Preliminary Comparative Review of Soundsmith MIMC Star

Posted by phinson (A) on August 12, 2020 at 17:29:31

SYSTEM: VPI Super Scoutmaster with two motor/flywheel and SDS, Manley Chinook, Aesthetix Janus (NOT using the built in phono stage of the Janus but rather using it as a line stage), Audio Research GS-150, Magnepan 20.7s, Synergistic Research Element series cabling throughout. This is my preliminary review of a new Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC Star replacing a Dynavector 17D3. The Soundsmith is very liquid, "wet" with more tone than texture. For example, saxophone is significantly less "breathy" through the MIMC Star than through the Dynavector 17d3. About as equally detailed as the Dynavector. The MIMC Star is a little more midrange forward than the Dyna, but NOT rolled off and equally as dynamic. I've read that the MIMC star produces colors that are very saturated and to the degree the sound is very dense and smooth I would say that's true but there's slightly less "real" timbral differences between similar instruments when compared to the 17D3. On violin, there's less string, less bite and more of the resonating tone coming out of the wooden box of the instrument, so again, less texture more tone. Excellent separation and very minimal crosstalk. I initially thought there was a fairly significant difference in balance right to left - the left channel sounded and measured about 4 db "louder" than the right channel but that seems to have mostly resolved itself.

I would say going from the Dyna to the MIMC Star I went from about 10% too much "texture" on the Dyna to about 10% too little texture in the MIMC Star. The MIMC Star seems to be a bit of a better tracker than the Dyna. The MIMC Star communicates far less about the condition of the record while the Dyna seems to want to make sure you hear every flaw in the vinyl.

This ended up being a good change although I still like the Dyna. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. I definitely prefer the more linear NOS 1960's Telefunkens in the gain stage of the Chinook with the Soundsmith but prefer warmer NOS Amperex tubes there for the 17d3. Each of those two options tends to bring each one closer to the middle on the measure of what I've called "texture" above.

I may or may not have some additional things to add after the system has settled in a bit.

- Paul

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Preliminary Comparative Review of Soundsmith MIMC Star - phinson 17:29:31 08/12/20 (2)

RE: Preliminary Comparative Review of Soundsmith MIMC Star - tooblue1 16:49:23 08/13/20 (1)

RE: Preliminary Comparative Review of Soundsmith MIMC Star - phinson 14:45:57 09/24/20 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.