2. speakers
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I think I've made up my mind

After having auditioned the following :

1. Avantgarde Uno G2 + Audio Note SET amp/Pathos Twin Towers integrated amp
2. Magico V2 + Soulution 720 pre + 710 power amps
3. Sonus Faber Elipsa/Wilson Sasha + ARC Ref 3 + Ref 110
4. Thiel CS3.7 + Parasound JC1 pre + JC2 power amps

...and after weighing all factors like room interaction, degree of difficulty of setting-up, value for money, magazine reviews, and comments posted here and AVguide.com....

...the winner is: Thiel CS3.7 + Parasound JC1/JC2!

Now for the cables. MF and JA of Stereophile noted that the specs of Parasound show ultra-wide bandwidth and high-current capability which reminds me of Spectral amps. Therefore, would MIT Magnum MA speaker cables and interconnects be a good match? Anyone has any other suggestion? Thanks.
jtein

Showing 2 responses by jtein

jtein OP
36 posts
 
Ritmo, you can find my reasons in my other threads: 1. Let down by Wilson Sasha/ARC Ref 3 combo 2. My findings on Magico....what now?

Rtn1, I have considered the Avalon Indra but have no chance of auditioning them as no dealer in my country carries them. I've inquired from a dealer in a neighboring country and the cost of getting the Indra's is prohibitive (about $25k which is $5k more than retail) because of the shipping charges due to the very heavy wooden crates they come in.

Blindjim and Tpreaves, they were set up for demo purposes although at different dealers over the past few months.

Thanks to all for the helpful suggestions on the cables.
jtein OP
36 posts
 
Maril555, I still like the Avantgardes. They are very revealing but in an effortless way. Vocals are very well served by the Avantgardes. I find that the Thiel CS3.7 matched them in that respect. The downside of the Avantgardes is the bigger than life but rather narrow soundstage. Various instruments seem to accumulate together. Also, when listening to the Avantgardes, I feel like I'm at the front row of a concert where I have to cock my head up to watch the performance. It's thrilling but can be fatiguing for long listening sessions. I find that I get very realistic soundstage and imaging with the CS3.7. Finally, I still prefer passive speakers to active ones.
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