AKM Op Amps with outstanding specifications

ROSE Products RD160
#1

Any chance we could see these in the RD 160?
As DAC performance has continued to evolve, spearheaded by products such as AKM’s AK4499EX, audio designers have found a dearth of op amps that can leverage these aural advances. AKM’s AK491x series delivers upgraded audio performance, with ultra-low noise and distortion characteristics—noise density of 0.96 nV/√Hz and THD+N of −150 dB at 1 kHz—that are unachievable with conventional op amps. An ample ±100 mA output-drive capability enables these new devices to maintain excellent THD+N characteristics even under the most demanding load conditions, such as 8-channel current summing in DAC applications.

Samples of the AK491x series op amps are currently available, mass production scheduled to start in early 2027.

#2

Hmm, I’m not sure. Op-amps are fine—and should be highly effective, no question!

Perhaps it would be best to first look into the different types of DACs.

Document comparing ΔΣ and R2R.

http://www.jitter.de/pdfextern/DesignSem5.pdf

#3

Bonte,

I’ve had both Delta Sigma and R2R DACS in the past. I always preferred the R2Rs until I heard AKM’s latest Delta Sigma version. Then I was then persuaded to get the RD 160. IMHO the op amps have as much or more to do with the ultimate sound of a DAC than the actual D-A converter method whether Delta sigma or a resister ladder R2R converter or an ASIG for that matter. YMMV.

StandardModel

#4

Okay, that’s your opinion, and everyone buys what sounds best to them and looks good (160). I have a slightly different point of view, but it’s worthless because you are you and you enjoy your music. If the ΔΣ converter sounds phenomenal to you, then you’ve done everything right.

But don’t mix it with op-amps. My post is solely about comparing the two converter types.

Of course, synergy is key. If you already have an amplifier with a warm, analog sound, pairing it with speakers that also sound warm and analog might not be the best combination. Adding an R2R DAC to the mix could potentially result in “too much of a good thing” regarding that analog sound.
Perhaps this influenced your decision to buy a ΔΣ converter, because it integrates better into your sound synagie.

I’ve put together a list of comparable R2R and Delta-Sigma DACs for you to look at.

Delta-Sigma converters use extremely fast “software tricks” (mathematics and oversampling), whereas R2R converters (also known as multibit or ladder networks) generate the signal “purely” via actual, physical hardware resistors.

A direct comparison:
Delta-Sigma converters (the modern standard).
Advantages:
Extremely high resolution (24-bit/32-bit), perfect noise performance, and unbeatable manufacturing costs.
Disadvantages:
The signal is artificially “derived” (via mathematical approximation). Intensive digital filtering can lead to minute time delays (phase errors) in the high-frequency range.
Sound character:
Very clean, extremely detailed, analytical, and flawless—though some listeners find it slightly “technical” or “cold.”
R2R converters (the traditional art form)
Advantages:
Absolute timing accuracy. The signal is immediately converted bit-by-bit into actual electrical current, without artificial computational steps or extreme filtering.
Disadvantages:
Extremely expensive. The resistors used must be matched with microscopic precision. Even minute temperature fluctuations can produce measurable errors (distortion).
Sonic character:
Very natural and lively, with extremely realistic spatial imaging and “analog” warmth.

They will certainly have already examined the subject matter in detail.

However, I have drawn some comparisons with the RD160 here, basing my calculations on a purchase price of around €5.3k.

Which DAC delivers pure Hi-Fi enjoyment?

For absolutely pure, uncompromising Hi-Fi enjoyment, many audiophile purists swear by high-end R2R DACs (often referred to as “NOS”—Non-Oversampling).

Let’s turn to your device.

What is the HiFi Rose RD160 from a technological standpoint?
The RD160 is not an R2R DAC; instead, it is based on Delta-Sigma architecture.
However, it employs a highly sophisticated, unique approach:
The AKM dual-chip concept (Velvet Sound):
One chip (AK4191) handles solely the digital filtering and the initial Delta-Sigma modulation.
The second chip (AK4499EX) performs the actual analog conversion in complete isolation. The highlight for R2R enthusiasts:
The RD160 features a genuine NOS (Non-Oversampling) function. When activated, the DAC bypasses mathematical oversampling, causing the signal flow to behave very much like that of a traditional R2R DAC.

