"Destination" Part Deux

CDLehner

CDLehner

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OK, well; something was definitely up...with that OP; because when Mark went to remove it...the whole thread went bye-bye.

So let me try to re-create it...much more succinctly, lol:

- I've got too much gear
- Most of it, is OK for driving my PMC Twenty 26s
- But now I also have KEF Ref 1s, and they feel like they needs GOBS of power/current
- Not sure which speakers will stay, as they are both just GREAT; but I want to get off the amp merry-go-round
- So I need like a "destination" piece...that's fairly BIG, clean, neutral (to slightly warm) power; that just sits there, does its job, and can drive whatever speaker...might still come and go. If I want to tweak...I'll have DACs, pre-amps, and tubes for that (so IAs are out of contention).

In the 24 hours that have passed, since the ill-fated OP; I think I have "narrowed" my choices to 4 models: (oh yeah...and there is a budget, lol)

ARC DS-450
Bryston 4B SST2
McIntosh MC302 or 402
Pass 250.8

At this point, it comes down to price, logistics (for example...the Mac 402, is right in my town. I don't live in LA or Chicago; so the number of times that's happened...that a piece I was possibly interested in, was literally mere minutes away. Is uhhh....never!)...and a gut feeling.

Still open, if you have a contender you'd like to throw in the ring; and it's always easier to make a tough decision (ALL good choices, in my mind)...when you get a little affirmation.

Thanks
 
Of your choices, I've owned most of them. X250.8 would be my pick of those four mentioned, but I think you should keep listening. Have you tried a Devialet?


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Chris, if you can do a home demo of the 402, give it a shot.

How would you describe the sound of your different speakers? The Mc would give you something a little on the warmer side, as would the Pass. The Bryston is also a great choice.

I've had the DS-450 in my home, and paired with my Salon 2's it wasn't a good match. I had Mc 402 and 501's for a while and they played very nicely with my Salons.
 
^^ That's the thing guys; I'm not sure which speakers are going to stay...and I know, typically, that makes all the difference in the world (in terms of synergy). But part of getting off the amp merry-go-round...as it's just too damn hard, packing, un-packing, moving, shipping...typically BIG, heavy-a$$ amps; is I want something, that's a good jack-of-all-trades.

I don't want to do the "well...the PMCs would respond well to this amp; but now I have KEFs, so that would be better"...lol. Synergy is still important...but if anything, I want to tweak DACs, pre-amps, tubes, etc; and just have the amp be the BIG, solid constant.
 
CDLehner said:
^^ That's the thing guys; I'm not sure which speakers are going to stay...and I know, typically, that makes all the difference in the world (in terms of synergy). But part of getting off the amp merry-go-round...as it's just too damn hard, packing, un-packing, moving, shipping...typically BIG, heavy-a$$ amps; is I want something, that's a good jack-of-all-trades.

I don't want to do the "well...the PMCs would respond well to this amp; but now I have KEFs, so that would be better"...lol. Synergy is still important...but if anything, I want to tweak DACs, pre-amps, tubes, etc; and just have the amp be the BIG, solid constant.
Click to expand...

Gotcha.

In that case, I agree with Mike, get the Pass!
 
"Destination" Part Deux

Chris, I'm serious - get the Devialet. It sounds outstanding and you can carry one under your arm. They have SAM for lots of speakers. It works great with everything I've tried. Not sure why you have such a thing against the Devialet. Look at JAX, he's tried loads of stuff - even that NAD stuff while he had the Devialet. And what did he keep?

Just think of all the other stuff you could sell - preamp, DAC, etc. you could have such a nice clean system that sounds incredible too. I would sell all that other stuff and get a D400 and you won't look back.
 
Re: "Destination" Part Deux

Mike said:
Chris, I'm serious - get the Devialet. It sounds outstanding and you can carry one under your arm. They have SAM for lots of speakers. It works great with everything I've tried. Not sure why you have such a thing against the Devialet. Look at JAX, he's tried loads of stuff - even that NAD stuff while he had the Devialet. And what did he keep?

Just think of all the other stuff you could sell - preamp, DAC, etc. you could have such a nice clean system that sounds incredible too. I would sell all that other stuff and get a D400 and you won't look back.
Click to expand...

OMGoodness; is that where the idea that "someday everyone will own a Devialet" comes from? Because those that own them (and sell them)...will never, EVER; stop hammering you about getting one? :P

I have to admit; the endorsements are getting a little overwhelming, for there not to be something there. But while I'm ready to get off the amp merry-go-round; I just don't think I'm quite ready...for set it and forget it.

Besides...I really like, my Ayre QB-9 DSD :audiophile:
 
No Chris, it comes from someone who has a hell of a lot of experience and who is looking at a hodgepodge of stuff you have now and simply making a sound piece of advice - given your budget. Good luck in your search. You asked for help, but I guess you only want people to tell you what you want to hear. Get the Mc or the Pass X250.8, they're light, you should have no issues packing them back up in 6 months.
 
Mike said:
No Chris, it comes from someone who has a hell of a lot of experience and who is looking at a hodgepodge of stuff you have now and simply making a sound piece of advice - given your budget. Good luck in your search. You asked for help, but I guess you only want people to tell you what you want to hear. Get the Mc or the Pass X250.8, they're light, you should have no issues packing them back up in 6 months.
Click to expand...

