Congrats on your purchase. On a more simple note, the integrated version of the ST85 (ST85i?) would be my very first recommendation to anyone getting started in this game. An active pre-amp and all the other goodies you might want, including the ability to add an ST85 for bi-amping. Your ears are obviously not "wooden" at all. Enjoy!
Electronics Dont Matter----Part II
My recent post entitled "electronics dont matter" was met with a some sharp remarks. I compared my old $50 Pioneer reciever to some very expensive electronics, and the difference was negligible. Most said I was crazy, some agreed. Well, now I think electronics do matter. But you have to have the right electronics.
I auditioned Ayre, Levinson, Krell, Audio Research, all the usual suspects. The results did not get me to lay down my money. Then I tried VTL ; the 5.5 preamp, and the ST-85 amp. Wow, even my wooden ears could hear it.Immediacy, clarity, prescence. High end should put the music right in your face, the VTL's did it with my Audo Physic Virgos. I avoided tubes at first cause the Virgos are warm ,I thought tubes might make em sound flabby. Plus they need a little bit of power. For anyone out there with the same experience, TRY VTL.
Something felt right about the ST-85 as soon as I took it out of the box. I know looks/build quality has nothing to do with sound, but dont you look at a $10,000 amp sometimes and say "For this money couldnt they put it together right?"
I auditioned Ayre, Levinson, Krell, Audio Research, all the usual suspects. The results did not get me to lay down my money. Then I tried VTL ; the 5.5 preamp, and the ST-85 amp. Wow, even my wooden ears could hear it.Immediacy, clarity, prescence. High end should put the music right in your face, the VTL's did it with my Audo Physic Virgos. I avoided tubes at first cause the Virgos are warm ,I thought tubes might make em sound flabby. Plus they need a little bit of power. For anyone out there with the same experience, TRY VTL.
Something felt right about the ST-85 as soon as I took it out of the box. I know looks/build quality has nothing to do with sound, but dont you look at a $10,000 amp sometimes and say "For this money couldnt they put it together right?"