By Juan C. Ayllon This past week, I had a review published of the 432 EVO High End Music Server published in another website that I write for (you can find it by Googling Juan C. Ayllon and 432 EVO), and afterwards, a friend asked me on a posted Facebook link, "Why someone in their right mind would pay $5,500 for this vs. a few hundred dollars on a NUC?" The short answer is for the sound. My system's reference is the Intel NUC with the Roon Optimized Core Kit (ROCK) that, with the added memory card, etc. cost me roughly $650 plus several hours labor. And before someone pounces on that as being an unfair comparison, suffice it to say that linked up to the Ayre QB-9 DAC, it played on a par with the $4,500 LUMIN T-2 and in close A-B tests was virtually indistinguishable when corrected for volume. Moreover, prior to the arrival of the 432 EVO, my system, anchored by the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil OG DAC, Pass Labs XP-12 preamplifier, X150.8 amp, Straight Wire reference cabling, and Usher Mini Dancer 2 loudspeakers, has never sounded better. Keep in mind that I have had much more expensive servers in my space, such as the Lampizator Komputer and their Super Komputer (in all fairness, back when I reviewed the latter, my supporting electronics weren't nearly as robust) . so But bottom line, the 432 EVO yielded a more organic, natural sound to vocals and instruments when playing in the 432 Hz mode. Now, at 440 Hz, the differences were negligible. So, if you like that added warmth and other pleasant qualities that 432 Hz imparts on the signal enough to warrant the purchase, and you have the funds, then definitely! If not, keep your money. Let's face it: some people--even some reviewers--prefer 440 Hz. That's not a bad thing. It reminds me about the ketchup versus mustard on a hotdog controversy. In Chicago, some consider it sacrilege to pour the sweet red sauce on a dog while others, like Belle, will do so with reckless abandon! Who's really right in the end? Over the course of several years attendance at the Audio Expo North America (AXPONA) shows held in Chicago's suburbs, I often found myself drawn to the YG Acoustics brand of speakers. Their simple, but elegant lines, combined with a rich, luscious musical delivery mesmerized me. I could definitely see a pair of their Carmel 2 loudspeakers sitting in my listening room, however, their price tag of $24,500 was beyond my means!
But not everyone is like me. Some people buy $30,000 turntables. Others, like an old Facebook friend named Peter, advised others to forgo purchasing an automobile and, instead, buy a pair of $46,000 Avalon speakers (personally, I'd prefer a nice used Land Rover). At the end of the day, we all have our tastes, means and choices to make. Cheers!
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Juan C. AyllonA writer, artist, educator and owner of Prairie Audio Man Cave, he lives with his wife, Isabel (AKA Belle), and their Goldendoodle, Liam, enjoys listening to high fidelity music and all things hi-fi at their home in the greater Chicagoland area.. Archives
March 2024
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