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Item: FS: SYNOLA SE 509 SET Amplifier with 20 NOS ITT Tubes Location: Tassie Price: $!500-. plus postage in 2 boxes , unless picked up of course...!!!! Item Condition: only slightly used , as I am on Solar power...!!! Reason for selling: winter years Payment Method: bank transfer Extra Info: This is a serious bargain as you can sell the NOS Valves for that ...!!! Believe me , great sounding amplifier...!!!! The Synola amplifier was built by the designer Reinhard Seyer in Germany and very unfortunately , on it's world travel received some slight chassis damage (see pictures) , because of the heavy German special transformers...I was going to give it a better chassis , but , as it sounded and still looked so, so good with the right original colour , it stayed that way....also , because I am off the grid on Solar Power , it did not get to run the hours it deserved ...I have had many valve amps in my life time , yes including the mighty Kronzilla and as this one is very special , with no capacitors in the circuit, it stayed ....!!!! It gives you 8 watts of very nice SET power and to top it off there is 20 , yes a total of "twenty" NOS ITT Lorenz Valves to come with this unique Amplifier , no original boxes...!!! ITT Lorenz were made by Phillips in the Heerlen/Holland factory , so believe me , one of the best you can get...!!!! Apart from the chassis repair , I would strongly suggest that one modifies the bias access from internal to external...it's OK for a experienced person to check and in my time the bias never drifted . but I thought better point that out...Freight . if not local , will be in 2 boxes and the amplifier will be packed super strong...!!!! Please PM me for any questions and if you would like more pictures ....I will only answer per PM and prefer not to have silly non related posts in the For Sale section..., OF COURSE , I will also gladly return your PHONE call and provide more details and pictures...!!! Thank you ....!!!! Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Dynaco VTA ST-120 Valve Amplifier Location: Sydney 2076 Price: $2,450 Firm Item Condition: Brand New, one week after assemled and tested Reason for selling: Upgrade to VTA M125 Mono Blocks Payment Method: Pickup (20 Kg), Cash only Extra Info: I purchased the amplifier kit from Bob Latino from the U.S. (paid a lot for shipping) with full set of the tubes (3 x Sylvania 12AU7, 1 x TungSol 5AR4, 4 x Soltek6550WE), capacitor upgrade (4 Power supply and 4 hand matched Russian K42-Y PIO coupling caps) and the 21 steps attenuator. Power transformer is 240V. OFC AC cord fitted with Rhodium plated Furutech IEC inlet. The Drive Board Cover is self made with pure copper plate and is grounded to the chassis as EMI shield. Wired here in Syndey by myself with solder contains 2% Ag (silver). Tested and is runnung perfectly. I like it so much that I am now looking at upgrading to the VTA M125 Mono Blocks from Bob Specifications of the ST-120 Amplifier with VTA Driver board Power output . . . . . . …… 60 watts RMS per channel at 1 KHz at less than 1 % THD with both channels driven in PENTODE or 32 watts RMS in TRIODE with both channels driven Frequency response . . . . 10 Hz to 30 KHz +/- .1 dB at 1 watt Power bandwidth . . . . … 17 Hz to 30 KHz +/- .3 dB at 60 watts Distortion . . . . . . ………. Less than .15% THD from 20 Hz to 20 KHz at 1 watt, less than 1% THD at 60 watts 20 Hz to 20 KHz IMD ………………………… Less than .45% (19 Khz and 20 Khz) at rated power Hum and noise . . . . . ….. More than 90 dB below 60 watt output Sensitivity . . . . . . ………. 1.1 volt in for 60 watt output Bias setting …………… .500 volts DC per each KT88 or 6550 output tube Feedback ………………… 13 dB total loop feedback Tube complement . . . . … (4) KT88 or 6550 or KT120 (3) 12AU7/12BH7/5963/5814/6189 (1) 5AR4/GZ34 Size . . . . . . . . …………. 13" x 9.5" x 6.5" Weight ……………………. 38 pounds (shipping weight = 45 pounds Please see detailed information and user reviews here: http://www.tubes4hifi.com/bob.htm McIntosh MC275 performance at 1/5 of price: http://dynacotubeaudio.forumotion.com/t1930-comparing-my-vta-st-120-with-my-mcintosh-mc275 Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Cayin CS-88A Integrated Valve Amplifier Location: Central Coast NSW Price: $2,750 ono Item Condition: Mint, As New Reason for selling: Upgrading/Change of direction Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, EFT, Paypal + 2.6%, COD Only Extra Info: I have owned this amp since July this year. Originally purchased in preparation for a setup with Klipsch Cornwall III speakers, however I went a different route and ultimately purchased Revel M106’s. While this is an exceptional sounding valve amplifier it is not really matched well with the Revel’s and I will be upgrading to a Benchmark system. The build quality is exceptional, regardless of price. Selling to help fund the upgrade. This amp is in mint as-new condition, with no more that 5 hours use on it total. I have all of the original packaging and accessories. 19 months warranty remaining. Retails for $3,499. Selling $2,750 ono Happy to post if buyer pays postage, but realize its a very heavy item. Specifications Power Output: 25 Watts per channel (Triode) 45 Watts per channel (Ultra-Linear) Frequency Response: 10Hz - 42kHz (-3dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 1% (1kHz) Signal to Noise (S/N) Ratio: 93dB Line-Level Inputs: Two Phono Input (MM) Pre-Amp Input: One stereo preamp input – allows the CS-88A to be used as a power amp only Construction: Hand-made construction with silver point-to-point wiring Power Supply: Specially designed toroid transformer for the power supply Pre-Amplifier: Two 6SL7 and two 6SN7 valves are used in the preamp stage Four KT88 valves are used in Class AB1 push-pull output stage Triode and Ultra-linear selection via remote Bias Adjustment: Easy valve bias adjustment using the top mounted bias meter Rear Panel Switch: Switch easily between the supplied KT88 output valves or optional EL34 valves via a convenient rear panel switch Remote Control Soft Start Function: 30 second soft start function - extends the life of internal components and valves Memory: CS-88A stores last usage settings once turned off Volume Control: High-quality Japanese ALPS motorised potentiometer (volume control) Silver Plating: Heavily silver-plated signal cables are used throughout Cover: An easily removed cover is provided for protection from hot valves Speaker Binding Posts: Accepts Banana plugs or spade terminals Output Impedance: 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms Power Cord: Standard IEC that can be easily upgraded. Dimension (WxHxD): 420 × 195 x 382 mm Net Weight: 28kg Photos:

