Awesome and simple system Micheal. But more than the system itself, I am impressed with the ancient either Shang or Zhou dynasty vase that you have next to the system. Is it authentic or a reproduction. Once again, excellent and refined system.
Hi michael - I'm honored to be the first to post on your page. Those Sophias sure lookl lovely in your space!
I am also a fan (and several time owner) of McCormack amps, and have also had CDP's with built-in preamp sections like the Wadia (Levinson 390S and Audio Aero Capitole MK II SE in my case). On thing to consider with the Wadia, which attenuated volume in the digital domain: I believe it truncates some info when played at low output, so you might be getting slightly decreased dynamics at lower volumes, or at least that was how I felt when I auditioned an 850 in an older system. Maybe not.
Of course, I would concur that you need a really good preamp to beat no preamp, but for me, I ended up needing/wanting that little extra bit of body and dynamic contrast that a preamp (esp tube preamp) re-introduced into my system.
As to you wondering whether the Nagra VPA's woudl be sufficient to drive those Sophias, I think it would be just fine, but I would suggest you call the fine folk at Wilson and ask them their honest, unbiased opinion.
