I don't miss the subs with the Apogees 90% of the time, they were not getting much of a workout in the music system. I was only using them for the bottom octave or so...20-40hz. (hardly any of my music (except newage) goes below 30hz)
The Duettas have no problem going to 27hz on their own, although this puts a little more strain on my Rogue amps.
Computer audio is new to me...so far my Kinergetics transport/Monarchy tube DAC, have the edge over my limited in scope computer transport setup, which is only a cheap usb-digital conversion...which also uses the Monarcy DAC.
The computer sounds nearly as good, but does not have the same soundstage?...kinda flat for some reason. I am doing a lot of reading over at the Audioasylum (PC-audio forum) on the subject.
Not sure where the computer audio solutions will shake out. Each of my friends have different hardware and software solutions...Mac,Windows, some sort of Music Server, Network Access Storage and DAC. I like my iTunes so the next thing is to get a Lacie Network Access Storage 1T drive for all my FLAC files. Not sure if I'm going to get a new DAC or Music Server with DAC.
I plan on upgrading my tube amps to something in the 200 watt range latter this year, not sure what to go with just yet. I like the Rogue amps just fine, but I could use a little more power at this point.
When I bought the Rogue amps I still had my Krell amp, and assorted others. The original intent was to biamp the Duettas, plus a pair of subwoofers (so triamp). I did that in several arrangements, and none took me to another level like I had hoped.
I am back to a, "two systems in one room approach"....all solid state, and cones, plus subwoofers for homtheater....all tubes and planers for music, and no subwoofers.
So far, or at least this year...computer audio transport has my interest. I'm playing with Windows-7 beta, and several Linux operating systems for a couple of months.
I also replaced my Sunfire Theatergrand prepro, with an Onkyo 805 receiver in the hometheater, and went to full 7.4 in that system (I really like the room correction software in the Onkyo!...I may get the stand alone version, for my two channel system?)
Other than that, I've been in a good place for a couple of years now.
The new ribbons he makes are beautiful and made a big difference in my Apogees.
I have not heard them in old Scintillas, but I have spent time with his new 96db version of the scintilla. That was a hell of a speaker too and could be run by less powerful amps.
I agree, shipping to the U.S. would be very costly on those. On top of that, Apogees in general, are more costly to buy across the pond....supply and demand I guess?
Now that Apogee is back in biz (Graz now owns Apogee)...older trashed pairs are going to be harder to come by....the dealer/installers (two in the USA)...will buy any, and all they can find...you need to move fast!
I do watch for the Scintillas, and all the other 3-ways...a trashed pair, or even...not so trashed pair would do. I missed a pair of Scintillas in Florida ($1,000) around a year ago.
I check "Craigslist" daily. I did find my MiniGrands there!
Thank you. That Krell was sold not long ago, it was part of a Krell/Apogee multichannel system...the other Krell, and extra Apogees, sold long before.
I had planed to use the Krell as a bass panel amp, in a Apogee speaker upgrade, (the Diva, Fullrange...or any other I could find)...and run tubes on the top end.
After a couple of years looking...I changed my mind. I'm going to stay with the toys I have.
I did pick up another pair of Apogees (MiniGrands) last summer...so, I may give multichannel another whirl, down the road?
Hi GD, yes...I still enjoy them every day. I'm a little short on room, and amps, at the moment...I only use one pair of Apogees at a time. I also have my VMPS hometheater speaker system in my room...that makes for two system running all the time (can't swing three).
I'm driving the Apogees with Rogue Audio tube amps, and the passive subwoofers with an Onkyo M-504.
Of course the MiniGrands have their own passive subs. I use a pair of large VMPS passive subs with the Duettas.
My VMPS Supertower/R's are old school (non-hybrid). I bought them new, around 10 years ago. I have hung on to them for two reasons 1. They are not worth much on the used market...($1,000 or so?) 2. I could never find a better "Rock" speaker to replace them with, at anywhere near their used value...so, why sell?
In brief, the Supertowers would make "any dipole" on the face of the earth, whimper in the corner...like a scared kid...or, at least any non-pro dipole.
As hifi speakers...they are not even close to the Apogee MiniGrands in their ability to dig deep into the recording.
I have listened to most of the newer VMPS hybrids at my local VMPS dealer...they sound more "Apogee like"....very nice choice for anyone needing a hybrid. (because of setup issues in smaller rooms).
