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It's fun once in a while and can help us clarify our objectives.Please observe three constraints:
- Stereo only, no HT or multichannel
- Useable in your current listening space
- NO budget restrictions
Actually I have two systems that go in slightly different directions ...
My "Elegant" System:
- Local digital source: NAS storage to Windows PC with Foobar2000 music player
- Vinyl system: NONE; I haven't listened to LPs in 12 years or longer
- miniDSP SHD Studio streamer with Dirac Live room EQ and streaming via Volumio
- McIntosh C2700 tube preamplifier
- McIntosh MC312 solid state power amplifier
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX
- No subwoofer given the speaker selection
- Blue Jeans cables.
My "Techno-minimalist" System:
- Local digital source as above
- No vinyl playback
- NAD M33 integrated streamer, DAC, amplifier with Dirac Live room EQ and streaming via BluOS
- Revel Ultima Studio2 loudspeaker
- No subwoofer given my speaker selection
- Blue Jeans cables.
>
Dmitri Shostakovich
Edits: 09/26/21 09/26/21 09/26/21 09/26/21 09/27/21 09/27/21Follow Ups:
Nt
I have been thinking about this question for a while, obviously, since my reply is rather late.
I don't spend a great deal of time "dreaming" about a different system. Actually, I have pretty close to it right now, with a 2 channel stereo system. I have heard multi-channel systems but I don't miss not having one (sorry about that, Chris!).
To power them, I currently use a 100 watt Yamaha stereo receiver which is quite capable of driving 4 ohm speakers as loud as I want. The CDP, turntable, cartridge are more than adequate, don't give me any trouble, and I don't dream about replacing them. My subwoofer is quite good down to 20 Hz, and I very seldom wish I had a bigger one which would be strong at 16 Hz. But I don't dream about it.
I suppose the content of my dream goes back many decades, and I like what I have now. It is a better system than I dreamed of 50 years ago, and I really haven't upgraded my dream for my system much since.
If I won the lottery, I might get around to some changes, but really, it wouldn't suit me much better.
Some might like oriental philosophy, the the Modern stoics have a lot to say about possessions which is similar but much less mystical. Though the opening of Stoicon has passed, Stoic Week starts on Oct. 18
-----
"A fool and his money are soon parted." --- Thomas Tusser
Programmed to for general household duties as well, if possible.
I currently reside in Hong Kong and can provide what I would be able to fit in my space here. A From/To scenario.
Then what I will do when I move back to my house in Canada. I bought my first home (built in 2016) in September 2018. It's considerably larger than my flat.
The HK living room isn't too big but by HK standards very large for one person at 13 by 17 by 9-foot ceilings. All concrete.
The HK system present to cost no object.
Like you, I am using Foobar2000 - it always works - it's free and I like lists over pictures. I tried some free for 30 days ones but I didn't like them as much - Kinda lazy to bother with it.
DAC: Audio Note 0.1X - I would upgrade to the Fifth Force/Fifth Element
Transport: Cambridge Audio CXC to Audio Note CDT6
Vinyl: Audio Note TT3 (PSU1)/Arm3(v2) and IQ3 Cart - I would probably go to the TT3 Reference with ANS1 Arm and Io Ltd cart and S9 SUT - I find their design approach to be the best approach in vinyl replay and I felt that way when I heard the Voyd Reference back in the day.
Preamp: Audio Note M6 Phono to Audio Note M9 Phono (Good enough for Steve Hoffman - good enough for me) (Not heard the M10 properly)
Power amps: Audio Note Gaku-On monoblocks (or Legends but not heard them yet) and for SS Analog Domain monoblocks
Speakers: Audio Note E/SPx AlNiCo would switch to AN E/SOOTO
If I were back home in a big room the above system would probably stay the same but I'd switch the speakers for Acapella Audio Arts Sphaeron Excalibur speakers.
In important ways you & I are opposite ends of the audiophile spectrum. Ultimately our choices are a matter of taste and it is fruitless to argue which is better.You like vinyl, tubes, AN boxes (or horns maybe). I like digital only with room EQ and an ultra-low distortion amplification chain plus very flat, low distortion speakers. (Granted, I'm currently using Sonic Frontier tube preamp but offers minimal "tubeyness" and high resolution compared to most tube components.)
