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My system currently consists of: Pass Aleph 3, SF Line 2, EAR 834P, SFCD-1, Oracle Delphi Mk. V/Rega 900/Goldring Excel VX, Dynaudio Contour 1.3 Mk.ll. All cables are silver over copper. My Dyns do not 'open up' with my current amp, though they sound 'good'. My room is 16x10x7 and the layout will only accomodate standmounters or a slim tower. I am looking at two options: get a beefier amp (my choice would be the Simaudio W-5) or a more efficient speaker (Tyler Acoustics, Coincident Technology, Reimer or Reference 3A). Has anyone out there had a similar choice to make. Part of my problem is that I cannot hear any of the speakers, though I have heard my speakers on the W-5. I don't like having to 'crank-up' my speakers to get all the dynamics and detail that I expect.
I don't fall into either the high-power amp/low sensitivity speaker or low-power amp/high-sensitivity speaker preference groups.
Follow Ups:
…and I can't help you...but I can empathize (for what that’s worth!).I’m at the same stage as you with my Aleph III. I’m stuck in the wilderness without a dealer too, so I have to grope my way through the audio darkness; relying on reviews, advice, mail order and the internet. So far I’ve done really well and I have a system that sounds pretty good…but I think things could be a whole lot better with new speakers. I’ve got Merlin IIs that are just plain old and take a bit of driving, so your “not fully opening” problem rings a bell with me.
I can’t imagine life without the clean vibrancy of the Aleph, so I’ve been thinking along sensitive speaker lines. Some of the Soliloquy speakers sound like they might fit the bill (5.3s especially); or the Silverline stuff sounds promising.
Good luck!
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I don't agree with below post that high sensitivity speakers somehow limit your future options. On the contrary, your options will increase because you can now use high OR low powered amps! Either way, the system tends to sound more dynamic, open, and poised when speakers are more sensitive, even with higher powered amps! Even something like 92-93 dB sensitivity will do this and you don't have to get into horns.The other option you may want to try is vertical biamping or mono-blocking (is Pass bridgeable?) as I do like the Pass amps very much...
The Sim Audio W5 is a great sounding unit and will help the Dynaudios open up a bit. But, The Dynaudios sonic signature is a bit laid back by design. The Reimer is a very highly recommended speaker. It is easily more open, airy and dynamic then the Dynaudios, even when driven with the Pass amp. As a matter of fact, the Reimers sound great when driven with medium powered tube amps.
Regards, Jerry O.
Wow that is a hard one, particularly if, like me, you cannot audition gear. Speakers are about the worst to advise upon as the resultant sound depends as much on their placement and room interaction as anything else.Thus I second the idea of a change in amp. The Plinius SA100 is a superb unit but if you are not worried about class A operation (it IS marginally better if you do not mind the heat and power bill) or balanced lines (unecessary IMHO) the Plinius 8200P is an excellent alternative. It has basically the same circuitry and output at a fraction the price, weight and size. But do not let me talk you out of the SA100 if your budget can stand it - IMO you cannot do better. They are built like a tank and are reliable ,ours has not missed a heartbeat in 2 years.
Good hunting
John
I would suggest you to upgrade your power amp. I haven't listen to the W-5 but if you like it, then it is fine. The Plinius SA100 may be another choice. I think the Dynaudio is uncolored and will show the good things of SA100 very well. Also, the SA100 is also class A design like the Aleph 3.Unless you don't plan to change your gear for a long time, buying a higher efficiency speaker is not a good solution as it limits your choice in the future is you have a low power amp. Getting a good and at least moderate power amp means that you can keep upgrading your speakers without changing ur amp.
Hope this helps.
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