New amplifier: my long journey...

[acalex]

Lavardin are a unique company, and being French, do things their own way (no bad thing). There is no doubt that they sound best with their own mains cable and very expensive I/C and S/C....really needs to be part of the package (as you heard). Glad you had a good day.

Yes, it was the most impressive difference I heard so far...swapping from 300 eur cables to 2k eur it was a MASSIVE improvement in sound quality...I agree with you, that must be considered part of the package for sure!

I had an excellent day, pity there wasn't much time as I had another meeting in Brussels! But as usual got back with a nice bottle of red wine Barolo (the guy also sells wine imported strictly from Italy)

Like your style... my God what a shop!

Indeed is a great shop! Can't live without some great wine :cheers:

 

[acalex]

But as usual got back with a nice bottle of red wine Barolo (the guy also sells wine imported strictly from Italy)

You Sir, without a doubt, have the life (even a gf that appreciates beautiful hi-fidelity)...what more could a man wish for.

Well, I must say I am very happy where my life is heading to! Indeed having somebody next to you capable of appreciating and supporting hi-fidelity is a big plus also! Couldn't believe all of this was possible bit more than one year ago, worst period of my life by all means

 

[acalex]

Gosh, I almost can't listen to my speakers anymore :wall:

Keep remembering how beautiful everything sounded with Guarneri Memento and turntable :rockout:

 

[CnoEvil]

Gosh, I almost can't listen to my speakers anymore :wall:

Keep remembering how beautiful everything sounded with Guarneri Memento and turntable :rockout:

Once you've crossed over, there's no going back! :read:

 

[acalex]

Cno, since I realised how important the speaker cable can be...which kind of speaker cable are you using with your AMS and Kef ref? Cardas also?

Thanks a lot

Alex

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno, since I realised how important the speaker cable can be...which kind of speaker cable are you using with your AMS and Kef ref? Cardas also?

Thanks a lot

Alex

I have Cardas Golden Cross s/c and i/c; I also use Golden Reference power cord (made a worthwhile difference for me).

Worth checking out, and if you like the improvement, it can be done at any time.

 

[acalex]

Cno, since I realised how important the speaker cable can be...which kind of speaker cable are you using with your AMS and Kef ref? Cardas also?

Thanks a lot

Alex

I have Cardas Golden Cross s/c and i/c; I also use Golden Reference power cord (made a worthwhile difference for me). Worth checking out, and if you like the improvement, it can be done at any time.

Ok, what I thought, it is all Cardas

Yes, for now I realised how much speaker cable can make a difference, I guess it would be the same for power cord and i/c!

 

[CnoEvil]

Ok, what I thought, it is all Cardas

Yes, for now I realised how much speaker cable can make a difference, I guess it would be the same for power cord and i/c!

It is worth checking out the improvement with each addition (i/c; s/c & p/c) to see if it's worth the cost. In your audition of the 35i, I would strongly suggest you hear it with the GR p/c, even if you go with the cheaper speaker cable.

The Lavardin's dramatic improvement, was due to the cable having been specifically designed for it.....I think the Cardas works great with the MF and may be enough to swing your decision, but mightn't be as dramatic as with the Lavardin; but we'll see.

 

[acalex]

Cno, quick question again, how long did you take to get through all the process of chosing speakers, amp, source and cables?

 

[Roby]

ages :rofl: an an awfull lot of cash

 

[CnoEvil]

Cno, quick question again, how long did you take to get through all the process of chosing speakers, amp, source and cables?

Roby is not wrong.

My decisions have come about based on many (many) years of gaining knowledge (messing about), that is very personal to me, and based on trial and error, past demos, previously owned kit, helpful dealers, going to shows and having an inquisitive mind.

In Northern Ireland, there is a relatively small pool of brands to choose from, but it's getting better. Getting everything under one roof is problematical, to say the least.

I wanted to have a combined AV / Two channel system, and for me, it was only Arcam that gave me the musical presentation that I was after. IMO The Kef Refs are the best "all rounder" with a mix of talents that work beautifully for both.

I listened to a lot of amplifiers before I settled on the 35i, and as yet, I've heard nothing better at anywhere near the price.

With regard to cables, I bring them home and only buy them if I feel the improvement is worthwhile (for me).

Spending a lot of money on this hobby is all too full of pitfalls. If my experience is of any help in letting people know what brands are available, and understand which of these are likely to suit their taste, then my time has been fruitful.

Rest assured, by the time you have been through this process, you will be one of the best informed people on here.....it's something that has really to be experienced for oneself, rather than taking shortcuts, by assuming that others have all the answers.

 

[acalex]

Cno, quick question again, how long did you take to get through all the process of chosing speakers, amp, source and cables?

Roby is not wrong.

My decisions have come about based on many (many) years of gaining knowledge (messing about), that is very personal to me, and based on trial and error, past demos, previously owned kit, helpful dealers, going to shows and having an inquisitive mind.

In Northern Ireland, there is a relatively small pool of brands to choose from, but it's getting better. Getting everything under one roof is problematical, to say the least.

