KMV

What do you think of a Primaluna Prologue Three preamp with a B&K 200.2 main? I'm sure this might go well with my Cornwalls, refined, with sufficient bass.

Were you using the factory supplied KT-88 tubes with the Primaluna Prologue 2, or were you using something else like the EL-34's?

Unfortunately, my only experience with the M3s was a few years ago on some small cheap bookshelf speakers, thus, I really didn't get a full feel of the amp's character. Just curious, did the M3 sound thin or produce any glares at mid-highs with the heritage series - or, did it sound sweet, velvety and smooth through out the entire band. Also, how was the bass? I read some reviews online that the bass was a little weak and thin on the M3, and other opinions that say it is just right. Do you remember how the bass was on the LaScalas. The only reason why I'm avoiding tubes is because I'm lazy. The only affordable tube amps I've come across, that actually have an the auto-biasing feature, utilize push-pull topology, whose upper frequency glare really turned me away (may be it was just the specific ones I've hear) - although they do display authority in the lower end of the spectrum. Single endeds on the other hand severely lack bass control, don't have very long tube life, and do not typically come with auto-biasing (even so, SE topology's midrange is un matched to anything else in the world PERIOD). I know that bi-amping SE with an SS like B&K is an option to consider, however, I do not want to spend more than 3g. If you have any tube or biamping suggestions for under 3g, I'd be happy to give them a shot (unfortunately, I do not want to get used equipment - I've my share of issues with this in the past) Thus, I was just wondering how NAD M3 might sound.

Has anyone heard this combo?

Sweet, thanks

Totally agree, can't beat Simply Stereo's customer service. Unfortunately, I did not have time to audition the M3 on the cornwalls last weekend, I probably won't be able to audition it for almost a month now. I'd definitely like to listen to some old Marantz sound with cornwalls, appreciate your response. Probably won't get time till probably next mo. however. lol, just got tied up with work and trips.

Wow, Cornscalas? Got the best of both worlds; I can only imagine how good that sounds, Congrats! Passive pre's never crossed my mind, I'll have to check them out. I heard that B&K's are pretty nice (on the warm side). I'm thinking a decent laid back passive pre (carbon-based - still want tight bass) with B&K 125.2 or 200.2? Probably not the 200.2, since even the 125.2 would be plenty for the Cornwalls.

Wow, Cornscalas? Got the best of both worlds; I can only imagine how good that sounds, Congrats! Passive pre's never crossed my mind, I'll have to check them out. I heard that B&K's are pretty nice (on the warm side). I'm thinking a decent laid back passive pre (carbon-based - still want tight bass) with B&K 125.2 or 200.2?

SWL, Yea, I definitely heard that older Harmon Kardons were pretty nice (not sure about the new ones though). If you're not to far away, I'd like to give them a try as well.

Sweet; If you are anywhere close by, I'm definitely down for auditioning them.

Ahh, Simply Stereo I presume? Haha, yea

I guess the essence of Class D amps consists of switching the input signal to PWM (whether it be analog or digital). Thus, a Class D amp would probably more appropriately be classified as digital (regardless of the input signal being switched). But who cares, digital... analog... paper... plastic... it's the sound that matters. Since all my sources are digital (CD Player, DVD, etc), a Class D Digital amp would be more appropriate for me? This way, rather than going through two phases of DAC (i.e. CD player AND Class D amp), it'll only occur once. I'm think maybe the new NAD M2 Direct Digital Amp might be nice?

Colin, Horns and Tubes definitely make a match, but I'd like to stay away from tubes. Unfortunately, my laziness would not match well tubes.

Pass Labs. I couldn't find their dealers locations online (I guess the are undergoing some changes or something, IDK). But yea, I'd definitely like to give them a try based on the reviewes I've read (whenever their dealer location webpage is finished I guess)

Hopy you are enjoying the warm weather in Orlando[Y]

I live in Schaumburg, IL (northwest suburbs of Chicago). Thanks for the offer Bill, unfortunately, I'm pretty far away.

Yea, I've read good reviews/comments on Carvers, unfortunately, they're no longer made as you stated above.

Thanks for your input. I auditioned Audio refinement's Complete with the Cornwalls. Although the highs were smooth, they were still extended, which didn't fit well with the horn tweeters. I've also heard Audio Refinement with Classe (on Thiel). Although overall sound was much much better with Classe, i believe the highs did not change by much (it did sound beautiful on the Thiels, but I didn't think it might go well with the cornwalls). NAD M3 on the other hand appears to have smooth AND rolled of highs. I've heard the NAD on PSB Images and Joseph Audio (Thiels were not available for a direct comparsion though). Hopefully, with the Cornwalls, the NAD M3 will be a match!

You are correct, that vintage amps would probably match my needs (from what I've read on line). Well, the reason I'm trying to stay way from vintage amps is because it is nearly impossible to audition them (I've visited several stores that have used equipment, but didn't fine any vintage amps from 70-80s). If there is another, better way I can audition vintage amps, then pardon my ignorance. Obviously, I'm not gonna buy and return repeatedly from online sources

Thanks for the feed back, I'll be auditioning it hopefully this weekend

Thanks, they are truely amazing, and have the perfect balance between refined- and revealing- sound. I just gotta find the right amp; I think the NAD M3 might be it.

