I have the Silverline Prelude II's which are the revised version of Alan Yun's original design. I currently drive them with a Creek Classic SE5250 integrated amp (85RMS)Speaker cables are 12ft runs of Analysis Plus Oval 12; My CD is a Sonographe SD-1(20 years old CD player modified and marketed by Conrad Johnson") Interconnect is an Audio Magic Spellcaster II. Overall, the sound is clean, dynamic but somewhat bright and forward, and often digital sounding.(I currently have no turntable, but will be getting back into vinyl soon)..... I am sure some of this is the Sonographe CD player which has been flawless and provides very good sound. However, I like to take a shot at improving the overall sound, that is, making them more coherent sounding top to bottom, and a more natural presentation without making it sound like a British monitor. I have considered the following equipment moves: Rega Apollo CD and/or new speaker cable. A member recommended JPS speaker cable. I have read that a tube integrated or separates are possibly more compatible with the Preludes, but the Creek(so far) provides great low level detail and depth of staging, though lack the slam, and upper harmonics of my old setup of Aragon amp and CJ preamp. I realize the solution might be to just buy a better speaker. Previously, I had Vandersteen IC's. a good speaker for the money, and have considered the 2CE Signatures, but they might be too big for my 15x22 living room; All comments and opinions welcomed,especially from Prelude II owners. Thanks, Jim
Tvad, Thanks for the technical info about RMS power and speaker impedance. I like the Creek, though I think it lacks the resolving power of the separates I owned for 20 years before downsizing. Though, I am not quite ready to part with this integrated amp; though, I am open to suggestion about alternatives to the Creek. I have considered the Vincent separates which received good to very good reviews; but, I am trying to avoid big box components. Speaker-wise, I have always been impressed with the Totem Hawks, but they are too expensive even used, and I think they require more power than the Creek can comfortably deliver. The Preludes are above average speakers but not keepers like the Sonata III. Thanks again Jim
I own the Prelude II's and they are totally kicking butt in my system.
As I see it you have two areas for improvement. As I recall, the AM Spellcaster cables were very bright and not well-balanced in my system when I tried them. I would try some different interconnects for sure.
I'd also consider getting rid of the Creek. It may be detailed and clear, but I'm sure it's far from harmonically natural and pure.
My room is smaller than yours at 11 x 14, but I've had very gratifying results driving the Preludes with an Antique Sound Labs 1003DT amp, and even better results with the PrimaLuna Dialogue Two. The Dialogue Two really gets it done and can play the Preludes surprisingly loud without losing its composure. If you have a turntable, I'd definitely spring for the MM phono stage. It's fantabulous and then some.
I was using a Kavent A210 integreated hybrid amp for a while with pretty good results (similar to the Vincent) but I like the ASL amp a bit better and the PrimaLuna a lot better.
I've tried the Preludes with solid-state, tube/MOSFET hybrid, and tube amplification and I have to admit that they really strutt their stuff with a good tube amp. Don't forget to try different interconnects!!!
Tvad's comment is very useful, I must say I have never taken much notice of whether an amp doubles output into halved impedence. I could'nt see it had much relevence. When you think about it, it must cause variations in volume, prominence, across the frequency spectrum, when impedence varies. You pick up something every day.
Greetings... I use a pair of Silverline Preludes IIs, just as yours. I have been in hifi heaven since I auditioned (for the total cost of $1) a NuForce IA-7 V2 integrated amplifier. I use DH labs interconnects and speaker cable. The A/D converter is an Apogee Mini-Dac, using its balanced outputs converted to single-ended RCA by an Jensen IsoMax. The Apogee is driven by a cheap DVD player or by iTunes, using AppleLossless encoding. You gotta hear it to believe it! It really is that good. This is the first time I've ever been totally happy with my system in 25 years of trying... 'nuff said :-)
Check out the audition program on the NuForce website. For the cost of $1, they pay the shipping both ways, even if you don't purchase the amplifier.
I currently have Vandy 1Cs, each with its own 2Wq sub. I run a SS amp and a tube preamp (whole rig in my profile). I have heard the Preludes and Boleros. I am in love with the Boleros, but can't afford them. I cannot use larger Vandys due to their width (and I cannot affords Quatros). Based on your experience, how would you compare the 1Cs to the Preludes? Also, I am curious about the Allegro, which looks like a larger Prelude with a woofer added on top and on bottom of the Prelude driver array. Unfortunately, I don't see any way to demo the Allegro, bit I think it would work better in my basement listening/HT room (20 X 18 X 6 cieling). Anybody have any thoughts on this?
I have the Silverline Prelude II's. I had a Rega Jupiter CD player but have since changed to an OPPO player for digital transport and the PS Audio Digital Link III for the DAC. The Digital Link is a phenomenal DAC. Highly recommended.
Hi Jim. I'm a bit late but what amp did you end up with to use with the Preludes? I'm currently using a Rogue Audio Cronus integrated with my Preludes and tied together using Audience Conductor cables and the sound is very well balanced.
I want to thank everyone who responded to this post. Unfortunately, I became seriously ill after I submitted the post and was unable to answer or respond to those members who offered advice and comments. It took me awhile to rekindle my interest in audio. I still have the Prelude II's, but they are in a smaller living space. I may need to reevaluate my amp and cables as suggested by some members. Though, I have considered replacing the Preludes with the new Epos 16i which have received good reviews. Again, Thanks to all members, Jim
As a follow-up to my post above, I am currently in the middle of a home trial of Ohm Walsh 2000 speakers. Compared to my Vandy 1Cs, they are incredibly smooth, not bright, and do not exhibit any of the compression I heard with the Vandy 1Cs at higher SPLs. Not having a crossover in the mids or upper-mids is a big plus, IMHO. The Ohm Walsh speakers are designed to sound the same throughout the line, but you choose the model that is appropriate for your room's cubic footage: www.ohmspeakers.com. Worth a look. I extend my wishes for continued good health.
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