Acoustic Invader Fulcrum - Why I use this preamp
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лип 2024
- Fulcrum is the flagship preamp from Acoustic Invader, priced at €6350. Read my written reviews with scores at iiwireviews.com/
Support the channel via Patreon (BIG thanks to current patrons!): / iiwireviews
AI Website: acousticinvader.com/lang/eng/...
AI e-mail: acousticinvader@gmail.com
Use these affiliate links if you want to help the channel
Amazon: amzn.to/3Hod23i
ShenzhenAudio: bit.ly/3sRtfKE
HiFiGo: bit.ly/3mQsFsv
Apos: bit.ly/3HtctFt
AliExpress: bit.ly/41ISht6
Try Roon for Free: shorturl.at/kKU48
00:00 Into
01:33 Build, connectivity, parts
05:19 Insides
07:01 Sound
11:31 vs EAR 868
15:47 Conclusion I
18:32 Babbling
19:57 Conclusion II
22:10 Made by Maverick
Follow me on Instagram for behind the scene stuff: / iiwireviews
Room test system:
Eversolo DMP-A8: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEh...
Gustard R26 DAC: bit.ly/3XLyNCF
Acoustic Invader AMP and PREAMP (Fulcrum version): acousticinvader.com/
Spirit Wind Speakers: • High End 2-way speaker...
Head-Fi:
Aune S17 Pro: amzn.to/3u2O6gu
Verum 1: www.verum-audio.com/store
Goldplanar GL2000: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkW...
AKG K702: amzn.to/3TSlnUF
#hifi #audiophile #preamp #stereo - Наука та технологія
Srbolijub, I can't tell you how valuable your reviews have been for me. I always write down your music recommendations as well. Keep up the fantastic work!
This preamp is WAY, WAY out of my financial reach and thus there is very little of this video that is of practical use to me. However, the "Babbling" section totally applies to me and made the whole video worth watching. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!!!
This is probably the one of most useful and concise reviews I’ve seen on UA-cam. There isn’t a wasted word in the entire review. Loaded with insights delivered with imaginative allegories. Delivery and pacing is first rate. The reviewer clearly presents a case for this preamp and does a great job explaining how a product at this price can still provide value to the right buyer.
He is one of the very best communicators I've heard on UA-cam. If I was an editor at Stereophile or Absolute Sound I would be begging him to be a contributor.
I agree. I watch a lot of the UA-cam yahoos and read many different review blogs. This gentleman is one of the best subjective reviewers out there. I've only been watching and reading his work for the last 10 months or so and he seems to get even better with time. I do feel he has a gift for this type of work and reviewing. Outstanding use of words and descriptions.
You're not a loser! Don't say that! I know you're probably joking but I watch quite a bit of you guys and you are one of my favorites and the best guy out of the all that reviews DACs, you're a guru at it! You provide many people with so much knowledge about the hobby we are so passionate about and I thank you! I do like your humor though. Thank you for another great video!
Thank you for another wonderful informative review and for giving people a chance to learn about this hidden gem of a brand!
Thank you so much for this review of a wonderfuly aesthetically pleasing design. It looks both inside and out fabulously executed.
I love you and your reviews, always enjoy them. Keep up the great work man!
Awesome review, interesting product!
Great review! Thank you!
Infotainment at the highest level! 👌
Nice review!❤
Awesome!!!! Congrats. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you so much for reviewing this amazing amp, I know we've all eyed it repeatedly in your vids and you've finally gotten into it! Also for admitting the very human side of simply WANTING that piece of equipment that can transcend the overall experience. I feel a bit more validated for having felt a bit guilty before such purchases, but am also glad I made those important jumps to transform the system 🙏
Great review and I know you will enjoy this pre-amplifier for many years to come. Life is good and we audiophiles are very lucky in dead to be able to enjoy such beautiful equipment. Whatever the price point. Stay safe and happy.
As always a great review and it must be a joy to use this flagship preamp. You deserve to own such a high end device as you know what the true worth is of this type of equipment. I watch a fair amount of hifi reviews on UA-cam and you are by far the very best, I look out for every video as a highlight of my weeks viewing and your delivery, content and style is a benchmark for all hifi reviewers. Thankyou for all your efforts and time making these videos they are hugely appreciated.
honestly too many kind of makes my experience little too 'professional', its better to just have 1/2 system and keep upgrading, and enjoying the sound
Congratulations to finding the right preamp for your taste!
