With a great delay, the Fidelio, who was to marry the Capella (see my previous post), arrived yesterday. The day before it arrived, I read a review of it, just published,
http://www.techradar.com/reviews/aud...1281316/review A rave review!
But let me tell you what happened before that.
Meanwhile I had to test the Capella anyway, and did this with a pair of old and inexpensive (compared to the Fidelio) headphones, Beyerdynamic DT331. I had used these for many years and knew what they can do - without a headphone amp, that is. From the first moment I hooked them to the Capella, their sound dramatically transformed to the better - as if I had made a significant headphones upgrade.
Yes! The Capella rocks! :cool: And the tweaks in the Capella proved very useful, especially as the DT331 turned out very difficult to drive.
Yesterday, after the Fidelio-Capella marriage took place, from the very start the duo provided everything considered of essence in hi-fi/hi-end: very good overall dynamics; punch and bang solid yet pleasant; good highs as well as lows - highs smooth enough, not fatiguing, bass deep and well defined; voices and instruments pleasant and true to life, very good separation between them; good staging; good overall detail. Whatever I can think of, you name it, the duo has it. The problem is, I cannot say which of the two devices offers more contribution to the sound - whether the amp or the headphones. Probably both in equal measure. Of course, what I am saying is about a state in which both devices are new, with practically no burning-in. And another necessary note. The test was made with a decent but inexpensive SACD player as an analogue source (special interconnect, of course), presently available. I know what will happen to the sound when I connect the duo to my first setup - see the sources below, plus quality amplification, all the special cables (digital, analogue, power), the power-cleaning device, the platinum wall socket, the special anti-vibration gadgets, etc. :D :D But this will be due to the setup.
In any case, I am completely satisfied. I realize I have made two very good purchases. Even if the sound of the duo remains the same after burning-in, I will continue to be completely satisfied. If it improves, well, you know ... :D Great news not to have to buy another similar thing. For some time, that is ... :D
Bravo, Stanley! Bravo, Philips!
:mex::grouphug::rave::more: