Lavry vs. Harman Kardon AVR 75 + Gilmore Lite

[nightfire]

Hey guys,

I've been doing a head-to-head test between my:

- H/K AVR 75 running through run-of-the-mill RCA cables to my Gilmore Lite, and my
- Lavry DA10

I keep my Lavry at work and my AVR75/Gilmore at home. Both running the same configuration (Linux/amaroK flac -> TBAAM -> Optical). Same headphones (ER4s).

On the DA10 I swap between the XLRs (unamplified) and the headphone amp out (with and without the P->S adapter).

And every time I get home I'm always blown away. My AVR75 just sounds better!

The soundstage is immense, and everything just has so much more presence and energy. Articulation is there, and bass is well defined but in slightly higher quantity. Highs are still sweet and pure. Is this the trademark of Burr/Brown DACs? Is something else funny happening here? Is it just a good equipment match?

I've tried my Gilmore hanging off the XLRs on my Lavry, and it didn't really do much. These Etys are just so easy to drive...

Is it possible my 10 year old AVR 75 could outperform this beautiful Lavry?

 

[nightfire]

I just considered something... is it possible I'm hearing the effect of upsampling? Does anyone know if the AVR75 upsamples to 24/192?

 

[surfboardz26]

Are you testing them head to head in a room or doing one from work and one from home? Are you also using your gilmore amp for both tests?

 

[nightfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by surfboardz26 Are you testing them head to head in a room or doing one from work and one from home? Are you also using your gilmore amp for both tests?

One from work and one from home... But the sound is different enough, I'm certain it's not environmental/comfort/whatever. It's been a couple weeks and it's consistent.

I have used my Gilmore on the DA10, but as I mentioned it didn't really help. The Etys are so sensitive that they don't impose any kind of significant load.

I suppose I should bring the Lavry home this weekend and do a real head-to-head, but I'm quite certain I prefer the H/K. I'm really wondering if it's upsampling but I can't find any info on the net.

 

[mjb]

I transport my DA10 between work and home everyday, using the same transport and headphones as well. Both places, it gets plugged into the wall/power strip. It always sounded better at home than at work...and in fact, I'd say often it's more quiet at work than home and neither is more physically comfortable than the other. But as the Lavry gets more use, this gap seems to be closing. It's starting to sound as good at work as at home. I can only attribute this to power and burn-in. Perhaps my work power isn't as good as at home and it's slowly having less of an effect on the unit.

mjb

 

[coolshot]

do think it could be power? as in wiring at work sucks?

 

[rocktboy]

hmmm interesting. i bet the lavry owners don't like to hear that!!!

I also happen to have a hk avr75! I tried the headphone out and it's nothing exciting. I also have tried to connect my cd player's digital out to the hk's digital in. But I prefer the cd player's analog out better. That's for speakers listening though.
I am definitely going to try more headphone configurations.....

 

[nightfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocktboy hmmm interesting. i bet the lavry owners don't like to hear that!!! I also happen to have a hk avr75! I tried the headphone out and it's nothing exciting. I also have tried to connect my cd player's digital out to the hk's digital in. But I prefer the cd player's analog out better. That's for speakers listening though. I am definitely going to try more headphone configurations.....

The headphone out on the H/K is awful. Obviously an afterthought in this case. But if you end up with a decent headphone amp hang it off the preamp outs with decent cables and my god does it sound good.

Actually I brought my Gilmore to work and I've been listening to it all morning with my DA10. I think I withdraw my comment!

I just wasn't listening closely enough the first time I paired the two. The magic is in the Gilmore..

But the AVR 75 does still rock and I'd say is either dead on with the Lavry or at least 98%.

 

[wakked1]

I A/B'ed the Lavry amp, Dynahi and GL at the last bay area meet I went to, all fed by the Lavry DAC. The Dynahi was clearly superior, but I thought the GL had an edge over the Lavry amp. Very similar signature, but the GL was bit smoother and more natural, with just a touch more warmth. But for all I know the difference could have just been in the IC's.

 

[nightfire]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wakked1 I A/B'ed the Lavry amp, Dynahi and GL at the last bay area meet I went to, all fed by the Lavry DAC. The Dynahi was clearly superior, but I thought the GL had an edge over the Lavry amp. Very similar signature, but the GL was bit smoother and more natural, with just a touch more warmth. But for all I know the difference could have just been in the IC's.

Yep; consistent with what I'm experiencing. But I find the difference pretty significant with my Etys.