Ok, I know it has been a few weeks since I first posted about this comparison, but I wanted to make sure I had enough time with each unit in my system to be 100% confident in what I publish. So here it goes...
I listened to lots of different music, but here are a few reference cuts that I used more than others:
• The Eagles - Hell Freezes Over - Hotel California (track 6)
• Natalie Merchant - Motherland – Saint Judas (track 3)
• Roland Kirk – Domino – Rolando (track
• Ben Harper and the Blind Boys of Alabama – There Well Be A Light – Mother Pray (track 9)
• Ben Harper – Fight For Your Mind – God Fearing Man (track 13)
• Stevie Ray Vaughn – Blues At Sunrise – Tin Pan Alley (track 3)
• Mad Season – Above – X-Ray Mind (track 2)
• The Bad Plus – These Are The Vistas – Keep the Bugs off Your Glass and the Bears of Your Ass (track 2)
Both units provide excellent sound and are a significant step up from my modified Sony S-7700. I will venture to say that MOST transports won't sound as good as either the Bolder Cable or Red Wine Audio modified SB2. Although there are definitely differences between the two units, they aren’t night and day type differences and will require a resolving system to hear them.
Ultimately, I am going to keep the Red Wine Audio version in my main system and move the Bolder Cable to my secondary system. The RWA when running off the battery with all electrical plugs removed (for the charger and to run the unit in AC mode) was a little better in the following areas:
1. It was harmonically richer and less lean sounding. Whether it was the strings on Hotel California, Natalie Merchant’s voice, or Roland Kirk’s sax, this richness made it sound more natural and relaxed.
2. Highs were smoother, more extended, and less splashy. Cymbals, bells, and brass were just a little more enjoyable and seemed to hang in the air a little longer.
3. Better detail and texture. There was a blacker background that allowed more texture and nuances to come through. This was really evident on the stand-up bass, acoustic guitar, and percussion instruments.
4. Better separation in the soundstage. Voices and instruments were more clearly defined and occupied their space in a tighter fashion.
I can’t emphasize enough that these differences are subtle and that the Bolder Cable SB2 is an excellent sounding unit. When I compared both units via AC power, I honestly couldn’t consistently pick which was which.. When listening to the RWA via battery I could tell the difference each time.
Kudos to both Vinnie and Wayne for making excellent products with customer service to match!! I wish them both continued success and highly recommend getting your SB2 modified by either one.
George
