TAS Mullet system
Posted by: Arthur Bye on 26 May 2003
I see that Robert Harley has recommended a Nait 5 along with a CD5 as part of his "recommended systems" in this months The Absolute Sound. The total system cost is $15,450 USD.
Where did the rest of the money go? Why, to a pair of Wilson Audio Sophias, of course (msrp $$11,750). To be fair he does mention that the system is not exactly "source first". Perhaps there may even be some synergy here as the Wilsons are fairly efficient. Too bad there's a whole in the back of them. You'd think Harley would of at least included a Flatcap II.
I beinning to feel that Robert Harley is like our (U.S.) version of Roy Gregory. A gnarly old veteran that knows quite a bit, but still misses some of the fundamentals.
Arthur Bye
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by Bob Edwards
Arthur--
CD5/Nait5/Wilsons? Why not? It is, after all, TAS. And I think that about explains it all.
I'd love to play RH a similar cost system of CDS2/Nait 5 and something like the Vandersteen 2CE Sigs.
Best,
Bob
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by Phil Barry
Having heard Watt/Puppies many times, I just don't see how a Wilson-based system will be musically satisfying, though I heard that Pro Musica demoes a Naim/Sophia system - but I could be mistaken.
I have great trouble with Harley. First, I have never read a short, clear sentence penned by him.
Second, his review of the 62/hi/140 system criticized Naim because they don't allow experimenting with cables (because of the DIN connectors). And his review of the CDS(1) seemed to say it maximized his musical involvement, but he couldn't recommend it because other systems provided more detail.
Here's a mullet worth investigating - Rega P3/NAIT5/FC2/Spendor SP100, and the SP100 received favorable mention in TAS many times.
Regards. Phil
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by Arthur Bye
Phil Barry wrote:
quote:
his review of the CDS(1) seemed to say it maximized his musical involvement, but he couldn't recommend it because other systems provided more detail
I remember this. What was really confusing though, as I remember it, was that he still gave it a Stereophile "A" rating a few months later.
I agree that he is a bit wordy but he has done a lot to advance audio and he deserves credit for that. I've never been too sure about his loyalties either. For the most part he appears to be a confirmed Round Earther. Then he will go and give a review of Flat Earth kit and talk about how great it is. Confusing.
Arthur Bye
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by syd
I don't know where the confusion comes from. A reviwers brief is no longer to recommend the best units at a given price etc but to ensure as many advertisers as possible are kept as sweet as possible to ensure the continuation of the magazine and their job. This applies to whether or not they are full time or just freelance.
Yours in Music
Syd
Posted on: 26 May 2003 by Phil Barry
Arthur,
Yes, that CDS rating was confusing. I think the Rec Comp lists are comewhat democratic. I suspect the Brits and Markus Sauer had some input into the CDS rating. (Aside: I can't figure out Mikey - definitely round earth with his love for MF, Sonus Faber, VPI...but then he praises the CDX/XPS.)
I think RH is deeply conflicted. He listens to Naim or Exposure and doesn't know why he likes the experience so much. Besides, Naim and Exposure DO tend to prevent audiophile fiiddling with M&Ms, cables, power improvement units, etc, which he likes to do.
To exacerbate the conflict, if he goes into therapy and learns to trust his emotions, he will lose his meal ticket - writing for people suffering from audiophilia nervosa. Tough choice.
If he gains enlightenment, he will chuckle about the dilemma he has put himself in.
Regards.
Phil
