I’ll say more once I am back from vacation, but no, I cannot recommend the Fidelice RNHP at $1,195.
Subjectively, it sounds indistinguishable to me to the original $495 RNHP when compared blind, so any tweaks to the implementation are not audible to me. Which means there is effectively a $700 markup to get a nicer case and the Fidelice aesthetic (which I do think works better here than on the DAC).
If you’re an objectivist/measurements biased type then unless you need the studio-level capable balanced inputs, the unit is objectively outperformed by a number of $100 amplifiers, never mind $1,195 ones. And if you do need such inputs, there are much cheaper (starting around $299), objectively higher performing, options.
Even the original RNHP is a bit of stretch value wise unless, again, you need balanced inputs with high input headroom, as its performance is closer to the latest Schiit Magni 3+.
Which isn’t to say the Fidelice RNHP doesn’t have its place. But to me it seems like that place is defined, first, by “Must say Rupert Neve on the tin”, second by the prettier chassis, and lastly by performance.
I do think these are a bit overpriced for the performance. But, the performance isn’t bad like you say, just overpriced at its performance level.
That being said the lil amp aesthetics are growing on me. I can see where people would pay for the name and the retro chic look.
Another thing, these are made with good quality materials, but they have that put together industrial look in person… like they belong in a retro-futurism war spaceship… a little rough in places but not unpleasant, more utilitarian style but confusingly made into “art” lol… I’ve confused myself now… time to go back to editing photos… and listening to music.
Edit: I hope you and your wife are having a relaxing low stress trip!
As I was saying to @Andrew before I left, while I have an issue with the value on the RNHP, I did find it strangely growing on me and at some level I’d like to own one … for a variety of not necessarily logical or audible reasons (though I certainly enjoyed listening via it, even if it wasn’t a standout in that regard).
I’m not sure exactly what price point I’d find it attractive enough to buy for myself, but I do know it’s quite a long way shy of $1,195.
I think $1195 is far too much for a re-cased RNHP. At $500 for the original RNHP it was a fair price, given the Rupert Neve pedigree and it’s sound quality.
$750 is the most I could reasonably see the Fidelice RNHP selling for (which I would maybe consider as it is much more attractive than the original RNHP).
So, I must say I like this amp better than the THX amps that I’ve had in the past… and the form factor/aesthetic in this size is really growing on me. It synergizes well with my ZMF cans, and has a nice tonal balance? Not sure that is right… it just sounds good! It is neutral sounding but with the saturation/vibrance/detail and sharpness turned up #cameranerds!!! It is hard to describe, it “feels” like it is coloring the sound while not coloring the sound lol… it has a richness to the sound that isn’t in the cold sound of the THX amps… It kind of reminds me of the SPL Phonitor more than the THX actually…so maybe if on an upgrade path, I would say THX (insert 3# designator here) then Fidelice RNamp, then the SPL Phonitor X/XE or one of the non-VU meter versions then the X/XE lol
EDIT2: listening on my Aeolus now… and yeah, there is a fullness that isn’t present in the other solid state amps I’ve tried in the past. Also mind you this is “my” opinion and not an end all be all statement. I prefer this that is it =)
Round, flat 1x1 grey legos, and a tiny speck of blue tack to keep them on. The LEDs aren’t exactly lego size, but close enough that any amount of blue tack and they don’t fall off!
Black ones might actually look cooler, but I wasn’t able to fish 3 black ones out of my kid’s tub of Legos.
Hi!