This is a collection of equipment (note how I dont call it a system!), the purpose of which was for me to sample as much as possible prior to settling down to equipment I can use in a final room I am building with Rives. Needless to say, I ended up getting deeper and deeper in this, learning that reviews are typically falwed because (i) reviewers have specific motives, (ii) they dont generally have very good systems, and (iii) no system is perfect and therefore personal preferences matter a lot.
The room is by no means great but it is custom designed and measured. It works quite well, even though these speakers need more room to breathe.
Happy to answer questions about my experience with all this equipment, all of which is quite excellent in its own way. I have some on order which I will add when the time comes.
Other equipment I have owned include:
-Tenor 300hp
-MBL 9011 monos
-MBL 6010D preamp
-VTL 7.5 mk i and ii
-Audio Research Ref 3 preamp
-BAT 75se
-Other
UPDATE: Moved to new room, much more spacious and finally allowing me to sit within the prescribed distance for driver integration. Also, I cleaned up somewhat the amp list: I now use the Wavac 833 mkii (4 box) and for solid state the Class A Gryphon Colosseum Solos. Added to the preamps is the Soulution. All cables are Jorma Prime including an 8m length xlr. Power cords being changed all to Valhalla. Here you also see an attempt to test the continuum turntable through a wavac phono. The sound of the system has ameliorated appreciably and it is now starting to be a system after all. Very happy with it.
I can second Flg2001 opinion about Viva electronics, I am a very hapy owner of Linea XP preamp is the quietest preamp I've heard with balanced neutral and dynamic sound and mids to die for.
I also listen very often Solista mkII with amorphous transformers and I am very impressed. If Solista mkII could give the 117dbs my Hansens could provide I would have it on my rack in no time.
For the moment I can only dream about the Viva NEW monoblocks.
Hi Mihalis, this is not a system but Audio Heaven! I remember when we talked about Accupohase vs Emmlabs thing , but I never imagined the line up you own.
Your equipment is the ultimate toys for audio...and your route to server+DAC is the way to go.
Have you tested the MIrage vs Sonata Allegro? I'm thinking to upgrade to Sonata Allegro and I would like your opinion, although I know Mirage is a bit better, but not knowing how much better. You mentioned that previous Gryphon preamps were dark sounding, did you mean the Sonata Allegro?
Regarding preamps which other fully balanced with (better) or without tubes you rank as the best of the best?
My deepest respect for your audio room, please keep us informed about digital equalization and server-dac evolutions!
Regarding good recordings for Greek music, you should try Alkinoos Ioanides-"O flegomenos podilatis" try the first track and you'll see, last year in Munich show everybody asking for that cd. Also others from Alk. Ioanides and Haris Alexiou.
Will you be in the Munich show, Rasmussen will introduce the Collosseums!