New Amp Pairing For Wharfedale Lintons

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Gray

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I'd say all the reviews of the H120 are spot on. Dark background, vocals are superb and in the room and the bass goes low. But I think in this Pairing both speaker and amp having a rolled off top end doesn't work for me personally.
No rolloff for Rollo....nor me thanks.
There's probably a lot I would like about that amp though.
(though not over keen on its price :anguished:)
 

Rollo

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Fortunately it's a demo unit I have for a week. So the bank balance hasn't suffered yet. Will continue to through more music at it to see if it grows on me. Lesson learned for me tho, always demo/audition ...
 
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Rollo

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Well I returned the hegel today and now I have the Audiolab 8300a and 8300 cdq combo. Will demo these for a week or so but my dealer says they should power the Linton's better with a more forward and brighter sound. Whilst I was there 3 hours just flew by talking audio. I was listening to some 16 grand Kudos powered by 10 grand Luxman being fed 10 grand Innuos, breathtaking. I can always dream! IMG_20200507_150210.jpg
 
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Jenna

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Very interested to hear your thoughts on the Audiolab as I am looking to power my new Lintons.

What about the Roksan K3 integrated?

Also how much of a noticeable upgrade be from my trusty Arcam Alpha 7?
 

rainsoothe

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Hi. As I said in a previous reply, I haven't heard the Lintons, but I know they need amplification with some bite - the Roksan might be ok, but it's still a bit darker sounding than others. Audiolab should suit it better, and also stuff like Cambridge Audio, Rega Elex R or, my personal favourite, Naim stuff (except for first gen Nait XS if you're willing to consider second hand).
 

Rollo

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Morning Jenna, All I can compare with is Hegel 120, Marantz Pm6006, Audiolab 8300a. These all had similar sound characteristics when paired with my Linton. All very neutral, warm and smooth. I settled on the Cambridge CXA81 which is known for having a slightly raised treble. I found for my tastes that this was a great combo. It brought out highs that seemed recessed before and has great control on the mids and bass. It also provided a great image and a wide soundstage. I would recommend trying a few if you can. IMHO I love the Lintons sound but they just needed a little help to achieve what I was after. All the best.
 

Rollo

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The opposite mate, it has a very relaxed/rolled of treble in my opinion. Beautiful mids and quite a low punchy bass but just lacking a little on the the top end.
 

jonathanRD

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My final set up, CXA81, CXC and the CXN v2. View attachment 1277
Just goes to show that it pays to demo at home, to get a real understanding of which components work best together. It's not always obvious, everyone has their own views, and we all have different ears.
Enjoy your new toys - they certainly look good together and I think that they match your side board better than the black stuff :)
 

alchemist 1

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Morning Jenna, All I can compare with is Hegel 120, Marantz Pm6006, Audiolab 8300a. These all had similar sound characteristics when paired with my Linton. All very neutral, warm and smooth. I settled on the Cambridge CXA81 which is known for having a slightly raised treble. I found for my tastes that this was a great combo. It brought out highs that seemed recessed before and has great control on the mids and bass. It also provided a great image and a wide soundstage. I would recommend trying a few if you can. IMHO I love the Lintons sound but they just needed a little help to achieve what I was after. All the best.

Just to go off on a slight tangent, how do you find the Lintons for positioning and what is your room size ?
 

Rollo

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Hi alchemist, I have a L shaped living dining space. I have visually divided it into almost 15 x 10 listening space. Speakers are 8 feet apart and about 12 feet to the sweet spot. I prefer the 1:1.5 equation rather than the equilateral triangle approach. Have the speaker drivers 32 inches from the front and side wall. I bought them with the stands and love being able to move them at will. Currently listening to them toed in as per the manual, but I think I do actually prefer them firing straight ahead.
 

alchemist 1

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Hi alchemist, I have a L shaped living dining space. I have visually divided it into almost 15 x 10 listening space. Speakers are 8 feet apart and about 12 feet to the sweet spot. I prefer the 1:1.5 equation rather than the equilateral triangle approach. Have the speaker drivers 32 inches from the front and side wall. I bought them with the stands and love being able to move them at will. Currently listening to them toed in as per the manual, but I think I do actually prefer them firing straight ahead.

Love the classic design, unfortunately I don't think i can accommodate them in my 4.5 x 3 mtr room. Enjoy
 

Jenna

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Morning Jenna, All I can compare with is Hegel 120, Marantz Pm6006, Audiolab 8300a. These all had similar sound characteristics when paired with my Linton. All very neutral, warm and smooth. I settled on the Cambridge CXA81 which is known for having a slightly raised treble. I found for my tastes that this was a great combo. It brought out highs that seemed recessed before and has great control on the mids and bass. It also provided a great image and a wide soundstage. I would recommend trying a few if you can. IMHO I love the Lintons sound but they just needed a little help to achieve what I was after. All the best.

That's great thanks Rollo - I had been reading up on the CXA81 and added it to my list. Forgive my ignorance on this but am I right in thinking I can just get the CX Cd transport and use it with the DAC on CXA81?

Thanks Again
J
 

Rollo

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Hiya, yes that's the way to go. Digital out, either coaxial or optical from the CXC in to the CXA81 and you'll utilise the Sabre Dac Chip ESS9016 in the amp.
 
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