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January 11, 2006 - 10:56am
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One piece of the puzzle missing
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If this is a quiz...I think what you need is an integrated amp that will power the speakers and give you Level "volumn" control from the DAC. If this is right let me know and we'll go from there.
John Marks gave a good rating to the $300+ Harmon Kardon reciever (100 watts/ch I believe) www.jr.com . Cambridge Audio has some gear in the range as well www.audioadvisor.com . The Jolida hybrid integrated will run slightly more with tubes and mosfets www.underwoodhifi.com
John Marks gave a good rating to the $300+ Harmon Kardon reciever (100 watts/ch I believe) www.jr.com .
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Cambridge Audio has some gear in the range as well www.audioadvisor.com . The Jolida hybrid JD1701 integrated will run slightly more with tubes and mosfets www.underwoodhifi.com
I lived very happily with Creek gear for years and don't think you could go wrong with an SE version of one of their amps. They're punchy, natural and reliable. Plus, you've got the option of a phono card should you ever decide to explore vinyl.
I haven't heard the Jolida... it might be very nice. But, I imagine you'll need to consider if you're willing to deal with retubing every few years. Is there a way to listen to both and hear which gives you more pleasure? Our opinions mean little compared to yours in your situation.
Ugh! I only wish I could -- one piece is in Minnesota (the creek) the other in Jersey. The idea of re-tubing doesn't necessarily scare me but I've heard a rather large variance of opinions on SS vs. Tube and without the ability to really audition this last piece of the puzzle I'm down to guessing with numbers and other reviews with similar equipment.
It's difficult to find reviews on the Helium2 speakers being paired with anything so I'm quite confused at this point which way to go. The listening room is quite small (about 6 feet between speakers and listener -- hence small bookshelves like the Heliums) ... Do you think I have an cause for worry that the creek would produce too sharp a sound for that?
~Chad
I'm not at all familiar with the Helium speakers. Maybe someone else can offer some info that will help you. What I can tell you is the Creek amps of the last 10 years have a nice tonal balance and are relatively neutral.