Where should I go next? Where are my weak links?

Ivan,

You may also want to mark your calendar for AKFest which is near Detroit (forget which suburb). IIRC it is in April and will feature a number of different dealers and manufacturers.

I would also suggest potentially trying out different power conditioners. Many places will allow you to audition them. Cable Company has a number, as does Audio Advisor or Music Direct if there isn't a dealer nearby. Especially if your amps are plugged into the conditioner, I'd suggest checking out Running Springs conditioners. Doesn't seem to limit dynamics of amps as some can.

Another happy Amadeus owner here too. Believe Don Better in Cleveland is the nearest dealer of them to you.

Dear Almarg: IMHO there are many scenarios/stages between amplifier/speaker's impedance mistmatch.

The " big " trouble in the Iramirez system is that the Manley's are not only a wrong match for those speakers but a " dratical wrong " amplifier with because that so higher than usual output impedance: 2.0+ ohms when there are tube amplifiers with a lowe output impedance around 0.5-0.8 ohms where is less " dramatic ".

As I said this match on amplifier/speaker is like the tonearm and cartridge one or cartridge impedance and phono stage lod impedance.

Why in the other two cases we " worry " about and try almost always to have the best match we can and with speaker/amplifiers we don't care at all?, other than ignorance on the subject makes no sense to me.

Of course mine is only an opinion and the must important one is the Iramirez and yours.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

"Of course mine is only an opinion and the most important one is the Iramirez and yours"
Yes at the end of the day that`s all it is.I`ll continue to trust my ears and you do what works best for you, we`ll both end up happy.
Regards,

Dear me, where to start? I did a little reading on impedance matching between amplifiers and speakers, so I think I have a better understanding of the mechanics involved at this point than before. I believe Rauliruegas is sincere and forthright in his criticism of my amplifier mismatch. But, I also believe that he is being overly dogmatic about the value of accuracy as it pertains to systems that are, ultimately, nothing but generators of illusion. I am not dismissing accuracy. I just think that there are other factors--aside from a flat impedance curve for speakers or a low output impedance in an amplifier--that bear upon the production of a convincing illusion. My speaker/amp combination may shelve down the treble and roll off part of the lower midrange, but I am willing to accept those 'flaws' as a fair compromise when balanced against other sonic virtues such as deeper soundstages, tonal beauty, warmth, lively dynamics, etc. Rauliruegas' insistence on low output impedances for amplifiers puts every low powered SET amplifier out of the race as regards quality sound reproduction. I do not think that is anywhere near 'right.' My own amplifier/speaker mismatch provides a reproduction of musical events with a palpable presence that, I believe, would be hard to match by most other quantifiably accurate systems. Rauliruegas may claim that I am merely flattering my ears with misguidedly pleasant colorations, he may be right. I don't deny that I want my system to please me. I thought that was the point.

With all due respect and wholehearted regards,

Ivan

Charles1dad,

Thanks for the offer to lend me the tubes, but I'm afraid that my amps require 4 300b rather than the two in your Franks. I just ordered a set of the Psavanes and --as per Mechans recomendation-- I am switching my 6SN7 drivers also. My Manleys can run single ended or push pull so they bear 4 300b tubes. I think I will switch my Manleys for a pair of Franks someday. The Franks are reputedly better, not to mention how much cheaper they are to tube roll. I would love to hear your system someday. I am very curious to hear how your Coincident + Franks differ from my Manley + Zu. I am also very curious about your digital front end. I have a Peachtree iDecco which sounds very good to me, but I am sure that your digital seriously outclasses mine. Also, why no vinyl? Your system seems to be begging for some...

Warm regards,

Ivan