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Post by garbulky on Jan 26, 2018 17:38:32 GMT -5
I have a question about the DR-2 topology. Is it like the XPA-1 Gen2 that starts out class A and then switches? If so how many watts are class A. Probably a stupid question... nothing known. but its not 60 watts class a |
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Post by mack71 on Jan 26, 2018 17:44:15 GMT -5
Can you compare to XPR1? Do you hear any differences? I am very curious about your opinion, because I had DI for some time. P.S. Do you have spikes? This has an effect on the bass, because it can run away from the bottom |
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Post by rbk123 on Jan 26, 2018 21:21:19 GMT -5
It's not a television. It is a framed picture of a stage I consider myself corrected.  |
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Post by roadwar on Jan 27, 2018 9:19:31 GMT -5
DR-2 just delivered, showed up just in time for Friday night listening session! Finally! Looking forward to your impressions. |
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Post by gsand on Jan 27, 2018 12:49:31 GMT -5
I am not one to write reviews but I will try to explain my opinion on the DR-2. I have not really listened long enough to decide what I really think about the DR-2 "2 1/2 hrs" so far but I am just a little concerned. I will say it seems to be a little different than the XPR-1's that it replaced. I originally had a pair of XPA-1's (gen 1) that I probably should have kept now looking back. I actually preferred the sonic signature of them over the XPR-1's. I do not want to pass any judgement on the DR-2 yet but the tone & some detail seems to be just a little off for a lack of a better description. It also seemed a little sterile/digital sounding. Hopefully part of the perception is some of the marginal source material I listened to.
The CD playlist included: Patrica Vonne, Ronnie Earl, David Bowie, Aldo Nova, INXS, AC/DC, Station, Cure & The Waterboys (most remastered versions or HDCD) I picked this playlist because there were certain parts of certain songs that stood out with the XPR-1s when I had them in my system that were not there with the DR-2. I know almost a year later there is no way to A/B compare components by memory but there is definitely a difference, maybe it's my hearing. Starting at a average 94db, 111db peak and 109db average at end of night "probably because the Gin/Tonics were controlling the volume toward the end. I really had high expectations for this amplifier after selling the XPR-1's almost a year ago and waiting for this amplifier to be released. I am hoping maybe that there is some validity to "break-in" time on a amplifier? One thing that I do miss that is really insignificant is the "dancing" blue lights of the XPR-1's.
I think someone here on the forum that also owns a DR-2 should post their listening experience especially because I tend to mainly listen to crappy/bad mastered music from the 80's...
I am really hoping that after further listening sessions and break-in time that I can really be excited about owning this amp and wish I never posted this early opinion/rambling
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Post by nickwin on Jan 27, 2018 14:26:08 GMT -5
Starting at a average 94db, 111db peak and 109db average at end of night "probably because the Gin/Tonics were controlling the volume toward the end. Wow 111db avg, I need to try one of your g&t’s! I also need to try out some Tektons. I’ve never owned a speaker that could do that kind of spl at the listening position. Thanks for sharing! I bet it will grow on you. Are your Tektons pretty forward in there sound signature? |
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Post by mack71 on Jan 27, 2018 16:47:11 GMT -5
I am not one to write reviews but I will try to explain my opinion on the DR-2. I have not really listened long enough to decide what I really think about the DR-2 "2 1/2 hrs" so far but I am just a little concerned. I will say it seems to be a little different than the XPR-1's that it replaced. I originally had a pair of XPA-1's (gen 1) that I probably should have kept now looking back. I actually preferred the sonic signature of them over the XPR-1's. I do not want to pass any judgement on the DR-2 yet but the tone & some detail seems to be just a little off for a lack of a better description. It also seemed a little sterile/digital sounding. Hopefully part of the perception is some of the marginal source material I listened to. The CD playlist included: Patrica Vonne, Ronnie Earl, David Bowie, Aldo Nova, INXS, AC/DC, Station, Cure & The Waterboys (most remastered versions or HDCD) I picked this playlist because there were certain parts of certain songs that stood out with the XPR-1s when I had them in my system that were not there with the DR-2. I know almost a year later there is no way to A/B compare components by memory but there is definitely a difference, maybe it's my hearing. Starting at a average 94db, 111db peak and 109db average at end of night "probably because the Gin/Tonics were controlling the volume toward the end. I really had high expectations for this amplifier after selling the XPR-1's almost a year ago and waiting for this amplifier to be released. I am hoping maybe that there is some validity to "break-in" time on a amplifier? One thing that I do miss that is really insignificant is the "dancing" blue lights of the XPR-1's. I think someone here on the forum that also owns a DR-2 should post their listening experience especially because I tend to mainly listen to crappy/bad mastered music from the 80's... I am really hoping that after further listening sessions and break-in time that I can really be excited about owning this amp and wish I never posted this early opinion/rambling You have to play longer - a minimum of 30 hours. |
