2. amps-preamps
  3. 1173588518

Lamm, Cary and Parsifal Encore - what combo?

i'm wondering what it'll take knock out my cary slp-98 f1.

current rig:

verity audio parsifal encore
legend audio triode monos
cary slp 98 f1
vse level 5+ sony dvp 9000
purist audio cables

would a lamm ll2 deluxe beat out the cary? what about an emotive sira? if not one of these, how much higher do i need to go you think before i hear a substantial improvement? i had a vac renaissance for a while and that was the best pre i've heard hands down, but too much $$. i've also had the modwright, which i liked, but it was a bit on the cold side for me.

the cary is nice, but i have a feeling i'm sacrificing some transparency and hearing an ripe upper/mid bass ripeness that is nice, but i'd like something a little more open, dynamic, transparent that still doesn't sound sterile/cold.
128x128dennis_the_menace
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Steve, did the tube swapping not work out? I've heard great things about the Stereovox cables, but I haven't heard them myself. I'll be interested in reading your impressions. I heard a demo pair of the Jade Audio Vermeil speaker cables, they sounded so good that I ordered a pair. So I'll have Jade cables throughout my system once the speaker cables arrive. The Jade cables have gold clad silver conductors. I've found that they nicely couple the speed of silver with a richer, more vibrant sound.

Also, if you get a chance, try a Stealth Dream 'Preamp' cord on your Hovland. I think you will be mighty impressed.

John
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
i did a little tube swapping, and then realized i really need/want more juice to drive my speakers, so i got some new amps, coming in a couple days. canary 160. also thought i'd try some silver cables. the stereovox sound like they are a little less lean than other silver cables, i could definitely use some transparency.

i did get the audiopoints and the svelt platform for between the woofer and top cabinet, and damn did that make a huge difference!
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'm glad you are enjoying the Audio Points and the Symposium Svelte platform. I also feel these are very worthwhile upgrades.

While you are at it (playing with the cables), make sure that you replace the stock jumpers with some silver, just for good measure. The stock jumpers are made of Discovery cable, just as the internal wiring is. However, Discovery cable leans to the warmer side as well, which might explain the warmth of the Parsifal's. I'm currently using a pair of Audioquest Kilimanjaro jumpers, which also significantly helped increase the transparency of the Parsifal's. Once 'tweaked in', these speakers are absolutely incredible. It's well worth the effort.

Let me know how you make out with Chris' cables.

John
hatari
94 posts
 
Did you try the Verity Ovation partition between the woofer and monitor? Comes in less $ than the svelt, I think. Aluminum with sorbothane.
dennis_the_menace's avatar
dennis_the_menace OP
467 posts
 
i hadn't thought of that. oh well. the sveltes are great.
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