Tom kindly invited Adam and I over yesterday and we had a wonderful time listening to the STA100.
So after a lovely lunch (thanks Tom! - you should open a restaurant) we sat down and had a few hours with different things. All three of us are familiar with the unique Tannoy/Radford STA25 marriage so were ideally placed to detect the difference the STA100 is able to give. In a word - awesome. Another word - effortless. Last year I had a mini listen to a part finished STA100 at Will's place driving his RFC Raptors so I knew I was in for something special.
The STA100 lift things altogether to another level. It simply breathes music in a totally uncompressed and unrestrained manner. No matter what Tom threw at it the STA100 just picks it up and presents it in a totally natural and open way.
The STA100 is able to take the most delicate or thunderous tracks and present it cleanly without fuss or fanfare. Notes start exactly where they should and stop with natural decay. Huge dynamic passage are almost frightening to the listener but the STA100 just sails through it - never complaining. All obviously helped by the Tannoy setup Tom has. The STA100 has a vice like grip on the Tannoys.
One thing that Tom demonstrated which I don't think I have ever experienced before is playing a mono LP (Cannonball Adderley etc - Somethin' Else) via a mono cartridge and mono SUT. This was completely captivating. The ease and naturalness that was heard completely drew me in and made me feel I was there. Who wants stereo when one can have this incredible sound.
Tom played around with various SUTs and also played some CDs. Vinyl rocks!
Tom wired in my Sugden amp (35w pure class a) and we all agreed that the Sugden played wonderfully and held the Tannoys incredibly well - but alas the STA100 and its valve sound won the day.
Thanks Tom for taking the time and being such a great host.
Current: [P20] Roon/Tidal > Custom PC> Chevron Paradox NDF16 > Phast Pre > Neuro. 686 > Tannoy Berkley (RFC tweaks)