What a great sounding lp! One of my favorites. Wonderful performances.
Excellent comments by Dover. I agree completely with his assessments and descriptions; and, frankly, donât have much to add except perhaps to describe some of what is heard somewhat differently.
The Copperhead is a better arm for the Palladian and it is obvious. The SAEC/Palladian combo has too much high frequency energy putting the tonal center of gravity too high in the overall spectrum. This results in what I think is what Dover describes as âlightnessâ. The âgrey washâ is not so much the presence or addition of something, but the absence of something...realistic tonal color as with the Copperhead. Interestingly, and consistently, I described that very effect as âbleachedâ tonal colors in the previous Palladian/SPU/FR shootout. Instrumental timbres, particularly with upper strings and woodwinds, are more natural and realistic with the Copperhead.
**** The leading edge of the notes, decay and space around each instrument is far more resolved on the Continuum combo. I notice that bass notes on the Continuum combo have tremendous impact and start and stop on a dime, laying bare the acoustical space. On the SAEC there is speed in the upper end of the lower register, but it misses the leading edge and doesnât really stop, just fades away. ****
Great comments. They go to what are, for me, the most important trait of this combo; itâs musical transparency. The Copperhead/Palladian combo makes clear the musical phrasing of the musicians while the SAEC glosses them over by comparison. The wonderful rallentandos (slowing of tempo) donât seem to have as much musical meaning with the SAEC.
Very interesting comparison. Thanks.
Excellent comments by Dover. I agree completely with his assessments and descriptions; and, frankly, donât have much to add except perhaps to describe some of what is heard somewhat differently.
The Copperhead is a better arm for the Palladian and it is obvious. The SAEC/Palladian combo has too much high frequency energy putting the tonal center of gravity too high in the overall spectrum. This results in what I think is what Dover describes as âlightnessâ. The âgrey washâ is not so much the presence or addition of something, but the absence of something...realistic tonal color as with the Copperhead. Interestingly, and consistently, I described that very effect as âbleachedâ tonal colors in the previous Palladian/SPU/FR shootout. Instrumental timbres, particularly with upper strings and woodwinds, are more natural and realistic with the Copperhead.
**** The leading edge of the notes, decay and space around each instrument is far more resolved on the Continuum combo. I notice that bass notes on the Continuum combo have tremendous impact and start and stop on a dime, laying bare the acoustical space. On the SAEC there is speed in the upper end of the lower register, but it misses the leading edge and doesnât really stop, just fades away. ****
Great comments. They go to what are, for me, the most important trait of this combo; itâs musical transparency. The Copperhead/Palladian combo makes clear the musical phrasing of the musicians while the SAEC glosses them over by comparison. The wonderful rallentandos (slowing of tempo) donât seem to have as much musical meaning with the SAEC.
Very interesting comparison. Thanks.