This is a system I have just put together over the past few weeks with everyones input here. I've been able to add piece at a time to enjoy the improvements but now I'm at a crossroad. I just purchased both amps this week & have yet to hear them in my system. Looks like I'll be making a choice next week after spending a little time with both of them in my living room. I still need to get some good IC's & speaker cable. I'm running my generic stuff right now but figure once I decide on the amp, I'll upgrade shortly after with some quality cables to round out the system. So based on all this tell me which amp or cables you'd want to see on this system if it were YOUR own, this should be fun.
System edited: The system has just changed yet again, this is such a fun hobby. I can say the system just moved up to the next level with the addition of the Monarchy's & ModWright. Incredible vallue & sound. True bang for the buck items.
System edited: Well, it has been a while but I have finally updated my system to reflect it's current status. I just added a pair of AZ Satori shotgun's & WOW! They replaced a pair of MIT T2 cables & they made the system come alive, it is the best money I have spent in a long time. I also just added an Onkyo SP1000 player to replace my Phillips 963 & Parasound 2000 transport. The Onkyo is a very nice player & I finally have one box to do the work of two. Next is my pre-amp, it will be an Audible Illusions L2, I have waited over a year for this & I am told it is ALMOST done, as soon as I receive I will update again.
I've decided on the DNA for my power amp. The CJ seemed a little harsh to my ears in my system & when I ran the DNA it was instant pleasure. I was sorry I couldn't make the CJ work but for me I'll stick with the McCormack.
I'm still waiting for the amp but with my old Carver in the system at the moment I think I need a little "brighter" cable. Everything is a little too laid back for me at the moment, but I will wait & see which amp sounds best before changing out cables although my "homebrew" bi-wire speaker cables have got to go either way.
I was very happy with my DNA 0.5 with VAndy 2cis. Haven't heard the CJ. One advantage of the Vandy is that there is built in upgrade path thru SMc Audio.
Plinius 8200P should be among your top choices- 175 wpc, 2 sets of binding posts, mute switch and ground lift switch. Retail is $1995, and a bargain at that price. you don't see them often.
With the Vandersteens I would recommend the Conrad Johnson Premier 11a, used around $1700. I heard this combo with the PV10 that you have and it was very musical overall, just lacking a bit of detail. The front end was an entry level VPI turntable with a Grado cartridge. Excellent system synergy for the money.
Hi Fishwater, I like tube amps but of the two you have mentioned, I would go with the DNA-1. Check out the Sakura ota cable kit. Very good sounding wire at a very reasonable price. There are over 300 post on the OTA. If you are willing to spend more $$$, give the Sonora from Starsound a listen. Whatever you decide i hope it will be fun. After you recover buying your wire, think about some PCs. And when you recover from that, look into isolation devices such as Neuance or Sistrum. I wish you the best in your search.
