Greetings from Melbourne, the most liveable city in the world!
As of these last few months, I've had some new items in the room for trial, plus my Act2 suddenly stopped working. It's on the way to Queensland for a check up.
I managed to get hold of some top-notch gear to drive the Quads, I also drove the stats without the preamp, using the MCD301 pre direct through the MV60se. Bloody great mate! I still strongly believe a preamp in there certainly makes a compelling difference...
Systems I tried out, and my findings:
1. ARC Ref 75 with Ref line stage: excellent dynamics and plenty of drive. However, I personally prefer the c-j combination. To me it has more warmth and that enveloping sound with a magical dimensionality through c-j & Quads, and that's something very special.
2. c-j ARTsa: this was simply outstanding, but it is unfair to even compare it this category; The ARTsa is in a league of its own...
Plus I'd be itching myself silly to get hold of a GAT preamp to match the Art. Then this would be a complete overhaul of a pre-power system, which the wifey and kiddo wouldn't be too happy about. Might as well go homeless!
3. MC2300 with the MC452: great soundstage, dynamics and awesome transients plus intrinsic detail. However, I preferred the MC452 with the Act2. That was something spectacular. Very smooth and listenable for endless hours. Very nice, one of my first choices.
4. MC275 with MC2300 and Act2: The KT88's had that special midrange that was very palpable compared to the rest. Running the MV60se gave me far better bass, extended airy highs with a magical midrange and superb soundstage mostly due to the KT120's.
5. Lamm ML2 monoblocks: these were from a 4th owner passed along different states. I think these came in from NSW lying around somewhere in one of the dealer's demo rooms. The sound was extraordinary driving the Quads through the Act2. However, one main problem is that the tube replacements cost way too much over here. That put me off.
Another thing that put me off was the ARC Ref 75; the input signal cables (internal wiring) run straight through the middle of the output tubes. Those KT120's get pretty dam hot and I wonder why they thought of this design. I didn't realize it until the lid was off. I know that a majority of designers would either run these wires under a sub-chasis or out of sight, not through a pair of output tubes over the top?
Anyway, now I am confused and going to just listen to that small Sony FM radio blasting away with dust!
For the moment what I'm getting out of my current system is what my trusted electrostat guru once said, that "good enough, is as good enough." There will always be something better out there, just for once enjoy what you've got!
Take it easy all, love the music.
Cheers, RJ
As of these last few months, I've had some new items in the room for trial, plus my Act2 suddenly stopped working. It's on the way to Queensland for a check up.
I managed to get hold of some top-notch gear to drive the Quads, I also drove the stats without the preamp, using the MCD301 pre direct through the MV60se. Bloody great mate! I still strongly believe a preamp in there certainly makes a compelling difference...
Systems I tried out, and my findings:
1. ARC Ref 75 with Ref line stage: excellent dynamics and plenty of drive. However, I personally prefer the c-j combination. To me it has more warmth and that enveloping sound with a magical dimensionality through c-j & Quads, and that's something very special.
2. c-j ARTsa: this was simply outstanding, but it is unfair to even compare it this category; The ARTsa is in a league of its own...
Plus I'd be itching myself silly to get hold of a GAT preamp to match the Art. Then this would be a complete overhaul of a pre-power system, which the wifey and kiddo wouldn't be too happy about. Might as well go homeless!
3. MC2300 with the MC452: great soundstage, dynamics and awesome transients plus intrinsic detail. However, I preferred the MC452 with the Act2. That was something spectacular. Very smooth and listenable for endless hours. Very nice, one of my first choices.
4. MC275 with MC2300 and Act2: The KT88's had that special midrange that was very palpable compared to the rest. Running the MV60se gave me far better bass, extended airy highs with a magical midrange and superb soundstage mostly due to the KT120's.
5. Lamm ML2 monoblocks: these were from a 4th owner passed along different states. I think these came in from NSW lying around somewhere in one of the dealer's demo rooms. The sound was extraordinary driving the Quads through the Act2. However, one main problem is that the tube replacements cost way too much over here. That put me off.
Another thing that put me off was the ARC Ref 75; the input signal cables (internal wiring) run straight through the middle of the output tubes. Those KT120's get pretty dam hot and I wonder why they thought of this design. I didn't realize it until the lid was off. I know that a majority of designers would either run these wires under a sub-chasis or out of sight, not through a pair of output tubes over the top?
Anyway, now I am confused and going to just listen to that small Sony FM radio blasting away with dust!
For the moment what I'm getting out of my current system is what my trusted electrostat guru once said, that "good enough, is as good enough." There will always be something better out there, just for once enjoy what you've got!
Take it easy all, love the music.
Cheers, RJ