Third and Final Report on Throbbing Winsome.
The Winsome took on the McIntosh MA-6100 with Klipsch Cornwalls.
The Winsome took on the Scott 299-D with Frazier Monte Carlos.
And today, the Winsome dukes it out with the Sonic Impact T-Amp and JBL Athena 99s!
Final opinions soon (like, tomorrow).
The Winsome with the Cornwalls was clear (not bright), but grainy sounding on some highs. Great sound-stage, but for me, not a great match.
On the Fraziers (tube-era speakers usually driven by tubes), the graininess was gone. The Mouse sounded so good, in fact, I forgot it was what I was listening to while I worked. Great "contrast", but lacking a little of the subtle instrument details that the Scott brings out. But very enjoyable.
On the JBLs, it made better sound than either the old Tandberg receiver, or the cheap SI T-Amp. The same characteristics as before: clean, detailed, no graininess or harshness now, but just a little "edgy" for my taste.
As one might expect, it bested the Sonic Impact, making it sound a little muddy.
Finally, I hooked the Winsome and then the SI up to the old "new-rage" speakers... the only "digital ready" speakers I own... the Insignia 5.25" coaxials. The Mouse actually sounded the most "impressive" with these speakers, mating well with them.
Final opinion? It's a great little amp that I could easily see using long term. On a short term basis, it could substitute for any on my amps without my going into shock, or withdrawal. If I were to have one long term, I'd love to set it up with some single-driver transmission line speakers like the Tekton Fostex speakers, or that Madisound kit.
Thanks to Jay and Luther and Rich for setting this up! Great fun! :thmbsp:
On to you, Dave.