I wanted to have a combined AV / Two channel system, and for me, it was only Arcam that gave me the musical presentation that I was after. IMO The Kef Refs are the best "all rounder" with a mix of talents that work beautifully for both.

I listened to a lot of amplifiers before I settled on the 35i, and as yet, I've heard nothing better at anywhere near the price.

With regard to cables, I bring them home and only buy them if I feel the improvement is worthwhile (for me).

Spending a lot of money on this hobby is all too full of pitfalls. If my experience is of any help in letting people know what brands are available, and understand which of these are likely to suit their taste, then my time has been fruitful.

Rest assured, by the time you have been through this process, you will be one of the best informed people on here.....it's something that has really to be experienced for oneself, rather than taking shortcuts, by assuming that others have all the answers.

Great answer, thanks a lot!
Yes, you are definitely right, the more time I spend listening the more I feel "confident" when I go demoing the next gear. I start appreciating something that I didn't even realise it was there when I first took the Jadis home. It is a learning experience ...and I am glad I am taking all this amount of time to assess carefully all the competitors before departing with the cash, don't want to regret again in 6 months an impulsive purchase.

This aptitude is completely different from my gf's one...she would take the Jadis since she likes it but she wouldn't bother to verify if she likes something else more :wall:

 

[shooter]

I have Cardas Golden Cross s/c and i/c; I also use Golden Reference power cord (made a worthwhile difference for me). Worth checking out, and if you like the improvement, it can be done at any time.[/quote]

Cardas are a good cable, I'm still using Golden Ref inters which worked really well with the MF Nu-Vista CDP i had and my amp. They were a huge step up from Acoustic Zen Ref but not as much as Kimber Timbre which held there own amicably though just lacking that solidness you get from good cable.

What does the Power Cord bring to the table over other mains you've used Cno, thought about changing to them befor but not bothered, you may twist me arm

 

[CnoEvil]

I have Cardas Golden Cross s/c and i/c; I also use Golden Reference power cord (made a worthwhile difference for me). Worth checking out, and if you like the improvement, it can be done at any time.

Cardas are a good cable, I'm still using Golden Ref inters which worked really well with the MF Nu-Vista CDP i had and my amp. They were a huge step up from Acoustic Zen Ref but not as much as Kimber Timbre which held there own amicably though just lacking that solidness you get from good cable. What does the Power Cord bring to the table over other mains you've used Cno, thought about changing to them befor but not bothered, you may twist me arm [/quote]
I'm glad to see a fellow nutter on here.

IMO If you have a component valuable enough, that spending this kind of money can't bring about an improvement any other way, it is worth trying. It sounds daft, but it brings the "Cardas Sound" to the thing to which it's attached. In fact it was this cable that convinced a very sceptical (science based) friend of mine, that it makes a good difference.

Here are a couple of interesting reviews:

http://www.audiodrom.cz/en-version/258.html
http://www.audiodrom.cz/recenze/kabely/262.html

IMO The Cardas power cable makes a big difference to powerful amps, but less so on sources, where cheaper ones offer better value. I think the improvement is worth the effort of trying one that can be returned.

Please let me know if you try, as it's good to occasionally get my notions verified...or not (even if it's only by a like minded loon).

 

[tino]

It is a learning experience ...and I am glad I am taking all this amount of time to assess carefully all the competitors before departing with the cash, don't want to regret again in 6 months an impulsive purchase.

... about that long journey ... are we there yet? oke:

 

[WishTree]

...and I am glad I am taking all this amount of time to assess carefully all the competitors before departing with the cash, don't want to regret again in 6 months an impulsive purchase.

:clap:

I really appreciate your patience. I am too jumpy which made me loose some money but some how, when I get excited about some speakers or amp, I buy and then think about it afer couple of months. Luckily the depreciation was much lower than a car so still doing alright funds-wise

Following this thread to see, what you would buy

 

[Macspur]

Sorry Alex, losing the thread a bit. When are the next set of demos?

Cheers

Mac

 

[acalex]

It is a learning experience ...and I am glad I am taking all this amount of time to assess carefully all the competitors before departing with the cash, don't want to regret again in 6 months an impulsive purchase.

... about that long journey ... are we there yet? oke:

Not yet...but getting closer!

 

[acalex]

...and I am glad I am taking all this amount of time to assess carefully all the competitors before departing with the cash, don't want to regret again in 6 months an impulsive purchase.

:clap:

I really appreciate your patience. I am too jumpy which made me loose some money but some how, when I get excited about some speakers or amp, I buy and then think about it afer couple of months. Luckily the depreciation was much lower than a car so still doing alright funds-wise

Following this thread to see, what you would buy

I did it once...and realised that this aptitude can cost you a lot of money. I want now to buy something for a lifetime (or at least for 5 years ) so I am obliged to take my time, think, try, change...expecially with the budget I have in mind.

To be honest with you...I still don't know what I would buy ! For now everytime I switch the Jadis on at home I lose contact with reality :rofl: It is a GREAT amp...even with modest RX6 (no offence, really like those speakers but compared to the SFG Memento waiting for me it's anoither story).

 

[acalex]

Sorry Alex, losing the thread a bit. When are the next set of demos?

