WE just added the SF Maxima Amatar 2-way floor-stander , to our system and we have finally heard what we have: Pass XP-17 Phono and XP-22 pre, Pass XA160 mono blocks (the originals, from 2005), Bryston CD player, Linn LP 12 with Audio Ogami Arm, and Ortofon Cadenza black cart, Kimber Kable through out, and, off for repair, our 1983 Nakamici Dragon. I waited 15 years to buy these speakers and the entire system sings. Last upgrade will likely be the Pass Amps replaced by Pass XA60.8 - next year, maybe. I really like your videos and your approach to reviewing.
Thanks for sharing your list! My current favorite amp/speaker setup is my Moon by Simaudio 600i v2 integrated, paired with the 680D DAC, running through my DeVore Fidelity O/96 speakers.
Excellent 👍 list 👍. Synergy is the real magic. I also love ARC. But arc is costly to maintain. But sounds wonderful 😊. I'm using an Aesthetix Mimas with Vandersteen 5s. The Mimas replaced an ARC VT100 Mk ll
Just love Sonus faber speakers. I owned a pair of the first Electa Amator’s and currently I have the Guarneri Memento’s. Krell KPS-28c CD player, Krell pre-and power amplifiers, Transparent cables and power isolators…
I have very fond memories of my old ProAc system - ProAc Studio 140, Simaudio i-7 integrated amp and Marantz SA11S2 cd player with Cardas Golden Reference cables. It's kind of like you describe some of your systems - warm, detailed, big soundstage. Since then I've gone quite a bit upscale with Revel Studio 2, Simaudio P8 pre-amp, Simaudio W8 amp and Simaudio 780D streamer/dac with Cardas Clear cables. It's definitely an improvement in sound in all aspects and I really enjoy it but every now and then I miss the magic of that simple ProAc system.
My current main system is my favorite and probably last, aside from a few tweaks: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT speakers Clearaudio Performance Wood turn table w/ Satisfy tonearm Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC cartridge Clearaudio Statement record clamp Music Hall ph 25.2 headphone amp Grado GS 1000e headphones NAD C568 CD player Linn Selekt DSM w/ Katalyst DAC upgrade 2 BEL 1001 MK V power amps bridged to mono BEL cables and interconnects SurgeX XR 315 Symposium isolation platforms.
Mercury Streamer ==> Denafrips Pontus II ==> Schiit Loki Max ==> Schiit Freya + ==> McIntosh MC152 ==> DynAudio Contour 20s + Two REL T/5x Subs ……I just look for music to enjoy! 😊
Mine is my own inexpensive multi-room (and outdoor) system. When the music is playing and the system is balanced correctly between rooms, it always sounds as if you are getting true stereo… from another room. It is always full-range and fully present, yet it always seems to be ‘above’ you in such a way that you can hear it with total clarity. And for all that, it somehow never interferes with normal conversation.
My current system: EAT C-Major with a Dynavector 10x5 mkII cartridge, Schiiit Audio Freya plus preamp, Black Ice Audio Fusion F159 phono stage, Moon 360D cd player from Simaudio, Vincent SP 331 MK hybrid power amp, and Spatial Audio M1 Triode Master open baffle speakers. If it is missing anything from my perspective it would be deep bass and some kick. It sounds very open, warm, and the midrange and highs sound great.
My Current system has some components from the 1980's that I've had since new. Bryston 2BSST amplifier Apt Holman preamp (all original) Oppo BDP-105 universal player (replaced a Mission DAD 7000 CD player that I still have) Yamaha PX-3 Linear Tracking Turntable w/ Grace F-9E cartridge Yamaha T-1060 Am/Fm Tuner Polk Audio LSI-15 Tower Speakers Ultralink Excelsior 2.4 MkII Bi-Wire speaker cables Ultralink Ultima Mk II Interconnects The addition of the Oppo player elevated the system to a higher level, especially when playing SACDs and DSD files.
Favorite in the 70s was Apollo 1000s speakers .Yamaha Yp800 turn table and a pioneer receiver . Now I have Denon receiver 7.1 Klipsh. Surround and center speaker. Emotive B1 speakers for front. Sony Atmos speakers and Sony subwoofer.
Depending on the model and model of the. Mains...it will typically give clean bass that extends the bottom end excusing the main speakers from having to hit the bottom notes (typically cleans the bottom up).
