[Wayner]

I have 3 systems currently in my studio. The fun is that I can mix and match 3 different amps, preamps and speakers as I wish. What I have found is that there certainly is a happier combination of components then one might think.

As an example, my Ultravalve loves being pushed by my FetValve preamp, powering either a pair of modified Dynaco A25XLs, or a pair of Focal Profile 908s.

My newer Insight+ EC preamp is in perfect harmony running an Insight+ 260 power amp, powering a pair of Focal Chorus 706v's, and my other other Insight+ EC preamp os more then happy with my Insight 170 (in Dynaco 120 chassis) powering a pair of Paradigm 40v.3s.

Perhaps you have found certain combos more to your liking....

Wayner

[Devil Doc]

I haven't had that kind of experience but I'm more than happy with my T-8+ driving my Insight+ 250 and Vandersteen 2Ci's.

Doc

[PSB Guy]

I also don't have Wayner's wide range of experience with AVA components, but I love the sound of my Insight+ Control Amp fed by my Vision EC DAC. With SongBirds, the combination has an addictive sound. I was thinking of upgrading to a Synergy 240 and a T8+, but I'm so impressed by the sound that I'm living with what I have for a while.

Cornelis

[charmerci]

Wayner,

Do you ever run two speaker sets at the same time? (Maybe offsetting shortcomings in either speaker.)

[JerryM]

The best synergy at my place has been:

SB Touch > modded Channel Islands VDA-1/VAC-1 DAC > AVA T8+ w/ Mazda/Brimar 6CG7s > Fet Valve Ultra 550 w/ Telefunken ECC801s > Fritz Speakers Carbon 7s.

Seriously, AVA and Fritz together kicks ass. They should really *get a room* some time. Awesome synergy.

Have fun,

Jerry

[dB Cooper]

Wayner, I notice that your favored combos seem to be all tube or all SS. Wondering what is "lacking" when you combine the two...

[Wayner]

Wayner,

Do you ever run two speaker sets at the same time? (Maybe offsetting shortcomings in either speaker.)

I actually have run 2 systems at once, using HD FM as the source. Let's just say that it's very interesting....

 

[Wayner]

Wayner, I notice that your favored combos seem to be all tube or all SS. Wondering what is "lacking" when you combine the two...

I have tried combos of them, but for some reason, I can't explain, I like them as you have pointed out, straight up. However, the speakers may be the final decision maker in this case. Switching between tube and SS makes one realize that the systems sound a tad different, but after a short time, that goes away.

Vinyl is the primary source with any of the systems and all have the AVA insight+ phono board, and I also have a prototype phono preamp (not for sale) that I run with any of the systems.

Wayner

[oneinthepipe]

Hi folks!  Long time. 

My T-8, UltraValve, E.E. DAC, PureMusic over iTunes, John Kenny battery-powered HiFace with separate Audox 5 volt regulated power supply, Salk HT2-TL mains, (4) Jeff Bagby-designed 15" subs with (2) passive radiators in 5 c.f. boxes and lots of OC703 in a big room in my new loft is my best combo, and I have a lot of other gear.  My outdoor system, a 59.99 stereo rock speaker from COSTCO driven by a U70 actually also sounds pretty good, for what it is.

[trebejo]

An AVA preamp with the phase inverter and two AVA amps. 

[Hydro]

I have had really good luck mixing AVA gear with Audio Note gear. Ultra dac with Telefunken 12AT7's or Siemens 801's seems to work best with tube amps, AN 300b amp and Ultravalve. Audio Note DAC's 3.1 and 4.1 with Super Pas pre with Telefunken 12AX7's or Audio Note pre and 350 and 600 AVA amps using the Genalax Gold Lion 12AT7's. With tube rolling I have found several "magic" combinations that leave me slack jawed. Speakers are diy Elsinores and Soundlab A-1's.