Cheers

Mac

Glad you are trying to follow the thread!

For now I am going to listen to the M6500i with Roby on Friday, then maybe this Parasound gear on Saturday and the Lavardin IT hopefully next week.

Next seriuos demo will be at home with Jadis D50RC Signature VS MF AMS35i and Lavardin IT.

I will probably borrow the Concept Performance TT as well to make sure source is not an issue! The nbew amp will be most likely one of the 3!

 

[Roby]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: can't wait to compare this......

 

[acalex]

OK...now we also have tried the M6500i. It is a MASSIVE amp...weighting as much as the AMS35i...

Design wise, I don't like the red display on top of volume know...but this is very subjective.

Connected to usual Avalon Idea (it was in the Bx shop)...didn't convince me too much since the beginning. Compared to what I like and to what I have been listening so far, this sounded almost cold and mechanical. No emotions. Don't get me wrong...is a great amp, very transparent, very detailed, sound was clean...it doesn't forgive any bad recording though. It is still very dynamic...but miles away from what the AMS35 is capable of. It lacked something in terms of impact (I know I am very spoiled now ) and bass wasn't breathtaking.

I am almost more convinced it will be either a tube amp or the AMS35 :read:

Roby was sceptical about the AMS35 needing an hour to get the best out of it...I told him it won't sound bad anyway from stone cold. The dealer said I was right and he suggested to plug the cold AMS35 and compare to the now warm m6500i...

Bammmmmmmm, everything was back there. Punch, rythm, soundstage, focus, emotions...everything back in place. It was a night and day difference...impossible to forget :shame:

From stone cold the AMS threw sand in the face of the M6500i...stay tuned for the next fight!! :cheers:

 

[CnoEvil]

OK...now we also have tried the M6500i. It is a MASSIVE amp...weighting as much as the AMS35i...

Design wise, I don't like the red display on top of volume know...but this is very subjective.

Connected to usual Avalon Idea (it was in the Bx shop)...didn't convince me too much since the beginning. Compared to what I like and to what I have been listening so far, this sounded almost cold and mechanical. No emotions. Don't get me wrong...is a great amp, very transparent, very detailed, sound was clean...it doesn't forgive any bad recording though. It is still very dynamic...but miles away from what the AMS35 is capable of. It lacked something in terms of impact (I know I am very spoiled now ) and bass wasn't breathtaking.

I am almost more convinced it will be either a tube amp or the AMS35 :read:

Roby was sceptical about the AMS35 needing an hour to get the best out of it...I told him it won't sound bad anyway from stone cold. The dealer said I was right and he suggested to plug the cold AMS35 and compare to the now warm m6500i...

Bammmmmmmm, everything was back there. Punch, rythm, soundstage, focus, emotions...everything back in place. It was a night and day difference...impossible to forget :shame:

From stone cold the AMS threw sand in the face of the M6500i...stay tuned for the next fight!! :cheers:

Thank you for so forthrightly describing exactly what I have heard, when doing the same sort of comparisons with far more powerful contendors.

I didn't think I would be believed if I said that a 35W amp soundly thrashed a 500W one, by giving a more powerful sound (though obviosly doesn't go as loud), with better bass.

There is nothing like hearing it for yourself, and there are now two of us extolling the virtues of this remarkable amp.

 

[Roby]

Exaxctly.....unfotunatly this make me think......should I strech an extra 2000.... to make me happy. I was convinced by a cold AMS.

An this was not on my personal speakers of choice the idea's but on Dynaudio's C1's.... Incradable speakers for the size an not extreemly expensive (6000).

Altrough I have 2 month's to diside what I do with all this experiences an info.

The dealer said when he have the separate combo we will compare the amps (M6i, M6 500i, M6 pre&prx, AMS) I secretly hope the combo will be convincing, thhis will allow me to buy the TT at the same time. aotherwise I will have to wait for the TT change.

I hope your in Acalex should be really intresting

:? :? :?

When sombody in my 683 tread said this is a dangerous game & friendship, now I understand ;-) Well let me clarify I'm not complaning I still think this is a great experience an I still enjoy the search. I guess when it's done we will miss it

 

[acalex]

Thank you for so forthrightly describing exactly what I have heard, when doing the same sort of comparisons with far more powerful contendors.

I didn't think I would be believed if I said that a 35W amp soundly thrashed a 500W one, by giving a more powerful sound (though obviosly doesn't go as loud), with better bass.

There is nothing like hearing it for yourself, and there are now two of us extolling the virtues of this remarkable amp.

Yes, I would never believe it was a 35W amp making minced meat of a massive 500W amp! Again, the M6500i is a greatly built amp and sound superb...of course it goes much louder...but it is not my cup of tea. AMS is great because has muscles and power but it can be very delicate and extremely musical...I couldn't believe hoe little difference I found between it and the Jadis amp when I compared them (not a fair competition as speakers were not "tube friendly"...waiting to connect the SFG Memento).

Volume wise...it was more than enough for my taste...and we never pushed the AMS over 40% of its scale. It is impressive how powerful it sounds still remaining very musical and emotional...hard to believe if you don't try yourself!