08-Nov-2016, 12:44
Hello there!
I had the pleasure to be able to compare a 220 pro to my 120 in my own home system. My observations are in line with other posts on this forum: more controlled bass, wider sound stage, more detail in the mid/high area. Overall this results in the balance sounding a bit warmer compared to the old series. More fluid, 'analog' sounding. Or, maybe looking back the 120 sounds a bit 'thin'.
Of course the step from 120 to 220 watts is also part of that.
One more observation from me though, however this is valid for my system in my listening room, but maybe others find this as well (just try some previously horrible tracks). It is confirmed by other listeners in my room though:
A lot of music that with the 120 was for me in the category 'unlistenable', effectively most contemporary music (made for mp3/smartphones?) having a flat sound stage (limited width and no depth) and truncated frequency range and sounding 'dead' or uninteresting. Now, with the 200pro the sound stage and frequency range are still very limited of course, but now are at least somewhat alive and have become listenable. This is even valid for low bitrate radio streams! Of course the variation within tracks is huge, but it is valid for a lot of music!
Obviously I will upgrade
My system: Synology NAS, home brew HTPC with Linux and Roon, Sonics Allegra, Thorens TB160BmkII, Ortofon Black
I had the pleasure to be able to compare a 220 pro to my 120 in my own home system. My observations are in line with other posts on this forum: more controlled bass, wider sound stage, more detail in the mid/high area. Overall this results in the balance sounding a bit warmer compared to the old series. More fluid, 'analog' sounding. Or, maybe looking back the 120 sounds a bit 'thin'.
Of course the step from 120 to 220 watts is also part of that.
One more observation from me though, however this is valid for my system in my listening room, but maybe others find this as well (just try some previously horrible tracks). It is confirmed by other listeners in my room though:
A lot of music that with the 120 was for me in the category 'unlistenable', effectively most contemporary music (made for mp3/smartphones?) having a flat sound stage (limited width and no depth) and truncated frequency range and sounding 'dead' or uninteresting. Now, with the 200pro the sound stage and frequency range are still very limited of course, but now are at least somewhat alive and have become listenable. This is even valid for low bitrate radio streams! Of course the variation within tracks is huge, but it is valid for a lot of music!
Obviously I will upgrade
My system: Synology NAS, home brew HTPC with Linux and Roon, Sonics Allegra, Thorens TB160BmkII, Ortofon Black
