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I read your review of the Oracle Delphi MK V and thank you for your insight. I need your opinion as to whether or not I should sell my LP12 and consider a Delphi. However, there are certain misgivings, over 18 years ago I picked up an Oracle Alexandria and within two years I took a heavy loss and bought a Linn LP12, so bad was the construction of the Alexandria that I swore never to buy another one again, plus the company closed again a few years thereafter. I have not heard the new Delphi and was wondering if the sound quality would be the much more of an improvement over my non Cirkus, non Lingo LP12. Or should I seek to improve my LP12 with the Cirkus and Lingo improvements? I am really interested in your opinion on this matter as well as your take on the company’s penchant for closing and re-opening every so often. Cheers, Nick L.
Nick, Thanks for your e-mail and the Linn is different from the Oracle. While it is great to know that Oracle is indeed once again making great turntables of very high quality, the 'personality' of the Delphi versus an LP12 is what i would focus upon. The Linn tends to have that classic 'boogie' factor while the Oracle Delphi is more neutral while not being sterile (like that found in the Goldmund Reference). So it is up to you really as is akin to choosing a Western Electric 300B for its romantic sound versus another, more neutral 300B tube. It boils down to a component's inherent personality tendencies and your preferences. Enjoy the Music, Steven R. Rochlin
I just went back to re-read your review of the Meridian G08 CD player from a couple of years back. In that review you stated that you were in the market for a digital source. However you expressed some trepidation in regard to the survivability of the SACD and DVD-A formats. Well here we are over 30 months later and I, personally am still concerned. In video, I don’t know which of the two high definition formats are likely to survive. But regardless, I suspect either HD DVD or Blu-ray will result in a higher definition audio format that is consistent with the lossless soundtracks on these discs. Some sort of 24-bit/96kHz process is likely to develop for audio, though I suspect we are a couple of years away from that. Meanwhile I myself am looking to upgrade my digital source from the Arcam CD/DVD-A player that I currently own. I’d appreciate any comments you have. Also, what format did you end up deciding on as your digital source? In your opinion is it possible to even build a three format player (CD, DVD-A, SACD) without introducing some sonic compromise? Sincerely, Greg Wagener
Hi Greg, You ask some very interesting questions, and I for one don’t have all the answers. It’s still not clear what will be the impact of Blu-ray and HD DVD on audio, but don’t be too surprised to see DSD appear on Blu-ray. Is it possible to build a Universal Player without compromise? Conventional wisdom says no, at least not at an affordable price, but I’m going to reserve judgment on that until I’ve had time with the Ayre C-5xe later in the year. I was quite impressed a couple of years back with the Esoteric DV-50, which I felt sounded best on DVD-Audio (not on 24-bit/96kHz – only on 24-bit/192kHz material, which is hard to find). Ultimately I felt the DV-50 on SACD was about level pegging with the Meridian G08 on CD, and even today I’ve only heard one CD Player that consistently wipes the floor with the G08, and that’s the magnificent Meridian 808 Signature reference CD Player, which incidentally, also plays DVD-Audio. One Universal Player that had some reviewers reaching for superlatives was quite a let down on all formats in my system, and was subsequently reworked by the manufacturer to address serious problems. That just shows you shouldn’t believe any reviewer – and certainly not me. Use the reviews as a guide to what might be interesting to seek out and audition, and they will have served their purpose. Today I can certainly point to players whose SACD reproduction clearly bests the CD from either Meridian. If you stay tuned, you will see a review of one such animal in the next month or so. Something beginning with EMM. As to my choice – I bought the G08 and have never regretted it. It has humbled many a highly touted challenger, such as the Bluenote and several dCS components. Still now that I’ve heard just how good SACD can be when it’s done right, and how good the 808 is on Redbook, I’m hankering after something better. Enjoy the music, Phil
Thanks for your latest “tweaks” – I always enjoy reading how to improve my system for little or no $$$. Do you have a “tweak” to eliminate the buzz created by rheostats on the same power line circuit as a system (I have a dedicated line for my main system, which solves the problem, but not so for my second system)? Thanks, Roy D. Toulan, Jr.
