Opinions on why this system is uninvolving

I would highly recommend shortening the IC run between your preamp and amp. AND getting some different ICs. I agree with Natalie, the Ruby has to go.

Ditch the Power Wedge.

I do not know much about your amps... but you might want to get different amplification. I do not know much about your pre, it could be a weak link as well...

I would start with the cables. Then start with the amp and preamp combo.

KF

Also Had a pair of Snell AIIIi's a number of years ago and have found almost every speaker (20+) since quite uninvolving. I feel your pain, the Snells were thrilling to look at, and to listen to. Absolutely amazing transient and dynamic cababilities, killer bass lock in room with natural timbre and color. That's progress in audio, unfortunately. Have heard the Revels, and that may be a large part of your issue-found them sterile and cold, but technically quite good (Salons which I had hooked to a Rowland 8ti). Maybe the cables could help here. (Warm em up with Cardas Golden Cross or Golden Reference?)Don't know your preamp, but did have the Metronome and found it rather flat dynamically tho it had a large soundstage. Sold it after 4 weeks. Please take this for what it's worth,your system is very good but these have been my experiences.

Your Hovland will not like Pass amps. The Hovland has a high output impedance (2500 ohms, I believe) while the Pass amps have a low input impedance. I don't know about the MFA amps, probably not a problem since they are tubes (right?), but in combination with the long cable runs, incompatibility in this part of the system is one area I would look at. As a diagnostic measure, move some of your front end close to the amp and go to a 1M or 2M interconnect. Then, try a different amp and/or a different pre-amp. You are not looking for a typcial "different sound" here but for an obvious aha!, which will tell you something was amiss in the compatibility area. Good luck!

Your Hovland will not like Pass amps. The Hovland has a high output impedance (2500 ohms, I believe) while the Pass amps have a low input impedance. I don't know about the MFA amps, probably not a problem since they are tubes (right?), but in combination with the long cable runs, incompatibility in this part of the system is one area I would look at. As a diagnostic measure, move some of your front end close to the amp and go to a 1M or 2M interconnect. Then, try a different amp and/or a different pre-amp. You are not looking for a typcial "different sound" here but for an obvious aha!, which will tell you something was amiss in the compatibility area. Good luck!

Greetings "Znak_m",

The first thing that I would ask is, "Have you given your new system enough time to break in?" If not, this could be a major part of the univolving nature of your system.

If after break-in (anywhere between 20-100 hours or more of play time) you still don't have the sound that you are looking for, then perhaps one or more items are out of pace with the music.

If you can afford ($$$ as well as time) to do this, I would recommend starting one piece at a time, begining with removing the line conditioning out of the path, and starting with the amp(s). Then the cabling, and following that with the loudspeakers.

I understand the the Revels are rather finiky with placement, so you might want to experiment with their positioning.

In many instances, using the same cable throughout benefits the sound quality of your enire system.

The proper high quality amp can make a world of difference to your system, and I would recommend either a pure Class A solid-state, or a good tube amp.

If I can be of any further or more specific assistance, please feel free to e-mail anytime.

- - - -

Authorized dealer for the following recommended products that we carry to meet your criteria...

Audience - http://www.audience-av.com
(See the review of the Au24 cables and powerChord in the 8/02 Stereophile)

Chang Lightspeed - http://www.changlightspeed.com
(Line conditioners that allow the music to shine through)

Clayton Audio - http://www.claytonaudio.com
(World-Class pure Class A solid-state amplifiers)

Silverline Audio - http://www.silverlineaudio.com
(Loudspeaker systems that are magnificantly voiced)

Best regards,

-Donald

W ENTERPRISES NORTHWEST -Portland, OR USA
High End Audio That Is Music To Your Ears
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