Kjl,
You are absolutely right on. The 988s and 989s can deliver much more than the Quad amps/preamps bring out in them. I am about to purchase the 989s. I heard them first with a Plinius SA 102 amplifier, Plinius preamp and was STUNNED. I subsequently listened to both 989s and the 988s with Quad electronics. A fizzle by comparison. I am making a joint purchase of 989s plus Plinius SA 102 amp next week. I will be using my Pass Labs X-1 preamp, every bit as good as the Plinius pre and then some.
Be certain that you look into the SA 102, not the 100 and not the 250 Watt Plinius either. The SA 102 is a very special amplifier. For an interesting brief summary see the Plinius SA 102 writeup at galen carols website: http://www.gcaudio.com. Also do a search on this amplifier in the Audiogon archives, it will yield interesting results.
Please note, I could care less about Plinius, per se. But when I hear a combination this special, my ears do the talkin'.
You are absolutely right on. The 988s and 989s can deliver much more than the Quad amps/preamps bring out in them. I am about to purchase the 989s. I heard them first with a Plinius SA 102 amplifier, Plinius preamp and was STUNNED. I subsequently listened to both 989s and the 988s with Quad electronics. A fizzle by comparison. I am making a joint purchase of 989s plus Plinius SA 102 amp next week. I will be using my Pass Labs X-1 preamp, every bit as good as the Plinius pre and then some.
Be certain that you look into the SA 102, not the 100 and not the 250 Watt Plinius either. The SA 102 is a very special amplifier. For an interesting brief summary see the Plinius SA 102 writeup at galen carols website: http://www.gcaudio.com. Also do a search on this amplifier in the Audiogon archives, it will yield interesting results.
Please note, I could care less about Plinius, per se. But when I hear a combination this special, my ears do the talkin'.