Musical Night of the year! SERIOUSLY HIGH END KIT

[Fran]

Its really too hard to say given the huge number of variables. The big focals were being driven by a VTL pre + monoblocks - I don't know any more details than that. The sound seemed effortless and extremely clear from bottom to top. Just an initial (and poor) passing impression is that the VTL stuff is very neutral with bags of power. I might be inclined to think the airtight stuff is a little sweeter and the jadis, well I've only heard those about twice ever!

There was a clearaudio TT set up (second pic I think) with a roksan nima and a JPW arm (the one from VPI tables) and I would have liked to have heard that running through the VTL pre that has the phonostage. But there was a good crowd there and most really wanted to hear the DCS stack rather than the VTL stuff I think. In any case I was very unlikely to be customer for any of that gear, so didn't think it fair to ask to hear it.

The only complaint I would have is that a customer had some stuff on and was playing it waaaay too loud - really too loud for the room and people there, and I think it made it sound worse rather than better - or more correctly, less pleasing.

There were smaller VTL amps, an integrated too that David spoke very highly of and he mentioned it had a really good headphone amp on board (second from the bottom pic). Another bit of gear I wouldn't have minded hearing!

They also had some of the Vitus Audio amps in store - see the first pic! That one was coffee table sized! They are meant to have a great rep AFAIK too....


Fran

[Ivor]

The only complaint I would have is that a customer had some stuff on and was playing it waaaay too loud - really too loud for the room and people there, and I think it made it sound worse rather than better - or more correctly, less pleasing.

Spot on. Not only was it loud but it was 'rave' music, not "Drum & Bass" or "House" or anything vaguely musical just thump thump thump and, as Fran said, way too loud. It was pointless. Thankfully it was at this stage that David invited both of us into the smaller room to hear the Dasen gear, even still the dull bass thus meant that we had to turn the volume up in that room too.
Returning to the larger system the guys went for some real music but again it was way too loud. The hifi showed no signs of distortion but the human ears did, it seemed as if one or two customers had taken over the audition and they seemed to think "loud" was good.

Fran, could that turntable have been a Coloratura? I didn't get close enough to check a brand name.

[Fran]

Eh, could well have been. I just thought it was a clearaudio cos it was all perspex looking.....


indeed, a quick internet check reveals it to be a colouratura. Never heard of it before.....

Maybe David would like to chime in and tell us a little about it?


Fran

[kronosav]

Eh, could well have been. I just thought it was a clearaudio cos it was all perspex looking.....


indeed, a quick internet check reveals it to be a colouratura. Never heard of it before.....

Maybe David would like to chime in and tell us a little about it?


Fran

Coloratura HX407
High mass design
70mm platter
3 acrylic legs (adaptable for three arms) (Rega, SME & Coloratura mount)
Spring loaded feet with anti vibration filling
Swiss motor
Thread driven design
2 year warranty

all for £1750 or roughly €1999

[Ivor]

Much obliged. Thanks for the info.