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Cantate2 vs Talisman

post #1 of 4
12/12/10 at 2:32am
Thread Starter 

I currently use a Cantate2 with my ED8, Pro900 and K701.  It is black when there is no music playing with all my headphones and it sounds great.  However, I wonder what a better amp would do.  I am interested in trying either a Concerto (been happy with Meier sound) or picking up a Talisman class A amp.

 

 Anyone got any thoughts on what I am likely to gain in sound improvement?  Or is the difference only going to be minimal and mostly just preference.

 

Can the Concerto and/or Talisman compete with Grace 902M or SPL Auditor?  I am only interested in an amp, DAC is of no interest.


Edited by Kernmac - 12/12/10 at 2:35am
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post #2 of 4
12/12/10 at 10:27pm

If this thread is any indication I don't think you are going to notice much of a difference but if you can sell the cantate for $400 the concerto would be worth the $300 to upgrade. 

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post #3 of 4
12/12/10 at 11:18pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks for the link and fair point tisb0b, and I am leaning toward the - there isn't going to be much difference side at this point in time.  I realise with diminishing returns that it won't be night and day, however I would settle for noticeable improvement. 

 

The maths is a little different based on where I live (Australia).

I think that the the Catate2 would fetch about $400 AUD clearing $380 AUD after postage.  However a Concerto would cost me around $900 AUD landed.  A fellow Aussie Headfier has a Talisman T-35H for sale at $700 landed, so they would probably be the better deal, and likely give me a different result, sound wise.  I would keep the Cantate2 to make sure that I prefer the Talisman, then I would sell the one I least prefer.

 

The issue is - is it worth the effort? 

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post #4 of 4
12/13/10 at 6:40pm

I'm not sure where you're getting the $900 for the concerto from but if you buy it direct from Jan it will cost you around $692 AUD with the current conversion rate it although it still doesn't help with your decision. The effort is debatable as the only way you will know if the next level is worth it is by spending the cash and finding out for yourself. But if you were to get a higher end amp you would be able to experiment with the LCD-2's/HD800/T1 as I'm not sure if the Cantate would do them justice. 
 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kernmac View Post

Thanks for the link and fair point tisb0b, and I am leaning toward the - there isn't going to be much difference side at this point in time.  I realise with diminishing returns that it won't be night and day, however I would settle for noticeable improvement. 

 

The maths is a little different based on where I live (Australia).

I think that the the Catate2 would fetch about $400 AUD clearing $380 AUD after postage.  However a Concerto would cost me around $900 AUD landed.  A fellow Aussie Headfier has a Talisman T-35H for sale at $700 landed, so they would probably be the better deal, and likely give me a different result, sound wise.  I would keep the Cantate2 to make sure that I prefer the Talisman, then I would sell the one I least prefer.

 

The issue is - is it worth the effort? 


Edited by tisb0b - 12/13/10 at 6:44pm
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