My own audio nirvana...

As my new amps, preamp and cables have been getting a lot of playtime, in order to reach their prime, I have noticed some subtle and some not so subtle changes in the sound. I think things have reached their ultimate expression now, as I experienced such a rewarding listening experience that I have to comment. It was shear perfection, as if the performers were in my room. I thought I have had this experience before, but not like this. Every sound from Holly Cole's mouth was so real, it was if it was the first time I have heard her sing the songs. Not in a replicated way, but in a live, just a few feet away from you way, with no microphone, just the voice and the instruments there, in front of you. The vocal inflections, the shaping of the notes and mouth, it was all precisely revealed, just as if I were watching her sing. The way the chords from the Aaron Davis' piano were still decaying, bathing me in harmony, even as the next notes emerge was like listening to a real piano. David Piltch's acoustic bass emerged effortlessly and completely through the Wilson WP8s, loading the entire listening room with all of its glorious deep richness of sound, seemingly going right through my body and chair. Incredible. Nothing was missing, not the slightest detail from any subtle percussion instrument, nor any harmonic overtone from Howard Levy's wonderful harmonica playing. During horn arrangements, it was so easy to pick out the various instruments, from the french horn and trombone to the trumpet and tenor sax. Every note just right, no piercing sounds, no non-musical sounds, just music. Anyway, I had to share, as I have never heard reproduced sound this good in my own listening room. There may be better speakers, amps, cables, etc., but I have no desire to change from what I am currently using. I have finally reached my own audio nirvana.

Steve Williams said:

Steve

great to hear how pleased you are but share with us what gear you changed

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Steve, I use Pass Labs XA-100.5 amps and a Pass Labs XP-20 preamp. Using the balanced (XLR) connections with Mogami interconnects. I have rearranged the listening room so that only the amps are between the speakers and altered the positioning of the acoustic panels. For my smaller listening room, larger speakers would seem to be overkill. Just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, everything is just right.

Thank you all for your kind comments. No pics for now, as the room needs some touch up and I haven't ordered my amp stands, yet. When room is complete I will post my system.