NSW Audio Society Meeting

[paulAdmin]

I attended the meeting of the NSW Audio society .

Cameron of Krispy Audio Demonstrated the Esoteric F-03A integrated amplifier, a high end passive pre amp and Tune Audio speakers using the banana pulp cone material and horn loaded super tweeter. A VPI turntable was used with a shelter cart fed by a  Manley Chinook phono stage, and also a CD player was used.


Integrated amp




Passive Pre amp

The speakers were transmission lines and gave a good account of themselves for a 6.5 inch driver in terms of bass output, particularly given that we were in a large room.




Not being familiar with each of these components it was hard to judge what influence each was having on overall outcome, however some points may be made. The benefits of the banana pulp design besides the striking appearance weren't obvious. Maybe in a different setup they might be.

The lp player did not pull ahead of CD in this setup, in fact on some tracks the CD seemed more synergistic and had more mojo and engagement. This lp player did not appear to be adding much warmth and liquidity, though cart choice would have a major effect here. The tonal signature where lp players sound similar to CD players seems to be by design at the moment. Maybe its neutral presentation school at work. Compared to how lps can sound this presentation lacked life and flow. A Lenco I heard with an Ordofon rondo red had much more capacity to set the feet tapping, it provided better access to the music. Though some may choose this kind of playback deliberately.

[paulAdmin]

The amp received these comments from one reviewer

Psych profile

• Tonally neutral bass with sufficient reserves for current-hungry transducers. The quality is semi dry with good balance between articulation and fleshiness. Perfect integration with the midband. Some of the competition offers more punch and speed.
  The treble is clean, free of artefacts and arguably at home on the milder side of the fence though ‘rounded over’ already overstates it. Seamless integration with the vocal range.
  The midrange is pleasantly juicy and sonorous. The lower midrange-to-presence- region transition is somewhat subdued for a slight softening effect. Many recordings benefit. Simultaneously transient acuity mellows.
  The virtual stage shows ample breadth and depth in line with the price. Instruments and vocals are dimensioned generously. Localization sharpness is spot on.
  Good timing and dynamic chops but by tendency the Esoteric subscribes more to musical flow than toe-tapping fanaticism.
  

My take on these comments are they are relative to other solid state equipment. Against a good valve amp these comments don't make much sense. Liquidity was low as was midrange presence though some of the high frequency hash that some equipment generates wasn't present. The point I am making is if you had experienced a good valve amp, I am not saying any valve amp, these review comments don't make much sense. Take a leak amp which certainly has limitations yet midrange presence and liquidity particularly with some parts upgrades is at a much higher level of capability in these terms.