Hey Murph,
Thanks for your responses. It is nice to have my energy returned.
Subjective is the word. Since you like how the SIT-3/.7 recreates the lower frequencies and the planar sound, the ultimate solution is getting an Electrostatic Sound Solution rebuilt pair of Quad 57s. This may be the last speaker you ever buy. Especially since you already, lucky, own one of the best amp matches for the Quads there is and, probably, the best First Watt amp made. When I said "sand amp" I was referring to silica or silicon. However, the silicon-carbide-based JFETs in the SIT-3 may be the best application ever of a sand amp. This amp creates a midrange to die for with very little SS glare and a solid bass. And 57s create a midrange that is, to this day, the industry standard. Many, many speaker designers use them as a gauge to guide their developments.
Regarding your MoFi MM cartridge, it seems to be a very good one. I don't think the 3mv output is an issue. Industry standard loading for MM phono stages is 47ohms which is appropriate for almost all MM cartridges.
I raved about the Audible Illusions M3A/B. That stands. Though still a SET guy, I think a good SS amp and good tube preamp is a great combination. You already have a great, maybe even classic amp. Why not go for a great and classic preamp like the Audible Illusions M3A/B with an excellent SET phono stage?
As said, you fortunately own about the best SS amp ever designed. Cherish it.
If you want to have a second system or alternate speakers my only suggestion is to go with a little known Canadian company-Tetra Speakers. I own their $16K Phoenix TZs and their $1500 entry level 120Us. Tetra's designer, Adrian Butts, is very much like a great musical artist in his ability to capture the "rightness" in a speaker unlike any speaker brand I have ever experienced. This is clearly reflected in the many great musical artist using and endorsing his speakers. From Keith Richards to Herbie Hancock, they all make similar comments. When going to Tetraspeakers.com, the first image you see is Keith Richards who says: "They're not just ANY pair of speakers"! If I sound like I am selling Tetra speakers, I am. I want to turn all friends on to Adrian's work. I have been at this quest for the "right sound" since I was 18. And a professional in the Audio Industry for almost 40 years. I have never heard a speaker company who is able to consistently capture the essential soul of the music anywhere close to Tetras.
Adrian sells direct so, even though I put on my salesman hat, I make no money for my recommendation. Owning his entry level 120Us made me just one of the many musicians who own and adore Tetras regardless of the level. All Tetras have the house sound just increase in their output.
I do long for Quad 57s and am clear about my recommendation. But my Tetras make me not anxious to get another pair or Quads. As much as I love the Quads, I love my Tetras more. There is no other Audio Industry company of any kind who have this kind of amazing and terrific endorsements. The Tetra speaker website is one-of-a-kind and a convincing testament. Check it out. BTW-I use a SET 300B amp to run my Tetra Phoenix TZs. Not the last word in Rock but, like you, I am very happy with the match even though my First Watt M3 gives me more bass and a fuller sound, I adore the "magic" of the SET. All Tetras work well with 8 watts of 300B.
Thanks for your responses. It is nice to have my energy returned.
Subjective is the word. Since you like how the SIT-3/.7 recreates the lower frequencies and the planar sound, the ultimate solution is getting an Electrostatic Sound Solution rebuilt pair of Quad 57s. This may be the last speaker you ever buy. Especially since you already, lucky, own one of the best amp matches for the Quads there is and, probably, the best First Watt amp made. When I said "sand amp" I was referring to silica or silicon. However, the silicon-carbide-based JFETs in the SIT-3 may be the best application ever of a sand amp. This amp creates a midrange to die for with very little SS glare and a solid bass. And 57s create a midrange that is, to this day, the industry standard. Many, many speaker designers use them as a gauge to guide their developments.
Regarding your MoFi MM cartridge, it seems to be a very good one. I don't think the 3mv output is an issue. Industry standard loading for MM phono stages is 47ohms which is appropriate for almost all MM cartridges.
I raved about the Audible Illusions M3A/B. That stands. Though still a SET guy, I think a good SS amp and good tube preamp is a great combination. You already have a great, maybe even classic amp. Why not go for a great and classic preamp like the Audible Illusions M3A/B with an excellent SET phono stage?
As said, you fortunately own about the best SS amp ever designed. Cherish it.
If you want to have a second system or alternate speakers my only suggestion is to go with a little known Canadian company-Tetra Speakers. I own their $16K Phoenix TZs and their $1500 entry level 120Us. Tetra's designer, Adrian Butts, is very much like a great musical artist in his ability to capture the "rightness" in a speaker unlike any speaker brand I have ever experienced. This is clearly reflected in the many great musical artist using and endorsing his speakers. From Keith Richards to Herbie Hancock, they all make similar comments. When going to Tetraspeakers.com, the first image you see is Keith Richards who says: "They're not just ANY pair of speakers"! If I sound like I am selling Tetra speakers, I am. I want to turn all friends on to Adrian's work. I have been at this quest for the "right sound" since I was 18. And a professional in the Audio Industry for almost 40 years. I have never heard a speaker company who is able to consistently capture the essential soul of the music anywhere close to Tetras.
Adrian sells direct so, even though I put on my salesman hat, I make no money for my recommendation. Owning his entry level 120Us made me just one of the many musicians who own and adore Tetras regardless of the level. All Tetras have the house sound just increase in their output.
I do long for Quad 57s and am clear about my recommendation. But my Tetras make me not anxious to get another pair or Quads. As much as I love the Quads, I love my Tetras more. There is no other Audio Industry company of any kind who have this kind of amazing and terrific endorsements. The Tetra speaker website is one-of-a-kind and a convincing testament. Check it out. BTW-I use a SET 300B amp to run my Tetra Phoenix TZs. Not the last word in Rock but, like you, I am very happy with the match even though my First Watt M3 gives me more bass and a fuller sound, I adore the "magic" of the SET. All Tetras work well with 8 watts of 300B.