It’s been a few years since I’ve been on audiogon. Sorry for the very late reply.
To answer your question, I did not listen to other PMC speakers before purchasing. With that said, I still own my speakers. I’m very happy with them. Many other aspects of my system however, have changed. I have to update my profile soon.
Did you end up getting the PMC speakers? The audio refinement products you have are excellent!
System edited: Almost done for now! I most recently added the Purist Audio Dominus Fluid power cord to the digital portion of my Audio Magic power conditioner along with the Purist Audio Venustas tonearm/phono cable. I really like the Purist Audio cabling...amazing stuff! Maybe in few years I'll upgrade speakers and amp (again).
I'm a bit embarrassed to say that the rack is from Ikea for just over $100. I like the fact that it has rollers; it makes it easy to roll around to swap cables, etc. I'm thinking of upgrading my rack in the next year, but haven't found anything better than what I already have....Quadraspire and Salamander have some nice designs...but they're still not exactly what I'm looking for. calgarian
System edited: Added Purist Audio Dominus power cord for the Analogue portion of the Audio Magic Eclipse power conditioner; Upgraded Turntable from Linn Axis/K9 to Avid Diva/SME IV/Shelter 501 MkII. The Dominus is settling in currently and is sounding very sweet! I honestly didn't think that a power cord on my power conditioner would make that much of a difference!
Thanks for your comments. Glen, the Copland is no longer a part of my system. I found the time today to update my pictures. The Copland is an incredible preamp, however, I no longer required six channels. The Aesthetix Calypso takes my system to a more refined level of sound with increased dynamics (esp micro-detail) and overall better spatial imaging. This is dependent on the tubes I'm using though.
I'm just starting to get back into vinyl, and am considering upgrading turntables.....maybe for my next birthday, I'll indulge!
I thought I would update my system since it has changed so much since my last posting. I am tempted to change my system title to 'Going Full Circle back to Dedicated 2 Channel".
I am in the process of selling my B&W Center Channel speakers, my Copland 6 channel tube preamp, my B&W CM2 Surround speakers, as well as my Audio Refinement 3 channel amplifier.
I have replaced the Copland preamp with the 2 channel Aesthetix Calypso. I have also upgraded my Arcam CD92 CD player with the Ayre C-5xe Universal player. I am now using the Purist Audio Venustas XLR interconnects between my Ayre Universal player and my preamp.
I'm very pleased with the changes I've made thus far. Every tweak that I make to my system, whether it's a new isolation device, interconnect, or power cord is very noticeable.
I am currently in the process of tube rolling with my Aesthetix Calypso. Thus far, I have tried various combinations of tubes including: Amperex 12ax7, Teslov 12ax7 (stock tube), Mullard 6922's, Amperex White label 6922's, Amperex Orange Globe 6922's, Seimens CCa's, and Electro Harmonix 6922 gold pins. I'm in search of the seductive midrange with full frequency extension without harshness or edge. I'll report back with my findings....
At this point, I'm dabbling with the idea of moving back into vinyl as well. My Linn Axis (K9 cartridge) is out of the closet now..and I've paired it up with a PS Audio GCPH phono preamp. A new (or new used) cartridge is in the works.
For me, the YBA's 75 wpc is not an issue. I live in a townhouse and don't listen to my system that loud. Quality vs loudness you could say....
Prior to owning the YBA, I had a Rotel RMB 1075 (125 wpc) as well as the Classe 70 (70wpc). The YBA amp is clearly superior to both of those amps in all areas.
I noticed in your system that you recently upgraded to a pair of PMC's. Which model did you end up getting? I hope you're happy with them. I really like my PMC OB1's; it was clearly an upgrade in sound quality from my B&W's.
Shadorne... I only use the center channel for home theatre (dvd movies); I don't listen to any 5 channel music formats (DVD-A/SACD). As a result, I don't find any difficulty regarding the integration of the center channel to my OB1's. I've tweaked my center channel to focus on midrange (voice/dialogue) using DNM Reson interconnects and speaker cable. My rear channel B&W CM2's from the late 1980's were formerly my front channel speakers before the PMC's. Overall, the PMC speakers are considerably warmer speakers with a mid-bass that didn't exist with the B&W's.
Shadorne.... Thanks for your post. I've not heard the Energy Veritas or ATC speakers, so I cannot compare, however I'm really pleased with the PMC OB1's; smooth midrange and outstanding bass response. I've been doing some tube rolling lately with my Copland preamp and have settled on the Siemens CCa's. Other tubes I've tried include Amperex 6DJ8 Orange Globe, Amperx White label 6922 PQ, Mullard E188CC, and Phillips Miniwatt SQ 6922. The Siemens CCa offers a full frequency response from top to bottom without etch in the upper frequencies, a beautifully smooth midrange, and the widest soundstage I've heard from my system....
System edited: Pictures are forthcoming! I am no longer using the Harmonic Technology Truthlinks for my interconnects between the CD player and the preamp. Audience Au24 is now being used. I'm dabbling with the idea of getting a new cd player....considering the Ayre Universal C5xe. Saving up for it!