My system is the Elipson 1303 Foster tweeter driven by the Duson A10 class A amp. (former Adio Analyse A9). Preamp the Duson C1000. Interconnects Carbon and loudspeaker Cable Vandenhul hybride. This system makes the sound real live. The music comes not out of my speaker but stands in the middel of my room. It is right here. With an LP it becomes even more realistic.
On my computer desk i have: Elac Carina BS243.4 (on 6 inch high speaker stands) + one REL T Zero MK III + SMSL A300 amp and SMSL SU-9n dac. I have the REL downfire subwoofer at the table behind the monitor. I love the "big nearfield sound" from this little setup in my small room! For music it sounds better than my Klipsch RP 8000f II in my livingroom.
My favorite system is my current version: Klipsch Belles powered by VTL 100 monoblocs, two VPI HW-19 turntables (v.3 for mono, v.4 for stereo), phono preamp by Krell, DAC is a vintage Anodyne Adapt tube output unit.
I recall you also praised the Line Magnetic LM219 integrated amp. I guess it no longer makes your top 8. It is one of the amp I use to drive a pair of Avantgarde and the soundstage is HUGE. It is still one of the favourites.
NAt Audio HPS using GM70 tubes with Cube Audio Nanaphar speakers was a step up that I truly enjoy. As for cables as yet I have not managed to put anything exotic use the standard cables that you have recommended for now and it still sounds magical.
I like listing to your experiences. I cant buy the Pass-Labs Looking at the Sugden A21 right now. Will pair with a set of Harbeth. Any thoughts. Never heard the Sugden. Looking forward to it.
I would love to see you review the Dutch & Dutch 8C. I'm into Roon and wireless music systems. The best sound system I ever owned was a 160GB iPod and Sennheiser IE8 IEMs. Think I'm kidding? 🤣
Currently I run NAD C-372 stereo amp with QED XT40i cables to Klipsch RF-7 III with Bluesound Node 2i streamer and MiniDSP 2x4HD with Dirac Live as my stereo listening setup. I do like it. I do have some room issues that I notice when walking around, but I'm happy with the sound.
My current (and favorit) System: Elac Concentro S507 Loudspeaker, driven by the Luxman class A L550AXII. (Turntable: Dual CS721, Cambridge cxc and cxn v2, Naim Musik-server uniti)
I love our Cornwall IV’s! Feeding them with a Yamaha AS-3200, Technics SL1200G + 2M Black LVB250, Chord signature cabling. For digital we have a Technics cd/streamer /DAC which is awesome too but also a Sony Blu Ray and a D-BOB for high(er) res DVD’s Blu_rays etc. Really happy we can enjoy really close intimate sound or full on Rock Concert vibes with this set up.
A preference for integrated amps over separate preamps and power amps? Turntables were never a part of these systems? Totally agree that synergy plays a *huge* factor.
Mine is Sonus Faber Guarneri Tradition geared by Cayin M845i, Aquahifi La Scala, Primare NP5MKII streamer with Sbooster extrenal LPS, all wired by Purist Audio Design Venustas. This is the best I have ever had in my room, and the Cayin M845i will be replacing with a Jadis i70, hoping to improve my the best to another level..
REL: I'm sure, that their woofers will satisfy You! But: (almost) not ONE word about analog in Your reviews? Although it seems, that You used and still use analog setups... Why that?
what about Mc gear ? -I understand your focus is on Speakers , as it should be.. I also understand that Mc speakers are not highly acclaimed .. but amp, pre-amp wise they’re hard to ignore ..?
Phillips CD960,,as a transport,,running through a 563 Dac by Meridian,,into a passive pre amp,,into a QUAD 606 power amp,,and out through RTL 3 transmission line speakers..SUBLIME...
What size is your room? Mine is small and I've already made the mistake a couple of times of overpowering it, and I need to better manage its evolution.
My synergy: Klipsch Forte 1 with crites xover & titanium mid & tweeter Quicksilver mid mono amps el34 tubes Audio Refinement Pre 5, yes shocker. Using in preamp mode, very neutral. Highly recommended. Great price in the used market if you can find one.
count your blessings, friends. the vast majority of people on the planet never get to experience the delightful illusion of having real musicians gathered around their living room playing real instruments
Utter rubbish I worked in a hi fi retailer for 20 years , a £3000 hi fi could be beaten by a £400 system just a preference to the type of music being played and your preference
Glad to see a Cambridge Audio in your favourite system.
I have a very small room; near field setup. My best system : Luxman L550-AXII + Harbeth P3ESR-SE (The Special Edition) + Audiolab 8200CD.
