System edited: Received the Parasound JC2 preamp and PS Audio Directstream DAC on the same day. Improvements yes, especially regarding bass articulation. I can't credit improvements to either component because I inserted both of them simultaneously. More comments after a few days of listening.
I've learned so many thing over the past 20 years in this hobby. Number one, is putting a system together is more important than the individual components. That being said, I still submit it's important to find a speaker that you enjoy and build around it. I've been lucky enough to find what I want in the Aerial 7Ts. I've owned many speakers and constantly made the mistake of upgrading the speakers, without putting enough thought into building a system. Now, I'm into building a system and I'm almost there. My next step will be a transport, isolation, and maybe I'll end it with a sub.
Heard your speakers more than once and they sounded very special. See your going thru a lot of changes to obtain that elusive synergy and that's the hard part but it's what this hobby is all about. Best of Luck
Some may not agree but I use a Sony s7700 with modified detachable cord. They can be found cheaply on Ebay in the interim until you save for a better transport. PM me and I will tell you about a fanastic cord also.
Some may not agree but I use a Sony 7700s with modified detachable cord. They can be found cheaply on Ebay in the interim until you save for a better transport. PM me and I will tell you about a fanastic cord also.
I went from a Peachtree Class D integrated to the A21. The A21 has significantly more control and a fuller sound. I owned an A21 before and came back to it. I truly believe I would need to spend several thousands more to get slightly better and/or different sound.
I'm going to try to go from the A21 direct to the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC when I receive it on Wednesday.
Ricred1, You should wait for thhe A21 to settle in. But do you feel the sound more smooth compared to your previous amp? Or does it it feel that the A21 is able to drive the speakers more easily? With your system, a dedicated DAC makes more sense.
Honestly, I don't know to what extent the A21 made because I changed multiple components at the same time.
I didn't consider anything besides the P5, because I knew I would get a DAC. My thoughts were the DAC is going to have more influence on the sound because CDs are my primary source. I purchased the PS Audio Perfectwave DAC II.
Overall the sound is far more musical (air, dynamics, details).
Ricred1, What difference did the A21 make in your system? What other preamp did you consider before finalizing the P5? I have heard a lot of nice things about Aerial loudspeakers.
I'll preface my comments by letting you know I currently have my 220se for sale.
I submit the 220se is great for what it does, especially when you consider the price. It simplifies a system and is capable of good, but not great sound. I really think it depends on what speakers you are driving and the size of your room.
I'm driving Aerial 7Ts in a room that measures 20' X 26'. I believe I need a little more power(current)to get the best out of my current speakers. The Peachtree 220se does a good job with imaging, provides a good soundstage, and good bass control. I have decided to go with separates and spend a little bit more money.
According to Peachtree the 220se is sonically very close to the Grand integrated.
Ricred--I know the Mirage M1 well! Most of the problems with that design centered, I feel, around the generous bottom end. It had lots of output but little definition. I understand what you're saying about imaging--it's considered perhaps a weakness of bipolar design--but in this regard I thought the M1 did very well. Image specificity seemed quite good to me. Go figure. Anyway, I appreciate your response.
In my room, with my equipment the F208s reminded me of Mirage M1s(Bi-polar)when I had them. The soundstage was big, but the imaging suffered. In addition, they lack detail compared to more revealing speakers. They just didn't sound musical to my ears. Now, if I weren't a 2 channel person and my primary goal was very good surround sound I would have kept them. The F208s are very good speakers, but I was willing to pay a little more to improve the areas that were important to me. The Aerial 7Ts are musical to my ears, have a big soundstage, very detailed without fatigue, and has one of the best mids that I've ever heard. There isn't a one speaker fits all, but I'm very, very happy with the 7TS.
Interesting. Thanks for the response. What, specifically, were you unhappy with about the F208? I'm thinking about buying a pair for my second system so the more detail you can provide, the better.
I didn't make the same mistake...I didn't buy Aerial 7Ts because of the manufacture or how much they cost. I was unhappy with the overall sound of the F208s so I sold them. The 7Ts are the most enjoyable speakers that I've ever owned. I will build around them; however I won't buy another speaker.
"I tried to convince myself that I liked a speaker because of how much it cost, as opposed to how it sounds."
Okay, so you moved from a more expensive speaker (the Sasha) to a less expensive speaker (the F208). But then you repeat the mistake you made originally by moving from a less expensive speaker (the F208) to a more expensive speaker (the 7T).
Ricred, did you sell the F208's? I'm currently using Harbeth C7es3's with a REL B2 sub. I auditioned the F208's and thought the soundstage was quite a bit larger than what I'm getting with my current speaker arrangement. I don't have the luxury of keeping them more than 16" away from the wall behind the and was wondering your thoughts on how sensitive the F208 is to placement.
