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- Preamp, Processor or Receiver
- StormAudio ISP Elite 24 MK3 Processor
- Main Amp
- McIntosh MC1.25KW Monoblock Amps
- Additional Amp
- StormAudio PA 16 MK3
- Computer Audio
- ROON Nucleus One
- Universal / Blu-ray / CD Player
- Panasonic UB9000 4K UHD Player (for media discs)
- Front Speakers
- RTJ 410
- Front Wide Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT
- Center Channel Speaker
- MartinLogan Focus C-18
- Surround Speakers
- JTR Neosis 210RT
- Surround Back Speakers
- JTR Neosis 210RT
- Middle Height Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
- Front Height Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
- Subwoofers
- JTR Captivators - 4000ULF-TL x2 + 2400 x6
- Rear Height Speakers
- JTR Neosis 110HT-SL
- Other Speakers or Equipment
- VTI Amp Stands for the Monoblocks
- Video Display Device
- Sony 98X90L
- Remote Control
- AVA Cinema
- Streaming Equipment
- Kaleidescape | Lenovo X1 Carbon
- Streaming Subscriptions
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Lifetime Roon Subscription
Tidal
qobuz
Netflix
Amazon Prime
- Satellite System
- Dish Joey 4K
- Other Equipment
- Zero Surge 8R15W-1 | Salamander Synergy Equipment Stand
- Headphones/IEMs
- HIFIMAN HE1000se / Unique Melody Mest MKII
- Headphone DAC/Amp
- WiiM Ultra / Topping DX9 / RME ADI-2 DAC FS / HIFIMAN Goldenwave Serenade
According to some naysayers, I don't quite yet have enough hours on either of these to make it a completely fair comparison, but for what time I do have on them, the difference is telling. I admit... I don't believe in break-in changes; I have never heard of any and absolutely never measured any such phenomenon. The graph below (measured with an RME ADI-2 DAC FS) shows that the Stealth would appear to have better bass (or at least more bass) than the Arya. However, they are vastly different, and when I say "vastly," I seriously mean "vastly," and I am a bit stunned. I thought maybe the Stealth would come around, but they are not. Even so, based on these measurements, they should already be coming around.
There is a 15dB difference in volume adjustment between the two based on sensitivity and level adjustment for measurements at 300Hz (I may be a dB or two off). Yet, even if I increase the Stealth to 20dB above the Arya, I cannot get the same bass. The Aryas vibrate my ear lobes on Maroon 5 Lips On You, and I can't get the Stealth to do the same. The Aryas sound is fuller and better overall in the bass and mid-bass region. Hanne Boel's voice on House of the Rising Sun sounds smoother on the Aryas. At 2:30 and 2:40 of Jazz Variants by O-Zone Percussion Group, there is a very fine wind chime note in the right ear, which is much clearer and more noticeable on the Aryas.
Granted, these measurements are not on a pro rig, but they give me a good representation of comparison, and perhaps because my hearing is down several dB above 8kHz, the rise in response in that area could very well be contributing to the crisper and more detailed clarity in the upper portion of the music. Maybe the area from 600Hz to 3kHz is causing the voices to sound smoother.
Listening to Fink live - Trouble's What You're In on the Stealth sounds marvelous! I could listen to it over and over. Swap over to the Aryas, and it's difficult for me to believe it sounds better. Fink drumming on his guitar has more defined solidity to it. The strings sound sharper as well. On Flim & the BB's Funhouse, right in the beginning, the Xylophone (or maybe a Marimba?) leads into the piano. I'm not sure what words describe the difference, but I like what I hear with the Aryas better.
These are only a few of the songs I've compared thus far—there are too many to get into the differences of all of them. I will continue to listen and compare with other amps I have, but I'm scratching my head at the difference I'm hearing.
There is a 15dB difference in volume adjustment between the two based on sensitivity and level adjustment for measurements at 300Hz (I may be a dB or two off). Yet, even if I increase the Stealth to 20dB above the Arya, I cannot get the same bass. The Aryas vibrate my ear lobes on Maroon 5 Lips On You, and I can't get the Stealth to do the same. The Aryas sound is fuller and better overall in the bass and mid-bass region. Hanne Boel's voice on House of the Rising Sun sounds smoother on the Aryas. At 2:30 and 2:40 of Jazz Variants by O-Zone Percussion Group, there is a very fine wind chime note in the right ear, which is much clearer and more noticeable on the Aryas.
Granted, these measurements are not on a pro rig, but they give me a good representation of comparison, and perhaps because my hearing is down several dB above 8kHz, the rise in response in that area could very well be contributing to the crisper and more detailed clarity in the upper portion of the music. Maybe the area from 600Hz to 3kHz is causing the voices to sound smoother.
Listening to Fink live - Trouble's What You're In on the Stealth sounds marvelous! I could listen to it over and over. Swap over to the Aryas, and it's difficult for me to believe it sounds better. Fink drumming on his guitar has more defined solidity to it. The strings sound sharper as well. On Flim & the BB's Funhouse, right in the beginning, the Xylophone (or maybe a Marimba?) leads into the piano. I'm not sure what words describe the difference, but I like what I hear with the Aryas better.
These are only a few of the songs I've compared thus far—there are too many to get into the differences of all of them. I will continue to listen and compare with other amps I have, but I'm scratching my head at the difference I'm hearing.
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