@raindog031 Just to help you understand me and my “end-game” system
journey:
My current system is Martin Logan Vantage speakers, McIntosh
MA6500 integrated, Oppo 105 Universal player, Shunyata Hydra power
conditioning. I bought the speakers/integrated ten years ago fully expecting to
let them get me to the end; don’t mean to be morbid, just realistic. But then I
went to all but one of the Newport audio shows, the LA Audio Show, and lots of
dealer get-togethers. The audio shows helped me see there was significantly better
gear out there and so I started doing by-appointment-only auditions this year of
gear I’m interested in. So, I hope all this puts “end game” into perspective
now. FYI - my room is 13.5 feet wide and 20
feet deep.
A new, much better resolving system, will likely be four
times what I paid for the last one, so though that may be a lot for some and
not even a drop in the bucket for others, I just know I gotta get this one
right – no mistakes. I really appreciate your comments on the Diablo 300. Though
not cheap, it’s not a $45k D’Agostino integrated either (which sounds really
good too). All I’ve read on the 300 just says it is a spectacular performer. I
live in the same county as the US distributor and a dealer that I’ve done a few
auditions with thinks he can get a 300 and so I hope to hear it soon. The
speakers he has that I really like are the TAD Evolution Series; ME-1, CE-1,
and E-1. I’ve heard them with Burmester and a little with Pass. Hope to hear
the newly released Luxman L-509X, the Diablo 300, Pass, and the Burmester
integrated with the TADs soon too.
A couple questions for you: Does the 300 run hot, or does it
just take a long time to come on song; should it be left on all the time? Wasn’t
sure from your review about these finer points. Also, you mentioned you bought
the Gryphon Black Spikes. Do you feel they made a substantial change for the
good?
You advised, “be ultra critical listener...demand undeniable
emotions...if they dont come out then that system is not for you”. I
couldn’t agree more; really. I know a few systems that do that for me and I
will only buy into a system that conveys the flow and emotion of the music.
Thanks for confirming how important those qualities are. You also said “thank God
there is a bunch of great sounding brands in the world so find
yourself a friendly dealer, give yourself some time and find your own way...”
This is what I’m working on now, finding that dealer with the equipment that sings
for me, and that will work with me and understands my needs and budget and even
provide help getting my room to sound like it should.
Raindog031, again, I appreciate your detailed comments and
they point in a direction that sounds like music to me. I may also try to get
my dealer to get the Mojo S for audition. I do believe in the synergy that can
be created by products in a brands line. I hear you on tubes, but they just won’t
work for me in my situation at home, so the best SS I can afford will have to
do. Also, my system also does double duty as a 2-channel home theatre, so I’ll
be looking for as much scale as my budget can afford.
Finally, you said “I think you can get a great involving sound
for less money depending on parameters that are important to you...in which
I may or may not help depending on question...but back to my story few of you said
you are interested...” Yes, I would be interested in your observations
and comments on lower-priced alternatives. In fact, they’d be most appreciated.
