Just can't find the right system.

Merle · « **on:** 20 Jul 2005, 07:13 pm »

I've had a couple of AVA componets here and there thru the years but have never had an AVA preamp and amp together at the same time. I have finally found my speakers that I think I can live with for a long time. Harbeth Compact 7's. Wonderful speakers, maybe the best I've ever owned. I'm still not happy with my amp situation and I've owned almost everything out there at one time or another. Current amps are Audio Research LS7 & PH3 phono running into a Rotel RB1080 200wpc amp. The Harbeths seem to really like the high power in my fairly large room. I am considering a new set of AVA amps for the Harbeths. What will the current AVA amps give me that I'm not currently getting from my Audio Research / Rotel set-up? My amps are not bad, there just are not the amps I see me listening too for years to come. AVA, upgrade to what I have or another sideways swap? Why?

Merle · « **Reply #1 on:** 20 Jul 2005, 07:18 pm »

I should mention that the AVA system I am looking at would be the 240EX amp with the Omegastar SL preamp.

Christophe35 · « **Reply #2 on:** 20 Jul 2005, 08:31 pm »

Hi,

I don't know about your particuliar setup but I found that it's difficult to find an amp and a preamp of different constructors that will work very well together. Some others with more knowledges on hifi than me made the same observation.
Maybe that is the problem you have actually.

Hope this help,
Christophe

tdb · « **Reply #3 on:** 21 Jul 2005, 12:34 am »

Merle,

I have a pair of Harbeth C-7's, a T-7 preamp and a Fet Valve 350 amp. To give you some perspective, I owned AVA solid state gear prior to this set up running a pair of Rogers speakers I have owned for 20 years. I have always felt at home with British speakers and the Harbeth's seem to have the warmth with a bit more lively kick. Anyway, my recommendation would be to go with the T-7 or 8 or whatever the new tube preamp is going to be called and save a few bucks and go with the Omegastar amp. I felt my T-7 had the bigger improvement impact than the Fet Valve amp. In another 20 years I might consider an upgrade. Frank might be in the cable business by then!

Todd