Well, it has all changed again, I should just relist it as it has changed so many times since creating this as the "3rd" system. One thing is for sure, Ever Evolving has been accurate.
Awesome little digital tuner from the late 1980's.
Audio Note AN-Vx - Interconnect
I have two sets; I run one from my CDP to preamp and one from my tuner to preamp. Symmetrical 99.99% silver litz coax 20 strands 0.09 mm
Audio Note AN-Vz - Interconnect
Silver IC, 1m RCA
Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval
Constructed of pure silver over a stabilizing strand of oxygen-free copper, woven into a patented hollow oval geometry in an oval-coaxial configuration. 9 gauge.
Clearwave Loudspeaker Design Symphonia 72R
The Symphonia 72R has a custom sandwich layered non- resonant 2 inch thick front baffle with a solid hardwood layer for driver de-coupling. The drivers are flush mounted level to the front baffle to eliminate edge diffraction, and the driver openings have chamfered flares at the backside of the opening to eliminate early reflections inside the box. Top of the line RAAL tweeters and Accuton drivers.
Wadia 170iTransport
I use this with a 160g iPod Classic.
PS Audio DigitalLink III
Mine has the Level 4 Cullen modifications.
Furman IT Reference 20i
This power conditioner and protection unit has made the biggest difference I have ever intruduced into a system; I wish I would have purchased something like this a long time ago!!!
Don't worry, we all sound like overzealous nuts now and then! Your review however is what I've always read about isolation transformers: a blacker background.
I find that I never fully recognize the impact something made until I use it a while and then go back to what I had before. It's a clearer perspective, and gives expectations time to tone down, leading to a more honest and unbiased understanding. Sometimes my initial impressions were right, and sometimes not.
My only real concern with isolation tranformers is hum. Toroids are known for that and it sounds like you experienced it some yourself. Did that ever get resolved or did you just leave the amp plugged in the other outlet?
Hey Brian - what do you think of the Furman? I have been considering a real power conditioner lately and that is one of the options. I definitely want an isolation transformer type. I'm also looking at the Torus line. Did you find it make a noticeable improvement? If so, in what ways? Thanks!
Ah ribbon tweeters! Yes they are indeed wonderful. I couldn't sell my Piegas because of them so they became the TV room speakers. Vocals are so clear and articulate and yet so natural.
But I still don't think I could live without a subwoofer in your room. Bass is so important for not only soundstaging, but every other part of the spectrum as well. It will be hard to find one that is fast enough for your new speakers but the search could pay off handsomely.
Hey Brian! It's been a while. I see another speaker change. You are pleased with it? I'm thrilled with my Nanos. I would love to hear a 590 on them at some point.
Wow! I see big changes. From high-power to low-power huh? I'm not surprised you prefer it. I've gone so far down that road that I decided to get speakers that will allow me to have just about any low-power amp.
I decided you just can't ever get enough headroom for correct dynamics with low-efficiency speakers, and, high-power amps just don't have the agility necessary for truly transparent sound.
Wow, you still have the McIntoshes! That says a lot right there! I'd love to hear your system. The Wilsons like being that close together? In any case, looks like a well sorted system to me. Enjoy the music.
Hey! You ended up with the very amps I want! The C46 and MC402 have been my favorite combo I have heard so far. I am getting close though with the C42 and MC202. It's awesome to see you end up with this pair after trying so much other gear. Arthur
Actually I don't know if the PC cords were stock. I think there is a good chance they were but can't say for sure. Glad you changed it out before dismissing the amp as one of the "worst ever nightmares," or something like that. lol
Hey Brian! Welcome to the McIntosh world and glad to hear you are loving it (I just saw your forum post about it). I have heard the 2275 twice now, the second time on 802Ds, and I agree with your assessment. One heck of a soundstage is right! It is cool to see someone making such a big amplifier change and be really happy with the result.
