Hi Lon, yes, the SET Magic trumps the power. I have found my Muse in two distinct systems and it is ironic to me.
Reference System:
Sony as Transport>Illuminati D-60>Audio Alchemy DTI-Pro>Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference i2s>Audio Alchemy DDE 3.0 w/remote wand>Kimber Select 1030>Decware Zen Select Integrated Amp>Kimber Select 3033> Polk SDA 1 -or- Polk LS90/ 2 ch Stereo
(Adcom AC Enhancer, XLO Pro Power Cord to Zen Select & Herbie's Halo's on SV83 output tubes) // I enjoy the orignal SV83 the most/and have a good stock of them.
I sit/ears 55 inches away from the Polk SDA 1 in near field with no toe in. I sit/ears 60 inches away, when using the LS90 speakers with slight toe in. System is configured on concrete carpeted floor.
I enjoyed my time with the Torii. However, as you mentioned, the Magic of the Select with these conventional Speakers at 68 to 82db SPL is just bliss. Not every conventional speaker can be used as you know. I know you had success with your floor standing Bose Speakers for quite some time. I have enjoyed that same synergy with my Polk LS 90's and now with the SDA 1's. Because of the success with the LS90's and now the SDA 1's, I never wanted to change that magic with more efficient speakers. Failure's with conventional speakers have been: Paradigm v4 Monitor 7, Parker Crusader, Polk Monitor 12 Series II, Polk RTiA1, Magnapan 1.1's & Polk S Series..... . None of these at my wheel house listening level, SPL mentioned, have had the magic. So, these two pair I have.....I can't explain....other than a simpler crossover. All of these Speakers do have 90db @ 1watt/1meter in common too (except the Magnepans). I brought/bought the Polk SDA 1's on a whim and could not believe they worked. I use them in 2 ch stereo only....no SDA function needed or wanted with using the Select.
Now my 2nd Muse/2nd System takes that turn to the grandiose. This system, I know can't do what the Select system can do in Magic. However, audio is compromises and even though I only listen to 1 out of four discs (Real Jazz & Contemporary Jazz)....I need that one out of four discs on this system:
Denon DCM290 Transport>Stereovox XV2 Digital Cable>DacMagic>Kimber Silver Streak Interconnect >Rotel RA-1062>Kimber 8TC Speaker Cable>Polk SDA SRS 1.2/use SDA always>Kimber PK10 Palladian Power Cord to Rotel
I am going to use the Rotel as a preamp with Kimber Hero Interconnect to:
http://www.wyred4sound.com/webapps/p/74030/117839/332077and review:
http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue39/wyred4sound.htmEventually, I will add a Wyred for Sound DAC 2, to drive the ST 500 directly. I do enjoy driving the Select directly with my AA Dac 3.0.
Anyway, these are my two muse's. The Polk SDA SRS 1.2's driven at 375 watts per channel in to 6ohm load of the 1.2's can do the grandiose (currently running the Rotel Integrated). However, this 2nd System can't do what the Decware Zen Select (SE84CS) Reference System can do with the lit from within SET Magic. I have also A-B-A'd other cables to beat my Kimber Select 1030 and Kimber Select 3033 with the Select and the Kimber's will never leave the system.
Cheers, Merry Christmas.......Stone