I admire AN amps and preamps in some respects, albeit they are tube. The top model are over the top but, for prestige products, the mid-range use high-quality components and are no more absurdly expensive than, say, McIntosh.
Dmitri Shostakovich
Edits: 09/28/21
We go with what we hear. I have auditioned a lot of gear and I land upon the gear that gives me the goosebumps and makes me a blubbering mess - I wish there was a goosebump blubbering mess measuring machine but sadly I have not seen one yet. :) I bet there would be some money in that.I don't think Revel is all that great but it's a corporation.
Here is a $4000 Revel compared to a $350 Wharfedale. Maybe it's better to go with the latter.
You love your measurements and he offers you tons of measurements to keep you happy - I don't get the appeal of Revel - did you actually audition them or are you trusting magazine reviews?
Note: I don't necessarily agree with the guy but for the people who are slaves to measurements and worry about parts costs - the guy sure makes you think about why you spend 10 times the money for a Revel over the Wharfedales!
Edits: 09/28/21
If seen the YouTube before and indeed it is entertaining & informative.
Revel speakers come in several lines of which the featured 'Performa" is 2nd from the top. All Revel lines measure well with flat FR, low distortion, and good dispersion. The top-of-line series is the 'Ultima2" of which the 'Studio2', (US$23,000), is the medium-sized tower. This is why I selected it for my "Dream System".
But the "Dream System" exercise is mostly fantasy. How I would spend my own actual bucks is another matter. In that regard my Zaph Audio 'ZRT', (Zaph Revelator Towers) , would, I'm certain, come damned close to the Revel's in my personal application. The ZRT's weren't all that cheap: they do used pricey Scan-Speak drivers. But, hey , the ZRT cost me under US$2000 to build DIY.
Dmitri Shostakovich
PS... There is always room.
Revel speakers come in several lines of which the featured 'Performa" is 2nd from the top. All Revel lines measure well with flat FR, low distortion, and good dispersion. The top-of-line series is the 'Ultima2" of which the 'Studio2', (US$23,000), is the medium-sized tower.
The Studio2 is/was the second from the top of the Ultima2 line. However, it was discontinued more than a year ago when its price was US$16,000. The top-of-the-line Salon2 is (until tomorrow) US$23,000.
This is why I selected it for my "Dream System".
I selected the Studio2 for my system (although I am always dreaming of what more I can do).
Interesting you mentioned a McIntosh MC312 solid state power amplifier
and Wilson Audio SabrinaX speakers. He has the non-X versions, and streams from a Linn Klimax streamer/DAC.
I think it's a law you need to run Transparent sp cable with Wilsons.
I've not heard his system yet, but I have heard the Sarbrina with the big Luxman M900 and was impressed.
I have a dedicated stereo room downstairs, but it's just 13x16', so 1/4 wavelength boundary cancellation nulls in the bass are the #1 problem to work around.
So to start with, I want to pay somebody to build me some high quality sealed cabinet woofers designed to be placed on wall. These need to cover from about 50 Hz up to the Schroeder frequency of the room or around 250 Hz. The height of the driver(s) and location on the front wall will be chosen to avoid cancellation nulls, but I will keep them roughly in an equilateral triangle with the listening position, so they fall behind the main speakers.
The main speakers, which will be out in the room on stands, are going to be just a small coaxial in a sealed box. I'll be looking for lowest distortion in something no more than about 5". They will be crossed over at 200-250 Hz. The box is the tricky part. I want the internal volume to be tapered to avoid standing waves, and the baffle edges to be rounded over, and it's got to look good on somebody's fancy stand. I'd have to find a good wood worker.
The system is going to be 4-way including subs. I'll keep my Rythmik subs where they are and cross them at 50 Hz.
The mids, tweets, and woofers are going to be powered by three stereo amps, whatever makes the speakers happy. But I'll probably start my search with the Ayre VX-5 Twenty. I've always wanted to try it after owning an AX-5.
The center of everything will be a DEQX HDP-5 for the active DSP crossovers, time delay, and pre-amp functionality.