I compared the HiFi Rose RD160 and, within this price range (up to €5,300), placed it on par with the absolute top-tier units that feature a full-fledged preamplifier function!

R2R converters with a true preamplifier stage (the analog ideal).

  1. Rockna Wavelight PRE/DAC.
    Rockna is a Romanian high-end manufacturer that develops its converters entirely in-house. The Wavelight is renowned for its analog preamplifier stage. Converter principle:
    An extremely fast, FPGA-controlled R2R resistor network.
    The preamplifier:
    “No digital control.” It features “fully analog volume control” switched purely via fixed resistors. Dynamic range is preserved 100%, even at minimum volume.
    Sound character:
    Sounds incredibly punchy, organic, and substantial in the bass. It creates an extremely deep, three-dimensional soundstage and is considered one of the most analog-sounding DACs on the market.
    Price: approx. €5000.

  2. Audio-GD R-7HE MK3.
    The Chinese manufacturer Audio-GD builds the most massive, heavily constructed converters in the industry.
    Converter principle:
    A four-layer, fully balanced R2R network.
    The preamplifier:
    Utilizes the proprietary “ACSS” current transmission method and a relay-controlled “analog resistor network for volume control.”
    Special feature:
    It features an integrated regenerative power supply. It converts fluctuating mains power into completely clean, dedicated AC power for the converter components.
    Sound character:
    Extremely fluid, colorful, very warm, and monumental in its foundation. Perfect for audio systems that lack body.
    Price: approx. €4,990

Delta-Sigma converters with top-tier pre-amplifier stages (The precision contenders).

  1. HiFi Rose RD160 (For a neutral reference)
    Converter principle:
    Separate AKM dual-chip Delta-Sigma design.
    Pre-amplifier stage:
    Purely analog volume control. It physically isolates the digital signal processing from the analog output stage to prevent interference.
    Sound character:
    Offers an extremely wide soundstage with razor-sharp imaging. In NOS mode, it “approaches” the analog smoothness of R2R designs while remaining extremely tight, punchy, and dynamically modern in the bass range.
    Price: €5,299.

  2. Ferrum WANDLA (with optional “HYPSOS” power supply).
    With the WANDLA, the Polish brand Ferrum Audio has created one of the most advanced Delta-Sigma DACs of recent years.
    Converter principle: State-of-the-art ESS SABRE chip combined with an extremely powerful, custom-programmed ARM processor (SERCE) for bespoke digital filters.
    Pre-amplifier stage:
    You can choose via the menu whether volume control is handled “purely digitally or fully analog.”
    Sound character:
    Breathtakingly transparent, agile, and high-resolution.
    It does not sound “cold” in the slightest, yet possesses an uncompromising, studio-like clarity and extreme precision regarding transients (e.g., the attack of a piano note).
    Price: approx. €3.900 (bundled with the external HYPSOS precision power supply). Direct comparison for your music room – Criteria:
    Rockna Wavelight (R2R), Audio-GD R-7HE (R2R), HiFi Rose RD160 (ΔΣ/NOS), Ferrum WANDLA (ΔΣ). Preamp technology: Purely analog (resistors), purely analog (ACSS/relays), purely analog (isolated), selectable (analog/digital).
    Greatest strength:
    Extremely deep soundstage, natural flow. Massive power supply, warm fundamental tone, brilliant display, optical USB. Compactness, extreme level of detail. Sound focus: Organic, smooth, agile. Powerful, intimate, rich in color. Three-dimensional, dynamic, structured. Analytical, ultra-precise, fast.

