|
|
Post by John on Sept 1, 2021 5:25:59 GMT
I had a visit to see Vic yesterday we compared the SMSL M400 with the Gustard A22 volume matched very impressed with M400 I could not hear a difference. The Gustard is better if you do not have a pre amp due to the extra drive but if you have a preamp I would highly recommend this. Vic had some fantastic sounds yesterday .
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 7, 2021 20:02:20 GMT
When I last visited Vic I was impressed with the sounds he was getting from his latest speaker set up so I decided on my next visit to compare the Klipsch RP400 M against the Kef's After a hour listening I am impressed with them enough to try out in my own system.
They are a bit eaiser to drive than the Kef's 93db compared to 90db they go lower too 53hz compared to 75hz although the Kef's are capable of going up to 53Khz.
I had to seal the back port with some foam as it creates a bit of a bass Thump that I am not used too and do not enjoy as prefer my bass tight and agile. Dialling in the sub was not easy they hardly coming in now about 33hz seems to suit my ears with regards the bass. Anything over and the bass becomes a bit unruly for my ears.
First thing I noticed is the soundstage it is so huge. I am still using Bluetooth as my source and with YouTube watching Dream Theater live it is like being at the concert. This is the closest I have ever experienced this feeling of being there. What it does with drums and instruments like the Timpani is stunning. I have never ever heard sounds explode like this apart from being at a concert. The other tricks it does is allowing you to hear all the instruments and that wonderful trick of more clarity and naturalness to instruments.
The other thing the Klipsch 400m do is make music fun, using decent subs like mine takes them into very serious territories. The Kef's do amazing scale and they love to rock but no issues with everything else I enjoy.
I think it interesting comparing to Martin system as very different approaches, but both systems disappear and both have a finesse with treble. Martin has a touch more bass weight and mine mid bass punch which appeals to the rocker in me.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 7, 2021 20:31:19 GMT
The other thing is that I seem to have more bass weight and pushes them closer to Martin system
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2021 5:30:07 GMT
That's great to hear, John. Funny how our systems converge in sound, means we both like a similar overall sound.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 8, 2021 6:46:35 GMT
I think my biggest surprise was that your speakers disappear in the room. Before they would call attention to themselves I am not used to such large speakers doing this. Stand mounts and open baffles yes but big speakers like your Ushers no
The major difference is bass yours go low with impact, mine not far behind but has more mid bass kick. Mids and top end are similar but slightly different in presentation
I think synergy comes into play and that constant pushing off the system. I hope this is my last major change for sometime.
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2021 9:23:47 GMT
I think synergy comes into play and that constant pushing off the system. I hope this is my last major change for sometime. Me too! When you get that synergy working you don't want to mess with it. |
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Sept 8, 2021 10:57:47 GMT
I'm interested in your Gustard a22, John.
Yours and Martin's posts have got me thinking.
Had got the SEG plus Tony's additions, and very happy with them.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 8, 2021 12:52:09 GMT
Brett if you are happy then my advice is to enjoy your system. Both Martin and myself have systems that are capable of making the best out of the Gustard
I think the A22 is difficult to get now due to the short supply of chips for it
|
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2021 13:29:20 GMT
The A22 may be available to Brett due to different Pacific Rim supply routes - it's worth a try?
|
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Sept 8, 2021 13:48:46 GMT
It's available from a number of Chinese sellers on eBay.
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 8, 2021 16:34:05 GMT
One off my lessons with upgrading is that they can show up systems faults that leads to more upgrades. It's a slow process of a few steps forwards some backwards and some sideways.
These days I would only do a major upgrade if it improves the whole synergy of my system
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 8, 2021 16:41:58 GMT
If you can try and send back then go for it if not what you looking for then go for it. Both Martin and myself knew that this would push our systems onto the next level we were looking for.
|
|
|
|
Post by wannarock2 on Sept 8, 2021 16:53:25 GMT
.. lessons with upgrading is that they can show up systems faults that leads to more upgrades.  (i guess in our hobby it really never ends) |
|
|
|
Post by MartinT on Sept 8, 2021 18:59:11 GMT
Hah! I really hope it does end for me. I thought I was there with the LKS, I really think I'm there now with the Gustard.
Like John, I'm gratified that the rest of my system already has great synergy.
|
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Sept 8, 2021 23:22:08 GMT
Brett if you are happy then my advice is to enjoy your system. Both Martin and myself have systems that are capable of making the best out of the Gustard I think the A22 is difficult to get now due to the short supply of chips for it Ah, John. If you're happy. What about, if you are even happier? |
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Sept 8, 2021 23:26:12 GMT
The A22 may be available to Brett due to different Pacific Rim supply routes - it's worth a try? Nothing on Aliexpress, or Shenzhen Audio. When I looked at your X-26 Martin, it put $1200 import duty on for me. Yikes! And EBay are a little more expensive. |
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Sept 8, 2021 23:29:37 GMT
I had bought things as 'end game' items.
But as they say, I'm moving the posts a little.
Not on amp or speakers, but other items.
Just have to save up again.
For some stupid reason, I bought some Sony WH-1000XM4 Blurtooth headphones.
As well as upgraded caps on my amp.
So, a wee while getting my funds to a level where I can 'splurge.'
|
|
|
|
Post by John on Sept 9, 2021 6:59:48 GMT
Brett if you are happy then my advice is to enjoy your system. Both Martin and myself have systems that are capable of making the best out of the Gustard I think the A22 is difficult to get now due to the short supply of chips for it Ah, John. If you're happy. What about, if you are even happier? You have the audio decease as bad as the rest of us |
|
|
|
Post by julesd68 on Sept 9, 2021 9:59:00 GMT
The A22 may be available to Brett due to different Pacific Rim supply routes - it's worth a try? Nothing on Aliexpress, or Shenzhen Audio. When I looked at your X-26 Martin, it put $1200 import duty on for me. Yikes! And EBay are a little more expensive. Try Apos Audio with free shipping I think. apos.audio/search?q=Gustard+a22&type=product |
|
|
|
Post by brettj on Sept 10, 2021 9:46:54 GMT
Apos have replied, saying they only ship to The US and Canada.
|
|
📶NAS > Gustard x26p DAC > Benchmark LA4 Pre-Amp > NAD M22-V2 Amplifier > Revel F228Be Speakers