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In Reply to: RE: CD + Streaming one-box solution posted by Mr Peabody on August 11, 2019 at 11:17:11
I had been hankering for ATC50s for years and eventually bought an Active pair direct from ATC in about 2000. I suspect they may have been refurbished as the price was good, but seemingly perfect. However, and very disappointingly, I found them far too "in your face" and wanted to push them back another 20 feet. My room at the time was 300 sq ft with 10 ft ceilings and previous speakers (KEF Reference 107s) sounded fine in that room.
I was then subscribing to Stereophile and noted that they had chosen the Avantgarde Uno as their Joint Loudspeaker of the Year (shared with an $85K Dynaudio system), so I carefully read their very comprehensive review. It described exactly the sort of sound I wanted and quite different from the ATC. I arranged a quick audition in a small dingy London basement showroom, but that was enough for me to buy a pair in about 2002.
I had these Unos until earlier this year when I found a pair of slightly younger Duos - after disastrously purchasing the Martin Logans! I've modified their appearance by ditching the supporting "scaffolding" and replaced the 3 supporting poles with a single rear-mounted F shaped bracket that supports the horn tubes. With new outrigger feet, they now have a much more contemporary appearance without upsetting the sound.
The ML 390S was sold about 4 years ago after purchasing the M12 (preamp) and M50.2, making a stand-along CDP unnecessary as the M50.2 plays (as well as rips) CDs very well.
The M12 is a preamp, the M32 is an integrated amp with DAC. Both can be fitted with a BluOS card enabling streaming from Tidal, Qobuz, etc plus internet radio, both are MQA compatible and (I believe) Roon ready - whatever that means.
Over the last 18 months or so, I've bought or borrowed a number of amps, but found the M32 as good as any. The lovely Accuphase A36 is a bit soft, the GamuT D200 a bit brutal, the Sugden, Benchmark and Quad were non-starters and the Micromega M100 also quite good. The old Consonance Cyber 845 monos are still around but I wanted to move to SS for a number of reasons.
I have quite a bit of stuff currently for sale. Perhaps I should look for a better amplifier and maybe streamer once this stuff is sold.
Follow Ups:
I heard a Gamut system a couple years back and thought it sounded good. I haven't heard Sugden but everyone had good things to say about it. But guys have raved about gear before I found disappointing.
You've had some good gear, if you are happy with the NAD, maybe stick with it.
Just curious if you've heard or tried Pass Labs.
I've had Krell, Conrad Johnson and Pass in the past. I find Levinson is about my spot, good transients, more neutral, while remaning musical and not overly aggressive.
I liked Pass, just a bit on the plite side. I really liked my CJ gear. The amp had EL34's so not the best for Rock but it sounded so good I could pretty much forgive any short comings.
If your AG's are powered you really wouldn't need much power. Well, probably wouldn't either way.
Yes the GamuT is a great amp but a little primitive in that it doesn't have any trigger or auto shut down when unused for 30 minutes or so. It also starts with a significant "thump" through my high efficiency speakers, although this wouldn't be a problem if used with standard efficiency speakers for which it's designed.The Accuphase is much more civilised and behaves impeccably with relay-delayed start and auto shut down (at least the EU version). It offer 4 gain settings selected from a front panel dial, whereas the GamuT requires removal of the top panel (16 screws) before its nasty little gain dip switched can be accessed!
I've not tried Pass Labs but that's on a list of possible SS amps that may improve my system - as is Lavardin.
You mentioned Mark Levinson which is a brand I greatly admire. I've just noticed they list a brand new digital only integrated amp, the 5802 priced at a modest $7000. With 125 watts and MQA, I'm getting quite excited! No reviews yet but it seems to tick most boxes for me.
The AG Duos are 104 dB so don't need much power. However they seem to sound better with a hefty amp behind them - such as the 150-200 watts offered by the NAD or GamuT. I used to use tube amps and the Art Audio PX-25 (5 watts) was great with jazz and chamber music, but overall the 28 watts from my Cyber 845 monos was my preferred option.
Edits: 08/12/19 08/12/19
My dealer has one of the two Levinson models in, not sure if the $7k version or $8500.00 version. I hope to get a listen soon and will report back. Maybe start a thread on the "amp" forum.
Amp thread started but no takers! I've found 2 reviews of the 5805 unit but none so far on the digital only 5802, although I'm told they should be identical in performance from digital sources. A couple of dealers here have offered the send me their demo 5805 unit for home trial. I'll let you know how this goes.
Please do. It will also be interesting to see how the M50.2 does with it.
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