New speakers?

[spook]

Hi all,

I'm looking into changing my Kudos Cardea C30 speakers for some Sonus Fabers, possibly Cremona floorstanders. I'm after a slightly 'fuller' sound but I don't want to sacrifice much in the way of detail or airiness. (I appreciate these are all subjective terms). I would consider other makes and models and I've had quite a few speakers over the years including; Proacs, Audio Physic Virgo 3's, Dali Helicon 800's and Art Audio Emotion monitors.
I've seen a pair of Art Deco 10 signatures up for sale but I think these would works best with SET valve amps.

My current gear:

dCS Classic stack.. Delius, Verdi and Purcell.
Karan KA i180 integrated,(with a musical fidelity x10 V3 on the non-balanced line in).
Sony DAB tuner
Kudos Cardea C30 floorstanders.

My loungs is approximately 17' x16' with 9' ceilings. So not small but not huge.

Any comments on experience with Sonus Faber speakers or other makes that might be suitable would be most welcome.

Many thanks,

Steve.

[jandl100]

Hi Steve

Nice high end system!
I've never heard your Kudos speakers, but having browsed a couple of reviews I have to confess that I would be looking elsewhere in your system for the next upgrade.
Based on my own experience of hearing a friend's system before and after a Karan 180 integrated amp was introduced, I'd be at least seriously considering moving that on rather than the speakers.
The Karan improved a lot of the 'hifi' aspects of that system's performance, but it went a long way to smothering the dynamic life and freedom of the sound. For me it killed the interest in the music.
Change that is my unasked for advice!

Just my 2p worth.

[spook]

hi Jerry,

Thanks for your comments.
I know where you're coming from re the Karan amp although I do run an MF X10 V3 between the CD and the amp which brings much life to the sound with that little bit of valve magic. I also run a separate balanced connection between the two which works well depending upon the type of music.
I've had various valve amps over the years and on the whole I am a big fan of the sound but it has come with varying degrees of aggravation including two which decided to all but self destruct! The other issue is that many top quality speakers require a bit more grip than most valve amps can supply.

I have seen a pair of Art Deco 10's which will be efficient and I might be tempted to go back down the valve route if I take the plunge with them. Out of interest what are your favourite amps Jerry?

Cheers, Steve.

[struth]

hi Jerry,

Thanks for your comments.
I know where you're coming from re the Karan amp although I do run an MF X10 V3 between the CD and the amp which brings much life to the sound with that little bit of valve magic. I also run a separate balanced connection between the two which works well depending upon the type of music.
I've had various valve amps over the years and on the whole I am a big fan of the sound but it has come with varying degrees of aggravation including two which decided to all but self destruct! The other issue is that many top quality speakers require a bit more grip than most valve amps can supply.

I have seen a pair of Art Deco 10's which will be efficient and I might be tempted to go back down the valve route if I take the plunge with them. Out of interest what are your favourite amps Jerry?

Cheers, Steve.

If youve not already done it, the Rock Grotto mod for the buffer is worthwhile

[spook]

If youve not already done it, the Rock Grotto mod for the buffer is worthwhile

Yes, I've vaguely heard of that. Any links?
Cheers,
Steve.

[jandl100]

hi Jerry,

Thanks for your comments.
I know where you're coming from re the Karan amp although I do run an MF X10 V3 between the CD and the amp which brings much life to the sound with that little bit of valve magic. I also run a separate balanced connection between the two which works well depending upon the type of music.
I've had various valve amps over the years and on the whole I am a big fan of the sound but it has come with varying degrees of aggravation including two which decided to all but self destruct! The other issue is that many top quality speakers require a bit more grip than most valve amps can supply.

I have seen a pair of Art Deco 10's which will be efficient and I might be tempted to go back down the valve route if I take the plunge with them. Out of interest what are your favourite amps Jerry?

Cheers, Steve.

Hi Steve

Actually, I'm not particularly in favour of valves or solid state, just that I rate the Karan as a poor amp musically (regardless of cost).
A "good" valve or ss will easily beat it in terms of musical enjoyment as far as I am concerned.
-- I should mention that the Karan owner is ecstatic with it!

From recent experience I know that a good buffer can work wonders with some components, so it may well be the the MF unit is doing the biz in your system.
..... but I would still be tempted to try alternative amps!

My favourite amps?
-- I currently use a Wadia "PowerDAC" with excellent results.
I also have a Pass Labs X150, although I have to confess that I am considering selling that!

Amps from my past that I rate highly ....
ss -
Parasound Halo A21 - magnficent dynamic sweep, if ultimately (after 18 months of familiarity) just a little polite.
Krell KAV250a - a power house, rather forward in sound, but hugely in control and huge amounts of fun.
Philips 380 - vintage virtuosity

valve -
Icon MC368 BSE - KT90 valve amp. Sounds like an awesome solid state amp!
Graaf 5050. A long time ago now, so memory fades, but I really enjoyed it.
CR Developments Romulus - 6L6 midrange magic.
Viva 300p - 2x 300B per channel. Sublime.

Loads of others have passed through, but those come immediately to mind.

[struth]

Hi and welcome Steve. Nice sounding system

[spook]

Hi and welcome Steve. Nice sounding system

Thanks Grant.
Best,
Steve.

[Pharos]

I have to mention that I am about to sell a pair of ADAM Tensor Gammas.
They have opened my (eyes) ears so much that I am going to upgrade, they are so bloody good that I am going to Berlin next week to buy the Betas.

[struth]

I have to mention that I am about to sell a pair of ADAM Tensor Gammas.
They have opened my (eyes) ears so much that I am going to upgrade, they are so bloody good that I am going to Berlin next week to buy the Betas.

fab speakers