My last thread appears to have been deleted.

Anyway, I auditioned some things and passed over others due to what I consider to be used prices that are far too high - though I could negotiate.

Speakers in consideration:
Epos 11
Revolver R33
Quad 21L and 12L
Harbeth HL K6ES
ATC SMC11
Tannoy DC8
B&W DM110i
Tannoy 628

Electronics:
Audiolab 8000a and 8000c preamp ($995 for both)
VTL 120/50 ($1800US)
Conrad Johnson PV11/MV52 ($2,300US for both)
Cary SLA Sli9 (could not find info on this amp but asking $1k US)
Dared MP2a3 or MP 300B (about $850 US each)
Creek A50ir
Audio Refinement Complete CD player
Audio Note Dac Zero and CDT Zero transport ($1300US for both)

I enjoyed the Revolver speakers more than some of the others - first time I've heard Revolver. A little more personality but a little more openness and dynamics and jump factor than the polite Quads. But often in a short audition the jump factor speakers stand out while the Quads may be better on a longer session.

The Dared stuff is new and looks pretty cool. I like that the tube in the middle gives you a clipping reading - so you know if the tube amp is being pushed into distortion or not. A built in meter but the tube displays the information.

Also saw a really nice Project turntable - the sexy looking ones (RPM 5.1 I believe) for $600US new. I remember liking their lower models far more than my Rega P2 clone.

The problem with the used gear is that the sticker price seems really high. Their English is zero and The AX Two standmount is about $5,000 HKD which is slightly more than the Epos 11 and not quite as much as they're asking for the Revolver. I will audition the AX Two again but it's much better than the Quads and doesn't have some of the box and treble issues that the ATC SMC or Tannoys seemed to possess. The Harbeths are $1300 US and while nice is creeping out of budget and is apparently difficult to drive.

Any input on Dared? I have read reports on AA that people shilled them heavily in the past and one poster didin't think they competed with other makes for the same money.

The Audiolab SS gear also holds interest largely due to the immense amount of raves and best in class awards the British press piles onto them. Their CD player/DAC/Preamp unit and 32 bit processing which is designed in Canada is intriguing. They imply that the numbers are a bit of marketing but then they say it's the best sound in it's class - so maybe there is something to the marketing. Have not heard it so I don't know. Audiolab 8200CD review from the experts at whathifi.com


But again the new prices are not all that much more...

They also had an old set of Allison 115 that looked in great shape for $200. But I suspect these were before my time. But they were asking a hair over $200US. Problem might be getting them serviced down the line as they're pretty old.