I finally got a 220 Pro home for comparison.
I'll start off by saying the difference is slight. I did all comparisons with tracks I'm very familiar with at the same db setting as I think they are pretty equal volume wise. I put the 10 firmware back on my D200 prior for the comparison. I went back and forth between the amps 3-4 times now.
1) The bass has even more control on the D220, it's like the amp has even more damping power now. I notice less bloom to the bass on my speakers and I think this could be good or bad dependent on the speakers. This didn't equate to more low bass detail on my speakers.
2) There's an increase in details and air around everything else on the 220Pro. D200 presentation can be slightly congealed in comparison.
3) There's more impact from instrument and vocals, seems like everything pops out of the speakers a little easier with the 220. I guess this could be described as more open.
4) No real discernable change in sound stage with my Wilsons.
5) I couldn't really tell a difference in low volume performance either.
One note on 7.1.3 compared to the D220 Pro. 7.1.3 is quite a bit warmer and a little compressed in comparison or maybe laid back is a better description. If this works for your speakers and you love 7.1.3 I don't think the 220 Pro is necessarily for you.
I didn't find myself instantly tapping my toes like I did with the back breaking Mcintosh, so I don't know if it's the right move for me yet. Maybe I was expecting allot more from the gushing around here? I'll give it a more extended listen tomorrow and then switch back to the D200, sometimes things need some time to sink in.
I'll start off by saying the difference is slight. I did all comparisons with tracks I'm very familiar with at the same db setting as I think they are pretty equal volume wise. I put the 10 firmware back on my D200 prior for the comparison. I went back and forth between the amps 3-4 times now.
1) The bass has even more control on the D220, it's like the amp has even more damping power now. I notice less bloom to the bass on my speakers and I think this could be good or bad dependent on the speakers. This didn't equate to more low bass detail on my speakers.
2) There's an increase in details and air around everything else on the 220Pro. D200 presentation can be slightly congealed in comparison.
3) There's more impact from instrument and vocals, seems like everything pops out of the speakers a little easier with the 220. I guess this could be described as more open.
4) No real discernable change in sound stage with my Wilsons.
5) I couldn't really tell a difference in low volume performance either.
One note on 7.1.3 compared to the D220 Pro. 7.1.3 is quite a bit warmer and a little compressed in comparison or maybe laid back is a better description. If this works for your speakers and you love 7.1.3 I don't think the 220 Pro is necessarily for you.
I didn't find myself instantly tapping my toes like I did with the back breaking Mcintosh, so I don't know if it's the right move for me yet. Maybe I was expecting allot more from the gushing around here? I'll give it a more extended listen tomorrow and then switch back to the D200, sometimes things need some time to sink in.
Roon->HQPlayer->McIntosh C47->McIntosh MC301s>Transparent Super->Wilson Audio Sabrinas w/ Shunyata Denali, Rega RP8, Rega Apheta 2
