Kal, the dynamic contrasts difference was in the mids and trebles, primarily in percussion. It was quite significant.
If the Callisto had a tape loop where I could "enable" the Rives through a tape monitor switch, this would make it more workable (in the context of my system) with music that had much bass energy and thus benefitted from the Rives. But without the tape monitor feature, I have to insert the unit between preamp and amp. This latter connection results in the unit always being in the signal path with all its added connections, bypass switch and the added IC. At this level of system resolution, it all so quickly adds up.
Drubin, my observation of much added midrange clarity was with the Rives hooked up to the system (with the second Purist Dominus cable) toggling the bypass switch. As noted, the unit "active" (not bypassed) was a significant benefit. It was when it was entirely removed from the system (including the second IC) was then the system had more explosive life on the top. If there is one strength of Purist cables, it is their portrayal of dynamics. And the same is true for the CAT amps - I have heard no other amps do it like these. Put these two together and once you get used to this, it is very evident when it is lost.
Both noted changes were significantly for the better, just in different ways. It would be up to the user to decide which was the ideal solution. My dear friend, and long time A'gon contributor, Jadem6, was at my home when we went through all these tribulations, and our conclusions were the same: do all you can to fix your room so as not to require such a unit at all. But until then, enjoy the benefits of the unit if it does not do much harm to the presentation. This will be entirely system and source (type of music or movies) dependent.
And the comments by Sit are right on. So much of my favorite music is unlistenable because the poor recordings sound worse and worse as my system has improved. Quite an unfortunate dichotomy.
John
If the Callisto had a tape loop where I could "enable" the Rives through a tape monitor switch, this would make it more workable (in the context of my system) with music that had much bass energy and thus benefitted from the Rives. But without the tape monitor feature, I have to insert the unit between preamp and amp. This latter connection results in the unit always being in the signal path with all its added connections, bypass switch and the added IC. At this level of system resolution, it all so quickly adds up.
Drubin, my observation of much added midrange clarity was with the Rives hooked up to the system (with the second Purist Dominus cable) toggling the bypass switch. As noted, the unit "active" (not bypassed) was a significant benefit. It was when it was entirely removed from the system (including the second IC) was then the system had more explosive life on the top. If there is one strength of Purist cables, it is their portrayal of dynamics. And the same is true for the CAT amps - I have heard no other amps do it like these. Put these two together and once you get used to this, it is very evident when it is lost.
Both noted changes were significantly for the better, just in different ways. It would be up to the user to decide which was the ideal solution. My dear friend, and long time A'gon contributor, Jadem6, was at my home when we went through all these tribulations, and our conclusions were the same: do all you can to fix your room so as not to require such a unit at all. But until then, enjoy the benefits of the unit if it does not do much harm to the presentation. This will be entirely system and source (type of music or movies) dependent.
And the comments by Sit are right on. So much of my favorite music is unlistenable because the poor recordings sound worse and worse as my system has improved. Quite an unfortunate dichotomy.
John