Ok, so for a while I have been trying to not upgrade from the L5. Yesterday at Greg (UK distributor)'s place, compared the 5 to the 7. Initial impression on normal vocals was that the 7 was more open, with a more spatial soundstage, but the 5 is good enough, so I was still trying to not jump the gun to save money. But then I switched over to my most testing audition music, Mussogosrky's Pictures at an Exhibition. The dynamism and separation required for this really sets apart the best from the very good. It took me 2 minutes to realize how much better the 7 was, and then we just kept confirming it. The reverb and decay of the instruments is unlike anything I have heard before.
The tracks I normally compare on this CD are the 2nd(Gnomus), 7th (Bydio), and the 14th (Hut on Fowl's legs). The last is the most heaviest metal track you can find, that really tests a system. I have never heard this symphony play better. The mastering was average. The presence the 7 creates, and the way each instrument sounds, is incredible.
Oh yes, then we added the Shun Mook resonators below the dac, and it took the whole experience to another level. Each note was more pleasurable. Also the number of NOS valves Greg has makes it more exciting. On the Gnomus, there is a piece where the drums escalate to end in a thwack - man what a thwack. Amazing dynamics.
The tracks I normally compare on this CD are the 2nd(Gnomus), 7th (Bydio), and the 14th (Hut on Fowl's legs). The last is the most heaviest metal track you can find, that really tests a system. I have never heard this symphony play better. The mastering was average. The presence the 7 creates, and the way each instrument sounds, is incredible.
Oh yes, then we added the Shun Mook resonators below the dac, and it took the whole experience to another level. Each note was more pleasurable. Also the number of NOS valves Greg has makes it more exciting. On the Gnomus, there is a piece where the drums escalate to end in a thwack - man what a thwack. Amazing dynamics.
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