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Comparison between Rachel and I.2 (Read 14403 times)
ZENCDUSER
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Comparison between Rachel and I.2
08/30/12 at 02:39:04
 
I know not many units are out there, but would like to hear Steve's or anyone's views between the two.  I understand Rachel is bridgeable, has meters to monitor tube performance, and doesn't have the dual power supply (and consequently one less tube). But I'm curious if there is a difference in sound between the I.2 and Rachel
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Lon
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #1 - 08/30/12 at 03:02:56
 
I haven't heard the new one. But. .. I don't think Steve would have put it out unless it sounded improved! Smiley

My guess is that the noise floor is lower and it sounds overall "crisper." But that's just a guess. I really loved my .2.
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ZENCDUSER
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #2 - 08/31/12 at 15:47:03
 
I hope so Lon!  I left a message a few days ago and am still waiting for a response. I'm asking because this is the first time where I didnt see a mention of sound improvement.
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Lon
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #3 - 08/31/12 at 16:01:27
 
Did you see this thread? Steve says it's a "lucid" improvement in the fist post . . . .

https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1327279616
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HR-1,ZTPRE,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod,Taboo MkIV;Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD,P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls,Reference spkrcbls;Mapleshade SamsonV3;VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1
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Steve Deckert
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If the 1st watt
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #4 - 08/31/12 at 18:08:47
 
Quote:
I hope so Lon!  I left a message a few days ago and am still waiting for a response. I'm asking because this is the first time where I didnt see a mention of sound improvement.


Sorry, I never got your message.  The new amp has better transparency and improved imaging.  Otherwise it sounds exactly the same as the SE34I.2

Steve
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ZENCDUSER
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #5 - 08/31/12 at 20:49:55
 
Thanks Steve and Lon!  I see the link shows lucid was a tlittle too much to include now. Having owned a Select, SEOTL, and Carina  in the past I've come to the conlcusion that I need a little more power for my taste and listening habits. SS is great (particularly bass and overall ease of sound), but I'm returning to the tube ranks. I was cautiously looking at the I2 before I just learned it had been replaced. Cautious because I've never heard an EL34 integrated that I liked over the tube amps I've owned...but optimistic the Decware integrated carries the core family sound. The forums suggest that!  I guess the next question would be if mono SE84C+s would be even better  :)  I have 98db Tekton Lores
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Steve Deckert
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #6 - 09/01/12 at 04:30:01
 
What is the impedance of the Lores?
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ZENCDUSER
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #7 - 09/04/12 at 21:53:16
 
Steve,
The Lores are 98bd at 8 Ohm. Eric at Tekton stated the impedance in the bass is generally 8, the upper freqs are around 5.5, with the highest impedance being around 18ohm at 1 khz.   Also, a lot of his customers use various Decware amplification!

But now that you have the Super Zen coming I'm tempted to try that, since my last speaker with the Select was a pair of Forte 1s, which had a more complex crossover but sounded well with the Select
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Morganc
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #8 - 09/06/12 at 01:38:23
 
I had a pair of Lores with the Mini Torii and the results were spectacular.   Amazing combo actually.   Good luck on the decision Smiley.
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ZENCDUSER
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #9 - 09/06/12 at 04:56:21
 
Thanks Morgan.  I've been running the Lores with a Dayens Ecstasy IIb integrated (big brother of their Ampino) with stunning sound. 70 watts SS, but with much of the tube qualities!   The bass, tone, control, power, dynamics are something I dont want to be without again...but crave a little more tube (or tube like) magic and openness.
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ZENCDUSER
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #10 - 09/07/12 at 05:53:03
 
Morgan, what did you get rid of..the Lores or the Mini? I spoke with Steve today and perhaps the mini Torri would be best for me since I do not want to concede any bass extension or control.  Another option is two mono Super Zens which will see 4 ohms (versus the Lores 8 ohms).  I have another option: upgrade the Mundorf Mcap ZN capacitors (2) in the signal path of my integrated to Mundorf Supreme Silver in Oil.  That may give me very close to what I want...while retaining that powerful deep bass and control.  I'm familiar with their sound....which is stunning. Lush with detail and soundstage
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Morganc
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Re: Comparison between Rachel and I.2
Reply #11 - 09/07/12 at 18:21:12
 
I picked up the Lores from a friend locally and just wanted to hear what all the buzz was about.  They were too small for my main rig so I had them in my bedroom with the Mini Torii and the sound was so nice in the small room.  However, as I was and am still raising funds for a new home, I had to sell the Lores and I regretfully sold the MT also Sad.  Now I am looking to buy another, as it was a beauty with amazing tone and timbre.  

Good luck on your choice.  The mini tori is amazing.  Another option would be adding a tube buffer into your system.  I have one actually that could use  a new home if you are interested, shoot me a pm.

Cheers,
Morgan
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