Conclusion:
Which one suits your preferences?
If you are looking for pure analog or digital sound and need the converter to function directly as a preamplifier in your setup:
The Rockna Wavelight offers arguably the most uncompromising combination of purely analog volume control and a fluid, holographic R2R sound signature. It behaves like a classic, outstanding analog preamplifier.
The HiFi Rose RD160 offers a more modern range of interfaces and an unbeatable user experience; in NOS mode, it keeps pace surprisingly well with the R2R units, yet at its core, it remains an extremely precise Delta-Sigma converter.
Have you had the chance to test two of these units at home beforehand? Since you are driving a power amplifier directly, the interaction between the DAC output stage and the amplifier input is often highly specific to the combination. :thinking:

#5

Bonte,

That was an excellent comparison of the comparable DACs. I agree with all of your conclusions - to the extent that I have knowledge of the various DACs and no, I haven’t had a chance to test two of those units you mentioned at home. Are you making the point that whether it’s an R2R or Delta Sigma based doesn’t matter and that either can be made to sound good? In that case wouldn’t the character and quality of the OP amps chosen matter? I know Rose uses Muse. I’m not familiar enough with their characteristics to judge whether that’s relatively good or bad.
I’m assuming you have a Rockna since you assess it as having the best sound. Is it noticeably better than the RD 160? I’m aware that you consider each individual to have his or her personal preference but to your ears is the Rockna better?

Also, to complete the picture my amp is a (mostly) Class A Coda 8, speakers Popori WR-2.

StandardModel

#6

More information – that’s good; so I can share my impressions. It is a very fine amplifier that works in class A and delivers a truly analog sound. In terms of sound character, class A is almost at eye level with well-designed tube amplifiers.

Synergy with Coda No. 8:

Since the Coda amplifier already offers a warm, organic texture, I would choose the following if I owned the same amplifier:

The HiFi Rose RD160 (my recommendation for you) - well, I don’t have to recommend them anymore, because they already own and enjoy it.

You made exactly the right choice!

Character:

Magnificently detailed, extremely pure, transparent, precise in separation and noise-free. It offers a fantastic three-dimensional sound stage, while maintaining the airiness and high-frequency precision typical of Delta Sigma designs.

Synergy with Coda No. 8:

Since the Coda amplifier already offers a warm, organic texture, the Rose RD160 acts as the perfect counterpoint. It fully illuminates every nuance of the music, gives the signal chain freshness and ensures that the sound - even with analytical speakers - remains absolutely vivid, fast and precise, without ever drifting into “mud” or “overwarm” territory.

All this is just theory; you have to listen to it and decide for yourself (as you did) whether it sounds fantastic to you.

Conclusion of my theoretical assessment:

You have made the right decision with the combination Coda No. 8 and RD160!

"Well, the only missing piece in the synergy equation are your loudspeakers - speakers that I don’t know and probably never will hear, as I would have to listen to your exact setup and experience the specific acoustics of your room.

Here is just my theoretical opinion on the things, provided I own this combination (Coda No. 8 / RD 160):

I would opt for floorstanding speakers (which I prefer anyway). With the Coda No. 8 / RD 160, I would look for speakers in the range of 10k to 20k!

Focus on the “Sweet Spot”:

I would choose speakers that offer an extremely high resolution and that the Coda No. 8 can drive perfectly. The immense bass performance and control of Coda No. 8 / RD 160 into a tight, powerful sound - while ensuring that the high frequencies never get tired or uncomfortably bright.

Here are the boxes I would audition for this setup and compare with my personal favorites.

  1. Magico A3 (or a slightly used Magico A5)

Character:

Magico builds its cabinets from solid aircraft-genic aluminum. The speakers sound extremely “fast”, absolutely uncolored and precise. Why it fits perfectly:

Thanks to the sealed aluminum housing, the bass is the tightest and driest you can buy for money. They have absolutely no tendency to warmth. The beryllium tweeters offer a phenomenal resolution. Combined with the No. 8 Coda, they throw away any trace of “cold” and deliver a sound that is incredibly realistic and tangible - perfect for long listening sessions.

However, this could be too analytical and cold, since the RD 160 is still part of the mix.

  1. Focal Sopra N°2

Character:

Focal is known for its beryllium tweeters with inverted dome, which offer immense spaciousness and airiness. However, in combination with purely analytical amplifiers, Focal speakers can sometimes come across as “too bright”. Why it fits perfectly: This is exactly where the magic of Coda No. 8 comes into play. The amplifier’s class A heat eliminates any hardness of the sopra’s beryllium tweeter. What remains is an incredibly open, detailed sound stage and an extremely dynamic, agile bass. An absolute dream combination. That is of course, if the RD 160 were not also in the picture.

