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A Hidden "Feature" of the Cornwall IV

The Cornwall IV is so sensitive in all respects.  Source, cables, power, time of day, recording, tubes---it is so revealing of changes you make.  I won't say it's scientifically transparent.  Instead, I'd say that it's overtly shows a difference with every change you make.  That can become a game or enjoyable in its own right, and draw you away from the music.

The good news is the Cornwall IVs are clearly a musical speaker.  This translates into most swaps of gear in and out sounding pleasant in their own right.    

Here's the problem:   I can easily sit tight with the Cornwalls and any decent setup of attached kit. But it is so utterly intoxicating to hear so many different things play with the Cornwalls.  

Curiosity killed the cat.  This cat might end up in bankruptcy!

What a wonderful loudspeaker. 
128x128jbhiller
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
My neighbor is thinking about ordering a C8....longer wait for that 😳
schw06
88 posts
 
I agree the Cornwalls have been more illuminating of component changes and positioning than any speaker I’ve owned. It’s hard to make them sound “bad” as they pair nicely with almost any amp you put on them. But their capabilities have far exceeded my hopes with willingness to experiment with positioning and amps. I’ve cycled through some of the “usual suspects” recommended by reviewers and fellow owners including Luxman(590AXII), Naim(Atom and Nova), Carver(Crimson), DAC (King Maraschinos), Abbingdon Music Research(AM-777), Linear Tube Audio, and Don Sachs Valhalla. They all partner well and the Cornwalls seem to be more agnostic than most in terms of amp topology. That being said, all amps except the Valhalla were a set of trade offs and compromises with the AMR amp surprisingly being my second favorite. The Sachs Valhalla, though, checks every box on the checklist and makes the Cornwalls absolutely disappear. I stopped posting (for the most part) years ago as almost every recommendation I have acted on falls tragically short of my expectations. This is the first amp that shattered the glass ceiling of what I thought was possible...and at a price that in the world of high end audio is a steal.
dave_b's avatar
dave_b
3,159 posts
 
Decware is an equally glorious amp manufacturer that is made for Cornwall’s!
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
Why did I start reading this thread?! I almost bought Cornwall lVs last year now I'm really wanting to once again.I'll live vicariously through you guys for now. I suspect those little Decware amps will be an excellent match.
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