Step up above Acoustic Signature Mambo

RWD,

Thanks for your comments. I think you're right in that I'm at that cusp where 20-40K on speakers would be required to get a major step up in performance.

I'm listening to the system right now and it does sound very good. The other thought is a better phono stage. Raul is coming on Tuesday to let me listen to his preamp/phonostage. Should be interesting. I'm looking forward to meeting him.

By the way, the Hurricanes are great amps. I auditioned them for a long weekend and think they are very very good for the money. I ultimetaly went to the CAT to get the last bit of detail and dynamics.

Take care,

Andrew

Dgad,

Thanks for your comments here and before. I'm using the Boston Mat-1. I haven't experimented with the Living Voice or others. Maybe I'll give it a try.

One of the things that has intrigued me about the Raven is the high torque motor. Conceptually this seems to be the closest you can get to a direct drive by using belts. Not sure if that's important anyway. With the low torque AC motor and skinny belt that comes with the Mambo, I wonder if it does not deal with minor speed fluctuations induced by various passages as good as the high torque Raven with thick belt. Maybe the interia of the Mambo's platter addresses this.

Anyway, these are probably minor questions. Overall, I'm very impressed with the Mambo. It is hard to fault and if it is competitive with the 10K Raven then it is saying a lot!

Andrew

Folks,

It was an ear-opening experience and very worthwhile. I had some busy work days spilling over into the evening with customers. I'll have a chance this weekend to provide a formal and thorough post. Hang-on.

Andrew

Couldn't resist one more comment speciifc to this thread. Listening to Raul's preamp showed me that there is a lot more that can be extracted from my Analog system. Based on that, the Mambo is not the weak link and the piece of gear I should change at this point.

More later.