Looking at SS Amp for Change of Pace

[Jack in Wilmington]

Besides the Marantz PM-15S1 that I mention at the end of Frenchie's Marantz post, I'm also looking at an Arcam FMJ A32 and a Krell 400Xi. I know Marantz and Krell have their banner wavers and their distractors here and Arcam doesn't have a big following. Just want to get some ideas on sound characteristics
( Bright, Warm, Neutral, etc) These are all used so it's kind of shooting blind and hope for a sonic match. Thanks

[JohnMichael]

Looks like you are wanting to buy used. If you get a chance do give the Krell S-300i a listen. From my experience with the S-300i and the reviews I have read the S-300i is one of their best int. amps. I have no direct comparison with another Krell but going on reviews and how good it sounds in my system I would highly recommend it.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Looks like you are wanting to buy used. If you get a chance do give the Krell S-300i a listen. From my experience with the S-300i and the reviews I have read the S-300i is one of their best int. amps. I have no direct comparison with another Krell but going on reviews and how good it sounds in my system I would highly recommend it.

Thanks JM, I was eyeing a S-300i also, but they don't show up as often as the 400's. That tells you something of their quality.

[Ajani]

I can't comment on any of those options (other than general negative thoughts on Arcam) as I've not heard the specific models... However, I am curious about why you chose just those 3 from the world of SS amps available...

[Jack in Wilmington]

I can't comment on any of those options (other than general negative thoughts on Arcam) as I've not heard the specific models... However, I am curious about why you chose just those 3 from the world of SS amps available...

I mentioned those three only because they were available on the used market, in my price range ($1000) and I had read some favorable reviews from owners. But I'm by no means limited to just those three.

[frenchmon]

Jack what sound do you prefer? Bright, warm, nutral....what is the character of your system?

[harley .guy07]

If we can get Mr. Peabody to post on here again all the time and get his ISP working correctly then he could give you some insight. He has a Krell 400 setting in a closet not being used from a previous system and has a lot to say about Krell, Bryston, Adcom, among others since he either still owns them or have heard or owned them in the past. Heck you might talk to him about the Krell since he is not using it as far as I know and might let it go for a good price but I do know he is a big Krell fan when he is talking about SS stuff.

[RGA]

Pass Labs, Sugden, Heed Audio.

Personally, I would go with a different kind of SS design - those three are different than the usual. Whether they will be in your price range or available is another matter.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Pass Labs, Sugden, Heed Audio.

Personally, I would go with a different kind of SS design - those three are different than the usual. Whether they will be in your price range or available is another matter.

Thanks Rich
The Pass Labs X150.5 looks nice but there is not much out there on the used market.

[Hyfi]

You may want to up your budget a little and go for a new Odessey Stratos Extreme, Plus or standard models. Nothing but good reviews anywhere you look. I still love my Stratos (standard with Cap upgrade when purchased years ago).

Odyssey Audio: Stratos Stereo amplifiers. Call us (317) 299 5578. IN, USA. (http://www.odysseyaudio.com/products-stratos-stereo.html)

Stratos Stereo:
base model specifications:

$1,195 USD
2 x 150 Watts RMS @ 8 Ohms
2 Ohm load stable
Class A/AB
2 - 400,000 Hz frequency range
60,000µF memory
45 amps current delivery
<0.04% THD (not audible)
>500 continuous damping factor
Input impedance 22K ohms
DC offset <1 mV
RCA & XLR (bridged) inputs
400 VA Plitron transformer
Sanken Epitaxial Planar Transistors 2SA1216 & 2SC2922
Anti vibration dual thickness PCB
Power consumption when idle ±30Watts
4 internal fuses 250V/6.3A, 5x20mm, fast blow
Additional electrical protection fuse
54 lbs weight / 24.5 kg
Dimensions: 19 width x 18 deep x 7 height (in) /
48.3 width x 45.7 deep x 17.8 height (cm)

Stratos Stereo Plus:
improvements over base model:

$ 1,400 USD
Additional 60,000µF memory bank for 120,000µF total
55 lbs / 25 kg weight

Stratos Stereo Extreme:
improvements over Plus model:

