Cost no Object but Small Room

Henry, that's interesting you heard them with ARC gear. Do you remember the configuration of the system? Was it all ARC?

I was curious about the CJ line as well, they make high powered monoblocks recently reviewed in HiFi+.
I wonder what a pair of the 270 watt monoblocks would be like? I wonder how much heat those amps put out?

As for the Metronome cdp, I don't recall the exact model number, I just went to the website to check to see if I would recognize it, but wow, Metronome has expanded quite a bit since I last saw them. It was a larger 1 chassis unit I think...on the Signature line. But yes, it did not draw attention to itself at all which is complementary to itself in that system. Very resolute and coherent, and at the same time musical.

I prefer tubes however, so the over all sound was a bit thin for my taste, which is purely personal.

Henry, what were your thought listening to the ARC gear vs the Dart?

Yes it was all ARC. I can't really compare them vs Darts as it was two different systems, two different rooms and again I have not had the opp to hook my Dart gear with the Minis. But suffice to say ARC was incredibly impressive and I do love my Darts.

James:
That was probably the "entry level" Metronome CD3-Signature - same model Steve Hoffman uses and says it's the best 1-box player he has ever heard. Thanks for your nice compliment.

Not familar with the solid state amp/preamp but you're right - the CD3 is accurate & musical. You would be knocked out by the Kalista transport & C2A tube DAC.

More Met info at http://www.tmhaudio.com/Metronome.htm

Jim Ricketts/tmh audio

Jim:
I remember starting out down the path of a serious CD player, Metronome was always at the top of my short list, but at the time, no one in my area even heard of it.

I have to remained focused here, speakers in small rooms is what I'm really curious about.

Although, I'm sure I'll have to go back to hear the Kallista rig some time...:)

Henry:
Have you thought about making or having a speaker built for you upon specifications?

I'm toying around with an idea of having a Jensen Onken cabinet built, where I could try several 15 to 16" coaxials a try. A vintage approach you might call it.

James, no I have not. Too scared to do that. Too uncertain, don;t know whom to go to, and resale value would be circumspect I would imagine.