Hi all,
Thanks so much for the tips, suggestions and recommendations.
Update:
Following up, I tried to listen to a few speakers, lugging along my dear compact Rega Brio amp and my dear wife for the WAF. Some of the auditions:
1. ProFX - Auditioning first the R300 and LS50s, we went to ProFX and found the speakers all crammed next to each other in a row, not the most ideal setup. The LS50s also looked damaged, with a small ding on the cone, and was confirmed so by the dealer but he claimed it didn't affect the sound, not sure though. the R300s were fresh
out of the box. Source was a basic denon TT andfitted cart.
LS50 - Sounded crystal clear and transparent, bordering on harshness. Lacked the warmth and the lower ends we were looking for.
R300 - Brilliant inaging and detail, also had much more oomph and depth in bass department but without compromising on the details. We prefered them over the LS50s and the Rega found them much easier to drive too. A very good match, I'd say, except for the worrying factor of fatigue, as they did show signs of being a little tiring on our ears after 30 mins
2.. ARN systems - Disappointing experience with the guy who was supposed to meet me and show me the stuff missing, instead I was met with by a nice man, but with very little idea of anything; products, equipment, connections. I had to help him connect and after a lot of dilly-dallying listened to the Contrast Audio Model One As3-Ref with my Rega amp and the Line Magnetic LM-210 IA.
With Rega it was surprisingly lacking in drive and dynamics (as they are supposedly high sensitivity speakers). They are nice and refined speakers with a smooth signature, but not a good match with the Rega
With LM: The contrasts came alive, with much better imaging and detail, whilst still retaining the smooth flowy texture. unfortunately, the guy at ARN couldn't change sources, so I didnt hear any of my vinyls I carries. Had to listen to some nice
recordings of Norah Jones on cd. It sounded good.
3. Audio Planet - We met Mr. Palani, who very smartly and subtly veered us away from BSs to the FSs he had to sell. We slowly bought in and ended up listening to Some B&Ws, Dali Zensor 7 and Triangle Elara LN-07. Strongly guided by Palani, we soon dismissed the other 2 as being too mellow and dull, and concentrated on the triangles.
These sounded brilliant, with very transparent and vivid mids and crystal clear treble. The bass was tight and hit the gut, not at all boomy. Drum section sounded ultra real. It paired well with the Rega amp, but there was, again, the slightly worrying brightness, which affected the speakers.
4. There is a very good offer from Jochen (The Listening Room) on the Blumenhofer genuin FS 5 and I am interested in the Rethm Maarga and Harbeths up for sale in the forum too, but can the Rega do justice to these beauties is the question.
Now, I am beginning to worry if the amp is what needs a change first, more than the speakers. The Line Magnetic integrated tube amp sounded so inviting that I am seriously considering including the tubes at the cost of my Rega, however much it pains me, as I have gotten to love it. So, the search has already become a monster with me considering both amp and speaker upgrade, much to the annoyance of my wife. Well, I have to decide... tough choices ahead...