$ 1,750 USD
Additional 60,000µF memory bank for 180,000µF total
>60 amps current delivery
Additional 400 VA Plitron transformer for 800VA total
Higher performance parts:
Nichicon Muse capacitors, Vishay/Dale resistors, extra WIMA metal film capacitors
Power consumption when idle ±35Watts
70 lbs / 32 kg weight

[JohnMichael]

Besides the Marantz PM-15S1 that I mention at the end of Frenchie's Marantz post, I'm also looking at an Arcam FMJ A32 and a Krell 400Xi. I know Marantz and Krell have their banner wavers and their distractors here and Arcam doesn't have a big following. Just want to get some ideas on sound characteristics
( Bright, Warm, Neutral, etc) These are all used so it's kind of shooting blind and hope for a sonic match. Thanks



I remembered something about the Krell 400Xi I read in Stereophile. John Atkinson had written that in his tests the amp ran hot due to insufficient heat sinking. Of course this was a problem when he ran the amp at 1/3 power. I do not know if it would matter unless you planned to play at loud volumes for extended times. My Krell S-300i runs warm but from the Class A preamp stage and not from the heat sinks on both sides of the amp.

This is an interior shot of the S-300i.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I remembered something about the Krell 400Xi I read in Stereophile. John Atkinson had written that in his tests the amp ran hot due to insufficient heat sinking. Of course this was a problem when he ran the amp at 1/3 power. I do not know if it would matter unless you planned to play at loud volumes for extended times. My Krell S-300i runs warm but from the Class A preamp stage and not from the heat sinks on both sides of the amp.

This is an interior shot of the S-300i.

Thanks JM, that's good to know. I'm used to warm running tube amps. My Anthem MCA 20 runs very cool and it's in a cabinet.

[harley .guy07]

I will second the Pass labs Advice I have always liked his work with SS with his own Pass Labs branded stuff and also when he designed some stuff for Adcom among other brands, the stuff he designs seems to go a step further in refinement when compared to like priced pieces(in my opinion) or at least on the power amp side they do I have not heard any Pass labs preamps. And I have heard Krell's run hot by the nature of how they are built which I suppose one would think would hinder their ability to last for years but I have heard of people running Krells for years and years without breaking. One other point there probably isn't many Pass labs amps going on he used market because people that buy them seem to keep them.

[Ajani]

Pass Labs certainly have a great rep, but I really doubt the OP will find many (if any) Pass amps with a $1K budget...

[harley .guy07]

You are very true since there aren't many of his products under the 5 digit price tag to begin with. Maybe an older Aleph of something but I doubt he wants to go back that many years on something that expensive. I know I wouldn't unless it has been gone through with a fine tooth come and every component tested for working ability.

[blackraven]

Take a look at some of the used AVA amps with factory warranty and 30 day money back guarantee.

avahifi - Used Equipment (http://www.avahifi.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=125&Itemid=176)

[Poultrygeist]

For solid state amps the Dayens are untouchable. 6moons gave the Ampino amp, their product of year award. If I was forced to give up tubes I'd go with a Dayens.

Dayens - Integrated Amplifers - Menuetto (http://www.dayens.rs/eng_menuetto.html)

[Jack in Wilmington]

For solid state amps the Dayens are untouchable. 6moons gave the Ampino amp, their product of year award. If I was forced to give up tubes I'd go with a Dayens.

Dayens - Integrated Amplifers - Menuetto (http://www.dayens.rs/eng_menuetto.html)

Nice, but I was looking for a little more juice for the Dyns.

[Poultrygeist]

More juice? The Dyns are 87db bass reflex so 60 real world watts per side into 4ohms should work except in a concert hall. My sealed Aerials were 84db but played loud as hell on 30 wpc.

You can easily reach 100db SPLs ( pain threshould ) with 3.5 watts and 93db horns.

[Jack in Wilmington]

More juice? The Dyns are 87db bass reflex so 60 real world watts per side into 4ohms should work except in a concert hall. My sealed Aerials were 84db but played loud as hell on 30 wpc.

You can easily reach 100db SPLs ( pain threshould ) with 3.5 watts and 93db horns.

I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.

[JohnMichael]

I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.


I know what you mean it is nice to have the dynamic headroom and I really like how that power and damping factor controls the woofers. The RS6's along with the Krell can play very loud when I am in the mood to rock.

[Hyfi]

I have 60 watts now, so I wanted to give the Dyns 150 to 300 and see how they sounded. It's not that I'm looking for more volume, I don't get near the half way point on the dial now.

