This is a long term value system that is quite neutral. It images well and has excellent highs and midrange and solid tight bass to below 40 hz.The Marantz PM 8005 easily drives the Triangle Celius speakers. The Triangle Celius ES speakers are from Upscale Audio and Kevin Deal. They are musical and fast and look slim and beautiful in bordeau real wood finish. I believe that they will be my last speaker. I had previously heard the Cometes. I also recently added a VPI Scout turntable and entered the vinyl world. I have been rebuying favorite recordings. The Halide DAC has greatly improved CD playback via computer and WAV. The Celius ESs are now broken in and sound superb top to bottom.
System edited: Added a Jolida JD-9 phono pre amp modified and it is excellent. Also ripped CDs via wav on my Dell PC using itunes. I am using a Halide USB DAC HD and it sounds at least as good as CDs thru my tubed Melody Onix integrated amp and is more convenient.
System edited: I have recently added a VPI Scout turntable and am beginning a vinyl journey. I also have added Triangle Celius ES speakers and love them and plan for them to be my last speaker purchase. Thanks Kevin Deal. And thanks Paul Jeremias of Audible Improvements Asheville, NC for set up and for a custom preamp and vinyl encouragement.
System edited: I have changed my PSBs for Triangle Celius ESs and really love them. They may well be my last speaker. Thanks to Kevin Deal. They sound coherent and musical with 200 watts and a tubed preamp. I may soon try a low powered SET amp.
System edited: I had my PSB Stratus Bronzes modified with new capacitors and new internal wiring from Audible Improvements in Asheville, NC. Paul Jeremias did a great job. It tamed the brightness in the highs and helped the mid bass emphasis. They sound more coherent from top to bottom. John Dean
Thanks for the comments. I do think that the Marantz Reference amps and PSB Stratus Bronzes do justice to the SACD format. I think SACD sounds very clear and resolved. It helps to have 200 w/c for increased headroom and ease of driving the speakers. I have considered buying the PSB Stratus Silver i's(a small upgrade) or the PSB Platinum T6's, but have not felt the need as the music continues to sound very good. Thanks, John
