jmarshak on BATEsotericAurenderSimaudioMoon2 Channel & Home TheaterHome TheaterBalanced Audio TechnologyAll Out Assault2 channeltubesWhat do you think?Synergistic ResearchAudio EnvyRevel Ultima 2RevelJL audioFocalDenonMovie roomOpinions PleaseUptonePaul HynesSynergistic Research SXDimensions: 20’ × 20’ Large
Ceiling: 9’
Hi @camb
Sounds like a nice set up you have.
The key for me was adding the JL CR-1 crossover which the MOON P8 now outputs to directly. The CR-1 allows for a much better subwoofer integration. It has ‘bi-directional’ filters separating output frequencies - hence limiting bottom-end duties to the amps and speakers. So, the Salon2s got relieved of the super high current bass burden, and the mids and highs sound reproductions began to shine even more. Fidelity was increased. I would never have believed it had I not experienced it! And even though the Salon2s also have really good bass reproduction, the JLs are made for bass, they are hard to compete with [for the money] when it comes to bass.
But there are many risks when doing this. Obviously, there are room considerations. Also, if subwoofer integration and phasing is not perfect, it can ruin SQ terribly. Also, very important to me was that speaker imaging was not lost. There are obviously extra costs/cabling/components/complexity involved. Etc.
Hi @mammothguy54
Thank you. Good question. My answer might be underwhelming but I just never got around to it :) I guess I thought it would be too cumbersome to bring in a REX pre.
I did own the VK-31SE and the VK-51SE in the past (enjoyed them) and recently even considered the ‘revolutionary’ designed VK-53SE.
But at the end of the day, the MOON P8 (as it sits synergistically with the rest of the system) leaves me with no desire to switch anytime soon. The P8 is extremely good and it is ready to go right away, all the time!
Hello @frozentundra!
Regarding system SQ between Pass and 'BAT' Rex Amps... This is a loaded question :)
I will try to answer best I can.
Firstly, I think Pass and BAT are two amazing top notch Amp manufactures. Neither company settles when it comes to sonics and build quality. I've owned several BAT and Pass amps in the past (along with other brands). I had the BAT VK120 monos (sweat sounding), then VK260 Solid state, then Pass Labs XA60 (excellent), then Pass X350.5, then Pass X250.8, followed by BAT VK110SE, VK 150SE and finally to REX monos (my current amps). In general, I would say to me the BAT house sound slightly warmer. Pass more neutral.
One consideration for me is amp warm-up time. As many people know, the Salon2 speakers are not easy drive, all my Pass amps needed a good 2 hours of warm up to really drive them. The BAT monos on the other hand, would grab the Salons by the (you know what) after just a couple of minutes of warm up. That's important to me because I can’t always plan my listening sessions ahead of time.
However, the REX Monos are also especially transparent. Hearing them in my system was the first time that I understood what the term 'holographic' should mean, especially at the top registers. The REX monos jived incredibly well with MOON P8 pre and Esoteric K01. With REX, the system sounded, even lighter and more musical. The sound quality more ‘piercingly lush’, even at significantly lower volumes. It took me a long time to match these components in order to create this kind of sound quality.