Originally Posted by
montesquieu
I'm sorry, I just don't see component swapping as 'design' in any genuine sense. Of course you can change the sound around by swapping components made from different materials (even though values remain the same) but it's all a bit random/haphazard. Yes I'm sure some small incremental improvements can be achieved if you spend a load of time on it but really .. it's drudge work, there's nothing particularly clever about it.
On the other hand, most people would agree with the view that improvement in audio more typicaly comes from innovation in circuit toplogy. It's stated on the LFD web site that essentially the same design principles apply throughout the range, but that exotic components somehow add potentially thousands in value due to some mystical expertise in their application. From my perspective, charging heaps more just because a system uses rare capacitors from the 1950s or whatever seems like a load of nonsense to me.
I do not agree I have heard many so called great expensive amps that do not deliver even with exotic components, it takes real passion and dedication to develop a product that actually delivers the goods via circuit and part selection, . For me a developed product means someone has spent a great deal of time, choosing the right ingredients like a great cook actually contemplating what goes where. I suspect many manufacturers will never recover there costs.
I know for a fact that esteemed makes such as Be Yammamura, and audio teckne take the artisan same approach. These individuals have created there own specific markets. Even with out of this world pricing will most likely never become millionaires. At the end of the day its all about what delivers the goods and what it takes to do so.
The R and D behind and sheer time that goes into trial and error that goes into some artisan products is insane, I have been in the hobby like your good self a long time. How many manufacturers actually become rich from Hifi, not many I suspect. The likes of Dr Bews will most likely never recover their investment and costs of development.
The fact is that Lfd offers amps at various price levels from £2200 and up and every model has the same attention to detail, I have the Master Dual and matching preamp at home an am taken away by the sheer musicality and capability of these amplifiers. The proof comes from actually listening, I like your good self have owned and own many great products. I currently own products from some of the most esteemed japanese makers in the world all I can say what makes me smile after a heavy hard day for the precious moments i get to listen.
I can say these amps deliver way above there price points. I like you am fed up of expensive boxes that just do not actually deliver the good and from first. hand experience they do deliver way above there price points I am comparing these amplifiers that cost ten times as much in some cases. I find a lot on the market just lack sheer attention to detail and real thought just throwing expensive parts in and resulting in far from adequate performance. This cannot be said of LFD.
The lfd amps work in my opinion in a understated classy way without shouting from the roof top saying I am the best, they work and deliver deliver the goods with magical sounds. They are up there with the great Japanese masters in my book and are way out of the box compared to majority of products available.This is a great achievement in my book and should be applauded.
I am fed up of hearing over priced products that just do not deliver and these certainly do the business and that is what matters. I suspect Dr Bews will never become rich and will continue to work away in is humble way for years to come .I can honestly say from actual listening and that what matters they deliver way above what is said on the tin, and thats what matters.
I will be getting my own units in the next few weeks as these are on loan you are most welcome to listen for your good self,maybe you will educate me and tell me something I do not know. Lfd might not appeal to HIFI snobs, but on the other hand if one wishes to be understated and performance is the goal and likes the idea of a true artisan product then one should seriously take a listen.There are some lovely products on the market people like glen croft offer true audio bargains. In the same way I feel from my listening actually offers true value for money and what you get is a true top class product.
Last edited by Vrajbasi; 02-02-2019 at 11:30.
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