Size wise I can understand. But even in a even in a dedicated listening room, I would like things to look as good as possible. Of course I would be more willing to accept less good liking things if they improved the sound.
If there’s a trade-off between appearance and sound a slightly different choice can be made in either case. But in many cases it doesn’t look to me like that was the issue.
To take the Chord above as an example (so people don’t have to scroll, sure there are better ones). The B&W speakers, I understand how the design is functional. So while they’re not pretty (IMO), a fair trade-off I can understand and respect
The electronics, they’re basic rectangular boxes, so their design, other than the material (which can be painted/anodised/powdercoated etc), is obviously not functional, but purely for aesthetics. Why was this chosen?
Hi Bert,
I hear the same as you with a bare Chord DAVE or indeed a bare DCS Rossini. The M Scaler really helps DAVE in this regard but then the server/renderer and even the cables make a noticeable difference from our experience.
By way of contrast, the power amps are crushingly capable when it comes to combining iron fist grip over demanding speaker loads, while also being lightning fast and emotionally engaging. I have even backed up these words with action after thoroughly enjoying a Naim 52/135s.
I do struggle with B&W 800 series speakers, though the latest generation may well have moved the game on.
This is a show report, but obviously the room with Dan Agostinno and Wilson Audio was pure porn. And also proof how a big system still can show some potential under far from ideal circumstances. I really understand that they didn’t do a better job of enabling the system and give it more potential. It was of course still a pleasure to listen and see……
They played:
Fairfield Four - Those Bones (even under conditions sounding great)
Muddy Waters - Good Morning Little School Girl (music almost made for this kind of system)
Bobo Stenson - Song of Ruth (you hear that more is possible with this system)
Mino Cinelu and Niks Petter Molvaer - New York Stroll (issues with bass - roomacoustics)
Burmeister was an absolute highlight for me at the show. Normally I mam just impressed about the porn they show and the technical aspects behind their products, but this time also the sound could convince me. It was also a nice demo with a good balance between explanation and playing music….
They had 218 power amps which apparently are just new, speakers where the impressive W150 (98K), the 111 music center and their long player……
The played:
Dominique Fils-Aime - Birds
Mickey Heart - Temple Caves (a very interesting demo piece with percussion instruments)
Swindle feat. Green tea Pig - what more
Yuri Honing Trio - Walking on the moon (good song to hear dynamics)
Wiener Symphoniker with conductor Eliahu Inbal - Shostakovich Symphony Nr. 9
Bobby McFerrin - specific Vinyll version of don’t worry be happy
David Bowie - Lazarus
Overall enjoyable demo, great sound…., not a lot to critic….
Already wrote about the T&A setup, but apparently landed there shortly again, for the real demo……, on which I documented already my impressions, electronics holding back the speakers. Soundstage very focussed…
things I heard there:
Bob Walsh - Ain’t no sunshine (live)
Chris Jones - Darlin’ Cory
Yo-Yo Ma - Sergio Leone Suite Ecstasy of Gold
Julian Sas - Blues for J (missing the rawness)
I heard the high end ultima preamp and mono blocks with Dave, mscaler fed by innuos statement into the latest b and w speakers 803d i think………
Oodles of detail but lacked that musical connection, just not for me.
That’s exactly what I tried to express in my review. I can respect and appreciate the level of result they are getting with what they are doing…, it’s just my style of listening to music….
Hi BirtBird. As a B&W owner it is interesting that you liked the B&W’s with the Classe amps but not with the Chord electronics. The Classe amps were matched I think with the 802’s whilst the Chords were partnered with I believe the 803’s which could account for some of the difference. I have wondered whether my 252 with its more laid back style is a better match for my 802’s than the more analytical 552 ie an ultra analytical speaker needs a more ‘smooth’ amp? Some might say my cd player is more analogue sounding than some digital players which could help.
Here’s another real-world set up. I did not realise Siltech made hardware tho I was informed that he used to be the Sphinx designer. Three box Siltech preamp/amp combo driving their proto type stand mounts. ( xover boxes will be incorporated into the speakers ) He was just streaming off QOBUZ.
This system, whilst it is small was well put together. Coherent and musical. Yet it had a satisfying quick bass. I did not ask how much those speakers are going to be but considering those amp combo alone is over 100K, I’ve got the feeling I doubt they fit in the bargain category.
I thought I was going to make a short trip and was not expected much of the system but ended up staying a lot longer as the music sounded fun. Good selection of jazz and classical too.
Per friend’s reqeust, we stopped by at Degritter room.
Got to meet the folks behind the machine. They had a prototype of new machine with two water well. Also he said it will have a multiple ultrasound settings.
I would argue that in general the 552 is a better match for anything as it’s just a better pre-amo then a 252 and brings more music and boogie to the table. I have heard the chord electronics in the past matched up with multiple different speakers, and they are just not my style of music listening.
For B&W I also auditioned them when we bought our initial Naim system, then not connected to a Naim electronics setup. They didn’t move me as I was missing an emotional aspect I like to hear. Mind you this was the older version of the B&W speakers. Since then B&W has created better speakers and also electronics have gotten better in the last 10-13 years. So it’s a different comparison now. If B&W is a good match with Naim, not sure……, but I heard speakers which connect better with Naim and others which don’t perform so well in harmony……, all also a matter of taste of course….
A bit confused on the all in one Technics system. If I google I come up with OTTAVA however it appears to be a Muso type system with integrated speakers in the box??
(which I also like reading about!!)