It is not just the watts, it's the current.

And yes, you are on the right track looking for more to drive the Audience speakers. They will sound so much better with more power.

Yes, 60 will drive them. Yes they will play loud. But they will be completely different animals with a killer amp.

I had a big difference when I switched from my old Hafler to the Stratos. Night and day difference.

[Poultrygeist]

And it's not just the power or current it's the quality of that all important first watt.

The Dayens amps have been favorably compared to Pass Labs amps. One reviewer called the Ampino, the Menuetto's little brother, an F5 Lite.

[blackraven]

Here's a used Anthem amp-

FS: Anthem Statement A2 Amplifier (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98945.0)

and a used AVA Hybrid amp-which is a steal at this price-

FS: Van Alstine Ultra 550+ Power Amplifier - REDUCED AGAIN!! (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96608.0)

[Jack in Wilmington]

Here's a used Anthem amp-

FS: Anthem Statement A2 Amplifier (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=98945.0)

and a used AVA Hybrid amp-which is a steal at this price-

FS: Van Alstine Ultra 550+ Power Amplifier - REDUCED AGAIN!! (http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=96608.0)

Thanks BR, but I'm actually looking for an integrated amp. I stopped by my local HiFi shop today and he has the Anthem 225 which sounded excellent driving a pair of Totem Winds. This is the first time I've gotten a chance to hear the Wind. My salesguy put on a jazz sampler and I was sitting down and listening very quickly. He also had an Arcam FMJ A28 that I could take home and keep for a week, but I think I want to take the Anthem home first.

[Feanor]

Why buy an integrated? Well, there are a couple of reasons, IMO.
Integrateds can cost significantly less that comparable separates, new or used
Integrateds will take up less space.
On the downside for a typical audiophile or enthusiast, an integrated offers less upgrade flexibility -- on each occassion that I've bought an integrated I've regretted it and it has ended up costing me as much as separates.


It's fun looking through Audiogon, (say), for integrateds; there are always of few of interest, e.g. these under $1500:

Krell 400xi (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322606063&/Krell-400xi)
Krell 300i (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322605587&/Krell-300i)
Musical Fidelity M3i (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322523350&/Musical-Fidelity-M3i)
Marantz AVR8003 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322218568&/Marantz-avr-8003)
Arcam FMJ A38 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322141841&/Arcam-A38-integrated-amp)
Bel Canto eVo2i (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322080455&/Bel-Canto-Evo-2i) -- I used to own one of these: very transparent, a tad cool; this is a bargain price.
NAD C375BEE (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1322073738&/NAD-C375BEE) -- if you like NAD, ones I've heard sound overly warm in the mid-bass and not especially transparent
Arcam FMJ A32 (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1321892251&/Aecam-FMJ-A32) -- a good deal cheaper than the A38 above
Cambridge Audio 840A (http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1321724160&/Cambridge-Audio-840A) -- this appeals to me in particular, esp. for the money

[Jack in Wilmington]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

[harley .guy07]

Well if it is any comfort I love my Dynaudio's with my SS amp and Nuforce Preamp. It seems to have the power to be able to allow theme to breathe and bring out the best in them. I hope it does the trick for you and prove that Tubes don't fix everything and there are speakers out there that sound better without tubes being involved.

[harley .guy07]

If this does not help let me know because your speakers are not all that different from mine.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Thanks Harley. I have a 30 day trial on the amp. I figure that Peabody tried the Zu's, the JBL's and the Canton's before he found the Revels. I looked at reviews of my speakers just on the odd chance that it might give me a clue as to what might work. But as I thought, the reviewers used amps that were out of my league.

[frenchmon]

Well I ordered the Anthem 225 today. Just didn't see what I was looking for on the used front. Now we'll see if I have an audio epithany like Mr Peabody did. He changed his speakers to get the desired results. I decided to keep my speakers and change amp. Lets hope they both have the same outcome.

Congrats Jack. I hope it all works out for you. That Anthem is a fine amp. That Intergrated amp is loaded! Man...You should be able to run the Jolida through the 225 and still get a little tube warmness with more power....great!

And for the Retail listed price..even at that price it seems like you are getting a deal! Kindly let us know what you think.....Please give brief review.