  1. Gauder Akustik DARC 60 (or Berlina RC 7)

Character:

A German high-end manufacturer known for its ultra-steep crossover sleps and the use of extremely light, rigid ceramic drivers (from Accuton). Ceramic is known for absolute transient accuracy - no ringing, no muddyness. Why it fits perfectly:

Ceramic speakers need exactly the kind of amplifier that the Coda offers: one that is extremely stable at high current loads (150 amps!) And has a touch of analog warmth. The result is a system that delivers a sound that is so clean, slim and detailed that you can capture the instruments almost in three-dimensional space, but the presentation never feels cold or overly analytical.

  1. B & W 803 D4

Character:

The studio standard with the famous diamond tweeter. The new D4 generation is tuned in such a way that it is much more neutral and crisper than its predecessors, which often had a slightly more relaxed sound.

Why it fits perfectly:

The 803 D4 delivers an immense level of detail in the medium and high-frequency ranges. It absolutely requires an amplifier with rock-proof bass control; otherwise the low-end performance can become inaccurate. The Coda No. 8 controls the B&W’s bass drivers perfectly, while the Rose DAC acts as a magnifying glass for the diamond tweeter.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for the absolute dryest, tightest bass and an extremely honest sound profile: Magico A3.

If you want a huge, airy sound stage and maximum vibrancy: Focal Sopra N°2.

If you strive for the highest precision and absolute freedom of dyeing in the middle range: Gauder Akustik DARC 60.

Can you place the speakers freely in the room or do they need to be placed close to the wall? And how big is your listening room in square meters?

So many questions, and it’s all just theory. As you know, everyone has to form their own listening impression. But that’s not something you can do in just two days. Some speakers sound fantastic when you first hear them, but after three weeks they become annoying.

:laughing:

Now to my personal favorites - although this is not really important as always, given our differences in terms of hearing, age, listening rooms and device settings.

My main system is configured with a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 paired with a pair of Perlist R7t speakers. In addition, there are two 12-inch subwoofers in my synergy, which are connected to the Lyngdorf in a “stereo” setup and are tuned and controlled via RoomPerfect together with the main speakers. A Lyngdorf system with RoomPerfect and the R7t is hard to beat in price gradation.

As I said, “expensive” does not always mean “better”. I’ve heard systems that were much more expensive and sounded worse than my combination.

Unfortunately, the R7t was the only model in my budget. However, it has silk domes in its DPC arrays (no beryllium dome, as in the S7t) which makes the high frequencies a bit more pleasant. But even that would iron out RoomPerfect.

That could then happen that after three weeks, the such great loudspeakers are annoying, as mentioned above.

I’m not a fan of highly analytical speakers because they become too tiring and irritating for me over time; my enjoyment of music usually wears off after just one hour.

My top picks would also be a great fit for your system:

Perlisten S7t !!!

The combination of the Coda No. 8, the HiFi Rose RD160 and the Perlisten S7t (whether Standard, Special Edition [SE] or the technically superior Limited Edition [LE]) creates an absolute dream synergy. This signal chain reaches a level of equilibrium that is rare in the high-end audio world. Perlist speakers are among the most modern and - measured - most perfect systems on the market. Its outstanding feature is the patented DPC array (Directivity Pattern Control): three precisely arranged drivers with a beryllium dome in the center, flanked by two ultra-light carbon mid-range drivers) housed in a special wave guide. This would trigger the following in your chain: Controlled radiation (no spatial slurry): The DPC array radiates the sound widely to the left and right, but focuses it extremely strongly up and down. Consequently, neither your ceiling nor your floor reflects the sound. You hear the pure music signal, free of disturbing spatial disturbances. This creates a razor-sharp… Three-dimensional localization of instruments and voices. Extremely linear and neutral: The S7t does not add any coloration. It reproduces exactly what the electronics deliver. His mood is neither artificially warm nor analytically cold. Bass-Punch: With four 7" woofers per speaker, the S7t delivers incredibly fast, tight and deep bass.