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Post by rbk123 on Jan 27, 2018 18:57:04 GMT -5
I am hoping maybe that there is some validity to "break-in" time on a amplifier? Hold off listening to it further for now and let it run for a few days playing various stuff so that the electrolytics get broken in. Then come back to it. I suggest holding off because your ears will adjust to the new sonics as well, and so then later you won't know which item is the cause for any subsequent musicality change (amp break-in or ear break-in). |
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Post by leonski on Jan 27, 2018 22:34:32 GMT -5
I am hoping maybe that there is some validity to "break-in" time on a amplifier? Hold off listening to it further for now and let it run for a few days playing various stuff so that the electrolytics get broken in. Then come back to it. I suggest holding off because your ears will adjust to the new sonics as well, and so then later you won't know which item is the cause for any subsequent musicality change (amp break-in or ear break-in). Caps may form in a couple hours. Tops. That's what I noted when i plugged in a new pair of Magnepans. Image was all over the place and would abruptly shuttle from side to side. I was initially concerned, but the phenom only lasted a couple hours and only one 'event' in the last 45 minutes. I wrote it off to Caps Forming. The trick in HEARING something you do or don't like, or note as a big difference to another, maybe 'Reference' piece of kit is to figure out if there is any coorelation with any of the Measureables. Stuff like the difference between 0.01% and 0.015% distortion typically won't do it. More fundamental stuff like maybe slew rate or square wave performance along with overall amp bandwidth may be better candidates. |
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Post by rbk123 on Jan 28, 2018 10:37:29 GMT -5
I originally had a pair of XPA-1's (gen 1) that I probably should have kept now looking back. I actually preferred the sonic signature of them over the There is a pair of these in the Emporium for $1k + shipping, if u want them back. |
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Post by chicagorspec on Jan 28, 2018 11:47:19 GMT -5
I am not one to write reviews but I will try to explain my opinion on the DR-2. I have not really listened long enough to decide what I really think about the DR-2 "2 1/2 hrs" so far but I am just a little concerned. I will say it seems to be a little different than the XPR-1's that it replaced. I originally had a pair of XPA-1's (gen 1) that I probably should have kept now looking back. I actually preferred the sonic signature of them over the XPR-1's. I do not want to pass any judgement on the DR-2 yet but the tone & some detail seems to be just a little off for a lack of a better description. It also seemed a little sterile/digital sounding. Hopefully part of the perception is some of the marginal source material I listened to. The CD playlist included: Patrica Vonne, Ronnie Earl, David Bowie, Aldo Nova, INXS, AC/DC, Station, Cure & The Waterboys (most remastered versions or HDCD) I picked this playlist because there were certain parts of certain songs that stood out with the XPR-1s when I had them in my system that were not there with the DR-2. I know almost a year later there is no way to A/B compare components by memory but there is definitely a difference, maybe it's my hearing. Starting at a average 94db, 111db peak and 109db average at end of night "probably because the Gin/Tonics were controlling the volume toward the end. I really had high expectations for this amplifier after selling the XPR-1's almost a year ago and waiting for this amplifier to be released. I am hoping maybe that there is some validity to "break-in" time on a amplifier? One thing that I do miss that is really insignificant is the "dancing" blue lights of the XPR-1's. I think someone here on the forum that also owns a DR-2 should post their listening experience especially because I tend to mainly listen to crappy/bad mastered music from the 80's... I am really hoping that after further listening sessions and break-in time that I can really be excited about owning this amp and wish I never posted this early opinion/rambling From here at least you can let the amp play to conquer any break-in issues, should they exist, and listen to it as much as you like over the next three weeks or so to confirm your feeling on the amp. Worst case you box it up and send it back, you learned something and you're out only the return shipping of a forty pound amp, and you can pursue something else you might like better. Not a terrible place to be. Thanks for sharing your impressions. |
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Post by leonski on Jan 28, 2018 13:40:28 GMT -5
I've read about break-in claims of 500 hours for some electronics. That strikes me as a little nutty, don't you think?
