Opus MM2

I have been considering my next upgrade and have come up with 3 options:
- Oppo Transport to Zanden Transport
- Transp Ref Cabling (10 yrs old) to Transp Opus MM2
- X1/Grand Slamm to X1/Grand Slamm Series V Upgrade (essentially you end up with an Alexandria from mids thru tweeter...new crossover, cabinets, wiring, everything except the original bass unit which is re-damped)

I started out by auditioning 1 Opus MM2 SE IC and thought i would share some initial observations. (note this piece was specifically tuned to my equipment by the manufacturer). I would appreciate the advice of others on WBF who may have heard these or know my own generation Transp Ref (with XL technology).

- Relative to Transp Ref SE IC, the Opus MM2 is far, far more composed. There is no diffuse, loose music straying off...every instrument plays within its own space and air...including various bass elements which tend to get mixed up a tad. Very composed, which leads to a more natural presentation of ensembles and orchestral.

- The tonal density must be "30%-45%" more...ie, each instrument's voice comes thru more uniquely, more strongly and more convincingly. Stray elements (back up singers, etc) that normally might be a bit off-stage, or a little diffuse, suddenly take their place in the wings and become a counterpoint to the lead singer in the middle...very nice!

- The extension is better but not appreciably

- The decay is 20% better but you better have a super-resolving system to get this...because the Transp Ref cable is already very, very, very good

- in terms of the voice, this cable disappears better than many which have superior detailing to my 10-yr old Transp Ref...which i think is a very, very good sign. Balance is very even, musicality high, and one ends up listening to music, technique of instrument playing, or different musical themes.elements within the music rather than 'the sound'...an excellent sign.

- I am not going to opine on value or any such thing..that's at least as relative as anything else and a personal choice.

- i only share one man's observations.

In any event, any other opinions from those who have heard the Opus MM2 or any Transp Ref cables (with XL or with MM1 or MM2)...please feel free to share your own observations! Thanks.

Thanks, Mike. Good to get the word of an experienced owner of Opus MM2 who has also compared with other cables. Yes, as for value...i'll have to give that one some thought. There's transport, possible upgrade to the speakers, etc...

turntable said:

Hi Lloyd

I vote to upgrade the speaker - you can do the cables anytime and as you know can always pick up cables on audiogon if required.

BTW, you might be able to buy my Transparent REF XL/MM very soon. But, mine are V for valve thou so ??. When I used to have the REF, the REF XL was a lot more refined - the REF XL/MM is more so with better treble extension. I can only imagine what the full MM2 brings.

I however am finding Kimber select KS-3033 to better synergise with my speakers ATM.

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Thanks for that...having heard the Opus MM2, it is very, very good. But it is not stunning the way i expected it to be...not transformational...just extremely good. Which means either transport or speaker.
i'll email you.

microstrip said:

The Opus MM2 can be really stunning, but in order to take full profit of them you must have them from source to preamplifier and from preamplifier to amplifier. I have them currently on loan on my system, and the only problem I find with these great cables is price ...

One less agreeable aspect for non USA audiophiles is the fine tuning of the cables. The Opus MM2 must be tuned for your current system and Transparent Audio has a very generous attitude for OPUS owners, re-tuning them for free when needed. However, due to their high prices, sending them for re-tuning from foreign countries can be an expensive affair, due to insurances and custom taxes.

BTW, as Myles already said, MM2 is an order of magnitude better than MM.

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Thanks, Micro. I have to agree on all counts! I have never heard MM1, but i have read a number of people say the same.

caesar said:

I am still surprised you are using your Oppo as a transport. If you don't pick up the bits off the disc in the first place, they can never be played back. To me, a good transport always beats a computer / DAC set up. Good Luck!

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Thanks, Caesar...helps frame the issue. As for transports, i hate 'wasting money' which (for my pocket) means buying a transport that is 'good but not great' and then want to trade up in a couple years. I have only very recently done some big upgrades, but mainly because the deals were super-unusual, and the older components i have kept to either trade or for second system. On transport, i have waited 5 years to find a second-hand Zanden for trade...have not found yet. But was offered a second-hand Metronome Kalista Reference and will audition it shortly, as potential exchange for some of my older equipment.

Fingers crossed, we'll finally get that detail through.