I'll measure the main speakers anechoically, outdoors up on ladders, equalize the drivers individually, and then determine the crossover. I'll EQ the woofers in room, and find the best crossover to the mains and subs in room as well. And set levels and time delays.
nt
Dmitri Shostakovich
'I'll be looking for lowest distortion in something no more than about 5"if I may direct your attention to a nice selection at the link:
some very good candidates per your description
edit: can't seem to link my target page, but look under 'coaxial' & it should be the first page that opens once selected
with regards,
Edits: 09/27/21
Seas also has a good performing 5" coaxial in the L12RE/XFC. It has an Al cone, fabric dome, reasonable price, and based on the measurements it looks relatively easy to design with.
I could also go with a single wideband driver in the 3" range with a Fs of 100-125 Hz. Dispersion would be even wider and smoother, which is what I'm going for. But distortion would be higher and they need more equalization.
maybe a B&C 4" pro driver via Parts Express?
Exactly. Or if money is really no object, I could buy some used KEF Ref 1s and steal the drivers.
My ideal would be point source radiators, they could even be omnis, placed out in the room for maximum soundstage. The bass will launch from the wall and will be time aligned.
I've got to wait for my kids to get older before I start this project though.
As a kid I used to dream about owning a "better" system from the Radio Shack catalog and would spend time in the stereo aisles at department stores. I remember thinking about a Sounddesign receiver and that a Superscope model would be heavenly. All those buttons, knobs, indicators and LEDs - WOWWIE!
Ended up being somewhat of a minimalist, but I kind of want a preamp with a balance control, phase, mute and mono buttons. Maybe not.
Been thinking about building a medium power class A powered system driving 2 or 2.5 way speaker system for a medium sized room.
My current system with my Old ProAC studio Monitors and alternatively the LRS has made me a believer in speaker swapping. They are both great and have different presentations and favor different types of music. I would like a great tube amp to swap in, if $$ is no object.
Speakers - Restored Quad 57 and for swapping Ohm F5 plus 2 sets of open baffle subs made with Rythmic drivers and amps for the Quad set up.
Amp - 2 - Pass X600 and for swapping 2 - Manley Neo Classic 500
Preamp - Manley Neo Classic 300B
Source - Schiit YGGDRASIL
Extra - A professional to treat the room, on call labor to do the swapping and more time to listen
Gsquared
A bit awkward or swapping around though !!
Dmitri Shostakovich
I've been switching some things around and I just can't do it anymore. Sad when I'm looking at new gear and the first spec I look at is weight. Easily eliminated that Pass Labs Int 60 at 100lbs. NOPE!
nt
Dmitri Shostakovich
I listen to CD's, and after I update with a modern DAC (thinking of R2R ladder), and perhaps a better transport I'm pretty much set.
I would love to listen to a Japanese system, like those from Audio Note Japan with some horn speakers. But am quite satisfied with what I have now.
Klipschorn bass bins with Altec 803a midbass combined with a mix of strenghts of Lowther 'Jbl Le8 , altec 288c midranges and topped with a mix of TAD ET703 /EVT350 strengths and supported by appropriate (?) bass towers. Two switchable sets of separate amplification for classical and the rest of music genres. No digital correction of any sort. Simon Yorke turntable in black and gold, advanced LCR phono stage. Spectral CD transport with an outer shell designed in Scandinavia. Actually all of the system aesthetics designed in Scandinavia with understated presence. One of the niche dacs from Metronome , Audio Note, or some really obscure brands I had a pleasure to listen to. That's the most modest dream system which I can imagine fitting in my room.
Never heard one..... Never saw one..... Never seen one for sale.........
Maybe it's not what I'm thinking of though. Anyway, click on the link and then click on "Spectral Audio System" near the top left of the resulting page.
I based my desires on older SDR 3000 CD transport but if the transport section of SDR 4000 cd player is as good as their former flagship transport than I would take it too :) Maybe there are better transports in the world but this one is the best I heard and it would be good enough.
I think I was little vague in speaker description. What I would want are combined qualities of several particular speaker drivers and technologies embodied in one product.
I can endorse your "Techno-minimalist" System because I've that in my room. However, if it can be accommodated, the expansion of the system to discrete multichannel (adding 3 more loudspeakers*, swapping the M33 for an M28 and adding a Roon/Jriver front-end) makes it inordinately more satisfying. :-)*subs optional
Edits: 09/27/21
. . . I didn't want to break Comrade Xi's rules! ;-)
I guess we need "freedom fighters" like Kal to break such social constraints! ;-)
Unfortunately my main listening room cannot practically be expanded to multichannel.
