340 hours and I feel the Art 3 has started leveling out. I could be wrong however , time will tell. The ART 3 was growing in all directions. Steady and sure however. The Act 2 and 2.2 evolved in a more radical fashion . The Art 3 led you on a path that was always lit and relaxing. I retained a series of digital playback software that stayed in rotation so I could stay focused on this. The APL Hi Fi NWO 2.5 Universal player was my source and I feel its extended frequency response , linearity and resolution made the job of evaluating this preamp quite simple. As noted above , this preamp is already highly regarded by me so I will not belabor this issue.
The character was revealed at 100 hours as this was indeed a magical moment. 100 - 300 was characterized by a refinement in all aspects of the audio spectrum . Not unlike the Act 2.2 , after 100 hours , the frequency range from the upper midrange to the top octaves dramatically increased in focus, resolution and transparency. At first , I was somewhat relieved as the initial impression made me want for some of the dynamic impact and upper octave clarity that the 2.2 brought to the table. The ART 3 seemed to be far more relaxed and comfortable in its role of spotlighting the nuances of the midrange exuding a liquidity and rich harmonic glow to brass and strings in its initial phase of growth. This wonderful characteristic never faltered nor lessened at the expense of this newfound clarity and open window that was unfolding. Density of the upper octaves became apparent. The striking of metal , bells and cymbals now had not only a revealing presence that surpassed the 2.2 but also had a lingering sweetness that invited you into the field . This made listening to many various genres of music a newfound delight. I began bringing out Indian , New Age and Celtic recordings. I spent myself into the audio grave with Amazon.com . I was doing what i needed to do : get lost in the experience of music rather than being focused on the gear. That's harder to accomplish than it seems for audiophiles.
The depth continued to recede. Space from the front of the stage to the rear was expensive and layered. Bass control was without question superior to anything I have owner or auditioned. I simply cannot find fault with this preamp.
I will make a final addendum at 500 hours
The character was revealed at 100 hours as this was indeed a magical moment. 100 - 300 was characterized by a refinement in all aspects of the audio spectrum . Not unlike the Act 2.2 , after 100 hours , the frequency range from the upper midrange to the top octaves dramatically increased in focus, resolution and transparency. At first , I was somewhat relieved as the initial impression made me want for some of the dynamic impact and upper octave clarity that the 2.2 brought to the table. The ART 3 seemed to be far more relaxed and comfortable in its role of spotlighting the nuances of the midrange exuding a liquidity and rich harmonic glow to brass and strings in its initial phase of growth. This wonderful characteristic never faltered nor lessened at the expense of this newfound clarity and open window that was unfolding. Density of the upper octaves became apparent. The striking of metal , bells and cymbals now had not only a revealing presence that surpassed the 2.2 but also had a lingering sweetness that invited you into the field . This made listening to many various genres of music a newfound delight. I began bringing out Indian , New Age and Celtic recordings. I spent myself into the audio grave with Amazon.com . I was doing what i needed to do : get lost in the experience of music rather than being focused on the gear. That's harder to accomplish than it seems for audiophiles.
The depth continued to recede. Space from the front of the stage to the rear was expensive and layered. Bass control was without question superior to anything I have owner or auditioned. I simply cannot find fault with this preamp.
I will make a final addendum at 500 hours