My current set up was optimized to have a great sound with my former
Wilson Audio Maxx 3
speakers. But the change to my new
Avalon Osiris
speakers was a challenge for the existing components. The Osiris is capable to reproduce a level of detail, which is much higher, than I was used from the Maxx 3.
The Osiris has also a darker tonal balance than the average Wilson product (old Avalon DNA).
My goal was (is) to exchange some components to explore the higher level of detail efficiency of the Osiris and in parallel to offset the darker balance of the Avalon Osiris a little.
First steps of my plan were the upgrade to more Amp Power, than the change of the signal source, followed by a new Preamplifier.
My situation at home requires a XLR connection of 8m length from Preamp to Amp. The Avalon Osiris is hungry for power in my 60 sqm room, a second
Jeff Rowland 825
amplifier was the way to go. For the Maxx 3 the tonal balance and focus to the harmonic mids of the
Jeff Rowland Criterion
PreAmp was a perfect blend. But the lack of fine detail and clarity became more obvious with the Osiris speakers.
Fortunately a friend of mine works at an Audio Magazine and has access to some gear and we tried some preamplifiers in his home set up as a preselection. The price level was set in the region of the Koda K10, which was one of my favorite PreAmps before. I do like Koda Preamps, but this would add another darker voiced component into the chain, so looked for alternatives.
Not too cold in sound, as my Boulder 2008 Phonostage is "neutral" enough
Finally I was impressed ny a PreAmp , which was not on my radar in the beginning. But I had asked my friend to help and to give some open guidance,
as I was focussing too much on my fan boy brands. Arriving at my friends home I was thinking, that he had received an integrated Amplifier for a test, as a huge component
was placed on the ground. Than I learned, that this is the new
Audionet Stern
Preamplifier. A 40kg heavy statement from Germany. Designed by Hartmut Esslinger (Frog Design), who did some great industry Designs before.
We started to listen to some old Coltrane Jazz music, followed by some Blue Note Tone Poet reissues from various musician. It became obvious, that the AudioNet Stern can create a wide open and nicely detailed stage, without loosing the connection to the music as such. I decided to continue my listening at home and replaced the JRDG Criterion.
Fortunately the Audionet Stern fits to my HRS M3x base size.
Firstly I was interested, if the Audionet Stern can drive 2 sets of 8m long XLR cables on the low ohm impedance inputs of 4 amplifier channels without a problem.
Some other PreAmps had failed this excercise. Going from 1x M825 to 2x M825 too often had killed the performance , which was their with one Amp.
The Criterion were able to drive the amps, but preferred one set of xls cable and the linked modus on the M825.
To my surprise the Stern was able to run both M825 with 2 sets of xls cables.
Listening to the Stern made clear, that the Criterion is still a very good Preamplifier Design, but after some hours on power the Stern was better in all criteria.
Most important for me is, that the Stern supports the level of fine detail, my new sources can provide.
As an example:
The difference between the Etsuro Blue and the Etsuro Gold cartridge was easy to identify with the Criterion preamp.
But with the Stern the difference becomes bigger and more easy to understand. The bad side is, that the digital source was sounding so bad in comparison, that I had to move over from
Innuos Zenith III
to the new
Antipodes K50
Musicserver to make digital enjoyable again.
The Stern is sensitive in placing (as all gear I know). I tried some different feeds with good effect, the winner in price is currently the combination of Cardas Myrte blocks and the HRS M3x base, but now I am trying the CMS Centerstage2 1.5 footers. First hours were terrible. I will find out soon, if this combination will become my favorite.
I will describe the performance of the Stern in more detail, when the final integration has happened, still trying different power chords.
Wilson Audio Maxx 3
speakers. But the change to my new
Avalon Osiris
speakers was a challenge for the existing components. The Osiris is capable to reproduce a level of detail, which is much higher, than I was used from the Maxx 3.
The Osiris has also a darker tonal balance than the average Wilson product (old Avalon DNA).
My goal was (is) to exchange some components to explore the higher level of detail efficiency of the Osiris and in parallel to offset the darker balance of the Avalon Osiris a little.
First steps of my plan were the upgrade to more Amp Power, than the change of the signal source, followed by a new Preamplifier.
My situation at home requires a XLR connection of 8m length from Preamp to Amp. The Avalon Osiris is hungry for power in my 60 sqm room, a second
Jeff Rowland 825
amplifier was the way to go. For the Maxx 3 the tonal balance and focus to the harmonic mids of the
Jeff Rowland Criterion
PreAmp was a perfect blend. But the lack of fine detail and clarity became more obvious with the Osiris speakers.
Fortunately a friend of mine works at an Audio Magazine and has access to some gear and we tried some preamplifiers in his home set up as a preselection. The price level was set in the region of the Koda K10, which was one of my favorite PreAmps before. I do like Koda Preamps, but this would add another darker voiced component into the chain, so looked for alternatives.
Not too cold in sound, as my Boulder 2008 Phonostage is "neutral" enough
Finally I was impressed ny a PreAmp , which was not on my radar in the beginning. But I had asked my friend to help and to give some open guidance,
as I was focussing too much on my fan boy brands. Arriving at my friends home I was thinking, that he had received an integrated Amplifier for a test, as a huge component
was placed on the ground. Than I learned, that this is the new
Audionet Stern
Preamplifier. A 40kg heavy statement from Germany. Designed by Hartmut Esslinger (Frog Design), who did some great industry Designs before.
We started to listen to some old Coltrane Jazz music, followed by some Blue Note Tone Poet reissues from various musician. It became obvious, that the AudioNet Stern can create a wide open and nicely detailed stage, without loosing the connection to the music as such. I decided to continue my listening at home and replaced the JRDG Criterion.
Fortunately the Audionet Stern fits to my HRS M3x base size.
Firstly I was interested, if the Audionet Stern can drive 2 sets of 8m long XLR cables on the low ohm impedance inputs of 4 amplifier channels without a problem.
Some other PreAmps had failed this excercise. Going from 1x M825 to 2x M825 too often had killed the performance , which was their with one Amp.
The Criterion were able to drive the amps, but preferred one set of xls cable and the linked modus on the M825.
To my surprise the Stern was able to run both M825 with 2 sets of xls cables.
Listening to the Stern made clear, that the Criterion is still a very good Preamplifier Design, but after some hours on power the Stern was better in all criteria.
Most important for me is, that the Stern supports the level of fine detail, my new sources can provide.
As an example:
The difference between the Etsuro Blue and the Etsuro Gold cartridge was easy to identify with the Criterion preamp.
But with the Stern the difference becomes bigger and more easy to understand. The bad side is, that the digital source was sounding so bad in comparison, that I had to move over from
Innuos Zenith III
to the new
Antipodes K50
Musicserver to make digital enjoyable again.
The Stern is sensitive in placing (as all gear I know). I tried some different feeds with good effect, the winner in price is currently the combination of Cardas Myrte blocks and the HRS M3x base, but now I am trying the CMS Centerstage2 1.5 footers. First hours were terrible. I will find out soon, if this combination will become my favorite.
I will describe the performance of the Stern in more detail, when the final integration has happened, still trying different power chords.
