tyrion

I was going back and forth between the amp and the integrated. I decided to go with the integrated in part to save some money. I can always add an amp. The integrated is 80 wpc/8 ohm and 140 wpc/4 ohm. My speakers are 4 ohm so there is plenty of power, especially for the small room I'm in. Plus it has a pretty kick ass headphone out.

He wants to make a deal with my Omega Compact Hemps which haven't sold (I am waiting on two potential buyers). I think $1300 is too high. He doesn't have a box for the amp and it has a light scratch on top. The Pro seem to go for around $300 to $450 from my research (reading much of this and the HF Stax threads). The amp in 9/10 condition with box would be $900 to $1000 so I'm thinking $800 on the amp and $300 or $350 on the cans. I just hate to lose out on the O2 deal.

If I don't buy the Stax rig on HF, I was thinking of going for broke and getting the new 007 rig (I know a great deal that's available for the cans and amp). I would probably sell the amp eventually and go with a Headamp KGSS. At least that would be the plan.

I may be buying this setup. Anyone have any opinions?

If I move to a different speaker, it would be the next level up in SA, the Explorer. I am sticking with the integrated for now. It has a preamp so I can always add an amp down the road. The Ayre was an excellent cdp. I moved from it to the DV-50 because I had to have DVD-A and SACD. If I ever went back to a cdp I would consider an Ayre again. Beyond remembering that I liked it, I don't remember any detail. They have a great warranty that transfers to the new owner which is a huge plus in my book. I had to deal with them once and they were so a accommodating knowing that I bought the cdp used. I had to go back to my feedback thread. I left off a few items and there are some I am sure I forgot.

Started '07 with an Ayre CX-7e cdp, HD-650, Moth si2A3, RWA Sig 30, K1000 and a pair of Abbys. I think I had the Zana Deux and F1 next, which then moved to a WA5 and I added the ED9's and sent the HD-650 packing. The Abbys went to Vicki and in came the Omega SH, which moved to the CH. The DV-50 was in there after the Ayre, to be replaced by the SD Transporter, replaced by the Wavelength Cosecant. I then sold off everything except the Cosecant and in came my System-Audio Ranger speakers, Berendsen IPA 80 integrated. There was a Apogee Mini Dac, SB3/Nate PS in there as well with an EC/SS for the very short lived bedroom rig. I have an MPX3 coming in, HD-650s back with a Grandenigma replacement cable also on its way. The big question is do I go completely nuts (most probably feel I'm already there) and get the new Stax SR-007mk2/SRM-007tii rig.

It's nice to make fresh start. Especially when means buying new gear.

Happy Birthday Ric!

As shocking as this may seem, I am not only getting a SP amp upgraded, I am also getting all my emails and pms answered promptly. It is the Un-Singlepower experience.

This is why my MPX3 went North instead of West for pre outs.

Have a Great Birthday!

I had a 5i and 5x at a meet down here side by side and there was so little difference I ended up with the 5i. I've heard to get the most out of the 5x you need to add an external power supply. An option on the 5x but not on the 5i.

Try this: Naim CD5i and the Nait 5i he is also selling for $850. $1750 and you the identical set up I had with the SA2K speakers I recommended. For $3250 you will have $6700 worth of gear at retail and a kick ass system. http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?dgtlplay&1203435915

I've been counseling him on those loopholes. You would be surprised how many you can come up with when you put your mind to it. Once you move audio gear into the need column from the want column, it's easy.

I think the most important component in your system is going to be your speakers. Imo, others may differ, build your system around speakers. From there, you can decide which is more important source or amplification. For me it was source next then an amplifier/integrated/preamp. I'm going to suggest a speaker company that not many have heard of. I've owned 4 different speakers from them and each one has been excellent. The beauty of them, besides the sound, is that there relative size. I have a room that is aroudn 11 x 13 and have a nice pair of floor standers. The company is http://www.system-audio.com/. There is a pair of their SA2K ($3,500 retail) on audiogon: http://buy.audiogon.com/cgia/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1203153383. I've owned these as has jp11801. They are really special speakers and because the company isn't well known and doesn't send too many for review you can get good deals on Audiogon. I have the SA Rangers at the moment and I would put these up against speakers that cost well north of them. The SA2K are pretty amazing speakers. Do a search, you should find some information on them. That would leave you $3500 for amplification and source. Pick your components right and you will have a kick ass speaker rig.

Very scary.

Vicki is correct about everything except I will probably have a good buzz, maybe not drunk, by tonight. The speakers are kick ass and if the choice was between them or K1000/headphones, the choice would be easy, I already made it. Since I don't have to make that choice I am now shopping for cans. Thanks to offers from Tom, Vicki, Al, jp..., I will not have to rush the decision. If only Gene wasn't a traitor, I might have HP2's.

No problem. My office party is Monday so I will likely be unable to drive afterwards. It's at 11:30am.

I will send you a pm. Thanks. Vicki, your still not off the hook, if I can get them this weekend until Tom's arrive.

Are you working this weekend. I figure if I could borrow the 600/rnb, that would be cool. Just until I find a pair of rs-1/ms-pros.

Keep it for a while. Oz isn't rushing me on my decision between the Berendsen integrated and the amp. I just discovered that the integrated has a headphone out on the back. I need to get the code to enter which disables the speaker out and activates the headphone out. I also, need to get headphones. Vicki, where are you? I need to drop by.

Maybe so but you look like Vince Vaughan for god sake. Granted, he can play dodge ball but come on, no one calls you or him Hong Kong Jewy. I rest my case. And if I wanted a ridiculous wait time, I would have called Mikhail.

I'm warning you guys, jp's nickname for me is Hong Kong Jewy.

If you have that amp by the time CanJam rolls around you better not show up. I am one tall, skinny scary white dude.