I’m blown away at your number 8 pick. I thought for sure it would have been one of the top best sounding systems you’ve reviewed.
WE just added the SF Maxima Amatar 2-way floor-stander , to our system and we have finally heard what we have: Pass XP-17 Phono and XP-22 pre, Pass XA160 mono blocks (the originals, from 2005), Bryston CD player, Linn LP 12 with Audio Ogami Arm, and Ortofon Cadenza black cart, Kimber Kable through out, and, off for repair, our 1983 Nakamici Dragon. I waited 15 years to buy these speakers and the entire system sings. Last upgrade will likely be the Pass Amps replaced by Pass XA60.8 - next year, maybe. I really like your videos and your approach to reviewing.
Wow, the dac in a Cambridge CD player drove a better system than a dCS Lina dac driven system... certainly did not see that one coming! :)
Thanks for sharing your list! My current favorite amp/speaker setup is my Moon by Simaudio 600i v2 integrated, paired with the 680D DAC, running through my DeVore Fidelity O/96 speakers.
Excellent 👍 list 👍. Synergy is the real magic. I also love ARC. But arc is costly to maintain. But sounds wonderful 😊. I'm using an Aesthetix Mimas with Vandersteen 5s. The Mimas replaced an ARC VT100 Mk ll
Just love Sonus faber speakers. I owned a pair of the first Electa Amator’s and currently I have the Guarneri Memento’s.
Krell KPS-28c CD player, Krell pre-and power amplifiers, Transparent cables and power isolators…
Convergent Audio monoblocks and preamp, with Spatial Audio Lab X4 speakers, Basis Audio Transcendent Turntable
I have very fond memories of my old ProAc system - ProAc Studio 140, Simaudio i-7 integrated amp and Marantz SA11S2 cd player with Cardas Golden Reference cables. It's kind of like you describe some of your systems - warm, detailed, big soundstage. Since then I've gone quite a bit upscale with Revel Studio 2, Simaudio P8 pre-amp, Simaudio W8 amp and Simaudio 780D streamer/dac with Cardas Clear cables. It's definitely an improvement in sound in all aspects and I really enjoy it but every now and then I miss the magic of that simple ProAc system.
My current main system is my favorite and probably last, aside from a few tweaks: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT speakers
Clearaudio Performance Wood turn table w/ Satisfy tonearm
Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC cartridge
Clearaudio Statement record clamp
Music Hall ph 25.2 headphone amp
Grado GS 1000e headphones
NAD C568 CD player
Linn Selekt DSM w/ Katalyst DAC upgrade
2 BEL 1001 MK V power amps bridged to mono
BEL cables and interconnects
SurgeX XR 315
Symposium isolation platforms.
wow...someone else actually rating the Linn.
Very nice.
Mercury Streamer ==> Denafrips Pontus II ==> Schiit Loki Max ==> Schiit Freya + ==> McIntosh MC152 ==> DynAudio Contour 20s + Two REL T/5x Subs ……I just look for music to enjoy! 😊
His ears ..... his preference ........... his room .... be a LOT different in ANY other house or room.... and listener !!!
Thank you! Have a great life from this Season! 💖
Mine is my own inexpensive multi-room (and outdoor) system. When the music is playing and the system is balanced correctly between rooms, it always sounds as if you are getting true stereo… from another room. It is always full-range and fully present, yet it always seems to be ‘above’ you in such a way that you can hear it with total clarity. And for all that, it somehow never interferes with normal conversation.
My current system: EAT C-Major with a Dynavector 10x5 mkII cartridge, Schiiit Audio Freya plus preamp, Black Ice Audio Fusion F159 phono stage, Moon 360D cd player from Simaudio, Vincent SP 331 MK hybrid power amp, and Spatial Audio M1 Triode Master open baffle speakers. If it is missing anything from my perspective it would be deep bass and some kick. It sounds very open, warm, and the midrange and highs sound great.
Oh…your system sound very interesting. 👍🏼
Nice!
My Current system has some components from the 1980's that I've had since new.
Bryston 2BSST amplifier
Apt Holman preamp (all original)
Oppo BDP-105 universal player (replaced a Mission DAD 7000 CD player that I still have)
Yamaha PX-3 Linear Tracking Turntable w/ Grace F-9E cartridge
Yamaha T-1060 Am/Fm Tuner
Polk Audio LSI-15 Tower Speakers
Ultralink Excelsior 2.4 MkII Bi-Wire speaker cables
Ultralink Ultima Mk II Interconnects
The addition of the Oppo player elevated the system to a higher level, especially when playing SACDs and DSD files.
