Very cool twist. I'm sure most all of us remember the first "real" amplifier and electronics we saw and heard. Since you are friendly with the original builders/designer, after enjoying it for a while, it might prove interesting to find a gap while reviewing other amps that they could go back through the amplifier and see how the components have aged, particularly capacitors, and determine if it's worth some modern parts replacements to get it back to originally designed form. Of course given the typical range of SOA designed into a lot of gear in that era, they might still be perfectly fine. I would think such an investigation to be of interest to both bargain hunters and happy owners who still have a 20 yr old amp.
It would appear the experiment is already making for an interesting adventure.
Made me smile. I always thought that there was a certain paradox in high end that Jeff exemplified by hs choice of the CODA 11. High end audio is in a sense always an exercise in trying to get out the door by making gradual progress of going half way there with each step. The steps necessarily get smaller but no matter how many you take, you can by definition, never get out the door. We accept that the best we can do is only going to be a facsimile of the real thing. The Philadelphia Orchestra ain't never gonna to play in my sound room. so we buy gear in search of that next step to go half further towards the door. In some cases, we turn around such as Jeff did by buying a 20 years old amp and ask ourselves "how many steps have we really taken? What did they cost" "was it all worth it?" "Do I really enjoy music more now than I did then with "lesser" gear?" Tough questions to answer for each of us. I thought Jeff's latest article was therefore very good food for thought.
For the very few of us that bought gear because at the time we thought the sound was exceptional,and I'm talking 70's,80's,90's and still use it today ; I have a big smile on my face.
Made me smile. I always thought that there was a certain paradox in high end that Jeff exemplified by hs choice of the CODA 11. High end audio is in a sense always an exercise in trying to get out the door by making gradual progress of going half way there with each step. The steps necessarily get smaller but no matter how many you take, you can by definition, never get out the door. We accept that the best we can do is only going to be a facsimile of the real thing. The Philadelphia Orchestra ain't never gonna to play in my sound room. so we buy gear in search of that next step to go half further towards the door. In some cases, we turn around such as Jeff did by buying a 20 years old amp and ask ourselves "how many steps have we really taken? What did they cost" "was it all worth it?" "Do I really enjoy music more now than I did then with "lesser" gear?" Tough questions to answer for each of us. I thought Jeff's latest article was therefore very good food for thought.
Good analogy. I do think all this is solved if people decide their hobby is gear. Then every step is worth it as long as it is in a different direction even if you never leave the room. I mean, with digital many are running on the spot and often backward. All is fun, just get new shoes periodically and a fitbit even if you have a small room.
For music, look elsewhere, and in some cases there is an overlap with gear.
Good analogy. I do think all this is solved if people decide their hobby is gear. Then every step is worth it as long as it is in a different direction even if you never leave the room. I mean, with digital many are running on the spot and often backward. All is fun, just get new shoes periodically and a fitbit even if you have a small room.
For music, look elsewhere, and in some cases there is an overlap with gear.
Gear in the strict sense it is the conduit to the music. Putting topology,transformer types,and design aside,I have always felt good basic foundations can lead you to the music.
It will be of interest to me where Jeff goes from here.
I could happily have lived l/t with the Marantz CD12/DA12 cdp I was bowled over by in the late 80s.
If I'd had the £2.5k needed instead of being a dirt poor student, I suspect I'd never have looked past it.
Who knows if Jeff will be satisfied long term with a much less expensive system? I do think his search is admirable and his attitude is refreshing. I know that I would have a difficult time living with lower quality sound once I've become accustomed to a certain standard. However, as technology moves forward, and if one does his research, it may be quite possible to find the same or higher quality sound for less money.
Good analogy. I do think all this is solved if people decide their hobby is gear. Then every step is worth it as long as it is in a different direction even if you never leave the room. I mean, with digital many are running on the spot and often backward. All is fun, just get new shoes periodically and a fitbit even if you have a small room.
For music, look elsewhere, and in some cases there is an overlap with gear.
I agree you can be satisfied with analog at low prices and in vintage it's analog where the talent was, as it was also the ipod of those days. And apogee and horns, of course. That's my problem with analog, there is so much good stuff out there.
Micro, if you ever get a chance to hear the CD12/DA12, take it.
Spin a few cds and absorb what was an amazing sound for its day.
Three decades on, my time with it is a very powerful memory.
It wiped the floor with the big standard Meridian Pros and other so-called audiophile players of the time.
Micro, if you ever get a chance to hear the CD12/DA12, take it.
Spin a few cds and absorb what was an amazing sound for its day.
Three decades on, my time with it is a very powerful memory.
It wiped the floor with the big standard Meridian Pros and other so-called audiophile players of the time.
Coincidentally was listening to it today at a local friend's, he modded it heavily and is planning to sell his esoteric K01 with clock. The esoteric has more details and bass and slam, this is more musical and engaging. As a transport esoteric is much better. The marantz has been refurbed big time though.
Hey, small world.
Can you imagine a student in 1987 trying to get a bank loan to fund the £2500 needed to buy this then, esp w the added pressure it was a limited edition too!
And preparing to sell off my lp collection that numbered about 500 then.
Luckily the bank said "no way, José" and so I cried a bit, went back to harassing Grahams HiFi to keep playing me my lps on a Linn LP12/Naim monos/Linn Isobariks active setup.
And slipped back into my anti cd rant mode that I perfected in the 80s and 90s.
But I'd love the chance to run the Marantz at home.
Now I drop £2500 on part of an air platform or a couple of pwr cords .
Micro, if you ever get a chance to hear the CD12/DA12, take it.
Spin a few cds and absorb what was an amazing sound for its day.
Three decades on, my time with it is a very powerful memory.
It wiped the floor with the big standard Meridian Pros and other so-called audiophile players of the time.
I have read similar words written in similar conditions too many times - long ago I spent my time trying to listen to such units. But when compared with modern players that were a good match for the system their limitations showed up. Deutsche Grammophon recordings were a nice test for these players - they sounded thin and "digital", they manage to sound great with modern players.
Barry, as you know I'm ploughing on w getting my analog back in (including custom Al arm board for my linear air arm, bespoke psu to my Straingauge), SR fuses, extra Stacores to cover isoln to tt/cdp/pre/transformer, and a couple more Sablon Reserva Elite pwr cords.
Early next year I'll get you over and you can get some idea of how much I'm getting my digital to play at analog's game re mids texture and upper bass heft.
For me, digital is no poor relation anymore.
Sorry for the wait, but these changes really ideally should happen before I host you.
No problem Marc.
Glad your digital has blossomed.
My newly acquired DCS Scarlatti Transport playing through the Puccini dac and both synced to the Scarlatti Word Clock has been a revelation compared to the Puccini player/Scarlatti clock.
Per ardura ad ad astra.
No problem Marc.
Glad your digital has blossomed.
My newly acquired DCS Scarlatti Transport playing through the Puccini dac and both synced to the Scarlatti Word Clock has been a revelation compared to the Puccini player/Scarlatti clock.
Per ardura ad ad astra.
Thanks Lloyd.
Yes the Scarlatti are still star performers and very pleased with the purchase.
A dac is the next big upgrade and DCS in pole position at the moment,
