As it stands my system is fast, detailed and transparent. I would like to add a touch of air and harmonics to the system and perhaps enhance the focus a bit. I also want to enhance my system dynamics, hopefully by adding a high-current power amp. I have a Supratek Cortese Linestage on order. I am also going to replace the 4B-ST. Probably with a Sim Audio Moon W-5. I don't have problems with the sound of the Bryston but it runs out of steam sooner than I prefer and I think an amp that doubles down into 2 ohms will enhance the dynamics and control of my Thiels. I would appreciate comments on my proposed amp selection. The other alternative amp that I am considering is a Pass Labs X-250. After upgrading my preamp and amp I will add a single disc transport. Probably either a Vecteur D-2 or Rega Planet.
I just auditioned my friend's Plinius 100mk3 and VTL pre-amp for my Thiels 2.4. It was unbelievable, I was so stunned! I also have listened to W5, Classe, Bryston, Hovland, Krell, in my opinion they are one notch bellow compare to Plinius and VTL combination. Since you already have tube pre-amp, why don't you audition Plinius at your home. If you like bass, Krell is the answer, but I think it is too bright for Thiels. Before you decide which one of those two CD transport you are going to buy, try Linn CD transport. Genki is the cheapest one, it's more expensive than Planet, but your satisfaction is guaranteed!! Chiao.
System edited: added Digital Audio Server to my system. removed the Sony CDP, 2 x Monarchy DIP's, z-Systems sample rate converter. i am amazed at the improvement made by upgrading the transport, and to a pc at that.
System edited: Added another monarchy DIP, a Weiss Hydra and Z-Systems 3-src. The digital portion of my system may seem like it is out of control but all of these additions brought improvements or they wouldn't be here. I have 5 AZ MC2 AES/EBU in my system now.
I have never had the opportunity to listen to the Plinius. They are well regarded though. I talked once to a dealer who sells both lines. He said the W-5 has a more linear response with tighter, more visceral bass impact and extended highs. The Plinius, according to the dealer, is warmer will slightly rolled off treble. If I had to characterize the W-5 I would say that it has the control and slam of a Krell FPB series amp with some of the sweetness and air of a tube amp. The W-5 would sound very good driving the maggies.
I have a Plinius SA100 MKIII amp and have thought of getting a Moon W5 to drive my Maggie 1.6s. Have you ever heard a Plinius amp on your system? I presume you preferred the Moon if you did hear the Plinius.
Also did you compare the Audio Note wire to any other Acoustic Zen?
Here's a very inexpensive way to get exactly what you're looking for: run 6ga (or even better, 4ga) wire direct from your breaker panel to your system outlet. Put this circuit on it's own isolated ground, using a copper clad grouding rod located as near your system as possible. You'll be amazed at the reduction in grain, grunge, and noise, and impressed with the improvement in dynamics, ease, inner detail, air, focus and depth from this embarassingly cheap (probably under $200) upgrade.
I think Brystons are better suited for reproducing amplified music than acoustic and smaller venues rather than larger ones. Don't quote me but sometimes I get the feeling that the brystons don't reproduce harmonics well, something required for good acoustic reproduction. Also I don't think the Brystons offer all the transparency to the back of the soundstage that they do at the front. In other words they may be a little veiled or hazy at the back of the stage. The jury is still out but when I replace the amp I'll know better.
Analog just isn't convenient for me. I have a hard time listening to all of my existing collection with a jukebox CD player. There is no way I am going to spin records every 20 minutes.
I think Brystons are better suited for reproducing amplified music than acoustic and smaller venues rather than larger ones. Don't quote me but sometimes I get the feeling that the brystons don't reproduce harmonics well, something required for good acoustic reproduction. Also I don't think the Brystons offer all the transparency to the back of the soundstage that they do at the front. In other words they may be a little veiled or hazy at the back of the stage. The jury is still out but when I replace the amp I'll know better.
Analog just isn't convenient for me. I have a hard time listening to all of my existing collection with a jukebox CD player. There is no way I am going to spin records every 20 minutes.
I also like Jazz, but I prefer records for this type of music, just something historical about it. I also find to have some tubes in the audio chain warms up or nautralizes the sound, specially for jazz. Classical music I like CD's because the layers of music are more dense. Rock needs Solid State for the bass slam. Maybe the Brystons are good for Classical & Rock. What do you think?
