Recent content by Raider

  1. Raider

    Does your family know what your system's worth?

    Probably not a bad idea to document the value of each component, give a copy to a loved one, then discuss what your preferences are, but also being clear that what you have will be sought after by others and therein lies the true value.
  2. Raider

    Happy Sunday

    At any rate.... I'm inquiring about 4 integrated amps to drive Sonus Faber Sonetto III speakers and would love to hear experienced opinions. I'm seeking neutral revealing, and dynamic amp that can hold it's own with the best of them in this price range. ($2500 - $3500). 1) Vincent Audio SV-228...
  3. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    Will you hold my hand? :)
  4. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    I was reading up on the Peachtree Carina. Can you explain why it doesn't need a DAC? "The Carina GaN is designed so that it does NOT even require a digital-to-analog-converter (DAC) for its digital sources. The digital audio signal at the input of the Carina GaN directs the amplifier outputs to...
  5. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    I'm asking about headroom based on this "amplifiers with more headroom can reproduce transients with less distortion, and are therefore better able to reproduce the dynamics of music." Also I've been reticent to test the volume with the speakers due to their ability to handle 250 w and my amp...
  6. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    How do people feel about adding power to my Arcam SA20? Arcam PA240 2 Channel Power Amp 225 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.2% THD with 2 channels driven 380 watts per channel into 4 ohms efficient high-voltage Class G amplifier toroidal power transformer for low noise and...
  7. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    Thanks bro. Connecting to the amp with a coax cable and switching the amp filter really opened things up. I'm using the amp DAC instead of the Bluesound DAC. Substantial improvement that I overlooked.
  8. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    Dude, I found the coax cable and connected it and changed the filter. That brought some life and sparkle to the mid-high range. In essence I'm using the amp DAC which is superior to the Bluesound Dac. I knew this. I've had so much going on lately I can't think straight. Thanks for the kick in...
  9. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    Well I think premium amplification brought out the best in them. When I listened I fell in love with the velvety liquid sound. It isn't translating in my room with my amp.
  10. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    For sure they shined with the Mac. The Arcam has some warm characteristics which may have balanced out the lively B&Ws. It's possible the SF need an amp that will help them balance the other way.
  11. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    I tried the filters with the CM5s and couldn't detect any differences but I'll give that a spin with the SF. I was using coaxial and toslink to switch between for testing at the old house/other speakers but I haven't hooked up the coax with these yet. I'll do that. Thanks.
  12. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    It was an $10,000 McIntosh setup. They were mellow but it's incredibly difficult to imagine translating what you hear in a showroom setting to what they will actually sound like in your own room. Just too many variables.
  13. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    I exclusively listen to Tidal on my Bluesound Node 2i. I must admit my cables and speaker wires are generic. Monoprice cables I think.
  14. Raider

    Dull speakers or inadequate amplification?

    I recently purchased a pair of pre-owned Sonus Faber Sonetto III, currently being paired with an Arcam SA20 integrated amp. Prior to the Sonettos the Arcam was driving B&W CM5s which are an exemplary pairing. So I've had the Sonus Faber's for about a week and have run them around the track with...
  15. Raider

    Uh Oh

    Knowledgeable peeps...I purchased a pair of lightly used B&W CM5's to replace my 1997 B&W DM602's. The 602's have been exemplary with a couple of shortcomings, mainly a bit of mud in the midrange and can be a little shrill on some high notes. Overall though they did their job. I hooked up the...

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