Just to help you understand me and my “end-game” system journey:
My current system is Martin Logan Vantage speakers, McIntosh MA6500 integrated, Oppo 105 Universal player, Shunyata Hydra power conditioning. I bought the speakers/integrated ten years ago fully expecting to let them get me to the end; don’t mean to be morbid, just realistic. But then I went to all but one of the Newport audio shows, the LA Audio Show, and lots of dealer get-togethers. The audio shows helped me see there was significantly better gear out there and so I started doing by-appointment-only auditions this year of gear I’m interested in. So, I hope all this puts “end game” into perspective now. FYI - my room is 13.5 feet wide and 20 feet deep.
A new, much better resolving system, will likely be four times what I paid for the last one, so though that may be a lot for some and not even a drop in the bucket for others, I just know I gotta get this one right – no mistakes. I really appreciate your comments on the Diablo 300. Though not cheap, it’s not a $45k D’Agostino integrated either (which sounds really good too). All I’ve read on the 300 just says it is a spectacular performer. I live in the same county as the US distributor and a dealer that I’ve done a few auditions with thinks he can get a 300 and so I hope to hear it soon. The speakers he has that I really like are the TAD Evolution Series; ME-1, CE-1, and E-1. I’ve heard them with Burmester and a little with Pass. Hope to hear the newly released Luxman L-509X, the Diablo 300, Pass, and the Burmester integrated with the TADs soon too.
A couple questions for you: Does the 300 run hot, or does it just take a long time to come on song; should it be left on all the time? Wasn’t sure from your review about these finer points. Also, you mentioned you bought the Gryphon Black Spikes. Do you feel they made a substantial change for the good?
You advised, “be ultra critical listener...demand undeniable emotions...if they dont come out then that system is not for you”. I couldn’t agree more; really. I know a few systems that do that for me and I will only buy into a system that conveys the flow and emotion of the music. Thanks for confirming how important those qualities are. You also said “thank God there is a bunch of great sounding brands in the world so find yourself a friendly dealer, give yourself some time and find your own way...” This is what I’m working on now, finding that dealer with the equipment that sings for me, and that will work with me and understands my needs and budget and even provide help getting my room to sound like it should.
Raindog031, again, I appreciate your detailed comments and they point in a direction that sounds like music to me. I may also try to get my dealer to get the Mojo S for audition. I do believe in the synergy that can be created by products in a brands line. I hear you on tubes, but they just won’t work for me in my situation at home, so the best SS I can afford will have to do. Also, my system also does double duty as a 2-channel home theatre, so I’ll be looking for as much scale as my budget can afford.
Finally, you said “I think you can get a great involving sound for less money depending on parameters that are important to you...in which I may or may not help depending on question...but back to my story few of you said you are interested...” Yes, I would be interested in your observations and comments on lower-priced alternatives. In fact, they’d be most appreciated.