DeVore Fidelity, Van Den Hul Cartridges

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by Freestone

That's really close in size. So the differentiation to the buyer between the two models must be pricing then, at least primarily, not size. I was hoping for a much smaller speaker.

Something narrower would be nice.

[CFz]

I was at In Living Stereo two weeks ago and got to hear the O96 and discuss the O93 with the owner. He mentioned the O93 has the same paper driver but the magnet size is different.

As for my demo with the O96, I wasn't overly impressed but I think it was because of the music we were listening to. Ry Gooder on vinyl, Shindo Gerrard 301 with Masseto and Cortese, Aud 23 speaker cables. Like I said, the music wasn't my favorite but I was in the neighborhood so I poped by for an uninvited audition to which I'm very greatful for. I'm fairly young so I've only ever listened to digital music. After reading about the superiority of vinyl I had high expectations, but I can never get past the surface scratching sounds which have been ever present on all my demos with vinyl.

I am curious to audition the O93/O96 with digital sources on my taste of music. The O93 seems similarly priced to the now outdated DeVore Nines that I currently have. Should make for an interesting comparison.

Thanks for the shots too Ivan. I've been scouring the internet for images of the O93 so I can get some ideas of the dimensions, fit, and finish.

[Erocka2000]

Not all records have surface scratching sounds. That's why it's nice to have a record cleaning machine, like the VPI 16.5. Surface noise is greatly reduced on most noisy albums after using this. And vinyl has more depth to the sound, that in my (granted limited) experience, digital can't match.

[psyopwak]

ARC is offered at a different price point as the Line Magnetic Audio gear.

Although I have heard and like the bigger SET amps from LM Audio, I don't think they would compare to the best of ARC. But the ARC gear is very expensive. The lower priced integrated LM Audio amps are VERY good at that price point. Many believe they sound better than the Rogue Audio and Primaluna products. For me I cannot justify the price of the ARC stuff. Funny thing, my dealers offers both ARC and LM Audio. The LM Audio is made in China and has solid build quality, even the remote is milled aluminum. ARC is now owned by Fine Sounds out of Italy and the remote is made of plastic.

Funny how that works.... I bought and enjoy the LM Audio 216IA.

[Art K]

Originally Posted by Myles B. Astor

I greatly prefer the sound of John's speakers driven by ARC's integrated amp. The LM are very colored, closed in and rolled off sounding. Plus didn't care for the bass.

How long were you in the room?