Thanks Peter.
Helicons are awesome! I cannot believe the sound that comes out of this speaker..."a pocket fullrange speaker that is full-bodied and refined." I believe matching components is really the key. Similar to you incorporating Rowland monos to maximize the Focals. I auditioned both the Focal 1007 Be and Helicons300. I would be happy with the Be 1007s... who wouldn't with that gorgeous Beryllium tweeter technology. But the Helicons ribbon tweeter, driver units, and cabinet design (woodworking is another hobby of mine)won me over.
The EMM CDSA SE player is also another good decision for my listening experience. I listened to a lot of gear in two years during my travels. My research led me to CD players that where designed with innovation either in hardware or software design. Then I listen to the players that could really separated complex music passages and the musicians instruments. I waited and took my time and selected the EMM CDSA SE player...I refused to buy a CD player that borrowed other components from OEM manufacturers without an ounce of innovation. EMM CDSA SE still has a ways to break-in but it sounds wonderful and provides a good match for the Helicons detail presentation.
The next change for me is ordering a new tube preamp by this Thursday. And then I have to determine power cables for my amps and preamp.
I should be auditioning several cables next week from the http://www.thecableco.com Synergistic Research Telsa 2 and Telsa 3 and maybe a power conditioner.
Keep in touch,
Pierre