Compare Sony SS-AR1 and Magico S5

[murrayp]

Thanks Kiwi - I've heard the Devialet sound as you describe it too. I would say it is performing much better than that here though - remarkably good in many ways. But as you suggest, two are supposed to be better than one. I like the simplicity (sold my Paganini 4 box and Burmester 911 and zillion cable set up). Will try what I can - had thought to try a JRDG 725 and their DAC - shortly available locally (= NZ btw - another kiwi) to see if it is a step up.

Joe - my set up is not much more than the TAD and Devialet - cables are top Ridge Street. Source is laptop via Stello U3 USB/AES or streaming (best). On excellent recordings it is pretty good. My room is my biggest issue. I have tried other amplifiers using the Devialet as a source / pre - some warmer, some better control, some inviting turning up (the Devialet doesn't do that). Overall the Devialet remains the best for me though I can imagine most would prefer the Momentums by a long shot. But we all look for different things. For reference I have another set of speakers here too - Everests - another reality (ok - some people collect cars ....so.... ;o). So - I guess we CR1 owners would all use or at least try TAD amplifiers if they didn't cost so damn much!

But - getting back to topic - I suspect the Sony SS-AR1 would be a good match with the Devialet and the Magicos closer to the CR1s

best

[joeinid]

Originally Posted by murrayp

Thanks Kiwi - I've heard the Devialet sound as you describe it too. I would say it is performing much better than that here though - remarkably good in many ways. But as you suggest, two are supposed to be better than one. I like the simplicity (sold my Paganini 4 box and Burmester 911 and zillion cable set up). Will try what I can - had thought to try a JRDG 725 and their DAC - shortly available locally (= NZ btw - another kiwi) to see if it is a step up.

Joe - my set up is not much more than the TAD and Devialet - cables are top Ridge Street. Source is laptop via Stello U3 USB/AES or streaming (best). On excellent recordings it is pretty good. My room is my biggest issue. I have tried other amplifiers using the Devialet as a source / pre - some warmer, some better control, some inviting turning up (the Devialet doesn't do that). Overall the Devialet remains the best for me though I can imagine most would prefer the Momentums by a long shot. But we all look for different things. For reference I have another set of speakers here too - Everests - another reality (ok - some people collect cars ....so.... ;o). So - I guess we CR1 owners would all use or at least try TAD amplifiers if they didn't cost so damn much!

But - getting back to topic - I suspect the Sony SS-AR1 would be a good match with the Devialet and the Magicos closer to the CR1s

best

Thanks murray!

I appreciate your input. Another member here had the M600 TAD amps and If I remember correctly, moved on after 6 months. I am sure they are wonderful but may be entirely too truthful for my taste. So far my Dartzeel 108 has been the amp of choice. I'll have a better idea on a month or two how the Momentum stacks up.