Yes the First Watt B1 is still in the system and sounding great! Especially since Keith Herron was kind enough to kind of "optimize" it for use with the Herron VTPH-2. Super quiet with dynamics, bass and wide soundstage. The First Watt B1 is nothing like other passive type preamps.
Just received the Herron Audio VTPH-2 phonostage and so far it's everything I've been hoping for. Quiet, dynamic, three dimensional and very flexible in terms of loading.I'm running my Lyra Delos thru the VTPH-2 with "Infinite loading" and it sounds excellent. Incredible inner detail retrieval.
System edited: It's been too long ince I've updated my system. Quite a few components have come and gone since '07 but I like where I'm at now. The Garrard 401 is one fine table.
I was really hoping to see pictures of your Garrard 401. I've seen some of Artisan Fidelity's work, all I've seen are beautiful.
I also have a rebuilt 401, only mine is mostly DIY, w/Dynavector 501 arm. I'm really enjoying it, as I'm sure you are. I also have a Dynavector cartridge, the XX2MKII, although I just acquired an Acutex STR 415 ultra-lightweight MM cartridge that is turning out to be a giant-killer.
System edited: In the LaHave Mela's I finally found a loudspeaker that does what Magnepan's do as far as imaging, coherency and speed, as well providing that visceral impact that a good dynamic speaker can deliver. The Pass Labs XA30.5 is the finest amplifier I've owned so far. The Bruce Moore Audio Companion III linestage preamp is simply awesome.
nice looking sysytem, I too have always admired the mac brand and one day hope to own some mac gear and maggies for that matter, I came so very close to buying a pair. Nice tip on adding a tree in the back of the speakers that you left on another thread. Looks so much better then the store brought sound panels, much higher waf as else. Enjoy the music. Glen
I like the look of the Spacedeck on your platform. You are one of a few who realize that getting rid of that faux marble platform is definitley the way to go. And as always, nice looking system.
Looks like we share some tastes in common. I've been running Maggie 1.6's for about 7 years now. A couple of years ago, I started modding mine (BEWARE!). I started by replacing the internal crossover with higher quality parts. Then I got into bi-amping them, with a KT88 tube amp on the tweeter panels and an Innersound ESL on the bass panels. Most recently I added Mye stands.
The result is a speaker that FAR surpasses what the original 1.6 did (which I loved for 5 years). I highly recommend that you at least consider the Mye stands, to really firm up your bass and improve imaging & detail. Bi-amping takes them to a whole 'nother level, but you would be in tweak town for ever. Not sure I recommend it, altho it's been good for my system.
System edited: The addition of the outstanding Supratek Chenin preamplifier has really taken my system to the next level. The Shelter 501 Mark II has all of the quailities I have been looking for in a cart.
System edited: Added Acoustic Zen Satori Bi-Wire Shotgun speaker cables 8' length. Awaiting delivery of Ridge Street Audio MSE Gen. 2/Poeima speaker cables from Robert at RSA.
System edited: As suggested by fellow A-goners, I removed my SVS sub from my 2 channel rig with suprising good results. The new Horizon Silverflex (Bi-wired) speaker cables have made a HUGE difference in bass response and clarity and quickness for the better. These cables are a steal at $390.00 for the 10' setup.
System edited: The Odyssey Stratos Extreme is awesome and a great value. 1.6QR's are so inviting. Cary 308T has the biggest soundstage I've ever heard. Sweet and rich sounding player. Marantz SA 8260 is excellent on SACD and redbook play. Kimber SS are breaking in still but very fast so far. Can't go wrong with Hero (IMHO) either.
I own the Maggie 1.6 speakers and I think you will definately like them. I don't know anything about your Athems but I'm driving mine with a Bryston 3B which is similar "spec" wise. I have no problem driving them. Only when I really get crazy do I see the little green lights start to go red.
I am being told by a couple of audio people whose opinion's I trust and value that yes the Anthem MCA 20 will have more than enough. Admittedly, though the amp might not "like" being driven alot, if I try to listen at crazy loud levels.
