tweak1

Responses from tweak1

Preamp choice with McIntosh MC-225
PS Audio GCP 200/GCPS 
Need help What monoblock power amps for bass?
Check out Wyred4Sound SX1000s. I am using SX500s on my mggie mid/bass panels. They ae outstanding and energy efficient. Underwood HiFi sells them. They also make 4 channel amps, power configured to your needs 
CDPs for full orchestra
Raysonic 168, then add Herbie Tube dampeners, and isocup/balls. I also use a Morrow MAP 2 PC, and Machina Dynamica Code Name torquios in the well.YOu can find a review here, annd more by googling. It's available from Underwood HiFi 
best amp to drive Gallo 3.1's?
Wyred4Sound SX500s 
looking for new speakers $2 to $3K
I have a pair of Usher 6311s in black, excellent cond. Box/ManualFt Lauderdale- $1100 
Raysonic CD228
Owning a 168 with cryoed NOS tubes, Morrow MAP 2 power cord 168 resting on Herbies Isocup/balls which are sitting on a combination of 2 large ERAudio Harmonizer boards as a sandwhich using Machina Dynamica Promethean Springs, AND , and playing it ... 
Top 5 sounding cd player in the 1000-2000$ range
For $500 more you can get a Raysonic 168 
Monitors + sub or Floor standers?
Get a pair of small Magnepans and if needed add a powered sub 
Engaging power source needed
Check out PS Audio GCC series. Great reviews 
Mid life audio crisis
Keep what you have and add a powered sub like SVS, 
Your opinions on what speakers to go with?
I pretty much disagree with Shadorne. Nice system! I owned 150s. It should be in Ultralinear and you should be using KT 88s. Also I found tube bias needed to be adjusted regularly. You could have some dead (or near dead) tubes. Power cords, interc... 
CDP Recommendations
Raysonic 168. Add cryoed NOS Russian tubes (www.tubeman.com), Herbie isocup/balls, Morrow Audio MAP 2 power cord, Machina Dynamica Code Name Tourquois and you've got a player that rivals the Zanden separates- or so says Srajan of 6moons. 
Esoteric CD player to buy, please help
I am blown away by my Raysonic 168. AND it has balanced variable tube output. You can dump the Flora, which although excellent, is not balanced 
DH Labs Silver Sonic
Their Revelations are really good 
What is the best DAC under $2000 and why?
Add $500 more and you can combine a great dac with a killer transport all rolled into one- Raysonic 168. The balanced tube out is so good I eliminated a $3K preamp