The amp was delivered yesterday and waiting for me when I came home from work this morning. It is a real beauty, the faceplate is nicely textured and the etching is nicely done. It is also heavy for the size as it is much smaller than my NAD. It gives you the impression of real substance. It just feels like quality stuff. I listened to my NAD first sans subwoofer so that I could get a clear understanding of the differences between each of the amps. Let me start off by saying, the Emerald Physics 100.2SE is an improvement in EVERY way over the NAD. Many might say, "obviously", but I try to remain steady and not get too hopeful with these types of things. However, it became immediately clear that the low end had filled out. Percussion and drums, bass guitar, even acoustic guitar had more body, more presence, more warmth, more punch. I really got a kick out of "Psycho Killer" off of the Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense" record. Alice in Chains "Unplugged" was another record that has always sounded good but just sounded bigger. The EP also smoothed out those rough edges that came through on the NAD c270. Listening to Roger Water's "Perfect Sense" from "Amused to Death" through the Halide DAC was more relaxed at higher volumes than I have ever heard before. Its a dynamic recording that just begs to be turned up to 11 but through the NAD the trebles would always become hard and exhausting. Through the EP the trebles were still very present just much more natural sounding and not etched or piercing. There was still plenty of detail however, I was hearing subtle little sound effects that I hadn't heard or noticed before. Also, the piano in that song though not very powerful sounding (I don't think it was recorded to be) had more body and warmth to it than before. This was my experience with all of the high quality digital downloads that I listened to. The EP isn't a miracle worker however. I was disappointed when I first listened to the Ray Charles Genius Loves Company on vinyl. It was so good on CD and hi rez that I thought that it would be a slam dunk for sure and 2/3 of the equation gets an A+. The trebles and midrange are smooth and natural. The low end, however, is a little boomy, muddy, and just plain lacks definition. Even though the song towers are now reaching lower and with more definition than they ever have before "Fever" w/ Natalie Cole still sounded muddy and vague on the low end though with the bass lines being ever so slightly easier to follow. Again, I believe this to be the records fault.
Here is the only bad news, while trying to rearrange some wires, the already loose power connection to my Clearaudio Concept snapped off
. I am now without a turntable until I can get it repaired which is very depressing. I was really looking forward to rediscovering some records. I will just have to stick to my hard drives and Halide DC for the time being. Perhaps Clearaudio has upgraded the chincy power connection and get it up and running again. I am still waiting to hear back from Musical Surroundings.
Back to the EP 100.2SE. I am fairly certain that I can be content w/o a subwoofer in my system. The Bass that I have always known the Salks to be capable of is there and it is real and of high quality.... maybe not SS8 quality but what I haven't heard won't kill me right?
I am thoroughly convinced that an upgrade from my Parasound 2100 and possibly even my Phonemena II phono pre may now be in order
My wife is going to divorce me
Conclusion? The EP 100.2SE is a great match for the songtowers!