Item: Cayin CS-88A Integrated Valve Amplifier Location: Central Coast NSW Price: $2,800 Item Condition: Mint, As New Reason for selling: Upgrading/Change of direction Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, EFT, Paypal + 2.6%, COD Only Extra Info: I have owned this amp since July this year. Originally purchased in preparation for a setup with Klipsch Cornwall III speakers, however I went a different route and ultimately purchased Revel M106’s. While this is an exceptional sounding valve amplifier it is not really matched well with the Revel’s and I will be upgrading to a Benchmark system. The build quality is exceptional, regardless of price. Selling to help fund the upgrade. This amp is in mint as-new condition, with no more that 5 hours use on it total. I have all of the original packaging and accessories. 19 months warranty remaining. Retails for $3,499. Selling $2,800 Happy to post if buyer pays postage, but realize its a very heavy item. Specifications Power Output: 25 Watts per channel (Triode) 45 Watts per channel (Ultra-Linear) Frequency Response: 10Hz - 42kHz (-3dB) Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 1% (1kHz) Signal to Noise (S/N) Ratio: 93dB Line-Level Inputs: Two Phono Input (MM) Pre-Amp Input: One stereo preamp input – allows the CS-88A to be used as a power amp only Construction: Hand-made construction with silver point-to-point wiring Power Supply: Specially designed toroid transformer for the power supply Pre-Amplifier: Two 6SL7 and two 6SN7 valves are used in the preamp stage Four KT88 valves are used in Class AB1 push-pull output stage Triode and Ultra-linear selection via remote Bias Adjustment: Easy valve bias adjustment using the top mounted bias meter Rear Panel Switch: Switch easily between the supplied KT88 output valves or optional EL34 valves via a convenient rear panel switch Remote Control Soft Start Function: 30 second soft start function - extends the life of internal components and valves Memory: CS-88A stores last usage settings once turned off Volume Control: High-quality Japanese ALPS motorised potentiometer (volume control) Silver Plating: Heavily silver-plated signal cables are used throughout Cover: An easily removed cover is provided for protection from hot valves Speaker Binding Posts: Accepts Banana plugs or spade terminals Output Impedance: 4 Ohms and 8 Ohms Power Cord: Standard IEC that can be easily upgraded. Dimension (WxHxD): 420 × 195 x 382 mm Net Weight: 28kg Photos:

