My goal with this system was to build a musical sanctuary for myself from the stresses of daily working life. The intention is to play fairly mainstream music well, with clarity and emotion. I listen to mainly pop, alternative, and rock music, with a little classical, electronic, r&b and jazz on the side. The only thing I don't listen to is country. These preferences usually change as time goes on. (sometimes I'm in the mood for 60s music, sometimes electronic)
I originally aimed at a B&W CDM1NT or Nautilus based solid-state system. With suggestions from a local dealer and overall price considerations, I took a different route and went tube...with excellent results.
There are two sources in this system, CD and vinyl. I feel that there is more current media on CD, so hence the investment on the CD front end.
The CD front end has been a work in progress. I feel that I have brought it to nearly the level of my vinyl. I attribute this to the A324 DAC and Acoustic Zen MC2=Zen cable. The CD section is rich with emotion and well balanced at the ends of the frequency spectrum. Bass is well defined while the highs are crystal clear with well recorded material. The main focus is on the midrange, which has a very intimate quality in both vocals and acoustics. Several examples include the grit and rasp in Louis Armstrong's voice, intimacy of Norah Jones vocals and instrumentals, realism of the piano in Rubenstein's Beethoven piano sonatas, and acoustic guitar on John Mayer albums. The vocals and instruments just sound so real. As always with any music, the extent to this intimacy is subject to the quality of the recording.
The vinyl section is a beginner's section. I've picked up a few great artists from back in the day like Fleetwood Mac, Creedence, Eagles, and the Beatles. I plan to extend this collection with more music from back then. The vinyl just sounds wonderful, in a similar respect to the CD section. Well balanced and emotionally involving.
The Jolida integrated, with the musical EL34 tubes, helps to communicate that emotion and present it to the Alons. The Alons are ruthlessly neutral speakers. They play what they are fed. But in doing so, if the front ends sound the way you want, they convey exactly what you want. A wonderful speaker with the right front end and amplification set up.
Overall, I am very happy with my system. I don't need any major upgrades for at least several years. Small upgrades may include Sound Anchors stands for the speakers and a power cord for the CD transport. It's been a year in the making, and now I'm ready to listen and be drawn into the music.
System edited: Almost there...purchased an A324 DAC and tried out a used pair of Alons in place of the Monitor Audios...at first was taken aback by how different it sounded. It almost sounded...terrible. But after more break in of the DAC and digital cable, realized just how open and neutral these speakers were. At medium volumes, these speakers play exactly what is fed. Getting the Acoustic Zen MC2=Zen to open up the digital some more. Looking for another powercord for the DAC and stands for the Alons.
System edited: Updates include new turntable (starting to experiment with vinyl). After realizing how much the source matters (vinyl has some great resolution and realism), I see that upgrades to the CD player is needed. Looking for an outboard DAC, such as the Musical Fidelity A3.24 or bel canto DAC2. Will probably also require a Digital Interface Processor such as the Monarchy Audio DIP Classic to clean up the signal.
System edited: Fully revamped...saving thousands over the B&W Nautilus 805 and Musical Fidelity A3.2 CD & Integrated...but still sounding pretty darn awesome...
System edited: On second thought, I am thinking about adding a sub as well given the comments. Any suggestions on a musical sub under $500? Also, would an A3CR pre-power combo better the A3.2 integrated?
Thanks for the responses. Does anyone have an opinion on Spendor's (S3 or S6) compatibility with this set? I have heard these speakers described as realistic, musical...
Hi Lenny, IMO Musical Fidelity Amps's are very good value for money. I've owned both the MF A3 Integrated Amp, A3.2 power amp and have also auditioned the newer A3.2 Integrated Amp and I think you've got a fine choice.
With regards to the A3.2 CD player I'll have to admit that having owned the player for about a year I was not totally convinced with the performance of the player. You have to take my opinion with a pinch of salt of course as we have different taste, room size, components, etc. but I did find that the A3.2CD seemed to round off or smoothen things, when compared to other players you'll find that its not the most detailed player and sometimes I get the feeling that something is lost. Obviously, I've since moved on but you might want to consider Arcam FMJ or Meridian 507 or even the 588.
I would consider the B&W CDM7NT and you could find them used for the $$$$ you are talking about. I have these with a Krell 300R and they have some low end to. I don't think you would keep the 1NT's unless you added a sub. I think you will be happy with the MF choice. Happy listening :-)
After reading some reviews on the Spendor S3/5 loudspeaker on the web and from magazines, it sounds like it may be a good mate for the above setup. Does anyone have any experience with this loudspeaker?