More likely, IMO, s a combination of a brief settling time for the new piece coupled with YOU accomodating yourself to the 'new'.
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Post by mack71 on Jan 28, 2018 14:10:25 GMT -5
I've read about break-in claims of 500 hours for some electronics. That strikes me as a little nutty, don't you think? More likely, IMO, s a combination of a brief settling time for the new piece coupled with YOU accomodating yourself to the 'new'. If in 20-30 hours there is no improvement, IMO, it means that XPR1 (XPA1 1) was better |
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Post by simpleman68 on Jan 28, 2018 21:30:14 GMT -5
If in 20-30 hours there is no improvement, IMO, it means that XPR1 (XPA1 1) was better Or: 1. Better matched with your current speakers 2. Better matched to your sonic preference Never rule out combination. I've heard excellent amps sound awful with certain speakers. Neither was inferior; just not good together. Scott |
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Post by mack71 on Jan 28, 2018 22:22:15 GMT -5
If in 20-30 hours there is no improvement, IMO, it means that XPR1 (XPA1 1) was better Or: 1. Better matched with your current speakers 2. Better matched to your sonic preference Never rule out combination. I've heard excellent amps sound awful with certain speakers. Neither was inferior; just not good together. Scott Yes, you're right, but when it turns out that the new Xpa1DR does not sound better, it means that XPA-1 gen 1 or 2, XPR-1 were better suited. I had Tekton DI for two months and it came out best with tube amplifiers, eg Leben CS-600, Allnic 5000neo 300B. Adjusting the system to the room and personal preferences is a continuous race behind the bunny  |
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Post by simpleman68 on Jan 28, 2018 22:31:57 GMT -5
Or: 1. Better matched with your current speakers 2. Better matched to your sonic preference Never rule out combination. I've heard excellent amps sound awful with certain speakers. Neither was inferior; just not good together. Scott Yes, you're right, but when it turns out that the new Xpa1DR does not sound better, it means that XPA-1 gen 1 or 2, XPR-1 were better suited. I had Tekton DI for two months and it came out best with tube amplifiers, eg Leben CS-600, Allnic 5000neo 300B. Adjusting the system to the room and personal preferences is a continuous race behind the bunny Truth  |
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Post by Casey Leedom on Jan 29, 2018 1:35:18 GMT -5
So, Scott ( simpleman68), with the idea of matching amplifiers to speakers, what amplifiers have you found to work well with your various Legacies? And the same question to jcz06 who also has the same speakers as I do (Legacy Focus SEs with the Marquis HD center). Casey |
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Post by simpleman68 on Jan 29, 2018 6:08:07 GMT -5
So, Scott ( simpleman68 ), with the idea of matching amplifiers to speakers, what amplifiers have you found to work well with your various Legacies? And the same question to jcz06 who also has the same speakers as I do (Legacy Focus SEs with the Marquis HD center). Casey Carver VTA 305M Parasound A21 Parasound JC1 Legacy Powerbloc 2 Cary 120S MKII Generally a warmer amp sounds better to me on the Whispers. But that is my preference as I am very sensitive to any grain in the highs/mids. Scott |
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Post by jcz06 on Jan 29, 2018 9:56:37 GMT -5
I am going to try the dr-1s...the XPRs were great as well....
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Post by mack71 on Jan 29, 2018 11:56:45 GMT -5
I am going to try the dr-1s...the XPRs were great as well.... I am very interested in your opinions when you receive DR1 |
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