Eziggy,
You mentioned that the Marantz runs hot and that is a concern for me, since I watch a lot of TV and Movies..
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Hi Eziggy,
Thanks for your response.. Actually my number one contender to far is the Luxman 509x. I am also looking into the Pass Labs Int250, Mark Levinson 585,
Gryphon Diablo and Hegel H590. Although, I think the Hegel is overpriced I would comsider it if I get a good deal.
How do you like the Marantz compared to all others? I am considering the Nad, Arcam or Audio Control Maestro 9 (If I can get a good deal on it). |
Audiotroy,
Sorry not interested in Krell or Anthem products and don’t plan to stream, I enjoy my cd’s. I currently own an 11 year old Arcam for cd’s which I have no complaints about but I may consider an upgrade, still looking into that. My priority is selecting a good amp for my music. If i can find a multi channel pre/pro and amp that can do the job for both to my liking, it will be a plus, no argument there.
Reference speakers, I have the Sonus Faber’s for HT but still undecided between the Verity Otello’s and Harbeth 40.2 for music. I am leaning a bit more to the Verity’s at this time but will be auditioning the Harbeth this coming Saturday with the above mentioned amps.
I am not arguing the Audio Control Maestro and the Plinius Odeon maybe a good match for both but I will not commit to anything I can’t audition. I am still working on options.
Thanks for your input and always open for suggestions.
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Hi Audiotroy,
My apologies for not being so clear on the dac situation. A dac is not priority since I listen to cd’s mostly but I may consider streaming in the future. When I do decide, would it be to my advantage to purchase an exterior dac due to advances in technology? Please advise.....
Also you did not address the HT side of this. If the Audio Control and the Plinius can accomplish both worlds, I am certainly interested.
Thanks again,
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Eziggy,
I looked at my post and saw I did not mention the Marantz but it is on my list for pro. |
@eziggy,
What made you go for the MC7106 for your multi channel amp? You mentioned the Marantz is on the warm side and I know that MacIntosh is already a warm line. |
@dep14,
This is what I am trying to do, separate my HT from my music. When I started this thread I was considering to intergrade my HT to my music but everything points to the opposite.
I am looking at the above listed intergrade for music but still undecided on the HT front. HT pre/pro considered are the Arcam, Nad, Audio Control Maestro 9 and Marantz. My concern is there is mention of the Marantz running hot and the Audio Control might be out of my budget unless I can get a killer deal on it.
I am not technical at all, I usually have this all set up for me. I am not clear on the matter Marantz and an intergrade, do I not need a multi channel amp as well? I understand I will use my intergrade for my two channel music but I would also need a pre/pro and multi channel amp for HT. By chance any experience with any HT systems listed above or others and share the pros and cons to each? |
Jimpit.
I actually have the Krell S-1500/5 for sale now, it is a good amp and everything you write about it I agree with. In my opinion it’s a very neutral amp and will do better with warmer speakers, since it can lean towards the brighter side with some boxes. I am just looking for a different sound altogether.
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@eziggy,
I have a cabinet that has approx. 6” between boxes and opened in the back.
I don’t think a processor will get even close to the heat generated by an amp. but when you commented I worried a bit. Anyway, your clarification helped me with this matter.
@dep14
My budget is between 35-38k for speakers and boxes. I believe I can get a good deal for all, since I probably will be buying from the same dealer. I am looking at at least 30% and for this kind of money I am confident I can work this out. I have speaker cables and interconnects that would like to try before moving to something different and save that money. Anyway, this expense for cables, etc. will come from the amp I am selling at this time.
My biggest expense will be my 2 speakers for music and the intergrated amp.
I already have my HT speakers, one less expense, but also need the pre/pro and multi channel amp. I also have an Arcam CD player that I can live with for a while and the Oppo UDP 203 which is pretty good. I have a cabinet that will fit all these boxes, this is not a problem. I am just looking for good synergy, since this is my last purchase, no room for error. I understand the pre/pro must be upgraded at some point but I am looking for pieces that will work long term.
I am actually looking into boxes that will work with my current speakers which are very good, Sonus Faber Grand Pianos Home. These can be a bit bright with certain boxes and I am looking for neutral to warm. I think the Mac, Mark Levinson, Luxman, Classe, Plinius, Parasound and the Pass Labs might be a good match. If this works out the Verity’s and Harbeth might be out, but these two do sound great, “temptation”.... I do love those Verity’s... Your imput here will be appreciated.
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Jep14,
Talk to me about the Mark Levinson 585.... I won’t be able to audition this one for about a couple of months, since the nearest dealer is approx. 150 miles away.
I have read positive reviews and listened to it thru ITunes (Pursuit Perfect System) but I bet it does no justice to it. Although in my opinion thru iTunes alone sounds pretty darn good and I love estetics. Is it warm or at least neutral?
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Auxinput,
I like like smooth, so no problem here....