[Mr Peabody]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack, I don't have time to read this entire thread but for the 1.8's you want a Krell. Arcam will not have the same power/drive for the 1.8's and Marantz may lean toward the warm side similar issues I had with my t2.5's. Krell with the 1.8's will give you a bass response and transient attack like you have yet to experience. I have not heard the
S-300i but a 300iL I think would be better than a 400xi though the iL is an older model.

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

[Enochrome]

Are you giving up on the Jolida? I too have a similar set up to yours and was thinking of going SS from a quality company. I wanted more frequency extension and faster transients. Although I am pleased with my Jolida I have had a reoccuring hum from the preamp tubes that are starting to annoy me.

Can't wait to read what you think of the Anthem and congrats on your new toy!!!! Will you do a comparison with the Anthem and the Jolida?

[Ajani]

I had my sights set on the S300i, but just could not find what I wanted. There is a KAV300i on Audiogon now that looks nice, but I was worried about the age of the amp. I decided to go with the Anthem because it's new and I do have 30 days to decide if I like it. It puts out 310w so power won't be an issue. I'll just have to see how the synergy is with the rest of my system.

Have you tried the Dynaudio with your Anthem MCA20? If so, do you prefer the sound to the Jolida?

I suspect the Anthem integrated is basically the MCA 20 with a built in preamp...

[Mr Peabody]

I'm not familiar with many Anthem power amps, I did hear a multichannel of theirs and it didn't give Paradigm Studios much slam. The kav-300i is alright but it's the least of all the Krell integrated amps. I've yet to hear an entegrated with the brute force krell puts in theirs. With 310 watts though hopefully the Anthem will have the 1.8's dancing.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Enochrome, I haven't given up on the Jolida. I just don't feel I'm getting all the headroom and air that I should be getting, especially on some rock and full orchestral music. I will listen to some of my so called "audition" music on the Jolida before I bring the Anthem into the mix.

Ajani, I didn't try the MCA 20 with the Dyns. The speaker wires coming out of the MCA 20 are set up for bi-wire and the Dyns aren't a bi-wire speaker. I know I could have done it fairly easily, but I just got lazy. I know that's no excuse, it's not like I have anything to do all day.

[texlle]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

[Hyfi]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I was gonna ask how that Jolida drove the 42s. As good as they are, there is only so much they can do.

I can tell you that they really perform with both my Stratos or Counterpoint NPS400 via all tube preamp, VAC. But, you are only going to get so much bass out of them.

Definitely worth a shot though, cause I know how good the 42s can sound as mains. Add a little sub and they become very believable.

They make awesome rears, which is what I use them for.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I know several members here have had excellent results with a tube pre and SS amp combo. Now your 42's will be an easier load on the 502 than my 1.8's were. A lot will depend on the type of music that you listen to. On accoustic music, jazz and some classical it will be a great match I would think.

[bobsticks]

Krell and Dynaudio have excellent synergy together and it will, in fact, be a presentation completely different to that of tubes.

[JohnMichael]

Congratulations Jack, the Anthem should give you what you have been missing. Clean power is a wonderful thing. The Krell really keeps a tight grip on the drivers and fills the room with music. I am sure your new amp will do the same thing. To my ears there is a certain sense of ease when the amp is not struggling to drive the speakers you have.

[Jack in Wilmington]

Congratulations Jack, the Anthem should give you what you have been missing. Clean power is a wonderful thing. The Krell really keeps a tight grip on the drivers and fills the room with music. I am sure your new amp will do the same thing. To my ears there is a certain sense of ease when the amp is not struggling to drive the speakers you have.

Thanks JM. I can really hear the difference. I felt before like the drivers were being held back at times. Now the transients have come alive. I find myself playing things that I haven't listened to in years, because they sound good now. I hope to eventually bring home a Krell, a Bryston and a Ayre to listen to. The journeys not over yet.

[frenchmon]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

I have a hybrid system....tube preamp and SS amp @ 200 watts, and I can tell you its a wonderful system....My tube is not syrupy sweet, but Lively sweet. Its almost like ARC in its sound. I have never heard a Jolida but im sure its a great sound....you should try
a SS amp. Great slam....oh and before I forget...I once hooked the preamp to some Conrad Johnson tube mono blocks at 100 watts each driving some Dynaudio t2.5's and it drove the Dyns effortlessly.

