sfo1972
500+ Head-Fier
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- Dec 9, 2014
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Well. I received my 65 Siemens Halske CCa , Grey plates & shields , O getter.
Today I have been doing an extensive listening session , between them and the 75 Reflektor -silver SWPG(HG's).
Tracks Selected for this comparison in FLAC:
1. Chris Thile; Edgar Meyer- It's dark in here.
2. Ry Cooder, Ali Farka Toure- Bonde
3. Carolina Chocolate Drops- Why don't you do right
4. Crooked Still- Wading deep waters
5. Slightly Stoopid- Digital
6. Infected Mushroom- Scorpion frog
7. Massive Attack- Angel
My rig for review:
Android note3 using USB audio player pro> otg/usb cable> Parasound Zdac> Schiit lyr 1> HD-650.
NOTE: I did not include the 1968 Telefunken Ulm Ecc88 tubes in this comparison. Imo , they don't come close to the other tubes.
Well , what can I say. The CCa's are definitely a stunning HOLY GRAIL tube. They are everything that I've read about them in reviews on the net , and this forum. Simply sublime.
In comparing the CCa' and Reflektors, they sound somewhat similar in presentation, capturing the tone and balance in each track. Things get interesting when you start to dissect them.
Bass- I find the bass to be similar in body, impact and weight. The CCa's dig a little deeper in extension , being able to reach down to the furthest bass frequencies, with precision. The CCa does it with a bigger presentation which plays into the soundstage, I'll be mentioning later. Both have tight, controlled response, with absolutely no muddiness. Slam is equal as well.
Midrange- There are some similarities in the midrange , both capture tone and timbre about on par. where the CCa separates, is in the upper mid frequencies, which plays into the depth and soudstage , I'll soon be mentioning. The CCa's breath life into female vocals, that will paralyze you. Instruments , cut you with a delicateness while being super rich in tone. If you take the liquidity of the Reflektor , let Jesus put his hands on it, you have the CCa.
Treble- Both tubes have stellar , treble. Full bloom in the lower treble registries , with a soul grabbing effect. Neither have any dry qualities whatsoever. I'd say they're both slightly warmer than neutral. With the CCa, they extend much further than the Reflektors. They absolutely reach to the extreme top, with an airy , seductive, delicateness, without crossing that threshold , of harshness, and sibilance.
Imaging- I will say that they both image equally. Both are accurate , with pinpoint precision ,and separation. The Soundstage on the CCa , portrays in a bigger aspect though.
Soundstage- This is where it gets interesting. Both tubes do soundstage really well, but with the CCa's , they take it to a new level. They have the liquid flow of the reflektors, but have this depth and air in the soundstage that is breathtaking. Each note has this delicate , full bodied bloom in the depth , that the reflektor falls short on. Not saying the reflektor sounds bad, they just don't do what the CCa's do. The layering, detail and timbre of the CCa's , portrays this floating effect of the music. I found myself reaching into the air as if I was touching the notes. I would say that the Soundstage on the CCa , is double the size in depth , and 30% bigger in width and height. There is absolutely no note that gets lost in the mix. Some of the most subtle , sounds are just as prominent as the main mix.
Summary: I thoroughly enjoyed comparing these 2 great tubes. For me , I think the CCa's are a perfect match for my rig. Could it be synergy? Possibly. I know a lot of people label the HD-650 , as a dark can. So I'm thinking that the brighter , spacious , airy,delicate nature of the CCa's , just pairs perfect for these cans. What makes me curious is doing this comparison with the HD-800 , beings it's considered a brighter spacious phone, and hearing it paired with the Reflectors, rich , deep tone, which with some songs on my rig, slightly betters the CCa, but for the most part , they're equal in tone and richness. With all that said. I love the Reflectors. They're great tubes and could live with them as my main tubes , and be completely satisfied. To sum it up. I would say that the Reflectors are about 75 to 80% of the CCa's, to my ears. Some songs it fairs better. Are the CCa's worth the price? I definitely stole these at the price I paid. I'd have no problem paying $400 for a set of these. I will be sending the CCa's to Bob for his shootout, which I'm eagerly waiting to read, and also hear his thoughts on them. The only thing we have similar , is our amp.
So in the end. This is all subjective. This is what my ears are telling me through the rig I have. Others MMV.
Happy rolling folks
++++1 review. Well done bro, I loved reading the comparison and sorry for the lag in the post, gotten busy on the road again
The differences between the two added a lot of context to my research/understanding. After the reflector hg comparison I posted a few days back, I have chilled on buying new tubes. I feel that I have reached a major milestone with these HGs and should Chiax and take my time to find the next set of tubes. I am actually on the hunt for good quality music these days to enjoy listening to the tubes.
The exchange between @rb2013 and @ThurstonX has me on the edge of my seat
Well done bro!
