Forté Model 5 on the way

[Feanor]

Gee Feanor, I don't know how to respond. It would definitely help for us to hear each other's systems to evaluate the overall synergy. I've never heard either the SDS nor the Forte, so I just don't have any perspective.

Here are some random thoughts:

The new 1.7 is considered brighter than the 1.6. Is the 1.6 itself a bit rolled off? I heard the 3.7 at Harry's and found it had a nice extension at the top.

Passive arrangements are definitely subject to top end roll off if the capacitance isn't extremely low. Do you know the total value of your cables?
...

I've often heard passive preamps blamed for dulling the dynamics, though I never felt I had a problem with the SDS amp. With the Forte I was using 4 foot cable, either Blue Jeans LC-1 at 12.2 pF/ft or Belden 1505F at 17 pF/ft.

Thef Forte is much softer than the SDS; but while the latter are bright, I've never considered it "etched" or grainy.

I am giving serious thought to getting an active preamp once again. Presently I'm looking at an Audio Research LS9, (solid state), on the 'Gon. I expect that it's about as clean & neutral as I'll get for the money, and it's a balanced design.

[E-Stat]

I am giving serious thought to getting an active preamp once again. Presently I'm looking at an Audio Research LS9, (solid state), on the 'Gon. I expect that it's about as clean & neutral as I'll get for the money, and it's a balanced design.

Good luck on that option!

[blackraven]

I would consider a tube preamp for the SDS. I have the CDA amp and my tube preamp smooths out the brightness and the sound is stunning. Here is an AR LS-2b at a great price, it comes with a remote-

Audio Research LS 2B mk 11 R | Tube | Fairview, North Carolina 28730 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

I have good friend that runs this with a pair of Nuforce Model 9se monoblocks and PSB Synchrony's.

This Van Alstine T-8+ with remote is excellent as well, it is the preamp that I should have bought instead of the Hybrid Ultra preamp.

Van Alstine Transcendence 8+ With Phono and Remote | Tube | Sugar Land, Texas 77479 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

[Feanor]

I would consider a tube preamp for the SDS. I have the CDA amp and my tube preamp smooths out the brightness and the sound is stunning. Here is an AR LS-2b at a great price, it comes with a remote-

Audio Research LS 2B mk 11 R | Tube | Fairview, North Carolina 28730 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

I have good friend that runs this with a pair of Nuforce Model 9se monoblocks and PSB Synchrony's.

This Van Alstine T-8+ with remote is excellent as well, it is the preamp that I should have bought instead of the Hybrid Ultra preamp.

Van Alstine Transcendence 8+ With Phono and Remote | Tube | Sugar Land, Texas 77479 | AudiogoN - The High-end Audio Community

I understand where you're coming from on the tube preamp option. My current train of thought is that I will eventually look at other power amp options, maybe a Threshold or the like that is inherently sweeter on the top end. Unlike so tube purists, I believe you can add some filtering effect with a tube pre, but I'm leaning to let the power amp do the work.

In any case I bought the Audio Research LS9, HERE is the link. Not necessarily the lowest price at which LS9's can be had, but better than average copy I'm hoping. I like the reduced gain mod as the SDS is quite sensitive.

BTW, I've always loved the "technical" but elegant look of ARC equipment.

[blackraven]

Congrats on the LS9. I really like AR gear as well. I am sure it will be a great addition to your system.