Favorite in the 70s was Apollo 1000s speakers .Yamaha Yp800 turn table and a pioneer receiver . Now I have Denon receiver 7.1 Klipsh. Surround and center speaker. Emotive B1 speakers for front. Sony Atmos speakers and Sony subwoofer.
I'm a bit surprised you couldn't find a Klipsch L/R that would work with your other Klipsch speakers. That Emotiva B1 must have a really sweet sound.
I would love to hear how the RELs change the sound of your system
Depending on the model and model of the. Mains...it will typically give clean bass that extends the bottom end excusing the main speakers from having to hit the bottom notes (typically cleans the bottom up).
My system is the Elipson 1303 Foster tweeter driven by the Duson A10 class A amp. (former Adio Analyse A9). Preamp the Duson C1000. Interconnects Carbon and loudspeaker Cable Vandenhul hybride. This system makes the sound real live. The music comes not out of my speaker but stands in the middel of my room. It is right here. With an LP it becomes even more realistic.
On my computer desk i have: Elac Carina BS243.4 (on 6 inch high speaker stands) + one REL T Zero MK III + SMSL A300 amp and SMSL SU-9n dac. I have the REL downfire subwoofer at the table behind the monitor. I love the "big nearfield sound" from this little setup in my small room! For music it sounds better than my Klipsch RP 8000f II in my livingroom.
My favorite system is my current version: Klipsch Belles powered by VTL 100 monoblocs, two VPI HW-19 turntables (v.3 for mono, v.4 for stereo), phono preamp by Krell, DAC is a vintage Anodyne Adapt tube output unit.
Gino, I love those Belles. I have Khorns, Lascalas and Heresys but have always loved the looks of the belles.
@@jmalen123 Thanks James, I also have Heresy’s in my office system and use Forte’s in my home theater setup.
I recall you also praised the Line Magnetic LM219 integrated amp. I guess it no longer makes your top 8. It is one of the amp I use to drive a pair of Avantgarde and the soundstage is HUGE. It is still one of the favourites.
NAt Audio HPS using GM70 tubes with Cube Audio Nanaphar speakers was a step up that I truly enjoy. As for cables as yet I have not managed to put anything exotic use the standard cables that you have recommended for now and it still sounds magical.
I like listing to your experiences. I cant buy the Pass-Labs
Looking at the Sugden A21 right now. Will pair with a set of Harbeth. Any thoughts. Never heard the Sugden. Looking forward to it.
Classic combination! You can't beat it. Buy it once and let the audiophile world pass you by. You'll be listening to music.
Using a pair of cary 805 ae now, totally agree with you they sound absolutely beautiful and musical! :)
Thanks for this overview. I'm also interested in your Top 8 cost-no-object systems.
I would love to see you review the Dutch & Dutch 8C. I'm into Roon and wireless music systems. The best sound system I ever owned was a 160GB iPod and Sennheiser IE8 IEMs. Think I'm kidding? 🤣
Thanks for sharing. So much of this is the room interaction also and its cool to see how things coalesce into systems!
Harbeth SHL5+ 40th Anniversary, Gato Audio Amp 150 AE , Gato Audio CDD-1 AE, Ansuz Acoustics Speaker Power Cables and Mains Block. Audioquest XLR.
Still remember the first Time I heard Dahlquistdq10’s….
Currently I run NAD C-372 stereo amp with QED XT40i cables to Klipsch RF-7 III with Bluesound Node 2i streamer and MiniDSP 2x4HD with Dirac Live as my stereo listening setup. I do like it. I do have some room issues that I notice when walking around, but I'm happy with the sound.
Aoshida D7->Kenwood KA-1400B/Kenwood KT1300B->Beovox S45-2 (QED cables). Under 1000$
Very nice retrospective view!
Great review
Great content! What are your amp stands? Sanus ?
My current (and favorit) System: Elac Concentro S507 Loudspeaker, driven by the Luxman class A L550AXII. (Turntable: Dual CS721, Cambridge cxc and cxn v2, Naim Musik-server uniti)
My favorit loudspeakers are the Manger.I do not know why they are not so famous than others,especially because they are build like the eardrum.
Thank you. I really enjoyed that.
