I feel that this system is an excellent basic system especially for a small room. It can be added to sourcewise with the addition of a preamplifier and tuner, SACD, and vinyl sources. One could subsitute a fine low power tube amp for the Aleph if one prefers this sort of sound. A balanced amp, like an Aleph 5, might provide some sonic advantages with the Wadia which sounds best with balanced cables, IMHO.
The transformer Emailists refers to is probably the ZERO autoformer designed and marketed by Paul Speltz at www.zeroimpedance.com. I am not saying that Emailists believes this, but there are many who seem to think that somehow putting a transformer between an OTL amp and a speaker implies some kind of failure on the part of the amp. It is simply not true. Using this logic, it is just as reasonable to assume that the loudspeaker is to blame. Simply not true either. The issue is one of compatibility. For example, low powered SET's are not used successfully on low sensitivity loudspeakers because the mismatch. In the NBA 6' guards are not called upon to play 7' centers because of the mismatch. The 6' guard can be a superstar, but not if used improperly by the coach. The autoformer, in many cases, can illiminate the mismatch. I believe the ZERO autoformers should be viewed as a tool to acheiving superior sound in many systems, not just OTL tube amps. According to other users, autoformers are providing benefits in transformer coupled tube amps as well as Solid State amplifiers. There are many testimonials regarding user experiences with autoformers at the ZERO website. Hopefully this post has cleared up some misconceptions.
Go with Atma-sphere M-60's if you can can. I had the spectral 50 (just sitting idle now) on the quads and while they were very nice, the atma's are heaven (even on my new dynamic speakers they are incredible- I sold my crosby quad 63's beacause they kept needing panels replaced.) Also there is an x-former for the stams' that I hear is excellent- funny- an x-former for OTL's.
Ronslam, I'm sure the Spectral is a great option for an upgrade. Remember these are 57's so they should have the latest protection boards in them for the Spectrals. The Aleph 3 is low voltage. I also like the Goertz products - they work well in this system. I have used the inexpensive Flatline to good effect. David99, when I had this system I used an Aleph 5 but auditioned an Aleph 3 and it would have been great in a small room, IMHO. But Ronslam's upgrade is good too. Hard to beat Spectral and Pass!
Ivanj-How does the Aleph-3 drive your Quads? People seem to always under estimate the power of the Aleph line until they actually hear one.Your system sounds interesting!
I had the same power amp/speaker combo for a while and was disappointed by the lack of bass and dynamics(nice midrange though). I now use a Spectral DMA90 which seems to give me more of everything (suspiciously good!). I suspect you could do better with your interconnect. Also Goertz MI-2 speaker cable works well for me. After 10 years of mucking around with Quads they still seem to get better. Good luck Ron
ivanj on Done For Now