[floresjc]

I posted this with the AVA forum, but I'll repost here because I'm sure Jim or others will have comments.

What is the magic AVA combination for driving Silks or the SS8s?

As a value proposition, it sounds like it would be hard to beat a T8 with a Synergy 450, is that the kinds of impressions people were getting? Or is 600R the way to go? I'm not sure what all preamp/amp options were demo'd so any input with regards to those two newer Salk line speakers would be welcome.

My current top of the line is an Insight+ EC  and Ultra+Double 550 with HT2-TLs and I'm itching to add another listening room.

[Nuance]

I wasn't at Axpona (last minute changes forced me to stay home), but I've seen nothing but praise for the SS8's and Silk's.  So, based on that I'd the say magic combo was whatever they primarily used to drive them at the show. 

[Art_Chicago]

To OP: are you thinking to get another pair of Salk speakers?
If it is Silk (84 db sensitivity), then you want 600R or Synergy 450. If it is SS8 (87 db?), then 400R or any Synergy line would be just fine, imo. There is a 400R on the trading board, btw.
I own T8+ and an older AVA solid state, and really like how my songtowers sound. I think T8 is a must-have if your amp is solid state.  At Axpona I heard Fet Valve preamp/600R amp combo and I had a feeling that the electronics does not have a sound. Just dynamic and effortless music, full of details and nuances  . 
 

[martyo]

 

I posted this with the AVA forum, but I'll repost here because I'm sure Jim or others will have comments.

What is the magic AVA combination for driving Silks or the SS8s?

As a value proposition, it sounds like it would be hard to beat a T8 with a Synergy 450, is that the kinds of impressions people were getting? Or is 600R the way to go? I'm not sure what all preamp/amp options were demo'd so any input with regards to those two newer Salk line speakers would be welcome.

My current top of the line is an Insight+ EC  and Ultra+Double 550 with HT2-TLs and I'm itching to add another listening room.

We preferred the Synergy 450 to the 600R with the SS8's. The sound really opened up with the 450. We preferred the low end of the 450 too but that was much more subtle than the "opening up". I run the same amp as yours and I have a bias towards having some glowing glass in every box but with the SS8's I (we) preferred the 450.

As a value proposition, YES, T8 and 450! Everyone present when we were there liked that combo. Not that it sounded better than the Fet Valve Pre. I only heard the Silk's with the 600R.

I'd like to see Frank build a Synergy with twice the power, or there abouts.

[benguin]

I posted over on the AVA thread on this one. 

Summary of that post- they both sounded great.  Now, which one to buy to give our SS8's an extra kick? 

[JonnyFive]

I spoke with Frank VA a couple days ago about a power amp (great guy by the way). He commented that he preferred the Synergy/STSC and FetValve/SS8 combos the best.  I made him aware of this thread and asked him to post more information about his thoughts.