Upgrading

[4music]

Alex,

I am using only the RCA inputs and have not tested the Zeel input. Signal Cables are Jorma Prime & Speaker Cables Jorma Origo, while power cables are from Ansuz. Thus cabling is on the neutral and slightly warm side. The real question for upgrading from 8550 is whether the 85% estimate that Herve uses as an indication of sound quality vs the separates is accurate. If yes the financial commitment is perhaps steep for the difference in sound quality. Audiophiles with Dartzeel systems claim that the difference might be even smaller. Opinions?

Tim

 

[asiufy]

Well, to put matters in perspective, just the phono pre on the 18NS alone would account for that 15% difference. So no, I don't think the "gap" between the CTH (one of the best integrateds out there, and absurdly good value for money) and the 18NS+108 combo is exactly as Hervé puts it, his genius notwithstanding With the new 18NS mk2, that gap has probablt widened significantly...

The CTH is a newer, but slightly more complex project, that uses more transistors at its output. The 108 is a simpler project, more direct path, with less transistors, and thus (to my ears), more natural and lifelike in rendering detail (microdetail). The CTH's extra power will give it an edge otherwise, but the 108 will sound better any day, every day.

I don't know the Ansuz, but the Jormas are excellent, so you're on the right track there too


cheers,
alex