Hello everyone,
I am currently in the process of changing my hifi system. I owned a Simaudio Moon ACE integrated with Dynaudio's X14 bookshelf than Focal Aria 926 towers. Didn't like the ACE (too bright, not much details and dynamics at low volume level) so I changed it for a Nuprime DAC-10H/ST-10 combo. Didn't like it either (way too bright, sound balance was off with complex jazz or rock music). I tried amps from Naim (SuperNait2), Rega (Elicit-R), Luxman (L-507ux), Simaudio (340i), Yamaha (AS-2100) and Devialet 120 and 200. The only one that gave me a piece of what I wanted was the Devialet 200. But those amplifiers a way too expensive for what they give and are very annoying to use. The Lux and the Yam were good too. But I still wasn't in love. My faith in solid state was compromise at that point.
So last week, I went to Montreal to have a listen to a couple of tube amplifiers (my local dealer doesn't have any). The dealer that I went to had a pair of Omega SAM hooked up to a Unison Research Simply Italy amplifier and a MDHT Stockholm dac. That was it. Right there. The kind of sound that I was looking for. When he told me the combined price of the system, I was even more amazed. I then had a listen to the Super Alnico HO XRS and it was audio bliss again. Then he switched the Unison for a Leben CS-300XS and wow. Just wow. The dealer didn't have all of his demo amplifiers and speakers in stock so I have to go back on Easter weekend. I will come back with a tube amplifier and Omega speakers for sure. I sold all of my other stuff.
I will listen to a Unison Research Triode 25 (EL34, 45-22 watts), a Line Magnetic LM-217ia (300B, 8 watts) and the Leben (EL34, 15 watts). The speakers will be the SAM (with sub), the Super Alnico HO Monitors (with sub) and XRS towers and the brand new Super 8 XRS. I just want to know the opinion of Omega speakers owners about the best way to go for an all-around performer, but with a strong penchant for rock, punk, metal and electronica. Of course, value for money is always a factor. If I can save some money on the speakers, I will put it on the DAC, streamer, etc.
My listening space is 12'x 13' in an open room of 12'x 40' (living room/dining room/kitchen).
Sorry for my bad grammar and/or spelling. French is my first language.
Thanks!
Guillaume