WLM Diva Monitor -- Personal Experience?

Sorry Vin. Anyway, at this point I most surely won't make it any more difficult since you already have Almarro and the new WLM amps on your short list. Imho, no need to look any further! I have heard amps of both manufacturers with various WLM speakers. Both offer terrific value! They are superb in respect of sonics, build quality AND are symbiotic with WLM speakers, crème de la crème, nothing less.
This is as exciting as if I were reconfiguring my own system; I personally would go for the A318B but that is probably because I have this "thing" about NOS tubes, so these old Soviet 6C33C's really float my boat. Would you have a possibility to demo both?
Karel

Karel,

Unfortunately, the WLM dealer only sells the WLM Minueta. So a comparison really wouldn't be possible. This is really all going on faith. I like faith just fine, but it's not always ideal when it comes to music. As an fyi, I'm also considering the 'new' Shindo integrated (the "apetite"). So, the candidates are: Luxman 550 (ss), WLM minuetta, Shindo apetite, or Leben 330X.

Factors are: compliment to the WLMs, convenience (tone controls, remote), and looks (the visual aesthetic affects my listening aesthetic).

I'll let me know what I decide. For now, I may just hang on to my Cayin and defer the new integrated (as the WLMs aren't cheap, and I'm young).

-Vin

Vin,

Any followup? I see you went ahead and got the Divas. Did you go to CT to listen first or did you just take a shot? I'm in Manhattan too and would like to hear your thoughts on these speakers. Thanks

Boisty

I have paired Cayin with the WLM's and I thought the match was wonderful. Do you have the Cayin A-88t integrated? I took out the 88s and put some Tung Sol 6550s in the amp. Sold the Cayin a few months ago, but it was indeed a good match with the WLM's. Good luck with whatever route you go on the amplification.

Boisty -- I did get the Divas. On faith. Very expensive faith. I have been rather frustrated -- the break-in required on these speakers is no laughing matter. That requires some combination of time + volume. Given my Manhattan studio apartment, the volume piece isn't there. So, it is taking a LONG time. In the meantime, vocals (singer/songwriter stuff) is phenomenal. But bass lacks punch. Completely. And more complex music hasn't filled in yet -- sounds quite hollow. After a near panic attack, my seller assured me of the outrageous break-in required. I'm thinking of bringing them around the corner (to lyric hi-fi, which is not a WLM dealer) and asking if the store, for a fee, would keep my speakers for a week or two and let them play overnight at robust volumes to help speed the process.

I will keep you updated.