Dmitri Shostakovich
I'm at the point where a dream stereo system isn't that relevant any more due to diminished hearing acuity. I still really enjoy listening to music through my stereo but I've accepted that my prime audiophile days are over.
Still, there are a few relatively affordable items that I have on my list that I'd like to try out...
miniDSP SHP processor : I currently use a six-band analog equalizer which works well with my setup but would like to compare it to a digital processor.
Tortuga Audio TPB.V3 Tube Buffer Stage : I use a tube buffer stage with my passive preamp and it works well but this buffer has my attention. I'd like to find out if there's an improvement using a more sophisticated buffer stage.
Lumin U1 MINI Digital Transport/Streamer : The Bluesound Node 2i that I'm using with a NAS drive works great but I'd like to hear the difference using the Lumin streamer.
icOn 4PRO passive preamplifier (balanced) : I prefer using my Schiit Audio Freya S in passive mode so I'd like to give the 4PRO a try. It uses two Dave Slagle autoformers and I'm really curious to hear how this preamp sounds.
LXmini speakers : These speakers are so different than anything else I've used that I'm just curious to hear them in my setup.
Tom
I have a Freya + for a while but wasn't entirely please with the result, mainly just a little too much loss of detail.
I sold the Freya + when I had a chance buy a Sonic Frontiers Line 1 which I subsequently upgrade to SE+ -- I'm no sure the Line 1 + upgrade is necessarily worth the $2100 they cost me, but the sound is greatz: very transparent and dynamic for a tube preamp.\
I tried a passive preamp plus a Glassware Aikido 12VDC preamp, (DIY), for a while but was very disappointed with the sound which lacked detail and extension.
Dmitri Shostakovich
Have you explored with the aid of an audiologist the current "high end" hearing aids. At 92, I'm using a pair of Widex Evoke aids with a "music" setting that I find very, um, musical.. Granted, nothing to hear over about 8 kHz. but I find I don't really miss it.
Hi, Dave,
Those Widex Evoke hearing aids you recommend are on my list of aids to learn more about. For now an equalizer is dong the job but I do plan on a thorough test and fitting for hearing aids over the winter.
Tom
I'm 76 and while I don't wear a hearing aid yet, I'm working on it. I don't really hear anything above about 9 kHz.
Dmitri Shostakovich
At this for 55+ years and, at 73, I am done! My system description is in "Inmate Systems" (link below). By omission: analog, streaming, crossovers, loudspeaker enclosures and distortion.
In practical, i.e. sound quality, terms I'm pretty much there too. A few improvements might be possible and I remain open to suggestion.
BTW, your system looks great and is more in line with my way of thinking that many I've seen.
Dmitri Shostakovich
So I guess the question is, what could I do better?
If there were no budget restrictions, I'd constantly be evaluating gear..... I probably could find something a lot better than what I currently have..... But I wouldn't know what the specific components would be.......
If I were to list anything:
For the high-efficiency system ("100 dB Club") I would hire some component identification guru, and find out what tweeters were used in Don Allen's old speakers, and use them in my own..... The main system, I have no idea what I would use for speakers..... Maybe something by Tekton or something..... Or maybe planar speakers......
For the vinyl rig, I'd probably upgrade to something akin to a Walker turntable, with some linear tracking arm...... With a top of the line Koetsu cartridge..... Maybe a Slagle SUT..... Not sure what I'd use for a phono stage...... (People tell me I have a nice phono rig, in spite of not everything being super expensive..... I mean, how much better is a Koetsu Rosewood Signature over an Audio Technica ART7? Of course, setup is everything here.) I'd keep the Don Allen line stage..... Probably get something like an Ongaku amplifier, and maybe AGD Gallium Nitride amps to switch off......
For the digital/CD source, I'd go with the Wadia 7 CD transport and Wadia 9 decoding computer...... I'm going by distant memory here, but this is still the most satisfying digital source I've encountered.
If I ever find a satisfying high-resolution digital source, I'd do it..... But I've never really encountered anything to make me jump in here.
For cables, I don't know..... I haven't investigated cables that I couldn't afford...... I'd probably pay closer attention at the next audio show...... If there ever is another audio show.......
