Still need a power amp. Investigating the AR DS 450. Going to sell the class pre pwr amps along with some Thiel 2.3's and associated cables. Have the system set up to run a Mac Book through the DAC into both the REF3 and Classe pre so I can play through the Max'2s for serious listening or the Powered JBLs for unattended listening.
Thinking about selling the max 2's and getting something a little less physical dominating. I love the huge soundstage, any recommendations on alternative speakers.
Rhyno- I probably am set up equilaterally ~9'. Compared to the previous set up, I have lost the extreme depth of field that was nice but not as engaging.
I am very interested in your choice of 501's with your Wilsons.
Looking at 501's. AR ref 110 or AR DS 450.... Can go either way---opinions please
System edited: Dedicated circuits and yes it does make a difference. May look into some isolation under my components although love the sound as it is. Still need power amps and cables to compliment components.
Well, so much for the near field set up. Detail was sweet but listening fatigue kind of took over. Placed the 2's back to where they keep ending up. I wonder if I'll ever spike them. Sure Trm, maybe we can hook up one day and spin a few. Im in the Highlands ranch area.
Just set up the speakers to per the George Cardus Speaker calculator. Wow, best move made thus far. Never thought listening near field to the Max 2's would be so rewarding. The new positioning not only maintained the sound stage depth, but the greatest improvement was the expanded listening field seating width. Guess I should not complain, but my girlfriend has an ear for sound and supports whatever efforts I endure to establish the best sound. The bad side of this is, she wants to sit in the center chair. Now both chairs are as good as the old center listening spot.
I'm glad to see ARC coming out with new Class D amp products. ARCs grounding in tube gear seems to translate to their SS amps being designed to work particularly well with tube pre-amps from what I have read. I just picked up my first Class D amps, the Bel Canto ref1000mkii mono blocks and I have been very impressed with these so far running with an ARC sp16 tube pre-amp.
Most of the "State of the Art" equipment is lesser known brands. There is plenty of choice in Denver with big brand name dealers like Listen Up and a couple of underground dealers that sell the "special" equipment. Give them a try.
Check out Exemplar for DAC's or of course DCS. Wadia is good if you have Steve Huntly hot rod it. Also, EMM.
Great tube pre-amps would be Aesthetix, Joule Electra, LAMM, or if you can find one, a used Essence.
LAMM would be a great amp for Wilson speakers. If you can find one, an Essence amp is killer but they are out of production.