@eziggy,
I like this artist a lot and although she sings in portugués and I don’t understand most of it, it’s her voice, to me is mesmerizing. The cd is recorded live and it’s in Lizboa, her name is Mariza and the cd name is Concerto Em Lisboa. Look it up I think you will appreciate the strong emotion she has behind her voice. The song I am referring to is Chuva but has other songs that you might enjoy. Don’t listen the original version of this song, make sure you here this live recording version and you will understand why when you here it. |
Auxinput,
Did you look at my post from 5/5/19? I already mentioned the Intergrades I am considering. Also, don’t want to mix my Intergrade music amp conversation with my HT. I want to keep my music side warm, tube like, but my HT very detailed, clear, punchy, all needed for movie sound, reason why I am separating the two. I believe this is the best way to have the best of both worlds. By all my research, I don’t believe that one pre/amp combo can provide that 100%.
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@auxinput,
Thanks for your input.. Sorry if I sound naive, but what do you mean by liquidy?
My original intention when I started this thread was to intergrade HT with Music but I am not sure this is the best approach for reasons I mentioned. What I like in music I do not like for HT.
I did get to audition the Gryphon with the Verity’s and it was impressive to me.
Also, heard the Luxman 509x with Harbeth Super HL5 Plus and it had everything except the vocals were a bit off to me, sounded a bit grainy. Not sure what happened there.
Some also suggested the T+A PA 2500 R, which I will audition around the end of the month with the others. |
Eziggy,
As mentioned to auxinput just above is my concern with the vocals on the L509x.
I am wondering if the speakers played a role or the amp. I have such a keen ear that at times works against me..lol....
I am going to audition the Luxman, Gryphon, T+A, Hegel and Pass Labs with the Harbeth 40.2 by the end of the month hopefully. I am unable to audition the Mark Levinson at this time but planning to late June or July.
I will post my findings then... |
I did hear it thru a Luxman CD player at the show but at home I used my Arcam CD player. Maybe my Arcam colored the recording enough to sound better, don’t know. |
Eziggy,
It could be very well the recording, but I just did not get that grainy sound at home and I am using an old Yamaha receiver. I am not using my Krell, since I am selling it and I have it boxed ready to go.
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Man my hairs stand up...lol..... |
Jimpitt.
This is good stuff... Love Patricia Barber.. |
Stttt,
You see what I am saying, it’s just logical to me. All electronics have there own sound and the only true way of having the best of both worlds is separating the two. The more research I did on this topic it all lead to the same conclusion which lead to a priority change. I learned your two channel is where all is truly taken in and where all the detail is important to be present. Don’t get me wrong a good sounding HT is important to a lot of people but you really don’t have to spend a whole lot to accomplish something that to me will always be lacking. A movie is mostly sound effects and not all sounds or scene of the movie will be brought forward. There is the back ground music but when your involved in everything else, this tends to disappear in the back ground. Anyway this is just a personal observation and conclusion, please don’t chew me out.....
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Eziggy,
Have a great vaca., definitely keep in touch when you get back, have questions on the 8805.
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To All,
I auditioned 5 amps just yesterday and fell in love with the Pass Labs. I wanted to audition the Int-250 but the dealer only had the 60, but even this 60watt amp was everything I was looking for. Speakers were the Harbeth Anniversary 40.2 which are excellent by the way.
The amps in question were the following:
Pass Labs Int-60.
Gryphon Diablo 300
T+A Pa 3100 HV
Hegel H590
and
Luxman M900u (He had the L509x out on loan).
My opinion on the above and I blame my ears for it...lol...
Hegel - Did not even here enough to really judge, since I did not like the sound.
Just found it lacked in many areas, specially for the price.
T+A - A very good amp, neutral boarder warm but it was not a match for the variety of music I listen to. I listen to a lot of music with a lot of highs and it might be a bit bright with some recordings. I personally think it’s too overly priced compared to other amps that are comparable in sound.
Luxman M900u - Very neutral.. I found this amp does not color the sound in any way, its very accurate. I found it to be a bit bright with some recordings, not warm enough for me, but good amp for certain recordings.
Gryphon Diablo 300 - This amp is my second favorite of the 5. It’s neutral warm an excellent amp but still not warm like the Pass Labs and I can see myself getting a bit of sound fatigue after a while of
Pass Labs - Warm but clear and precise, best base of the five, punchy, tight base, with 3 dimensional sound. I could listen to this amp for hours without fatigue. I actually dedicated most of the audition time to this amp and the more I listened the more I wanted to listen. I can refer to this amp as the Chameleon of amps, it adapted itself sonically to every recording. I was not expecting this and was pleasently surprised.
eziggy,
Hope you had a nice vaca..
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Auxinput,
I really like a lot of balance in my music or listening and I found that balance in the Pass Labs. My selection of music is eclectic but some have a lot of brass making the recordings a bit bright. The Pass was able to tame that and provide a well overall balanced sound. As you mentioned it all comes down to personal preference on sound. These amps were all good but I was looking for a sound that best suited my preference of music. I feel it has enough dynamics without affecting the overall sound, keep in mind we will never find a perfect amp but this comes pretty close for me personally. If you are looking for a more dynamic sound than what the Pass provides and still something on the warm side, I would recommend the Gryphon Diablo 300.
