I have wanted to do a 2.0 reference system for some time now. I am not complaining about anything I have now and could enjoy it for years to come. But with ever improving technology and reference models introduced by my favorite companies, I would like to experience that kind of level as well. It's a slow process but it has been very well worth it. The following list are my dream pieces for the next level of enjoyment. And should give you a good idea of the kind of sound I love.
Preamp - ARC REF2 MK2 or REF5 - CJ CT5 - Hovland HP100, MF Primo
Power Amp - VTL MB-750, Krell KSA 250, BAT VK 150SE, Lamm M1.2
The finest CD player for the money that I have ever heard. Rich, detailed, quick with a tube output that does not conform to the standard definition of tube sound. For around $1000 pre-owned, you can have a top notch player.
Conrad Johnson Premier 17 LS
An original 17LS. Made before CJ decided to go in another direction in terms of overall voicing of their products. Supurb detail with a mild richness that captivated me the first time that I heard it. I am ready for something new but for way less then $2500, pre owned, you can have something magical. Built like a tank and very reliable.
Thiel Audio CS-7.2
Uncomparable. The finest speaker that I have ever heard overall in terms of soundstaging, accurate instrrumental timbre, signal speed and balence. Better in soundstage size (but not midrange) then the 3.7's. There are speakers that cost 5 - 10X as much that cannot come close to these. The only compromise with a speaker this good and accurate is that you cannot play it at ear damaging levels. But with all Thiel speakers, you don't need to. These speakers need a ton of power. 200 watts minimum with the best front end that you can afford.
Marantz Eight
An original model 8. There are no better amplifiers in the golden age of hi-fi than Marantz. To this day, almost no amp comes close to this sound that I prefer which has solid detail with a great harmonic midrange richness that has to be heard to fully understand. With almost no exception, tubes have the monopoly on this kind of presentation; in my personal taste of course. I need to upgrade the tubes on my unit big time but even with the ones I've got, it's still magic.
Kimber Silver Streak
My kind of sound. A near perfect balence between wide bandwitdh, signal speed and a rich upper treble and midrange. Excellent value for money. You really need to upgrade to Kimber Select or the realm of Cardas Clear etc to see a jump in quality.
Harmonic Technology 11
Rich, detailed, good top to bottom balance and good value for money. Not the best for accuracy but close to my ear. A great reference caliber cable for under $400 pre-owned.
VTL MB-450
A first generation version that has been upgraded with the improved fuse circuit and Inficaps. These amps captivated me the first time I heard them. I love that you can have high power with the choice of triode type sound at the touch of a button. These amps get music and harmonics correct and even among tube amps, they are still something to be reckoned with. The newer VTL amps, of course, have some improvements but at the expense, in my opinion of some midrange richness that the traditional MB units have in spades. A steal to find these preowned.
Nice system! Enjoy! I have read thru your dream list relative to where you are and would actually make some respectful comments (where i think i would keep some of your system over your dream list or find the dream list unit not up to your existing standard!)
- ARC Ref 3 Mk3 (i assume you meant Ref 3 not 2?)...17LS may not have quite the clarity and noise floor of the Ref 3Mk2...however, i do not think you would find it a massive upgrade otherwise. I do think ARC ref 5 is a big step up. And over time, the second-hand prices between the two will start to get so close, i would leave Ref 3 behind. I definitely would say some people find the CT5/ACT2 to be clearer, cleaner (i owned it)...but not everyone found it as musical as your 17...the ACT2 has very low noise floor and quite exceptional extension...but over time, when compared to the latest CJ, you begin to realize they too seem to agree they lost the voicing of their earlier units (like yours)...the GAT has retained much of the purity of tonality of old...with far GREATER detail, LOWER noise floor, etc - Would the Lamms 1.2 drive the big, tough-load Thiels as powerfully as your current amps? i have no opinion...just a question based on what i've read about your amps and the Lamms - Speakers - totally agree...yours are great. The only ones i would consider on the list would be big Scaenas, Pipedreams or the big Genesis speakers...Gary is a great designer, and i have been fortunate to correspond with him periodically - PS Audio...not sure the 300 is up to the standard of your equipment...i found it a bit tight, restrained, despite the positives that it delivers...you might need to step up to Shunyata or Running Springs...
In a word, your system is great and imho already better than some of the components you have put in your wish list...time to upgrade your wish list a smidgen!!! ;) Enjoy -
