I"ve heard these Rockport Aviors extensively in Austin. Big congratulations, these are a FANTASTIC speaker and really makes one wonder why you ever need to spend more money. They do a few things my Wilson Maxx 3's don't do for 1/2 the price! The transparency and natural presentation is world class in the Rockports..
The amps I heard them with are the Nagra 300b and VPA's along with Ayre MXR's. I think they are going to transmit the sound you put into them...so all of your combo's above will likely work great....the electronic signature will absolutely come through. All combo's I heard above were using a Nagra PLL
I do tend to like preamps based around the 12ax7 or 6922 tube types. I have not heard the recent ARC Ref 5 or 5se however. I did hear the VTL preamp a few time...and felt like something (to me) was a tad hard or not quite so natural in the treble area. I think heard the same system with a Absolare pre amp (12au7 based i think) and it was phenomenal.
Good luck with your pre/amp auditions...please post back as you hear various combos!
The amps I heard them with are the Nagra 300b and VPA's along with Ayre MXR's. I think they are going to transmit the sound you put into them...so all of your combo's above will likely work great....the electronic signature will absolutely come through. All combo's I heard above were using a Nagra PLL
I do tend to like preamps based around the 12ax7 or 6922 tube types. I have not heard the recent ARC Ref 5 or 5se however. I did hear the VTL preamp a few time...and felt like something (to me) was a tad hard or not quite so natural in the treble area. I think heard the same system with a Absolare pre amp (12au7 based i think) and it was phenomenal.
Good luck with your pre/amp auditions...please post back as you hear various combos!