Hope you will enjoy it for many years to come!
Must be an excellent benchmark when reviewing equpiment👌😊
When you have a girlfriend who understands your personal interest and hobby, you are that very lucky audiophile. That is something which can’t be bought with any amount of money and I believe many people who have the privilege to be in the market for this pre amp may not even have the privilege to have a nice girlfriend like yours. Be grateful.
Unless rich it’s often the choice of girlfriend or nice Hifi lol
@@Coneman3never tolerate a woman that won't respect your hobby
@@sbwlearning1372 definitely, too many simps but also people with no hobbies
Hi Srboljub -- as you may remember, I bought the base version Acoustic Invader preamp on your recommendation and have been very pleased with it, although the motorised volume control has become a little bit crackly as it turns -- I suppose the pot needs cleaning. I have it coupled with an XTC a2-300 class D power amp and an aune X8 DAC (also bought on your recommendation) with upgraded XP2 power supply and sparkos op-amp.
I also have a pair of Decware ZF15M open baffle clones I put together myself -- with not a little help from a professional woodcutter to make the 40mm thick giant toilet-seat-shaped oak baffles. The speakers, complete with their full range drivers, cost around £1300. This is much cheaper than the commercial versions, which with VAT, delivery and other costs would be around £5000 in the UK.
Chuck in a pair of Tellurium Q black II speaker cables, a supra USB cable, Chord C-line interconnects, an ifi purifi 3 USB purifier, a REL T0 sub plus a refurbished laptop -- and my whole main system cost a shade under £5000. Would be getting on for twice the price if I'd paid full whack for everything.
The point is, I find this system immensely satisfying and my sense is that a Fulcrum wouldn't bring that much extra to the party. As you point out, our hobby isn't exactly essential for life as we know it. You made the decision to buy the Fulcrum, which I'm guessing with a trade in of your original base AI preamp plus a little haggling might have cost you c.€4-4.5K. Goran pitched it to me at the time I purchased the base amp, but I stuck with my original choice and have never regretted it. I respect your choice, of course, but for me it was a step or three too far. Blame it on my catholic upbringing -- I have grown up with a bit of a hair-shirt mentality and would feel even more guilty than I already do if I'd splashed out on the Fulcrum! 🙂
What I like about the base amp together with the A2-300 power amp is that the latter is very transparent and neutral and only seems to amplify faithfully what precedes it in the chain. I get that lovely class-A rich and full yet detailed (without seeming analytical) sound with the preamp hardly changing temperature from standby -- it's only 67W IIRC.
Anyway, this is possibly why I can relate to your channel and am a Patreon -- we experience a roughly similar basic sound signature. It's taught me quite a lot about what audiophiles (I myself think I'm more of a *music lover*) mean when they use the terms they do.
👍
Love the look and build of this preamp…you are one fortunate guy! I could not spend that much for a single component…so II decided to supercharge my Schiit Freya +. With guidance from the web, I took it apart and removed all the cheap metalized capacitors and resistors in the tube stage circuit of the unit. I replaced the capacitors with V-Cap ODAM series Oil Impregnated Metallized Polypropylene film capacitors and the resistors with Audio Note brand. The parts cost about $800 and I had an adventure and a thrill! 😀
That's a serious upgrade and I bet it shows in the final sound. I heared ODAMs in my friend's DAC - great caps and on a smaller size too compared to most of that quality.
@@iiWiReviewsyes..it was a FUN (and somewhat risky at my skill level 😮). but there was a significant sound improvement, but better ..I got the enjoyment (as you did with your speaker project) of rolling my sleeves up and getting engaged with my system in a real way that gives a reward that is hard to put into words! 😀👍🏼
@iiWiReviews the size of the ODAM's is the 2nd best thing about them next to sound. Perfect cap for small spaces but pricey when one needs a few
Congratulations to your exceptional piece of hi-fi gear!
Love your humor.
