Ypsilon VPS 100 phonostage

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by turntable

I am hoping to have a listen to the Vpsilon phono stage in a couple of weeks - or maybe I shouldn't

It is a lot of coin, but for once the Aussie price is a lot better than the US price.

What I find interesting is that the Ypsilon, Allnic, Wavac and a couple of other phono sections all use LCR equalization.

Also, the Ypsilon requires several add ons that add significantly to the cost.

[PHC1]

Did someone steal $25k worth of parts out of $26k Ypsilon phono stage???
I know things are rough in Greece but give me a break!

[turntable]

Originally Posted by PHC1

Did someone steal $25k worth of parts out of $26k Ypsilon phono stage???
I know things are rough in Greece but give me a break!

Good question. certainly does not look like much.

LCR phono stages are apparently the most expensive type to make?.

I would think the transformers would cost more than most phono stages in total.
Open up the top of most electronic items. Just because something is full of cheap surface mount ic's etc on a board, does not mean it is expensive.
I would be surprised if there was $1000 worth of parts in the 12k ARC REF2 phono.

personally I am scared to listen to it - after all it is the sound that matters.

All the expensive electronics around almost makes Wilson's speakers reasonable.

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by turntable

Good question. certainly does not look like much.

LCR phono stages are apparently the most expensive type to make?.

I would think the transformers would cost more than most phono stages in total.
Open up the top of most electronic items. Just because something is full of cheap surface mount ic's etc on a board, does not mean it is expensive.
I would be surprised if there was $1000 worth of parts in the 12k ARC REF2 phono.

personally I am scared to listen to it - after all it is the sound that matters.

All the expensive electronics around almost makes Wilson's speakers reasonable.

There's probably many factors at play here in the pricing of the Ypsilon. First, all imported products (as well as US gear going say to Europe) have a distributor who takes a mark-up. Another reason is the weak dollar. But I too, would like to see more of what goes into the Ypsilon and makes it with everything added in, 3x the cost say of the Allnic.

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

Good question. certainly does not look like much.

LCR phono stages are apparently the most expensive type to make?.

I would think the transformers would cost more than most phono stages in total.
Open up the top of most electronic items. Just because something is full of cheap surface mount ic's etc on a board, does not mean it is expensive.
I would be surprised if there was $1000 worth of parts in the 12k ARC REF2 phono.

personally I am scared to listen to it - after all it is the sound that matters.

All the expensive electronics around almost makes Wilson's speakers reasonable.

Shane,
Yes, you know exactly what you are getting when you spend $26k on Wilson Sasha. I would not even begin to guess where the value is in the Ypsilon phono. The SUT is separate still, talk about transformers being expensive!

By the way, the ARC REF2 at 1/2 the price and I still consider that to be on the expensive side of things looks much more serious inside. Yes, they do use extremely low noise and what they claim are expensive FET transistors. I don't know what the price comparison would be but the REF2 phono was dead silent and a knockout performer. I also really did think that it looks much more serious under the hood for $12k.




By the way, my own EAR 324P uses transformers for the MC side and it is also dead silent, extremely linear with stupendous bass and very rich sounding for all solid state phono. It cost 1/2 the price of REF phono 2.... So I don't even know how to compare the values on what you say that price doesn't matter, it's the sound that counts.... Perhaps your ears will find a way to trick your mind to cough up the dough for the Ypsilon.

I would be afraid that I was getting bent over and won't even get a Falafel after plunking $26k + another $3k for SUT.

[turntable]

Serge

I never said I was going to buy one, let alone afford one.

I am still debating re the Wilson sasha vs Srads and that will be no $$, but I lose big time if I am not happy with the Wilson. the dealer is not as generous as yours

But if the importer wants me to listen to one, I am all ears. I believe the Aust price would be significantly less $$ than the USA price. still more than the REF2 thou .

Hmmm, so what if it does sound world beating ??

[PHC1]

Originally Posted by turntable

Serge

I never said I was going to buy one, let alone afford one.

I am still debating re the Wilson sasha vs Srads and that will be no $$, but I lose big time if I am not happy with the Wilson. the dealer is not as generous as yours

But if the importer wants me to listen to one, I am all ears. I believe the Aust price would be significantly less $$ than the USA price. still more than the REF2 thou .

Hmmm, so what if it does sound world beating ??

Shane, Sasha and Strad are two different flavors for sure. What I do like about Sasha is that it is more of a chameleon of a speaker, one can work with it to come up with various scenarios and synergy flavors... Try that with Strads...

[dazngad]

Shane,

Don't want to hijack this thread but wanted to let you know I am very impressed with the XP 25. I put some good cables on it and it made a huge difference. It is the best Solid State phono I have ever heard. Very natural, detailed and dynamic with incredible bass.

If you get the Sashas then we have much more to talk about as I am a huge Wilson fan. But very different from Strads as indicated by others. You will hear everything and you will benefit from power. They were magical with the VTL 450 mk 3's a year ago. In some ways better than the Maxx 2s. You won't regret it.

[turntable]

Originally Posted by dazngad

Shane,

Don't want to hijack this thread but wanted to let you know I am very impressed with the XP 25. I put some good cables on it and it made a huge difference. It is the best Solid State phono I have ever heard. Very natural, detailed and dynamic with incredible bass.

If you get the Sashas then we have much more to talk about as I am a huge Wilson fan. But very different from Strads as indicated by others. You will hear everything and you will benefit from power. They were magical with the VTL 450 mk 3's a year ago. In some ways better than the Maxx 2s. You won't regret it.

Hi Darren

Still debating the Sasha vs Strad. Strads are dialed in pretty good ATM but not really hearing all the differences between different phono stagtes/cartridges. But do I want more of the truth - that is the question?
also been waiting 6 weeks for my XV-1s to be built as I want that on one of my tables when making a final decision. I wish I could afford to keep both.


I used to bitch and comlain about any leaness/brightness in any system - nowdays I don't seem to be that twitchy about neutrality

XP-25 - better than your TW phono, or different?

[dazngad]

Shane,

You made a good point. The Sashas will be less tolerant than many speakers. Ultimately that is a decision of how much resolution you want. I don't love detail that is "in your face" and after. Hearing the Sashas I wouldn't label them as such. But they are slightly more resolving than my Maxx 2s. And that is a good thing AFAIK. My standard is a decent set of ear cans.

In simple terms if it was me, I would do it without any hesitation.
It will let you hear what you are paying for but encourage you to spend more.

Now what is better? Nothing easy. The TW phono with the Titan i is stunning. Especially after upgrading the caps. Without the upgrade no comparison. The Pass with the Allaerts is that good. It rocks, it romances it just doesn't it all. If anything is missing I would say a lack of tubes magic that can be so seductive. I doubt there is anything better SS.