Soulution 710/720 install

[Car commander]

After having a chat with Ivan, I recently purchased the Soulution 720 preamp and 710 amplifier. I have wanted to try it for sometime but there was no where close to listen to it. So, based on advice and all the reviews I did.

First I replaced the ML326s with the 720 preamp still using the Dart amp. Ivan said the ML was a weak link. Wow I never imagined a preamp could make so much difference. It was like a curtain was lifted. More detail sharper focus etc.

Then I installed the 710. Big difference. Iron grip base. Bigger sound stage. Instaments I had not heard before. Lack of any coloration at all. Great detail.

Of course retail is more than double. It should sound better. The preamp retails for 5 times what the ML does, but there is no comparison.

I have bought stuff only to be disappointed and then sell it. Not this stuff. I don't think I could go back to any coloration.

It says in the manual to get help moving the amp. You won't be tempted to move it yourself. It weighes 80 kilos.

Soulution says their Gear is an all out assault I believe them.

I know this gear can be updated but I doubt I ever will.



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[cmarin]

Congrats on the purchase of the 710/720 and finding it a very satisfying experience.

You mentioned a Dart amp. Did the 710 replace the Dartzeel NHB-108? Very curious to hear your direct comparison of the Dart and the 710. Thanks.

[Car commander]

The 710 did replace the Dart amp. The Dart amp sounded great with the 720 preamp. I could have stayed right there. The Dart amp has a slight coloration or smoothing that the Soulution doesn't have. The Soulution is also a little faster. It has .0006 distortion.
The Soulution is more detailed.

The preamp actually made a bigger difference than the amp.

Some would prefer the Dart amp. I do not. I still think the a Dart is a great amp and will hang on it for awhile.

You have both, what do you think?

Is a comparison even fair? The Soulution is a lot more expensive than the Dart.

[Masterlu]

Jim... Congrats on raising the bar once again!

[cmarin]

Originally Posted by Car commander

The 710 did replace the Dart amp. The Dart amp sounded great with the 720 preamp. I could have stayed right there. The Dart amp has a slight coloration or smoothing that the Soulution doesn't have. The Soulution is also a little faster. It has .0006 distortion. The Soulution is more detailed. The preamp actually made a bigger difference than the amp. Some would prefer the Dart amp. I do not. I still think the a Dart is a great amp and will hang on it for awhile. You have both, what do you think? Is a comparison even fair? The Soulution is a lot more expensive than the Dart.

Actually I just traded my Dart amp.

Still have the Dart pre and just got a Robert Koda K15. My current amps are the CH Precision A1 monos. But should be receiving the upgraded Soulution 711/725 sometime next week.

The mains of the Soulutions are 240v so i'll have to install some new lines before I can listen to them; hopefully in a couple of weeks. The voltage on the Koda and the A1 mono is user switchable so that will make it easier to compare.

In terms of your assessment, it's on target. When I had the 710/725 combo, the Darts were my backup. The Soulutions were faster, more transparent, less colored. But the Darts also had a magic to them.

At this level, the differences are sublime and a question of personal taste. Especially if the rest of the elements of your system (i.e. Isolation, power quality/noise floor and room) have been optimized.

It's like comparing guitars, or cars for that matter. Fender vs Gibson for example. And even within the fender line, strat vs tele. They each have their charm. After playing a strat for a while, there's a real pleasure in playing a tele; and vice-aversa. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately they are both quality pieces - and variety is the spice of life.

Last night, for example, I was listening to the A1 monos and the Koda. The Koda has a very natural sound. It throws a tremendous soundstage especially depth, with great transparency and detail. It separates instruments and allows you to follow complex musical lines with ease. Some would call it slow, but it's very delicate and lures you into the music.

I then switched to the Dart. The Dart didn't have the depth of the soundstage of the Koda but it was still close and it does have a richness that I find appealing. I thoroughly enjoyed both presentations. If I had to pick only one, I'd probably pick the Koda. But I could easily live with the Dart. And I have for a long time.

Comparing the Koda, the Dart and Soulutions combo will be interesting and fun. I will probably end up keeping a main one and an alternate option. And it would make sense to pick the two that have the greatest contrast in presentation. But we shall see.

[Car commander]

I think that is what I will do as well. Switching back and forth would be fun. I have had the Dart for several years and really enjoyed it.

It's funny how you get to a level where you think change is only available in small increments.

[Portugal]

Always liked the Soulution look. Pictures please.

[bvdiman]

Originally Posted by cmarin

Actually I just traded my Dart amp.

Still have the Dart pre and just got a Robert Koda K15. My current amps are the CH Precision A1 monos. But should be receiving the upgraded Soulution 711/725 sometime next week.

The mains of the Soulutions are 240v so i'll have to install some new lines before I can listen to them; hopefully in a couple of weeks. The voltage on the Koda and the A1 mono is user switchable so that will make it easier to compare.

In terms of your assessment, it's on target. When I had the 710/725 combo, the Darts were my backup. The Soulutions were faster, more transparent, less colored. But the Darts also had a magic to them.

At this level, the differences are sublime and a question of personal taste. Especially if the rest of the elements of your system (i.e. Isolation, power quality/noise floor and room) have been optimized.

It's like comparing guitars, or cars for that matter. Fender vs Gibson for example. And even within the fender line, strat vs tele. They each have their charm. After playing a strat for a while, there's a real pleasure in playing a tele; and vice-aversa. They each have their strengths and weaknesses, but ultimately they are both quality pieces - and variety is the spice of life.

Last night, for example, I was listening to the A1 monos and the Koda. The Koda has a very natural sound. It throws a tremendous soundstage especially depth, with great transparency and detail. It separates instruments and allows you to follow complex musical lines with ease. Some would call it slow, but it's very delicate and lures you into the music.

I then switched to the Dart. The Dart didn't have the depth of the soundstage of the Koda but it was still close and it does have a richness that I find appealing. I thoroughly enjoyed both presentations. If I had to pick only one, I'd probably pick the Koda. But I could easily live with the Dart. And I have for a long time.

Comparing the Koda, the Dart and Soulutions combo will be interesting and fun. I will probably end up keeping a main one and an alternate option. And it would make sense to pick the two that have the greatest contrast in presentation. But we shall see.

cmarin, Thanks for taking the time to share your findings.
Are the K15 and A1 new/broken-in units? More insight please as you get familiarized with them further. Also, most curious - keep us updated as to which of the two pairs finally be chosen worthy in your stable along with incoming Q7. Enjoy the play!

[bvdiman]

Jim, Congrats on your new acquisition!
When I had my 710 side by side with ARC REF150 for one a half years, actually preferred the 710 (no, not a fair comparison considering price disparity).
Inspite the REF150 being tube, surprisingly the SS 710 presented the denser more palpable images - not to mention excelling in speed and dynamics as it rightly should.
*Careful cable choice helps ease/ameliorate somewhat their slightly cool tonal balance, ime. Enjoy them and keep us posted!

[Car commander]

What cables did you like? My IC's are KS Elation and speaker Tara Omega Onyx. I may try KS elation speaker cables again but I liked the Tara's with the Dart amp. Hard to try everything no high end much in Atlanta.

Ref150 is a great amp but not really a fair comparison.