Integrateds: Warm sounding SS vs Hybrid

Mrtennis,
what were your thoughts about Vinnie's new preamp (Isabella)
and amp? And do you remember the speakers that were used with that gear?
Thanks

P.S
I should be getting some new speakers soon (they might not be your cup of tea though). When they come in, I thought you might be interested in hearing them as a part of audio experience.

I will be in touch

Mariusz

hi mrjstark:

at ces i did hear an entire system in vinnie's room.
i assume you mean red wine audio. if not, pardon my ignorance.

i was not impressed. there are very few solid state components that impress me. there are some exceptions, for example, some audio research gear with magnepan speakers.

moreover, i tend to favor panel speakers, so i am the wrong person to ask about these matters.

i returned the gilmore audio raptors, but still have the opera audio class a amp. my electric bill was a bit hear during the last two months, when my central air was operating with the class a amp.

i shall be purchasing a pair of quad 57s from quads unlimited. i should have them by the end of september.
i'm looking forward to visiting you when you are ready and i will be glad to return the favor aftter i get the quads and/or after i get an amr 77 (hopefully) cd player.

Sounds good. I always wanted to hear Quads.....in audiophile minded setup rather then dealer's with limited imagination.

I am guessing that you haven't heard the new Isabella/dac/headphone amp. Knowing your taste, I think that you would have liked it.......I do.

As to your impression of RWA room at CES, I assume it was in the Rethm Audio room. It was a very simple setup:
* Rethm Saadhana speakers (single driver [Lowther] design with self powered bass module.)
* Consonance reference 2.2 MK II cdp (if I'm not mistaken)
* and RWA Sig.30.2 integrated amp (battery powered. 30wpc).

It is probably not for everyone. IMO it was very good.......far better then some megabucks crap.
Keep in mind that total cost of that setup was about 15K.
I have seen speaker cables costing more......go figure.

Vinnie's amp is not that bad either.....It all depends on what you're going to pair it with. However, it's resolution, dynamics, bass can't equal my own modded Cybers (I own both).

I have heard AMR CD 77 player and IMHO it is one of the best player out there, regardless of price. I am sure that you are going to love it .

Regards
Mariusz

Does anyone have any opinions on the sonic differences between a Bel Canto evo2i Integreated and the Marantz Pm-11s1 or Plinius 9100?

The bel canto seems to have a "unique" sound from online reviews I've read.

The other 2 are leading candidates for warm sounding SS.

Thanks,
Stephen

Hi - I have had some Integrateds (tubed, hybrid and SS) - if you are looking for a warm sound amp you should check the Primaluna (budget), or the Sugden class A line.

For hybrids Pathos and Acoustic Plan (which I own now) are really fantastic options.

Good luck