rayden1972

Responses from rayden1972

Wilson Sophia 2 or Sonus Faber Amati Homage
I heard them side by side at the same dealer and to my ears Amati was a clear winner. With Sophia I could not feel any emotion at all. With Amati music was all excitement and emotion. Both were driven by Sim Audio electronics. HTH. YMMV. 
Peak Consult Dragon. Anyone???????
Never heard the big peaks and but have a pair of empress. FWIW with some low powered tubes or wrong SS amplification (I tried Dartzeel) the bass can definitely sound muddy. However lifeless mid range for me is new as in my opinion that is presicel... 
Audia amplifiers- comments?
I have their top of the line CDP, pre and amp. Smooth sound. Set up properly sound like tubes without their short comings like reliability and lack of bass control. 
Audio Research Tube AMP Reliability
I guess my experience is different than the majority. I had a demo ref 110 for a couple of months. Had one tube failure and the next time the blown tube took the board with it too during LOTR - ROTK. I got so scared I sold my ordered unit without ... 
Dali Helicon 300 + Rel Stadium 3 or Euphonia MS 4?
You are in Europe so have a look on Audiodata Soutien 2+. If set up properly can do wonders for 2CH listening provided the mains can go between 60-80 Hz with decent output. 
Compare: Modwright LS 36.5 & Audio Research LS26
As a former owner of LS-26 I can tell you that its not typical tube sound either. Its quiet close to SS IME & IMO and paired with the wrong amp can be quiet lean and unforgiving. 
What should I change
Thanks again for all the suggestions.After much deliberation I have decided to give a try to a tube preamp. The 2 contenders I am considering are ARC Ref 3 and Cary SLP-05. Based on my experience with both brands I am sensing a better chance with ... 
What should I change
WOW Thanks a bundle to all you good folks for your responses and emails. Mrtennis/MusicslugI am also suspecting that my brain is (major?) part of the problem. I have been in critical listening mode for the last one year till I reached this point w... 
How loud can I 'safely' play my Dynaudio Focus 140
One very important factor in my opinion is the room size where the speakers are placed and the distance to listening position. If you have a small/ish room than both the speakers and the amp have to do less to pressurise it specially in terms of b... 
Integrateds: Warm sounding SS vs Hybrid
I completely agree with Elevick. If you want tube like sound in SS your best bet is pure class A components. 
In Whose Ears Do You Trust Most?
@Pubul57I used to have the same approach as yourself but since a year or so I have changed. Now I have learnt to be as direct and merciless as my wife when critiquing my system. If there is one bit I don't like about my system I tell that to my AV... 
ARC LS26 power cords, interconnects, tweaks
@Jim_swantkoOut of curiousity what pre do you own now and how does it compare to the ARC?Cheers,-Rayden 
ARC LS26 power cords, interconnects, tweaks
I used to own LS26 and had the same experience. According to my dealer monitor has a shorter signal path than CD input that's why it sounds better. Its also the reason that with monitor input you dont have all functions available e.g. gain as far ... 
Wilson MAXX 2 vs Watt Puppy 8
Maxx2man I think he meant that he will give 7 out of 8 to W/P 8 for being life like and full marks to Maxx2. 
Best amp for Sonus Faber Cremona M - need help
@HulskofI have never touched the pre but the amp definitely gets very hot. Not a biggie in Europe though as its still bloody cold in Switzerland :-)The thing I was talking about was my audio consultant. He is a genius in 2CH and MCH and perhaps th...