Now, the only question remains whether it is also tonally convincing. For this the S 10 II is connected to my network via the SOtM-LAN-switch that receives its timing from the SOtM-10MHz-Clock. The analogue output goes directly to my two Omtec power amps and to the Jota system. The music comes from the internal hard disk via JRiver controlled by the app JRemote. And to go like a bull at a gate: yes! The S 10 II plays on absolute top level!

The first and remaining impression is the exceptional clarity of the reproduction out of the mid-range. On his last album Ibrahim Ferrer sings with Omara Portuondo the well-known song “Quizás, quizás“ (Ibrahim Ferrer: Mi Sueño). The piano begins and then Ibrahim Ferrer starts with his already slightly brittle voice before Omara Portuondo takes over. The S 10 II perfectly separates the players from each other and carves out the characteristics of these two so different voices creating a specific mood. Though the S 10 II does not at all have a soft tube sound. On the sampler The Chasing Dragon (The Chasing Dragon – Audiophile Recordings) many titles have been recorded with only three Neumann M 50-microphones in the famous “Decca-tree” arrangement; this provides the recordings an incredible nearness and presence on the one hand and a fantastical spaciousness on the other hand. In the “Tarantella“ by Saraste the solo-violin begins the introduction lyrically and mellifluously, to then chase through the complete tone-room at breakneck pace in highest degree of difficulty. Soft tones alternate with passages played in utmost harshness, high flageolet-tones with middle and deep levels. The S 10 II show all that and does not brighten anything – the transition between the different pitches is seamless and without fractures.