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New speakers and guidance

I am retiring soon and I am going to reward myself by upgrading some of my equipment.  For a budget, I am looking to keep total cash outlays in the net $20k range meaning that I can go beyond $20k with any subsequent funds resulting from the sale of my existing equipment.   My current equipment is listed below for reference. 

I was at AXPONA last year and I listened to the Daedalus Apollos and Apollo 11s.  I absolutely loved the sound of them.  Compared to my existing system, they felt more dynamic and open which are two things that I am looking to improve upon.  They still retained a strong sense of presence and warmth that I enjoy with my current system.

My question is in regards to how best use said funds.  A couple of options come to mind:


  1. Purchase a new set of Apollos and upgrade phono pre to something like Herron or Coincident.

  2. Buy a used set of Daedalus Ulysses/Argos/Athenas and upgrade line stage, amp, phono pre and turntable. 


I appreciate the combined wisdom and advice from this wonderful forum!

 

Room:                18x21x10

Speakers:          Sonus Faber Cremona Auditors

Amp:                  McIntosh 275 mk IV

Line stage:          ARC LS5 mk II

Phone Pre:        ARC PH5 with GNSC mods

Turntable:          VPI Classic

Cartridge:          Dynavector XX2 mk 2    Enter your text ...
annika

Showing 1 response by verdantaudio

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,463 posts
 
I use Eton drivers in my speakers.  I LOVE them.  Mixed with the right tube amplification, that tweeter will shine like the sun.   

LTA would be a wonderful match.  I have been blown away by how good those amps sound and how cool they run.  David Berning stopped in my room at CAF and we had about a 30 minute discussion about tubes and amps.  One of the smartest people I have ever met.    

Knowing that tweeter well, you could consider running an 845 tube.  The 845 is going to be more linear than a 300B and is going to give you a massive soundstage.  The only issue is that they run hot compared to the LTAs but tube life is long and replacement tubes don't have to be $1100 a pair unless you want them to be.  

I use 45w 845 Push Pulls to drive mine but they have an 85dB efficiency.  Your speakers could easily be driver by a SET with less than 20w.  
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