Hi-Rez Highway: Peychev SACD1000 vs Audio Note balanced 3.1x by KB

So, I've been a bit reluctant to write this summary of my experiences with these two units, and perhaps the Hi-Rez forum is the wrong place for this. Perhaps the vinyl asylum would be better? Because that's where I'm coming from, a vinyl reference. So, when I say that in a relative sense, Alex's unit is like the Lyra Helikon, and the AN is like the Koetsu Rosewood Sig, I'm hoping you know what I mean. Not that they sound like those cartridges (they don't), but that their strengths parallel these in a relative sense. Alex's unit defintely draws a finer line around the instruments, delineates detail, has a tighter, more impactful bass, and probably a truer top end, like the Helikon. But the AN has a very "complete" presentation, one that is closer to vinyl, with bigger, though less defined images, and undeniably gorgeous tone especially through the midrange, like the Koetsu.

I borrowed one of Alex's modded units for 2+ days and have had the AN unit for several weeks. I could certainly live with either. But truth be told, I'm not a detail freak, and would miss the shear beauty of the AN more. Alex promised me that he could build a unit with all the ANs characteristics, and by god, he just might be able to. But Alex has a vision and can deliver the goods, and IMO, nothing interesting comes from those who try to be all things to all people.

If you want further comments, see my initial impressions of Alex's unit in the link. I would change nothing I said then, though both the AN and Alex's unit have recalibrated my assessments of what is possible from digital. Which is great.

BTW, all comments above are for rbcd. Though I listened to a couple SACDs on Alex's unit and found them impressive, I cannot comment knowledgably on how these units comprare to other SACD players save for a stock SCD-1 that I owned for about 4 months. Alex's unit is much superior on both rbcd (by a mile) and SACD, if my sonic memory is at all reliable.

First impressions of Peychev SACD-1000 (Open in New Window)