After about 6 weeks of burn-in the JC 1's are simply stunning and my system seems has never sounded better, not even close IMO.
The 326/JC 1 combo is fantastic to my ears. Together they make my 10T's sound like completely different animals. Switching the JC 1's to Hi-bias mode makes it even better.
I could listen to the 336 all day without fatigue, but to my ears the Nuforce were more open and faster than the 336. I still listen all day without fatigue so in my book that is a win-win.
Audiofilo:
I have tried a Cary SLP-98L with the Nuforce amps and it was also excellent. More of a tube sound than the ARC but still very good. I also tried a Pass X1 which was also good but I truly think that a tubed pre is the way to go with these amps.
Efner:
Thanks for the compliments. I'm a big fan of Manley and would love to try those amps in my system too!
The room is approx 15' W x 23' L. I have the 10T's pulled back from the rear wall about 4 feet. I experimented and found that any closer to the rear wall hurt the performance.
Yes I did have to lug them up stairs. They are heavy!!
I honestly don't know what the minimum room dimension is - but I do think that the more space you can give them the better they will sound. I would call Aerial and ask them their thoughts - they are always very helpful when I call.
With all that said - I can't recommend the 10T's highly enough. They are simply great speakers and an absolute steal on the used market.
Henry - I use the ARC's processor pass-through when I am using the Meridian for multi-channel. When I am listening to just 2-channel however the Meridian is not used. I feed the 1.1 analog outputs directly to the ARC.
Mitch - I'm really not sure how the sloped ceiling is effecting the sound. I didn't have much choice because that was the only configuration that works with the room. The rest of the house is off limits to audio gear (except for a wave radio). :)
I would think that it may reinforce low frequencies - but I'm not sure. I did use the Velodyne SMS-1 to flatten the bass response as much as possible.
I'd like a room with more width as I'm sure the reflections off the side walls aren't helping sound quality. With that said however - I am very happy with my system at the moment.
Recent updates include the HPA3 for center/surrounds which does a nice job matching up to my 336.
I also put some Audio Magic Sorcerer 4D's (XLR) between my Unidisk and my LS-26. The break-in was tough - but I am through the harshness and am very very happy with the sound now.
FINALLY added some dedicated AC power and still can't believe I waited this long to do it... if you haven't done so I highly recommend so.