Hi Bearotti,

I can see that you prefer a laid-back kind of sound judging from the selection of your equipment and speakers. Classe is smooth and warm while JM Labs are warm 'in comparison' with B&W's. I don't think of B&W's as bright so I am guessing that JM Labs will be much warmer than B&W's.

I am guessing that your preamp may be the weakest link at the moment IF the quality is similiar to CP-35. The quality of the Classe CP-35 preamp is not too good being the lowest range in the series after some advice from my fellow mates. I had considered this piece long time ago for my power amp but got the Plinius M7 instead. After I upgraded the M7 preamp to Sonic Frontiers Line 1 then only I noticed the M7 was trash. The jump from the SF Line 1 to the ARC LS-16 was even greater. That was when I realized that the quality of preamp is very important, and in my opinion even greater than power amps. Low quality preamps tend to mask detail, dynamics and transparency. By the way, ARC stands for Audio Research and not Acoustic Research.

I have no experience with BAT but it was said to be a much warmer unit in comparison to Audio Research, so may well be your cup of tea. I am contemplating of moving up to the LS-26 if fund permits but I am quite satisfied with my current setup at the moment.

I think it's worthwhile to spend more on equipment if you like the way your speakers sound. I was somehow influenced by a guy here who used quality electronics costing much more to drive his modest speakers. He was using ARC LS-26 and 300.2 amp(both costing $10,500 retail) to drive some Proac Response 1sc($2,100 retail).

ryder October 27, 2007 04:42

Bearotti,

I just noticed that you were using the Parasound amp to drive the 926 prior to upgrading to the Classe Model 15. I have experience with the Classe CA series of power amps and like their smooth silky presentation. I don't know if these are superior to the older Model 30 and 15 but if the quality of the Model 15 preamp is more or less similiar to the CP-35 or 47.5, I believe the JM Labs are not sounding their best yet, or the B&W 804S for that matter. There is certainly still room for improvement, and a big one that is.

Good to hear that the recent upgrades had elevated the enjoyment of your listening experience.

ryder October 25, 2007 14:32

Jp1208,

So you are using two subs with the 936's? The 936 alone would not give a decent bass response? Will the 926/936 go below 30Hz without the employment of subwoofers? Since you mentioned these speakers like to be bi-amped and the impedance can drop to 2 ohms, looks like they are not that easy to drive at it seems to be. I had previously thought that they would be quite easy speakers due to the high sensitivity. I like the Mezzo's cabinetry more, but they cost considerably more as well...

ryder October 03, 2007 02:45

Thanks for the insight Ben. Looks like the Electra 926 is the more musical speaker here. One more question if you don't mind. Have you heard the JM Labs Mezzo Utopia? If you have, do you feel it's a much better speaker overall than the Electra 926, or the perceived improvements may be not too significant? The build of the Mezzo Utopia is much better than the Electra series IMO.

Thanks.

ryder October 02, 2007 02:13

Bearotti,

May you describe briefly how the JM Labs Electra 926 compare to the B&W 804S driven by the Classe amp? I know listening preferences will dictate which suits you best, but which speaker do you prefer more and why? In your opinion, which is the overall better speaker in terms of transparency, refinement, detail, soundstage, bass etc?

Thanks.

ryder September 27, 2007 13:21