Place Your Bets Gentlemen, Please

[ESP2009]

Almost all of the pieces are in place. Hopefully, by Saturday morning they will all be present. Over the next couple of weeks I have opportunities to play. I have most of Saturday to start with, followed by four consecutive evenings in the week leading up to Easter.

Into the mix goes:

a) the kit you see in my signature box

b) a second, original 1990s Audiolab 8000S

c) a second Merlin Chopin lead

d) a second run of Chord Odyssey speaker cable

e) two Pioneer A400 amps

To which I can add or substitute various I/C and speaker cables I have squirreled away.

I intend to see whether the Pioneer out-performs the Audiolab as claimed, and then go on to try bi-wiring and bi-amping with both Pioneers and both Audiolabs.

So, bets on which items find their way onto Fleabay in the not too distant future.

 

[John Duncan]

At least one Pioneer A400.

 

[Anonymous]

i already have , sentry duty in the 3.20 at cheltenham today , 14/1, fill your boots

 

[ESP2009]

maxflinn:i already have , sentry duty in the 3.20 at cheltenham today , 14/1, fill your boots

Keep us updated.

or

or

 

[Gerrardasnails]

ESP2009:
Almost all of the pieces are in place. Hopefully, by Saturday morning they will all be present. Over the next couple of weeks I have opportunities to play. I have most of Saturday to start with, followed by four consecutive evenings in the week leading up to Easter.

Into the mix goes:

a) the kit you see in my signature box

b) a second, original 1990s Audiolab 8000S

c) a second Merlin Chopin lead

d) a second run of Chord Odyssey speaker cable

e) two Pioneer A400 amps

To which I can add or substitute various I/C and speaker cables I have squirreled away.

I intend to see whether the Pioneer out-performs the Audiolab as claimed, and then go on to try bi-wiring and bi-amping with both Pioneers and both Audiolabs.

So, bets on which items find their way onto Fleabay in the not too distant future.

Both Pioneers.

 

[Anonymous]

Gerrardasnails:ESP2009:

Both Pioneers.

perhaps, but I think not ....

I compared the older audiolab to the A400 (side by side) many years ago when I bought my first A400 .... was connected to a Rotel RCD 9658X cdp and IMF TLS80 speakers .... with that combination, the A400 totally outclassed the audiolab .... had both the audiolab and A400 on loan for more than a week)

not sure how they will compare with bi-amping though, ... can say that with the K1 sig cdp, the Pioneer is a good match ... have not heard your speakers

keep us informed... and good luck!

perhaps (after a while), sell all the amps and get 1 Musical Fidelity A5 integrated? ...

 

[ESP2009]

dim_span:[perhaps (after a while), sell all the amps and get 1 Musical Fidelity A5 integrated? ...

That A5 keeps cropping up - is it really that good?

By the way, the second A400 arrived today, so if everything is working, the fun shall commence, possibly as early as this evening, given that the Sound Police will be back later than usual. (Sadly, an eye test, rather than a hearing test

).

 

[Anonymous]

ESP2009:

dim_span:[perhaps (after a while), sell all the amps and get 1 Musical Fidelity A5 integrated? ...

That A5 keeps cropping up - is it really that good?

with my speakers and cdp, the A5 is a really good match .... considering that a good used one can be had for approx £800, I think it is a good buy and value for money .... obviously there is better, but don't think for cheaper

but as with all items, audition first and decide for yourself

it will also be intersting to hear your comments when you compare 1 Pioneer A400 to 1 audiolab (without bi-amping)

 

[Anonymous]

ESP2009:
maxflinn:i already have , sentry duty in the 3.20 at cheltenham today , 14/1, fill your boots

Keep us updated.

or

or

 

[ESP2009]

maxflinn:ESP2009:

maxflinn:i already have , sentry duty in the 3.20 at cheltenham today , 14/1, fill your boots

Keep us updated.

or

or

Awwwww, that's a shame. So, no major upgrade this month, then?

 

[ESP2009]

dim_span:[it will also be intersting to hear your comments when you compare 1 Pioneer A400 to 1 audiolab (without bi-amping)

Don't worry, I will report back in due course.

 

[Anonymous]

upgrading tv at xmas , new home cinema gear too , a present to myself

 

[ESP2009]

maxflinn:upgrading tv at xmas , new home cinema gear too , a present to myself

I prefer to buy myself presents all year round - but I have no self-control.

However, some would say that part of the pleasure is the anticipation.

 

[ESP2009]

dim_span:[it will also be intersting to hear your comments when you compare 1 Pioneer A400 to 1 audiolab (without bi-amping)

Ready for first impressions? I thought so.

Bearing in mind that I only had about an hour in less than perfect conditions, I put the Pioneer A400 on a dining chair, hooked up the lately arrived Odysseys and Chopins and put a CD on. Interesting.

Grudgingly, I have to admit that from the off, the Pioneer is giving the Audiolab a run for its money.

The Pioneer drives the Spendors with ease, allowing them to perform at a lesser volume setting than I would have expected.

However, I have the impression that there is maybe a degree of stridency to the tone that was not previously present.

Pity there is no remote.

To be fair, I need to set the amp up properly and connect up to the same I/Cs and speaker cables I use with the Audiolab. Frustratingly, it might not be as early as Saturday that I get to do any further comparisons.

I'll be back...