A few quick photos of a system in flux - Duo XD ...

amazing set up and color choice. hope you keep updating this thread with thoughts as you spend more time with the speakers. i'm sure there are a lot of future ag owners in this thread eager to learn more :)
 
Thank you for your kind words, I will. Speakers can be a personal thing. I think we can all recognize, once we hear it, what really gets us, draws us in and lets us fully engage with the music.

My Duos do that for me.
 
Thank you so much. I appreciate it. Can't wait to listen tonight.
 
Elberoth said:
Looks great! Could it be your last speaker ? ;)
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Thank you Adam. Absolutely! I love what I’m hearing. From low level listening to cranked louder than I can stand it - it’s wonderful!
 
It’s always great to read when someone is really connected with the system they’ve put together. A big congrats to you, again, Joe.

Has a certain front end emerged as a favorite for you?


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I’m rotating through amps now but each has its strengths. The Luxman MQ300, MC275 and SIT3 rise to the top easily. The MC303/452 are awesome but love the slightly more older school sound of the 303 over the 452. I have some more swapping and listening to do. The C1100 is excellent, sweet and quiet like I love it.
 
Joe, will you give me a good deal on the speakers when you get tired of them and decide to move on?:)
 
PMCH said:
Joe, love the look of your system. I am a McIntosh fan.
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Thank you very much.

It’s too bad I didn’t listen to some of you guys and pair MC2301s with my Strads. I think I’d still have that combo today.

But, I absolutely love the MC275 with the C1100 on my Duo XD. They complement each other wonderfully.
 
Hey Joe
Have you had a chance to form an opinion on that Valvet E2 in your sig?

I'd love to hear SS from Valvet, Sugden, Grandinote, Gold Note, Riviera, Spec, Linnenberg, and Audia Flight on the AGs but these brands are so esoteric in the US that even if you can access a dealer, the chances of getting a listen to the particular model you want to check out is virtually nil ...

Parker
 
pdub said:
Hey Joe
Have you had a chance to form an opinion on that Valvet E2 in your sig?

I'd love to hear SS from Valvet, Sugden, Grandinote, Gold Note, Riviera, Spec, Linnenberg, and Audia Flight on the AGs but these brands are so esoteric in the US that even if you can access a dealer, the chances of getting a listen to the particular model you want to check out is virtually nil ...

Parker
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The Valvet E2 is simply outstanding. It's a little more neutral overall than the SIT3 for example but it feels so complete top to bottom. I'm personally leaning towards the SIT3 overall but have had the E2 in the system for the past 10 days or so.

It's only 12wpc into 8 ohms but I still need to find out from the company officially if it likes or hates the 16-18 ohms of my Duos. It seems perfectly happy but I don't know electrically if it's too much like the SIT3. That needs a resistor in parallel to lower the overall resistance to 8 ohms or below.

The E2 runs hot on the bottom because it's fully Class A. It's very open, 3D, lively, dead quiet, very musical and detailed.

The SIT3 for example seems a little smoother, a little more reserved on top and a little more SET-like overall.

If you made me pick one for the Duos, I'd go SIT3 for my personal taste. If you want more detail and openness, go E2. I think on another or different high efficiency speaker, I would absolutely pick and happily live with the E2. I'm certainly not giving it up. It's simply superb with another flavor of great.

I think Sugden or Accuphase E650 could be superb as well.

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KeithR said:
Joe, so what are your favorite amp combos with the Duos now?
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If I had to pick one and only one amp, the SIT3 with GAT2 is my perfect combo. Just mainly because it’s solid state and minimal tubes and is the sweetest most SET like combo.

The Luxman MQ300 beats all solid state and has all the bloom, air, sweetness, vocals to die for, depth and layering you could want.

The 275VI is surprisingly awesome but is a little more matter of fact without the SET sweetness that I desire. It has 16 ohm taps like precious few amps have so it responds better than most. I love the long tube life and with the C1100 or GAT2 is an easy listening, carefree combo. My preference is the GAT2 with all my amps.

The Valvet E2, Luxman MQ300 and SIT3 are my go to rotation trio.
 
Hey Joe, it's great to read about "your" preferences in this thread. Not many have had the privilege to experience good gear as you have in their own space & lived with it. This is a totally different perspective & knowledge base that many don't understand, thanks for sharing.
 
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