Reference the Hegel, as I mentioned did not hear it much because it did not captivate my interest. I found it sterile and poor soundstage, but again it’s just my opinion.
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Eziggy,
I saw you mentioned on a previous post you did hear the Gryphon and found it a bit harsh on some recordings. Did you listen to the Martin Logan’s and Gryphon or some other speakers? Years ago I listened to the Martin Logan’s and they are definitely warm and holographic speakers. I figure it would pair well with the Gryphon since your speakers can benefit a bit more in dynamics. |
Eziggy,
The Pass Lab may not pair well with you ML since it’s a warm amp and warm speakers. Curious in paring the ML and the Gryphon, got a feeling a beautiful baby will be born...lol...
The Accuphase has good reviews but I don’t think I have where to audition it in Florida. I am also considering auditioning the Mark Levinson 585, any thoughts here? |
Hi Caphill,
I am one step ahead of you, already spoke to the dealer reference the Lumin T2.
The dealer I am currently working with highlt recommends it. I did asked him if I decided to go a step up from the T2 and he said it would jump into the 10k range. Anything between would not be noticeable enough to justify the price.
Any other suggestions here in the 5k range? How does the PS Audio DirectStream Dac compare to the Lumin?
My Arcam CD 192 retailed for around $2300.00 when I purchased it back then and paired well with my Krell S1000 & S1500, plus has good reviews. I may keep it for a while and see how it works with the Pass Labs and the Verity Otello’s. If I am not happy with it I will consider replacing it, but it’s been good to me plus it’s in mint and barely used condition. The Oppo will be used in my HT only.. |
Caphill,
Yes it does...
Keep in mind I am not technical in anyway, so how will I benefit by doing this connection?
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Eziggy,
I experienced the same with the Gryphon when I auditioned it, this is why I leaned towards the Pass Labs. I spent most of the audition with the Pass listening to music with a lot of highs and vocals and it did very well. I think you might really like this amp. As I mentioned it tamed all harsh sounding music you throw at it. I even threw a terrible recording on cd and it made it sound decent.
In my personal opinion it’s a solid state amp that comes closest to a tube.
The Luxman is a great amp, as I mentioned it’s very accurate but not warm enough for me. I still think the Luxman pairs well with your ML due to the type of speaker, they benefit from that accuracy and detail. You can always get a loaner and try the Labs but with your speakers you might be sacrificing in other areas with the Labs. Hey, but you never know till you listen......
I am considering the PS because of what Caphill mentioned reference the CD player connection and all other benefits it has. |
Caphill,
Thanks for the info., will do.....
Secondly, I would like your opinion on the Pass Labs INT 250 with the Verity Otello’s, since they are my first choice.
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Caphill,
Also, was considering bringing the speakers home first and asking the dealer for an in home demo.
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Caphill,
I have a couple of Transparent Audio Laboratory MusicWave, E124991, Type CL2, 10AWG and was wondering if you have any experience with them. I had them with the Sonus Faber Grand Piano Homes and the Krell, but I felt my system sounded a bit bright, not sure if it was the cables or the components.
Any suggestions on cables? I always like a few options.
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As I mentioned the Krell S1500 & S1000 multi channel. I did found it to be a bit bright on some recordings, maybe synergy. The question is would I benefit from these cables with the Verity’s? |
Thanks to all and will get back with my purchases........ |
They are in the $400.00 range for each at this time for 8ft. |
I would like to replace all my interconnect cables, any suggestions here?
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Caphill,
What do you think about the Furman for AC power? I was informed it is a very good product for the money and has good reviews. I was considering the Niagara 5000 but only if I can get a good deal on it.
To me personally I believe the AC power product is even more important than overly priced interconnects. I am not going cheap on cables but I cannot go into thousands of dollars for cables. I am going to give my Transparent musicwave speaker cables a shot and find something reasonable for my interconnects.
I actually did a test once and switched out the Transparent cables for cables that were sold by the foot and never heard a difference. I am looking for something reasonable that makes sense to me. |
Eziggy,
What is the price range for AudioQuest?
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I guess I’ll start another thread for cabling at some point if there isn’t one for a broader scope on the topic at some point.
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Hi rbgator94,
When I started this thread I was in the dark about all this but I spent a lot of time researching and ended up changing my mind about things. If you read all the above you will see what I mean. My conclusion was to separate my music from the home theatre since both require different listening preference. I like my music listening experience to be on the warmer side which will not be ideal for home theatre in my opinión.
After reading and researching and only on that, since I have not auditioned any of them. I believe the Lyngdorf would be a good choice if that is the route you would like to go. My personal choice for both music and ht would be Plinius or Classe but unfortunately Classe is out of the game, although I believe they still have some stock available. Also, check out Parasound and you can’t beat the price.
My suggestion is to do your homework since it’s such a big expense and have fun.........
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