Item: CYMER KT88 VALVE AMP BY ELSON SILVA Location: Bondi Price: $1500 Item Condition: Excellent Second Hand Reason for selling: Upgrade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: Hand built by Elson Silver. Purchased direct from the man himself about 18 months ago. Near perfect cosmetically. Very low hours. Warm full sound as would be expected. I paid $2800 for this unit. Would suit new buyer. Any questions please feel free to ask. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Image by Nelson Audio EL34 Power Amps (Mono blocks) Location: Melbourne City Price: SOLD Item Condition: Great working order Reason for selling: Space constraints /Simplifying system Payment Method: Pickup only (Melbourne CBD) - Cash only Extra Info: Punching well above their weight, Image by Nelson Audio are based on the Marantz 9 power amps. 75 watts output based on 4 x EL34 tubes and each unit weighs in at about 35kg each so I'm afraid local pick up only. These mono-blocks made a substantial difference to my system in terms of texture, resolution, speed, attack and the general warmth especially with vinyl source material. Priced to SELL to clear up room in my limited space so please, no negotiation. Since purchasing this, I have had the switches and new tubes fitted with about 100 hours on them. The units have some very minor cosmetic blemishes as indicated in photos and functionally they are a joy to live with.

Item: PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated Tube Amplifier - ExDemo Location: Douglas HiFi - Perth Price: $3680 Item Condition: Ex-Demo (around 50-100 hours of use) - Excellent Condition with all Original Packaging and FULL WARRANTY Reason for selling: Recently Discontinued Model Payment Method: Cash, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard Extra Info: BE QUICK - ONE ONLY AVAILABLE Here's a chance to grab a sale price on our ex-showroom model of the PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium integrated Amp. PrimaLuna have made quite a name for themselves by making modern tube amplifiers that have the magical warmth and depth of tubes with modern world technologies applied to make them relatively fuss free without impacting sound. The PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium Integrated is a beautiful looking and sounding amp... and we really enjoy the lovely, detailed full and open sound that this amp brings to nearly any speaker we have run off it in-store. This Amp has a fantastic amount of drive and saturation to the sound that helps bring a fantastic, real in-your-room sound that normally is only hinted at until hitting some pretty expensive equipment. Featuring (5x) RCA stereo inputs, a Sub RCA output (and also with a Home Theatre Bypass mode) the PrimaLuna Premium Integrated is made easy to integrate into a two channel or Surround system. The PrimaLuna range is all expertly designed and manufactured to a level that seems impossible for their price.... more importantly the sound has the sublime sound of tubes coupled to a neutral, airy top end without the roll off of many others. Don't buy good. Buy perfect. Iconic. State of the art. Something that will still be relevant ten years from now and that is built to last a lifetime. So how do you know if it's simply good or world-class? a Stereophile Class A rating. Class A is defined as "Best attainable sound for a component of it's kind, almost without practical considerations" with practical considerations meaning at any price. The Absolute Sound's Dick Olsher is possibly the most experienced and technically adept writer on staff when it comes to tube amplification. He declared "It is my current benchmark in integrated tube amplifiers." resulting in a 2014 Editor's Choice Award. Pictures: (Pictures are of actual item)

Item: Trade-In Cayin 860 Mono Power Amps Pair Location: Tivoli Hi-Fi 155 Camberwell Road Hawthorn East VIC 3123 Price: SOLD Item Condition: Trade-In stock in Excellent Condition. Comes with Box, original packaging and Manual. Payment Method: Direct Deposit, Paypal, Cash - Pickup in store, Credit Card including AMEX with no fees or penalties. Extra Info: Fully inspected and tested prior to sale. Based around the Marantz Model 9. Hand made and point to point wired. Switchable Valve mono amps that run 70 Watts per Channel in Ultra Linear mode or 38 Watts per Channel into Triode mode. Switchable RCA or XLR input Taps for 4/8/16 Ohms Currently has Eletro-Harmonix 6550EH's installed running in triode mode. Excellent Condition with Boxes, Packaging, Cages and Manuals. All Trade in items come with a 3 month warranty For prompt after hours response contact Tivoli Hi-Fi Staff member @jimsan Pictures:

