[project86]

That's interesting and the amp itself is said to sound similar to Bakoon/Enleum (the same output devices IIRC).

Yep, that'd be the Exicon lateral MOSFETs, twice as many in the Cen.Grand as the Bakoon/Enleum. I was never a big fan of the older Bakoon model but I wouldn't say it sounded much like the Silver Fox at all.

Haven't spent enough time with the Enleum to know one way or the other. I know 6moons has a review (which I've been avoiding until I finish mine) and he uses the Enleum so maybe there is a comparison there?

 

[normie610]

I know 6moons has a review (which I've been avoiding until I finish mine) and he uses the Enleum so maybe there is a comparison there?

Yes he said it’s on the same level as Enleum but Enleum sounds leaner than the Silver Fox.

 

[iFi audio]

I know 6moons has a review (which I've been avoiding until I finish mine) and he uses the Enleum so maybe there is a comparison there?

There is, so if you don't have your story penned yet, I'd probably read the article published at 6moons once that's done

Yes he said it’s on the same level as Enleum but Enleum sounds leaner than the Silver Fox.

That's the gist, yes.

 

[normie610]

That's the gist, yes.

Yeah sometimes we have to be able to read between the lines when it’s Srajan who’s writing the review

 

[iFi audio]

Yeah sometimes we have to be able to read between the lines when it’s Srajan who’s writing the review

I know what you mean, that writing style may be difficult to decipher especially for newcomers, but there's a lot of useful info there. The final paragraph is fairly easy to understand if one is willing to read the entire piece, I think.

 

[normie610]

I know what you mean, that writing style may be difficult to decipher especially for newcomers, but there's a lot of useful info there. The final paragraph is fairly easy to understand if one is willing to read the entire piece, I think.

That’s true

 

[iFi audio]

That’s true

The man's also very thorough and one thing we here at iFi really like about his approach is that he uses a reviewed component in two or three setups. Not many reviewers do that and for us as the manufacturer this is very useful. OK, let's get back on track, @project86 we look forward to your impressions

 

[project86]

I always read Srajan's stuff once I've done my own listening and at least finished the outline for my review. I actually tend to read all his other reviews too, or at least the ones covering headphones and digital gear.

His writing can be obtuse but that's just his style, he is clearly dedicated to his craft and trying hard to make things relatable in his own way. So yes, I understand why some don't love him, but I think he's unique and provides a valuable take on whatever he does cover. I always thought he made a great counterpoint to Tyll Hertsens, who had a much more direct, no frills approach on things - Tyll always tried to shoot for 2,000 words or less, while Srajan can go for like 9 pages.

Plus I really appreciate the diversity of gear Srajan chooses to write about. Lots of relatively obscure items over the years have had their only significant coverage at his site, and he goes into close-up pics of the internal designs whenever possible. That's really helpful. I'm told he also now has a review of the Cen.Grand DSDAC1.0 so that's something to look out for as well.

Anyway, back on track indeed.

 

[iFi audio]

I always read Srajan's stuff once I've done my own listening and at least finished the outline for my review. I actually tend to read all his other reviews too, or at least the ones covering headphones and digital gear.

His writing can be obtuse but that's just his style, he is clearly dedicated to his craft and trying hard to make things relatable in his own way. So yes, I understand why some don't love him, but I think he's unique and provides a valuable take on whatever he does cover. I always thought he made a great counterpoint to Tyll Hertsens, who had a much more direct, no frills approach on things - Tyll always tried to shoot for 2,000 words or less, while Srajan can go for like 9 pages.

Plus I really appreciate the diversity of gear Srajan chooses to write about. Lots of relatively obscure items over the years have had their only significant coverage at his site, and he goes into close-up pics of the internal designs whenever possible. That's really helpful. I'm told he also now has a review of the Cen.Grand DSDAC1.0 so that's something to look out for as well.

OK, one last remark: he has this particular ability to explain technical reasons why reviewed products sound the way they sound, as if he first wanted to understand what their designers were up to, and then verify that in his listening room. I find that very valuable and not many reviewers do that.

Anyway, back on track indeed.

Yup, I promise

 

[Pharmaboy]

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of meeting with Jianhue and his wife. Jianhue is the owner and lead designer behind Cen.Grand products. Really nice guy and a very dedicated audiophile. We spent about 4 hours talking and developing a business plan. Then we all went out for pizza. His wife said there is no good pizza in China and she seeks out some New York style pizza when visiting the US with her husband. I found a little Italian owned restaurant near my home in New Jersey with a fantastic margherita. Very crispy crust, sweet plum tomato sauce, and fresh mozzarella. Now I'm hungry thinking about it!

We spent a couple more hours talking and then called it a night. I really enjoyed their visit and I look forward to our business cooperation.

Picture...

Now I want that pizza! (thanks, Arthur!)

I'm also drooling over these DACs....mostly too big for my cramped desktop, but I can still dream.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Yeah sometimes we have to be able to read between the lines when it’s Srajan who’s writing the review

OK, here's the question I always have when I read one of his twisty, discursive reviews...are we reading a translation-to-English? If yes, that would explain at least part of the awkwardness.

 

[normie610]

OK, here's the question I always have when I read one of his twisty, discursive reviews...are we reading a translation-to-English? If yes, that would explain at least part of the awkwardness.

That’s a possibility but I don’t think so. Probably it’s just his style of writing.

 

[iFi audio]

That’s a possibility but I don’t think so. Probably it’s just his style of writing.

That's affirmative. 6moons is natively English.

 

[ArthurPower]

I received a couple pictures of the 'silver fox' in black that I thought I would share. I guess you could call it the 'black fox' if you like.

 

[GoldenSound]

Seems to be quite interesting.
They're not likely to be at Canjam are they?

Or any UK places to demo?