I have 3 preamps, Pass X0.2, AR ref5, and BAT VK51se. I have 4 amplifiers. I have a pair of Lamm ML1.1 mono blocks, a pair of Pass XA60.8 mono blocks, and M2 and J2 First Watt amps. I use Cardas wire exclusively. I have an Esoteric K-01 and an Esoteric SA-50 sacd/cd players, a Brooklyn DAC, and an Aries streamer. Over the years I have had several speakers, including Thiel 2.7s, Quad ES, Martin Logan Aeon, Magnepan 1.7. Last year I purchased a pair of YG Carmels and I fell in love with them, so I sold the Thiels and the Quads. I then picked up a pair of Kipod II signature speakers, which have a passive woofer.
I have purchased nearly all my equipment used. I have gotten great deals and have had no problems with the equipment.
My room is also about 20x20 with a 15 foot cathedral ceiling.
I should add that I have always used an amplified subwoofer, set where it basically just provides the low "rumble" of the venue where the recording was made.
After 15+ years as an Audio Enthusiast, I can finally say that I have found my speakers.
The Carmels are in a bedroom (12x12x8) and they provide wonderful music that is very articulate and musical, even at low volume. They are paired with the BAT VK51 and either one of the First Watt amps.
I should add that I was hooked on the sound of the Quads and the Magnepans until I discovered the YG speakers.
I have found that with the YG speakers I can have the beautiful midrange of the planar speakers and gain the dynamics and "slam" you get with cones, both with my solid state and tube amps. The Kipod II signatures are driven equally well with both sets of monoblocks. I use the AR Reference 5 preamp with the Kipod II, but I may switch to the solid state Pass X0.2 to experiment. I have used the Pass preamp with the Carmel speakers and First Watt amps and the sound was as excellent.
Like the Carmels, the Kipods maintain all of there characteristic sound at levels that are pretty much "background" listening, which my wife really likes. They will also rock the house and play symphonies at higher volume with a wonderful sounstage and big dynamic contrasts. There is "zero" distortion and a black background at all sound levels.
Oh, by the way, I listen to classical music primarily, especially symphonies, but I am also a 1950s and 60s aging lover of rock.
I will admit I have never heard any of the other speakers on the list of speakers across this site.
I would also like to say that in my experience with Class A power you do not have to have 200+watt amps. The 60 watt Pass and 90 watt Lamm are plenty of power for the Kipod II. My preamp has 100 points of gain (18 db I believe) and I seldom go above 30 and typically listen at 10 or 20.
Happy hunting, but most of all enjoy the music.
I have purchased nearly all my equipment used. I have gotten great deals and have had no problems with the equipment.
My room is also about 20x20 with a 15 foot cathedral ceiling.
I should add that I have always used an amplified subwoofer, set where it basically just provides the low "rumble" of the venue where the recording was made.
After 15+ years as an Audio Enthusiast, I can finally say that I have found my speakers.
The Carmels are in a bedroom (12x12x8) and they provide wonderful music that is very articulate and musical, even at low volume. They are paired with the BAT VK51 and either one of the First Watt amps.
I should add that I was hooked on the sound of the Quads and the Magnepans until I discovered the YG speakers.
I have found that with the YG speakers I can have the beautiful midrange of the planar speakers and gain the dynamics and "slam" you get with cones, both with my solid state and tube amps. The Kipod II signatures are driven equally well with both sets of monoblocks. I use the AR Reference 5 preamp with the Kipod II, but I may switch to the solid state Pass X0.2 to experiment. I have used the Pass preamp with the Carmel speakers and First Watt amps and the sound was as excellent.
Like the Carmels, the Kipods maintain all of there characteristic sound at levels that are pretty much "background" listening, which my wife really likes. They will also rock the house and play symphonies at higher volume with a wonderful sounstage and big dynamic contrasts. There is "zero" distortion and a black background at all sound levels.
Oh, by the way, I listen to classical music primarily, especially symphonies, but I am also a 1950s and 60s aging lover of rock.
I will admit I have never heard any of the other speakers on the list of speakers across this site.
I would also like to say that in my experience with Class A power you do not have to have 200+watt amps. The 60 watt Pass and 90 watt Lamm are plenty of power for the Kipod II. My preamp has 100 points of gain (18 db I believe) and I seldom go above 30 and typically listen at 10 or 20.
Happy hunting, but most of all enjoy the music.