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
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
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
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??
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.
