This is a system that brings plenty of detail, speed and energy without loosing any musicality and truth of timbre - I have tried SET, SS, Planars, Ribbons, sealed baffles, ported designs and - IMO this is pretty close to my ideal setup.
Thanks Lapierre - The REL improved the frequency extension both in tone and speed. As all subwoofers it calls for some trade-offs but are minor, focus and image remains without sacrifing driver intergity of the SFH which I like so much.
I am sure there are better subwoofer options out there (Wilson Benench, Talon or JL Audio) that I might consider somewhere in the future.
I am still trying the REL sub (pictured) that a good friend here borrowed me some weeks back - this REL model is not their top line but works OK for the system, particulary while playing Blue-Ray titles.
I am going to try a larger REL sub shortly (Strata) and learn if this is a better match for my fast SF speakers.
System edited: Upgraded to a Xcheu Analog Taco arm upgrading my RB300 - obtaining better analog reproduction (scale, contour, fluidness and a non-mechanical sound). - brought my analog setup to an upper level.
Fernando, I recently heard the Wilson-Benesch Torus Sub with a pair of GM's. This was a superb combo and seemed to do everything right. The sub integrated well with the SF's and is lightning fast. Also,this sub seems very dynamic and didn't seem to be at all of a different cloth to the G's. If you have a chance you might want to try this sub with the GH's.. I would think might be a match made in heaven and could be an absolute world beater.
Congratulations on your Jadis choice. I find this to be a very nice combination. Years ago when I called SF to ask what they liked with the Guarneri they informed me that when they first debuted the Guarneri it was driven by Jadis. best wishes,
Dave - I might try some others (Velodyne DD12 or Paradigm Servo) which are at hand just to finalize my testing - but it all looks like the REL is a good match for the Guarneris - as many of its owners have witnessed.
Fernando, I think the Jadis is a very good choice for the G's. Are you planning on trying any other sub's. I have heard great things about the Martin Logan sub and the JL's. However,I have not listened to either of them, so cannot personally say.
I decided to keep the Jadis amp - I just bought a quad of Genelec KT88 original valves and the system is sounding great. I am also trying a REL stentor sub which helps to deliver more music to the room without sacrifying the SF magic.
Very nice sounding Daveyf! - the Gryphons are great as well - both great choices for the GH's.
I would say that the Jadis is a tad more musical, particullary with voices, also creates a greater sense of dimension and drive (thnks to the tubes I guess) - control in the bass is not that great thou.
Keep in mind that I got the DA50 Signatures, not the JA50 which have the same sonic signature that the DA50S but a step above in all regards.
I am in the process to re-install a Jadis amp instead of the Gryphon - I am hearing more life, light and musicality thru the Jadis vs the Gryphon (whioch are not bad at all).
Will post new pics once I decide which Jadis amp I will decide on (DA50Sig or JA50 Mono amps) - both Pure Class A, KT88 driven.
It is very easy - just get into iTunes and under preferences there is a tab that lets you select the input/record mode when burning CDs - goes from MP4 to WAV - choose WAV. pretty straight-forward.
Once at home I can send you the screen shot from iTunes, currently at work.
Fernando, Sorry for my computer ignorance, but how do you store files in a WAV format on your iPOD? I can definitely see how the iPOD can act as a server and thereby increase your music library though.
Dave - I did something even more radical - I compared my (now gone) Reimyo CDP-777 CD player with the W170+Reimyo DAC (which happens to be the same DAC as the one within the CDP777).
To my ears there were no differences at all! - it is far better in terms of accesibility to my library and now I am hearing to more music than ever (not just the 5 Diana Krall CDs I had at hand) - exagerating here.
Caveats - i) I bought a quite expensive Siltech coax digital cable, ii) you need an above-average DAC to really meet a stand-alone CDP and iii) all music needs to be stored in the iPOD in WAV format (not even loss-less).
My next step is to retire the W170 and place a Mac Mini there with a better interfase (Front Row or the like) and use the iPOD as Remote control only.
FLG2001, I noticed that you use the Wadia 170i and an ipod as your digital front end. I am thinking of acquiring the Wadia 170i as well; however, I have been told by several other audio buddies that the ipod and the Wadia are not really close to a good transport with a seperate DAC as far as sound goes. Have you tried your DAC, which BTW I think is very nice unit, with a good transport? Any opinions on that if you have?
Dave - I was refering to their size - they are pretty small!! but sound large!
I have had the Avatars (2 times in my life) and the Eclipse (just prior my Avantgarde age) - I decided to sell them because I tought I was performing an upgrade in my system (have you been thru this???) - The Avatars were sold for a pair of Eaglestone Rosas and the Eclipses to make space for the Avantarde UNOs. I always miss the great musicality and coherence of the Avalons - very similar to the SF but a little darker in presentation.
I have not heard in my system the larger and recent models of Avalon - but I agree with you on the fact that they should be great as well.
That is very interesting Flg2001. I agree that the G's are not able to push big air and in a medium to large room probably should have a sub. When you say their footprint is to laugh at what do you mean by that? Also, you said that you had Avalon's.. why did you give up on them and how do you feel they compare to G's.. I have not heard many pairs of Avalon's but the ones I have heard reminded me of my Hales. Although, I am sure that their larger models must be pretty special.
Dave - It is a very different kind of speaker (comparing AG to SF). The AG were more expectacular, fast and covered a larger piece in the audio band BUT they always sounded to me inconsistent (bass registers not at the same speed as the horns), larger than life and with an also large listening fatigue in my middle-sized room.
The SF are more limited in their frequency response (but I am in no rush to consider a subwoofer), not as dynamic as the AG and their footprint is to laugh at BUT they are trully magical, very musical and incredibly coherent with all sorts of musical material.
I have never heard the Mementos in my system, but the local distributor had them hooked some months back to a very expectacular Jadis set-up and sounded also great to me.