Item: Audio Research GSi75 Integrated Amp/DAC Location: Douglas HiFi - 3/116 Mounts Bay Rd, Perth Price: $25999 $18500 Item Condition: Ex-Shop Demo - Cosmetically As New w/Full Warranty and all Original Packaging and Accessories. Reason for selling: Recently Discontinued Model Payment Method: Cash, Paypal, Direct Deposit, Master, Visa Shipping available Australia Wide Extra Info: With its gorgeous artisan style the Audio Research GSi75 shows off a welded chassis, thick front plate and the combination of new and old ARC cues. As the name suggests, the integrated is a (2x) 75W design, using the KT150s (first used in the GS150 power amp) and now featuring throughout Audio Research’s lines. In addition to being a good quality integrated amplifier, the Audio Research GSi75 sports a very fine phono stage, an outstanding upsampling DAC, and even a very high performance headphone amp. The physicality of the GSi75 is not something to be sniffed at either - It’s a large, sophisticated integrated amplifier for the modern music lover: it does everything you could think of, does it all well, and exudes a sense of absolute class in the process. It’s a tube amp for people who like the sound and the idea of tube amps, but don’t like all the fuss and bother they sometimes cause. Insert, bias, play… it’s all made extremely simple. The onboard phono stage is quiet and dynamic, a perfect match for the rest of the amplifier. Rather than just sounding nice – something many valve designs actively aim for – this one majors on insight and agility. It reveals the harmonic richness in the sound of a piano and renders it with a subtlety of dynamics... equally, when asked to rock out it does a wonderful job of dynamics and slam without ever sounding either harsh or soft and wooly. The DAC – which can be set to upsample to 24-bit, 352.8/384kHz (depending on original sampling frequency) also supports DoP DSD replay – there is also ‘fast’ and ‘slow’ digital filters which help cope with the vagaries of modern (and especially online) digital sources. The DAC allows you to access whatever files you have on hand; 16-bit/44khz all the way up to 2x DSD, so you won’t be left out in the cold. There are a bevy of digital inputs as well; RCA, Toslink and USB all help make the GSi75 the hub of your digital music world. There are also (3x) standard RCA Line Level inputs to complement the aforementioned Phono and DAC inputs. Reviews : http://www.tonepublications.com/review/audio-research-gsi75-integrated-amplifier/ http://www.hifiplus.com/articles/audio-research-gsi75-integrated-amplifier/?page=1 We have all original packaging and remote control. AudioResearch suggest that the tubes sound best after approx. 500 hours - It has been used for 482 hours so far Technical Specifications Type: Integrated tube amplifier Valve complement: 2× 6H30 drivers, 4× KT150 power tubes Analogue inputs: 3× RCA stereo Phono stage: MM/MC, adjustable input voltage and impedance Digital inputs: S/PDIF digital (coax RCA and Toslink), USB (driver required for Windows PC) Sample rates supported: 44.1kHz to 192kHz, S/PDIF and USB 2.0 HS, DSD USB 2.0 HS Input sensitivity: 0.55V RMS rated output. (32.5dB gain into 8 ohms.) Input impedance: 52.5kΩ Maximum input: 10 volts RMS Power Output: 75 watts per channel continuous from 20Hz to 20kHz. Frequency Response: 1Hz-70kHz (–-3dB, 1 watt) THD+N: Typically 1.5% at 75 watts, .05% at 1 watt (1kHz) Power Bandwidth: 12Hz to 70kHz (–3dB) Overall negative feedback: 4dB Output polartity: non-inverting Output taps: 4Ω, 8Ω Dimensions (W×H×D): 48.3×26.3×51.8cm Weight: 25kg Pictures: All Photos of Actual Item www.douglashifi.com.au

