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Post by antonio on Dec 6, 2021 7:12:21 GMT
When I'm back in the uk I am fortunate enough to have this little beastie in the system I listen to most. This is the latest review I have come across, although there are plenty more on the net, my brother's, by the way is the black version: www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1221/Audionet_HUMBOLDT_Integrated_Amplifier_Review.htmUnfortunately due to size and weight this would not be brought to the little get together should that ever happen  , but anyone wanting to hear it and fancy the drive, are welcome to come and have a listen. |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 6, 2021 7:59:25 GMT
When I'm back in the uk I am fortunate enough to have this little beastie in the system I listen to most. This is the latest review I have come across, although there are plenty more on the net, my brother's, by the way is the black version: www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1221/Audionet_HUMBOLDT_Integrated_Amplifier_Review.htmUnfortunately due to size and weight this would not be brought to the little get together should that ever happen , but anyone wanting to hear it and fancy the drive, are welcome to come and have a listen. It's certainly well made isn't it. I think it looks great. Would like to hear one, so may do the drive at some point. |
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Post by brucew268 on Dec 6, 2021 8:12:32 GMT
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 8:22:57 GMT
When I'm back in the uk I am fortunate enough to have this little beastie in the system I listen to most. This is the latest review I have come across, although there are plenty more on the net, my brother's, by the way is the black version: www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/1221/Audionet_HUMBOLDT_Integrated_Amplifier_Review.htmUnfortunately due to size and weight this would not be brought to the little get together should that ever happen , but anyone wanting to hear it and fancy the drive, are welcome to come and have a listen. It's certainly well made isn't it. I think it looks great. Would like to hear one, so may do the drive at some point. You won't be able to hear past all that Rhodium! . . . . . |
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 6, 2021 8:24:40 GMT
It's certainly well made isn't it. I think it looks great. Would like to hear one, so may do the drive at some point. You won't be able to hear past all that Rhodium! . . . . . Lmao, that's a good point |
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 8:39:12 GMT
Rhodi-phobia aside,
that's a very serious piece of kit.
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Post by macca on Dec 6, 2021 9:36:15 GMT
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Bigman80
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Post by Bigman80 on Dec 6, 2021 9:40:34 GMT
I'd like some specs....proper specs..not "it has an on off switch" 🤣
Found them......
Not sure I am reading it right, but if I am, the 686 is a bigger bargain than I thought. 😳
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 9:42:18 GMT
Weird review, why withhold a 'classic' rating due to the price-tag? If it's that good (and he literally says it is without a single shortcoming) then surely it deserves the highest accolade, it shouldn't and indeed doesn't apologise for a price tag that is practically irrelevant to anyone buying it. Or have I misunderstood their rating system? |
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Post by macca on Dec 6, 2021 10:25:06 GMT
Based on the measurements it's good, but you can buy amplification that's just as good for a lot less. Not many people have effectively unlimited money so the cost is relevant to 99.999% of people.
I appreciate that's a utilitarian point of view and if someone just wants one for the sheer pleasure of ownership that's still a good reason to buy it.
But if you're like me and get pleasure from getting the maximum performance from the minimum outlay, then it's not a good buy.
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 10:32:01 GMT
Based on the measurements it's good, but you can buy amplification that's just as good for a lot less. Not many people have effectively unlimited money so the cost is relevant to 99.999% of people. I appreciate that's a utilitarian point of view and if someone just wants one for the sheer pleasure of ownership that's still a good reason to buy it. But if you're like me and get pleasure from getting the maximum performance from the minimum outlay, then it's not a good buy. Yeah but the award wasn't the 'value' award (which I can understand why it wouldn't be winning). He refers to it as the 'classic' award and surely something classic can be cheap or priceless. I can't imagine someone going 'oh that was such classic value back in the day'. I'm with you on the bang for buck mantra in general though, it's the only way we get to even scratch the surface of what some people can afford taking into account new RRP prices. |
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Post by macca on Dec 6, 2021 10:50:35 GMT
Fair point.
Although loudspeakers aside I'd say it's not a question of scratching the surface. You can get sources and amps just as capable as the mega-money stuff for reasonable money now, and next to no money (at least in relative terms) if you're happy to buy second hand.
The idea that this high end stuff is offering something that simply can't be had for less is risible IMV.
