Over the top

I own a pair of SF Guarneri and thought that adding a superb SS amp would help in the same areas you are looking for - so I bought a Gryphon pre/power combo with great results.

Saying that - I recently found that a Jadis Da55S provided a better defnition at all the audio spectrum, more vividness and definition - I am park there now.

Regarding the sub I agree with you - it works in some systems and not in others - it did not worked in mine - just added some integration problems and mushed the mids.

Good luck.

Anything that is going to mess up the mids in my system is out. All else besides the mids are just extensions in my book. I found the same thing when I tried a sub, more bottom end but at the expense of the magic of the mids. I'm not saying it can't work, but in my system and more importantly in my room it did not. I know when bands go into the studio they favour different studios for different sound characteristics, basically our listening rooms are like studios. They all have there own character and dynamics, the room is at least 50% of the formula. Glad to hear your enjoying those Guarneri's, they are special.

I agree with the use of a REL sub. The above problems with subs have not been an issue with REL because there is a specific set up procedure involving placement where the sub works with the room instead of against it.

Also, REL subs are tunable within 2 Hz. increments from 14 Hz and up. Most room nodes in the room your size are dealing with 50 to 60 Hz. and their overtones which is well above the REL's crossover point.

All good info Duane. There is no doubt that a high quality sub and some know how and patience can really dial a sub in well to a given room's sound characteristics. Most of my listening is built around great vocals (Like opera etc..) so subs are not really required or as important in that application. But for those that have a wider listening base in terms of material, go for it.

Well I hooked up my new Mcintosh MC2301's and my Mcintosh C1000T preamp last night. There are no words to describe the quantum leap in performance as compared to the Mcintosh MC2102 and the Mcintosh C2200 preamp. Dynamics, resolution, seperation, quitness, soundstage (Yes I'm now listening in stereo), every single aspect of the sound is magic. The 2301's are plenty fast and loud but no trace of harshness, even at really low volumes all the elements of the music are there and not watered down. My Sonus Faber Guarneri are really singing and appear to love the extra power. The Guarneri for me are the best two way speaker for my ears, now with the new set up they are almost "Stupid good". In fact my whole system brings a great big grin to my ear. Last night I listened to some Standard Coltrane (Jazz) and Maria Callas (Opera) and the system just took my breath away. Looking forward, I am going to compare the built in phono section of the C1000T with the my Audio Research Reference Phono Preamp. I will give moe observation as I listen more.