That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For

thanks Antonio.  i hope someday to audition and perhaps purchase the new REX 300 amp.  i do not mind tubes in a preamp but going to take the easy road and go SS for the amp.   Funny you replaced your Pass preamp with a BAT, as i did the same thing sort of.  I replaced my Pass XP22 with a Coda 07x which i liked better,   but the sound seemed a tad lifeless or anemic.  Then i got The BAT and it improved on every parameter of sound.  They make some really killer stuff and it is made in this country.

I heard a pair of those speakers at a neighbor's home  of mine.   really impressive for sure

I understand Ron, many prefer the combination of tubes in Pre and SS for Amp, bringing the best of both worlds to the party. I also was debating whether to get the BAT VK-655 MkIII SS Amp or the Rex II Monoblocks. At the end, I decided to give Victor the vote of confidence and trust that if he opted to pair the Rex II Preamp with Tube Amplifier Monoblocks too, it may be worth it to give it a good listen.

Very happy now with the Magico S3 MkII, but at some point I may upgrade them to the Magico M3

wow now that is a serious upgrade.  my neighbor who had the MK II's,  did end up selling them and got a set of the MK III.   i heard them but not being that familiar with his room and setup,  I could not comment on the improvement.   i know both iterations sounded great to me but he really thinks it was a big improvement.

wish you lived in the hood;  would really enjoy hearing  your setup.   i am in Greensboro NC.

Q:That Transformational piece of Gear We All Wish For.

A:Room treatment and it cost less than most other major bits and produces the greatest improvement.

I used Music City Acoustics. The first reflection point is the most important.

you are so right about acoustics.  have used a combination for years and the most important spot,  is as you say,  the first reflection point.   i use mostly diffusive devices and avoid treatment that only absorb