*EDIT*
Well, I've got a bit to say ; )
Winning this would get me into my first step in a high-fidelity system. While I have studied quite a bit on it and learned of reputable speakers and companies, e.g. av123, Magnepan, Paradigm, Athena etc. I hardly have the money for it. However, thanks to my Etymotic ER-4S inner ear monitors and a custom tuned Cmoy amp, I have heard quite a lot of detail in my music that my current speakers (Logitech Z-680s) just do not deliver. The sound is muddled in the low end with one of the worst subwoofers that I have experienced. The high-end is sharp and piercing, and the midrange is non-existent. The soundstage is absolutely horrendous, with livable imaging. All in all, the musical experience results in a very fatiguing sound in a small amount of time. I have recommended my friend to pick up a pair of X-SLS which he plans on doing recently, but he notified me that he would rather have my current Logitech system (he wants surround). This is perfectly fine with me as I wouldn't mind trading, which he agreed to =P. I will be using the X-SLS as my main speakers and from all the different reviews I have read, including the one from Audioholics, I definitely I'm going to go for it. My dream system includes the X-PLS (I believe that's the right name) as mains when they come out *grin*, The X-CS as the center, and the X-SLS which I will obtain from my friend soon will become my surrounds. All this in good time and saving. Being a student makes it very hard for me to purchase decent speakers : ( But I'd rather wait for the X-PLS before I add anymore to it anyways! From everything I've read, my mind is set on the x-series, and I hope to expand on it. This amp will be very beneficial to me in a stereo setup.
This amplifier will be used in my primary listening room with the X-SLS (future X-PLS) that I have dedicated to sound aka my bedroom, ;P which is roughly 17.25 x 10.5. It is rather large, and the logitechs hardly fill up the space. I would much rather have a nice 2-channel setup rather than an atrocious 5.1. After all, 90% of my listening is music. And I prefer to do that in stereo (simulated 5.1 ruins the imaging of music in my opinion). I personally have had a lot of experience with tube amps. Being a singer and a guitar player myself I have tested several tube amps and myself own a Peavey Classic 50 212 (3 preamp and 4 power amp tubes). I have also been fortunate enough to listen to my girlfriend's dad's stereo setup. I am not quite sure what speakers they are, but they are rather large monsters with build in woofers (similar the to what I assume the X-PLS will be like, except much larger in size). Listening to Eva Cassidy's Songbird album was a definite treat. Her voice was so captivating, sweet and haunting at the same time. Fields of Gold was just... wow! lol. The midrange was very smooth and thick like very rich butter (I know it's weird, but I can't explain it in any other words). The high extended quite a bit and was very controlled (although not as high as my ER-4S IEMs, then again, nothing I have heard has such a sweet high end). The bass was never exaggerated but present. And it was went quite deep and I could feel every nuance of it. Something I have never experience in my life. IEMs just don't let you feel that bass! Similar satisfaction resulted from Stevie Ray Vaughn's Live in Montreux. This all thanks to very nice speakers, a very nice tube amplifier and the generosity of a kind man. =) Similar satisfaction resulted from Stevie Ray Vaughn's Live in Montreux.
All in all, tube amps have definitely changed my perception of sound. No solid states (at least none I've heard) have been able to surpass a nice tube amp. Winning this amplifier would make loads of difference in my listening. All I can say to myself is good luck =)
P.S. I apologize if I have named the wrong model name for X-PLS. I am talking about the ones that av123 will be releasing in their x-series for $599 with the built in dual 8" or single 12" active woofers. From what I've read, Danny is working with Danny Seaton (I was a bit confused at first too) who is a king of bass. So I am definitely looking forward to it =). While this is an obvious desperate attempt at winning a fine tube amp, let's just say it's a poor man's stab at luck ; )
Cheers,
Raphael
