Isabella preamp impressions and comparison
Vinnie's new creation is truly remarkable achievement in combining battery
powered preamp with NOS digital to analog convertor and high quality headphone amplifier. Isabella is equipped with three inputs , two outputs , one headphone in, digital ins and USB for its build in Isabellina DAC as well as Hi / Low * gain* selector switch on the back side of the Isabella to compensate for systems which could benefit from this feature. This particular option prove to be especially useful in Rave system setup and Vinnie's Sig. 30.2 amplifier (30Wpc in stereo.) being used to drive my reference speakers - Vandersteens Quatro with build in powered woofers and its own EQ (which wasn't optimized at the time of the "Rave").
Another very thoughtful feature is the glass sliding window on the top of the unit to provide easy and convenient access to stock JJ 6922 tubes (or any other tubes for that matter) that Isabella came with and which are included with the preamp. Swapping tubes just couldn't be simpler.
Stock JJ tubes are in Vinnie's opinion one of the best , inexpensive and widely available tubes on the market today. I agree with that statement and surly there are others who share that opinion. It is a very nicely balanced tube, from top to bottom.
By replacing stock tubes with NOS Mullards added more middle range presents , liquidity and more life like rendition of vocals and instruments with extra spaciousness and articulation. Piano was reproduced the best I have heard in my system with
attack transient that was accurately portray and consonant at least to my ear. It might however be my personal perception and/or preferences which doesn't necessarily have to mirror your own taste or ears. Describing my experiences with Isabella and Mullards are as positive and preferable as with Dodd and the same tubes. But one mustn't glorify Mullard tube alone for its magic
..its the component(s) and synergy of your system as well as your preferences towards this particular sound characteristics that will play the most important role in choosing the tubes that work and sound right to YOUR EAR - not mine.
Isabella (as everybody knows) runs on batteries and I am happy to report that beside the fact of being ultra quit when run in that mode, it was ( as Vinnie advertised ) performing almost identical when plugged into the wall outlet directly. For most its run time on batteries might be more then enough but if for whatever reason you will need or want to use Isabella for longer listening sessions, no worries it won't disappoint while in AC/DC mode.
Listening to Isabella's DAC with Vinnie's Mac as the source was very satisfying and I can see how someone might want to use it in such a configuration. Quality of music reproduction and absents of the usual edginess and lifeless characteristics of digital music files was staggering. I could happily live with that setup and never look back. You might ask if it is as good or better the stand alone CD player. Well , yes and no. I believe that Isabella is definitely on par or better then some very good players out there but not all. It is not exactly AMR CD-77 but it might (considering the quality of Isabellina DAC) be the perfect solution for those who can not afford the top of the line CDP but still want that (or close to it) great quality of reproduction without breaking the bank.
Playing music thru Consonance Droplet CDP 5.0 ($3200 retail) and using its analog as well as digital out made it possible to evaluate the quality of both DACs and come up with the results. Isabellina ($2000 DAC or $1500 option for Isabella) sounds fantastic and I must admit that it would be silly to add $2000 DAC to Droplet as it would rise the tag price of this combo to $5200. However it did improve the already great CD player yet to another level by adding realism and fluidness over Droplet's upsampling DAC. It wasn't day and night difference but was easily heard by all , including myself. Vinnie did the switching and Buddy as well as I could tell the difference every time. I must add that we both preferred Isabellina DAC over Droplet's build in DAC. I think that Isabellina might be one of the best DACs within the reach of most serious audiophiles out there - highly recommended as a stand alone product and hat off to Vinnie for coming up with the wining formula.
To accurately describe the sound of Isabella ($4000 Linestage only) and grasp how does it stuck-up to real competition we performed some comparison to already released and raved about by owners as well as press - Dodd battery powered preamp ($3300) , which I happened to own. Dodd preamp selling for $700 less then Isabella gives you extra input, HT pass thru, longer run on the single charge and beautiful wood finish with chromed-cover and front controls. But does it automatically means that it is a better value or overshadows new kid on the block Isabella? Not quite.
Are these two, great products close in performance? I would say that they have more in common then what differs them
to the point
. Sound wise, well this is one of the most difficult comparisons for me so far. Not that I couldn't hear the differences between these two but from other perspective as well. Let me explain.
Here are some (IMO) important factors to consider while choosing the preamp that works best for you:
(my case was no brainer. When I bought my Dodd, Isabella wasn't available. Gary was running a special ($2495) and I was able to trade my Granite Audio 770fp preamp almost without loss - money wise. I need HT pass-true & definitely could use the extra input.)
Things going for Dodd
Price. I am not sure if the Dodd sells still at special price of $2495 but if he does , for many it will be the tie-breaker.
Extra input and HT-pass-true. Those with HT setups might choose Dodd over Isabella for that feature alone.
Those who are not looking to add more liquidity/warmness to their systems may opt. for more forward Dodd.
Beautiful finishes, especially for wood lovers.
So what Isabella has to offer?
* Sound that is spellbinding, smooth and almost erotic. Highly recommended to sensible ears and overly bright systems.
* DAC, headphone amp of excellent quality on board. Simplifies the system. Guarantees perfect synergy and sound.
* Runs on AC for unlimited amount of time if needed.
* Small foot print
* High/Low gain switch for extra volume for demanding, more difficult speakers or low power SET amps.
As far as sound quality is concern, in my system I would have to give on edge to Isabella. It is more musical, resolving and has wider and more precise imaging and soundstage. This was however most noticed while A/B-ing two preamps side by side . Later that night I was still enjoying Dodd and loved it. If I had to choose between the two NOW, after hearing them both in my system and If I was on the market for new preamp & DAC, I would go with Isabella - if I had the money.
For those on the tighter budget Dodd is still above the competition and has some features that some might find as very important and irresistible. Together with Isabella these two preamps are IMO one of the best values and performers on the market today and are worth its asking price and then some.
Congratulation to Vinnie for an excellent product and I should also add that Gary is not to far behind
..at least when it comes to linestage. Both great products.
Mariusz
