New speakers or Eist Dubh 2!

[Terry]

the Airtight has 2 inputs Terry, that's CD and turntable. All a real man needs. ;)[/quote]

So what's the workaround for us wannabe men?

[Ivor]

the Airtight has 2 inputs Terry, that's CD and turntable. All a real man needs. ;)

So what's the workaround for us wannabe men?[/quote]

You must choose Grasshopper.... or use a preamp. I would like a tape loop for headphones but it's not worth it.

[markof]

Meant to ask... If dispensing with a pre amp (and it's range of inputs) what to do if one decides to go directly from dac into power (ala Markof). Turntable, CD player and computer to be considered?

Its a bit of a pain as I have to reboot the ariand to use the preamp circuitry with the cd or turntable but as I use the computer source 90% of the time it's a small price to pay.

Mark

[nige2000]

Congrats Ivor on the speakers
I know I'm very fond of my set

Good writeup and was Interesting to hear about the preamp

[Ken Moreland]

Ivor , could you post a few pics of the Eist Walnuts? I'd love to see how they look. You'll be surprised by the bass available after good run-in.
KM

[Claus]

Great read Ivor! Very interesting regarding the preamp...

[Seán]

Your initial post is a very enjoyable and informative read, thanks Ivor.

[Ivor]

Ivor , could you post a few pics of the Eist Walnuts? I'd love to see how they look. You'll be surprised by the bass available after good run-in.
KM

I will of course plus an ongoing 'review' as they break in. It will be another week or so before I actually have them home.

[Ivor]

Now that I'm happy knowing the speakers are playing as well as they can in my system I've relaxed into listening old familiar recordings to determine exactly what I'm getting. Some Bowie, Waits, Lloyd Cole, recent John Grant, Dolly Parton ("Jolene" specifically - great guitar line and subtle bongos after the 2nd verse!) Dylan and a smattering of random familiar tracks. Vocals, or more precisely lyrics, are much clearer. We all have our own collection of classic mis-heard lyrics but here every syllable and inflection is crisp and clear. A Tom Waits track I've known since about 1977 now boasts a prominent violin track sitting out from the orchestra providing a beautiful counter melody to the vocals. I look forward to more such discoveries!

[DaveF]

You seem to be more than happy with the speakers Ivor. The search for Quad replacements didnt that long afterall. Would you think that the more room around them compared to the Quads help the sound? (Something I need to experiment with here)

I guess the preamp might be up for sale at some point?