and expressing bass passages.
I think you might be on to something about my speaker's synergy with the eAR. The Scinnies are notorious amp benders. The eAR seems to ignore impedances. Although it was a revelation on my system, the SF/Martin Logan are quite enjoyable.
That same ML owner went tubes, after I demonstrated valves on his solid state system. I really thing tube components are going to survive. |
Hi Megasam,
I bought mine in the states. It was new, and had been in the hands of a former dealer. From Denmark, I have no idea. The eAR is based on European currency, and as you know, currency fluctuates. I have little doubt the shipping would occur promptly. The packing of the amp is the best I have ever seen.
There are two models to choose from. For 8 ohm and some 4 0hm loads I would recommend the Enigma.
For my terribly inefficient speakers, I use the Pass Aleph P's variable gain feature to good results. Anything over 2 ohms, shouldn't be concerned with what pre amp they are using. |
Khrys what is your problem? In another forum topic, I repeated one quote by a speaker maker that colorfully explains why Apogee stopped making Scintillas, but not the much larger Full Ranges, and you have had connuptions ever since.
The hand labor that went into the making of the Scintilla would drive it's cost upwards to 40k these days. The Scintilla was made as a statement, not a financial banquet.
You would obviously be surprised at the number of speaker builders that have used Apogees to voice their own famous speakers.
You also act like you have never heard a decent digital, nor an Apogee. If you had, you wouldn't be crashing this topic just to plagiarize my quote from another topic. |
Khyrs. Why don't you have your maid give you a warm glass of milk, and tuck you in. You must be running a fever. |
Unsound, your adult approach to dialogue is refreshing.
There are many models of Apogees. I have happily run some on 100 watt tube amps. All are 4 ohm speakers, or greater, except the Scintilla. Why do I choose the Scintilla? Because it is the finest of all Apogees. I was well aware of it's amp requirements when I bought them.
I am glad that you have heard Apogees. Your characterization of suppressed higher frequencies puzzles me. I have read everything I can find on Apogees, and not once have I heard that criticism before. It certainly doesn't apply to my experience either.
I would think all dipoles require careful positioning. I know for certain, the Scintilla will lose it's highs if wrongly positioned. Maybe that was the case when you heard them.
I have heard just about every speaker out there, and I have yet to yearn for any. The highs in my system extend to out of hearing naturally, without a hint of beaming.
I am absolutely certain the eAR will fit into any system. Obviously it has the power needed for any load. It is beautifully built. Because of the lack of needing heavy heat sinks, or giant transformers, there are big cost savings.
The eAR doesn't sound anything like other digital amps I have heard, including TacT, and the EVO. It really sounds like the finest tubes, only clearer still, with a serious grip on the bass driver. The eAR's mid range dynamics are better than anything I have heard elsewhere. It is in a space of it's own.
So far, people who were ready to hand the cash in, and walk out the door with my X600 blocks, have scoffed at the idea they should listen to the eAR. I have to admit, it is a hard sell. I am not saying people will come around quickly.
I predict as more of us adopt digitals, the faster the movement will spread. Even now, digital amps are being designed for market by many amp manufacturers. I believe they will flood the market within a year.
A group of us (converts all) did take the eAR to a Martin Logan owner's place. In the past, we had listened to the Jolida 1000, Pass X150, Sonic Frontier, and a Llano 300 on the MLs. We all agreed, the eAR bested the lot of them on the Martin Logan.
Cheers
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On tube sound. I am just trying to describe the eAR in terms we are familiar with. For me, tubes have always imparted the playback with a wholeness, and kindness, solid state only approaches. The Pass amps brought me close.
IMHO, the eAR (?digital enabled solid state?) bridges the accuracy and extension of great solid states with the wholeness, and kindness of tubes. On top of that, it thoroughly clarifies the players, to where everything is heard in proper proportion.
Jeff Rowland has already entered the digital module fray, I believe. As has been noted, PS Audio has rocked the boat hard with their cheap entry. The basic bud of Class D technology may have been around for a while. Now it is beginning to fully blossom.
Really, everyone, I am just giving you my personal experience. When I started this topic, I was hoping others with similar esperience would step forward - seems I have jumped the gun. |
Thank you for the input Eldartford. I hadn't even heard of the Carver. These things are cheap. I have heard rumors there are a number of these new breeds ready to hit the streets, at ever cheaper prices.
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Khrys, I can see how my evangelizing over one product can lead a reader into distrust. I actually enjoy a good argument.
You have me feeling nostalgic over my Great Aunt Key, and cousin Van Day Truex. Even the mansions of Shawnee Missions are gone to condos.
My Pass 600 amps are in merry England. Thanks for asking.
I will toast to your good health these Holidays with a glass of egg nog tonight. |
Thank you very much, Ecclectique. You are one of the only people I know that have heard the Scintilla properly powered. I absolutely thrill at the performance of mine powered by the eAR. On the down side, the 250 watts of my little amp doesn't have the unlimited current the FM Acoustics amps, and I keep the volume down to 90db, short of some live events. I have peeked at higher levels, but the eAR wasn't created to push <1 ohm. I went to the FM site, and came away with more questions than answers. Lacking large heat sinks, these have to be digital module amps, don't they?
Thanks for the tip.
Khyrs,
"To each their own, except for those of us who champion the sound of music in real time."
Meaning there is always an advantage had by latter production speakers? You can go on believing that. There are very few Scintillas to go around anyway. |
We all rather hear the real thing.
Khrys, check out the comment of the new eAR owner on the piano thread. You might try one. The eAR can easily power Watt Puppies. |
Eldartford, you are right. The simplicity and quality afforded by evolving modules ensures cheap thrills. Where were you, when you listened to the well appointed Scintilla? I know that reviewer Ken Kessler, in England, has a pair opitimally set up.
You are also right about the goose bump factor attainable through many avenues. Last week, I listened to Vandersteen 5 speakers fronted by top vinyl and tube gear, and it was very fine. That was a $70,000 system.
I went home to my digital module driven speakers and listened to even better transparency, and bass definition - for far, far less. (I want that turn table gear, though) :-D |
True, they are only sold direct. I think it is a poor marketing ploy. This new module wave is in it's infancy. Acoustic Reality had the only ICE powered amp for two years. With proper manufacturing, and a good market strategy, they could have made a killing. Now, more ICE powered amp companies are on the horizon. |
Rgcards, your post is right on target. There is going to be a rush for manufacturers to try to get on to the feeding chain. I feel like I am watching a Jiffy Pop pan, and the first kernels have popped. You know what happens next.
The ICE module is perfect for the slim style consciousness of B&O. |
You are right. Peter of Acoustic Reality worked on the ICE module for B&O. |
Iseekheils, The Enigma does not come balanced. A single eAR 2 will suffice for any load and is balanced. My speakers are very large 1 ohm 76db affairs. The eAR amps also are available in a mono version. the PS sounds good, but is outclassed in sound and build by the eAR.. |
You haven't heard the Acoustic Reality amps yet. I have heard the Evo and the TacT. the TacT is better than the Canto with any music. The eAR betters the TacT in that it can drive any load, and sounds fluid. |
