Rossini APEX, Rossini OG, Vivaldi clock, oh my

dCS Products
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So I recently compared my Rossini (formerly @all2ofme‘s Rossini) against a Rossini APEX. Yes, I could have just sent my Rossini in for the upgrade, but I wanted to A/B test with my own ears in my own system to see if the cost was justified.

I also have a Vivaldi clock (also at @all2ofme’s urging). The comparisons were interesting. Yes, in the end I kept the APEX.

It wasn’t a night-and-day thing, by any means. On first listen, I was underwhelmed and considered keeping my OG Rossini. But when I made time to really sit down and spend a few hours A/B comparing, a clear distinction emerged. The most evident difference (to me, in my system, etc) was what some have described as “deeper blacks between the notes”, which also comes across as a more a three dimensional instrument image. Particularly striking with choral music (Tallis Scholars, so good!). But once you hear it, it’s hard to unhear. I would say the difference for me was bigger than the difference when adding the Vivaldi clock to the OG Rossini – but of course I’m keeping the clock because it also improves my new Rossini APEX.

Of course, this means that my (and formerly @all2ofme’s) Rossini is now on the market, and I have once again spent more money than I had intended. But I feel better having confirmed it with my own ears before deciding!

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It’s always like this. I had no plan to ugrade my Bartók Apex, then I had to bring it to my dealer to have a warranty repair, I got offered a Rossini Player Apex upgrade, I kidded about the possibility of still finding a Vivaldi One Apex, one was found and at the end I got that. 2 months ago I would never have said I would ever spend this much on an audio device. :slight_smile:
There’s still the Master Clock path open, but I’ll wait a bit for that…

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is the Vivaldi upgrade to Vivaldi APEX still available?

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Yes, your nearest dealer or local distributor will be able to give details on pricing and availability as that obviously varies territory to territory.

Phil

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Notice how the dealer never has a loaner the same as what you have. Oh, here is the next model up while yours is being repaired. They are so evil! :grinning_face_with_smiling_eyes:

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Tbh, he offered me to upgrade to a Rossini the very same day I went to him to collect my new Bartók. But I said no then, shelling out 35k for an audio device wasn’t on my plans.
Then there was the lockup problem, the new offer, my joke about being able to still find a mint Vivaldi One Apex around , and I ended up shelling out twice as much now but well… :joy: