A lot of changes recently to my system. I sold my KAB modded Technics table and replaced it with the VPI w/Audioquest PT-8 arm. I also changed my speakers, my wife was fed up with the floorstanders and protecting them from her dog, so stand mounts were the compromise. My problem was how to replace the bottom end that the Alon's deliver in spades. Welcome Totem Mani 2's. Although they were more money than i intended to spend ($1700- w/Totem R-4 stands) it was money well spent. My initial impressions of the Mani's better than I expected. Although I have heard them several times at shows and dealers, I have never had them at my home with my system. A Bryston power amp with these speakers is not a bad thing, in fact I could feel bass guitar in Heartbreaker by Zep in the pit of my stomach. More time with these speakers will give me a better perspective of how good they are. So far I am very happy.
Now I am patiently awaiting the arrival of the VPI TT, arm, etc. and then I will have to plow through (insert smiling face anywhere here) all my favorite records, and then some
You're still pretty close to the city. I suggest you check out www.audiocircle.com and look in the NY Rave forum. We get together about once a month. It's a great group of people. We do a lot of equipment swapping at one of our "Raves" so it's also agood place to check out different components.
Mingles, I am trying to find the sweet spot for these. Then I will spend some time going over some material that I am familiar with and I will give you my impressions. Right away I can tell you that these things can make some bass, no need for a sub here (and I used one with the Alon's, which are no slouch in the lower end) zen
When you get a chance, please tell us your impressions of the Mani2. I know they're fabulous speakers, but I'm particularly interested in how they compare to your Alon I's. When I heard the Mani2's at a dealer a few years ago, I was blown away.
Where are you on LI? there's a number of us that get together on a monthly basis. PM me if you feel up to meeting and sharing with others of like mind.
System edited: Over the last few months I have added the Monster power conditioner, Sunfire sub, LCY Super tweeters and it has resulted in a not subtle refinement to the sound. First, the tweeters almost can't be heard by themselves but they bring the vocals a little more forward and much more detailed. The biggest impact in the sound came from the addition of the sub. Although it did lower the listenable range it effected the whole soundstage, top to bottom with a more realistic palette. It just plain sounds better, more live like instead of a recording. The differences are amplified during analog playback. Boy, these Alon speakers sound great, I listen to music almost everyday now.
I am within a month or 2 of adding a pair of ASL Hurricane's to the back end. Fortunately the recession hasn't effected me too much in the hi end kitchen biz- at least not as much as others, being small and nimble doesn't hurt in this economy . According to Carl Marchisotta, this is what i am looking for to power the Alon's I am going to try build out from the Hurricanes to the Alon's back to Kab /Goldring table. I currently have the CJ PV 10 which sounds like a nice phono stage but I haven't heard a lot of others for a long period of time. At present it works pretty well, but i am putting that on my wish list for future upgrades, my fav would be a Supratek, please just let me find one ready to rock at the first of the year. They really are great pre's. I have added a Sunfire sub which on first blush adds something too the mix. Let me fool around with it for a few weeks before rendering any kind of judgement
I am curious if you went ahead to a tube amp as you stated above. And maybe the record cleaning machine? You can't go wrong with the old trusty VPI 16.5. Nice rig and space. Looks like one can have some fun in there.
Correct- I do like to bring things to the edge ocassionally. I began music life as a DJ in Boston in the 70's. I am VERY interested in the VTL's. I think they bring power and sofistication to the table. I am going to investigate the synergy with the Alon speakers and would love to hear them together. I am in a financial slow don right now so it will have to wait for awhile- but doesn't it make it that much more desirable??
Looks like you have a fun place to play some kickin butt tunes, I couldn't help noticing the Led Zep and have to assume you like to crank things up a bit . I have to agree with Mingles that a good stout tube amp will absolutely take you to more miles of smiles. Assuming you need to keep some kind of reasonable budget in mind I will recommend 2 brands in particular, of the literally dozens out there that could fit your needs. Both are excellent values for the $$$ ( especially here on the A'gon), both are well made, reliable, and user friendly, and most importantly, both will not only kick some serious butt, they will also deliver the unmistakable roundness, tone and texture only tubes can do. My first suggestion is one I have personally lived with [up until recently] for many happy years: the VTL MB-125 mono blocs. Outstanding amps. They use 4 x EL-34 power tubes per channel and will deliver either 125 watts tetrode or 60 per channel triode. The other choice would be the Rogue 120 mono blocs. These are similar in many ways to the VTL's although they can be found also using both EL-34's or with KT-88 output tubes instead... both tubes have somewhat different personalities. You should google as much as you can read about each particular amp and also know that each brand also offers lower power stereo amps (VTL = ST-85 and Rogue = their Stereo 90). Less power = less $$$ if you need to start there and maybe work your way up the line (both companies also offer bigger monos and stereo amps too). The Rogues are easy to find on the A'gon, both in regular and upgraded Magnum versions but the VTL's (the 125's at least)are much much rarer...I'm sure many others will advise lots of other amps as well...but something tells me you would like either of these 2 and find them very fitting.Obviously you should try to find someplace to audition them, they are well worth the effort.As for prices... original list on my VTL's was about $3250- 3500 and when you can find them will sell for about half of that, +/- depending condition. The Rogues are in that league too, more or less, although the older ones can be a few hundred less and the Magnum 120's (or Magnum 150's) can add up an additional several hundred or so...)Be patient, be an educated shopper, but be ready when a good chance presents itself. Good luck and happy Lissn'n.
My thoughts are now to head towards a tube amp (or pair). What will I gain or lose? I like the tube sound from my pre amp and I am especially happy with the new Telefunken tubes that I added to it. Although they weren't cheap they made a remarkable difference in the sound and I like the direction it went. Am I in for more of the same with a tube amp? What size should I be looking at, the Alon's are about 88dB efficient and seem to be somewhat overpowered by the Bryston amp I have. I can't turn the pre-amp past 9:00 on the dial which doesn't leave me much control at low listening levels. Looking for some suggestions.
You have a nice solid foundation here. I'd like to make a suggestion in terms of system synergy. I own a pair of Model I's (although they're in the closet). I think they're one of the best speakers you can find for under $1000. They disappear like few others in their price range and they have a better bottom end than most monitors and small columns like Totem Sttaf. I was bi-amping with a pair of DNA-1's which was overkill. The sound was fantastic, but it wasn't until I introduced a pair of 50 watt tube amps (Quicksilver Mid Mono's) that I really heard them sing. There's something about tube amps that brings a certain magic to the picture. It's hard to describe, but I'd say the midrange sounds more natural and realistic and the highs are less harsh. I haven't found the same kind of synergy with a tube preamp mated to SS amp, despite what some people claim. Carl Marchisoto is a big advocate of powering his speakers with tubes. Don't underestimate that. If you have the chance to do an in-home audition, I encourage you to check it out.
