Lamm, Cary and Parsifal Encore - what combo?


i'm wondering what it'll take knock out my cary slp-98 f1.

current rig:

verity audio parsifal encore
legend audio triode monos
cary slp 98 f1
vse level 5+ sony dvp 9000
purist audio cables

would a lamm ll2 deluxe beat out the cary? what about an emotive sira? if not one of these, how much higher do i need to go you think before i hear a substantial improvement? i had a vac renaissance for a while and that was the best pre i've heard hands down, but too much $$. i've also had the modwright, which i liked, but it was a bit on the cold side for me.

the cary is nice, but i have a feeling i'm sacrificing some transparency and hearing an ripe upper/mid bass ripeness that is nice, but i'd like something a little more open, dynamic, transparent that still doesn't sound sterile/cold.
128x128dennis_the_menace
i did a little tube swapping, and then realized i really need/want more juice to drive my speakers, so i got some new amps, coming in a couple days. canary 160. also thought i'd try some silver cables. the stereovox sound like they are a little less lean than other silver cables, i could definitely use some transparency.

i did get the audiopoints and the svelt platform for between the woofer and top cabinet, and damn did that make a huge difference!
I'm glad you are enjoying the Audio Points and the Symposium Svelte platform. I also feel these are very worthwhile upgrades.

While you are at it (playing with the cables), make sure that you replace the stock jumpers with some silver, just for good measure. The stock jumpers are made of Discovery cable, just as the internal wiring is. However, Discovery cable leans to the warmer side as well, which might explain the warmth of the Parsifal's. I'm currently using a pair of Audioquest Kilimanjaro jumpers, which also significantly helped increase the transparency of the Parsifal's. Once 'tweaked in', these speakers are absolutely incredible. It's well worth the effort.

Let me know how you make out with Chris' cables.

John
Did you try the Verity Ovation partition between the woofer and monitor? Comes in less $ than the svelt, I think. Aluminum with sorbothane.