Agree with Nola KO given what you're looking for. Upscale Audio selling off version 1 for $6900, which seems like a great deal. I'd have Don Sachs build me one of his SP14 preamps with upgrades for around $3000, and add a non-upsampling DAC like a Metrum Pavane Level 3 (last I heard Mytek seems to be unresponsive, so I'd be wary there). Given what you're looking for I think that'd be a killer system. Anyway, best of luck in your quest.
System Rebuild
Fellow Agoners!
Need some input assembling “the last” system. (Famous last words!) Cannibalized system to pay for doctoral studies and now I’m suffering audio DT’s and need to get my music back! However, funds are very limited @15K and I need speakers, Tube preamplifier, and digital source. I listen to 95% jazz, all idioms. (60/40 vinyl preference) Imaging and tonality are most important. Last speakers I owned were Scansonic MB2.5’s….and no, I never got rid of the bass boom despite owning for over a year and putting many hours through them. My dedicated listening room is 16 x 30 with 7.5 ceilings! I have Ethernet connection and power direct to panel just for this room.
Former components were PS Audio Direct Stream with Bridge, AR LS17, Primaluna Dialogue Pre, Aesthetix Calypso. Cables are all Analysis Plus Silver Oval or Solo Crystal Oval.
What’s left is my analog setup – anchored by ZYX 4D and AVID Pellere phono stage, and Quicksilver V4 mono tube amplifiers – KT150 version. What I’m considering:
Speakers in order of interest (used/demo):
1. Nola KO I
2. Acoustic Zen Crescendo I
3. Harbeth 40.1
4. Focal 1038Be
5. ScanSonic MB-6
Digital in order of interest (used/demo):
1. AYON CD-3sx
2. Lumin D2
3. Mytek Manhattan II
Tube Pre in order of interest (used/demo):
1. BAT 33SE
2. Primaluna Dialogue Premium
3. Audio Research Ref 5
I’m also remotely considering all-in-one such as Lyngdorf 2170/3400 or Micromega 150.
I don’t listen loud. Emmerson into the musical experience is my goal and passion.
Thanks in advance for any comments.