No Mike; I appreciate the suggestion. And you're right; you have a lot of experience with gear...Tom does, and is someone who's sensibilities I tend to trust. And he will tell you, in all modesty...I've owned my fair share of gear too.

I don't want "people to just tell me what I want to hear"; but I am going to play some part in this decision, dont'cha think? After all...I'm asking after possibly, the last amp; that will ever set down in my rack (until I sell it ALL, and just go for a Luxman and some Harbies :))

If someone were to say "why don't you just get an ATI" (no offense...had to pick someone); and I was like "nah...don't think that's the one". Would you climb all over me for that?

As for my hodge-podge; I've never denied, I've made a mess of things. I've been very forth-coming about that. In my defense...I don't think there's a dog in the bunch; and that's my Achilles heel. I like good gear :audiophile:

I would also say, that if a Devialet were the solution...to everyone's gear desires; then you'd have 4 in your house...and sell everything else ;) This hobby, is about variety and preference; and just because I don't think the Devialet is for me...doesn't mean I don't acknowledge, it seems to be pretty damn good (and said so).

Peace and music.
 
Mike, I think what Chris isn't saying is that Devialet requires a person to pretty much abandon trying new gear because it replaces everything. He wants to keep dabbling with DACs and Preamps, but want's to marry one amp because they are the biggest hassle to switch out. Those of us addicted to the box swapping have to take baby steps. Step one for Chris is settling on one amp and sticking with it. Moving to a Devialet would be like quitting cold turkey. In other words, I don't think Chris refuses to try Devialet because he doesn't think it's superb. I think its the all-in-one aspect that is the sticking point.
 
jaxwired said:
Mike, I think what Chris isn't saying is that Devialet requires a person to pretty much abandon trying new gear because it replaces everything. He wants to keep dabbling with DACs and Preamps, but want's to marry one amp because they are the biggest hassle to switch out. Those of us addicted to the box swapping have to take baby steps. Step one for Chris is settling on one amp and sticking with it. Moving to a Devialet would be like quitting cold turkey. In other words, I don't think Chris refuses to try Devialet because he doesn't think it's superb. I think its the all-in-one aspect that is the sticking point.
Click to expand...

Well said...from the man who knows my predilections best :blush:
 
jaxwired said:
Mike, I think what Chris isn't saying is that Devialet requires a person to pretty much abandon trying new gear because it replaces everything. He wants to keep dabbling with DACs and Preamps, but want's to marry one amp because they are the biggest hassle to switch out. Those of us addicted to the box swapping have to take baby steps. Step one for Chris is settling on one amp and sticking with it. Moving to a Devialet would be like quitting cold turkey. In other words, I don't think Chris refuses to try Devialet because he doesn't think it's superb. I think its the all-in-one aspect that is the sticking point.
Click to expand...

Oh trust me, I get that desire to try other stuff too. But I was looking at things merely from a respectable budget standpoint. And if Chris was to sell his preamp/DAC, he could apply his amp budget and easily get a "gently used" D400 on the open market.

I just personally have not found an amp/preamp/DAC/Phonostage combo that would better it for the gently used price of $10,750 (Devialet 400 amplfier Mint customer trade-in | Solid state | Bethel, Connecticut 06801 | Audiogon - The High-end Audio Community).

I use and listen to my D400 every day - more than any other piece I own. I've had it in my main system and it pissed me off because it was so damn good, making me really question the whole equation of spending more.

If Chris had super efficient speakers like these Living Voice OBX-RW's I'm listening to, then he could have a blast with little fun tube amps from Dennis Had's new company, Inspire and other things like that. Heck, maybe even a pair of Lampi 211's with a Lampi DAC/Preamp would fit the bill.

But PMC's like a little bit of juice (I absolutely love PMC speakers by the way) and given this, then options, given his respectable budget, are limited really to SS/Class-D or Class-D/Class-A hybrids like the Devialet.
 
Mike said:
If Chris had super efficient speakers like these Living Voice OBX-RW's I'm listening to...
Click to expand...

Well...that comes next :sneaky:

Because while I am trying to "marry" an amp, for the Main rig; nobody said anything...about any additional set-ups, lol.

If at all possible (space and money; mostly space); I'm keeping the L-550AX. After all...I always said, it would be my "retirement" amp. That'll need, relatively high-efficiency speakers. I was thinking of Omega...but am definitely open to suggestions, and was going to post.

So I will take a look, at LV!
 
Still early in the vetting process; but we have a front-runner :)

Bryston 4B SST2

ARC DS-450
McIntosh MC302 or 402
Pass 250.8
 
Bryston 4B SST2 - talk to Sean. He owned one and sold it. I have an SST2 amp myself. It's collecting dust. Would love me a pair of 28SST2's though. 4BSST2 paired with a tube DAC, could be 'ok'. Bryston is a terrific company.
ARC DS-450 - don't walk, run away from this one. I owned it. Not good.
McIntosh 302/402 - old Mc sound. Looks pretty though. I've owned both of these. I would suggest the MC452 instead.
Pass 250.8 - True Pass magic is found in their XA or XS series. Paired with a tube DAC - could be ok though.
 
CDLehner said:
Aren't they a little "dark"? And they ain't cheap.
Click to expand...

To my ears they are neutral but not cold or sterile. Definitely not sparkly on top. Tons of drive for the bottom.

Lightly used they can be had within your budget. E.g., 532H or going back into the 43x series too.
 
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