OK, that's a bit of hyperbole. Besides, I'm not a "showdown" kind of guy. I just like listening to the music.
However, I did have the opportunity last week to listen to my Sig 30 side-by-side with Zack's (ZLS) Omega-clad Sig 30.2. I wanted to hear (for myself) if it was worth the cost of upgrading before committing the funds. It's not that I don't
trust reviewers these days, it's just that I don't seem to hear the same things that they do. At least one of us must be out-to-lunch.
No, it's more likely due to differences in equipment, rooms, etc. After many false starts with equipment, I get very wary when reviewers go over-the-top in their praise for new gear. Often their prose (or enthusiasm...or both) gets ahead of the reality. So, I didn't want to make any more changes to my system before listening first.
I'll cut to the chase. Here's what I learned/heard:
1. The Sig 30/30.2 comparison isn't even close. It took about 10 seconds to hear the difference. Better balance, a little more warmth, way better bass control, just a little more relaxed. Anyone who is thinking of an upgrade, just do it. Even if it's just the sonic upgrade, go for it -- you won't (can't?) be disappointed.
2. Louis does some lovely, lovely work on the Sig 30 boxes. Veneer work is great. I have a pair of Omega Aperiodic 8s in red Parisian maple in our basement (video) system, and the covering on ZLS's box is just as lovely. I'm sorely tempted to give my amp the "Omega treatment" as well.
3. I thought I knew a bit about 40's-60's jazz. I don't know squat. ZLS is the new "man" in my book. A veritable encyclopedia of knowledge about all things jazz. Nice guy, too. I have about 4k discs on my PC-based system, but Zack kept asking for things I didn't have (which doesn't happen all that often).
Thanks again, Zack, for stopping by with your gear on such a cold, cold night (of which there have been many in Chicago this winter).
4. I am convinced that the Sig 30.2 does not reach its full potential (substantial though it may be as a standalone unit) without a pre-amp. I can't
prove that assertion because I haven't heard a system that used the RWA amp along with a pre-amp, but call it a strong hunch. The 6Moons and Tone Publications reviews seemed to suggest as much as well. To use an analogy, the Sig 30.2 is a Pro Bowl QB; it can execute any plays you call with great skill. A great pre-amp would be the coach, providing the game plan and the direction. Together, the two make a tremendous team. Discussions in another thread I started ("What pre-amp do you use with your RWA Sig 30.2?") confirm that RWA customers are using this with some top-notch pre-amps to great effect.
5. Regarding point #4, perhaps it's just my ears/preferences, but the
slightest touch of euphony (coloration?) from a pre-amp would be the final icing on the cake.
Anyway, I thought I'd provide some perspective on what I had heard comparing the two amps. I hope this helps anyone who is on the fence about an upgrade. Go do it and don't look back. You won't be sorry.
-dB (the B stands for 'Bass response')
Gear/system set-up:
1. 8-year old POS Dell laptop
2. Hagerman USB->S/PDIF converter
3. Altmann Attraction DAC with all the trimmings
4. RWA Sig 30 (no pre-amp)
5. Stealth PGS interconnects/ZCables speaker cables
6. Horning Perikles Ultimate speakers (96dB, 8 ohms)
