System assembled; only a final decision about speakers remains


Thanks to many posters on this forum, I have nearly completed assembling an audio system.

Because I started off my questions on this forum regarding speakers, I’m posting my outcomes here. I’ve not finalized speaker choice. While I took "Speakers first" to heart and attempted to do things that way,  slow production times and the virus prompted me to research and purchase in multiple areas. I wound up getting everything but speakers first.

I am enjoying my system with some loaners at the moment (review to come), and then (if the cosmos allows) I will seek synergy between this system and speakers. My hope is that the speakers ordered (Salk SS6M) turn out to be keepers, but they'll have a 30 day trial period. No idea when I will receive them. Oh, and I need to do some additional thinking about power and wiring, etc. And furniture.

So, to the various posters who chimed in with suggestions and information (I took extensive notes and you are now part of my informal library), here’s what I assembled:

SPEAKERS
  • SALK SS 6M — these are being built (well, after the shutdown is lifted) and then I’ll TRY them for 30 days to see if they work. Others are being considered. Opinions are welcome.
  • Sub: REL 328
AMPLIFICATION
  • QS Linestage
  • QS 60 Monos amp
SOURCES
  • CD transport: Cambridge CXC
  • Streamer: Bluesound Node 2i
  • DAC IT (peachtree) — older; just to tide me over
  • DAC ORCHID — this is my keeper

CABLES

  • Toslink: for CD player
  • Coaxial digital: Analysis Plus Digital Crystal & Audioquest Forest
  • Interconnects RCA: Analysis Plus Copper Oval
  • Power for sources and amps: Pangea Audio AC 14 & 9 SE MKII
  • Speaker cables: Analysis Plus Oval 12

POWER

  • Conditioner: Panamax 1500

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Worth an experiment. At the moment, my system is very very quiet when nothing is playing.

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I’m really glad to update everybody and appreciate the help. I look forward to hearing the speakers whenever they come because I think that the people who testified to their quality knew what they were talking about.
And I will definitely look into the power situation. I only paid $80 for that used $500 unit and it’s giving me power for my equipment right now — so I’m very glad to have something. But yes, that is something to sort out. And I appreciate the suggestions about that, too!

@tvad Why wouldn’t my Panamax be doing those beneficial things already?
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Don't listen to naysayers.  Salks are great.  I happen to prefer the Encore series, but I can't imagine you not being pleased with your choice.
We appreciate your follow-up findings and conclusions regarding the suggestions. That way we all have an opportunity to learn more!
@kenjit I chose the Salks because of the described experiences of listeners and reviewers. They will be built, I will listen to them, I will compare them to other speakers, and I will keep them or send them back. No charts required.
problem with salks is they extol the virtues of their ruler flat response but its all wrong. There never was any evidence that this was the ideal response. You need to get in touch with the fellow and demand distortion measurements and off axis response measurements.