After receiving the 14/28 Mach lll the beginning of last week. It took me until this past weekend to get the music server reconfigured and the system finally up and playing music. I have not seen any posts on the Mach lll so I am wondering if anyone except Michael and myself have taken the plunge.
Well let me be the first to speak of SQ with the new Mach lll in the system. The way to best describe my initial reaction in a word is "shocking".
You would think that after starting with the NOS1 then going to the NOS1a then going to the G3 and adding the Stealth and of course the RAM OS, I would be prepared for the change. I just am not. I am shocked every time Peter moves the bar for SOTA digital playback.
Before this latest change, my system already sounded fantastic. Bass was great; Soundstage tremendous; Imaging first rate; Vocals and instruments lifelike and musical and emotional involvement just incredible.
This change with the Mach lll computer is extreme. I apologize for all the previous superlatives but I just keep running out of phrases that do justice to the changes I am hearing and feeling. I do not want bore other forum members. So I apologize in advance
Bass was great. Now comes a dramatic increase in bass information and articulation with individual instruments NATURALLY focused within the soundstage.
Soundstage now is downright spooky. Aural room cues and previously unheard details coming from everywhere in the room: front, center, high, low, far left and right and even behind on some recordings...the listening room disappears and is replaced by the venue where the performance was recorded. LOL my speakers disappeared with Peter a long time ago.
Imaging, Vocals and Instruments are completely cohesive and 3 dimensional. Believability became even more intense; realistic breathing vocals and instruments assuming their proportionate places and roles within the recording space.
Musical and emotional involvement. For me this is what it is all about. It is why I love music and why I love the hobby. I go to live musical performances and I own recordings of my favorite performers. Many are still with us more than a few are not. If I can come home after work play some of these recordings, close my eyes, go back in time, revisit the live experience, dive into performer's music, lyrics and emotional expression and remember where I was at the time and also feel those same feelings in the present moment. If I can hear them play and witness their passion, that is real for me.
The Mach lll really moved me forward in the realm of emotional involvement. It made finding that place easier and more believable for me than ever before. That is no small accomplishment. Thanks Peter. You have done it again. Why should I be so shocked (-: