Opinions on why this system is uninvolving

I appreacite all of your suggestions. Before doing anything rash, I am going to take Kana813's advice and check out the impedance interactions between these components and talk to Scott Frankland. I understand he is a dealer (or works at one) in San Jose. By the way, Kana813, you're right about the octal front end tubes on the MFAs, but they are not that old.

I will also switch the Shunyata to the digital front end and preamp and plug the amps right into the wall sockets which are dedicated. Oddly enough, yesterday just taking the Mamba off the DAC and replacing it with a Sidewinder seemed to result in some improvement.

BWhite, the EADs are the 7000 series; the first series they produced, I think. I have been thinking about trying the EAD transport with the Metronome DAC to see if it sounds better than the Metronome transport; the EAD transport is built like a tank.

Many of you have suggested getting rid of the 30' interconnect run, but to do that would require a 30' run from the preamp to the DAC (not to mention the tuner, SACD, and turntable). Would that be a better situation anyway? It would be inconvenient this way as the preamp would no longer be close to the listening position and would instead be close to the speakers. Are there any ICs of which any of you are aware that the Hovaland might have an easier time running at 30'?

Thanks again.

I have always thought the Revel Studio's were clinical but they focus very well. I think the Studio's need high-current solid-state amplification to sound their best. IMO, the image wander you mention could be attributed to your amplification.

The lack of dimensionality makes me suspect your DAC or transport.

I would definately take a look at different speaker cables. There is much better out there then Tara Labs. Generally I have found Tara Labs to sound vieled and soft.

Just try the shorter interconnect on a temporary basis to see if that is where the problem lies. If it is, then you can consider various options.

Just try the shorter interconnect on a temporary basis to see if that is where the problem lies. If it is, then you can consider various options.

Znak_m, I have to believe the EAD T-7000 Transport will kill the Metronome. Sorry to say but its true. The EAD beat out many transports under 10K in my own system. :( Plug it into the metronome DAC and get ready for something special!

Also, I have to repeat, the Hydra should ONLY be used on your digital gear. Its not a good thing for amps/preamps.

Don't worry about the 30' run of cable. That is the least of your issues. The Revels are great speakers but are to some extent "impersonal" and less "involving" than other speakers you've lived with making synergy a more delicate path to tread...that said, the Revels will play exactly what you send them so... this becomes simply a case of matching the right cables & conditioners with the right components.

And if you can stomach it, use the EAD. Its outstanding! IF you don't want to use it, please....sell it to me.