Legacy Whisper XD and Audio Research Amps

Hello Douglas.

MANY thanks for you valuable advise and elaborate reply. I have read and enjoyed your reviews on the Ayon CD5, Focus, Whisper DSW and Helix. My purchase has also been influenced by you! I have the Ayon Skylla (same DAC/Pre as your CD5) as a source with a MacMini/Wavelength Wavelink HS as transport.

I intend to continue using the Skylla as a pre with the Whispers as I really want to preserve the Tube sound in the system.

I understand your advice on amp power and fully agree. I also use an Ayon Triton and Krell S-300i (with HT bypass for pure power amp application) and find much more punch/dynamics in the system with the SS amp, but the vocal are thinner and less dimensional.

What I'd really like to do is have the best possible of both tubes and ss in amps for the Whispers.

While the more powerful AR amps may do the job well, they are beyond my budget. So I am considering the Mac MC501 or the Parasound JC1 or Bryston 7BSST2 as options.

I have spoken to Doug Brown at Legacy who recommends Coda and McIntosh. But between them I prefer the Mac for resale value. Your valuable input on this will be greatly appreciated.

Also, how much of its own sonic signature does the Xilica processor put on the sound. Will it preserve the tubey signal coming into it?

Best,

Sajid

Hi Douglas,

Yes the Skylla has the gain switch which makes a big difference in some difficult situations, esp with lower power amps. The transport i plan to use is the PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport. Though ideally I am still looking for a suitable transport with I2S output into the Skylla. Do you have any preferences when in comes to CD transports?

I plan to switch between the Triton and an SS amp, so I guess that will be a nice option to have. The guys at Legacy also tell me the Triton is a nice match for the XD.

Which Coda model are you reviewing now? Are you using it with the DSW?

Its great to know about the transparency of the processor. I am really looking forward to my Whisper as its my first high end speaker (i caught the audiophile bug just six months ago).

I will be placing an order for all AudioArt interconnects and power cords and will now be including the processor power cord as well. I am using the PurePower 2000 AC regenerator, so hopefully may not need much conditioning.

Would love to have a sneak preview of your review of the Coda amps if possible!!

Look forward to your advise and help on building my system.

Thanks again...

Thanks Doug. I hope to continue getting your advice and help along my journey to have a great system. Your review of the DSW where you mention that the speaker can be adapted with the external crossover in difficult situations to sound good was particularly helpful in me choosing the Whisper. I am restricted in my ability to try out many different combination of upstream equipment due to a lack of availability in my country.

Have a Merry Christmas and a great new year and hope to be in touch again soon.

Best,

Sajid

Thanks Dup.
I've read comments about your system on forums. Sounds like you almost have a live concert going on in your room! This is what I want as well. Since I have bought the Whisper XD, which has internal 500W ICE amps for the bass drivers, there is no option to biamp. I can only use my own amplification for the mid and top. What are your thoughts on the Ayon Triton or Coda amps. I hear Legacy uses them at shows with their speakers. If you have been to the shows, can you let me know your thoughts.

Kent,

Before you buy the McIntosh, do also consider the Codas. I spoke to Bill D and he was quite clear that, to his ears, the Coda amps are a great match to the Whispers. Coda is also used to voice the speakers at the factory.

They seem to represent great value for money as well.

I am now using the Ayon Triton with my XD, and don't feel its short on power.

But I will get a Coda CSX soon. The improvements will be "more attack and clarity" according to Bill D.

I believe Doug also has had a good experience with the Coda amps.