Quote:
Originally Posted by JoeN
Charles,
Congrats on a terrific system.
It wouldn’t cost you anything for a demo on Westminster Labs REI mono amps. They only send you one set and they sound majestic. I’m getting 200w Class A - very liquid sound. If we bridge them - they are specifically made for this - then we’ll receive 700w of Class A. To date the best amp we’ve heard. Several that own DartZeel, MSB, etc are replacing them with these. It’s that good.
We are also trying the Vitus SM-103 monos. These area world class tier 1 amps. They have stunning sound and looks.
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Joe, I briefly read about both amps. Knowing me I know that you know I would prefer the Vitus. The Westminster Labs must necessarily be sliding bias Class-A and purist that I am, I don't believe in sliding bias, but I certainly leave room to be proven wrong.
One of the reasons I posted the thread was to emphasize the desirability of achieving a measure of peace and stability with one's gear. I really liked my 1.25KW's. I love the McIntosh sound, but I knew there were better amps out there, albeit much much more expensive.
I have achieved something very rare in the true high end universe. I have found an amp that I am 100% totally satisfied with. The MC3500 MKII will never be changed in my lifetime. It is ageless and so very beautiful I can't take my eyes off it. It sounds an order of magnitude better than a 1.25KW. I never thought I'd say that. I would never consider another amplifier, remotely, and I have my 1.25's as worthy backups (two of them).
My XVX falls into the same category. I will never replace these speakers. I have never heard anything like them.
So I wrote the thread not to brag, but for interested readers to search for that elusive "eternal system", that will provide the "perfect" sound to their ears, and then stop the endless quest that often leads to frustration.
The main cause of this frustration is often a lack of understanding and confusion created by folks who have little understanding of the high end or have abandoned their roots, if they ever had any, and gone into multichannel digital madness, which causes endless tweaks and additions like subs with digital room correction, etc.
By then the original signal has become so manipulated and distorted that it is not even a poor facsimile of the original signal on the CD, SACD, download, or vinyl.
The only system I would recommend of this nature is SCAudiophile's (Mark), which he built from the ground up. I would greatly enjoy hearing his system. I know it sounds amazing.
Best
Charles
p.s. I believe you have a gorgeous classic two channel stereo system. I think Magico will soon create an M7, else why the jump to the M9. It will be the XVX direct competitor and replace the Q7. A Titan would be the only sub I would ever consider with any Magico. Then you have your "eternal system" provided you can find a suitable amp all in your new audio room.