Thanks for the offer but I'm not really unhappy with the Piccolos. At least not enough to spend $1,600 to replace them.
I have exactly the same experience. Denon Mini receiver - OK sound via SPDIF. Better via analog in. Then Denon PMA1500R - like 1000 % better, I finaly got the high end sound I was after. The sound became 3D. Then SE class A tube amp - even better and more enjoyable, the music just flows but honestly, I think this is less HiFi and the effect comes from the euphonic distortion.
And for a guitarist, there is nothing like a full tube amplifier - most probably due to the interaction between the speaker and the power amp. I think I also get this interaction with the SE tube amp for HiFi.
And this effect (improved soundstage) was the greatest with full range loudspeakers (+ mono sub) - 8" Lowthers and Sonidos and the small 3FE22s mentioned in.my previous post.
And for a guitarist, there is nothing like a full tube amplifier - most probably due to the interaction between the speaker and the power amp. I think I also get this interaction with the SE tube amp for HiFi.
And this effect (improved soundstage) was the greatest with full range loudspeakers (+ mono sub) - 8" Lowthers and Sonidos and the small 3FE22s mentioned in.my previous post.
Yeah, I auditioned the ones you mentioned. But it's pretty much not worth making any quality complaints, soundstage or otherwise, when the source is a low-rate mp3 stream. Entertaining, sure, but that's about it. Yes, some do sound very good, just don't dive in and go all analytical/critical on them.
Boy, this thread reads like resume or job application...
I did this, and i know this, and i am better at this, i used to have this, now i have this...and what do you know.
I did this, and i know this, and i am better at this, i used to have this, now i have this...and what do you know.
But I do get a decent sound stage with most of them and said so from the beginning. It exists, however, just between the speakers.
What I have been asking for is a way to make it extend beyond the speakers. To be wider than it is. But now I'm not sure that is going to be possible with near field listening in a small room. It could be that what I have now is about as good as it going to get regardless of the source material.
And my comparison test between CDs and streaming seems to confirm that. There was no noticeable difference in the size or width of the sound stage between those two different sources. So, if local CDs can't do it, then I'm not sure how a different streaming source would be able to.
Yeah, you're right. But is this thread really that different from a lot of others? A lot of them go back and forth and back and forth with different ideas about how to address an issue. With many of those posts in complete contradiction of others.
Anyhow, I've gotten quite a bit out of this one and appreciate the input from many of the different posters.
You are referring to the active ones... I'm referring to the passive Signature version.
And, no, never new.... buy them used, of course! I would NEVER recommend buying new unless they are on sale or the demos (on sale...).
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You are asking for a distortion. The late HP over at TAS used to talk about it, but then we discovered he only got that in his small room with huge speakers that bounced all over the place.
The only way you get sounds from outside the speakers is
(1) You are sitting really close to the speakers, almost in between them.
(2) You are in a multi-channel set up.
(3) You got some gitzmo that is messing up the signal with time and frequency manipulation.
Otherwise, you actually have an issue with distortions and room boundaries.
You are in the DIYaudio web site.
Open your eyes... how about a nice DIY Aleph 5 with a B1 Korg? Search for a pair of used small Maggies.
I'm writing this from personal, current experience.
I'm also considering Audiolab stereo amps. I like the features on some of their models.
Sorry Tony, but I don't buy used equipment. Would rather spend the money and get something with a warranty. Also don't want to worry about what the previous owner did to it.
I think that you are not looking at this issue with open mind. Your definition rules out 98% of hifi, if you don't want that kind of "distortion".
Classicalfan is looking for a specific stereophonic sound illusion/image in his room. We need a room to create this illusion, ie. we need those reflected (distorted as you say) "cues".
You forgot 4) dipole or omnipole speakers, that radiate sound also behind the speaker - to induce more reflected sound! 😎
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Hmm... I own TWO pairs of Maggies. Old ones in a box, newer ones in display in my living room.
Sad.... for me, DIY amps... used speakers. So far.
Like the guy said, he got himself a pair if DIY Pass designs... it makes a huge difference.
Or, get a good used tube amp and preamp. I haven't seen many kits for those, but there you got to really pay attention to the output transformers.
The Alephs sound like a good tube amp without the angst ( same amount of heat... no worries about tubes going, going, going...).
Yes, as a matter of fact, I got CJ tube preamp, ARC tube amp, B1, B1K, F5, A5s, ACAs... now A2s being built.... that stuff really makes a huge difference.
I've been buying quite a bit, and selling a little, used stuff. I started buying used, oh, hmm.. in '83. (*) Awesome... audiophiles dealing in High End tend to be honest and very interesting. About 99% of my stuff is either used or DIY.
It's the flippers and the dealers that you have to be more careful with. Specially the flippers. Be careful in eBay.
(*) Actually, my ADS L810s were a dealer demo, back in 78. I paid $500 for them. Ever since I seldom pay MSRP for anything. Hmm.. my first real stereo in '75... it was all on sale too.