Speakerquest (so far...) - Page 39

Originally Posted by rydenfan


btw, let me know when i get to say "i told you so"

Originally Posted by DulcetTones

Heh Nuance like you say,
some of that AR gear is very very expensive, I would be surprised if it was not their near reference level product with those pups.
The amount I paid for my Chord Electronics is eye watering, and that is only near half-way up the ladder for each manufacturer.

Cheers
DT

Originally Posted by Nuance

It certainly is, but if that's what Tim needs to do, that's what he needs to do. After all, he's beyond frustration at this point.

I know the amps were Reference series mono's, but I don't recall what the preamp was that I listened to. And I remember seeing the price of their CD7 and laughing as I would NEVER pay that much, though the synergy they all created was astounding. However, I'd rather get a slingbox and stream FLAC files.

Originally Posted by Nuance

Tim -

I am glad to hear that you have no reservations about starting over, and I am even more pleased that you've already begun that journey. Kudos to you!

I personally really enjoy Audio Research gear. There is a local dealer here that carries them, not to mention I've had some of their gear in my home in the past. To sum it up, If I could have afforded it, I would have kept it. In fact, the best 2-channel system I've ever heard was a pair of Vandersteen 5A's powered by Audio Research 210's, the CD7 source player and the Ref 3 preamp (I think it was the Ref 3). WOW - it sounded amazing!!

Speaking of AR equipment, since you liked the sound so much why not loan the front end over the weekend to see if you can reproduce that same sound in your room? Personally I'd wait on the Classe stuff since the AR gear could be what wowed you.

Originally Posted by DulcetTones

Tim,
save that cash towards the possible future upgrade of the amp, if concerned about the cables then try moderate priced ones on loan.
On loan is the key part and any good dealer will offer these to help test if current setup is the problem.

Before getting in a pro if your still not happy, please try the CAMs on the fronts just so you can see if there is a difference.
This makes sense to try, even if you do not intend of going that route of purchase.
Although, I accept a lot of dealers have to order in those for demo (even big dealers near me have to order them in).
But, the amount your spending I would not feel bad getting the dealer to do that even if your doing it just to test.

Cheers
DT

Originally Posted by rydenfan

I must be dreaming... Did Tim finally listen to some tube gear and like it?

Tim, good tube gear will never call attention to itself and say "hey, listen to me. I have tubes inside me." There is bad tube gear just as there is bad solid state gear. Most people would probably never know it has tubes because of all of the detail and accuracy it contains. However, there is is realness to the music that I have never been able to achieve with solid state. I am so thrilled by yoyr findings. We have a lot to talk about

BTW, let me know when I get to say "I told you so"

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Just click youir heals three times and say, "There's no place like home."

I have always been open to owning tube gear, and quite intrigued by it actually. I mean who wouldn't enjoy a "liquid midrange"? Its just that it has always been an impracticality for me and the constraints of my set-up. I will have to think long and hard on how I can place a tubed pre in my system, as I'm already just about out of space in my av cabinet. Do tubed pres run hot?

So tell me, was the massive soundstage I heard the product of the tubes or the speakers, or both? Do tubes expand the soundstage?

Originally Posted by DulcetTones

Ah we are in agreement and yeah your totally correct.
I mentioned to Tim when he was listening to the ARs, this is like comparing the Classe 5200 to their Omega series.

But still, one must live within budget constraints and it sounds like the 5200 is it at the moment, which is not cheap combined with the good processor
On the plus side the 5200 is a nice amp and it sounds like it is removing part or hopefully most/all of the frustration while giving flexibility for future improvements on the power side if not fully happy, so that deserves a smile

Cheers
DT

Originally Posted by hifisponge

Man I wish I could. Even though I have been spending well above my intended budget, I still have limits, not to mention serious space constraints. So Classe is going to be as close to that AR experience as I will get, which frankly isn't that close at all. That AR gear was on a different planet.

Originally Posted by bostonbean

You know those Spectron amps run cool and you could put them anywhere. Two channel for up front and 3 channel for the center and rear. Boy, would I love to hear that amp drive your Revels? Along with a tube preamp you would be in heaven...at least I would be.

Originally Posted by DulcetTones

Did you go 3 Musician IIIs, one 5 channel Premiere, or a mixture?
Would be interesting to know if you have had the lucky chance to compare both products as their pricing reminds me of some other companies - 5 channel the same price as a single upper/reference stereo amp they offer.

Cheers
DT

Originally Posted by rydenfan

I have never heard the Premier, but if I had a dedicated theater only room it would certainly be on my short list.

I actually have a bit of a hodgepodge of amps In the next few months it should look like 2 Spectron Musician III's running in monoblock configuration for my front 2 channels, a Parasound Halo A23 running my center channel and one surround speaker, and an Outlaw M2200 Monoblock for my other surround speaker. Or possibly I will try a 3 channel D-Sonic or something like ir for my center and surrounds...

Originally Posted by rydenfan

I am extremely limited on space right now and that is why things are a bit mismatched. Any extra space I allocate will go to a second Spectron or the Dual Mono power supply for my 36.5.

Anyone else feel like we should love this to our amp/preamp thread? I hate to take such a useful speaker thread so far off course.

Originally Posted by bahorn

Good stuff Mark. I'll finally be able to hear the HT3 myself on Aug. 2. Although a few others, including funkmonkey, have compared and contrasted the HT3's and ST's, I'll be able to hear for myself.

Originally Posted by funkmonkey

No worries. I do wish it was next week for the woofers though.

I still have to finalize my edge treatment. what do you guys think...

this is the veneer I found:


My first thought was ebony for the front edge, but that is very expensive, though it would probably look great. Another option would be Jim's "sunburst" guitar style faded edges which I am currently leaning toward. A third way to go would be to use a wood that would highlight the orange, rather than black. Any ideas or opinions...

Originally Posted by Vidcan

Golfugh, you might want to listen to the Wilson SophiaII's. The price is in the general vicinity of the StudioII's. Their build quality and sound IMO was better than Revel's offerings.

Originally Posted by campbellh

I just auditioned the Wilson Sophia, Wilson Watt/Puppy (7, not 8), and JM Labs Utopia Alto BE. The Wilson's seemed overly forward and restricted in low frequencies (Watt/Puppy was better than the Sophia's) but very "accurate" in the mid-range and upper bass. I liked the JM Labs better...
My 2 Cents.

Bob