I recently upgraded my pre-amp and power amp to a used Anthem AVM 20 pre ($200) and classDaudio Studio power ($700). These significantly improved the clarity of my 1989 Martin Logan CLS ii's, which I've had for 31 years.
I've purchased two used Anthem AVM 20's for $200 and $300 (new they were $4,000). I'm using the "2 Ch z Anlg-DSP Main" and "All chan Stereo" playback mode on the Anthem.
I'm streaming all music from a Dell pc, using VLC for audio playback. I'm also using commercial xlr interconnect cables.
By improved clarity, I'm hearing much more of the backing musicians in performances and improved sound stage in better recordings. I recently got a "City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra" recording "the essential James Bond". Yeah, but it is the best orchestra recording I've found yet. Stunning performance, dynamic audio, no spot mics, and the fullest soundstage I've heard. Even the original movie soundtracks sound compressed compared to this recording.
Re-listening everything I've got, I find even mundane pop/rock hits from the 60's/70's with stunning audio quality, composition, and performances. Songs with "spacing" that allow you to hear the details of the performance.
The Dramatics "What you see is what you get"
The Undisputed Truth "Smiling Faces Sometimes Don't Tell the Truth"Friends of Distinction "Grazing In The Grass"
Herb Albert "A Taste of Honey"Carly Simon "The Right Thing To Do"Peter, Paul and Mary "A'soalin","Gone The Rainbow", "Bamboo", "Sorrow", "500 Miles"Mamas & Papas "Go Where You Wanna Go"
Speaker placement for my CLS's has been the 1/3 rule at most places. Speakers 1/3 distance from front wall, listening position 1/3 from back wall. CLS's separation about the same as the distance from CLS's to listening position.
Just a thought.
I've purchased two used Anthem AVM 20's for $200 and $300 (new they were $4,000). I'm using the "2 Ch z Anlg-DSP Main" and "All chan Stereo" playback mode on the Anthem.
I'm streaming all music from a Dell pc, using VLC for audio playback. I'm also using commercial xlr interconnect cables.
By improved clarity, I'm hearing much more of the backing musicians in performances and improved sound stage in better recordings. I recently got a "City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra" recording "the essential James Bond". Yeah, but it is the best orchestra recording I've found yet. Stunning performance, dynamic audio, no spot mics, and the fullest soundstage I've heard. Even the original movie soundtracks sound compressed compared to this recording.
Re-listening everything I've got, I find even mundane pop/rock hits from the 60's/70's with stunning audio quality, composition, and performances. Songs with "spacing" that allow you to hear the details of the performance.
The Dramatics "What you see is what you get"
The Undisputed Truth "Smiling Faces Sometimes Don't Tell the Truth"Friends of Distinction "Grazing In The Grass"
Herb Albert "A Taste of Honey"Carly Simon "The Right Thing To Do"Peter, Paul and Mary "A'soalin","Gone The Rainbow", "Bamboo", "Sorrow", "500 Miles"Mamas & Papas "Go Where You Wanna Go"
Speaker placement for my CLS's has been the 1/3 rule at most places. Speakers 1/3 distance from front wall, listening position 1/3 from back wall. CLS's separation about the same as the distance from CLS's to listening position.
Just a thought.