This means you "need" also other endgame devices like server, streamer, DAC, amp and speakers in order to hear how good the preamp really is. 😉
Well of course. 😆 But, you should hear my DAC and speakers. 😉
lol. The cycle never ends. 😊
I wrote my comment before i finished hearing your final part of the video, saying that you would do what you did.I know how my heart feels.
Stunning looking pre-amp!! Well done review sir.. :) So what you are saying is that the remote is dual purpose and can be used in self-defence... HA...
I must say this to you, your girlfriend is correct. These things such as music are not AIR, WATER, OR FOOD. I know that in the totality of that thing which is my life, a part of me would die emotionally and spiritually if there was no music or art every moment of my life. I have always regretted things i did not get when i look back at how much i could have gotten that for. I have always been happy as the years of enjoyment past and i forgot how much i paid. I am happy she said to you at that moment what she said, instead of hearing you say on your channel, WOW, I could have gotten that.I come to you when I am thinking of getting something and have never been sorry I bought it when I hear my music, thanks to you.
Congratulations on the hefty purchase. 🎉
God advice, she’s a keeper 😊
Thanks!
Welcome!
Great review, I can see why you fell in love her! On that you have this great benchmark, it would be great if you sourced more Preamp's for comparison. One that would be great is the Denafrip Athena class A. Thanks for your great work, really helps people, All the Ant from Downunder
Looking solid, and review sound good, even I'm not a big lover of preamps with output capacitors.
This dude is a pilot and crating awesome HIFI electronics? Damn, not just you man; we all feel left behind comparing to that. Great review as always.
Danke!
Thanks for your support!
That's what I'm talking about. Cool runnings
Thanks for your big support! It's much appreciated. 👍
This was hands down, the most fun I have ever had watching a Hi Fi review! I laughed out loud :) Thank you for reminding us of the truly irrational passion for this hobby 😊
I've been doing this 'hobby' of ours for 58 years now. I read and listen to reviews - endless reviews... But you have such a way of presenting an audio product, the way you descibe, and the honesty you bring, a love it unconditionally. You chose your girlfriend well. Based upon your review of Golan's entry level preamp, I bought it - somehow. It was the worst internet transaction I've ever had - for anything. Yes, I'm located in America and he's not. But the payment process was ridiculous and to make it far worse, he was arrogant and rude. In the end, I had a preamp. Silver with silver stenciling so you can't actually see the script under the preamp's lights. WTF. A label machine fixed that. The sound was as you described. I wasn't blown away, and, given the price, performs remarkably well. It is sitting in our 'upstairs system and plays with ~$80K of audio gear. I write this only in respect of your review, the Fulcrum. Perhaps that unit would be better suited in our system than our entry level? BTW, all of our perceived wealth has gone into audio. My wife in more than a partner in this crime ;). But I won't go through that buying process again. Thanks again for your awesome reviews!
Hi, thanks for your nice words, and congratulations on being in this hobby for that long, and building it up to such a high level. There's nothing better really than having your woman be your partner in crime. You sure chose the right one. 😀
I don't know what happened during the Acoustic Invader purchase but I'm sorry to hear it was not a pleasant experience. I met Goran in person, and he struck me as a very nice person. The first thing that comes to my mind is that it might be some kind of language barrier since he's not that good with English and depends on automatic translations. That might sound very weird since we have a way of talking much more directly and to the point, that might appear blunt if translated very directly. Anyway, it was just my first line of thought when I saw your impression.
As for the Fulcrum, it's that same sound philosophy and tonality but with more resolution, control, and authority. If the basic preamp model tonal character matches well in one's system then Fulcrum would too. But delivering something this big, expensive, and weighty to the US would probably be a very expensive endeavor. I share that sentiment every time I see a US product that piques my curiosity but it's sold directly to the customer. Only thinking about shipping, taxes, and import papers makes me sweat. 😅
Anyway, enjoy your system which I can imagine is great, and your great choice of life partner too. Cheers! 🍻
Golan, the owner, had reached to me regarding my issues with the procurement of his preamp. He was most apologetic and as it may have happened, a third party may have been involved with this not nice transaction.
I will be hopeful that I see his product in the states where I may again, become an owner of one of his very high quality products. @iiWiReviews
A little baby phat to keep it thicc and full sounding, I love that sound up to a point. For what it's worth when the drivers get bigger like 15" woofers and volume goes higher the lean sound hits different and imo is preferable. Also if you get the chance to review the Woo Audio Phantom DAC I'll watch that review. Acoustic Inavder looks dope!