I'd probably throw in open reel, but I have so much "stuff," I'd probably not have enough time to enjoy everything, especially with the added bells and whistles. (Keeping open reel tapes pristine might be even more difficult than keeping vinyl LPs pristine.)
Todd, you're really in the spirit of things.
Personally I'm not into vinyl, SETs, or horns, so that simplifies things a lot.
Also, I don't thing cables make much difference and are definitely a hazard for frivolous expenditure -- above all, AC power cords. Power conditioners my be helpful under some circumstances, but I feel they are not useful for the vast majority of people.
Dmitri Shostakovich
"Personally I'm not into vinyl, SETs, or horns, so that simplifies things a lot."
There was a time I wasn't into horn speakers..... I embraced SETs and horns mainly because high-efficiency systems tend to perform in a more "linear" manner than conventional systems..... The dynamics are more consistent with what I hear from live music. (Although I will say I do believe horn tweeters don't have as clean "time response" as a direct radiator.)
"Also, I don't thing cables make much difference and are definitely a hazard for frivolous expenditure -- above all, AC power cords."
I do think power cords make a difference... But this is one component I don't correlate performance to price...... I've tried quite a few expensive power cords over the years, was never impressed with them.
"Power conditioners my be helpful under some circumstances, but I feel they are not useful for the vast majority of people."
It's a crapshoot..... I like the old Blue Circle Audio "puck".... I also tend to prefer industrial power conditioners (OneAC, Topaz, TrippLite) over the expensive "audiophile" products.
I listen only to CDs, no streaming, no vinyl, no SACD.
Loudspeakers: Magnepan 3.7i or 20.7 or Sound Labs 545
Amplification: Pass INT250, BAT VK3500, or PSAudio BHK Preamp and M1200
power amps.
CD Transport: some version of the CEC TL or a Jay's Audio CDT3 MK2
DAC: Schiit Yggdrasil OG or a PS Audio Direct Stream DAC.
Cabling: Anticables for power cords and speaker wire, BlueJeans for
balanced interconnects.
Power regenerator: One of the larger units from PSAudio.
Whether or not you can observe a thing depends upon the theory you use. It is the theory which decides what can be observed. - Albert Einstein
Other than an SACD player to access my disc library I'm pretty well there now.
Other than a modern DAC, I will pick up something I lusted after at least twenty years ago.
swapping the VTLs for their big brothers and the eight foot version of my speakers (the nines won't fit!) would seal the deal. :)
And I'm Livin the Dream.
A minority or close to it admit to the same -- maybe it's the middle-aged plus aspect.
You room is beautiful of course. Personally I'm not a SET & horns kind of guy, preferring instead a more ... uhmm ... austere, arguably more accurate sound.
Dmitri Shostakovich
...I'll go with the best system I've heard in my room after 26 years.Speakers: Snell C/V
Amp: ARC D300
Pre: ARC SP-9 MKII
CD: ARC CD-2
Table: Technics SP-15
Arm: Technics EPA-A250
Cart: Audio Technica AT-33EVThat being said, I have no desire to attempt to upgrade my current system, unless an insanely good deal of some sort were to cross my path.
Dean.
reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.
Edits: 09/26/21
That is, folks who admit that they aren't quite there in terms of "dream system".
In terms strictly of sound quality I'd say I pretty close but still with some room for improvement.
Dmitri Shostakovich
...I own it! I am not being flippant but any significant improvement would require a change of room and therefore a change of location.
"We need less, but better" - Dieter Rams
. . . All Linn.
Who do you think you are, laying down the law like this? Xi Jinping? ;-)
OP.
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
nt
Dmitri Shostakovich
Tannoy Stirling GR's *
Manley Snappers *
Manley Ultimate preamp (currently have Shrimp + Graham Slee Reflex M)
Manley Massive Passive EQ *
Oppo BDP-95 (it's just TV, so good enough) *
Metric Halo ULN-2 3D interface (mic pre's with DAC/ADC) *
Anti-cable speaker wires *
various ICs *
Venhaus DIY power cords (and some generic) *
Modded Thorens TD-125 II with MusicMaker & modded Hadcock 242 *
ACI Titan II Le powered sub *
Studer 807 (or Nagra T) with Bottlehead Tube repro
Bottlehead Crack/Speedball headphone amp *
Sennheiser HD-800 headphones *
PS Audio Power Director 3.5 *
* stuff I have now
---------------
I have almost everything on my wish list - getting pretty close.