[frenchmon]

Thanks JM. I can really hear the difference. I felt before like the drivers were being held back at times. Now the transients have come alive. I find myself playing things that I haven't listened to in years, because they sound good now. I hope to eventually bring home a Krell, a Bryston and a Ayre to listen to. The journeys not over yet.

I've heard a Krell integrated and the best way I can describe it was a fast sports car. It hold every phase of the music in check with easy it seems.. Had all the power for Classical music. I heard it pared with a T+A CDP and it was an outstanding match. The Krell like I said seems to be fast and smooth at the same time. I've heard the Bryston amp as well. Compared to the Krell the Bryston was warm. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Ayre. Jack you're having some fun over there I see. You gotta love this hobby.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I've heard a Krell integrated and the best way I can describe it was a fast sports car. It hold every phase of the music in check with easy it seems.. Had all the power for Classical music. I heard it pared with a T+A CDP and it was an outstanding match. The Krell like I said seems to be fast and smooth at the same time. I've heard the Bryston amp as well. Compared to the Krell the Bryston was warm. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about Ayre. Jack you're having some fun over there I see. You gotta love this hobby.

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.

[JohnMichael]

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.



I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

[Jack in Wilmington]

I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

It really is a great area for audio. There is another dealer across the street and down about a block. They carry Avalon, Classe, Focal, Magico, Magnepan, Martin Logan, Quad, VPI, McIntosh and lots more. Both dealers get a lot of business from the neighboring states because they're tax free.

[frenchmon]

My dealer here where I got the Anthem sells all three (Krell, Bryston, and Ayre. It will be fun to try them. I know the Krell is the cheapest price wise. They sell Wilson Audio and have Ayre driving the Sophia's and Audio Research driving the Sasha's. Sonus Faber's are being driven by Bryston. Krell is driving some of the Totem's and some of the Signature Paradigm's. There is a lot to choose from.

JM wrote:
I wish I had such a dealer locally. Oh well we have best buy.

Jack wrote:
It really is a great area for audio. There is another dealer across the street and down about a block. They carry Avalon, Classe, Focal, Magico, Magnepan, Martin Logan, Quad, VPI, McIntosh and lots more. Both dealers get a lot of business from the neighboring states because they're tax free.

Oh how I miss Carolina because of all the gear. In Raleigh/Durahm/Cary/Chapel Hill which really can be said to be one big city where I lived, they have the Research Triangle Park.

I'm sure you know Jack, but for those who don't know, its one of the USA's biggest technology centers. So that means lots of cash, and not only blue collar but even more white collar workers as well. Lots of the upper east cost residents from places like New Your and Boston and Phili and Washington where locating down to the Triangle area....also not to mention Duke University over in Durham and, Tar-heel/North Carolina University down in Chapel-hill and Then North Carolina State Wolf Packs over in Raleigh. So its a booming college town all within a 8 mile radius, with not only the work force of the Triangles blue collar and white collar workers, but its also a favorite place for college students. Then from Raleigh/Durham you have 2 hours drive east to the ocean, and another 2 hours drive to the west for the mountains. And its all has a country feel to it. Its the home of NASCAR, and road bikers love the place because of the narrow country roads with all the tree's and hills. Most of the population is people from other parts of the US. So its a favorite target location for high end gear manufacturers...white collar workers can afford the expensive stuff, and collage students can still find good deals. So its very easy to get out and visit the audio shops. When you live in an industrial city like St. Louis which don't have a huge white collar work force like a technology town, you don't have as many high end shops in today's economy. High end gear follows the high money areas.

Jack I've listen to the Watt puppies and the Sophia's. You thinking about making a purchase of some Wilsons? Also Totems I've listened to as well, and they are a remarkable speaker, very much a 3D speaker. The Signatures are a nice speaker as well, nice mid range and a nice lively top end. I listen to the Sonus Faber's and came away wanting to listen some more. Not as punchy as the Totems....the type of sound that you really gotta sit down and listen to for a while to make a good judgment call. Well that's how all speakers are, you just have to get them in your own space before you can really say its the one for you. Man you are lucky to have all that gear you can listen too. Well any ways....I wish I could be out in Carolina with you...perhaps some day I will move back.

