My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

Hi pingvin,
Thanks for posting your very insightful listening impressions. Jeff Catàlano (High Water Sound) yes, I completely understand your experience with him. I’ve heard his systems on 5 different occasions across a variety of audio shows over the years. He consistently has some of the finest sound you’ll hear without fail.

His method is to pair lower power tube amplifiers and high sensitivity easy to drive speakers and it is indeed a wining formula for him. In my experience he used Tron SET amplifiers (either 300b or 211 tubes) driving Cessaro speakers or Horning speakers. Regardless of the combination chosen the result is exceptionally "natural " very realistic sound quality, the music just flows and fills the room. One year at CES he used an Electra Fidelity SET driving the Horning Eufrodite with excellent results.

He has used analog records exclusively in my experience and "all" genres of music sound very good in his systems. He is definitely a fan of jazz and has a superb collection to choose from.

Pingvin I agree with you, he does present a sound that differs from the numerous rooms using high power solid state amplifiers. I find his sound to be more open, flowing and emotionally very involving. There’s more the sense of musicians are in the room or you in the recording venue, very impressive!

It’s all a matter of personal taste of course but his systems do stand out at the audio shows year after year. Pingvin I’m convinced that you have a fabulous audio system via Jeff’s components and as important, his guidance.
Charles

Goheelz, I can’t think of a more efficient method to hear multiple audio products and developing a feel for what is available and some idea of how they sound. I've attended AXPONA, RMAF and multiple CES and these experiences were very worthwhile. 

Show conditions can had some shortcomings but I am unaware of a more viable way to gain exposure to a wide array of equipment. Some rooms will have exceptional set ups and sound very impressive. Broad exposure to what’s out there is advantageous.
Charles

Jazz therapist,
I wrote earlier that I thought good quality tube components would serve you very well but I’d avoid pushing the idea if you are not interested. Wolf made me reconsider that statement 😊😊. He describes the excellence of low power tube amplifiers with compatible easy to drive speakers and I agree. 

This has been my preference as well the past 8 years and there’s no going back. All genres of music can be enjoyed and most certainly jazz. That Dealer you were referred to carries the Line Magnetic brand. I’d try to hear a few of their SET and lower to moderate power push pull tube amplifiers with appropriate speakers (playing music you know and enjoy) and see what you think.
Charles

Hi Jazz,
I believe that referral to Tone Of Music Audio is a very good idea. They certainly carriy a high quality selection of tube and solid state electronics. If they are good dealers you should have an opportunity to hear and be exposed to some terrific sounding products.  . It may take some time and patience but would be worth it in the long term. Let your ears acclimate to these high quality audio products. You'll begin to identify what type of sound draws you more into the music. 
Charles

I don't encourage the use of tube components for the purpose of "euphonic sound".  My rationale is based on their capability to provide natural tone and timbre as well as the ability to connect emotionally the expression and beauty of the music. No doubt that we all have our own perspectives. 
Charles 

Jazztherapist,
Inna offers some good suggestions. The speakers are important "but" so is every other part of the audio signal chain, thus the weakest link (in the chain) analogy applies. In my opinion the Epos M5 are not the weak link in your system. I’d put available resources toward better turntable, Phono stage and integrated amplifier.

In you stated budget range you can research and find a high quality solid state integrated (especially if you buy used). Stereophile found the Epos M5 to have a good balance of detail and an organic character (that’s good). J.A. said measurements were impressive for such a modest priced speaker, surely a compliment.

So based on your financial realities and long term plans I’d keep the Epos (for now) and focus on improving your analog source and amplifier quality. The Epos seems good enough to be able to reflect and exploit upstream upgrades.
Charles

Yes that makes sense, get it right/very good initially and then be happy long term. I wouldn’t try to talk you into tubes if you’re uncomfortable with them. It is just that we have similar taste in music and this genre just comes alive and breathes with tubes doing what they do with instruments and vocals. Listening to Eric Reed and some Carmen McRae tonight, beautiful! Early Blue Note?!"oh yes, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard,  Dexter Gordon,  I'm with you 😊
Charles

Hi,
I’m a jazz aficionado as well. I attend live jazz performances often and have accumulated a large collection of jazz recordings over the years. Why the aversion to tube electronics? Good quality tubes reveal the beauty and scope of this wonderful idiom.

You should mention your speakers as this will help to focus amplifier recommendations from others. Pass Labs and Gamut are 2 solid state brands that I think would be good for your stated goal. If you don’t need high power or current I would suggest First Watt amplifiers as a possibility.  You may want to consider an all in one box product such as Lyngdorf.  
Good luck
Charles