Poll: Best Looking Stereo Integrated Amp

[watchnerd]

Have Technics measured loads of speakers and made correction files available? Too lazy to look, but if not it can't really be like SAM.

It doesn't seem to need a database.

It claims to send a signal to the speakers and measure something inside (changes in resistance or inductance or something?).

I don't think it's using microphones from what they wrote about it.

 

[Deleted member 65]

Have Technics measured loads of speakers and made correction files available? Too lazy to look, but if not it can't really be like SAM.

https://stereo-magazine.com/article/technics-su-r1000-reference-class-digital-integrated-amp

”Technics' newly developed ADCT (Active Distortion Cancelling Technology) feature extracts and eliminates distortions in the power output stage caused by voltage drops and electromotive effects of the connected loudspeakers. It detects differences between the loudspeaker output and the JENO output and corrects the digital output signal. According to the manufacturer, this is intended to ensure powerful loudspeaker operation while at the same time enabling the typical positive characteristics of a digital amplifier, such as low noise, sharp sound images and a wide sound ambience, regardless of the types of connected loudspeaker”

 

[Frank Dernie]

It doesn't seem to need a database.

It claims to send a signal to the speakers and measure something inside (changes in resistance or inductance or something?).

I don't think it's using microphones from what they wrote about it.

That is interesting though not like SAM then.
For SAM a laser vibrometer is used to measure and compare the actual cone movement and phase of the actual speaker with the input signal. The transfer function of the error is calculated, inverted and then a correction file made available for upload from the Devialet configurator this also includes an overdrive limit calculated the measurements.
They have measured hundreds of speakers now, including 2 of the models I own but, sadly, not the ones I use.

 

[Ron Texas]

For looks either McIntosh or D'Agostino. The latter is very pretty, but stupid expensive.

 

[watchnerd]

For looks either McIntosh or D'Agostino. The latter is very pretty, but stupid expensive.

On the one hand, I like the steam punk / Flash Gordon aesthetics of the D'Agostino gear.

In isolation.

But it's really hard to match that aesthetic with other audio gear. Or even home decor.

D'agostino gear would be awesome if I lived in a submarine.

 

[watchnerd]

That is interesting though not like SAM then.
For SAM a laser vibrometer is used to measure and compare the actual cone movement and phase of the actual speaker with the input signal. The transfer function of the error is calculated, inverted and then a correction file made available for upload from the Devialet configurator this also includes an overdrive limit calculated the measurements.
They have measured hundreds of speakers now, including 2 of the models I own but, sadly, not the ones I use.

I'm blessed with choice...3 different SAM profiles for my current Contour 20 (port open, closed, and half open).

But I don't use it anymore because I'm high passing at 80 Hz and I can't hear any difference when I use SAM or not in that situation.

 

[Ron Texas]

But it's really hard to match that aesthetic with other audio gear. Or even home decor.

D'agostino gear would be awesome if I lived in a submarine.

I don't think something like that has to match. It's also sold alongside super expensive and weird looking Wilson speakers. Kind of Borg aesthetic.

 

[Wes]

On the one hand, I like the steam punk / Flash Gordon aesthetics of the D'Agostino gear.

In isolation.

But it's really hard to match that aesthetic with other audio gear. Or even home decor.

D'agostino gear would be awesome if I lived in a submarine.

The other visual issue is that something that looks good (or interesting) at first, may not stand the test of time.

 

[watchnerd]

I don't think something like that has to match. It's also sold alongside super expensive and weird looking Wilson speakers. Kind of Borg aesthetic.

I like the things to match, not literally, but at least in terms of overall aesthetic.

I know some French decor trends blend baroque and Bauhaus, but I've never taken to that overt juxtaposition.

The whole reason for this thread is that the looks of my Devialet don't blend well with my reel to reel deck and possible new speakers.

 

[Ron Texas]

I like the things to match, not literally, but at least in terms of overall aesthetic.

I know some French decor trends blend baroque and Bauhaus, but I've never taken to that overt juxtaposition.

The whole reason for this thread is that the looks of my Devialet don't blend well with my reel to reel deck and possible new speakers.

I'm not a decorator or designer, so what do I know? My son is an industrial designer and he likes the way McIntosh looks.

 

[watchnerd]

I'm not a decorator or designer, so what do I know? My son is an industrial designer and he likes the way McIntosh looks.

Much like Harley Davidson, McIntosh design language is very distinct and looks great in some settings, and odd in others.

 

[watchnerd]

I looked at the specs on this when it came out (I like the styling too) but it has no more functionality than the Devialet and a lot less power so meh.

It also doesn't appear to have a network connection (unless it's wireless only), which seems like a missed opportunity given it's a digital amp.

On other hand, having XLR input for the phono stage is pretty cool. And they include a test record.

 

[oldsysop]

 

[watchnerd]

Cool.

From what year?

 

[Robin L]

Lookit all those knobs and switches. This thing is gonna require gallons of Deoxit over its operational lifespan.

 

[PortableMusic]

A good choice for people who want to spend a chunk of money but also play it safe.

Buy IBM?

 

[dougi]

The Octave valve amps look nice. German made, good specs, pre out for a sub, a balanced input. SE or class A versions in a couple of different power/price points. Octave V70SE

 

[watchnerd]

The Octave valve amps look nice. German made, good specs, pre out for a sub, a balanced input. SE or class A versions in a couple of different power/price points. Octave V70SE
View attachment 98306
View attachment 98308

That's not bad looking.

And the price isn't too bad, $6000, either.

Power output is acceptable.

What's the catch?

 

[Launagis]

I really like NADs from that time period. I wear tactical clothes quite often.

 

[Sgt. Ear Ache]

Was always a fan of that minimalist NAD aesthetic. Owned an NAD amp and cassette deck in the late 80s.

Honestly, I wouldn't be able to enjoy any of these audacious, expensive amps. It would bug me to know that whatever sonic quality they provide could be had for thousands of dollars less. I'm too damn cheap for them! lol. Perhaps if I were a rich man who wouldn't miss 8 or 10 grand it might be different. Although even in my current financial situation I do have the resources to spend more than I choose to. My natural state of operation is always to get the best sound I can for the least amount of money.