Right folks. After getting the Sonneteer Orton into the system, I have been busy investigating this amp on various audio forums although I could listen and form impressions on my own. Nevermind that.
The Orton is now being compared to the bare Naim 202/200 (without napsc and Hicap) in my second system driving a pair of Dali Mentor Menuet. Now, this is more like it.
I enjoyed the Sonneteer Orton in this system a lot more than the other system with the Harbeth Super HL5 Plus. Different room, different speakers and different source/DAC.
The small Dalis sound more exquisite with the Orton than Naim especially with piano. As mentioned by many, similarly I find the tonal accuracy or purity of the Orton to be very good, surpassing the 202/200's level. With quality recordings (especially piano), the tonality and refinement of the Orton just shine through. The touch is more delicate with the Orton, just a pure tone.
This time the bass quality of the Orton matches the Naim specifically the 202/200. Previously it was a landslide win for the 282/250DR/Hicap DR. Perhaps the speakers play a part too as the diminutive Dali with 4 inch drivers can't produce much bass. Nevertheless, the bass quality or performance between the Naim and Sonneteer is almost on par. Results may vary if other loudspeakers are used.
In summary, I find the Sonneteer Orton to be a fine amp when properly matched. The Orton may not have the drive and low end grunt of larger amps but it compensates with a highly refined, delicate and airy sound. Nothing calls for attention as it just plays music without anything sticking out like a sore (or desirable) thumb, whichever way one sees or hears it. The Naim particularly the NAC 282 makes things a bit more exciting with notes sounding heavier and slightly more energetic with more impact. The LFD Zero Mk3 sounds more illuminating in the highs and more punch in the bass. The Orton just gets on with the musical delivery. To me, the Orton is less coloured than the Naim and LFD but still has high levels of clarity and transparency for a musical delivery. Nevertheless, apart from personal preferences, speaker match is equally essential. I still prefer the Harbeth Super HL5s driven by the Naim 282/250DR, perhaps a matter of preference. Although the Orton may be very good, the Harbeth sounded a little dull with it when compared to the 282/250DR. This Naim combination surely injected some adrenaline to the speakers and turbocharged it.
Here's a picture of the Orton next to the 202/200. I suspect the Orton will match very well with forward/bright/detailed speakers or speakers which are easy to drive with its pure and delicate presentation (as opposed to the more in-your-face style of say the Naim).
It is a keeper to me. The Orton.
The Orton is now being compared to the bare Naim 202/200 (without napsc and Hicap) in my second system driving a pair of Dali Mentor Menuet. Now, this is more like it.
I enjoyed the Sonneteer Orton in this system a lot more than the other system with the Harbeth Super HL5 Plus. Different room, different speakers and different source/DAC.
The small Dalis sound more exquisite with the Orton than Naim especially with piano. As mentioned by many, similarly I find the tonal accuracy or purity of the Orton to be very good, surpassing the 202/200's level. With quality recordings (especially piano), the tonality and refinement of the Orton just shine through. The touch is more delicate with the Orton, just a pure tone.
This time the bass quality of the Orton matches the Naim specifically the 202/200. Previously it was a landslide win for the 282/250DR/Hicap DR. Perhaps the speakers play a part too as the diminutive Dali with 4 inch drivers can't produce much bass. Nevertheless, the bass quality or performance between the Naim and Sonneteer is almost on par. Results may vary if other loudspeakers are used.
In summary, I find the Sonneteer Orton to be a fine amp when properly matched. The Orton may not have the drive and low end grunt of larger amps but it compensates with a highly refined, delicate and airy sound. Nothing calls for attention as it just plays music without anything sticking out like a sore (or desirable) thumb, whichever way one sees or hears it. The Naim particularly the NAC 282 makes things a bit more exciting with notes sounding heavier and slightly more energetic with more impact. The LFD Zero Mk3 sounds more illuminating in the highs and more punch in the bass. The Orton just gets on with the musical delivery. To me, the Orton is less coloured than the Naim and LFD but still has high levels of clarity and transparency for a musical delivery. Nevertheless, apart from personal preferences, speaker match is equally essential. I still prefer the Harbeth Super HL5s driven by the Naim 282/250DR, perhaps a matter of preference. Although the Orton may be very good, the Harbeth sounded a little dull with it when compared to the 282/250DR. This Naim combination surely injected some adrenaline to the speakers and turbocharged it.
Here's a picture of the Orton next to the 202/200. I suspect the Orton will match very well with forward/bright/detailed speakers or speakers which are easy to drive with its pure and delicate presentation (as opposed to the more in-your-face style of say the Naim).
It is a keeper to me. The Orton.