I wish Acoustic Invader was sold here in the States.
I'm thinking of trying the AI line preamp and power amp in the states. Just need to reach out to them. I'd like to try it in my vinyl set-up with KLH speakers, mmm 9.3 turn table, and Hegel phono stage. Very interesting company and products! Thanks for all your AI reviews.
Terrific review! However which power amp does it best match with? It seems a common challenge of many preamps is they match only with certain power amps and often only with the same brand.
:)) Nice! Tx!
Great review! Was looking forward to this one. Do they ship to the US?
They do, but the shipping cost is probably very high. I was in the same train every time I purchased something from the US.
Thanks. I suggest you check out an old dac- PS Audio Digital Link III. I think you will be surprised. I was. Easily plays as a new 2K euro DAC I would say, but you can find it for 400-800 Euro.
Let's see it when paired with a class A/B amplifier how's sound. Great review.
@iiWiReviews
I see they also make a separate MM/MC Phono Preamp. But I was hoping this Fulcrum Preamp would have an option for a Built-In Phono Preamp. I'm trying to downsize a bit, and that would have been ideal for my use case scenario.
Can you recommend a preamp that will work well with my Parasound A21+ Halo and which I can find used for around $1000 to $1500 and which has subout.
Very impressive preamp! The Talema brand transformers are very good - I believe it is a Dutch company. The four 6.8uF capacitors are *yuge* - they must be *critical* in the signal path? The parts count appears to be very low and the quality of everything seems to be very well considered.
Yes, they are in the output stage of the signal path and have quite the influence on the overall tonality and deteil retrieval. Most preamps would have Wima blocks here which are OK, but these caps are on another level.
Srboljub, may I ask you if there is any chance to get also the Acoustic Invader DAC "Lancer" and the new power monoblocks "Felon" in for a review respectively an introduction to your audience?
There is no chance to find some information/technical data on them. At least what I have seen.
I might check out Lancer at some point but Felon is a very specific amp intended for bi-amping and I'm not too excited about it to be honest.
@@iiWiReviews Oh ok, then I will looking forward to listening to your appreciated estimations on the Lancer DAC. Hope you get your hands on it. I am completely hooked up on your review of the pre-amp.
When the DAC follows this philosophy I have heard of by you regarding the pre-amp, the DAC could be an exciting beast. Hope somehow it is R2R 🙂
Thank you so much for your work and greets ❤
Hi, What are your brand and model of your bookshelf speaker seen in this video? TIA.
That's Spirit Wind speaker by Jeff Bagby. It's a high quality DIY model. You can search Spirit Wind speakers on YT and my video about them will show up.
Here's to all analog euipment! Yes it's a pain to pair with all the current digital stuff a lot of the times...but the sound quality makes it worth the trouble. I have an all analog Audio Research Multi-channel MP1 preamp. Built like a tank...even the solder traces are quite industrial-looking. I won't be giving that thing up anytime soon...
Any experience with another Serbian product,
Audial s5 dac?
And does the FULCRUM have a remote?
Thanks for a very interesting presentation but the main question these days is why would anyone need more than a passive pre, one that has a sound level attenuation and a proper source selector, why would anyone need any amplification or sound coloration?
Smarter people than me talked in depth about source and amp impedance matching, and the positive influence of signal buffering (active preamp). I can just say that a few passive attenuators I heard sounded tonally thin and dynamically flat. I belive that some people have great experience with them in their own systems, but that just hasn't been my experience so far.
That sounds believable and logical and is often passed around in audio circles, that preamps only need to attenuate and switch inputs. Having tried various active and passive preamps in my system some time back, I was shocked to discover that a good preamp will also improve your sound. A very respected Canadian high end dealer w decades of experience and success made the comment that a preamp is the most important component in the chain. I think we need enough real experience w equipment to come to that conclusion.
Agree with you, We are here for the fun of listening to music, no absulut truth in this
I have found that no matter how much cash I throw at my gear that I get a much better result if I simply listen to something that has been recorded better.