If my room was bigger, I'd have Tannoy Churchills and ditch the sub. I'm a huge fan of Metric Halo. The ULN-2 is 10 years old, and updated with their wonderful field-installable USB/Etnernet upgrade, replacing the Firewire they started out with. Am also a fan of Manley - their customer service is the best anywhere.
I got the EQ box to tame the mids & highs of the Tannoys just a bit, and add a little upper bass warmth for orchestral & opera recordings. It's a wonderful piece of gear and I learn something new every time I twiddle all those knobs. As this is wish-list stuff, I'd swap it out for the current Massive Passive with the switch-mode power supply.
WW
"They got a handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged." Alberta Hunter
A friend has the Manely snappers and they sound wonderful. I once owned the big Manley Neo-Classic 250 monoblocks. I think I'm attracted to the EL34 sound when it comes to tube amps.
I still have my Tannoy Definition D500 speakers but your Stirling GR's are in another league! The Thiel CS2.4 that I am presently using require a good amount of power so I'm running high power Class D at the moment.
I ESPECIALLY like your headphone stand ;-)
I see your "Radio Handbook" by William Orr, 21st edition. Mine is the 20th Edition.
A wealthy friend of mine has a pair of Blackamoors carved from ebony and I always wanted to find a pair. Then another friend found these at goodwill and got them for me. They are fiberglass, and supposedly came out of a movie palace in San Francisco. Somehow, at a far too long dinner party, they got named Porgy and Beans.
WW
"They got a handful of gimme and a mouthful of much obliged." Alberta Hunter
When I read your post quickly I thought your friend was able to find a pair of Tannoy Sterlings at a Goodwill, wouldn't that be something.
In practical terms I'm petty close to it myself though I have perhaps one or two places for improvement.I would like to try Dirac Live room equalization. That probably means a miniDSP product or a maker's component that includes it such as the NAD M33.
Another thing is, given my present speakers, I'd like a better subwoofer. That might be Rythmik L12 12" sealed .
Oh yeah , and last thing that comes to mind is that I would like to refinish my Zaph Audio 'ZRT' speakers with a more elegant finish, say a piano or automotive gloss.
Dmitri Shostakovich
Edits: 09/26/21 09/26/21
Magnepan 30.7 speakers
All Levinson gear
ALL Cardas cables
acoustic room panels
Heard the above back in 2001 with the exception of the 30.7, back then their flagship was the 20.1
Stereo Design here in San Diego (unfortunately has since shut down) gave me an entire hour to audition the speakers, by myself, door closed.
Every song I played gave me a sense that I was on a holodeck and each artist would appear on demand, 3D walk around, each performer sensation.
After I left I couldn't play my system for an entire week.
This is actually the system I'm trying to put together now, one that will fit the small space I've got. The dream is going to have to wait for a new room...someday.
Living Voice Speakers, IBX-R4 (OBX Image, no room for the xover boxes) Burr Oak Finish
Linear Tube Audio Micro ZOTL Preamp
Linear Tube Audio Ultralinear Amp
Marantz KI Ruby SACD Player
SME 20/2 Turntable/SMI IV.VI Arm/Koetsu Black Goldline Cartridge (This I have!)
Phone Preamp TBD, need input on that one!
Where ya at?
75%... 85%... 91%...?
Been interested since the Reference 3A, uh, reference.
I'll settle for some vicarious excitement these daze.
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
Ordering the Ruby tomorrow, I hope. Have the SME. The only phono pre I have is my full function Supratek Syrah, without a remote, which I really need. Of course if I'm playing records I've got to get up anyway, so I could swap pre's when needed.I desperately want the speakers, but tough to spend the $$$ without hearing them, even if ALL the reviews are raves, so I have to be patient and hope I can travel soon. Probably get the LTA amps within the next month or two (14 day trial on those, so limited risk without hearing before purchase). I was considering their integrateds, but the separates might actually fit better in the space, amp near speakers, short speaker cable, longer IC's might look cleaner. That's important to SOMEONE I share my space (well, life actually) with.
