Matt's system

[Jwg1749]

Sorry I can't post a photo as yet. Words will have to suffice.

Mac mini/JRiver, controlled with JRemote on iPad, via ethernet

Devialet 200

Martin Logan Montis



Matt

[GuillaumeB]

Sorry I can't post a photo as yet. Words will have to suffice.

Mac mini/JRiver, controlled with JRemote on iPad, via ethernet

Devialet 200

Martin Logan Montis



Matt

Brilliant can't wait to see the pics! Can you be a bit more specific re which cables you are using?

Guillaume

[Jwg1749]

Chord Odyssey 2 speaker cables: due for upgrade
Sablon Petit Corona mains cable to Devialet (I was given this free)
Matt

Brilliant can't wait to see the pics! Can you be a bit more specific re which cables you are using?

Guillaume

[Jwg1749]

Wow, haven’t been here for a loooong time. I spent much of the summer and autumn moving house. I’ve had little time to think about my system, and in any case it’s all been in a state of flux because of moving into a very different space. Things are now becoming clearer.

The idea is to have two systems. I work at home for at least half the year, and I have a nice study/library, about 4 x 4.5m. It’s important to me to have this private space where I can escape from the family to read and write. And I need music there, mainly for background listening, but also to energize me when my mental energy is waning.

Downstairs there’s a nice living room, 5.25 x 5.25m. There’ll be no TV: just sofas and hi-fi. This is where the main system will be: for use in the evening for relaxation and having fun with friends.

I tend to choose speakers first and then “backfill” the system from there. I’m also a cheapskate. That's why I have two pairs of speakers bought second hand: Sonus faber Cremona Auditor Ms and Martin Logan Montis. The Montis are destined for the big living room downstairs, obviously. Martin Logans, driven properly, are a thing of wonder and beauty, and visiting friends are always gobsmacked and excited.

The other given is my Devialet 200. I originally bought it to drive the Cremonas, which it does beautifully, and now even more so with SAM. But last year (before we moved house) I splashed out on the Montis, thinking I’d sell the Cremonas.

So now I have the Cremonas, the Montis and the 200. And two rooms. And where do I go from here?

I think I have three options:

1. SFs with D200, and Montis with new amp
2. Montis with D200, and SFs with new amp
3. Montis with D400 (expensive upgrade!), and SFs with new amp

Any thoughts?

[Pim]

[quote='Jwg1749' pid='6507' dateline='1417736062']





I’m also a cheapskate. That's why I have two pairs of speakers bought second hand: Sonus faber Cremona Auditor Ms and Martin Logan Montis.

Being a cheapskate is one way of looking at it. The way I see it you're just getting better quality gear for your budget. That's smart, not cheap. I could have bought new B&W 805's but went for second hand Dynaudio C1's for similar money instead. Would I not have been a cheapskate had I bought the 805's?

[Jwg1749]

Yes, you're right, buying second hand is smart. The only big piece of hi-fi kit I've ever bought new was the D200. And it hurt!

[thumb5]

If you like the Devialet way of doing things, and sound quality, would it be worth trying a 120 with the Cremonas? That would be the "path of least resistance" if I were in your position, I think.

Weren't you also going to do a shoot-out between a 400 and another purpose-designed amp driving the Montis?

Will be fascinated to hear what you decide...

Ian

[Jwg1749]

Thanks for your suggestions, Ian. Pairing the SFs with a 120 would make good sense -- assuming the shoot-out between the 400 (I currently have a 200 slave on loan) and the Sanders Magtech goes in favour of the 400. If the Magtech wins, my 200 will stay with the Cremonas.

You remembered correctly: that shoot-out is currently taking place. Very interesting. Will report back later today.

Matt

[wikeeboy]

Look forward to your views on the 200 v Magtech

[GuillaumeB]

You remembered correctly: that shoot-out is currently taking place. Very interesting. Will report back later today.

Very much looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this.

The other option to consider I suppose, is to sell your Cremonas and buy the Phantom for the study!

Guillaume