My second speakers would be the MOFI SOURCEPOINT V10 MASTER EDITION!

They were designed by renowned developer Andrew Jones. The central feature of all models is a proprietary 2-way coaxial system (point sound source), in which the tweeter is located in the acoustic center of the woofer/midrange to achieve exceptionally precise spatial mapping and time accuracy.

Since I also go for horn-charged speakers and coaxial speakers, which are known for their sound stage, the two loudspeaker systems manage to get almost horn-charged speakers. By that I mean both the R7t/S7t and the MOFI SOURCEPOINT V10 MASTER EDITION.

MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition:

The flagship among the floorstanding speakers. It combines the large 10-inch coaxial chassis with an extended 3-way frequency woofer and additional woofers for maximum sovereignty and maximum tonal naturalness.

Technical core features:

Twin-drive magnetic system: An innovative high-flow neodymium magnetic system minimizes distortion in the motor structure, creating an extremely pure signal and excellent dynamics.

High efficiency & amplifier friendly:

With a nominal impedance of 6 to 8 ohms and high sensitivity (up to 91 dB for the 10-inch models), the speakers can be easily operated with almost any amplifier.Design & workmanship: The housings in a charismatic vintage look have a multi-faceted baffle and are available in the real wood veneers walnut, ash black and partly in semi-matt white.

As typed, I can only afford a pair of speakers. But, maybe there will be another V12 from master Andrew Jones. Since the V10 are too wide and too deep for my room, I decided on the Perlisten Audio R7t.

But if I move (:tired_face: always this subjunctive!), the V10 are on my radar, if there is not already something better and I have more space for the lineup.

Now a quick theoretical comparison, if you want to change the speakers again.

It is in my eyes a fascinating audiophile duel!

That’s why the text is so long, because it also interests me madly.

The comparison, two completely different philosophies of loudspeaker construction.

On one side is the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition (the maximum evolution of the classic point sound source by Andrew Jones), on the other side the Perlisten S7t (the uncompromising ultra-high-end flagship) or the R7t (the slightly softer, more budget-friendly sister).

Your system – consisting of the HiFi Rose RD 160 converter/preamplifier and the Coda No. 8 power amplifier! This remains the solid foundation.

(The three pairs of speakers create three completely different sound worlds with exactly the same electronics:)

Direct comparison of the three speaker chains

MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master:

Sound character: Bodyy, live, relaxed

High-tone technology: 1.25" silk dome (in the coaxial center)

Bass concept: 2x 10" woofers + 2x 10" passive diaphragms

Bass characteristics: Voluminous, earty, powerful but controlled

Spatiality: Enormously wide, very stable “sweet spot”

Room adjustment: 3-stage switch (treble)

Synergy with your chain: 9.5 / 10 (Perfect Balance)

My Perlists R7t:

Sound character: Silky, musical, long-term capable of treble technology: three silk domes (DPC array)

Bass concept: 4x 6.5" (165mm) HPF cellum drivers

Bass characteristics: Deep, slightly warmer, very smooth

Spatiality: Spacious, gently enveloping

Space adjustment: Bass reflex / Acoustic Suspension
(bass reflex plug - closed vs. open)
Synergy with your chain: 9.0 / 10 (Very harmonious and fluid)

Perlist S7t:
(Flagship)

Sound character: Extremely analytical, holographic, explosive

High-tone technology: Beryllium dome (DPC array)

Bass concept: 4x 7" (180mm) TexTreme carbon drivers

Bass characteristics: dust dry, maximum precision, brutally fast

Spatiality: Millimeter-accurate depth gradation
(monitor-like)

Spatial adjustment: bass reflex / acoustic suspension
(bass reflex plug - closed vs. open)

Synergy with your chain: 8.5 / 10 (Can be too honest for some)

Huh, now I’ve done six hours of research and summarized it all. It was interesting for me because I am also very interested in how these speakers would fit your two top devices. I repeat myself:

!!! It’s all just theory !!!

