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
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.