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In Reply to: RE: I'm underwhelmed by these new offerings posted by John Elison on September 24, 2023 at 04:46:55
Mr. Elison,
How does that compare with the Vacuum Tube Audio SP 14 line stage you liked several years ago.
I bought one and the designer threw the Sylvania tubes in for free. Now, the Pyxi phono to the SP 14 to the Mac MC 275 yields the best sound I've ever gotten from vinyl since 1970.
I had to change out the MC 275's stock tubes with nos Tele 12ax7s, nos Sylvania 12at7s, and JJ KT 88s to get there, but I've gotten to the point where I really don't feel any desire to change. Digital music sounds equally improved. Of course, money does enter into the picture.
Just curious.
LowIQ
Follow Ups:
I haven't listened to my SP-14 in several years. I suspect the Topping Pre90 sounds just as good, but maybe no better. The SP-14 is an exceptional sounding preamp. If you're happy with it, I wouldn't recommend switching to the Topping.
The reason I bought the Topping is because I wanted a small preamp with topnotch sound quality. I've basically downsized my system. If this is your goal, then the Topping Pre90 might be a good choice.
Happy listening!
John Elison
Hey thanks. I think I'll keep what I've got. Interesting that my Benchmark 3 HGC dac at about 2300 plus the SP 14 at about 2100 is in the same price range as one of the PS Audio Units. I think Abe and the other posters are right about a bit of overpricing on the PS stuff. I've liked their components, but the prices seem somewhat out of line with current price vs. performance markets.
LowIQ
I think you're right about the high price of some of the new PS Audio components. They're a bit overpriced in my opinion, too.
Good luck!
John Elison
After abandoning their dealer network a few years ago and keeping their prices the same on a direct sales model, it's obvious that Paul is maximizing profit in his old age.
Well, PS Audio also offers a very generous trade-in program. They pay original retail price for old audio equipment taken in trade. For example, I bought their Stellar S300 stereo power amplifier and received $600 in trade for an old Grado headphone amplifier that I bought in 1991. That reduced the price of the S300 from $1999 down to $1399, which made me happy.
Most of the other PS Audio components are a bit too expensive for me, though. I only own two of their products, the Stellar S300 stereo power amplifier and a pair of Stellar M1200 monoblocks for which I paid $4500 when they were first introduced. The M1200 monoblocks now sell for $7000 a pair, which is probably still a fairly reasonable price given their exceptional sound quality.
Unfortunately, most of their other components are priced a bit higher than I'm willing to spend, even with their generous trade-in program.
Best regards,
John Elison
The PS Audio top-of-the-line DACs and Preamps are pretty pricey IMHO so I was hoping they would introduce their new Stellar DAC and Preamps at prices that are more inline with their previous "value" offerings. But that's not the case so they're no longer on my radar. It's either "value DACs" from other US based companies [like Schiit] or Chi-Fi brands.
Well, if you ever want to try a Chi-Fi brand, I think you'd be impressed with the sound of FiiO.
Topping might be another Chi-Fi choice. I haven't tried their DAC, but my new Topping Pre90 line-stage is an outstanding performer. It received an "A" rating in Stereophile's most recent Recommended Components .
Happy listening!
John Elison
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