franks

Responses from franks

Suggestions - Amps for Coincident Super Eclipse.
FWIW, I use an Atmasphere S30 with Alon Lotus SE speakers. Prior to purchasing the S30 I auditioned the Cary 300SE monoblocks and much preferred the S30. Greater speed, transparency and much better bass, despite being half the price of the cary's.... 
Art Audio amp/Sonic frontiers 2SE amp
The art audio's are very fine amps, but as you have an efficient speaker with a benign impedence you should also consider the Atma-sphere S30, 30 watts/ch OTL amp. I use it with the Alon Lotus SE. Prior to purchasing the S30, I audioned the Cary 3... 
Looking for speakers to go with Graaf OTL-20 amp -
Another speaker worth auditioning is the Alon Lotus SE(14 ohm woofer version) $3700/new, which I use with an Atma-Sphere S30 (30 watts/ch) OTL with grat results. I'll also second the Coincident speakers recomendation. The Reference 3a speaker also... 
Grado Platinum: which is better high or lo output?
My apologies for not getting back sooner(haven't been surfing). Grado has a new statement series all of which have an output of 0.5mv. They have same names as the 5mv reference series, i.e. platinum, sonata, etc. except their called statement plat... 
Frustration with buyers who make offer, then don't
Unfortunatly, this is common place. I suspect many of them don't even realise that simple courtesy merits a return reply, however brief. Also contributing is the anonimity of the internet itself. As the only criteria for getting on Auidiogon is ac... 
Grado Platinum: which is better high or lo output?
If your preamp can handle the 0.5mv output(and the mc section should) then this is no contest, go with the low output version. I use a grado reference 1.5mv(they don't make them anymore) with a VPI TNT. 
Best Used tube Preamp 1700-- 2500: advice needed
I'm at a little bit of a disadvantage as I have never heard the VTL 2.5, but here goes. Obviously, an ARC front end would work well with your amp. The LS25 with a PH3 phono stage(around $1000 used and can be upgraded to the SE at your leisure) wou... 
BEST CARTRIDGE FOR ROCK AND METAL?
David, if you like the platinum, why not upgrade to the Reference($1200 minus discount and trade-in) and keep the 5mV output which if your doing rock and metal should help keep the dynamics and punch your looking for while increasing overall trans... 
Best match with Proac Response Series
A great amp with the response 2.5's is the Cary 805C(50 watts SET). This combo won best sound under $50,000 at the 1996(?) Sterophile audio show in NY in a system setup by Audio Connection, a high end store in Verona, New Jersey(they carry both br... 
Preamp with deep soundstage suggestions
I would reccomend an Audible Illusions Modulus 3 or 3A. Either one throws a huge soundstage. the 3A's are listed on the site for $1400-1700, the 3's for $700-800. 
Sound of OTL Amps
I can't speak for all OTL's, but I'm currently using an Atma-sphere S-30, 30watts/ch stero amp driving Alon Lotus SE speakers. It replaces an Audio Reseach amp with a large increase in transparency, imaging and speed. This amp has a wonderful midr...