Results 1 to 36 of 36
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October 5, 2020, 02:27 PM #1
A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Hi gang, hoping for some thoughts.
I'm very happy at the moment with my system, but getting a slight itch for an upgrade. So many options and directions I could go, but the one I'm pondering at the moment is moving from my Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers to Wilson Sabrinas. (The Sabrina X is now out, which may bring the Sabrina down to my budget... maybe.)
My room is approx. 10'6" x 15'6" with the speakers along the short wall and my listening chair is about 2/3 back from said wall. The C7s plus their stands are just about the right size for this room, and the Sabrinas on their floor spikes are similar in overall size, though obviously the speakers themselves are much bigger.
Current amp is a Pass Labs XA30.5 which doubles down at 4Ohms (plus lots of headroom) and comes just within Wilson's "recommended" amplifier power. The room is on the smaller side, and I don't listen loud; I've never "wanted" for more power with the C7s. (Though every once in a while I wonder what a pair of XA60.5s would sound like in here, but that's a different thread. )
Eh? Any thoughts?Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
"[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
"Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson
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October 5, 2020, 02:36 PM #2
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Tough choice to make - especially if you really like your system now. My room is a tiny bit smaller than yours, and I seriously considered the Sabrinas. (was before the new X came out) I ended up deciding to get speakers that are a bit more sensitive/efficient, to match the lower wattage Firstwatt DIY amplifiers that I like tinkering with.
I will be interested to hear the story if you upgrade.Amplification : Modwright LS300 - Atma-Sphere "Class D" monoblocks
Digital : MSB Premier DAC+Digital Director, Oppo 203, Sonos Port (W4S mod)
Analog : Technics SL1200G, Boulder 508
Speakers : Daedalus Audio Muse Studio
Headphone : BHSE + Voce
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October 5, 2020, 03:18 PM #3
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Totally different sound if you asked me. I would just add the REL sub into the mix and keeping the Harbeth. I am biased tho
Paul
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October 5, 2020, 03:35 PM #4
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Stick with the Harbeths.
Personally, I doubt you will obtain any greater musical satisfaction with the Wilsons, and....personally I think your room may be too small for them.
If you have an itch to get some gear, get a Shunyata Everest instead. It will do more for your musical enjoyment than swapping out speakers.
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October 5, 2020, 03:53 PM #5
- Join Date
- Dec 2019
- Location
- USA
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- 786
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Wilson makes some excellent speakers. And they go well with Pass Labs. I have a friend who posts here on occasion that owns the Alexia Series II. Jaw dropping good on every level. I'm seriously considering them as my next speaker.
But as you already know, your tastes may be different than mine, so it's always good to listen first, then decide.
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October 5, 2020, 04:10 PM #6
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I concur with Joe, Stephen and Paul. But then we all know certain 'itches' need to be scratched ..................
Cheers ! …. Dave
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October 5, 2020, 04:25 PM #7
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
"[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
"Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson
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October 5, 2020, 05:28 PM #8
- Join Date
- May 2013
- Location
- Tallahassee, Florida/Greenville, SC
- Posts
- 3,242
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Don
If I was a Harbeth fan and had an itch for something different in a room that size with a "similar" sound profile I would look at Reynaud. This would be my first choice if they would work in that room.
VOCE GRANDE
If not the Abscisse Jubilee or Bliss Jubilee. I own both and both should work in that room as they are front ported transmission line speakers as are almost all Reynaud's. Though it is better if you have it they don't require a lot of space to the sides and behind per their designer. Down side is there are only a few dealers around including the US distributor Bob Neill. I just picked a pair of C7ES'3's (my first Harbeth) a couple of months ago so still haven't had time to do a complete comparison but enough to see the similarities in the two lines especially in the midrange.Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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October 5, 2020, 05:33 PM #9
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October 5, 2020, 07:23 PM #10
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
If you are really happy with what you have, then I would be very cautious changing up.
The Wilsons and Harbeths are such different sounds. I can see why you could love both.
I love my 2 systems - different brands but probably just as different as the Wilsons and Harbeths. Magico and Avant Garde in my case.Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
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House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
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October 6, 2020, 06:24 AM #11
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Don - Both brands are excellent. They do have different sound signatures. As others suggested, try in your room before buying.
