Thats actually a great point. My local dealers also said something in the same regard.
"Why aren´t there many sellers in europe if that brand is so great huh?" - I was speechless actually, I repeated and said it subconsciously out loud
"yeah why aren´t there?"
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Besides from all PR talk and NOT paying reviewers to promote, we can look at some other points thats also has to be counted into the commitment.
its size
its looks ..
/disable overhype: - true
/end
run script
I think Its hard as a brand, looking like it does and sounding like it does to prevail when every other brand looks more attractive but also sound great.
To me the whole AGD/R2R sound is for the minority that likes a traditional representation, balanced and good leveling of instruments(no nonsense), relaxed authentic. In short very mature but also very technical performing at the same time, without sounding too fast/energetic. I understand this sound will put some off, because its laidback for them. I hope it stays a minority and the underdog to me. I would not like everybody having it to be honest
However to be able to judge the sound you will have to go all-the-way to get the last "5%" details/informations. For me the R8HEmk2 is not that special by itself, after I have heard the whole system. It´s not a sound I would place much over a twice as expensive dac = my ears. I would still buy the twice as expensive over the R8 if I were only to choose a dac only because its much more practical in size.
As an reviewer you will have to understand the whole chain of AGD to get the picture, its like Kingwas own eco system and it does start with DI20HE(+masterclock), then there is the ACSS connection from the dac to the amp.
Do you think you could sell this as an reviewer to the viewer - no matter how hard you tried? - the mainstream buyer would choose the AIO/streamer (no offense). The whole AGD system is not cheap either, it´s still serious money to risk. Im gonna test a AIO/streamer that cost a little more than my AGD system, hopefully soon.
No reviewer has convinced of buying Audio-gd it was certain people in this thread/forum I took the risk to trust. I am glad I did.
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