Oh I forgot to mention Cary Audio thats made a right there in Cary North Carolina. Its like art work! Some outstanding stuff. have you had a chance to listen to some? I would not mind looking for some used, that way its more affordable for me. You should put it on your list. You wont be disappointed.

[Jack in Wilmington]

The Wilson's are definitely not in my budget or in my decorating scheme. The Sonus Faber's appear to be a very amp specific speaker. My sales guy never had anything nice to say about them until they picked up Bryston. He says the Bryston/SF combo has put some life in the SF's. The Totems I originally heard on my Anthem integrated and it's the best I'd heard Totems sound. Now they've moved the Wind into the Sonus Faber room and hooked them up to a Krell amp/pre combo and they hooked up the Anthem to a pair of Totem Forests. I'm glad to see them move things around, that way you get to hear different combinations of gear.

[harley .guy07]

yeah even if my budget allowed Wilsons I don't think I would like a speaker that big unless I had one hell of a big house and besides you have to build up your floors in your house for their bigger speakers since they weigh like 600 lbs a piece.

[frenchmon]

yeah even if my budget allowed Wilsons I don't think I would like a speaker that big unless I had one hell of a big house and besides you have to build up your floors in your house for their bigger speakers since they weigh like 600 lbs a piece.


Ah...come on harley...you mean you not want a pair of the smaller Wilsons like the Watt Puppy's or the Duette's? I'd take either if I had a chance.

[electronicsprof2]

I have recently bought a Musical Fidelity M3I for my system at my second home, and it is very very impressive. I am using it with the PSB Image T6 speakers, which are also nice. But this amp is so good for the money I was unprepared for it. My big system in the main house has an Audio Research LS-26 preamp and a Bryston 3B-SST amp driving Vandersteen speakers and subs, so I am a little spoiled there, and my old NAD 356BEE wasn't cutting it; wishy-washy vague weak bass and a general lack of dynamics. None of those problems with the M3; if there is a better amp for under $5K, I have yet to hear it! It is so good that I hardly miss my big system now when I listen...it's that good...lol.
Anyone who is in the market for a good integrated amp for under $4k or so...take notice! The M3i is a real winner.
I ordered it from Audio Advisor because I wanted a free trial, and they give you 30 days. About 10 minutes after I hooked it up I knew it was NOT NOT going back!





Besides the Marantz PM-15S1 that I mention at the end of Frenchie's Marantz post, I'm also looking at an Arcam FMJ A32 and a Krell 400Xi. I know Marantz and Krell have their banner wavers and their distractors here and Arcam doesn't have a big following. Just want to get some ideas on sound characteristics
( Bright, Warm, Neutral, etc) These are all used so it's kind of shooting blind and hope for a sonic match. Thanks

[harley .guy07]

Ah...come on harley...you mean you not want a pair of the smaller Wilsons like the Watt Puppy's or the Duette's? I'd take either if I had a chance.

Maybe their smaller speakers would be fine but even their smaller models are larger sized compared to other brands out their. But when I hear something about Wilson's its usually about the Alexandria or another of their bigger models and if I was going to spend that much on a pair of speakers I think I would want to be able to hear every frequency that my ears will allow and would probably be the last speakers I would buy or at least for a couple of decades.

[vlastoc]

In recent times Anthem 225 interests me more and more.

It seems beating all the NADs except of Masters...

In Europe, new costs about 2000$ (1500€), what about the prices in America, please?

[Jack in Wilmington]

In recent times Anthem 225 interests me more and more.

It seems beating all the NADs except of Masters...

In Europe, new costs about 2000$ (1500€), what about the prices in America, please?

I paid $1200 for mine. List price is $1499 I believe.

[vlastoc]

Regarding the NAD 375 BEE, the test in Stereophile - oct 2010 is quite positive, has anybody an extensive listening experience?

[RGA]

Jack,

Lately, I have begun to arrive at the same conclusion as you have. I'm becoming unsatisfied with the headroom available from my Jolida. And it's a 40W 202a. My setup is very fast and detailed, but it just doesn't have the dynamics, bass output, and quite the visceral impact I've grown to like over the years.

Let me know how that anthem works for you because I've been thinking about making a switch for a couple months.

I've been thinking about going to the Jolida 502a and possibly even the 1501 hybrid. My problem is that I know the 502 will be the better amp than the hybrid, overall, but I really want to give the tube preamp and SS amplification a go. However, cost is a limiting factor, as always. Do you think stepping up to a 502a would quell my desire for more headroom and fuller bass or should I just save up for a tube pre/ss amp separates?

