Just wondering if anyone has done an "A-B" test using all same components in same room, but comparing the 990 to 970 like just using analog stereo or bypass.

The best instance of that which I can think of is Doug917\'s shootout from late last year.

Gonk! You have a phenomenal memory. I seem to remember discussing the pros/cons of a B&W to a ML, not a specific model but comparing "sweet zones" and if they would mix in a system. I'm having a heck of a time comparing the 803S with the Vantage. I know you favor the Vantage but would you mind putting into lay terms why?

Thanks Very Much

Dog_lover, I haven't ever heard B&W and Martin Logan side by side and have only minimal first-hand experience with either brand. The B&W's I've heard have certainly been good speakers, but the CDM1 SE's and newer bookshelves (I think they were 705's) weren't enough to drag me away from my Paradigms. I do have a buddy in Texas with ML Aeon I's, which are similar to the Vantage (-3dB point on the Vantage is about 9dB lower, but both use an 8" woofer and a similar ESL panel). The ML's are very nice speakers - you'd need to make sure you can set them well clear of the back and adjacent walls to really let them perform at their best, and I'd strongly recommend some good demo time at a local shop before you invest in them (the ESL sound is adored by some, but not as captivating to everyone). I'd also make sure you get a good amp to drive ML's - they are a tough load at 4 ohms, not something a mass market receiver is necessarily going to match up with at all well.

A few years ago I got to listen to a Genesis 1.1 system.
I've never heard anything as good since.
http://www.genesisloudspeakers.com/prd_1p1.html

Thats cause you haven't listened to a Bose Wave radio man. Come on now. 1/32nd the space taken up and its made by bose, so it must sound better right???

I acknowledge DOUG's and GONK's impressions as noted above. Just wondering if anyone else has similar experience.

In short I think that the 970 does not sound as clean and open as the 990 or even my old Crown SL2 preamps. I did the testing using only BYPASS and 7.1 Direct and analog outputs from various sources, because the purpose for this pre/pro is NOT in a "surround" room....so I need no processing. I know maybe it's overkill.

Input (pun not-intended
Thanks

I have not done any side-by-side comparisions, but did try 970 for few days before upgrading to 990. To me, 990 has better front stage, is more dynamic and better overall in 2 channel and for movie watching.

Thannks for your response. Looks like these (old) ears are still a-workin.