Depends on what specific improvements you’re looking for and what sound characteristics are most important to you. That’s the most important info.
Raidho D2.1 Paired With Thrax Ares mk2
I am currently looking to purchase a new pair of speakers and the Raidho D2.1 is of interest. I currently have the Thrax Ares mk.2 integrated that has the following specs:
120 watts @ 8 / 200 watts @ 4
Mono power amplifiers that have:
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Class A liquidity and texture
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Zero global feedback
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Regulated supplies
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Balanced front end for immunity to interference
Preamplifier with:
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Switched resistor volume control
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True balanced operation with both XLR and RCA inputs
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MM/MC phono section with selectable loading
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Large LCD display
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Microprocessor control
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No moving parts for zero maintenance during lifetime
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Home Theatre bypass
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Upgradable software
DAC with:
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Streaming supporting multiple protocols
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DSD support
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Regulated power supply and separate transformers for digital and analog front end.
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Bluetooth input
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32bit/768kHz USB input
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Roon Ready
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Differential architecture with discrete resistors - no off-the-shelf chip
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Future proof
Each of the three has to have its own power supply, regulators and logic.
Chassis has to be a solid vibration-free sculpture protecting and supporting the performance of the circuits inside.
Has anyone heard or currently use this combination? My room is 12’ wide by 23’ long. Would this have enough power to optimize this speaker? Its sensitivity claims are 89db but on the test bench it was down around 81-83db. My current speaker is the Focal Sopra 2. My curiosity has me interested in hearing another pair of speakers.
3 responses Add your response
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@kofibaffour I wouldn’t call the Sopra 2 as balanced. It is for the most part, but those beryllium tweeters can sure be sizzly. As with anything in high end audio, synergistic matching is everything. The Raidho has a gentler high frequency delivery, but it is not lacking if controlled by the proper amps. It may be that you’ve not heard Raidho controlled well. While many people have said they can be driven with lower powered tube amps (~25wpc), it makes a huge difference when they are driven with even more capable amplifiers, either higher watt tube or higher current solid state amps. @brandonosman23 The Thrax Ares is a nice unit, very Class A sounding as you mentioned. It should enable the Raidho to peform quite well in your space, but I also know what higher performing amps may add to the final result. I would think of it as a step change - while the amp will be a fine match for the Raidho, you will have the opportunity to find an even better one down the road. It will certainly be a more neutral and refined / effortless sound, and one that likely casts a larger and wider stage compared to the Sopra. If that’s what you’re looking to achieve, your thinking is in the right direction. The D2.1 can fill that space pretty easily with the right amplifier as well. That said, these days, a used TD2.2 may be had for a bit more money, and its technical improvements and titanium coated drivers. I would be looking at that over the older D2.1. I’m a dealer by trade but have no affiliation with Raidho. I am a fan of their sonics and owned Borresen and Scansonic speakers along my audio journey. |