Transparent Bi-Cable

Actually, the 802Ds are an easy load, Looking at the recent test in HIFICRITIC they found that they had a sensitivity of 93 Db with a minimum impedance of 4 ohms and a 6 ohm average. They were 3 to 4 db more sensitive than the proceeding model. Compare this with my Gamut L5s, 89db sensitivity, 2.8 ohm minimum and 4 ohm average. This is a much harder load. ANY good amp, tube or transistor should have no trouble with the 802Ds. They do like power if they are like the older ones but they should play quite loud with amps of moderate size. 93 db for one watt, 96 for 2, 99 for 4 etc. Stan

Excuse me, wrong figures, the ones I quoted above are for the 802 Diamond. They are more efficient than the 802 Ds but have a similar impedance curve so will take more power to drive but also not present the amp with a difficult load.

Well, my Mcintosh 6900 certainly doesn't seem to agree that they are an easy load. Sounds pretty miserable most of the time.

The important question is what's the sonic differences between the XL, MM and MM2 lines?

Hi, this I do know a few things about. It's pretty significant in the areas of lower noise, increased resolution, more organic/smoothness but with no loss of detail. The MM2 vs XL is a major change.

With MM2 you can almost step down a level or two and get the same/better performance than XL. So if you have Ref with XL you may like Ultra MM2 better.

Hope this helps a little