Bottlehead moreplay vs Audio research reference 5se (early impressions)


I am totally shocked with the moreplay performance. I built it several months ago but just moved into a new listening space where I am using it more. I am directly comparing it to my ARC ref5se. Rest of the system is yamaha ns5000, pass x350.8 and denafrips terminator OG with v2 board.

What I noticed with moreplay in the system is a bigger more 3d soundstage especially with respect to depth and height, more forward and textured mids (incredible with female vocals), a warmer more pleasing tonality. I really can't believe it. This is also with stock tubes and cheap cabling (the ARC has much more expensive higher quality cabling). Moreplay just brings my system to life and although the ARC is good it makes it sound flat and somewhat lifeless.

I plan to do a full review at some point. I will keep listening but right now I don't really get how this is possible.
 
smodtactical

Great...

Been researching the heck out of a SS integrated (this past year) to replace my 20 year old Bottlehead Foreplay/Paramour combo and now I WANT a Moreplay.

Just great.

 

DeKay

Yaaaaaaaaaaaa grab it. Its cheap enough that you can grab it and still look at other options. I'll still look for another preamp that has moreplay sound better finishing and a remote.

I'm flush (just saved $1700, or so, by purchasing 2 pairs of the Micca speaker cables mentioned in another thread;-).

 

DeKay