2. amps-preamps
  3. 1241027845

What's wrong? Nuforce/Capri no better than Sunfire

Preface: this is regarding 2 channel analogue SQ.
OK. I know it's very early in the comparison process, and I've "only" critically listened for 2-3 hours. But whereas listening to speakers has shown clear differences (to a point), and the move up the B&W ladder from 9NTs to N803s was SIGNIFICANT, I'm at a loss on the amp/preamp. The jump from my old $4k Pioneer flagship HT rcvr to the Sunfire TGA5200 was very significant. Less significant but noticeable was the jump from the Pio as preamp to the Sunfire TGP5 as pre. I then read a lot about how a good 2 channel pre would crush an HT pre/pro. So I got the Jeff Rowland Capri. Have listened for quite some time and struggled mightily to justify the Capri, but I just don't hear ANY major improvement. Maybe some VERY subtle things, but I can't even be sure of that. I also read that a good 2 channel amp would crush a multi-channel amp. So I just picked up the Nuforce ref 9SEv2, and I've gone back and forth with the TGA5200, unscientifically, but again, I don't hear any major difference, whether through the Capri or the Sunfire TGP5. Am I just missing "golden ears" and reached the audio equivalent of the Peter Principal" (rising to my level of incompetence)? Is the Sunfire stuff just that good? Is the old claim that all good amps/preamps should sound similar true? It just strikes me as odd that so many people on these audio boards hear huge differences and I don't. What's wrong?
jeffkad
jimjoyce25
215 posts
 
You'd be amazed at how good Sunfires can sound. I run two Signature 600s (one channel through each) and use Marigo Ultra 5 power cords with them to filter out the RF. They are contenders at a very low price used.
maineiac
649 posts
 
I have a sunfire ultimate receiver used in tandem with a VAC Avatar Super w HT pass through. My own experience has been, and this may be a tubes vs. SS thing, is that the VAC is significantly better with both my previous VSA-4JR and my current Devore Silverbacks (more pronounced) than the Sunfire. I am not sure if my receiver is comparable to your seperates. I don't think the gap is as big with HT probably because the listening is less critical.
jeffkad OP
195 posts
 
I was just discussing this with John B, aka jb8312, and I believe that (in addition to room condition) it's very likely that people have different levels of ability to hear/perceive differences in sound via electronics and speakers. Some can't hear the difference between a $500 recvr and a 10k amp, others can hear it clearly, but maybe can't make out the diff btwn a 3k amp and a 10k amp. I may be in the latter camp. I am not one to discount everyone else's sensibilities by concluding that there is no difference simply because I can't hear it. Way too many people CAN hear it. It may be that I've reached my discernable threshhold. I'm continuing to listen, and I may go to some dealers and listen to higher end stuff to see what I can and can't hear.
markwatkiss
476 posts
 
Wish I had your ears it would have saved me a gazillion dollars.
jeffkad OP
195 posts
 
Markwatkiss: HA, that's funny. The good news is things sound really really good right now. I have the cash to make it better, but it hasn't happened so far. I haven't given up, I still want that "AH HA" or OMG moment, but I think I've got to get out there and listen to some more stuff to get a frame of reference. Maybe I need to spend more money for better gear, or maybe I need to reallocate to gear that DOES make a difference. I clearly hear the difference between better speakers when compared to each other, although I've listened to Quads and Wilson Sophias on their own and didn't have that OMG, gotta have it moment. I did have that moment years ago when I heard B&W 802s. Perhaps on the amp/preamp side, I need to try tubes, or real power monsters (big Bryston or big Mac). Maybe I need electronics that tickle my own personal differentiators: maybe I don't care for tight, clean sound and prefer a more euphonic sound. I do like visceral bass and euphonics, airiness, room filling sound.
More to discover