I am fairly dead set on purchasing the HiVi Swan D2.1SE. Over on AVS forum people are saying it is easily the best speaker in the price range and competes with many speakers about twice the price. The fit and finish are amazing too.
I already have a fantastic preamp - my Melos SHA Gold Reference. The source is going to be something top notch - cary or esoteric most likely (depending on what pops up on audiogon). I don't have a power amp though, and quite frankly, I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to that arena. Unfortunately, the fact that I only have a $500 budget does not help things.
With a $500 budget, I think going used would be my best bet. However, I have no idea what would be the ideal characteristics to look for in an amp to mate with the D2.1 SE's. I listen to rock, classical, and jazz equally, and the piano is of special importance to me (piano performance major). The piano has to sound real. I like a fast punchy sound with a liquid midrange and accurate bass, but no sibilance in the highs. I crave weight and impact.
Basically I'm going for the sound signature of the Melos/Grado headphone combo, if that is possible.
Should I go tube or SS considering my preamp is already a tube hybrid? Vintage or newer stuff? I really am new to the speaker world so any help I get would be GREATLY appreciated.
I already have a fantastic preamp - my Melos SHA Gold Reference. The source is going to be something top notch - cary or esoteric most likely (depending on what pops up on audiogon). I don't have a power amp though, and quite frankly, I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to that arena. Unfortunately, the fact that I only have a $500 budget does not help things.
With a $500 budget, I think going used would be my best bet. However, I have no idea what would be the ideal characteristics to look for in an amp to mate with the D2.1 SE's. I listen to rock, classical, and jazz equally, and the piano is of special importance to me (piano performance major). The piano has to sound real. I like a fast punchy sound with a liquid midrange and accurate bass, but no sibilance in the highs. I crave weight and impact.
Basically I'm going for the sound signature of the Melos/Grado headphone combo, if that is possible.
Should I go tube or SS considering my preamp is already a tube hybrid? Vintage or newer stuff? I really am new to the speaker world so any help I get would be GREATLY appreciated.
