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Haselsh1
27-02-2016, 11:38
Way back in 1977 I had a motorcycle accident that led to me staying in hospital for six months with a full years rehabilitation. During this time I put together a Hi-Fi system based around a Naim 42/110 pre – power combo into IMF Super Compact loudspeakers. Around 1982 I bought a pair of QLN MkI speakers to use with my Logic DM101 and Naim system. These loudspeakers stayed with me for some considerable time until I moved to a pair of Music Fidelity MC4’s sat on Target stands.

I don’t know why but I then traded in to a pair of Rogers rosewood LS3/5a’s single wired type which coincided with the arrival of a Musical Fidelity A100X amplifier. This system amazed both me and my friends with its stereo imaging but for whatever reason I then bought a pair of Castle Harlech’s.

After this I reinvented everything via 300B SE amplification and a pair of Audio Note AZ-2’s. This was just staggering for midrange and acoustic guitar. Later, my business went bust and I just about lost everything. I had a huge blackness in my life from which, thanks to Sue, I am now recovering. I bought a pair of KEF Q500’s because I knew they would reinstate some of that stereo image I craved for but I have been groveling in the dark with amplifiers.

For the future and yet another reinvention, I am thinking about KEF LS50 speakers driven via an Icon Audio Stereo 40 MkIII powered by EL34’s, my favourite valve. I am also planning an SACD upgrade as well.

So, I have never been through vast numbers of pairs of loudspeakers as they have, by and large, provided what I wanted. The future I think will involve a much smaller room and so a serious rethink but once again, job willing, it will all come together.

DSJR
27-02-2016, 11:53
The smaller Icon amps are soft and warm-toned in old valve amp tradition. Before shelling out, PLEASE see if you can stretch to a Stereo 60 as I'm sure it's these two I've compared and they couldn't be more different - if I have the models right.

southall-1998
27-02-2016, 11:54
Interesting thread, Shaun.

I still remember buying an ''EL-84'' Icon Audio amp from you in 2013.

S.

Haselsh1
27-02-2016, 11:58
Yeah David, I think that the Stereo 60 uses more modern KT type valves but I want to stick with EL34's but only because I know their sound. I just adore their midrange fluidity and natural vocal warmth. Of course this whole reinvention may not happen if we can choose our next house with a suitably large lounge. If that happens then the current loudspeakers stay.

Shane, yes, I remember you buying it.

southall-1998
27-02-2016, 12:03
The ignorance on my side is showing up! Which of the Icon Audio integrated amps, that are auto-bias?

S.

walpurgis
27-02-2016, 13:07
Have you not considered modern full range drivers Shaun? If you're at all handy with a bit of woodwork, it makes for an interesting option. Easy to assemble cabinet kits are available too. A well chosen slim floorstander design can do slam and dynamics and you'd certainly get the imaging. Plus, the sensitivity tends to be high so your amp will have an easy time delivering the goods.

Michael loves music
27-02-2016, 16:26
Gorgeous photo Geoff

Haselsh1
27-02-2016, 17:02
Gorgeous photo Geoff

It certainly is. Purely from an artistic point of view of course but then maybe I am just a perv ;)

Haselsh1
27-02-2016, 17:03
Have you not considered modern full range drivers Shaun? If you're at all handy with a bit of woodwork, it makes for an interesting option. Easy to assemble cabinet kits are available too. A well chosen slim floorstander design can do slam and dynamics and you'd certainly get the imaging. Plus, the sensitivity tends to be high so your amp will have an easy time delivering the goods.

Me... woodwork :eek:

Michael loves music
27-02-2016, 18:20
It certainly is. Purely from an artistic point of view of course but then maybe I am just a perv ;) reminds me of Susanna Reid on good morning Britain

walpurgis
27-02-2016, 18:30
Apparently my choice of avatars is regarded with suspicion and deep disapproval in certain quarters. Well that's a shame! :lol:

twickers
27-02-2016, 18:46
Apparently my choice of avatars is regarded with suspicion and deep disapproval in certain quarters. Well that's a shame! :lol:

Nowt wrong with your avatars Geoff. :)

southall-1998
27-02-2016, 18:49
Nowt wrong with your avatars Geoff. :)

Your cat avatar likes them also :)

S.