Henry,

Did the V Ray improve the sonics of your system? Subtle or significant.

Just talked to Music Direct about the Shunyata Research resonators but since I have hardwood floors not sure if that tweak helps my system.

lapierre March 30, 2008 18:24

Henry thanks for the insight on the Martens. Yes I do prefer a warmer sound in the midrange with lots details and 3D imaging.

Are you referring to Sonus Faber Cremona M? If so I totally forgot about that speaker.

lapierre March 28, 2008 02:23

Funk is good...as well as the walking bass line played in various jazz instrumental songs.

This past Saturday listened to the Dali Helicon 400s vs. Amphion Xenon for my small listening room. Both speakers really sounded great. The Xenon has flexibility for optimal performance with great bass and midrange purity. It's a very natural speaker that works great with tubes. The Helicon 400s using the 6.5 drivers really can fillup a room with music. I prefer the Helicon 400s warm sound and tighter bass vs the Xenon. Plus the ribbon tweeter combo with the right components can add 3D depth with better instrument isolation.

Next on my list is the Marten Design Miles II and Avalon Ascendant. I'm trying to significantly improve my midrange and increase my mid bass given my current speakers limitations. I'm not disappointed with my current system just always evaluating other components to see if a change is warranted.

lapierre March 24, 2008 06:22

Henry,

I tend to look at price/performance ratio when looking at some of the upper end components during my listening experience.

Did you listen to the Marten Design Miles II? Is the Bird that much better than the Miles II with the extra driver?

What about Avalon Indra which is in the same price range as Magico V3? Another possibility is Dali Helicon 400 MKII which for the money is really hard to dismiss or Helicon 800 MKII?

lapierre March 23, 2008 20:50