Starting from Scratch -Please Help Pick 1 out of 3

Let me give you another idea (and just to further confuse you!) - Sonus Faber Anniversarios (there is a good looking pair for sale here on AG). Add in a pair of mint used McIntosh 2301's (call Mike at Audio Classics and mention my name). Add in a McIntosh 2300 Preamp (or C500T if your budget will allow). This would be a glorious sounding system IMO!

Mike

GoodArcher - you will not get the bass response with the 1.7's. I've owned them. They need subs. Failing that, look at other speakers (some in your list are good) which will give you full range. It sounds like you have some incredible gear already, so why 1.7's?

Other options - based on your music preference, what about a pair of Sonus Faber Stradivari's? There's a mint condition used pair floating around for $24Kish from a guy in North Carolina (I actually know him...he's a good guy). Strads are my current speakers and I think I'm done shopping for speakers. What about a pair of Sonus Faber Futuras?

If your budget can't handle these options, then there are plenty of great speakers like the Triton two's/three's in a much lower price point.

A pair of used Revel Salon 2's is another option (in the $10K range). I've also owned these speakers, and they are incredible for the money. But they require GOBS of power. 750 watts into 4 ohms minimum. They really sing once you get over 1000 watts into 4 ohms (Bryston 28BSST2).

Devore and Harbeth are good speakers too (not my first picks, but good!). Did you get to RMAF this year or did you hear these at a dealer?

Anyway - I'm sure you already have a good idea of what you're looking for.

Mike

Thanks for all the input Mbovaird, unfortunately, i am in INDIA! - theres a local dealer in Chennai (where i am at ) which carries specialist stuff - other than these guys (who are i think is a Malaysian based company) is the only reputable dealer i can find here, i am envious at the position of many who have access to great used gear, in my situation - i have none.

I called them too many times today lol, to hear about the VAC amps but looks like they haven't heard from from anyone from The Valve Amplication Company (VAC) - If their deal doesnt get through i have two choices.

1.To go with the Pass Labs
2.Go to Malaysia (where i have family, and live there for a bit) and buy and carry back the VAC from whoever the dealer is over there ; but i will really doubt option 2 since electronics are heavily taxed into India and further more
after sales support will be very difficult.

As far as speaker goes, yes you are correct 1.7 is weak, i heard it in my system for a short-while and i just hate using a sub!

I am also leaning towards Tannoy Glenair or Tannoy Turnberry (Anyone heard this before with Pass Gear or VAC or even Aesthetix Gear???)

I am just going bonkers, with no music!

Hey Guys just to keep you guys updated - VAC did not get back to my dealer, so that chapter is closed! looksl like i must lean towards a solid state/tube combo.

although pretty frustrating indeed, after taking of your input matching with the type of stuff i have access to, i've indeed come down to one out of these two choices :

Choice 1
-------

Pass Labs XA60.5 Class A Monoblocks
Atma Spere M1 (Dual Chasis Tube Preamp)
Tannoy Turnberry / Tannoy Glenair 15 /Devore Fidelity Gibbons 10 or (X)
or PMC OB1i

Choice 2
-------
Manley 250 Tube Monoblock
Atma Spere M1 (Dual Chasis Tube Preamp)
Tannoy Turnberry / Tannoy Turnberry Glenair 15 or PMC OB1i

On paper, i do prefer the much for expensive Choice No.2 but in reality, it seems like theres just too much tubes! if i were to swap Atma Spere with
Manley 300B RC Preamp which has lesser tubes (and cheaper unit too) it does
not have balanced connection) which i need for the long run of cable that needs to be run (balanced )from my dac to the preamp.

For speakers, i realize, i do not have much experience with many speakers
except for Tannoys,Devores and 1 PMC which i heard.

I am going to list the type of music i listen to so you pundits here can tell me
which is a more apt system, i listen to everything from soundtracks to rap to electronica,world music and jazz.

My music choices
1.A.R.Rahman (Indian Music / World Music)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWW74AXzASE
2.Thaman S (Indian Music)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyIzYIuSJy0
3.Chano Dominguez ( Flamenco / Jazz)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1Hw5XvTweg
4.Trilok Gurtu ( World Music)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lWTOmxDkiA
5.Joe Henderson (Jazz)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCEjkzJRgC8
6.Dave Brubeck (Jazz)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8E5A27PJHk
7.Adrian Shwerwood (Electronica)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvAorTMGz78
8.Funkadelic (Rock / Funk)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dh3bleXWaCk
9.Concerto for Shakukachi (Classical)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4n4eNblHPA
10.Bela Fleck (Bluegrass / Jazz)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2RJ78Y-z-M
11.Guiseppe Tartini (Classical)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7rxl5KsPjs

As you can see- varied seems like a shy word..
Thank you for your time, and am really pining my hopes on those who are in the know.

sorry for the typos and alienated english - meant to say, under Choice 2
Tannoy Gleanair 15 / Tannoy Turnberry / or PMC Obli - sorry for the typos and erroneous phrases.