[SoCalWJS]

I am going to invest in the MAC Mini approach.   I have a buddy that has two giant hard drives of music that was taken out of a radio station.  I'm just am not sure what to do with those yet.   That is a part of my investigation right now.

Have you worked out the cabling on your LS6's?

I would try one of these instead of chasing cables.

http://www.pacificvalve.us/Doge8.html

I'm pretty sure it has HT pass through.

Still working on things. I went to T.H.E. Show and was hoping to find a used set of short speaker wires at one of the dealer rooms that had widely separated pos/neg capabilities, but struck out. I shouldn't go to those shows - I end up wanting new stuff, and not so happy with what I've got. Firmly convinced it's the acoustics in the room, and there is no easy (read: cheap) fix.

Saw a Cary in one of the rooms that I want to spend some time looking at - salesman said it should do what I'm after, but much more $$$ than that Pacificvalve you linked to. I'll have to do some research.

*** Edit: Looks like it's strictly a 2 channel rig with no passthrough - sounds very interesting though. There's got to be an option for me out there somewhere!
**** end edit

You gettin' closer?

[Cheeseboy]

Sh*9%t  I thought for sure it had the HT through put. 

This one does.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1313634202&/Rogue-Audio-99-Magnum

It is a sweet sounding preamp.

[srb]

This one does too, available as a preamp or integrated amplifier:
 
PrimaLuna Prologue Premium Preamplifier
http://www.primaluna-usa.com/product-main/prologue-premium/pro-prem-pre
 
PrimaLuna Prologue Premium Integrated Amplifier
http://www.primaluna-usa.com/product-main/prologue-premium/prem-int
 
Steve

[Cheeseboy]

I have not heard those.  But I have heard this chubby sounding spud.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1311825183&/Conrad-Johnson-Premier-17-Tube

Steve

[mlbrand]

I power my LS6's (and rest of speakers) with a Sunfire Cinema Seven Signature 400 watt per channel amp, and love the way it sounds. Lots of dynamics and bass, but mids and highs are very detailed and smooth. I bought the amp used. BTW, use an Anthem D2 processor with ARC.

[nickd]

Cheeseboy,

I noticedy you were looking into to the mac mini. Been there done that  (mach 2 mini, tranquility, amarra) The sound quality is there but the user interface is poor. I found myself returning to the CD player often. I have been playing with a Sonos lately and am re thinking my digital front end completely.

I think the PS Audio Perfect Wave with the network card might be the ultimate solution. I heard one at T.H.E. show and was impressed. You just plug the hard drive into the network card and use your I pad or Phone to controll the interface (it also has a great USB input). Sound was killer (32 bit) and it looked as easy as my Sonos to find and play music. Both the Sonos and the PS Audio control apps make the Amarra & Play interface look just a little better than a high school project.

[Cheeseboy]

Thanks alot guys

The most difficult thing about being on audiocircle is also the best thing about it.

I have been getting my act together on amplification for the LS6 for some time.  I have had my short list of high power solid state and hybrid solutions at my fingertips.  Now I feel challenged again to revisit a tubed solution.  I have now found myself getting ready for the long weekend wondering where I can hear some "Big Block" tube amps.  Uh and not mess with the family plans.

He said Sonos.

[Cheeseboy]

I power my LS6's (and rest of speakers) with a Sunfire Cinema Seven Signature 400 watt per channel amp, and love the way it sounds. Lots of dynamics and bass, but mids and highs are very detailed and smooth. I bought the amp used. BTW, use an Anthem D2 processor with ARC.

One of my first real amps (one could argue this statement) was a TFM35 from Carver.  Cheap and clean.  I loved it.