I have a relatively small room so I wanted to assemble a simple system with good synergy that would let the music flow. I decided to go with Shindo gear, which matches very well with A23 and EMT.
Hi Lowens, yes inching to all Shindo system is correct :) I didn't use a power conditioner before but I compared it to a Running Springs conditioner at my friend Restock's place (Monbrison and Haute Brion) and we both agreed that the sound was better with the Mr T. I would say its an small incremental improvement and to be honest it has to be a side by side comparison otherwise its very hard to say.
Good eyes Doc! I did try the Avant Gardes with the Shindo amp, and although I thought they were very nice speakers, the Montille just didn't have enough power to make them sing. I think they were 87 dB sensitivity. I then tried the Devore Super 8s at 90 dB and although they were better, they still didn't have enough balls. I'm quite happy with the Corals though, at 105 dB they are fast, responsive and fairly dynamic.
Plinko actually I bought them from a friend who had the cabinets built for them. If you can find a pair of Coral drivers (should be about $1,000) and you're handy, there are many plans on the web for building cabinets for them. I highly recommend Corals, I recently auditioned some Solovoxes and Tannoy Kensingtons and although they were marginally better, its hard to justify paying 5-6 x more for speakers that are only slightly better.
Vikvilkhu: the Devores are very nice, but I think they need a more powerful amp to make them sing properly. They were very even handed and had a wonderful tonality but I thought they lacked dynamics in my room. The Corals are a lot more efficient at 101 dB, and have the sweetest midrange I've heard yet. However the Corals being single driver, is lacking in the bottom end, but I think at the price point that I'm in, everything is a compromise and you have to pick the sound that is most important to you.
System edited: System Update: added a Jean Nantais Lenco L75 in a 75lb Cherry Plinth. Rega RB300 rewired with solid core wire, Michell VTA, and Kerry F2 Heavy Weight and Empire 10PE Moving Iron. Audiocraft AC300 Mk2 Unipivot with Orsonic Headshell and Dynavector 20XL. Also upgraded from Aurieges L to Aurieges MM.
Thanks Chashmal, actually my room sucks. But I'm trying to make the best of it. Its in the basement, low 6' ceiling and open on one side. Nevertheless, you can hear fine musical details and the rich accurate tonality of the Shindo gear comes thru.
Musicfile, I like what you've done with the acoustic panels in your system. That grey wall at the back of my room actually doubles as a projector screen (Goo paint) for my HT, so I can't mount anything on it. If I could get some portable panels that may work though. Where did you get yours and does it improve things?
Scott, I think I've got 'em dialed in but the bass is still fairly lean. I think it may be a product of my room as it opens up to a hallway and staircase on the right side, so these little speakers have a hard time moving enough air to make good bass. Otherwise, they sound great, very detailed yet musical, sweet sweet mids.
hmmm, phono stage, good question. I sold my Slee Era Gold and am looking to upgrade to a Aurieges MM which has a built in phono stage. In the meantime I'm borrowing a buddy's Pro-Ject Tube Box II SE. He has upgraded the tubes to Brimar black plates and it sounds pretty decent. When I get the Aurieges MM the next move will be a cartridge/or TT. However, I've heard conflicting opinions, some say a good MM (eg Glider, 2M Black, Virtuoso) will work fine, others strongly suggest getting a SUT to go with a good LO MC. Thoughts?
Although the Harbeths are not that efficient either, they do have a very sweet mid-range. They excel with voice but when it comes to full range Mahler or the like they don't quite do it. I recently sold my Gershmans and picked up the Devore Super 8s. I haven't had a chance to dial them in properly yet but they do sound very nice right out of the box. Overall, its a much better presentation, very detailed yet very musical and tonally accurate. I think that's a very hard combination to achieve. I can see why many think that Shindo and Devore are a great match.
Update: I just rolled the EH 12AU7 tube that came with my Cayin CDP with an obscure AWV tube that's made in Australia, Wow! improved dynamics, soundstage, and bass. Its really moved this CDP up a level or two.
Hi Oregon, I just sold my Gershmans, the hunt is on for some new speakers now. Yeah they were sweet, I may buy them back someday if I go the SS route again.