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 08:34 AM #12
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
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October 6, 2020, 09:02 AM #13
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Yes, I know of at least one. Depends on the customer relationship with the dealer.
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 09:28 AM #14
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,758
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
| Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali
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October 6, 2020, 09:31 AM #15
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I would think you would have to be a really good customer who has already spent significant sums of money with the dealer and live fairly close to said dealer. This is no insignificant deal to have a Wilson dealer deliver and setup a pair of Wilson speakers in a customer's home for a trial listen. Some people act like this is no different than ordering take out from Grub Hub.
Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
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October 6, 2020, 09:37 AM #16
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,758
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I don't expect a dealer to do pre-purchase in-home speaker demo's. But if they don't do it, can't justify charging MSRP.
Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
| Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali
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October 6, 2020, 10:06 AM #17
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 10:07 AM #18
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I know of another dealer that has done home demos with Harbeths, B&W and Magico.
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Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 10:24 AM #19Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
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October 6, 2020, 10:40 AM #20
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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October 6, 2020, 10:55 AM #21_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 10:56 AM #22_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 03:21 PM #23
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October 6, 2020, 03:22 PM #24
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Haha, maybe it's more like picking at a scab rather than scratching on itch?
Yes, very different "house sounds" between them, though ones I am familiar with.
There is a well-known local Wilson dealer (about an hour away), though I do not (yet?) have an established relationship with said dealer. I would not necessarily "expect" an in-home demo/trial, though I would assume some sort of guarantee that if I bought them and then hated them after two weeks or 30 days or something that they would work with me to find a solution, whatever that may be.
It's still just an academic inquiry at this point, but I do appreciate (a lot!) the discussion and thoughts so far.Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
"[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
"Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson
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October 6, 2020, 03:25 PM #25
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October 6, 2020, 03:55 PM #26
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October 6, 2020, 04:17 PM #27
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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October 6, 2020, 11:54 PM #28
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Everyone should own a pair of Wilsons once in their audiophile life- go for it!
Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
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October 7, 2020, 12:16 AM #29
- Join Date
- Apr 2017
- Location
- Australia
- Posts
- 1,758
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
Analog cables: Crystal Cable | Digital cables: Shunyata Sigma | Rack: YG Acoustics Rack 1.8
| Source: Kaleidescape Premiere (4 x 6TB) | Power: Shunyata Typhon-QR, Everest and Denali
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October 7, 2020, 08:25 AM #30
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I used to own the Harbeth SHL5’s and got the itch. After a lot of searching I ended up with the Tannoy Turnberry. To me, I thought it was a step up although not a radical departure from the things I liked about the Harbeth sound. The 10 inch woofer in the Turnberry added some needed bottom end. And I just love the classic looks of the Tannoy Prestige series.
Gary
Main: Lumin A1, Accuphase E-650, Tannoy Canterbury GR, Shunyata, Audience
Secondary: Lumin M1, Linton Heritage, Shunyata, Audience
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October 7, 2020, 08:49 PM #31
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
"[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
"Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson
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October 9, 2020, 06:57 PM #32
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
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- lachen / sz
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- 1,061
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October 12, 2020, 01:57 PM #33
- Join Date
- Mar 2016
- Location
- Breisach am Rhein, Germany
- Posts
- 16
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
I've been reading here quit a lot and slowly feeling more confident to share my thoughts... So hallo everybody! And to the topic... I think that I would have considered Audionote if I were in your position... The Sabrinas are using a top notch scan-speak Relevator driver (had it) making very impressive and transparent midrange, BUT! They didn't move me... At all. They are doing everything perfect, almost. Audionote on the other end are quite the opposite and much more reassembling the Herberth philosophy
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October 12, 2020, 02:52 PM #34
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Welcome!!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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October 12, 2020, 02:54 PM #35
- Join Date
- Mar 2016
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- Breisach am Rhein, Germany
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- 16
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
Thanks!
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October 12, 2020, 03:40 PM #36
Re: A move from Harbeth to... Wilson?
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
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Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
Yes, the Digital Director was used in that setup with MSB monoblocks, and Magico M2's.
GigaFoil v4 Inline Ethernet Filter