PLEASE match Advice Pass Labs X350.5 (20k) to Hovland HP-100 (2500ohms) Miss-match ???
Here is something a bit different to consider: https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/anyone-heard-of-t-a-theory-and-application and another review: http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/one-of-the-best-preamps-youve-never-heard/ |
BAT VK-51SE I've owned the VK-51SE, VK-50SE, VK-31SE, and had the VK-32SE in my home for a one week audition. I would agree that the VK-32SE is the sweetest sounding preamp of the BAT bunch, but it did NOT have the bass and dynamics of the VK-51SE. Unfortunately in life, one can't have it all. I preferred the VK-51SE in my system. In the end, I sent the VK-32SE back to the dealer, too sweet for my tastes. I wound up buying an ARC Ref 3 instead. Now this was about 9 years ago. I've also owned a CJ Premier LS 16 mk II, which was also a sweet sounding tube preamp. A bit more refined sounding than the VK-32SE, but the VK-32SE did have more power and dynamics than the CJ. I would think if you are looking for sweetness, either CJ preamp, or the VK-32SE would be best suited for you. The VK-51SE has more dynamics and power than any other preamp on your list, and though it may sound warm compared to ARC or VAC preamps, it is not as warm as the other 3 preamps on your list. |
Jmcgrogan2 - thank you so much - super helpful - I'm actually pretty bummed - should say super bummed - got my Magico S5 set up and I mean everyone says how incredible they are - I have a first rate source - Bricasti M1SE - first rate amp - Pass Labs X350.5 which is known to be a pretty warm amp - HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables which are not Nordost Oden but very nice copper cables and quite compitant, Verestarr Grand Illusion Signature IC's which are also very nice and even a bit warm and these Magico's are burning a whole right through my head like a lazier beam. I've been setting them up and measuring and tweaking and they are giving me a royal head ache? How can this be? These are top rate speakers? They make me want to buy a Cary preamp and CJ tube amp and get Cardas Golden Cross Cable Full Loom? Which I can't do and I'm sure would sound like crap? Even my wife said these don't sound as nice as your other speakers? Any advice? Maybe my bran needs to adjust but there is going to be some serious adjustment- my last speakers were total opposite of laid back - they were ultra revealing but I wasn't expecting this? Bummed to the extream but also hoping a tube pre and maybe a cable change can get these to settle down?? Maybe need to be driven a while also? Just back from Magico and had some service so maybe some new parts or something needs to break in?? |
Well Magico speakers have a reputation for being very revealing speakers. I am familiar with your amp, and yes it is known to be a warmer sounding amp. I am not familiar with your source though. Perhaps you may be better off with a tubed DAC, like a Lampizator. Then again, maybe there is nothing you can do to ever make the Magico's work for you. You are at a fork in the road. Should you try a warm tube preamp and warmer cables to help tame the Magico highs? Or just cut bait and sell the S5's now? I wouldn't make an impulsive decision, think about it for a while. A Cary/CJ preamp and some Purist Audio or Kubala Sosna cables could save the S5's. However, if they do not, then you may need to go further and try a tubed DAC too. I have a friend who loves his S5 Mk II's. He is using them with Vitus CDP and electronics, and Jorma Prime cables. Good luck, John |
I'm not quite following what are the characteristics of the S5 that you don't like. A multi-driver box speaker will never sound like a single-driver full range speaker. Completely different sound texture, detail, imaging, etc., etc. I think your brain/ears are tuned for a different sound and you either need to wait until they adjust or just upgrade along that type/design speakers. Just something to think about before you start going down a rabbit hole and begin an endless chase for perfection. |