Please compare to topping pre90
Hmmm.... Not seeing it on their website? Anyone got a direct link?
It's not on the website, I talked about it shortly in the last section of the video. Hope it will be updated at some point.
@@iiWiReviews - Thank you!! I must have missed that... Appreciate the reply.. Cheers and keep up the great work
Uh oh, we got a UA-camr adding comments before watching the whole video!!!! (just teasing you, man)
@@sean_heisler - Yea, I get excited sometimes.. hahahaha
Hi. Where did you buy such nice acoustic panels?
Those are Sonitus Bigfusors but they are originally black. Mine are hand painted.
Nice review. You are now starting to border the high end territory 😅
Hope to see more products from your country.😊
Your Power Amp is Acoustic Invader too?
How about your DAC and Cables?
Thanks. Power amp is actually two Acoustic Invaders in dual mono. DAC is my own DIY tube DAC based on Fikus' old design (basically Lampizator family).
All cables I made myself using high quality wires (like Duelund silver in cotton and oil) and high quality connectors like KLEI, Wireworld, Furutech...
@@iiWiReviews Thanks for sharing and Good Morning from the Philippines. 😊
Great review as always. That pre-amp is to expensive for me. If fact I've never had a seperate pre-amp in my life. Always integrated units. But what this review has done is highlight how excellent your old pre-amp was. I was thinking of your old set up a while back. But taxes etc to Ireland was putting me off. Maybe if I found a good used one with the same amplifier you had. Have a good day.
Wow. That is a bet you made. Wonder how you can improve on something as the holo serene. Which is half the price. Marginal gains or a new world that opens?
A great review thanks . Concise and honest . You should also include more anecdotes from your gf !
Congratulations on acquiring an End Game type piece of equipment. A nice reference piece to judge all the others by. Congrats on having a good woman that understands your needs and wants 😂
Don't think too much about being a loser, there is always somebody better or luckier...but we are all unique in our own way. Is what it is. Great video as usual.
You are a very lucky person to be able to own, enjoy & appreciate that flagship preamp. You are also very lucky to have a girlfriend on your side of the hobby. Don't wait too long to marry her, if that's what she is waiting for. 😁
A man after my own heart. Curves on a woman are where it's at!
The speakers look like the new Epos line???
Preamp as 3 times the price of your speakers?
It's not easy to compare DIY prices with commercial products. Bill of materials is usually 20-25% percent of the price with established brands. My speakers would cost around 8K if they were sold by Dynaudio, KEF, Marten, etc.
@@iiWiReviews I thought you are like 'value for the money' type of guy based on your Speakers.😅
Porque no pones los subtítulos en Español? Gracias
Just added
Don't let that girlfriend go! When would find another like her? Also, no one goes to their death saying that they wish they had saved more money.
Srboljub, YOU ARE A WINNER ! It only do you have a great preamp, you have a great girlfriend! Enjoyable video!
Oh, so expensive 😮, the cheaper one is much more interesting, but how do I know it fits perfectly with a certain power amp, or mono power amps? Perfect girlfriend anyhow, but don’t spend your money on it!!
Get the AI poweramp 🥸
It would be nice if the fellow that owns Acoustic Invader would redo his website and post prices
plus a way of communicating via email. Phoning him just doesn't appeal to us North Americans
whereas email would be perfect. I am quite interested in his other preamp but communication is
too difficult. My opinion only.
Agreed. The mail exists btw but it's all the way on the bottom of the page, and it's acousticinvader@gmail.com
It's jewelry ;) You are paying not just for the sound, but for the craftsmanship. Any plans of reviewing some more streamers? Stuff like the Aune S10N and the Denafrips ARCE. (I say Archie ;-) )
This vs ladder bach?
This one sounds bolder, tonally fuller and richer, with more of that inner tone texture.
@@iiWiReviews Ladder bach sounds fantastic in my set up. But I am feeling a looser.... 😊
Don't... Enjoy it! Bach is a fantastic preamp, I recently retested it and was in no hurry to stop listening... the difference is not as huge as one might think.
@@iiWiReviews and according to that you said it sounds a bit different. but yes, now with a remote, seems like a great buy! only thing i'd like was trigger ins/outs but hey, nobody's perfect.
