Seems like the point of the liliana is that it works on larger, less sensitive speakers, yet the whole review is based on these obscure very sensitive speakers, something that was RWA legacy. I would love more reviews from users who have less sensitive speakers.
Hi Yetis,
Yes - the goal of the Liliana design is to offer:
- Strong, high-current output for
harder to drive speakers (e.g. Magnepan, where they would see 230Watts RMS into their 4-ohm load)
- Tube-like midrange with warmth, tone, and texture.
- A sweet, detailed top-end that is free of listener fatigue and artificial "graininess."
- Solid bass response that is well-controlled and punchy (the super low impedance LiFePO4 battery and paralled-MOSFET output stage both excel at this).
While one with high sensitivity speakers would enjoy the Lilianas, their high power may not be needed. I have a customer that I made a custom pair of Signature 16 monoblocks ($3600 for the pair) who finds them to offer more than enough power, and the saved money was put towards
an Isabella preamp to go with them.
As for future Liliana reviews - Scot Hull just did an amp shoot-out of sorts here:
http://parttimeaudiophile.com/2013/11/27/magnepan-and-tekton-meet-pass-labs-odyssey-job-merrill-red-wine-audio-first-watt-and-vitus-audio/[Magnepan 3.7s were used - which can be hard to drive being 4-ohm and 86dB efficient, and well as some highly-sensitive Tektons]
His official review of the Lilianas with the Isabella preamp will hopefully be out soon, and then they'll be off to the next reviewer.
Also - Jeff Dorgay of Tone Audio reviewed the 1st generation of Liliana Monoblocks:
http://www.tonepublications.com/review/red-wine-audio-liliana-monoblocks/I believe he tested them into 4-ohm, 85dB Dynaudio Confidence C1's, and more efficient GamuT S9s (89dB/ 4-ohm)
Cheers!
Vinnie
