I surprised a friend recently.A love of music and hi-fi sound are amongst the interests we've had in common for over 25 years.I stayed at his house during a visit recently.I had taken with me a copy of the Opus 3 Test Record Depth of Image as a gift(I had months before acquired the only 2nd copy of it I had seen in my life).
My friend's system comprised of the Yamaha PX-2 turntable,Yamaha C2x preamp,Yamaha B-2 v-fet amp and a pair of KEF Concertos.Now by way of explanation,I knew the Yamaha components very well,having been their previous owner;The KEFs I had never heard before.
We listened to both sides of the Opus 3 record,which contains a richly varied collection of choral,organ,orchestral, voice and guitar,dixieland jazz,string ensembles,harpsichord and more(much more!!!).Everything is impeccably recorded and I have used it amongst my standard assessment recordings for many years.
My friend knows how fussy I am,but he was delighted when I told him that I really enjoyed the sound of that system.There's no way that it was ever going to have the immediacy and dynamic kick of my active Altec system,but there was a very engaging,pure rendition of the recorded performances which was interesting in it's own fashion.It was also a chance for me to hear those Yamaha components played through something different to my Altecs.I'd love to hear a more dynamic version of the same sound.
Would I buy a pair? Nope.I'm single and can listen at real-live musician in the room level whenever I want(with a nod to the neighbours between 9 pm and 9 am).My friend is married and needs to be more judicious about the maximum listening levels.My system suits my situation.His system suits his situation.I'd recommend them to anyone with a decent system who doesn't prefer high levels.
Turntable: Yamaha GT 2000/Clearaudio Magix
Cartridge: Soundsmith 'The Voice' Ebony
Phono Stage: Moon LP 5.3
Preamp: Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid
Active Crossover: Accuphase F-25
Treble Amps: 2 x Kenwood L-06M
Bass Amps: Kenwood L-1000M
Speakers: DIY Activated Altec Valencia 846As