Great review! What power amp(s) do you use with the Fulcrum? Also, I agree 💯 about curvy women! 👍
I can't even see that product on their website anymore..
Website was not updated in long time so it only features the basic line of products. I hope they'll get around to making a new and regularly updated one.
Amazing review, thank you., but come on man, you're definitely NOT a looser! :D
Thank you, but next to a HiFi making jet pilot it's tough not to feel like one. 😄
No such thing as End game devices, give it 48hrs there will be something better and cheaper .
Fair to say the Market is full of everything audio . Which is a good thing, plenty of competition . The only part of the market that disapoints is speakers and there ridiculous mark ups .
Nice pre amp but not for me .
I suppose and hope you got a VERY large discount off of the 6,300 Euro full retail price... Because at 6,300 it's 3x the US price of my Denafrips flagship 18kg Athena preamp...😂 Actually it would cost more than both my Athena preamp and my matching 55 kilo Denafrips Apollo power amp with a 2000 VA toroidal transformer and 32 output transistors...lol😂
Are you related to vlad tepes
He's my great great great grampa, but it was out of wedlock so I can't officially use the family name.
@@iiWiReviews 😎
Hehehe... many of us envy you on such girlfriend, or wife ;-)
It's difficult for you to assign worth coz you don't have analogue source.
No doubts this gear does its job perfectly but 6000 😢
The Kim Kardashian of Preamp.
6000, f@ck that !
I don't understand why you should invest thousands in just a preamp to consider it the end game? What spectrum of hearing you guys have?
I have a wiim pro-smsl su1- denon pma600ne -wharfedale diamond 12.2 and they put a smile on my face every time I listen to some good Tidal streams or CDs.
Oh! I forgot. These multi thousand systems make you cry...BS.
It's like any other component in a system: it's only as good as your weakest component. AND......if all other conditions are also well coordinated.
But that is also part of the hi-fi industry:
the user must always have the feeling that something is missing.
@@AWEG-qu8bzTrue. I've changed a lot of dacs and headphone amps ending up losing money. Now I like to think that I am settled.
End-game is just a phrase describing subjective feeling when you think something is all that you would ever need. It's not related to the price directly in my opinion. I'm super into HiFi so this is my crazy indulgence. On the other hand, my car in its current condition is cheaper than my preamp... Sounds insane, but I don't care because I love HiFi and music much more than driving. To me it feels crazy to buy 60K new car but I see many of those on the street. That's fine, I do my thing and other people do theirs. I don't judge them and I hope they don't judge me. We don't all need to be the same kind of crazy.
@@iiWiReviews It's good thing to admit that is a craziness. Ok. Everyone with his passion.
Music is my passion too but I can't afford and probably would not pay that much on gear. ✌️. Sorry.
@@angelOcrisu Lomg time a go i started this adventure with a onkyo av receiver and a pair of jamo d-570. And tge first thing i´ve learnd whas t make a decission which type of listener i will be Stereo or Multicannel.
Sure you can build a stereosystem with a multichannel Set.
But it will NEVER as good as a pure Stereo Set. Believe me i´ve tryed it.
So i ended up with a Krell KSA-200S, a Pair of Duntech Princess C-5000, a Clesse CP-700 Preamp and a Classe CDP-202.
Only in the last 2 years i started with a bit Tidal Streaming.BUT with a Bse Set like i have also a "cheaper"Streamer or a chinese Dac sounds good. Not great. But good enough.
Now i am 66 of age and know the limit of my ears. There is no need to spend a lot of money. And ALL of my hifi gear is second hand. I have all of my life a look to protect Resources.
It is way too expensive
$3,000 chassis. $500 remote. So you got a $2,500 preamp.
You are nuts for spending € 6k+ for a(ny) preamp.... Subbed for the AI-Freya+ review...
but unsubbed for this one... Can't take a person serious when they spend that amount of money for 1 component.
I'm sure it's 6x's better than a Freya..from chassis to sound. He would know
You have to try the Music fidelity A1 2023 amplifier its in a class of its own .
A miracle 😊
Great Review! I'm trying to order one right now from Acoustic Invader, I just Emailed them. I hope they ship to the United States!
Dear Srbolijub! Your Girlfriend is an Angel!