Monsters. big speakers create big problems (had to elevate my listening chair 4" as i sit ~ 10ft away in a medium sized room) but after 2+ months of dialing in, these are end-game speakers and create an event every time they're on. give up the n'th level of detail vs M3s but have more power / foundational heft via 3x10". heroic build quality, berrylium tweeter is a revelation, my last speaker and will be for those who can afford it (replaced Wilson Sasha 2s--no slouches, but no S7s). --between wilson, rockport and magico you have to pick the house sound you like best and live with the drawbacks. i think this model magico has the fewest---smaller magicos have considerably more which i wouldn't own (again).
Luxman C-900U
world class SS preamp, immaculate build quality, perfect ergonomics (1db increments via full function remote), tone controls (seldom used, but nice option) and 'loudness' (which does come in handy for bass boost on badly recorded live discs), but 'line direct' is an open window. a true reference.
Luxman M-900U
Solid state class AB, 150wpc, impeccable build and sonics to match. runs cold to just a tad warm, but has treble fidelity i've never heard from AB. has proven a wonderful combo with speakers such as Wilson Sasha 2s and now Magico S7s, never running out of power and always musical and inviting.
the ideal match for the C-900U preamp, and the combo is a last stop for not-outrageous sums.
JAYS AUDIO CD3 Mk2
excellent, beefy (30+#) top loading transport (no moving parts!) for redbook. upsamples to 192k via I2s interface to dac. my last transport.
SMSL M400
replaced the Gustard X26 and compares favorably to uber$ dacs; gives up some bass depth and leading edge, and requires top notch accessories (Shunyata Omega digital and AC cords--into an $800 dac!), but having done so it punches well above its weight.
AudioQuest Wild speaker cables
step change improvement vs the Redwoods. ---low level detail in all frequencies is now clear, no sense of silver-related brightness. tonality is spot on, and incredibly quiet. fantastic cables
Kenwood KT-8300
highly modified per www.fmtunerinfo.com; custom power supply, output stage, opamps (biased to class A), IEC adapter, lots and lots of mods.
PS Audio P-10
excellent power regen that works wonders on front end gear (not so much for amps--sucks out dynamics). a godsend for apartment dwellers.
Shunyata Research Everest 8000
was meh when using alternate brand AC cords, or even the Sigma XC. But the Omega XC? oh baby, this is the bees knees of AC treatment under 20k, and without a single part to break. this is an item you hate spending the $ on, and every day after you're glad you did
High Fidelity Cables MC-1 Pro Helix+
i've one Pro Helix on the output of the PS-10 feeding line level gear, one MC-1Pro on the wall (which feeds a distribution box that powers the amp & PS-10) and one MC0.5 helix on another circuit.
i think most HF products are wildly overpriced and can be equaled elsewhere. but the AC magnets are a wonderful item and do more for AC than you can imagine. both the PS-10 and the synergistic UEF-12SE benefited from them. highly, highly recommended.
Stillpoints LLC Ultra 5
3 ultra 5s under the Luxman M-900 U amp (resting on a BDR Source shelf) were a shocking improvement in low level detail.
Added 4 minis under the C-900U and 4 Ultra SS under the DAC. every time more detail and no etch. indispensible under SS gear.
ASC 16
ten total, four at 4' tall, balance at 3'. big improvement over my DIY Risch Q&D Tube Traps
Relax The Back Zero Gravity Chair
wonderful addition to room, no apparent acoustical downside despite headrest
OC 703 Acoustic Panels (18 of them)
now at 18 in the room (three 24*48*6" deep, 9 as 24*48*2). the added 6"ers did wonders--gotta go thick!
Knghifi, I enjoyed my time running a tube linestage with a ss amp & tube rolling. In fact, I debated keeping my Boulder 1060 and modded Ayon CD-5s when I moved to my current S5's, but settled on the SIA-025 as I loved its sound and also had a desire to reduce my box count, so the SIA-025 was a godsend. I don't think you can say full stop Magico sounds best with some tubes in the chain, as there are exceptions as i've found. VA (especially the Signature Series gear) offers the best of both worlds between tubes and solid state imho, and has an unusual synergy with Magico. Still I accept tube fans will likely dismiss such alternatives.
@knghifi, I know Myles Astor is very happy with his CJ Gat/Art amps driving his S5's, though they are very good amps with a commensurate price tag. I rolled the output tubes of my modded Ayon CD-5s with DR's & got good results, so i'm sure Rhyno could achieve very good sound. It's all relative. For sure the Boulder 1060 & 1010 are quieter and faster than the Ref 150/Ref 5SE, then again the Boulder amps don't have the same tube virtues of warmth, harmonic richness & midrange bloom of the ARC amps. I recall Infinity recommended using solid state amps to drive the bass panels of their classic Infinity IRS speakers, and ARC tube amps to drive the midrange/tweeter panels. I went for Vitus amplification which gives me all the current/drive, speed & resolution I need, as well as many of the desirable qualities of a good SET 300B tube amp such as tonal purity, warmth, harmonic richness & a slight 'rounding' of vocals. Kind of best of both worlds. But as I said, at the end of the day you only have to please yourself.
Rhyno, congrats are in order for your new tube amp! Having previously run a 1060 with a tube linestage, I can understand the incongruence between the warm up time of the Boulder vs a valve linestage. There should be natural synergy between your Ref 5SE pre & the Ref 150. The Ref 150 won't have the really deep bass of your Boulder, however if you're running subs that won't be an issue. The only reservation i'd have is i'm not sure your ARC gear will keep up with the S3's fast drivers. Upgraded NOS 6H30-P DR tubes would help a bit. In any case, you only have to please yourself :)
You've certainly put together what I consider a very good "bang for the buck" high end system Rhyno! The Boulder 1060 & ARC Ref 5SE are a very good pairing. The Ref 5SE would add much needed tube virtues to the Boulder's excellent neutral ss sound. I actually considered this combo myself, but went with the matching 1010 pre instead in my system. The Modwright Oppo Sony is another great bang for the buck choice. I don't really have room on my rack for the external tube psu as i'm trying to keep my box count down.
The Magico S3's are great speakers in the right room. I heard the S3's recently in my Dealer's showroom & was impressed by the midrange and top end clarity and focus. In a small(ish) room they shouldn't require subs, especially being driven by your Boulder which has subterranean bass. Nice choice there! Good job also with your room treatments. The ASC products are tested and proven products. Overall great attention to detail & a really impressive setup you have there Rhyno!
