I agree with Gary. Gryphon to me sounds smoother and less sterile in the treble than Boulder.
Just different sonic preferences, Chuck, that's all.
Boulder 3060 smooth and a maybe even a bit warm?
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I agree with Gary. Gryphon to me sounds smoother and less sterile in the treble than Boulder.
Just different sonic preferences, Chuck, that's all.
The XLF's do not have an inverted dome tweeter, they have a silk-dome tweeter designed by Wilson Audio that sounds sweet but extremely detailed.
I guess you missed my correction post on the Wilson model I was referring to (see below).
"I verified with the owner just now that the Wilson model I was referring to is an X2 series Alexandra using the Focal inverted dome. With all the model changes Wilson makes one can mistake the model so I apologize for any confusion to you and the members. I have also listened to both the 3060 and Gryphon amplifiers in two different systems using the Alex Vs; and while both are very fine amplifiers the Gryphon was to my ear decidedly more to my liking tonally."
"I verified with the owner just now that the Wilson model I was referring to is an X2 series Alexandra using the Focal inverted dome. With all the model changes Wilson makes one can mistake the model so I apologize for any confusion to you and the members. I have also listened to both the 3060 and Gryphon amplifiers in two different systems using the Alex Vs; and while both are very fine amplifiers the Gryphon was to my ear decidedly more to my liking tonally."
The MSB Select 2 DAC is fantastic. Very musical, great transparency and imaging. I finally did a "shoot-out" against the Nagra HD DAC X after making several upgrades to my system and room treatments. The MSB finally won: larger soundstage, more transparent, better micro dynamics, but all by a small margin. On the flip side, the Nagra has more "body" and would benefit systems with a "thin" sound. The NAGRA is a great DAC, much better than mid level DCS in my experience.
The Nagra HD Pre is great. A dealer-friend of mine who sells both Nagra and Gryphon thinks that the current best combo is the Nagra HD Pre and the Gryphon Apex. He likes it better than the Apex with the Commander Pre Amp.
Yes, it is definitely silk dome. Some, however, may call it "inverted". The Alexandria 1 & 2 had metallic tweeters.
Onward!
RY
I believe a discussion of real world differences, the value of system matchning and personal choice should be the matters of discussion.
There are mostly winners on this elevated level, but the contenders mentioned and more are all different in character and characteristics.
Perhaps we should start by changing the name of this platform and forum from "Whats' best..." to ".........."
/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se
That's fine.
I find the dCS Rossini APEX with Rossini Clock to be more musical than the MSB or NAGRA DACS I've heard, though the both are still very good.
One test I use is I have a few tracks that have piano, and on those tracks some DACs make the leading edge of the piano note almost metallic in character, as if the felt were removed from the piano hammer.
The higher-end dCS DACs get that right; many other DACs including dCS lower-end DACs get it wrong.
Wadia always got it right, and nothing from dCS below a Rossini with clock got it right.
I haven't heard the MSB Reference, but the MSB Reference seemed to get it wrong more often than right.
I find the dCS Rossini APEX with Rossini Clock to be more musical than the MSB or NAGRA DACS I've heard, though the both are still very good.
One test I use is I have a few tracks that have piano, and on those tracks some DACs make the leading edge of the piano note almost metallic in character, as if the felt were removed from the piano hammer.
The higher-end dCS DACs get that right; many other DACs including dCS lower-end DACs get it wrong.
Wadia always got it right, and nothing from dCS below a Rossini with clock got it right.
I haven't heard the MSB Reference, but the MSB Reference seemed to get it wrong more often than right.
Did you get the chance to hear and experience APL or Playback Designs at some point?
We've got a client who's very sensitive to the rendering of piano in general and the higher octaves and frequencies specifically. He's recently chosen the Playback Designs MPS-8 (CD/DAC) after a period of serious evaluation both in our showroom and at home in his own system. The naturalness and organic qualities of this DAC without loosing out in resolution, definition and separation is very special indeed.
/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se
Very interesting. And it should be noted that you have a remarkable collection of brands available for your clients to listen to (including MSB, CH Precision, Ypsilon, Playback Designs, Accuphase, Ayre, PS Audio, Audionet, Mola Mola, CAD, Lindemann, CEC, Norma, SW1X, Canon, COS and Primary).
This is about Boulder, but would love to hear more (either here or elsewhere) about your observations of the CH, APL and Playback vs the Ypsilon which seems closest to the Zanden digital design-wise).
Hi Chuck,
I think you are correct. When I had the Wilson Max 3, it was all about taming the focal tweeter. Since I've had the XLF, I have found that the soft dome tweeter loves more articulation and detail.
We had the X1/Grand SLAMMS and now the XLF as well. I am most intrigued by your custom 4-speaker bass array by Wally Analogue. Is this a custom tower sub array for the XLFs?
That has been the next major project and am trying to decide whether we go for this array/6-pack configuration or a mega sub (dual-opposing 21 or 24") that is designed expressly for sub-40hz. Either way, seeking optimal and effortless, ultra-low distortion air movement for recreation of space, venue and scale.
Thanks for any guidance!
I haven't; I wouldn't know where to go.
Near me dCS is pretty much top tier, though MSB floats through a few dealers from time to time.
Where are you located?
We're serving clients both locally and remotely (home loans) to avoid the trap of being stuck with the limitations of the local dealer(s) which more often than not only carries the major brand(s). There are many great and different options out there.
/ Marcus, www.perfect-sense.se
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