This exercise – a ground-up system rebuild – might be an extreme example, but the planning and logistical constraints involved are far from unusual. You might question the validity of a digital front-end review that also includes an all-new amplification set-up – and normally I’d agree. Except that in this case, I use the L10 on a day-to-day basis and I’m extremely familiar with the M10s. The need to create a level playing field in order to validate listening results and close comparisons is central to effective and informative reviewing. Just dropping a review product into an existing ‘reference system’ really doesn’t cut it. It’s partly a case of diligent application and a well-developed approach, embodied in a systematic methodology. But it’s also a whole set of physical and logistical challenges. The sheer range of supports, cables, ancillaries and accessories required to do this properly is way beyond the norm. In fact, just finding a home for the cartons involved in this exercise would defeat most people who fancy a go at reviewing. Like most things, it’s a process and occupation that escapes the understanding of almost all those who aren’t directly involved in it – and more than a few who are.
On the face of it, the chance to enjoy a complete 10 Series rig, from source to amplifier terminals, is the stuff of (audiophile) dreams. Throw in the Göbel subs, top flight cabling and the Wadax transport and DAC, waiting in the wings and it might seem like all your Christmases have come at once. Be careful what you wish for – it might just happen. I should know: four days later I’ve got the aches and pains to prove it…
Worth the effort? Absolutely! The next few months are going to be very interesting indeed…
