slippers-on
Music...let it move you!
Well, my Cronus has just been put up for sale. I went to In Living Stereo yesterday to sample some of the Line Magnetic amps, along with the Leben 300xs. Out of the LM amps, we listened to the 211ia and the 216ia, a EL34 based and KT88 based respectively.
Speakers used were the DeVore Gibbon 3XL, which I think are going to make an appearance in my apartment, come my tax return We also briefly tried the Gibbon 88s, which for some reason sounded lighter than the 3XLs and a pair of Dynaudio floorstanders, I believe were the Focus 260. They were a little too dark tonally for me, and I like a faster, tighter bass.
Both LM amps sounded wonderful. The 211ia had more of an emphasis on the mid-range, which is not to say it was a bad thing, it's just not what I was going for. The 216ia, on the other hand, had a lovely balanced presentation, with great clarity and resolution. The timbre of the instruments were point on. There was also a great sense of space with the 216ia and a soundstage extended well beyond the speakers. I tended to like both of the amps in ultralinear mode, just for the oomph the extra wattage provided.
Steve, from In Living Stereo, suggested that I also listen to the Leben 300xs. It was out of my current price range, but I'd thought I take a listen just to compare. It sounded absolutely amazing on the Rolling Stones' Love is Vain, but ultimately couldn't keep up with Hendrix's Machine Gun. Ultimately, I think the Leben CS600 is my end game amp, just have to save up funding for a while for that one.
So all in all, it was a great day and Steve was a most gracious host. So as soon as my Cronus sells, I think I'm going to go forward with the 216ia. It won't cost me much to essentially swap with the Rogue, and it'll stave off the upgrade bug for a while. Next on the list is the 3XL
What power tubes did you have in the Cronus? I have heard some of the Rogues are loud and uninspiring unless you use the 120 power tubes. How would you say the Cronus and LM are far apart in performance as well as sound?
Did you say Hendrix Machine Gun? Man I have not heard that in Aons....I especially had a soft spot for the group Band of Gypsys....and I love the version on the album A Band Of Gypsys live. I love the way Hendrix makes his guitar sound like he is dropping bombs....he was the best for a reason.