2. speakers
  3. 1034547270

15K system

I (we), finally have decided to purchase a new(er) system by
Jan 1,2003. Currently I have my trusty Acoustat 2+2s, Spectral DMC-10, DMA50(bridged), DMA-200, ARC SP-8(Mk2), ARC
D-115(Mk2), VPI turntable HW-19(Mk1) with Audioquest arm and Van den Hul Mc-10 cartridge. Also, a Resolution CD-50,
CD player. I like the transparency and speed of electrostats, the resolution and smoothness of the Spectral, and the midrange warmth of the ARC. The Resolution
CD gives a wide spacious soundstage and the turntable gives
a very smooth, warm, non-analytical presentation. I mix and match for effect. If everything goes according to plan I will have 15K to spend for: 1.Speakers 2. Pre and Power Amp
3. CD (I will keep the VPI turntable) 4. Cables Personally
I want MG20.1s/Sound Lab M-1s with Aesthetix Callisto Signature with Atmasphere MA-2s, but that ain't going to happen for 15K, used!!! So what available options do I have, new or used for a complete system????? I will consider
box speakers.
shubertmaniac
tireguy
1,964 posts
 
Why not Magnepan 3.6's instead of the 20.1's(around 3k used)? perhaps wolcott amplifiers(around 6k used), the resolution audio is a good player but perhaps the audio mecca mephisto II or audio aero capitole mkI would do better(3k+, may put you over budget), and I won't make any cable suggestions because that is completely personal taste and what I don't know about analog could fill a book so I am not informed enough to make any suggestions there either.
yeigh
10 posts
 
Have you taken a look at the maggie 20.R currently on sale
at this site for $5,500. If it weren't for my wife, I would've snapped them right up.
They may not be the 20.1, but they are close.
del
31 posts
 
Shubertmaniac: I think you should consider a Berning ZH270 tube amp (under $5k new) as the heart of your new system. Due to its unique design, it will drive a wide variety of speakers, including electrostats. In addition, it has an a/b input switch and volume knob so you won’t need a line level preamp – in my experience it sounds better going directly to the Berning anyway. It is really a fabulous amp – speed, air, plenty of bass, and you still get that wonderful tube midrange sound.

As for speakers, that is such a matter of personal taste you have to listen for yourself, but I have heard that the Merlin speakers are a good match with the Berning. In my experience, driver technology has come a long way in the last 10 years or so and the newest drivers are so clean and fast that electrostats don’t seem to have that much of an advantage anymore, and a properly designed box speaker should have better dispersion and imaging. But with the Berning you can go either way – it will drive even 2 ohm speaker loads without a problem.

As for a cdp, personally I put most of my resources into my analog set up, and have an inexpensive Pioneer dvd/cd player that was modified by Supermods, and the total cost was under $450. To me, this is good enough for red book cd’s. Going to one of the mod shops is a highly cost effective way to get the most out of regular cd’s. (One day, I’ll have to break down and get an sacd player.) Depending on the speaker (and cables) you choose, you might still be able to afford an Aesthetix phono preamp (I occasionally see them used), which in combination with a direct feed into the Berning would sound heavenly.

Good luck with your quest. Let us know what you finally decide to do.

Regards,
Dave
More to discover