[martyj]

Thanks Rob

B&W speakers can be a bit bright/forward, depending on the electronics they're paired with.  VMPS and GR research both have forums here and have many satisfied customers.

Likewise, I've been waiting on IRD to finish the Sabai preamp; the folks here that have heard the IRD Purist preamp have had nothing but praise.

I'm on the waiting list for 3 nOhr Le Amp II monobloc amps;  I'll let you know when I get the chance to hear them!

Again, what I'd recommend depends on the price range you're l ...

What are VMPS and GR research?  What is a DI/O?  All of this sounds wonderfull exotic and expensive.  Maybe when I win the lottery, but wait I guess that means I need to buy a ticket!?

[martyj]

Thanks Jay

Consider a Scott Nixon tube dac ($350).  It is said to sound great and will really help to take the edge off nasty pop recordings, especially while you have other equipment that can tend to be bright (e.g. B&W speakers, an average DVD player as a transport).  Especially since you like jazz/Kind of Blue you may well appreciate a bit of tube sound in your system.  

If you want to revamp the rest of your system in 1 fell swoop, consider Klaus's (Odyssey Audio) combo of the Etessian preamp, Khartago amp and  ...

I like Kind of Blue, but also love Hendrix, Tool, Zeppelin, Bela Fleck, John Hiatt, as well as the Allman Brothers and older Santana.  Love the suggestions for revamping the whole system at once..just need to get my sales pitch for my wife together

[JohnR]

What are VMPS and GR research?

If you go to the main index page and scroll down through it you will find many of the brands mentioned. There will be a link to their forum, as well as to their website.

There is also a search link at the top of every page which you can use to find info on mentioned products and to locate past discussions.

HTH (hope this helps), and good luck!

JohnR

PS If you are handy and/or experience with woodwork or metalwork you may want to look into DIY options.

[martyj]

Max,

I wish the Rotel had pre ins/outs, it would help for add ons and a tubed preamp would be an option that way..right?  

Marty

[martyj]

What are VMPS and GR research?

If you go to the main index page and scroll down through it you will find many of the brands mentioned. There will be a link to their forum, as well as to their website.

There is also a search link at the top of every page which you can use to find info on mentioned products and to locate past discussions.

HTH (hope this helps), and good luck!

JohnR

PS If you are handy and/or experience with woodwork or metalwork you may want to look into DIY options.

Thanks John for the navigation/research tips.  I wish I was handy with wordworking or metal work.  My dad was an artist, philosopher and genuine humanitarian, but not handy and not around much to learn even if he was.  I never like Shop in school that well, made a fishing net by bending aluminum rod and drilling holes, etc, that along with a cedar dish/bowl/ashtray?  I can read and do anything, it might just take me a long while to do it, but DIY is an idea.  I like the Bottlehead site and loved the reviews of their stuff.

[MaxCast]

Max,

I wish the Rotel had pre ins/outs, it would help for add ons and a tubed preamp would be an option that way..right?  

Marty

Yep, but since it dosen't we won't go there.  A DAC is a digital to analogue converter found in all dvd, cd players.  You can take the digital out and run it into a DAC then to the amp.

Take your time and follow JohnR's advise and research what manufacturers have to offer here.

[martyj]

Max,


thanks for the advice


Marty