Pretty much following Roy's advice as far as upgrades are concerned. I live in Hi-Fi nowhere land and have to buy used and deaf. The 'Gon has been a great resource.
Next up will be either transport or amp. Would like to nail the source first, but we shall see.
I've always gone direct, so I won't comment about the direct sound vs. going through a preamp. I've gone direct 3 ways: first by use of EVS attenuators for volume control that mount to the rca jack on the amp (great product) with a Jolida JD100 cdp, 2nd by use of an integrated (Manley Stingray) with its built in passive pre and my Jolida, and last with my RA Opus cdp which has analog volume control direct to my Sixpacs. I just like putting the $$ of the preamp/cables into my remaining components and I like the simplicity. The Sixpacs are more authoritative at higher volumes. The Stingray is perfectly suited for a smaller size room it played sweet and smooth, but when I pushed it it couldn't keep up. The Sixpacs in my system provide more expansive highs and the ability to maintain clarity at 25% higher volumes than the Stingray. The bottom end, imho, is not much different between the two. At the end of the day, if I wanted to put together a bedroom or office system, I'd go with the Stingray/Jolida JD100 combo in a minute. The Sixpacs are not my last stop, but I think I'll be happy here for a while: smooth, detailed, nice upper end with very good soundstage. You may want to ask another member named Mattybumpkin about the Sixpacs, he also runs Europas. Hope this helped.
Great choice! I moved on to a pair of AES Sixpac monos when I p/u my RA Opus cdp with volume control. I expect you will really like the Stingray and tubes. Be sure to let us know your thoughts. I think you'll be suprised with the authority it has on the low end.
I complement you for having a plan for your upgrade path and executing it. Roy certainly knows his stuff. You even have me considering a similar path. The dealer I bought my Europas from also reps AM cables, the Birdland dac. I contacted him for a home demo of the AM Sorcere ICs and SCs as well as the Birdland. Question... did your dac or transport change make the most difference? My trial of the Birdland will be with my Jolida as a transport and I'm wondering if I will appreciate the Birdland without a quality transport.
Scott, another option you may consider is a manley Stingray integrated amp. I'm using one with my Europas with very good success. It's not the last word in power amps, but there are a few things that might make it a good choice for you. First, its 50 watts I find to be enough power for the Europas, second Manley's customer service is second to none, third there are several for sale here and seem to be fairly priced, last, I know Roy recommends Manley as one of his amp choices.
Regarding power, my room is an average rectangular living room approx. 14x22x8 open to a dinning room on one side and a foyer on the other. Although I don't have direct comparison to other amps recommended here, I did replace a very respected Pass Labs x250 amp with the Stingray with very satisfying results in bass and soundstage. Certainly, I'm not suggesting that the Stingray is a superior amp to the x250, two totally different approaches to amplification, however in my humble single source system, the Stingray shines.
Regarding customer service, I try to align myself with manufacturers/distributors that truly support their product and also contribute here. I just think it makes for better experience. I had a tube that wouldn't hold bias (I'm new to tubes) I have e-mailed EveAnna (top dog) and their service department and was blown away with the follow up and personal attention I received, two replacement tubes were in the mail that day.
I'm not trying to push you, only suggest the direction that has worked for me. Let us know what you decide.
