Realistic sound = tubes and analogue

[tube fan]

The high frequencies of my system (Fulton J or Dunlavy SC-IV, AR SP-8, AR D-70, Counterpoint CA 2, VPI Scoutmaster, Benz Ruby 3) sound as extended as any I have heard, including the $400,000 ones at the California Audio Show. More expensive does not always equal better (in sound or in wines). For example, check out RJR's review of the ARVSi60 integrated amp ($4,000) in the Sept Stereophile. He owns the AR Reference 110 ($10,000), and seemed to prefer the sound of the $4,000 unit in the bass:
"I felt that the VSi60 bettered the Audio Valve/Ref 110 combo in every aspect of bass articulation and definition." My system could use more control, both in the top and bottom frequencies, on demanding orchestral vinyl, similar to what RJR felt were the flaws in the AR VSi60 amp. Still, he considered selling the $20,000 combo for the $4,000 one! ("What stopped me from doing so was not the VSi60's sound, but an equipment reviewer's need to have a separate line stage and power amp in order to review a broad range of electronics").

Consider the sound of the first Quad (now called the "57") to the newest versions. I VASTLY prefer the sound of the 57 to all later versions. The 57 is alive, while the later versions are dead in comparison.

I check out the "latest and greatest" gear at audio stores several times a year, and I don't hear any sigificant improvement over my system. Three exceptions that I am checking out: the tape copies of master tapes, the Teresonic speakers, and the Audio Note gear.

[E-Stat]

More expensive does not always equal better (in sound or in wines). For example, check out RJR's review of the ARVSi60 integrated amp ($4,000) in the Sept Stereophile. He owns the AR Reference 110 ($10,000), and seemed to prefer the sound of the $4,000 unit in the bass:

And yet elsewhere, he commented that the ARC / Not-ARC combo retrieved more detail, low level dynamics and ambience. Regardless, it makes perfect sense that the two current product ARC products using similiar topologies, active devices (JFETs, 6H30 tubes) and passive parts would sound similar. Further, the VSi60 has a very appealing attribute that I find improves resolution in my system: a passive line level section. I'm not exactly sure, however, what this conversation has to do with comparing either current production model to that of nearly thirty years ago.

I check out the "latest and greatest" gear at audio stores several times a year, and I don't hear any sigificant improvement over my system.

I'm glad you're happy. Others, however, have found that the past three decades in electronics development have not stood still.

rw