Roy, Am glad you enjoyed the virtually free tweaks article. Alas, have no solution off the top of my head concerning the buzz created by rheostats that would be nearly free of cost. I believe using a balanced power AC filter would work, though those are far from free. Wish I knew more. Enjoy the Music, Steven R. Rochlin
So, like you, I have become addicted to loudspeakers. I have had a pair of KEF 104/2s for almost ten years now, and can't stop reading reviews and perusing ads for new speakers, even though I'm very happy with the KEFs. Additionally, I just replaced the woofers, and they sound better than ever. Regardless, the speakers which seem to be best reviewed in the "reasonable" price range are the Hyperion 938s, the Avantgarde Unos, some Magnepan 3.6s (or other models), or a pair of Sound Lab A-3s (or other models). Unfortunately, I can't find any but the Maggies to audition in my area. I was wondering if you had any strong recommendations among the field. The price of the Hyperions certainly appeals, but I get the impression they may be most like the KEFs. I've heard Maggies before (as well as Apogees) and really like the sweet, natural, and "realistic" sound they convey on acoustic music. However, I'm concerned about them (and possibly the Soundlabs?) doing double duty on movies. I have had a Denon DP-59L for many years, and I have recently purchased a Denon 3930 for playback, a Denon AVR 2807 for surround and switching, and a DK Design VS1 MKII for stereo playback direct from the 3930. I also have the pre-out for the mains from the AVR running through the DK. (I haven't tested if that sounds better than just running movie sound through the AVR's own amp, as opposed to running the signal through two preamps, as is currently the case. It is certainly the more convenient route.) I will eventually add some kind of nice DAC and a wireless interface like the Sonos or Squeezebox. I have KEF center and rear speakers for movies, as well. I have enjoyed reading your reviews. Any advice, including models I haven't considered, would be appreciated. Cheers, Erik
Erik, Thanks for your e-mail and it is great to know a like-minded music/movie lover. You are right in that panel speakers could be a problem if you enjoy high volume movie sound, as all those explosions could cause the panel to 'break up' the sound. The Hyperions are like the KEFs so where does that leave us? My vote foes to the Avantgarde Duos. The Unos, while very good, leave something to be desired due to the smallish midrange and how it mates to the woofers. Please see my review of the Uno and Duo to learn more. Have a great time as it sounds like you are enhancing your music and movie please. As always... Enjoy the Music, Steven R. Rochlin
I read your great review of the AKG 701 phones and I have been thinking about buying a pair of them and want to ask you a question. You used them with a Graham Slee Solo headamp, will they work with a Ray Samuels Hornet? Do you think that the Solo is better than the Hornet? I am a violinist, did you listen to any solo violin music with them and if so how did they reproduce the violin? Your comments are appreciated. Thank you very much., Carter Asbill
Hi Carter, I have no experience with the Hornet but the AKG 701 should not be a mismatch. At $350 the Hornet should not be expected to compete with the Solo which is around three times the price and still excellent value for money. When I audition I listen to a variety of music, with the emphasis on classical. No solo violin but string quartets were extremely well reproduced, as I reported. Enjoy the music, Phil
I am getting ready to purchase the Oracle Delphi MkV turntable. Any thoughts on the acrylic vs. granite base, in terms of sound? Thanks, Matt Cort
Matt, Thanks for your e-mail. My review sample was with the acrylic base and have never used the granite. Of course of paramount importance is the stand/base you will be using to sit the turntable on. Ask Oracle about the difference in sound between the different plinths and what stand they recommend. i like the lightweight yet stiff stand approach of the Ikea Lack small table. Another great approach is using an air bladder like the Vibraplane. Hope this helps. Steven R. Rochlin
Thank you, Vasile Nemes
Vasile, Thanks for your e-mail. When a stereo system is properly setup and is of good quality, you will hear the music is a 3D-like sound with depth, images seeming to hang in a 3D space, etc. Also, proper rendition of the performance hall in classical music will naturally expand and surround you as it does in real life. If you system does not produce a holographic sound, try moving your loudspeakers more into your room, further away from the walls. Loudspeaker positioning and room acoustics play a large part of how your system will reproduce music. Room acoustic devices, such as RealTraps as reviewed here can help immensely. Always glad to help. Enjoy the Music, Steven R. Rochlin
Thanks, Bryan Lobaugh
I know you've reviewed tons of different tubed amps/set/ect. From a novice, if you could write up all the 'typical' differences in tubed amps related to say KT88, 300B, EL84, 6h30 and others. Just a quick F.A.Q. that describes the sounds associated with the different tubed amps. It'd be very helpful to me. Thanks, Chris
Chris, Thanks for your e-mail and would love to, but what you ask is impossible. Each tube might have a sound, but then each tube type can be made by different companies that then produce different sound. Add to that, the amplifier's circuitry and part variances also work in such a way as to changes in sound. In the end there are literally millions of possibilities that could take many lifetimes to make a FAQ, which would be outdated as new parts, circuits, and tubes become available. Enjoy the Music, Steven R. Rochlin
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