Difficult Choice


HI,
choosing a HI-FI from scrathc is a difficult exercise.
I'm asking for help.

I might get Lamm2.1 amps or Tenor 75i
i tried the hybrid amp from tenor and was very disappointed
I found it not as full and "real" than the 75i (kind of normal) but it was on the top "messy", lacking precision.
I was using a EMM Labs transport + Dac directly plugged in the amp + Kharma Grand Midi Ceramique
Very disappointing
I have to say that those EMM Labs did not impress me that much and I wonder if it is not better to use a preamp with them.

Kharma exquisite Midi seem to be a good choice even if it lacks some guts with the Tenor
A sub could be a solution but i did not try
I'm wondering if those VR9 Von S. are that much better than the Kharma
I'm interested to know as well what people think of
Sonus Faber Stradivari (do they work with SET)
Dynaudio Temptation (do they work with SET)
Pipedeams model 18
Audio Physics Caldera ?

More over, what preamp to use ?
There is a Audio Note on the offer but does it go well with
Lamm ?
What about the new ARC reference3 ?

Concerning the source, is the DCS suite that good ? I was not that impressed by the EMM Labs.

Thank you
dck
The chances of you putting together a satisfying system using any of the components you've listed based upon the advice you are likely to receive on Audiogon is virtually nil. You seem to have a strong knowledge of what you think sounds correct. My suggestion is to find a good dealer and take the time to work with them using long term at home auditions of equipment to slowly piece a system together. At the price level you are dealing with it makes sense for you to even consider traveling to various manufacturers factories for demonstrations and system matching advice.
David,

I don't mean to be sarcastic, but it sounds like you're very, very picky with a lot of money at your disposal. Why don't you just go to the different major cities in the US and audition the various items for yourself? That might be a lot better than going off of our word for things because a lot of people are very impressed with the items that didn't impress you at all.

Chuck
I am sorry, but is this your first system? What are you comparing all this gear with; your point of reference?
Your system seems to modeled on Mike Lavigne's original system.

All those are great pieces of equipment which can work well together. It seems to be your room and acoustics.

I am a little confused about what you are trying to accomplish and where do you stand now?
You mean to tell us that you are considering all this high $$ equipment and have never heard any of it? I mean you are talking about the ENTIRE system, not just a component or two.

And coming here asking opinions is a nice way to pass the time and get some entertainment value, but no way to smartly spend all that cash.

Oz