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What to expect, modern speakers with vintage gear?

I'm interested in feedback on a possible upgrade for my vintage system.  I have a stack of 1990s Levinson gear (23.5 amp, 380s preamp, 37 transport, 360s DAC) paired with Energy Veritas 2.8 speakers.  I've had the setup for about 6 years and love it all as it was what i lusted after in highschool but could never afford.  

Yesterday I visited two local high end stores and brought a few of my favorite CD's that I know well on my system.  One is the gold CD version of Pink Floyd's Wish You Were Here.  The song "Have a Cigar" is a favorite that I have listened to countless times on my system.

I was blown away by the focus, imaging, soundstage, and overall tonal clarity listening to a set of Focal speakers (about $15k) and a pair of floorstanding Sonus Fabers of similar price.  It got me thinking, what am I missing out on and what parts of my gear could be very behind the times.

I'm thinking seriously about getting a new set of speakers but want to keep the rest of my vintage Levinson gear.  The amp was re-capped about 3 years ago so I think everything is in great shape.  What is reasonable to expect for improvements in my listening room with modern speakers like Focal or Sonus Faber matched to my old solid state electronics?  My room is about 10x15, carpeted, 10 foot ceilings.  

thanks!

flipwils11
flipwils11 OP
25 posts
 

Jeez, that is an ordeal!  Thanks for sharing and the words of caution.

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,920 posts
 

warnings aside, let’s please not confuse apples and oranges

there is vintage gear and there is modern gear that is a perhaps a decade plus old

it is stupid to use a marantz 8b to drive low impedance highly reactive modern floor standers like an eight driver pair of focal kantas at volume... yes the amp will have a heart attack, of course it will

just like back in the day you would never use a 300b tube amp to drive apogees...  so let’s not lose our bearings here

one of the most important aspects of being a knowledgeable audiophile is to understand the capabilities of amplifiers and the demands of speakers to be driven, that remains so true today, whether it be old or new gear

inna
8,240 posts
 

I'll just support your wish to keep your Levinson electronics and match new speakers to it.

You've got a small room, and I believe 23.5 will drive many modern speakers well.

Are you thinking about buying new speakers from a dealer ? If so, you might be able to arrange taking your electronics to the dealer's listening room.

gregm
3,425 posts
 

The Levinson gear is well made and the amp is a keeper IMO. I am familiar with the 23.5

It will easily and happily drive contemporary speakers within reason --of its output, not its quality.

As mentioned above, try identifying which speakers you like and, if possible (the 23.5 is heavy, I know!) try driving your choices with your amp. You won;t be disappointed.

flipwils11 OP
25 posts
 

Thanks for the responses.  The speakers I'm going to demo are a used pair (previous generation) of Sonus Faber Amati's.  Ideally I would love to try my gear on them in the store, but the 23.5 is like trying to pick up an anvil.

 

I did request for the demo to have the Amati's hooked up to all solid state gear and a CD player to get close to what I have at home.

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