And your statement, from opAmps, I see it like this:

In systems like you and I own, I wouldn’t worry much about opAmps.

• There will be really good opAmps installed!

• The whole text above, makes the sound. Good synergy and your hearing feeling and preferences. On the other hand, the opAmps, individual grains in the beach sand!

#7

More information – that’s good; so I can share my impressions. It is a very fine amplifier that works in class A and delivers a truly analog sound. In terms of sound character, class A is almost at eye level with well-designed tube amplifiers.

Synergy with Coda No. 8:

Since the Coda amplifier already offers a warm, organic texture, I would choose the following if I owned the same amplifier:

The HiFi Rose RD160 (my recommendation for you) - well, I don’t have to recommend them anymore, because they already own and enjoy it.

You made exactly the right choice!

Character:

Magnificently detailed, extremely pure, transparent, precise in separation and noise-free. It offers a fantastic three-dimensional sound stage, while maintaining the airiness and high-frequency precision typical of Delta Sigma designs.

Synergy with Coda No. 8:

Since the Coda amplifier already offers a warm, organic texture, the Rose RD160 acts as the perfect counterpoint. It fully illuminates every nuance of the music, gives the signal chain freshness and ensures that the sound - even with analytical speakers - remains absolutely vivid, fast and precise, without ever drifting into “mud” or “overwarm” territory.

All this is just theory; you have to listen to it and decide for yourself (as you did) whether it sounds fantastic to you.

Conclusion of my theoretical assessment:

You have made the right decision with the combination Coda No. 8 and RD160!

"Well, the only missing piece in the synergy equation are your loudspeakers - speakers that I don’t know and probably never will hear, as I would have to listen to your exact setup and experience the specific acoustics of your room.

Here is just my theoretical opinion on the things, provided I own this combination (Coda No. 8 / RD 160):

I would opt for floorstanding speakers (which I prefer anyway). With the Coda No. 8 / RD 160, I would look for speakers in the range of 10k to 20k!

Focus on the “Sweet Spot”:

I would choose speakers that offer an extremely high resolution and that the Coda No. 8 can drive perfectly. The immense bass performance and control of Coda No. 8 / RD 160 into a tight, powerful sound - while ensuring that the high frequencies never get tired or uncomfortably bright.

Here are the boxes I would audition for this setup and compare with my personal favorites.

  1. Magico A3 (or a slightly used Magico A5)

Character:

Magico builds its cabinets from solid aircraft-genic aluminum. The speakers sound extremely “fast”, absolutely uncolored and precise. Why it fits perfectly:

Thanks to the sealed aluminum housing, the bass is the tightest and driest you can buy for money. They have absolutely no tendency to warmth. The beryllium tweeters offer a phenomenal resolution. Combined with the No. 8 Coda, they throw away any trace of “cold” and deliver a sound that is incredibly realistic and tangible - perfect for long listening sessions.

However, this could be too analytical and cold, since the RD 160 is still part of the mix.

  1. Focal Sopra N°2

Character:

Focal is known for its beryllium tweeters with inverted dome, which offer immense spaciousness and airiness. However, in combination with purely analytical amplifiers, Focal speakers can sometimes come across as “too bright”. Why it fits perfectly: This is exactly where the magic of Coda No. 8 comes into play. The amplifier’s class A heat eliminates any hardness of the sopra’s beryllium tweeter. What remains is an incredibly open, detailed sound stage and an extremely dynamic, agile bass. An absolute dream combination. That is of course, if the RD 160 were not also in the picture.

  1. Gauder Akustik DARC 60 (or Berlina RC 7)

Character:

A German high-end manufacturer known for its ultra-steep crossover sleps and the use of extremely light, rigid ceramic drivers (from Accuton). Ceramic is known for absolute transient accuracy - no ringing, no muddyness. Why it fits perfectly:

Ceramic speakers need exactly the kind of amplifier that the Coda offers: one that is extremely stable at high current loads (150 amps!) And has a touch of analog warmth. The result is a system that delivers a sound that is so clean, slim and detailed that you can capture the instruments almost in three-dimensional space, but the presentation never feels cold or overly analytical.

