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
jim_swantko
301 posts
 
The NuForces really do need a tubed pre IMO. I'm using a Cary SLP-98 and really, enjoy this combo.

Prior was an ARC LS26 which was also very good but I prefer the additional tube character the Cary brings.
jeffkad OP
195 posts
 
Jim/Yoby:I asked in my previous post if anyone in NYC/LI area wanted to swap. A fellow agoner who lives here on Long Island emailed me(he's interested in hearing the Nuforce and the Capri) and he has the Dodd tube preamp, so maybe I'll get the chance to listen to the Nuforce with a tube pre. Maybe this is simply a case of system synergy. I read Yoby's response on the changes he's heard with the Nuforce and I wonder why I don't hear those things when swapping in and out the Nuforce and/or the Capri vs the Sunfire stuff.
jeffkad OP
195 posts
 
I continue to do comparisons. I just compared a VERY well recorded song by Wynton Marsalis, cut #2, "you and me" from "The Magic Hour" CD. Unbelievably well recorded. Sound is amazing. Hand claps, his horn, big bass, drums, rims, cymbals, piano, etc. While the hand claps perhaps sounded more natural (smoother) on the Capri/Nuf combo, overall, the Sunfire combo actually sounded slightly BETTER. Better placement of instruments, more air, more lively sound. I can clearly hear the plucking of the bass, while on the C/N combo, the plucking gets a little lost and muted. It just sounds more REAL. I can't explain why. You can't imagine how much I want to believe the C/N is better, but so far it just isn't happening. And so it goes...
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Jeffkad, you appear to be torturing yourself with this exercise.

You like the sound of the Sunfire gear. All is good.

Let it go, bud.
jimjoyce25
215 posts
 
Some reputations are earned. Others are not. Rowland is viewed on Audiogon as an important and exclusive brand. Sunfire is not. Is either reputation deserved? Maybe not.
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