XXHighEnd

I recently got my NOS1 upgraded to the NOS1a... It took me 2 years at least to make that step. For different reasons, I postponed that upgrade, but it was obvious for me that I would do it someday. At least hopefully.

I am no good at describing SQ. There are many aspects toward which I am not sensitive. In fact I am always split between trust and feel. Trust in what Peter does, feel in what I hear as it pleases me (or not). Generally speaking, the feel is not as assured as the trust, so the trust is very important to me.

First, I have to say that sending the NOS1 in Netherlands is not something I like. It's the transportation that bugs me. Now that it is back here, I am happy... And relieved.

During the time I waited for it, I almost did not listen to music. After a period where I had trouble with hearing human voices correctly, I felt the need to rest my ears for a while. And it paid, because I do not have that perception anymore. I don't know what was causing that.

It is hard for me to determine the difference between my NOS1 and the NOS1a. One thing was obvious: it was at least as good as before. But this is not true: it is better than before. Much better.

I haven't had sufficient time to "taste" all the goodies that this version brings, but I can already say that the sound is so fine that I can feel emotions with songs that never brought anything of that order to me.

Details are easier to catch, there is absolutely no granularity (not that I heard some before, but it is even more obvious). There is air around the music, allowing me to feel the delicate sounds from further instruments. The voices (...) are more precise but not in a "bright" way.

It is the naturalness that I get now that is the most striking key point. Everything "flows" so easily. Again, I was hearing this before, but it has reached another level.

A word of caution though: I "closed" the ground (pressed the 3rd switch down) , because there has been a series of "thuds" releases in my speakers while the volume was high on my preamp. I don't know why, but it seems there was a release of ground potentials between components. Since I have turned that switch ON, nothing of that order has happened. I guess I should isolate my PCIe USB card from the PC chassis... I am actually using my old Sotm PCIe USB 3 card, powering the Intona with an LPSU (Uptone JS-2), as it delivers clear power to the Intona. I really like the results.

Now I am doing some listening, comparing Windows 8 and Windows 10. For the moment I tend to prefer Windows 8. The bass that is exhibits seems more natural than with Windows 10, but I have to confirm this through time. Windows 10 seems to have less latency because it is easier to have shorter buffers. This I can see when switching between 4ms and 8ms. I do not feel the "robots" with Windows 8 in RAM mode. I would tend to say that Win 8 and Win 10 are nearer from each other than before, but this is just an impression for the moment.

It is not a technical review of course. I am not good at that either. But I am very grateful to Peter and Ciska for their formidable work.

From a very satisfied client and a happy colleague in this marvellous voyage into the music, thanks again !

Alain
PS: And thanks for the new USB input port location :)

So good to see you're happy Alain !
And thanks a lot to briong across that "feeling" of matters. Very nice.

Kind regards,
Peter

I was listening to music yesterday evening... The sound is even more open, and the bass... It has a vibration that I never heard before... I thought to talk about this later, but it is so alive. One more step and I am sure I will smell the sound with my nose !

Windows 8 - that is :)

Golden Earring - Radar Love - I am discovering this song again. And I have listened to it so many times...

Alain

Hi Alain
I would have to concur about your comments on upgrading to the NOS1a. Mine has been done for a while but I do remember exactly the qualities you are speaking of.

I also agree about being nervous about using shipping to the Netherlands or should I say from NE to the US and for good reason; My NOS1a was due to go to north of Boston and ended up in Midwest US ...in Kansas of all places!! Peter sent me another NEW NOS1a immediately and all I had to endure was break in.
 
I always tell Peter it never ceases to amaze me that music can sound even better and more lifelike and natural as this path is followed. (Don't let it go to your head Peter (-:

I trust Peter and I feel the music. Thanks for sharing Alain

Fred

Oh yes. This may be off topic but with the new Stealth LPS computer I get this trust and feel all over again.

Now I need to go listen to Radar Love... Great song :grin:

Hi Fred,

Thanks for sharing your thoughts too :) I am amazed at what I am hearing day after day. It is like a flower that blooms. More details appear and I am surprised. It will take quite a while before I can really grasp all of this. I will certainly come back and add my observations as more happens :)

I am sure that the Stealth is even bringing the level of SQ further ! I am still stuck with a SMPS in my Audio PC (a good Seasonic Platinum 1kw) and hope to change it someday (or change the whole PC) :)

Regards,

Alain
PS: I listened to Crosby, Stills and Nash "Guinnevere" and Robbie Robertson "Sign of the Rainbow"... These two are among my favorites also and they bring strong emotions ...

Addendum to my journey with the NOS1a.

Please read in the opening post of this topic the part where I wrote about the 3rd switch on the NOS1a. If I have i right, it is equivalent to "lifting" the USB port black wire ground from the NOS1a chassis (pressed UP) or not (pressed DOWN).

At the time I pressed the switch down to have the ground connected.

Well I tried to "lift" that ground again yesterday and was very surprised at the details that added? It is more revealing and I hear more subtleties than before. I am surprised but very pleased too :)

Alain