Hello All, I'm kinda new to the audio field and to this forum, so bare with me. Personally, I prefer tonal accuracy, musicality and smooth texture of sound over spaciousness. Thus, I sold my previous yamaha surround system for a 2 channel w/ sub. I currently have Paradigm atoms powered by a NAD C325BEE (integrated) with a discontinued Yamaha YST-SW150 (dual-driver, with a tall enclosure). I have the treble turned ALL the way down (according to my taste, this sounds best). I love the sound - thick detailed bass - full-bodied midrange, and easy treble. It does however get a little harsh at times (yes, even with the treble all the way down). I guess it's mostly in the upper mids. I also use this for movies, and love the rich mids. Since this amp is only 50 watts, and the atoms are only 90db/m/w, I have the DRC set to high on my DVD player (yep, I also prefer warm, rich, full-bodied sound on movies as well - more than dynamics, which on a budget system like this, introduce harshness). I have been looking for a major upgrade for my new place for two years now. I have heard and auditioned a wide variety and types of speakers (ranging from $10,000 to $500) with several different types of amps. Regarding the amps, I've heard a few tubes (Manley, Yarland, Mcintosh,... etc) and numerous solid states (Anthem, NAD Master Series, Heed, Cambridge Audio, Bryston, Rotel Classe, Marantz... etc). Regarding speakers, I have heard several different brands and types (i.e. Wilson Audio bookshelves, Thiel, PSB Image, PSB Synchrony, Paradigm Signatures, Paradigm Studios, Martin Logan's electrostatics, Klipsch reference, and many others). The loudspeakers I've auditioned all sounded very well, but still I felt that that there was something missing - liveliness, fullness and realism, without being harsh. I loved the gentle, warm-textured sound of tubes (not so much Yarland, as they tend to be slightly bright), however, do not wish to deal with all the hassle in their maintenance (frequent biasing and replacing of tubes, etc). The warmest sounding SS amplifier I've tried so far is probably the M3 from NAD.Given my taste for warm, refined, laid-back sound, you're probably wondering what I'm doing here on Klipsch's forum (with Klipsch's horn tweeters and all). Well, about a month and a half ago, my search for the right loudspeaker has finally ENDED. I was re-auditioning the Studio 100's using the Cambridge audio's 840A and comparing it with the Anthem 225 integrated, at a store near my house. This store also carried the entire Klipsch Heritage series. The staff knew me and knew what kind of sound I was looking for and suggested that the Klipsch Heritage series probably, may not, be suitable for me. Thus, I had stayed away from them.... until now. I just wanted to give them a shot; started with the Khorns. Khorns were very nice speakers indeed, very real and lively sounding, but the top end was a little harsh and the mid bass was missing; although the horn woofer seemed to integrated very well with the horn mid. I did feel a sense of realism from these speakers that I've NEVER felt with any others I've previously auditioned! Next I tried the La Scalas. Same sound, except bass was significantly reduced and was extremely directional. Then Finally I Tried The Cornwalls. The music was much much more refined and the mid bass was EXCELLENT! The bass was absolutely tight and accurate, but not too deep, which is a good thing since that's what a sub is for. (IMO a loudspeaker should concentrate more on tight and accurate bass, and shouldn't interfere too much with the sub's job). The more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with it. The instruments sounded so real (not as real as the Khorns did, but real enough). I felt that the beautiful mid bass gave the instruments and gave the overall sound a nice kick. The sound wasn't punchy in a deep sense, but was punchy in a more real, accurate and beautiful sense. The delay of instruments was perfect. Although the top end was not as refined as I had hoped, the horn midrange's integration with the cone woofer was just stunning to my ears. Now, I don't care what anybody says, no matter what speaker or amp (or in which room) you listen to, they WILL add color to the sound. It's just a matter of what color one prefers. The midrange and bass of the Cornwall colored the sound JUST PERFECTLY to my ears (I tried the Cornwalls with different amps to be sure that it wasn't just the amp - which I knew it wasn't). I felt that I could listen to them for hours... only if the top end wasn't slightly bright (although it still was beautiful). That said, my search for the perfect loud has definitely ended with the Cornwalls. Now, I just need to find the right amp that would settle the highs down. So based on my past auditions and online comments, here is what I have decided (although have not auditioned it yet). Mains - Cornwall III (Of Course) Amp - NAD M3 Subwoofer - JL Audio F113CD Player - Cambridge Audio Azur 840C Does anybody have any have any experience with NAD Master Series and Klipsch Heritage before I audition (all components are located at different stores, thus would probably take some time to setup for the audition). Any input and/or critique on my comments above would be appreciated. However please don't suggest a different loudspeaker since I have already made my final decision. If anyone knows a more tube-like, warm-textured sounding solid state amp, with the highs rolled off, then please do suggest - NO TUBE AMPS PLEASE!!! If anyone knows a better integratable sub, then please suggest as well, preferably a sealed enclosure.