I love our Cornwall IV’s! Feeding them with a Yamaha AS-3200, Technics SL1200G + 2M Black LVB250, Chord signature cabling. For digital we have a Technics cd/streamer /DAC which is awesome too but also a Sony Blu Ray and a D-BOB for high(er) res DVD’s Blu_rays etc. Really happy we can enjoy really close intimate sound or full on Rock Concert vibes with this set up.
I’m from the Uk Have you ever heard a linn/Naim system?The linn sondek is the best turntable I’ve ever heard.
A preference for integrated amps over separate preamps and power amps? Turntables were never a part of these systems?
Totally agree that synergy plays a *huge* factor.
Mine is Sonus Faber Guarneri Tradition geared by Cayin M845i, Aquahifi La Scala, Primare NP5MKII streamer with Sbooster extrenal LPS, all wired by Purist Audio Design Venustas. This is the best I have ever had in my room, and the Cayin M845i will be replacing with a Jadis i70, hoping to improve my the best to another level..
If you're thinking about Subs go with the J L Audio War rhythmic both are fantastic
GoldenEar Triton Reference with Line Magnetic LM805iA
I'm building my system and just scored a Hegel H95 which I have big hopes for with those Klipsch Heresy's.
Amazon is delivering my Heresy's tomorrow!!
My NAD 3020B and AR speakers and Rotel CD player sounds fantastic viz the law of diminishing returns 😀
Didn’t know you lived in AZ! I need to check out that hifi store one of these days…
Synergy is the key ! That' s why Audio Note is the best ! From the source to the speakers ! Not mix and match difrent brands .
audio note is the best in your opinion, there is no best in this Hobby everybody's ears are different remember that.
Was hoping to see some Paradigm representation in this list 😎
REL: I'm sure, that their woofers will satisfy You! But: (almost) not ONE word about analog in Your reviews? Although it seems, that You used and still use analog setups... Why that?
Synergy, thank you.
Where's the Avantgarde ?
Thanks for list.
I would love to see a review of the DeVilles with a Rel sub! :)
Interesting that most speakers were two way.
what about Mc gear ? -I understand your focus is on Speakers , as it should be.. I also understand that Mc speakers are not highly acclaimed .. but amp, pre-amp wise they’re hard to ignore ..?
Phillips CD960,,as a transport,,running through a 563 Dac by Meridian,,into a passive pre amp,,into a QUAD 606 power amp,,and out through RTL 3 transmission line speakers..SUBLIME...
Fun review.
Love your videos 👍
What size is your room? Mine is small and I've already made the mistake a couple of times of overpowering it, and I need to better manage its evolution.
Genesis car audio is the best I heard.
I really do like the Lexicon system in my Genesis. I'd love to hear the B&W system in Volvo and the Mark Levinson system in Lexus.
why would you get rid of the best system you ever had?
Thanks!
you still refuse to try sonus faber electa amarta 3?
My synergy:
Klipsch Forte 1 with crites xover & titanium mid & tweeter
Quicksilver mid mono amps el34 tubes
Audio Refinement Pre 5, yes shocker. Using in preamp mode, very neutral. Highly recommended. Great price in the used market if you can find one.
Sonus faber speakers most of line is awesome , Macintosh amps , Denifrips dac
A bit odd that your number one isn't your current.
Umm. 70s lascalas. Driven by a nakamichi 620 amp , tt700 deck . Epic audio. More base on a lascala. Position.
I said "Get a Rel" out loud before you said you were thinking about a Rel sub... LOL
count your blessings, friends. the vast majority of people on the planet never get to experience the delightful illusion of having real musicians gathered around their living room playing real instruments
Why wouldn't you have the #1 system now vs what you got?
now im thinking about the cam. cd player. have a cam. intergrated amp with kefs. interesting.
Wow your not short of a dollar or two to have owned all these high end systems....!
Can eview the audio research i50.
the "TOP"8 systems I've owned,,, lol.
Devialet… 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
No Diablos?
I guess I can't remember you may have got them after this vid. Pretty new around here 😅
I guess if you use Spotify, a great setup is pointless or not?
) thank you
Sounds like a speaker review not system
why no mcintosh ?
I've spent $100,000 on audio gear and compared 30 sets of amps. Sugden, Pass Labs, and tube amps beat McIntosh out of water hands down.
edifier 1280 :)
sound kaos vox 3afw ???????????? where &&&????
only 8k, lol.
Utter rubbish I worked in a hi fi retailer for 20 years , a £3000 hi fi could be beaten by a £400 system just a preference to the type of music being played and your preference
What's with the constant mindless smiling?