Recently had one of my SB3s upgraded (basic digital only) by Bolder Cables so thought I'd share my experience. Rest of system is SB3 digital output to Lyngdorf DAC (part of TDA2200 amp) into Martin Logan Prodigies. I'm UK based.
First off, and as I commented to the very helpful Wayne at Bolder, I struggled to hear any difference at all. But three weeks later . . . . . Perhaps it's the modified SB3 having "broken in" or it's my ears getting to know what to listen to, but over the past couple of nights I managed to stop trying to hear differences and just listened to the music. There are differences, subtle, but significant; 1) Detail retieval It's better, especially at low and mid frequencies. Bass extension remains the same as far as I can tell but more definition has been given to instruments like the acoustic double bass and kick drum - try Patricia Barber's "Verse". It's now easier to hear the ambience of the recording venue - I swear I can now hear ceiling reflections that I didn't before for example. Listening to "10 New Songs" from Leonard Cohen demonstrated that there is more "character" to the 70 something's voice whereas before it was almost like listening to an acoustically airbrushed vocal. On this record there are some very close harmonies from partners and backing singers which are now easier to follow. 2) Soundstage Might be a tad deeper but hard to say. It's certainly wider - the fill between speakers is better and there is less tendency for the image to be pulled to the moving coil base sections. Stage width now more often extends beyond the outer edge of the speakers. 3) Imaging One of the most noticeable changes. Best way I can describe it is that it has become a little more 3D. Before there was definitely substantial stage depth and good positioning, but often it sounded like 2 dimensional cardboard cutouts of performers had been placed in relation to each other. You could tell who was behind who but there was relatively little depth to each individual performer. That's now changed and you can almost sense the physical depth of instrument bodies or vocalists. Bottom line is that the whole setup has become even easier to listen to. The differences aren't night and day, and don't show up that well on A/B comparison, but just relax and you'll soon hear the difference. So thanks Wayne - now back to the music . . . . -- liffy99 ------------------------------------------------------------------------ liffy99's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=7832 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=39684 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list audiophiles@lists.slimdevices.com http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
