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Whest MC REF V - my new christmas present

Well I took the plunge and ordered the new MC REF V version 4.
I had one in my system for about a week and was totally bowled over with just how it plays. Yes it's MUCH better than the RDT Special Edition in every area but what I found is that the 30R and RDT are related sound-wise, whereas the RDT Special Edition is MORE related to the MC REF V.

After having the unit in for a week and experiencing real 'music' I got in contact with James at Whest Audio. He put me on to this - his distributor in Singapore (Modular Audio) has just taken delivery of the MC REF V MK4 and this is what they had to say:

'I am very happy to tell you the MC Ref V sounded awesome even I am at the early stage of run-in. Many customers were dropping jaws how a phonostage could transform our showroom main system. Compare to the RDT, it is certainly a few steps up in terms of sonic qualities. To me, I felt it is
really organic and as near as one could get from the original masters. This is the best phono stage I have heard so far - and in my years of playing, I've heard most of the the best brands out there. Two thumbs up!'

I felt pretty much the same thing. It's more organic and 'real' and seems to just get out of the way. Even with my current setup, the performance upgrade is a huge step up. Far bigger than I thought possible. It has made me realise that I have been upgrading cartridges much sooner than I needed to! I could have stayed with my old Linn Troika and still ended up with a great sound. The MC REF V really brings out the very best of what you have - and more.

It should be with me in about 3 weeks, I can't wait.
dcarol
petng's avatar
petng
18 posts
 
I am using Supra Lo Rad power cables on mine at the moment.
There was a photo of whats inside a Ref V on the net awhile ago, but i cant seem to find it. It showed that it was packed with boards galore. Differently a different beast to the 30 rdt. The only thing that looks alike is the case.

The review of the the Whest Ref V is spot on. Music just explodes from complete darkness. It sounds alive. Previously i have a Slee Audio, then a JLTI , then a RCM Phono, then Cary 301 with different step up transformers. The Whest is in a completely different class to the previous phonos.

I feel the same as you Dcarol, the Whest is a bargain compared to upgrading cartridges. If i had the Whest earlier on, i probably would have settled for a cheaper cartridge and arm.

Btw my front end consists of Zyx 4D cartridge, Kuzma 313vta, DPS3 turntable
dcarol OP
62 posts
 
Yes I agree with that review. It's organic and music just 'explodes' from nowhere. Explodes is a very good adjective in this case.

I am using the PS.30RDT Special Edition until the MC REF V arrives and although the RDT SE is utterly brilliant it is outclassed by the MC REF V, and it should be as the MC REF V is twice the price. The audio quality is more than twice as good however which makes the MC REF V very very special.

I think the interior images of the MC REF V were from a MK2 which was a different thing altogether. I think the MK2 was 2 boxes with 1 of the boxes being a power supply. The MK3 was the first of the 2 mono channel design which is why you can later on make yours a MK4.
easternize
12 posts
 
did you get the mc Ref V yet??
i am interested in hearing your thoughts on it?
blue_starfish
16 posts
 
Yes I did get one, for a month now. Very explosive dynamically with superb leading edges and so fast that the whole note can develop fully. Is fast, without sounding harried. Does brass instruments exceedingly realistically.

I can only truly appreciate its greatness on complex big band music where it resolves the parts, but never messing up the whole picture.

My previous phono was an ASR Basis Exclusive which is also a venerable phono. But this Whest is a different level, which at twice the price, it should be.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
Dear Dcarol,
I hope you don't mind my asking a few questions. Your opinion counts, since you are one of the few who has heard some of the different Whest models in your own system. So here goes:
(1) Can you tell us what are the other elements of your system?
(2) Do you know what distinguishes the PS.30RDT Special Edition (sounds like a jet fighter) from the plain PS.30RDT, in terms of parts or other features?
(3) When you say the REF V is "twice" as good sounding as the PS.30RDT SE, can you give more specific detail? In my experience, something that sounds "utterly brilliant" can perhaps be bettered, but not by 2X.
Thanks.
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