System Rebuild


Fellow Agoners!

  Need some input assembling “the last” system. (Famous last words!) Cannibalized system to pay for doctoral studies and now I’m suffering audio DT’s and need to get my music back! However, funds are very limited @15K and I need speakers, Tube preamplifier, and digital source. I listen to 95% jazz, all idioms. (60/40 vinyl preference) Imaging and tonality are most important. Last speakers I owned were Scansonic MB2.5’s….and no, I never got rid of the bass boom despite owning for over a year and putting many hours through them. My dedicated listening room is 16 x 30 with 7.5 ceilings! I have Ethernet connection and power direct to panel just for this room.

Former components were PS Audio Direct Stream with Bridge, AR LS17, Primaluna Dialogue Pre, Aesthetix Calypso. Cables are all Analysis Plus Silver Oval or Solo Crystal Oval.

 

What’s left is my analog setup – anchored by ZYX 4D and AVID Pellere phono stage, and Quicksilver V4 mono tube amplifiers – KT150 version. What I’m considering:

Speakers in order of interest (used/demo):

1.     Nola KO I

2.     Acoustic Zen Crescendo I

3.     Harbeth 40.1

4.     Focal 1038Be

5.     ScanSonic MB-6

 

Digital in order of interest (used/demo):

1.     AYON CD-3sx

2.     Lumin D2

3.     Mytek Manhattan II

 

Tube Pre in order of interest (used/demo):

1.     BAT 33SE

2.     Primaluna Dialogue Premium

3.     Audio Research Ref 5

 

I’m also remotely considering all-in-one such as Lyngdorf 2170/3400 or Micromega 150.

I don’t listen loud. Emmerson into the musical experience is my goal and passion.

 

Thanks in advance for any comments.


Ag insider logo xs@2xcommunique1

Showing 8 responses by communique1

Thanks tomic601. The AYON is a dac/pre/CD player with tube pre and regulation. It's at the top of my list for that reason. I forgot to mention that I've never heard these speakers and there's no where to audition. I've owned Alon's so I have a good idea as to what to expect and I owned the Scansonic which I found to be awesome...above 125Hz! There is the option for Sopra 2's also....
Thanks to all for suggestions. Been to HiFiBuys several times. A big Vandersteen/ARC shop. There's also The Audio Company with 15 minutes of my home with huge inventory of ultra-HiEnd gear. (Focal- Sopra and up, VAC, Von Schweikert Audio, Magico, Constellation...)
 To be honest each offers impressive options, Yet I'm not moved. I understand that to stay in business they can't' carry everything and I'm seeking items that may not have the press coverage...but offer as good or better performance for the money. Secondly, I rarely buy new! I don't buy new homes, cars, books, etc. I like others to wear the new off. Just bought a new-to-me Porsche Panamera and enjoy it just as much as if I spent the additional $50K to buy new! (However, my analog front end was purchased all new...). As far as speakers go I'd rather avoid the speaker break-in process.

What I seek is long term experiences with the particular loudspeakers and digital front ends mentioned. My analog front end is magical as well as the VR4's that's why I won't part with them. The highly vaunted PS Audio DS even began to sound mundane over time as well as the Primaluna pre....ho-hum...(to be fair I never indulged in tube swapping to get the best out of the Primaluna...so willing to give another chance...)

More suggestions are highly welcomed.
Thanks pdreher! The Harbeth's made my want list because of opinions such as yours. What size room do you have them in?
erik,
  I already have  a great analog front end, so I phono capabilities aren't a priority. It's also a preference to stay with tubes if at all possible. If going Mytek, I am considering the manhattan...trying to get the best possible performance for the bucks.
Thx
So just updating that I went to hear the Sopra No.2 this weekend. Was not an ideal setup, room too small, and listened through Naim streamer and VAC integrated. Given the environment, I was not moved. Dealer admitted that setup was not ideal and was invited back to audition in their main demonstration location as well as listen to other options in same range i.e. Von Schweikert.

Narrowed down to two speakers. Acoustic Zen Crescendo or Nolo KO. Same price for either. If anyone has listening impressions of either or have compared either your input would be greatly appreciated. I listen to 80% jazz at a minimum, but not necessarily wimpy jazz!. Fusion, etc...
Got neither. Got a great deal on Sophia 1's. I've actually heard these before unlike the other speakers. Also partnered with Bat Pre.