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Amp for Acoustic Zen Crescendo 2 ?

Hello all,
I have these speakers for 2 months now and want to move on to a tube amp of 50 - 60 wpc or so, or a SS amp that fits the bill..  My current amp is an Ayre V-5xe.  I'm looking for an amp to sweeten up the top end and has a midrange that does vocals full and articulate, even if that means colored.  The Ayre is a great amp but I think there is a better match out there.  I'll have to save up for used, under $5K.  I'm especially interested with what actual owners would say, as well as their system specifics, but all comments welcome.  Acoustics and speaker placement are fixed and substandard.  That's just the way it goes at our house.
I'm using a steel arm VPI TT with Ortofon Cadenza Bronze, ARC PH-7 and REF 3.  Thanks.

wlutke
msommers
51 posts
 
@kdude66 

Did you ever get a chance to use the 508 from your friend?

I have a Pass Labs XA30.5 and PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium preamp that I think would net me some $$ for a new tube set if I were to get the 508. How are the stock tubes? Has anyone used Pass Labs before?
dart6's avatar
dart6
32 posts
 
they respond really well to biwiring
wlutke OP
725 posts
 
Here's the latest.  I did an in-home demo of the Pass Labs XA25.  The synergy is so good that I couldn't send it back!  Rather than reinvent the wheel, here's a review.  I wish I could white like this.  
http://www.xtremeplace.com/yabbse/index.php?PHPSESSID=7692066bdcef1c4f539b781eabee3280&topic=244...
debjit_g
259 posts
 
Hi Folks,

I have the Crescendo Mk2 for sometime but the speaker placement is quite challenging. My room is 19x15x8. In all shows Robert places these speaker away of the front wall not every room will have the luxury of. At times I have seen that the listening position is way too close because of the speakers being away from the front wall. Wondering how far are the speakers from the front wall in your setup and what is the listening position ?
wlutke OP
725 posts
 
debjit_g,
Placement in my living room is dictated by the rooms use.  They are where they are, I'm between them.  Within the small footprint each speaker is allowed, there is one elusive placement and toe-in where tone, balance, focus and imaging coincide to my taste.  I say try every placement and toe-in until you find it to your taste.  I'm sure you've found they're very sensitive to set-up to a half inch and less.  
FWIW I've been to Mr. Lee's shop and listened to his Crescendo 2 set-up with the speakers well out from the front wall.  I was unimpressed, bored actually.  Too lean for me.
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