[wreilly]

This actually goes along with my thread on Digital Cables but in the interest of keeping on-topic I started a new one,

I am looking at purchasing several AVA componets and would like some first hand opinions.

I will talk to Frank today but what I want to do is is purchase the new upgraded 350 or 550 EX to power the front mains ( Aerial LR5 )

So question number 1 is, attached to an Aragon Stage 1 would you see this as a good match? ( I'm waiting on Aragon for the Impedance specs. )

2. How would one integrat the Trancendece 7 into an HT system? Have any of you used the Preamp?

3. Here is the Aerial Link
http://www.aerialacoustics.com/Products/Model_LR5.htm

The Stratos DM does a fine job but the Highs can be a little harsh. this would also be a function of the titanium tweeter.

Would the 350/550 smooth this out?

4. Which would be best the 350 or the 550. I never have the volume up over about 82 db at my listening position ( about 10 feet ).

5. I have been looking at the 8th Nerve room treaments should I go that rout first?

And last, have any of you used Franks DACs?

Regards,
Bill

[wreilly]

Well, I went ahead and orderd the Trancendance EXR and the 550 EXR today.

Frank said the lead time is 30 days so I will post my impressions some time in December.

[avahifi]

First of all thanks very much for your order!

Regarding impressions from other AudioCircle members, wait a bit until some of them have their hands on the new "R" series units for feedback.  Anything anyone could say about the current Fet Valve or Transcendence line (good, bad, or indifferent) is simply obsolete in light of the new equipment.

Hopefully we should be shipping some new "R" series equipment to some active members here by the end of this week.

Frank Van Alstine

[wreilly]

Hi Frank, can't wait!

However I was a little taken aback with the comments you made about The Aragon. IMHO this unit is one of the best Pre/Pros on the market at this price.
Anyway to each his own.

[wreilly]

Small update Frank the impedance for the Aragon are
The input impedance is 22k ohms and the output impedance is 50 ohms.

Just in case you need to know.

[jackman]

Wreilly,

I look forward to your impressions of the AVA gear.  I should be getting my "R" series upgraded T7 and 550ex with the first batch of ones shipped out this week, hopefully.  I really like the sound of the AVA gear and find the T7 and Fetvalve amp to work very well together.  There seems to be some synergy at work.  Anyway, I look forward to hearing how the T7 compares to the Aragon.  

Although I have never auditioned anything from Aragon on my system, I believe their products are very well made and highly regarded.  It will be interesting to hear how the Transcendance compares to the Aragon on your system.  Please make sure you post your impressions.  Your speakers (which, by the way are awesome) should do a great job demonstrating the differences in these preamps.  I also look forward to hearing your comparison between the Fetvalve amp and the DM Stratos.  

Cheers!

Jack

[wreilly]

Jackman,

Frank has really built up expectations on the new design, so I'm looking forward to your review.

Also ( and it's possable I'm just a little biased   ) the Aerials are awesome.

The Aragon Stage One Preamp stage is based on their 28K, first produced in 1995 here is an excerpt from the WEB Site:

The Aragon 28k is a premier remote control preamplifier. The design features an oversized circuit board, which required a 19" X 11" chassis. Its size allowed for optimized placement of the component parts. The circuit, from any input to output, is fully discrete Class A. All transistors are matched so they operate as a single transistor, creating the simplest and purest signal path possible for a preamplifier. To maintain purity, there is only one switch contact from input to output.

This should be VERY interesting comparison.

I like the Stratos DM  very much, but I was looking for something that can take better advantage of the speakers dynamics an clarity. The DM is a keeper though, it will probably be used to power the rears. The DM opened up the sound stage that it amazed me, I often listen in stereo mode only, even if the source is multi channel. The speakers seem to dissapear with the sound coming from all around and dead center. I actually had people ask me to turn off the Center chanel, when the amp powerering it wasn't even on.

Now if I could find someone that makes a single channel amp for the Center I could retire the EAD.

Regards,
Bill