Item: Vincent SV-237 Hybrid Stereo Amplifier Location:Perth WA Price: $1700 now $1500 Item Condition: Immaculate Reason for selling: Upgrade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Credit cards accepted in person with CC charge To cover Square payments charge. Extra Info: Up for sale is my Vincent SV-237 Hybrid Stereo Amplifier. The brand is well known on these forums I know but a quick google search will tell you all you need to know about this fantastic Amp. Review and spec can be found here http://www.vincentshop.co.uk/sv-237-review Only selling due to upgrade. I have owned this amp from new and it is immaculate. Purchased in September 2015. I think it came with a 5 year warranty but not 100% sure and can not seem to find the right info. Should be able to track down the original receipt if thats important to you but as of today I can not find it. Comes with original Box, manuals and some spare tubes. ( don't think they spares are Mullard tubes though, I think those are inside the amp) Amp can be auditioned at weekends easily, evenings a little harder to arrange. Location is Highgate Perth. Due to it size and weight local pick up is my preferred option. However if you arrange the courier I can have the amp ready to be collected during the day. Packed in its origin box and with a second cover box round it for shipping. This is more problematic as I would require full payment prior to it being shipped. DD would be my preferred an cost free option in this case. Pictures:

Item: Audio Research REF150 Location: Melbourne Price: Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: ARC upgrade Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD Only Extra Info: HAVE RELISTED

One of my valve monoblocks (transcendent Sound SE OTLs) has stated making a truly and loud awful noise (only when connected to the system). I am wondering if its just a bad valve or sintering more serious. Would any experienced valve owners out there be able to give advice?

Hi all, I have an excellent valve amp tech who tells me I need to replace the coupling caps in my Leak Stereo 20. I have some Russian pio caps of the correct value as well as some M Cap supremes that would suit too so I am going to drop them over to the tech tomorrow. I imagine the pio caps would be best but if anybody has any info they can pass on in regards to caps they have used with this amp and which ones I should use that I already have I would be very grateful for the info. The pio are 0,1 K40y-9 and have 1000B and 8505 printed on them as well. Cheers, L11 Some pics of the amp when I was going to sell it http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/75002-fs-leak-stereo-20-valve-amp/?hl=leak

Item: Leak Stereo 20 valve amp Location: Coburg Victoria Price: PRICE DROP $950 $899 $850 ono Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Used Reason for selling: not getting enough use Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, DD, COD Extra Info: I would much prefer to sell this locally but if there's no local interest I'll post, buyer pays postage Purchased from John's HiFi Exchange I've had this for about 4-5 years. I bought it for it's sound quality rather than a collector piece so I can't tell you much about how stock standard it is but I was told it has had minor upgrades. I added the ugly feet and speaker terminals for practical reasons but these are easily removed. The speaker terminals are only screwed in so simple enough to change. There are some gum marks from Johns annoying stickers he puts on hs stock. A little turps will get this off. Cosmetically it's showing it's age a bit but performance wise this amp is a little gem. It competes with modern equipment effortlessly. This is a reecognised classic British valve amp. The bass is full but not tubby, the mid range is weighty with detail and presence. I actually preferred this to my Audio Note Conqueror which I sold a few years ago. The el84's are a mix of European origin and the 12ax7's are Mullards which have had around 40 hours use. Any questions please ask. I guess I should mention that the Mullards are original made in Britain Mullards. Not re-issues. ELECTRICAL DISCLAIMER This product has not been manufactured by a qualified individual or company, therefore contains electrical circuits that do not necessarily comply with Australian Standards. I understand that as the seller, I may be liable to repercussions in the event of equipment failure. By advertising and selling this product, as the seller I also agree that I am solely liable, and the publisher of this website takes no responsibility for any injury or death resulting from, whether directly or indirectly, any accident that may happen as a result of the failure of the product being sold. If in doubt, seek the services of a qualified electrician to inspect the product to ensure it is safe for use.