The 42 isn't exactly a bass champ to start with - higher power tends to lean out the sound (Bryston for example) and makes it punchy but they don't do depth very well.

I would look to a physically larger speaker (which tend to be more efficient) first and the upper powered tube amps second. Efficiency in a speaker has only advantages (except they tend to cost more to be done well) but there is no downside - you can run any amp, they have "generally" far superior dynamics and transient response (timing).

With LE speakers you generally have to run high power (worse sounding) amplifiers to get the speakers to operate but you end up being forced to listen to said high power (worse sounding) front end gear. If you don't run those amps and you run the low power class A amps (much better sounding) you can't hear it because they don't have the power to move the long throw woofer types. Buying the high watt (good sounding) amplifiers is ludicrously expensive. The gain in "grip" may easily be achieved over the 202a but possibly at the expensive of what the 202a is doing well. I would simply look at a speaker that doesn't make the 202a wheeze.

[texlle]

It really is difficult to choose which component to replace. I've found, in my experience, that many of the difficult drive speakers have a certain body and finesse that the lighter drive speakers don't, probably more quantitatively expressed in terms of dynamics and timing. Dynaudio and Thiel being two examples here. I have truly grown an affinity for the fluid and surreal upper range, the natural midrange and expansive three-dimensionality associated with the Dynaudio sound. In my opinion, the Jolida seems to emphasize these qualities twofold.

I will confess that I am the type of audio enthusiast who is adamant about extensive auditioning before I commit to such an important decision. I wish I had the liberty of whimsically buying and selling gear frequently until I reach a fair state of content, but unfortunately I do not have the time, resources, or patience. I tend to be very analytical of my gear and often find myself critiquing when I know I should be enjoying the music I listen to.

I did make what I'd call a risky move by purchasing a used Rotel receiver online having never been exposed to the Rotel house sound, but I have also never read such unanimous praise over an amp/speaker match than I have of the Rotel/B&W combo. Over the last couple of weeks, I have been highly impressed and feel that I have gained some confidence that allows me to experiment with foreign brands. Luckily, I have at my disposal a small, but superbly outfitted local hifi store, which allowed me to save a lot of time and energy by introducing me to brands like Arcam, Dynaudio, MF, Jolida. Brands whose characteristic sound I would never have experienced and thus would not likely buy if I hadn't been able to put them to the test before purchasing.

There is an audio expo coming to Jacksonville in March that won't arrive soon enough, since I've always wanted to go to one, but can never justify leaving town strictly to attend one. It's also spawned the idea that we really need more local hifi interest groups. Have a cookout, listen to some new gear. Do the same thing next month at the next guy's place. If the crowd's too large, or even if it isn't, you could even reserve a conference room at a hotel for a weekend once a year and bring your own stuff for others to experience. You'd just need to facilitate partition walls.

Ultimately, I foresee the Jolida getting the plug pulled. When I first really got into hifi when I was 16, and began to discover a world of audio outside of best buy and circuit city through hifi specialist retailers, I decided that I wanted to find the right speaker before I found the right amp. I'm growing more and more fond of staying within the Jolida family and feel that a simple boost in power is all this system needs. I may have to take another visit to my local hifi store and audition a jd 502 and jd1000. They both should suffice my need for more headroom and fuller bass output since this 2 channel sits in a small bedroom and is rarely rocked out. Bass depth can always be supplemented by a nice Sunfire super junior or any equivalent sub I may find. If I were to upgrade my dyns, it would likely be to a set of 52SE's or possibly Focus bookshelves. I would then likely sell the 42's, one of which unfortunately has minor cosmetic damage to the side of the baffle, which would surely compromise the selling price. However, I would like an amp with the capacity to get loud (and clean) on occasion. My task now is finding one that will fit the budget. All I can do now is save up, and peruse the used market for the right deal.

[Enochrome]

Hi Texlle,

I have a Jolida 502a with Sovtek KT88's, RCA Blackgate 12AT7's and EH 12AX7's that I have
been thinking of unloading, because I am switching to a small SET approach.

No pressure and worries. Send me a PM if this interests you.

Thanks,

Enochrome