Advice on electronics for new system

[audiohippo]

With my house extension almost complete, which will provide a dedicated music room I am thinking of moving my current electronic system into my office (with a pair of bookshelf speakers) and starting from scratch.

I am currently looking to purchase a C2300 preamp, which could be used in the second system or kept for my new main system.

I want to choose electronics that will provide some flexibility in speaker selection as I have the B&W 802 Diamonds now and may move to the Wilson Sasha 2's or the upcoming B&W 800D3 in the future.

Current thoughts are:

• Classe CP-800 with M600's. Great with B&W, but now sure how they sound with Wilson Audio.
• Simaudio 840p with 880m's. Fantastic reviews, don't seem to be many forum users with this combo and I have heard they can be a little 'thin' in their presentation.
• Audio Research REF5se with REF75se. Only heard good things about this combo, but do I need more power?
• Audio Research REF5se with REF150se. Only heard good things about this combo.
• Audio Research GSpre with GS150. Not sure I am sold on the styling of this unit long term, plus the uplift over a REF5 and REF150 doesn't seem worth it.
• Mcintosh C2300 with MC601s. The 'go to' combination for B&W and Wilson.

Source for now will be the PS Audio DS/PWT, however again I may move this to the office and use an Esoteric or similar source.

I have listen to all these components in various configurations over the years, but as their is a wealth of knowledge on this forum I was hoping leverage that in helping me make a decision.

Thanks

[Still-One]

Interesting post. Here a my thoughts.

-I might not swap the 802 for the Sasha 2's until having heard either the 800D3 or 802D3's.
-I prefer the new G Series over the REF units but as you note I am not sure if the cost factor makes sense.
- I haven't heard the latest Simaudio gear but I have always liked their gear. If you go with Moon you could always try their front end in lieu of Esoteric.
-Classe always seems to pair nicely with B&W.

[audiohippo]

Good advice.

My local dealer has recommended the Audio Research REF5se with REF150se combination and said I would be happy for many years to come. The REF75se has been recommended a number of times on the forums though as having enough power for the Sasha's and other similar sized speakers.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Good advice.

My local dealer has recommended the Audio Research REF5se with REF150se combination and said I would be happy for many years to come. The REF75se has been recommended a number of times on the forums though as having enough power for the Sasha's and other similar sized speakers.

Yup. Seriously awesome combo. Wanna buy my ref75? Kinda kidding but I'm eyeing dagostino. We'll see.

[audiohippo]

Too bad you are not local!

The other combination that has come up while searching the forums is the Esoteric C02x Preamp with Mcintosh MC601s.

[2fastdriving]

Originally Posted by audiohippo

Too bad you are not local!

The other combination that has come up while searching the forums is the Esoteric C02x Preamp with Mcintosh MC601s.

Hey I can ship it... Not that hard. But if your dealer has arc, you should borrow one and put this to rest.

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by 2fastdriving

Hey I can ship it... Not that hard. But if your dealer has arc, you should borrow one and put this to rest.

Trying to get the ARC ref5 with both the 75/150 on loan plus a Sim Audio selection for a weekend.

[lostinla]

Cool. What Sim gear?

[audiohippo]

Originally Posted by lostinla

Cool. What Sim gear?

I want to test the 850p with 880m, but they don't have that on display, they only have the 740p with 870a. The dealer was going to ask the distributor if they have some demo units available. Unlikely but worth a try.