Finally I entered the higher fidelity realm. I can rest for an extremely long time before any major upgrade and concentrate on listening to music merrily.
It is a long journey for me to reach current stage, 22 years. I started with Ariston CD1 with Marantz mini system in 1991, then moved to Carver CD-490T (6922 tube based), Bryston and Tannoy combination in 1993. Not until 2001, I entered the Hi-Fi world by assembling BAT CD-5 (6922 tube based), Counterpoint SA-11 6SN7 tube based pre-amplifier, Counterpoint fully upgraded SA-100 6SN7 tube based hybrid monoblock amplifiers and Thiel 3.6 speakers. By switching BAT CD-5 with Resolution Audio CD-55 and Thiel 3.6 with Piega P-10 in 2008, I twisted the sound of my system closer to my personal taste. But I recognized then the next upgrade would be challenging and would be very close to the central realm of musical Valhalla.
Now here I am after 5-year auditing and searching. More as a music lover, less as an audiophile.
It leads me ever closer to live performance no matter what recording I place in it. The subtlety of the sound it generates is simply amazing comparing to the previous CD players I used BAT VK D5 and modified Resolution Audio CD-55.
EDGE Electronics NL Signature 1.2
After decades of the invention of transistors, the debates over solid-state and tube are still unsettled. Personally I am satisfied with the balanced neutrality it deliveries. The sound is just like my favorite orchestra, Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, not overly mellow or overtly aggressive.
Montana Loudspeakers EPX
Not an ideal choice but the optimal one for my listening room with authoritative lower frequency. The sound can be too relaxed at times. It is the weakest component in my current system, in my opinion.
Just replaced the tube in power section to NOS tubes this morning. Usually I will let the new tubes interact with other gears for at least one week. But in this case, the difference shows right away. It has wider and deeper soundstage now. Most enjoyable improvement is that the strings are really singing.
Nice vibe from your space. Looks open and airy... seems there could be more distance between speaks but sounds like you got that under control. Enjoy....
I got these speakers just 3 months ago and are still experimenting their optimal position. But I can only do these adjustments during the weekend.
The side walls has reach their limitation. I can't move the speaker further apart. I'll try to toe-in the speakers and move the listening position closer.
Thank you for your suggestion. Also I made name correction about the speakers. Your speakers are quite eye-catching. My non-audiophile friends always love the appearance and finish of these speakers. For me, I love them and Edge monoblock amplifiers equally.
My listening position is a little far back from the speakers (18ft), would toe-in still make difference? Please advise.
Nice looking system - especially the speakers :-) They are the Montana EPX and there has ever only been one version, so the -2 in your description is not quite correct.
In you picture I notice that you have the EPX firing almost straight forward, if you angle them a bit towards the listening position you will get a perceived lift on the top end.
