pdreher

Responses from pdreher

Choice of amplifier
I'd be leaning towards A or C. 
Avalon Opus with Marantz PM-11S2
My Pathos was trouble free for the time I had it. Suggest you make another post as to whether or not other Audiogoners have found the Pathos integrateds to be reliable. 
Speakers to compare to Dynaudio Confidence C4
A lot of great speakers to choose from in that price range. The list provided by Cmalak would be a great place to start. Take your time and be sure to take into account your room size, potential placement / WAF issues, amplification requirements a... 
Integrated SS amps - Luxman vs. Simaudio Moon?
what was the model # of the Luxman? 
Harbeth SHL5 vs 40.1
Tom - I have my 40.1's in a room 15' x 21' with very low ceilings varying from 6 to 7 feet. Given your room is dedicated and treated, your room will work fine. Your Manley Snapper's would be great... no worries. 
Avalon Opus with Marantz PM-11S2
If you can swing an extra $400 to $500, try the Pathos Logos. It's a hybrid integrated that will allow you to tweak the sound to your liking with some tube rolling.... and they look great too. I've owned the Pathos TT and it was a nice sounding, w... 
Harbeth P3 stands....... Skylan or Sound Anchor
I've owned both and have nothing but good things to say about both companies. IMO, 4 point spiked stands will give you the best support, albeit they take a little more time to set up. 
Avalon Opus with Marantz PM-11S2
Nice size room. When you say your budget is limited... please define "limited". 
Avalon Opus with Marantz PM-11S2
When I think of Avalon Opus, Marantz amplification does not register... kind of like putting high end Pirelli tires on a Yugo.What's your budget... and what's the size of your room? 
Integrated SS amps - Luxman vs. Simaudio Moon?
Toronto 416 (Mark) - I just noticed a pair of Verity Parsifal Ovation's on Auction with only 2 days left, with no bids against them and no reserve Starting price is a very reasonable $5K. Strongly suggest you go after these! I have no affiliation ... 
Harbeth 7es3 with Simaudio i-1
If you have a bright room and are looking for a warm amp, Simaudio would be very low on my list. The Exposure amp will likely give you good bang for your buck... also suggest you consider Plinius integrateds as they error on the warm side of neutral. 
Balanced tube preamps w/ remote to consider?
Another happy Calypso owner. I've tried the BAT VK30 & Joule LA-150 Mk II, and prefer the Calypso by a wide margin. Noe: Tube selection is critical... I use white label Amperex 6922's & Mullard CV-4004's. 
USB Length, jitter and Volume Control Questions
I tried running wireless via I-Mac to Airport Express to Empirical Audio Pacecar to my DAC. Was not happy with the results and have since gotten out of computer audio. Next time I try computer audio, I'll buy a Mac Mini direct to a DAC (MHDT Parad... 
Just when I thought digital could not match analog
"Is this a sales pitch?"Yah think? 
USB Length, jitter and Volume Control Questions
If memory serves me correctly, Steve from Empirical Audio said you don't want to exceed 15 feet of USB cable.