  1. B & W 803 D4

Character:

The studio standard with the famous diamond tweeter. The new D4 generation is tuned in such a way that it is much more neutral and crisper than its predecessors, which often had a slightly more relaxed sound.

Why it fits perfectly:

The 803 D4 delivers an immense level of detail in the medium and high-frequency ranges. It absolutely requires an amplifier with rock-proof bass control; otherwise the low-end performance can become inaccurate. The Coda No. 8 controls the B&W’s bass drivers perfectly, while the Rose DAC acts as a magnifying glass for the diamond tweeter.

Conclusion:

If you are looking for the absolute dryest, tightest bass and an extremely honest sound profile: Magico A3.

If you want a huge, airy sound stage and maximum vibrancy: Focal Sopra N°2.

If you strive for the highest precision and absolute freedom of dyeing in the middle range: Gauder Akustik DARC 60.

Can you place the speakers freely in the room or do they need to be placed close to the wall? And how big is your listening room in square meters?

So many questions, and it’s all just theory. As you know, everyone has to form their own listening impression. But that’s not something you can do in just two days. Some speakers sound fantastic when you first hear them, but after three weeks they become annoying.

Now to my personal favorites - although this is not really important as always, given our differences in terms of hearing, age, listening rooms and device settings.

My main system is configured with a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 paired with a pair of Perlist R7t speakers. In addition, there are two 12-inch subwoofers in my synergy, which are connected to the Lyngdorf in a “stereo” setup and are tuned and controlled via RoomPerfect together with the main speakers. A Lyngdorf system with RoomPerfect and the R7t is hard to beat in price gradation.

As I said, “expensive” does not always mean “better”. I’ve heard systems that were much more expensive and sounded worse than my combination.

Unfortunately, the R7t was the only model in my budget. However, it has silk domes in its DPC arrays (no beryllium dome, as in the S7t) which makes the high frequencies a bit more pleasant. But even that would iron out RoomPerfect.

That could then happen that after three weeks, the such great loudspeakers are annoying, as mentioned above.

I’m not a fan of highly analytical speakers because they become too tiring and irritating for me over time; my enjoyment of music usually wears off after just one hour.

My top picks would also be a great fit for your system:

Perlisten S7t !!!

The combination of the Coda No. 8, the HiFi Rose RD160 and the Perlisten S7t (whether Standard, Special Edition [SE] or the technically superior Limited Edition [LE]) creates an absolute dream synergy. This signal chain reaches a level of equilibrium that is rare in the high-end audio world. Perlist speakers are among the most modern and - measured - most perfect systems on the market. Its outstanding feature is the patented DPC array (Directivity Pattern Control): three precisely arranged drivers with a beryllium dome in the center, flanked by two ultra-light carbon mid-range drivers) housed in a special wave guide. This would trigger the following in your chain: Controlled radiation (no spatial slurry): The DPC array radiates the sound widely to the left and right, but focuses it extremely strongly up and down. Consequently, neither your ceiling nor your floor reflects the sound. You hear the pure music signal, free of disturbing spatial disturbances. This creates a razor-sharp… Three-dimensional localization of instruments and voices. Extremely linear and neutral: The S7t does not add any coloration. It reproduces exactly what the electronics deliver. His mood is neither artificially warm nor analytically cold. Bass-Punch: With four 7" woofers per speaker, the S7t delivers incredibly fast, tight and deep bass.

My second speakers would be the MOFI SOURCEPOINT V10 MASTER EDITION!

They were designed by renowned developer Andrew Jones. The central feature of all models is a proprietary 2-way coaxial system (point sound source), in which the tweeter is located in the acoustic center of the woofer/midrange to achieve exceptionally precise spatial mapping and time accuracy.

Since I also go for horn-charged speakers and coaxial speakers, which are known for their sound stage, the two loudspeaker systems manage to get almost horn-charged speakers. By that I mean both the R7t/S7t and the MOFI SOURCEPOINT V10 MASTER EDITION.

MoFi Electronics SourcePoint V10 Master Edition:

The flagship among the floorstanding speakers. It combines the large 10-inch coaxial chassis with an extended 3-way frequency woofer and additional woofers for maximum sovereignty and maximum tonal naturalness.