ETA: Of course if the LTA amps don't work I'm at square 1. Maybe just get a SS integrated (Sim, Pass, Sugden) until I can move to higher eff. speakers.
I did finally find someone to repair my Wavelength 300B integrated, so I'm listening to that on my Avalon Symbols and getting a pretty good sound considering their 87 dB/ 6 Ohm rating. So lowish power (LTA is 20 watts) will work just fine with my current speakers in my space until I can demo the LV's. The amp is not remote controllable, so that's a downside. The upside is my 25 year old Western Electric 300B's have 90% of their life left.
So, maybe 50% by the end of the week. 80% by November? I do like my Avalons, they sound so transparent and just disappear, and the right size. I do think something easier to drive would be worth the expense, but their aren't many speakers of the size that will fit the space I've got. Feanor did specify fit the CURRENT space, so that's my major limitation now.
Wavelength Cornet and Baby Avalon Symbols:
Edits: 09/26/21
Sounds like you're getting a bit closer to your goal and not having to "suffer" much in the interim!
The Ruby seems a great choice (sez the CD guy...).
If you can feed the Avalons better and it turns out that's what you need to love them a big
part of the solution is solved.
Do the Avalon have the tonal quality you're aiming for? Enough of it must be there or you would
have eliminated them from the equation.
From reading your posts I think tubes would ultimately give you what you're seeking
tone wise, so that amp/speaker symbiosis remains key.
OK, I'll add more kindle to the sparks... did you ever look into Decware? Good, quality
amps and even reading their blog might shed some light into your decision process.
Low power, top quality... don't know what their speakers are like, but keep your eyes
and get your ears to those LVs!
I'm thinking October (the best month in SF IMO) will be the make/break month for
potential safe travel, and it's just around the corner!
Step by step...
"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination" -Michael McClure
Ordered that piece. Should be here by the end of the week. I'll let that settle in and think about what's next.
Hey, more fuel is always better for learning. I've looked at Decware a bit, the style of amps don't really suit me (the connectors on top are one of my peeves). That said they do look nice and affordable. As far as the speakers, I've never been able to hear a single driver speaker in my years of listening. One of the better ones (Teresonic) was local, but I never got around to visiting, now they appear to be out of business. They were pretty pricey.
The LTA's appeal because of their size, and weight, or lack thereof without "traditional output transformers" They are NOT OTL's, as I've learned from Ralph of Atma-Sphere!
I do like the tone of the Avalons, I chose them over models from ProAc at the time because of their complete lack of boxiness. That's one of the reasons I'm hesitant about the LV's, they have a similar style and makeup as far as drivers and cabinets. I hate boxiness. I loved all the Avalons my dealer had, but I could only afford the babies at the time. I had the opportunity to trade up to the next level, but it would have been lateral move at best, for $3,000 more. He had other speakers I liked better, the Avalon Eidelons and the new production Quads, but I had nether the money or the space for either of them. What I'm after is a similar tone, but bigger, in a still small (relatively speaking) enclosure. There are some other options to listen to here, Audio Note or Devore O's, but neither are really the style I'm after.
To hear the LV's I've got to go to Maryland (or England). It's time to start looking at colleges, so we might be planning an East Coast trip to get a feel within a year, so that might be the schedule if things settle down. I can't do masks for long, I do when I go out, but I don't go out much.
That SME is sweet.
If I hadn't drunk the Linn kool-aid over 30 years ago, there'd be an SME in its place.
I got in on that one just before the price literally doubled, almost overnight--for the same table! It's been idle for awhile while 2 babies grew up. Now that they are teens and want NOTHING to do with me I might have time, and not have to worry about little fingers.
I already own my dream system.
Took a long time to put it together, along with my share of missteps along the way. I just don't feel a need to dream further.
Satisfied to put a little money in it once in a while for cap upgrades and the like, but wholesale system changes I'm done with. My CAT SL1 is due back here on Wednesday full up to the brim with new Black Path caps and new wiring, and that'll likely be the last money I'll spend on it for a long time to come.
Quad ESL57's, Kinergetics pure class A KBA75, Tube preamp (I'll mod anything to suit), Subs, Vinyl...and lots of it.
It's what I got right now and wouldn't change a thing, so objectives clarified moons ago
A few guitars and other instruments hanging around the house for reference clarity.
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