[floresjc]

To those who went, or even Frank himself, what is the magic 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.

[martyo]

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. Synergy 800 Frank?

[Art_Chicago]

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. Synergy 800 Frank?

well, while I do not doubt that you heard what you heard, when Frank suggested to me an upgrade from Omega to Synergy, he was describing the sound of Synergy as almost identical to Fet Valve.     Now if it is more open, that is an easy call!

[martyo]

well, while I do not doubt that you heard what you heard, when Frank suggested to me an upgrade from Omega to Synergy, he was describing the sound of Synergy as almost identical to Fet Valve.     Now if it is more open, that is an easy call!

That's how it sounded on the SS8's. I heard it immediately when the switch was made. On the way to the car my brother independently said  the same thing.  In the "brief" time we listened they did sound pretty identical, except for the openess. I do think the R600 was a tad more 3D, but not as much as the open larger soundstage.

I had an Insight 400H on loan from Frank when my 550 was becoming a double. It was more open than the 550, but otherwise we preferred the 550. On the SS8's, I just prefer the Synergy to the hybrid 600R.  I'd get that upgrade if it was me and I could afford it. 

[benguin]

From our time in the room, I think the Synergy 450 and the 600R were very very close on much of the music.  It's funny that I think I heard preferences both ways- and several of them were quite sure which one was better.

The Fet Valve does offer a fair amount more power, which gives it some points.  The Synergy is more economical as a counterpoint.   I think the sound we heard from the Synergy 450 was a testament to the AVA team on a well designed amp which delivers excellent sound at an excellent price.  Do they both hold as even at high levels with the SS8s?  Is the extra reserve valuable?  Can I hold put off getting the secondary amp for the surrounds and center?  Are they both equally rock solid on reliability?  Am I swayed by my wife's slight preference for the sound of the Fet Valve?

I know the two hosts of the room both had the same preference for which amp they liked with the SS8's.   As for us, we're still discussing the paragraph above as we work through which amp to order for our LR mains.   My logical side says the Synergy, but my heart keeps chiming in for the 600R.  Two different technologies that both give strong results.

Hopefully Frank or his team will join in with their thoughts.  They've heard both of these driving all huge variety of music at different levels and likely can give us some keen insight (no pun intended!).
  -Ben

[martyo]

If budget isn't the factor, your wife likes the 600R, it does have all the pluses you listed and it's way prettier...........

[avahifi]

Stereophile actually really liked the Salk - Van Alstine room - wow!

Here is the link:

http://www.stereophile.com/content/super-salk

Frank Van Alstine

[trebejo]

Stereophile actually really liked the Salk - Van Alstine room - wow!

Oh dear, the world's about to end. 

Anyway, I once was so thoroughly convinced that I preferred the sound of the Ultravalve that I could not wait for the warm summer months to end so I could put the 550 back in the closet. Then one autumn I discovered much to my surprise that I actually liked the 550 better. 

I suppose the "mismatch" in that case was greater than in comparing the Synergy to the 600R. Nonetheless, caveat audiophillus.

Of course if my wife (wherever I may find one) were to affirm ANY preference for one of Frank's amps, well, that would have to be my favorite too.  On certain matters I am an incorrigible coward...