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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 8:37:48 GMT
I was at my cousin's place a couple of weeks ago in Christchurch.
Went down for a remembrance, as it was 25 years since my dad died. Nice to have family there.
What a change, since the big 2011 earthquake. The city is taking shape. Disconcerting that parents/grandparents houses have all been demolished or replaced. Whew.
Anyway, listening to my cousin's system. Had admired it for years. He has a little more buying power than I do (lots more).
He's looking at upgrading to an Accuphase E-380 integrated amp. From a McIntosh that must be around 10 years old.
Has just bought a new CD player. I'm guessing it was an Accuphase DP-450 around NZ$9,500. Now the dealer is trying to get him to spend NZ$13,000 on the E-380 = synergy.
While I was there, I listened to the McIntosh and DP-450. There was more resolution than my system, notes hung in the air. But something wasn't right. It didn't wow me. Tried a few tracks.
Don't get me wrong. It was good. But was off somehow. Maybe it was the space. Not conducive to effective sound transmission.
Then he fired up his turntable. An NZ made Well Tempered, with Dynavector phono amp/Dynavector cartridge. Put on Leonard Cohen Live at London. My jaw dropped. Sublime.
My ideas are bouncing around a little, sorry.
He's trying out my Black Ravioli Big Pads. Had been quoted isolation footers at something like £300 each.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 8:38:04 GMT
So, any ideas for amps, around £5,00 - £7,000?
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Post by mansie on Oct 7, 2021 9:10:18 GMT
Have you considered the Norma Revo IPA-70b or IPA-140? Both amplifiers are well reviewed but the Norma brand is not so well known yet. I have the IPA-70b which is truly excellent.
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 7, 2021 9:16:57 GMT
Belles is crazy VFM if you can get it in NZ
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Post by John on Oct 7, 2021 9:18:26 GMT
The Belles is a lovely amplifier
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Post by mansie on Oct 7, 2021 9:20:31 GMT
Have you considered Perreaux amplifiers? They are designed and made in New Zealand, and are well-reviewed.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 9:22:25 GMT
Have you considered Perreaux amplifiers? They are designed and made in New Zealand, and are well-reviewed. That's what I have. An older R200i. Not sure he'd go for a Perreaux.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 9:25:48 GMT
Belles is crazy VFM if you can get it in NZ Postage and import duty is a little crazy to NZ.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 9:26:47 GMT
The Belles is a lovely amplifier Had a look at the Belles a week ago
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 7, 2021 10:01:57 GMT
I would certainly audition a Benchmark AHB2 and anything from Pass Labs - both available on NZ.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 10:54:09 GMT
I would certainly audition a Benchmark AHB2 and anything from Pass Labs - both available on NZ. Have messaged the Pass Labs agent.
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Post by brettj on Oct 7, 2021 10:57:40 GMT
I was surprised at how close my system was to my cousin's. Thought they would be worlds apart.
Would love to take a weekend, drive down with some of my gear (mods etc), and play. Be interesting what difference they would make.
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Post by John on Oct 7, 2021 11:18:34 GMT
If Plinus are still going they are local and make good amplifiers
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Post by MartinT on Oct 7, 2021 11:43:08 GMT
Belles of course, but understand about the pricing.
Plinius seconded.
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Post by ajski2fly on Oct 7, 2021 14:07:15 GMT
Hello there, having heard the less powerful 286 version of one of these I would go for the 686 neurochrome.com/collections/power-supplies/products/power-686?variant=39452068413510The 286 one I heard in a friends home was sublime, truly transparent, wonderful bass control, very clean and musical mids and top end, the owner is an electronics engineer and has worked on and heard many amps, in his opinion he has not heard anything better. He says the chip impelementation by the designed is very clever resulting in near zero distortion which account for the transparency and purity of sound. One thing to know though is that it will show up any weaknesses in the front end or speakers. But at least you will be able to tune those accordingly to your aural preference. Yes it is a self build but if you have a look carefully Neurochrome advise on toroidal transformers, boxes and other bits, so should be relatively easy to build. It will be my best amp when I get enough cash together.
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