I have owned and still own many models of a/d/s. But the L-1290 combined with the PA-1 will end my quest. I have 2 pairs. I used them for years without the PA-1’s, then after searching for years acquired them and now I’m satisfied that they provide all the audiophile qualities I’ve been seeking and I’m now ready to stop analyzing and just enjoy the music. The 1290's are a good value and a decent speaker without the PA-1, but with it, produce the sound stage and imaging somewhat lacking without it. Failing to pull them out into the room, you will probable discern no difference, but when positioned correctly this combination of bi-amping unveils a detail and a space between the notes that simply wasn’t there before. I can only best describe the (space between the notes) as a silence, a lack of sound, no smearing, as if an envelope of time has increased to enable the listener to not just hear the music but that spacing when there is no sound and an ability to locate within the sound stage precisely the placement of each instrument and musician. Now there are better speakers, but at at a lot more money. There are some reasonable priced speakers, like the Magnepan’s, which will produce fantastic detail, but flat panel ribbons fail to produce the front to back sound stage and imaging that a dynamic driver can. I’ve used them with and without my sub-woofers and for most music, the additional extension is just not needed. The bass roll off specs on the speaker is listed as flat to 40 hz, yet is not listed with the PA-1, other than to suggest the amp extends to base down further and to that I must agree. Yet, I’ve never sensed any distortion, no matter how loud I wish to search for that sweet spot volume. If anything the volume levels are enjoyable at any level. Now I’ve read many comments from others who have went from without the PA-1 to with it and have been disappointed, as to discern no difference. I can only conclude they haven’t the patience, nor experience to discern what this combination is capable of producing. There are better speakers to evaluate equipment. I've spent too many years evaluating it and just want to have fun.I think many may have unrealistic expectations, anticipating the clouds to part and an euphoric chorus of angels to descend upon them. For those who are disappointed, I’ll gladly purchase their PA-1’s from them and continue this diseased passion to the next level.
