After a few years in audiophile passion (illness) I’m wondering if sometimes I really hear improvements after purchasing a new expensive toy or to be honest I WANT to hear them to justify the money I’ve spent. Antistatic machines brushes inner sleeves and also platter turntable mat made in rare Japanese paper! Lots of booster cable elevators and every kind of tool for vibrations, isolations, reflections, diffusions, absorptions… I’m always on the run to find the next step to HEAR that so awaited new imperceptible improvement, just a thin detail or blacker silence… Thank goodness that meanwhile I listen to hundreds of vinyls and cds, the real enjoyment (I have to remember to myself)!
Occasionally I have no doubt. Something happens that confirms me it’s true, it’s now, I’m HEARING a change. Wow! It’s a magic moment.
The first time I heard in my system the Stellar phono preamp, for example, I said YES this is real!
Believe me: when I plugged in the Dragon HC from wall to P12s it was one of these wonderful moments I can really HEAR. And I thought @Paul once again, that man HE’S RIGHT!
Why isn’t enough? Why a few hours later I want more? It seems like after a long difficult climbing I reach the top of the mountain and I breath a new fine air when all at once, there from that sight, It’s evident there is another higher summit to discover.
It’s life, and it’s exciting live it day by day. Until my legs and my wallet permit me.
I sent an email to Nick; this forum may help his business quite a bit by your recommendation. I am not 100% sure I will do it right the way. Afterall holiday shopping is coming. I may have an excuse to get another Dragon as my Christmas gift.
Dragon vs. Firebird, Hmmm, that will be an interesting comparison. Firebird took a few weeks to break in. I am sure they have similar sound and I really hope they are not too different in SQ. Their price difference is still substantial. So, it will be some time before I can report.
I’m over 40 hours on my Dragon 48 and there has been some very slight brightness or sharpness on certain tracks (as reported by others) but overall during the burn in process its crazy how much better and detailed it makes the music sound! I’d put it on Santa’s list if I were you!
I want what all the forum members want, the very best sound and not have to pay super outrageous prices!
I /WE await your findings !!
I’d LOVE to be able to save some coin on the Firebird if there are no real discernible sonic differences between the two models.
The RAL is just so out of the equation now. It’s a pail full of mud in comparison to the Dragon. I’m going to put both of my RAL cables in their purple velvet bags and toss them in a fire to prevent them from confusing some other poor soul.
Haha yes this Dragon 48 is special cable indeed.After 10 days burn in now and all the important things keep getting better. Room ambiance,tonality and resolution greatly improved and I am more than happy with it.
Just don´t try them Dragon powercords! Rumour says they are a match made in heaven with Gryphon gear ( and PS Audio ) Also I just hear that chicks dig Dragons
But that is where I draw the line. Dragon powercords are 10K€ per 2m and I need at least 7
That is so much less expensive than Stealth Audio power cables. Mine tend to cost US $5500. I have two new ones. They seem to be doing the job. Visitors are welcome to bring their Dragons though.
When Matt gets all his fancy smanshy MBL Reference gear I am going to bring Stealth Interconnects and power cables to test and I will take them with me when I leave. Moohaha!
I will bide my time and watch for further comments on the Dragon, I am certainly enticed with the multiple use of the phrase “component upgrade”. I will wait until I get my coveting little paws on an MKII. That wait should allow plenty of time for me to read further praise of the Dragon.
I can’t recall so much praise for a purchase since the Matrix reports. Please correct me if you think that I am wrong.
(Must resist listening to Al or Paul172, their speak is dangerous to my healthy thought process ; and, I don’t think that I am wrong in this regard).
Mine is connected to a Matrix Spdif II (IMO the best bargaining hifi) I also had the RAL I loved it! (the cable not the wait) It bested my Audioquest Diamond. When they announced the 3 new cables and replaced the Diamond I like many thought it would be rebranded under a new name. Definitely not the case! I can’t speak for Thunderbird 48 and Firebird 48 but the Dragon 48 is the real deal and not a rebrand but a whole new animal in the HDMI world!! Sorry I don’t mean to put anyones health at risk fiscally or physically!
It’s funny that just a little while ago the Shunyata Sigma V2 NR was the power cable du jour. I have no doubt both it and the new AQ Dragon are quite good, but at these prices one wonders. Has anyone been able to listen to both a Dragon and a Sigma V2?
; and, I don’t think that I am wrong in this regard).