Despite being ancient, my ears are still irritated by any form of audible distortion because I have heard so much of it over the years. My hunt for perfection started in the 1950’s. Forums weren’t around so it was trial and error with my own DIY valve projects. In a new search for inexpensive accurate sound, I examined hundreds of user reviews for more than 12 months and ended up with a system of extraordinally compatible components, none of which I had auditioned. Because I had a small budget I opted for DIY where possible. DIY also allows you tweak to your heart’s content without having to replace full systems. My final ‘unauditioned’ system consists of a pair of VAF-DX Generation 4 towers built from a VAF kit for $1900. A 15 watt Son of Beast OTL valve amp and GG preamp for $2500, Rega Apollo-R CD player under $1000 and Thorens TD160 for $10 plus a Rega RB250 arm for $150 and a reasonable Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge. I have always enjoyed the sound of valves but I was looking for a valve DIY kit with high end performance, not warm sound. By chance I saw an article on ‘output transformerless’ amplifiers and tracked down the Transcendent Sound kits designed by Bruce Rozenblit in the USA. Reviewers around the world were raving about the silky, 3D transparency and separation plus complete lack of background noise in Bruce’s kits. The audio signature was explained as being cross between valve and solid state with enormous tight bass. But being a bit cynical I was expecting to be underwhelmed but willing to take a chance because this would be my LAST project. I ended up building a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid 3 valve preamp and a 12 valve 15 watt Son of Beast power ’output transformerless’ power amplifier for under $2500 the pair inc. freight from the USA. The performance of this combination was a revelation. Despite expecting something special, the GG and SOB far exceeded anything I had ever heard before. Sure, I have heard louder amps, clinical sounding amps and ‘look at me’ amps but never one with so much resolution that was so involving, effortless never tiring and exciting. Forget about warm, fluffy valve sound. It has gone …vanished and replaced by real live performances! After upgrading some caps, rotary switch and pot in the preamp I kept all the cheap but adequate components that Bruce supplies with the kit to keep costs down. I no longer have the urge to improve the sound because I can’t detect any of those niggling little audible annoyances that MUST be fixed at any cost. I also researched and bought a few sets of the very inexpensive Bright Star isonode anti vibration feet, which work a treat under the valve preamp and my solid Rega Apollo-R CD player which I reckon is a bargain at under $1000. The reproduction from the Rega Apollo has put my Thorens/Ortophon turntable to shame on many occasions. Before getting the Rega, I was so disillusioned with CD’s that I was about to dump my whole collection and only play LP’s. Now I get enormous pleasure from both. Win Win! No longer do I care about ‘sound’ when Pink Floyd, Santana, Keb Mo and dozens of others perform live in my own living room. Absolutely no sound other than pure music …joy at last! I’ll just sit back and listen …until my next…maybe…nope, forget it, I’m cured. Despite being cured I MUST build another project. Not for better sound but to see if it is possible to achieve the same satisfaction with a valve preamp and solid state power amp. I am starting a Holton Precision Audio kit and have great expectations because of it's reviews plus it’s an Aussie product. As long as I just compare the musical performances I guess I can forgive myself, can't I?

Item: SoundQuest SQ84 Integrated valve amplifier - 10wpc with headphone and speaker outputs. With NOS JAN 6V6 tubes. Location: North Sydney, NSW Price: $850ono Item Condition: Excellent with original double box. Happy to post to anywhere within Australia. Buyer to pay shipping and insurance costs. Reason for selling: No longer required. I have given up on headphones. Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Postage -Direct Deposit only. Extra Info: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue26/soundquest_sq84.htm http://www.head-fi.org/t/457946/sound-quest-sq-84 http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/soundquest_sq84.htm Pictures: [/url] [/url] [/url] [/url]

Hi everyone, I'm in MEL and have a small space (3x3m) as a listening area within a larger room (4x9m) and want an amp/speaker combo up to $10k. I listen to acoustic (ECM label), jazz, solo piano, modern classical as well as electronic / ambient / drone music. No rock, pop or doof music. So far, I've really liked: 1. Audio Research VSI-60 teamed with Martin Logan Vantages (auditioned at Tivoli Hi-Fi) 2. Nuforce IA-18 with Ambience 1600 ribbons (auditioned at Carlton A/V); 3. Consonance 880-100 with Osborn Eclipse (auditioned at Greg's). Although I love their sound, I'm wary of the electrostatics / ribbons because they're sensitive to placement and, realistically with my space, I'll have to push any speakers right up against the rear wall and I'll have precious little side room to play with either. Furthermore, the space between the speakers is fully occupied by a large built-in bookshelf. Any suggestions for gear that I can audition in MEL would be helpful. Thanks in advance and I look forward to being part of this community, Andrew