I wrote a couple of weeks ago that I would follow up with a more complete review of my new Corda Swing. Well, I have been having too much fun with my new “toy”, as Jan referred to it. A bit of background, so you know where I am coming from. I have an extensive CD collection which, in the past, I would occasionally listen to on Sennheiser 580 headphones though my preamp headphone output, which is fairly decent. Fast forward to my purchase of a Ipod Classic, and the serious uploading of substantial pieces of my collection. Thence, realizing the relatively poor fidelity from the headphone jack, I started using an external amp (XM5). After some op amp rolling, I had an improved source for my headphones. Now, my old headphone jack is no longer sounded as good. So, I started looking for a desktop amp for my main stereo rig.
In the meantime the Sennheiser 580 bit the dust, and was replaced with a Beyer DT880/250. I also have a Denon 2000. So I needed an amp that could support both the inefficient Beyer and the low impedance, more efficient Denon. Although, not a primary requirement, it would be nice if the amp would work well with my Shure 420 IEMs, something my preamp did not.
Not needing to connect this amp to my computer, USB was not a real requirement, but only a nice to have. After researching on Head-Fi and elsewhere, I zeroed in on the new Corda Swing as best meeting my requirements. As mentioned in my previous post, I wanted the crossfeed feature (something that had also led me to the XM5).
OK, enough with history. So, how do I like the Swing. In short, very much. All my headphones sound fabulous. Yes, better than the XM5 – highs, midrange, lows, impact, clarity. What is interesting here is that I am also using an AD8610 and BUF634 in the XM5. While there is a “family” resemblance to the sound, the Swing is overall at a much higher level.
The Swing’s sound is slightly warm but still detailed and revealing. This is in line with what Dr Meier has been quoted in other posts when asked about the difference between the Swing and his LM6171 based amp. His site states the Swing as having “PRaT”. I know it stands for Pace, Rhythm and Timing. But saying an amp has PRaT really means what in terms of its sound?
My musical tastes are broad, although primarily classical and opera. However, I also listen extensively to Jazz, folk, country (especially bluegrass). And of course, as befits my age, classic rock. A number of the recordings I listen to are old and of varying quality. Having an amp that is somewhat forgving, without veiling the good recordings, is for me a real plus. I just listened to a Sidney Bechet Jazz album from the 1930s and a state of the art binaural recording of Le Sacre du Printemps. The “warts” on the vintage recording did not intrude and the binaural recording really did come through with excellent clarity and instrument positioning.
I think Dr Meier has a real winner here. Sehr gut Herr Doktor.
