My very modest system

[Alex_UK]

Anyway, back to the hifi...

I put the system back together, and as planned, included my Audiolab 8000S in power amp mode, with the Creek Evolution acting as a pre. I had also been trying this combination whilst my system was camping in the dining room.

Well, to cut a long story short, I've gone back to the Creek as an integrated. I also tried bi-amping with the 8000S on both the LF & HF, but in the end, I preferred the straight Creek integrated. (The main difference is that the soundstage seemed to be wider, and overall clarity of instruments, particularly in the treble was sharper and more defined.) I'm not necessarily saying the Creek is better than the Audiolab - in fact I think as much as anything, I have got used to the Creek sound, after 15 years of the Audiolab sound.

I was using one of the Belkin interconnects from Creek to Audiolab, but didn't really compare it to anything else. It certainly seemed to do a fine job for £3.99!

Some possible news on the speaker front - but I'll save that for my speaker thread, updated pictures to follow here when (if) it happens...

[Alex_UK]

Some possible news on the speaker front - but I'll save that for my speaker thread, updated pictures to follow here when (if) it happens...

Just to keep this thread up to date: The Spendor SP1's in pride of place. Not a great photo - will have to some more in decent light sometime:

[MartinT]

Very nice, Alex. They look to be in good condition. How do they sound?

[John]

I think it looks elegent Alex I think the wife will start to like them soon, but you must be just going through hearing all your music and hearing new details and taking you deeper into the music which is what a good system is all about

[Alex_UK]

Very nice, Alex. They look to be in good condition. How do they sound?

Thanks Martin - yes, they are in tip-top nick - a few little marks here and there but you have to look really hard.

If you don't lose the will to live when you see the length of the post, you can read my summary of how they sound here - but in a nutshell - superb - they have completely transformed my system to the point I now realise I didn't have a "hi-fi" before! A bit of an epiphany.

[MartinT]

Thanks, and a good read. Goes to show how well those speakers were made and how deserved their reputation.

[John]

In no time you be talking like Margetcarpet Alex Lol

[Alex_UK]

In no time you be talking like Margetcarpet Alex Lol

I did by best NOT to mention "Night & Day", "Like a veil being lifted", "Blacker blacks" etc.!

[MartinT]

I am guilty of saying 'blacker blacks' (it does describe a certain characteristic very well) but never 'night and day'

[John]

I have done night and day in the past