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 10:54:10 GMT
Fair point. Although loudspeakers aside I'd say it's not a question of scratching the surface. You can get sources and amps just as capable as the mega-money stuff for reasonable money now, and next to no money (at least in relative terms) if you're happy to buy second hand. The idea that this high end stuff is offering something that simply can't be had for less is risible IMV. Yup I agree, especially about the second hand stuff. My point of 'scratching the surface' was more in relation to some buyers potential outlay on products, not the performance of the products themselves which as you say, is not out of reach with proper engineering and (enough) outlay spent in the right places, ie: not on gold knobs. |
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Post by brucew268 on Dec 6, 2021 11:19:02 GMT
My point of 'scratching the surface' was more in relation to some buyers potential outlay on products, not the performance of the products themselves which as you say, is not out of reach with proper engineering and (enough) outlay spent in the right places, ie: not on gold knobs. So I shouldn't pour the gold bullion I just melted into the mould for preamp knobs?  |
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optical
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Post by optical on Dec 6, 2021 11:20:13 GMT
My point of 'scratching the surface' was more in relation to some buyers potential outlay on products, not the performance of the products themselves which as you say, is not out of reach with proper engineering and (enough) outlay spent in the right places, ie: not on gold knobs. So I shouldn't pour the gold bullion I just melted into the mould for preamp knobs? Well . . . . you wouldn't want to let it go to waste now would you Bruce . . . |
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Post by macca on Dec 6, 2021 11:20:51 GMT
no go for it the good thing about gold is you can always melt the knob down again and get your money back. Probably with interest |
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Post by antonio on Dec 6, 2021 12:24:33 GMT
Fair point. Although loudspeakers aside I'd say it's not a question of scratching the surface. You can get sources and amps just as capable as the mega-money stuff for reasonable money now, and next to no money (at least in relative terms) if you're happy to buy second hand. The idea that this high end stuff is offering something that simply can't be had for less is risible IMV. and if everybody did that? |
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Post by brucew268 on Dec 6, 2021 12:32:47 GMT
So I shouldn't pour the gold bullion I just melted into the mould for preamp knobs? Well . . . . you wouldn't want to let it go to waste now would you Bruce . . . I'm sure I can find something creative to do with it!
I'll send you the shavings when I tap the M2 threads.
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Post by macca on Dec 6, 2021 12:38:07 GMT
Fair point. Although loudspeakers aside I'd say it's not a question of scratching the surface. You can get sources and amps just as capable as the mega-money stuff for reasonable money now, and next to no money (at least in relative terms) if you're happy to buy second hand. The idea that this high end stuff is offering something that simply can't be had for less is risible IMV. and if everybody did that? stupidly priced audio products would cease to exist. Very few people would notice even less would care. of course if you extend that logic to all products Veblen goods in general would cease to exist. Don't worry it will never happen. |
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 6, 2021 16:35:48 GMT
I have to say I think it's fugly. Maybe it looks better in the flesh.
But at 70kg it's simply not happening for me, regardless of cost.
Is there some mysterious magic in there that makes it sound better than something with equivalent specs and build 10x or 20x cheaper? I have no idea. It would be interesting to do a comparison. And possibly depressing - what if I can't live without it?!
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Post by antonio on Dec 6, 2021 23:02:27 GMT
It would make your MBL's really sing Jerry. Yes it is a two man lift and not something you want to move every 3 months, click on the 'black' colour on this link to see if it appeals a bit more en.audionet.de/machines/humboldt/ |
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 7, 2021 6:45:54 GMT
Hmm, yeah, the black helps a bit. But it's still just a fugly big black cube with wrinkles on the top and a tasteless display panel. I think part of the trouble is that it reminds me of a bigged-up Musical Fidelity M1Clic that I had the misfortune to briefly own.... Spot the difference...   MF should sue them for plagiarism or something. Mind you, the MF looks elegant in comparison. |
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Post by brucew268 on Dec 7, 2021 7:56:11 GMT
Hmm, yeah, the black helps a bit. But it's still just a fugly big black cube with wrinkles on the top and a tasteless display panel. I think part of the trouble is that it reminds me of a bigged-up Musical Fidelity M1Clic that I had the misfortune to briefly own.... Spot the difference... MF should sue them for plagiarism or something. Mind you, the MF looks elegant in comparison. You may need some trauma therapy! |
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 7, 2021 8:32:46 GMT
You're not wrong!
That Humboldt monstrosity is enough to traumatise anyone.
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Post by antonio on Dec 7, 2021 8:57:50 GMT
You lads make me laugh, not everyone can have good taste though, and there's a good reason for those 'wrinkles' Jerry |
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 7, 2021 9:06:46 GMT
You lads make me laugh, not everyone can have good taste though, and there's a good reason for those 'wrinkles' Jerry Ah, yes, good point about those wrinkles. Same as mine, they show I'm old, decrepit and past it.  |
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Post by mikeyb on Dec 7, 2021 10:34:01 GMT
$58,000 no thanks
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Post by jandl100 on Dec 7, 2021 10:42:30 GMT
I'll take the money instead of the amp.
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Post by mikeyb on Dec 7, 2021 11:16:46 GMT
I'll take the money instead of the amp. Me too 😊 |
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Post by antonio on Dec 7, 2021 12:50:30 GMT
You lads make me laugh, not everyone can have good taste though, and there's a good reason for those 'wrinkles' Jerry Ah, yes, good point about those wrinkles. Same as mine, they show I'm old, decrepit and past it. I don't see any, even on your beak. I would take the money also looking at my finances, but that is not why I created this thread. That was done for members to learn a little bit more about hifi in general, and not to turn it into a money orientated discussion. I don't do it to other threads where members may have rather more expensive kit than mine, why would anyone do it to my thread on something I am lucky enough to be able to hear even though I don't own it. |
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, but anyone wanting to hear it and fancy the drive, are welcome to come and have a listen.
