Red Wine Audio Isabella

Jwarmbrand & Natewalker_2006

As you both know I am a happy Dodd owner and I hope that you found my comments truthful and accurate.......of course to the certain point (it is all system dependent and I had only one day to evaluate Isabella).

I share your enthusiasm towards Vinnie's new Isabella preamp as I believe it might be one of the best preamp out there - especially with its build-in Isabellina NOS non-up-sampling DAC.

If I had to choose only few words to describe it, it would have to be - smooth, analog sounding DAC, effortless, musical enjoyment.

If I did not have Dodd already, I would be placing order right now. It is that good.

Thanks for kind words and congratulations on getting and enjoying RWA Isabella preamp.

Mariusz

In order to get objective opinions you will have to get independent group of audiophiles and perform blind test in at least two neutral systems. Not easy thing to do. Most fear of the outcome some are bias and others are pre-fix on their preferences and idea of what sounds good to their ears. Also component synergy will play big part in the evaluation. I usualy compare components home in my system. Shot-outs are great and very helpful but not able to get the whole story and true about two components that are compared and evaluated.
It takes balls and open mind to have two components go head to head at each other and being judged by strangers with unknown preferences and listening skills. However, it is possible. Vinnie is very open minded and is not affraid to ask questions. He knows that I own his Sig. 30 and love it. He also knows about pairing his amp with Dodd preamp. He knows it is his competition and I am sure he somewhat respects Gery and his design. His Isabella must be very competitive and superior while its price tag is $1500 higher. Both are very alike.....design wise. One cap in the signal path. Both use 6922 (X2) tubes. Both run on batteries. Similar volume controlers. Vampire RCA jacks etc.
If I had those two (actually all I need is Isabella) home, I would be more then happy to report my findings. And NO , I am not bias towards DODD. If RWA Isabella is in fact better........it would most likely stay and DODD would have to find a better home. But untill then I am sticking with less expensive DODD which features HT pass-thru , more ins and longer battery operation on single charge. (double of RWA)
Just few thoughts about these fine products that will be talked about and always tried to be compare to each other. Until someone will put that controvercy to rest.

Enjoy the music

Mariusz

Nate, I am curious just like you and would like to get more information in regards to both designs. As little as it is known about Isabella , even less we know about Dodd. If you compare the websites, Vinnie did better job getting as many details as he could at the time of Isabella release day (I think t was Friday). Vinnie is also very active on Audio Circle, where he tries to answer any questions regarding his products. I admire his support and time he dedicates to be as helpful as possible. However, I can not help but noticed the similarities between these two. Yes, there are some differences.......but.
So please keep us posted and hope to hear first impressions from one of you - first Isabella owners.

P.S
Love the DAC idea......NOS DAC and it runs on batteries too.
Very cool. If I was going to get one.....definitly the one with build in DAC. Also Six moons might try to compare Dodd to Isabella pre.......that is going to be very interesting review that I will be waiting for ........so long and congrats on the Isabella purchase. I am sure that non of you will regrat it.

Mariusz

Hi Jeff, I thought that DAC boards arrived already.....at least that is what I am hearing. I am very interested in the first users report (honest report) and look forward to find someone in NY area to compare the two battery wonders and help me decide if Isabella is worthy of the closer look in the future or Dodd is the one to beat .....still.
When you report back your first impresssions, please try to compare RWA DAC to another DAC with reputation and preferably in the same price range.

Thanks

Mariusz

YES - Isabella dac is very airy and spacious sounding! I love it - why? it simply makes digital sound like music and I can finally connect with digital!

I agree.
I am in the process of auditioning new speakers as well to match with RWA gear.

I have auditioned AMR CD 77 about two months ago and loved it. Cost was the only barrier in acquiring this wonderful CDP. However with Isabella and Isabellina DAC, I am just smiling from the fact that it brings the same emotions and feeling while listening to AMR CD 77.
La Scala, Rethm Saadhana among few others are on my list of speakers to audition......if someone is interested.

Heard RWA with Rethms and loved it. La Scala is also very promising, potential match for RWA. Another is also a single driver speaker and the last one is Horn design 16K speaker that might not be the perfect fit for my kind of smallish room, but at this point I am open for suggestions.
Will decide in a week or two , what I am going to do or what I am going to upgrade to .....if ever.

Cheers

Mariusz

hahahahahah.....no, of course not. It is more like Ferrari vs Corvette. Different, but threels the same way.
Than again.....who know what the results would be if compared side by side????

Devor super 8s.......????? hmmmm. :)
I know someone who is using those with RWA as well......:)

Cheers
Mariusz

You're right Nate, Vinnie is in fact using Devores.......are they 9s.....??? I am not sure. I spoke to one of RWA guys today comparing notes on cetrain pair of speakers and if I am not mistaken, he mentioned Vinnie's Devores 8s not 9s.
I also remember Vinnie mentioning 9s and always thought that's what he use home.
Anyway, do not be surprised to see another news announced on RWA website or AC forum this week or the next.
Now let me get some sand and put it in my mouth before I say something that I will regret later.

Cheers
Mariusz

Yes he told me so but not for long.
That is part of the news that will be posted on his website tomorrow. Getting warmer????

Hi Nate. I am sorry for not spilling the beans but I have promised to keep my mouth shut. Yep, they sure look very tempting. In fact, I will have chance to audition La Scala monitors in a week or two. According to Vinnie, floor standers and monitors are esentially the same speaker. The only difference is the 10Hz difference in bass extention.
As far as I know, Vinnie is selling his Devore 9s in favor of La Scalas. It is unfortunate that US dollar is so weak but even with its $5500 & $4500 for monitors,.... performance is said to be on par with more expensive designs. But most importantly, synergy between those speakers and RWA gear was said to be very special.........bad news for Omega speakers I guess...?????? From what I have heard the bass is awesome but what is most amazing about La Scalas is how they sound-stage and image.

We will find out pretty soon.

Cheers
Mariusz

Vinnie was kind enough to bring his La Scala monitors over to the August "Rave".(But away , the Isabella and Sig.30.2 on the picture are mine. :) )

My initial impression is very positive. They do indeed work very well with RWA gear. Smooth, relaxed presentation with very well define bass. Image and soundstage is exceptional for speakers in this price range. However it is the Grand Viola that I want to hear. Price on the other hand is way out of my reach.
I can not answer your question about the differences or similarities between La Scala and Devore speakers, simply because I have not heard the Devores. Vinnie did and he might answer this question for you. If it is of any importance to you, Vinnie just sold his Devore 9s.......do not ask me why.:)

Cheers
Mariusz

Both. ;)