Loaner: Feliks Euforia and Echo

Discussion in 'Closed Loaners' started by ChaChaRealSmooth, Apr 7, 2019.

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  1. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    Thanks to Upscale Audio and @E_Schaaf, we can offer the Feliks Euforia and Echo for a limited loaner tour. More details to be ironed out later, so if interested keep an eye on this post as I will be updating it as more information is gathered.

    The rules for this loaner are a little different, and everyone who signs up should be aware:
    1. Friends only (members w/ history of leaving impressions preferred)
    2. CONUS only (apologies to non-CONUS friends)
    3. 5 days each
    4. UPS/FedEx only, insure for 50% of value, signature required
    5. @E_Schaaf must be CC'd in messages where address is shared, as well as given the tracking number. This is because he is required to keep track of the tour's current progress at all times.
    Sign up below:
    1. @ChaChaRealSmooth, CA
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2019
  2. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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  3. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    I'm actually kind of shocked at the lack of attention on this potential loaner.
     
  4. JoshMorr

    JoshMorr Friend

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    We had a loaner on another Feliks amp (Euphoria?), and it was a pretty underwhelming amp. That was supposed to be new amp improved Elise, but it just sounded weird. Elise was joked about here due to a long standing headfi thread where certain memebers were taken by the dark side of tube rolling force - christmas trees, exploding amps, glowing delights etc. I think general consensus was these were ok amps, just over priced. Echo being an entry to Feliks, $500 OTL, is going up against SBAF favorties like Bottlehead's Crack + SB and a Schiit Valhalla2.

    Part if the problem also might be that Feliks amps are known as tube rollers specials, but a loaner usually includes stock tubes which dont flatter the amp or its capabilities.
     
    Last edited: Apr 25, 2019
  5. Jinxy245

    Jinxy245 Vegan Puss

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    Me too actually...these are supposed to be decent amps. I recently got a DNA, so I didn't want to clog up the queue since I'm not in the market, but if no one else is interested I'd gladly take a listen.

    IDK if people realize the value of putting a piece of equipment into your own system. This is a privilege that should really be taken advantage of, especially if you're thinking of going tubes at some point.
     
  6. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Evidently there have been some parts changes in the Euforia since 2017 when the last tour happened. I haven't been told specifically what these changes involved, however.

    Side by side it is a clear improvement over the Elise (which has also been revised since then) in bottom and top-end extension and dynamic ability, which were two of the main gripes people had with the Elise.

    Even though they're not rolled-off on top, these amps do quite well with headphones that tend towards a grainy or hard top-end - HD800, Focals, etc. Some people who prefer a wetter, bloomier tube sound quite enjoy them with ZMFs as well.

    Of course it can sound dramatically different with alternative 6SN7-types (or 6922's in the case of the Echo) in the front end. These amps respond more to tube rolling than some other OTLs out there too (Valhalla 2 comes to mind, though obviously different pricepoints).

    If there's not enough up-front interest for a whole tour, they may consider sending these on a case-by-case basis for short term review periods to Friends.
     
  7. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    I just noticed this loaner but even then I'm in the same boat as Jinxy245 - recently ordered a DNA amp don't want to clog up the queue when I have no realistic intention of potentially buying this year or next. I wouldn't mind listening just to listen though if Feliks or anyone else involved specifically need listeners or feedback.
     
  8. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Bump

    I can send either of these Feliks amps out on a case-by-case basis to any friends / trusted contributors interested.

    One model or the other is fine if you're not interested in both. Just gotta cover shipping back to me afterwards. We're really just wanting to get more impressions after the recent revisions.

    Happy to help with any questions.
     
  9. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Even cooler!

    I'd like to hear Euforia (only this) and compare it with my go to amp. Of course will leave comparative impressions as usual.

    Fort Worth, TX.

    PS. Is it ok to insure it for $1300? It seems that Upscale is selling it at $2.6k
     
  10. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    I'll try either or both (would prefer Euforia only, but up to you e_schaaf) as well when available/ready if you need more listeners. No rush on this for me as again, I have no intention of buying either amp this year or next. If other potential buyers appear for the loaner on either one, please put them first.

    As for insurance, same question/concern as Vtory if I wind up with Euforia, but from what I understand, FedEx and UPS both cap insurance at $1k on parcel shipments. Or if timing works out, I am in 20 minutes from Irvine and might be able to bring to CanJam Socal/Irvine on Sunday if that's preferred.
     
  11. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    I'm down to try both. I don't think @fp627 lives far from me, so perhaps we can have meet or handoff.
     
  12. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Bump. For real this time.

    Just got some clarification about shipping insurance. Here's what they want to do -

    Echo - insure to $225
    Euforia - insure to $900

    PM if interested, I still have both units at home. Like I said before - totally happy to loan these out case-by-case for more than 5 days at a time.

    Handoffs may be difficult unless we can figure out a pickup in La Verne during weekdays or Pasadena on nights / weekends.

    Thanks!
     
  13. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Last edited: Jul 12, 2019
  14. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    The unit safely arrived. It sounds beautiful. Will listen more to collect thoughts.
     
  15. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    Just a small request to be moved to last on the list if possible. Just want to make sure that I can get my listening done in a timely fashion and not hold up the loaner

    I have exchanged PMs with @fp627 and the tour order where I was second to last will be kept.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2019
  16. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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  17. E_Schaaf

    E_Schaaf MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    Just a friendly bump in light of recent impressions if there's any new interest.

    This tour can practically continue indefinitely.
     
  18. tommytakis

    tommytakis MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    @E_Schaaf I'm definitely interested in reviewing the Euforia the future, but I also signed up for the Pathos Aurium tour so maybe after?
     
  19. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    @tommytakis - I'm currently have Euforia loaner (and am right after you on Aurium tour). I can send the Euforia to you at anytime after next week if @E_Schaaf and @ChaChaRealSmooth approve of this (This will let you A/B the two as well).
     
  20. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    I'm very interested, I'd love to try this with my Utopia!
     
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