thanks for all your advice. the rx-20 i listened to was paired with a simaudio w5 (i believe the w5 was voiced with rx-20 when in development)and source was sony scd-1, wich i do own (un-modified). with the v12's i can not recall the speaker pairing, but i do remember that it had a top preamp (again my memory fails) and that the music was just that- music. the highs were detailed, but not harsh. ill describe it like a gentle rain, if i am making sense- fully aware of its being there but not pelting on you. perhaps due to a great combination of gear? i also am wanting to seek reference 3a royal virtuoso. i know they are more sensitive than rx-20, they have great extension and are convincing for all music and they like tubes.(my musical tastes vary from pink floyd to coltrane, from black sabbath to eva cassidy, from mozart to gypsy music- i LOVE all music, with the ONLY exception, country. sorry all offended.) so, i am really tossed between reference 3a or gershmans, and w5 or v12. pricing will play a role, i know on our beloved audiogon excellent opportunites are available for all the above, with exception to reference 3a. (royal virtuoso too new?)again, thanks to all, your advice is golden. fotis_k
cary v12 / gershman avande garde
i am considering an up grade, in particular am seeking out gershman avande garde and the cary v12. while ive heard them both, it was unfortunately not together and not at the same time. has any body listened to this pairing, or does any body have any advice or perhaps foresight? thanks everyone.