18-Oct-2016, 20:46
Had my 250 Pro back for four days and have been using it pretty solidly all that time, so I'm assuming it's pretty well burned in.
It's always difficult making comparisons when it's been away for two weeks, but here goes;
First thing that struck me is the bass extension seems to be deeper - not significantly, but enough to notice.
Also, more slam in the drums; my electrostatics can be a bit "passive" when it comes to percussion, but there is definitely more punch. Listening to Downtown Venus (P.M Dawn) - which samples the drumming from Deep Purple's Hush - it's much more evident in the mix.
I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar and I've really noticed a cleaner and more defined sound around each string pluck. On Jonathan Wilson's Gentle Spirit, the guitar comes in after about 30 seconds and sounds beautifully clear and realistic. Similarly, the guitar and mandolin in John Martyn's Over The Hill sound fresh and vibrant, each note clearly articulated.
Draw your Swords by Angus and Julia Stone is a good reference track - again, lovely strummed guitar, and a big, wide vocal that fills the space between the speakers. Overall, the soundstage seems deeper and broader than before, and this adds to the impression that each instrument is in its own space.
The most noticeable difference, I think, is an improvement in resolution across the board, and better separation of the component parts of the music. Plucking, strumming, drum beats, piano keys - all clean and distinct with no aural clutter. (In fairness, the 250 was pretty good before the upgrade, but it just seems better now). The resolution doesn't come at the expense of atmosphere - Cat Power still sounds like she's singing in a smoky bar, 8 feet in front of me. Ane Brun singing All my Tears, is the same - utterly captivating vocal presentation.
Also, FWIW, Mrs Poz noticed the separation of the various components, and said that that the music felt more real.
I'm very pleased I upgraded; it does feel like a new amp, albeit one that builds on the strengths of its predecessor.
It's always difficult making comparisons when it's been away for two weeks, but here goes;
First thing that struck me is the bass extension seems to be deeper - not significantly, but enough to notice.
Also, more slam in the drums; my electrostatics can be a bit "passive" when it comes to percussion, but there is definitely more punch. Listening to Downtown Venus (P.M Dawn) - which samples the drumming from Deep Purple's Hush - it's much more evident in the mix.
I listen to a lot of acoustic guitar and I've really noticed a cleaner and more defined sound around each string pluck. On Jonathan Wilson's Gentle Spirit, the guitar comes in after about 30 seconds and sounds beautifully clear and realistic. Similarly, the guitar and mandolin in John Martyn's Over The Hill sound fresh and vibrant, each note clearly articulated.
Draw your Swords by Angus and Julia Stone is a good reference track - again, lovely strummed guitar, and a big, wide vocal that fills the space between the speakers. Overall, the soundstage seems deeper and broader than before, and this adds to the impression that each instrument is in its own space.
The most noticeable difference, I think, is an improvement in resolution across the board, and better separation of the component parts of the music. Plucking, strumming, drum beats, piano keys - all clean and distinct with no aural clutter. (In fairness, the 250 was pretty good before the upgrade, but it just seems better now). The resolution doesn't come at the expense of atmosphere - Cat Power still sounds like she's singing in a smoky bar, 8 feet in front of me. Ane Brun singing All my Tears, is the same - utterly captivating vocal presentation.
Also, FWIW, Mrs Poz noticed the separation of the various components, and said that that the music felt more real.
I'm very pleased I upgraded; it does feel like a new amp, albeit one that builds on the strengths of its predecessor.
Devialet 1000 Pro. Martin Logan Montis, Michell Gyrodec, Melco N1ZH, Mutec MC3+ USB
