tough choices


Hi all
______

 I had a lot of fun on here a few years back.  I have a dilemma that I hope I can score some help with:
 My current system is:
-sonus faber aida
- AR: anniversary edition preamp
-AR .CD 9
AR: 750 mono's and 250 Mono : one pair of each.
 four REL subwoofers 
  I 'm fed up with these monoblocks,  They broke down a few timesIve owned them for three years now. The dealer explained  to me that this is due to the care they require, I E: the voltage and bias need continual attention, which I m not prepared to give them. The dealer is offering 80% value on trading them in .
I got them for two reasons, One the Preamp is fantastic , and the sonus faber is suited to them. As sonus bought AR recently , that is the logic the dealer offered me.
    Now , the dealer is offering me a trade in to switch to solid state power amps. However they suggest I buy two Boulders per side, the idea is sound , however I just don't wish to shell out a quarter Million (i Live in Canada) . for the power amps. The speakers were about a 100K. 
  Also, they now tell me that Sonus says that the speakers need to be tri-amped .  Which would up the amp.cost significantly. 
The advice Im seeking here is how I could tri amp the Sonus Fabers and do it on a budget of about 100K ?
  My dealer has no suggestions yet at least , except to bi-amp with T&A amps for 100K . The thing is I'd liek to try tri-amping instead .
thank you for reading , looking forwards to your answers
bagir

Showing 1 response by ggc

IMHO
Trade in The Mono Blocks for the 80% they offered.
Trade in The SF Aida for 80% as well. I don't see why the dealer wouldn't do it as all Models come from The McIntosh Group. In fact AR left the group a few months ago and the dealer is still offering the trade in. That would give you a substantial amount to invest in products that I believe would give you more bang for the buck. - 

For speakers - in general look to increase your frequency response, especially since you have the 4 RELs put them to work and really open up and enhance your sound stage. 
Check out - even if you don't go this way its good to know the comps.

Lansche Audio 5.2 in price range/ 7.2 just over - plasma tweeter gets up to 150kHz - requires some maintenance.
Verity Audio Lohengrin IIS - the ribbon tweeters gets up to 60kHz.
The SF Aida tops out at 38kHz

For Amps I agree with moving to solid state mono blocks especially paired with the tube preamp.
I also like the Ayre R twenty.  MX is the mono block model.
dartZeel is another company to check out as well.
I also found the Boulder lacking a bit and it was paired with Wilson Audio...

Get your dealer working for you, let them know that you are not in the market for a tri-amped set up. Let them come with solutions that meet your needs.

Best of Luck