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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
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matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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drummerman:... i've obviously missed something ...
Castle, now owned by IAG, are launching a new Knight series of speakers. There is a news story about it on this very website.
Castle, now owned by IAG, are launching a new Knight series of speakers. There is a news story about it on this very website.
IMF speakers (especially the IMF TLS80) were (and are) very good .... and although old, still outperform many new speakers that cost thousands IMHO
still bargains to be had ... a pair of IMF TLS50 sold a few minutes ago on ebay for £176
still bargains to be had ... a pair of IMF TLS50 sold a few minutes ago on ebay for £176
matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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drummerman:
I'm not so sure I feel to strongly about re-surrecting old hifi. Whilst I went on about how good some MS20iPearls are in another thread earlier today, they, like most older hifi, can be either matched or improved upon with current products. You may have to pay more for the same performance but there's a wealth of stuff out there. If you'd say older/used hifi can be a bargain today, I totally agree, but only for that reason. Were it made today, that price/performance advantage may disappear when compared to modern products. As always, my opinion only.
What I can say though is that I'd like to see Castle return as a manufacturer and I did have a penchant for Pioneers 'stable platter' disc mechanisms.
Interesting point and one that was certainly proved when Dual re-launched the CS505-4 turntable a couple of years ago. They were asking £400+ for it and, whilst a classic in its day, it is really now outclassed completely by the cheaper Regas and the £300-£500 Pro-ject decks.
Having said that, I've been listening to the Pioneer A400 and Mission 751s again and it has left me wondering just how much I would have to spend on new kit to improve on them. For example, how does the Pioneer A-A6 Mk2 compare to the A400? How much would the A400 cost if it were still being made?
The old Vs new debate is a fascinating one and I don't think its going to go away in a hurry.
I'm not so sure I feel to strongly about re-surrecting old hifi. Whilst I went on about how good some MS20iPearls are in another thread earlier today, they, like most older hifi, can be either matched or improved upon with current products. You may have to pay more for the same performance but there's a wealth of stuff out there. If you'd say older/used hifi can be a bargain today, I totally agree, but only for that reason. Were it made today, that price/performance advantage may disappear when compared to modern products. As always, my opinion only.
What I can say though is that I'd like to see Castle return as a manufacturer and I did have a penchant for Pioneers 'stable platter' disc mechanisms.
Interesting point and one that was certainly proved when Dual re-launched the CS505-4 turntable a couple of years ago. They were asking £400+ for it and, whilst a classic in its day, it is really now outclassed completely by the cheaper Regas and the £300-£500 Pro-ject decks.
Having said that, I've been listening to the Pioneer A400 and Mission 751s again and it has left me wondering just how much I would have to spend on new kit to improve on them. For example, how does the Pioneer A-A6 Mk2 compare to the A400? How much would the A400 cost if it were still being made?
The old Vs new debate is a fascinating one and I don't think its going to go away in a hurry.
All highly subjective but I remember one of the UK hifi mags reviewing the A-400 next to the A-AJ9 and 6 amplifiers. The older amplifier compared well but did'nt quite match them according to the reviewer and I think it was some way off the 9 model. Could be wrong though as it was some time ago. I don't know how much the A-400 RRP when new is in new money.
- Mar 23, 2009
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Hi drummerman
The A-400 was launched in 1990 and in 1993 Pioneer tried to improve on the A-400 with the A-400x. Imo the A-400x did not sound as good. In 2007 they tried again with the A-A6/A-A9. Again imo these did not perform as well as the A-400. More recently the A-A6 MK2/A-A9 MK2 were introduced. And again imo neither of these two amps performs as good as the A-400.
If it ain't broke don't fix it. Pioneer well and truly hit the centre of the bullseye in 1990.
Btw, the A-400 was launched at a price of £230 and discontinued at £280.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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Rick,
How far do you think the A400 can go with partnering speakers?
Do you think it would work well with the ATC SCM7s?
Cheers
Matt.
How far do you think the A400 can go with partnering speakers?
Do you think it would work well with the ATC SCM7s?
Cheers
Matt.
Whilst the A400 is a great amp, I have owned one from new in 1991 which is still being used at my dad's, it has been easily surpassed, and could be called a bit bright. Good amp yes, but nowhere near the modern-day benchmarks.
I've just done the same thing, except my Pioneer A400 is now at my father-in law's.
I auditioned a Rega Biro 3 some weeks ago and liked it, so I've bought one to replace the Pioneer A400.
I've not set the Brio up yet, I'm trying it tonight!
Anyone interested to know if the Brio is better, about the same, or not as good?
