I think "I" spend to much time on Audiogon, but here I am responding to your email on a Sunday after watching the 49er's walk over the Saints.
Anyhow I currently use the EAD TM Signature with two NHT SA3 sub amps and a EAD PM500(nice amp) soon to moving to a more powerful amp. Either,EAD PM1000, CAV180 or if I can swing it the Dreadnought, but that is wishful thinking. In my case upgrading my speakers may be better suited, but that's another story.
Now I have heared the Ovation, but not the Encore. The Signature is obviously better then the Ovation for two channel. It campares with my VTL preamp in soundstage, but a bit more forward. The combination with my NHT 2.9 speakers is quite good. I realize the 2.9's are not quite in the same league as the Ariel 10T, but they do well in my room and they were cheap. Using the PM2000 you got yourself a great amp. Your Preamp being the EAD Encore uses similar components the B&K uses. IMHO, For HT it should do well however for 2 channel moving to the Signature would be a great improvement will add the 3D sound stage and liven up the music. Now that EAD is owned by Taralabs you may want to look into warranty issues on older products and upgrades.
Another option is to get a two channel tube pre amp with Ht pass through and save the money on the upgrade.
I am off to wash my car!
Jimmy
Anyhow I currently use the EAD TM Signature with two NHT SA3 sub amps and a EAD PM500(nice amp) soon to moving to a more powerful amp. Either,EAD PM1000, CAV180 or if I can swing it the Dreadnought, but that is wishful thinking. In my case upgrading my speakers may be better suited, but that's another story.
Now I have heared the Ovation, but not the Encore. The Signature is obviously better then the Ovation for two channel. It campares with my VTL preamp in soundstage, but a bit more forward. The combination with my NHT 2.9 speakers is quite good. I realize the 2.9's are not quite in the same league as the Ariel 10T, but they do well in my room and they were cheap. Using the PM2000 you got yourself a great amp. Your Preamp being the EAD Encore uses similar components the B&K uses. IMHO, For HT it should do well however for 2 channel moving to the Signature would be a great improvement will add the 3D sound stage and liven up the music. Now that EAD is owned by Taralabs you may want to look into warranty issues on older products and upgrades.
Another option is to get a two channel tube pre amp with Ht pass through and save the money on the upgrade.
I am off to wash my car!
Jimmy