Technical core features:

Twin-drive magnetic system: An innovative high-flow neodymium magnetic system minimizes distortion in the motor structure, creating an extremely pure signal and excellent dynamics.

High efficiency & amplifier friendly:

With a nominal impedance of 6 to 8 ohms and high sensitivity (up to 91 dB for the 10-inch models), the speakers can be easily operated with almost any amplifier.Design & workmanship: The housings in a charismatic vintage look have a multi-faceted baffle and are available in the real wood veneers walnut, ash black and partly in semi-matt white.

As typed, I can only afford a pair of speakers. But, maybe there will be another V12 from master Andrew Jones. Since the V10 are too wide and too deep for my room, I decided on the Perlisten Audio R7t.

But if I move (:tired_face: always this subjunctive!), the V10 are on my radar, if there is not already something better and I have more space for the lineup.

Now a quick theoretical comparison, if you want to change the speakers again.

It is in my eyes a fascinating audiophile duel!

That’s why the text is so long, because it also interests me madly.

The comparison, two completely different philosophies of loudspeaker construction.

On one side is the MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master Edition (the maximum evolution of the classic point sound source by Andrew Jones), on the other side the Perlisten S7t (the uncompromising ultra-high-end flagship) or the R7t (the slightly softer, more budget-friendly sister).

Your system – consisting of the HiFi Rose RD 160 converter/preamplifier and the Coda No. 8 power amplifier! This remains the solid foundation.

(The three pairs of speakers create three completely different sound worlds with exactly the same electronics:)

Direct comparison of the three speaker chains

MoFi SourcePoint V10 Master:

Sound character: Bodyy, live, relaxed

High-tone technology: 1.25" silk dome (in the coaxial center)

Bass concept: 2x 10" woofers + 2x 10" passive diaphragms

Bass characteristics: Voluminous, earty, powerful but controlled

Spatiality: Enormously wide, very stable “sweet spot”

Room adjustment: 3-stage switch (treble)

Synergy with your chain: 9.5 / 10 (Perfect Balance)

My Perlists R7t:

Sound character: Silky, musical, long-term capable of treble technology: three silk domes (DPC array)

Bass concept: 4x 6.5" (165mm) HPF cellum drivers

Bass characteristics: Deep, slightly warmer, very smooth

Spatiality: Spacious, gently enveloping

Space adjustment: Bass reflex / Acoustic Suspension
(bass reflex plug - closed vs. open)
Synergy with your chain: 9.0 / 10 (Very harmonious and fluid)

Perlist S7t:
(Flagship)

Sound character: Extremely analytical, holographic, explosive

High-tone technology: Beryllium dome (DPC array)

Bass concept: 4x 7" (180mm) TexTreme carbon drivers

Bass characteristics: dust dry, maximum precision, brutally fast

Spatiality: Millimeter-accurate depth gradation (monitor-like)

Spatial adjustment: bass reflex / acoustic suspension (bass reflex plug - closed vs. open)

Synergy with your chain: 8.5 / 10 (Can be too honest for some)

Huh, now I’ve done six hours of research and summarized it all. It was interesting for me because I am also very interested in how these speakers would fit your two top devices. I repeat myself:

!!! It’s all just theory !!!

And your statement, from opAmps, I see it like this:

In systems like you and I own, I wouldn’t worry much about opAmps.

• There will be really good opAmps installed!

• The whole text above, makes the sound. Good synergy and your hearing feeling and preferences. On the other hand, the opAmps, individual grains in the beach sand!

#8

Bonte,

Thank you again. Clearly, I could learn a lot from you. You didn’t say anything about my electrostatic speakers the Popori WR-2’s. I didn’t previously mention this but I have an Audio Research LS 28 SE so the tubes soften things even more. I have paired the Poporis with a Lorica subwoofer. It’s a closed carbon fiber cabinet with two opposed Purifi bass drivers.
with only 50 pairs worldwide, that’s pretty rarified air for me. "The S7t Limited Edition is also truly limited, with only 50 pairs produced worldwide. "

StandardModel

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