I've tried various amps in my setup, none of them (Yet) have shown the musicality, dynamics or emotion of the A400!
Amps I've Tried
NAD C350 and C352
Cambridge Audio 640A
Cambridge Audio 740a & 840A
Rotel RA 04
Marantz Pm6002
So I tried the Brio, it sounded promising in the listening room of the dealer I visited.
I'll reveal the outcome tomorrow.
I auditioned a Rega Biro 3 some weeks ago and liked it, so I've bought one to replace the Pioneer A400.
I've not set the Brio up yet, I'm trying it tonight!
Anyone interested to know if the Brio is better, about the same, or not as good?
I've tried various amps in my setup, none of them (Yet) have shown the musicality, dynamics or emotion of the A400!
Amps I've Tried
NAD C350 and C352
Cambridge Audio 640A
Cambridge Audio 740a & 840A
Rotel RA 04
Marantz Pm6002
So I tried the Brio, it sounded promising in the listening room of the dealer I visited.
I'll reveal the outcome tomorrow.
- Mar 23, 2009
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matthewpiano:Rick, How far do you think the A400 can go with partnering speakers? Do you think it would work well with the ATC SCM7s? Cheers Matt.
Hi Matt
The Pioneer A-400 can be partnered with components that cost many times more than its value without it really becoming a limiting factor. Ime it actually thrives on the challenge and ultimately it is only than the A-400 well and truly shows what a superb design Pioneer released twenty years ago.
For many years i happily used my A-400 with Naim's CDX/XPS MK1 and Kef Reference Model 3.2 (Rosetta Burr finish) and it was absolutely awesome. In fact i have used the A-400 with even more expensive equipment than already mentioned and yet it still quite happily revealed differences.
As much as i like ATC speakers sadly they don't match with the A-400.
If the A-400 is given the quality of components it deserves and the match is right than the way it digs right into the heart of the signal and maintains all round grip is stunning.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Hi Matt
The Pioneer A-400 can be partnered with components that cost many times more than its value without it really becoming a limiting factor. Ime it actually thrives on the challenge and ultimately it is only than the A-400 well and truly shows what a superb design Pioneer released twenty years ago.
For many years i happily used my A-400 with Naim's CDX/XPS MK1 and Kef Reference Model 3.2 (Rosetta Burr finish) and it was absolutely awesome. In fact i have used the A-400 with even more expensive equipment than already mentioned and yet it still quite happily revealed differences.
As much as i like ATC speakers sadly they don't match with the A-400.
If the A-400 is given the quality of components it deserves and the match is right than the way it digs right into the heart of the signal and maintains all round grip is stunning.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
if you think the Pioneer A400 is good ... try a Pioneer A-300R Precision as modded by Tom Evans ... brilliant (and can be bought for under £200 on ebay)
I have owned 2 - A400's ... good for the money, and will always recommend them ... however, if you are patient and can find an A-300R Precision (for the same money) ... you will be well pleased
I have owned 2 - A400's ... good for the money, and will always recommend them ... however, if you are patient and can find an A-300R Precision (for the same money) ... you will be well pleased
- Mar 23, 2009
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Hi dim_span
I am going to differ with you on this one. Yes, the A300R Precision (i almost forgot about this) is a very good amplifier however the A-400 is ultimately capable of achieving far more in quantity/quality of power and performance.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
I am going to differ with you on this one. Yes, the A300R Precision (i almost forgot about this) is a very good amplifier however the A-400 is ultimately capable of achieving far more in quantity/quality of power and performance.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
matthewpiano
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- Nov 23, 2007
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Rick
Thanks for your response. So what would you recommend as the next step upwards to partner the Pioneer in terms of speakers and CD source? Either 2nd hand or new?
Thanks
Matt.
Thanks for your response. So what would you recommend as the next step upwards to partner the Pioneer in terms of speakers and CD source? Either 2nd hand or new?
Thanks
Matt.
MUSICRAFT:
Hi dim_span
I am going to differ with you on this one. Yes, the A300R Precision (i almost forgot about this) is a very good amplifier however the A-400 is ultimately capable of achieving far more in quantity/quality of power and performance.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Hmmm ... not so sure ... there were 4 stages of mods on the A300R precision ... the best one is known as 'the full monty' and has a blue LED ... I think even the stage 1 mods outclass the A400 (by far) ...
