Cheaper with SAM vs. more expensive without?

[GuillaumeB]

What source are you going to use with the Magtech?

Guillaume

The dealer I'm supposed to be borrowing the Magtech from seems utterly chaotic, and I haven't received it yet.

For the purposes of this demo I'm going to go PC via USB into an Audiolab M-DAC. "A lowly M-DAC!", I hear you cry: well, yes, but this is the souped up model, modded by the great John Westlake himself. It's altogether better than the off-the-shelf model.

But if I do decide on the Magtech, I'll want to consider alternatives.

I now have a 200 Companion on loan and am running the full 400 as I type this. The sonic character of the 400 seems a bit more 3-dimensional: more contours, more depth of field, so to speak. The mid-range and bass also seem a bit richer at low volumes. Having said that, it's not a huge difference, and whether it's worth £5K, well ...

Matt

Interesting... I believe Vincent Brient of totaldac was taught by John Westlake on the audio test and measurement side.

Could you not use the Devialet's pre-out to feed the Magtech? I suppose that would really help you evaluate what the Magtech amp is bringing to the party. Level playing field and all that.

I doubt whether adding an extra Devialet will result in sound that is twice as good, but to some of us even a 10 or 15% improvement is worth it! Personally I never found the 240 was quite powerful enough (with Wilson speakers) and adding another unit definitely added something rather alluring to the fluidity/musicality of the Devialet sound.

Guillaume