Originally Posted by
Ubi
What i am struggling to reconcile (it seems you were struggling with it too) is the multiple coflicting or contradicting statements you make in them
Soekris - BT2 - 686
I listened to about an hour with this sytem and my final thoughts were that it was a touch analytical and that it confirmed what I thought of digital. If you want a digital system or play digital music predominently this would be a killer system. I have not heard better. Nothing is missing and nothing taken away. There is lots to revel in and enjoy. It can make you marvel at some digital recordings which sound magnificent through this sytem. It does not make the error of plunging down the total detail at the expense of the music route. There is a very nice balance to the BT2 and 686 in this respect and enough weight and warmth and a see through presentation to the recording. This is the best digital set up i have heard in this respect.
You say:
"nothing is missing and nothing is taken away"
"If you want a digital system or play digital music predominently this would be a killer system. I have not heard better"
"This is the best digital set up i have heard"
Here you are actively recommending " the most souless amplifier i have ever heard" :
"I think the 686 would be your dream amp Martin. It has almost no character of its own and is as neutral an amp I have ever heard. Every other amp I have listened too imparts some character like speakers do but the 686 does not. It is as transparent as air, yes the window is not even there!"
Then there is this:
Immediately plugging in the 686 things were different this time. Superb clarity, very clear cut soundstage and totally balanced sound from top to bottom. The soundstage was no smaller or larger than my current Series 7 so this was good. This amp has everything. Tonal quality, dynamics, detail in massive ammounts, super smooth grain free sound. Natural and excellent control not only in the bass region but over every frequency...no sibilance! Overall impression Clarity, clarity, clarity. Thats what I wrote in my notes. Fabulous amp and I have to agree with everyone elses opinion on how this amp performs.
The transparency and neutrality of this amp is reference class. I have not heard better anywhere. What a relief to hear what it can actually do. It complimented my Croft 25R superbly. A marriage made in heaven
And once again, you heavily compliment a 686:
In a digital set up it shows total precision and such amazing clarity it is breathtaking! With the inherent low noise floor and wide dynamic range of digital it really is the ultimate tool to convey what was mastered on the recording. Olivers BT2 helps this process very well too.
There is absolutely no sound signature to this amp it is almost invisible yet present at the same time like wind. Yes I know I am talking in slightly illusive terms but the 686 is a special amp and would suit very much those who do not want any character to be imposed on the music they are listening too. I feel this is almost impossible to do with any other piece of gear in the music chain.
Your words have changed whilst you have transfered your opinion from one forum to another.
I have not even posted any of my review on this forum so your assessment is not accurate.
I am allowed my own opinion whether that is science based or listening based, unfortunately your assessments of equipment seem to be science based which only gets you so far, it certainly does not tell you how something will eventually sound.
The review and everything I have written and your have so painstakingly highlighted ( worryingly) I stand by and do not change.
So what is you issue?
Main system : VPI Scout 1.1 / JMW 9T / 2M Black / Croft 25R+ / Croft 7 / Heco Celan GT 702
Second System : Goldring Lenco GL75 / AT95EX / Pioneer SX590 / Spendor SP2