Note: The A300R Precision is not the standand A300R ... The Precision model is the one that Tom Evans modified and tweaked
have used both side by side and tested for nearly a full day ... the A300R precsion is also better than the A400 GTE (which was also modded by Tom Evans) .... that is his own words as I was in touch with him before buying
but saying that, I have owned 2 A400's and they are really good .... I will always recomend them
Hi dim_span
I am going to differ with you on this one. Yes, the A300R Precision (i almost forgot about this) is a very good amplifier however the A-400 is ultimately capable of achieving far more in quantity/quality of power and performance.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Hmmm ... not so sure ... there were 4 stages of mods on the A300R precision ... the best one is known as 'the full monty' and has a blue LED ... I think even the stage 1 mods outclass the A400 (by far) ...
Note: The A300R Precision is not the standand A300R ... The Precision model is the one that Tom Evans modified and tweaked
have used both side by side and tested for nearly a full day ... the A300R precsion is also better than the A400 GTE (which was also modded by Tom Evans) .... that is his own words as I was in touch with him before buying
but saying that, I have owned 2 A400's and they are really good .... I will always recomend them
Alantiggger
Well-known member
- Oct 14, 2007
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Monolith mp3 players so that loads of you could see for yourselves as to just how good they are 🙂
Cyrus 1 and Cyrus 2
NAD 3020
Thorens TD150
Wharfedale original Diamond
Marantz CD52SE
Marantz CD63 mkII KI
Not sure I'd make a system out of any combination of them though; I'd expect the Diamonds would be the weakest link.
NAD 3020
Thorens TD150
Wharfedale original Diamond
Marantz CD52SE
Marantz CD63 mkII KI
Not sure I'd make a system out of any combination of them though; I'd expect the Diamonds would be the weakest link.
- Mar 23, 2009
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matthewpiano:Rick Thanks for your response. So what would you recommend as the next step upwards to partner the Pioneer in terms of speakers and CD source? Either 2nd hand or new? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
Ideally in the first instance i would suggest that you look at improving your speakers particularly if you can accomodate floorstanders. I say this because the two main areas the A-400 truly excells at is its sheer ability to track bass and mid frequencies. Correctly matched a floorstanding design (ideally a three way) will enable the A-400's qualities to shine through. Btw, don't let the high retail price of speakers put you off (in relation the retail value of the amp) because the A-400 almost demands and thrives on being partnered with expensive components.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Hi Matt
Ideally in the first instance i would suggest that you look at improving your speakers particularly if you can accomodate floorstanders. I say this because the two main areas the A-400 truly excells at is its sheer ability to track bass and mid frequencies. Correctly matched a floorstanding design (ideally a three way) will enable the A-400's qualities to shine through. Btw, don't let the high retail price of speakers put you off (in relation the retail value of the amp) because the A-400 almost demands and thrives on being partnered with expensive components.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
matthewpiano
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matthewpiano:Thanks Rick. I'll give that some further thought.
Hi Matt
Your welcome.
Btw, if you really want to talk 'shop' about the A-400 than please feel free to drop me a line. The contact details are in my bio.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Hi Matt
Your welcome.
Btw, if you really want to talk 'shop' about the A-400 than please feel free to drop me a line. The contact details are in my bio.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
MUSICRAFT:
matthewpiano:Rick Thanks for your response. So what would you recommend as the next step upwards to partner the Pioneer in terms of speakers and CD source? Either 2nd hand or new? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
Ideally in the first instance i would suggest that you look at improving your speakers particularly if you can accomodate floorstanders. I say this because the two main areas the A-400 truly excells at is its sheer ability to track bass and mid frequencies. Correctly matched a floorstanding design (ideally a three way) will enable the A-400's qualities to shine through. Btw, don't let the high retail price of speakers put you off (in relation the retail value of the amp) because the A-400 almost demands and thrives on being partnered with expensive components.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Pioneer A400 + Mission 753 speakers (not the freedom model) + Marantz CD63 MKII K1 Signature cdp is a very good match
(and when buying the complete system will cost less than £500) ...
matthewpiano:Rick Thanks for your response. So what would you recommend as the next step upwards to partner the Pioneer in terms of speakers and CD source? Either 2nd hand or new? Thanks Matt.
Hi Matt
Ideally in the first instance i would suggest that you look at improving your speakers particularly if you can accomodate floorstanders. I say this because the two main areas the A-400 truly excells at is its sheer ability to track bass and mid frequencies. Correctly matched a floorstanding design (ideally a three way) will enable the A-400's qualities to shine through. Btw, don't let the high retail price of speakers put you off (in relation the retail value of the amp) because the A-400 almost demands and thrives on being partnered with expensive components.
All the best
Rick @ Musicraft
Pioneer A400 + Mission 753 speakers (not the freedom model) + Marantz CD63 MKII K1 Signature cdp is a very good match
(and when buying the complete system will cost less than £500) ...
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