Update, bought a Primaluna EVO 100, and not looking back. A new level of audio sound above Shiit Vidar, Crown, and in a higher league. Both sounded good but could not compete against the 30W / channel prima luna with my DIY towers. Absolutely impressed. I could not be more pleased.
Crown vs Vidar
I will soon be purchasing my first Hi-Fi equipment in 40 Years! Yes, that is how long the DC 150 A series II has lasted. It still tests at 93W RMS and sounds really great. I have settled on Shiit Freya to replace the old and still going crown SL-1. Even now after hearing McIntosh, Levenson. Krell, (very impressive) the difference in sound I still like this system. I am wondering if a Vidar will sound better than this old Crown Amp? I know with the mentioned high end amps it would be no contest. But the Vidar is rated close to the Crown and affordable on my budget.
I am a Speaker builder and have 4ft 8" 3 way vented towers. The response rolls slowly off from 30hz and highs with a titanium compression unit with a dayon 3" dome mid. The highs are on a variable ipad. I like how this amp really gets it on never giving out on the lows.
My townhome is small and the listening area is about 15x20 my ears being 15ft from the speakers. I like the detail, the strings, the voices, solid lows. I would sure like a side by side on the two Amps. Has anyone owned both? If so, what do you think?
Here is the review on the Crown. Thank you for your valued opinion.
https://kenrockwell.com/audio/crown/d-150a-series-ii.htm
I am a Speaker builder and have 4ft 8" 3 way vented towers. The response rolls slowly off from 30hz and highs with a titanium compression unit with a dayon 3" dome mid. The highs are on a variable ipad. I like how this amp really gets it on never giving out on the lows.
My townhome is small and the listening area is about 15x20 my ears being 15ft from the speakers. I like the detail, the strings, the voices, solid lows. I would sure like a side by side on the two Amps. Has anyone owned both? If so, what do you think?
Here is the review on the Crown. Thank you for your valued opinion.
https://kenrockwell.com/audio/crown/d-150a-series-ii.htm
13 responses Add your response
Update , with what lttle time I have , I was blessed to have a Shiit frend at work. I borrowed a saga preamp, Bifrost Multibit DAC my friend had laying around after he upgraded to a Freya,, Yiggy, mono Vidars. The change in sound was remarkable and much better! Velvet voices, details I never heard before from the innuous mini MK 3. I told him about the experience he said he relaced the Freya + because it did not have balannced outputs needed for two vidars running mono block to his Maggies. So soon I will be testing a spare Vidar, Freya. I already bought his Bifrost at half of new cost. I can rent a Crown 2502 for $35 a week and compare. One thing I did learn by switching to my old PL 1 crown the soundstage opened up, more detailed and seemed faster? Music flowed instead of just being there. Not the majesty of the DC 150 series II but more with the music. My hope would be a no contest from the old stuff. I can also side by side with the Crown if I want though for power it would be real overkill for 70W RMS speakers. I am sure i would need to dial it down to half just to protect the speakers. I will let you know my opinion later! Cheers! PCR |
The only way the OP will ever know, will be to have an amp, in his home, to compare to that Crown. I've been trying to picture it, but......Anyway: what's there to lose, by ordering a Vidar? Doesn't Schitt offer a satisfaction guarantee(I could be wrong)? I know some manufacturers(and purveyors) DO. If so: They're BETTING you, that you'll like their product, better than what you have(so would I)! |
"I have no doubt that the Cherry Amp is better" and "another choice that I’m sure is better sounding" are both statements that play as ridiculous unless you’ve actually had a Vidar around and compared it directly to other amps. I’ve heard a Vidar and it sounded astonishingly good, and we (a few audio geek friends and myself) were directly comparing it to a Pass XA25 (an amp I might buy to see what’s what although I am happy with my single ended tube amp) at over four times the cost of a Vidar. The Vidar sounded very lively, clear, and powerful and seems like an absolute bargain, and gave up very little to the Pass amp in our little shoot-out. I wish we’d had a Schiit Aegir around as a comparison to the class A Pass would have been interesting. |
A forty + year old amp will soon starting having issues if it doesn't already. The capacitors alone should be replaced immediately. While I somewhat agree with the above sentiment that SS amplification has already reached sonic nirvana, that kind of misses the point. Sonic excellence has gotten within reach of the lowly budget audiophile. What used to be available only to the well heeled or wealthy for multiple thousands can now be had, for the most part, for pennies on the dollar. Schiit is one of the price leaders in this regard. No idea whether the Vidar would have synergy with the OP's speakers, but I agree that it should be on anyone's short list. I've got one, and it does sound quite good with 4 different brand speakers that I've currently got. |
Here are a couple of alternatives to the Vidar that are in the price range.I have no doubt that the Cherry Amp is better and if you contact the company, they have a sale going on now. I own a Cherry Amp and I'm a big fan of the sound...which I describe as so clear, its like a layer of fog that you didn't know was there is now removed making the music sound more alive: https://www.cherryamp.com/the-stm-store Also, another choice that I'm sure is better sounding, this is not my amp but I also own a Halo and it has a great soundstage, powerful low end and a very smooth top end. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9fb54-parasound-halo-a-23-solid-state |
I ran a Vidar while having my Sunfire rebuilt. Thought it was very transparent, no grain, good bass, nice imaging. The only reason I didn’t keep it was my speakers are very inefficient and work better with the 600 watt a side of the sunfire. Run through some Revels the Vidar had more than enough power. |
I suggest you buy a Vidar and spend a little time listening to it, as nobody's opinion here will match your own in-home experience...if it sucks you'll know immediately and can send the thing back. I had no idea what a Freya sounded like until I stuck one in my system...it's still there after a year and a half. Also, if your speakers are efficient, maybe try the newer Schiit Aegir as it's supposed to be class A-ish, although lower power. |