Curious what about the Torii makes you think it's better "on paper" than your LM?
|
Well, I guess now that I think about it, they are both point to point wired, with high quality trannies. So maybe it's not better on paper. I know everyone who has heard one likes it. So maybe I'm just in the mood to try something new. The LM is certainly a fine amp and has beat out two highly regarded contenders so far.
|
Wow, this place is just full of opinions......... |
If you are referring to the currently produced Mk4 version of the Torii, you've probably already seen my comment about its gain in this recent thread, in which you also participated. FWIW I'll repeat it here, though:
Almarg 7-30-2018
In looking at the description and specs of the Torii IV I see one major
potential issue. Assuming the specs on sensitivity and maximum power
capability are accurate, it can be calculated that its gain is extremely
low, even for a power amplifier much less one that could and would be
used as an integrated amplifier. Specifically, I calculate a gain of
about 17 db into 8 ohms, and even less into lower impedances. Typical
power amp gains are in the mid to upper twenties, and typical integrated
amp gains are in the mid to upper thirties.
If an active preamp
providing substantial gain is not used ahead of this amp, with most
vinyl and other analog sources the consequence of that will be that even
with the volume control at max a substantial fraction of the amp’s
power capability will not be able to be utilized. Probably well over
half of that capability in most cases, and perhaps 3/4 of it or even
more in many cases.
With digital sources that would be less of a
concern, but I would still expect that without an active preamp there
would be some recordings, especially some of those having wide dynamic
range, for which the volume control would not be able to be turned up
high enough to satisfy.
In contrast, Stereophile measured the gain of your LM-518IA as being 38.6 db for an 8 ohm load connected to the 8 ohm tap, which is very typical for an integrated amp, and is vastly more gain than the Torii would provide. Regards, -- Al |
Thanks for your comment Al. I will be driving a pair of klipschorns, so I don’t think gain will be an issue. Actually the LM has too much gain in my system. I never go beyond the ten o’clock position. But I won’t rule out putting an active preamp in front of the Torii if need be. |
