Kent,
Thanks for your really generous hospitality hosting both Saturday and Sunday. I really enjoyed our low key group and it was good to meet Roger, Bernie and Gabe & catch up a little with Ken and Mike.
When I walked in the group started on the Sony SSM9SE in what seemed like just a corner of your basement. They were quite a bit of fun really and I would describe them as plump in juicy. I mentioned to the group I couldn't believe they worked so well where they were located. Those two 8" drivers poowered by the McIntosh gear delivered really satisfying bass! And, being the speaker wh**e that I am I thought they would still be worth seeking out on the used market. Piano black and in immaculate condition doesn't hurt either.
Switching over to the Magnepans (which has been the main focus of Kent's obsession for as many years as I've known him) showed how greatly the two speakers/systems served up music. The Magnepans are obviously very different speakers but I was dumbfounded by what Kent was able to accomplish here. I unfortunately am guilty of plunking down components and speakers and hoping for magic. I know Kent reviews for Positive Feedback and has greater access to some gear but I believe he still passionately pursues other options to see how much more he can eek out of those Maggies. The 1.7's were held in place with Mye stands. The soundstaging abilities (lateral spread) and naturalness of tone left me kind of awstruck. Kent was describing his basement journey with the group and there was a lot of head nodding from other crazed 'philes. The Cary pre and monstrous Primare A32 beast seemed to be a great pairing. Kent- thank you for a terrific day and I would love to come back over and spend a few hours picking through your wall of music.
