Hi Kirk - well done once again!
After some time, PLEASE do tell us how you like that CDP versus your previous, and for that matter vs the others you considered.

artg April 05, 2005 00:00

Congratulations Kirk on your new Capitole MKII SE. You have such a beautiful system. Good talking with you via e-mail as well. Enjoy!
Howard

boa2 April 04, 2005 23:04

Hi Kirk, great system! After an extended period of auditioning I also just purchased a new Capitole this past week (will go to Toronto for the SE upgrade after I've enjoyed it for a while) and was wondering whether you are running it direct to your H2O's or through your FP? I'm running direct to my BAT SS and while the soundstage is wider and more articulate I'm missing the ameliorating qualities of a tube interface...the result of which compels me to start the search for a new amp. Just curious. Congrats and enjoy.

islandear April 04, 2005 20:26

System edited: New cd player. Sold my EMC-1UP when I purchased my new turntable rig knowing I would need the top shelf for the turntable. Thus began my search for front loading cd players... after much auditioning I ended up with another top loader, the Audio Aero Capitole Mk II with the Signature Edition upgrade from Globe Audio (the North American distributor) which replaces the capacitors and replaces the stock tubes with NOS cryo'd tubes. When the turntable finally arrives I will most likely have to look into a dual rack setup, or a "double width" rack, similar to what I see marketed as AV racks. If anyone has any rack suggestions, let me know... the challenges I am running into include the BPT (needs to be centrally located, as all but the preamp plug into it), monoblocks, First Sound preamp power supply takes up a shelf, and both the cd player and turntable need a top shelf. Other than that, no challenges. Perhaps 3 Zoethecus racks that are 2 shelves tall, however even then the preamp power supply will have to go on the floor on its own stand... hmm... open for suggestions.

audiofankj April 03, 2005 04:29

System edited: New Parking... I am actually a bit sad to say farewell to the last piece 'o college furniture I was still using... finally, permission was "granted" to upgrade the 'college futon' in the listening room. However, to my suprise the wife thought it wouldn't be appropriate to just have 'one' seat, thus I lucked out in getting the 'nod' for two leather recliners. The current room is a bit tight, however they should fit nicely into the new listening room which is hopefully entering the design phase in the next few weeks. And yes, I know - optimal ear height is too low when reclined... :) After a long day it is nice to grab a quick shower, throw on a soft old t-shirt & sweats, recline back with a cold Guiness or Harp if solo, or share a decent merlot with the "better half" and let the music envelop you...

audiofankj March 26, 2005 04:54

Hey Grant- Thanks again for another tube tip. I will make sure to look into it next time I am considering different preamp tubes.

Art- Are we married to the same woman?!?! LoL - I too am blessed with a wife whose ears can't hear the sonic changes or subtle differences. Matter of fact she can't or doesn't try to hear the difference between the main system and the little $200 BestBuy bookshelf system (used mainly for traffic reports in the a.m. while getting ready for the day) in the bedroom. It is always frustrating to me when I make a change to the system that seems SO revelatory and I ask my wife, "How does it sound now?" and I get the standard response from her, "the same as before..." heh.

audiofankj March 25, 2005 03:42

Glad to hear your enjoying those tubes, Kirk! Also it's reassuring when other come to similar conclusions you do - so when non-audiophiles (i.e., my wife) laugh uncontollably by claims we make about being able to hear differences in power cords and such, we quietly know we aint totally mad 8>)

artg March 17, 2005 15:43

Kirk, your description of the Amperex 6922 PQ and Siemens 7308 mirrors my observations. FWIW, I find Amperex 7308 tubes to be closer to Siemens in their neutrality, yet they retain the Amperex midrange magic. They're perhaps worth a listen if it's difficult to decide whether to stay with Amperex 6922 PQ or go with Siemens.

tvad March 17, 2005 04:51

To be honest, I have replaced the Siemens 7308 gold pins with the Amperex PQ's and haven't had the desire to swap back and forth and make "formal" comparisons. My initial impressions of the Amperex PQ were perhaps a bit "over the top"... I don't think they are as "resonant" or "colored" as I initially thought. I do feel after they were in the preamp for a day or so, they sound very good. Improvements over the Siemens are a much more palpable midrange, perhaps just slightly warm - but seemingly much more organic. I don't think the Amperex PQ's are quite as transparent as the Siemens, but very close. Where the Siemens seemed to excel in neutrality and dynamics across the frequency range, I would say the PQ's excel by taking what the Siemens had going for it and adding a bit more musicality. I think the PQ's are just as extended, almost as dynamic as the Siemens. The Siemens may be a touch more quiet and transparent, however overall I would state the Amperex PQ's are more musical and the Siemens more analytical.

Thank you Art & Tvad... very good call!

audiofankj March 17, 2005 04:19

as to the pinched waist 6922's I was discussing, i direct you to the other thread ("tube upgrade for first sound") rather than hijack Kirk's system page.

Though I would like to hear more fromn Kirk on his impresion of the tubes. Kirk?

artg March 15, 2005 02:56

Hey Kirk,

Hows them Amperex tubes working out in the FSP MkII? I just received an email from the former owner of my 801's who has taken the plunge and bought that same pre amp. I think he also is going to be using the Amperex tubes.Let you know. I did mention to him to plug it in directly to the wall in his system as per Emmanual Go's recommendation.

Its hard to imagine after hearing your system last week that you could possibly get a better sound out of those Sweet Blue Heron 2's! The upper mids were perhaps the best Iv'e heard in any system and were IMO superior to mine even with the tubes.You have to credit the Meadowlarks use of the Revalator tweeter, and I think also that the new Epiphany cords are at work here too, providing a transparency and sweetness on a much grander scale than the MK+ or even the UK2 S/RR cord could. That said...I will be soon replacing my MK+ cords with the UK2/S RR's. Once I heard the one cord in my system...there is no going back! Keep us posted on the LP front soon as your able! :) Ken

kehut March 14, 2005 17:31

Artg, please let me know what you think, BTW, are they the USN ones I passed on?

711smilin March 12, 2005 22:02

System edited: Pair of 1960 Amperex PQ "D getter" 6922 tubes just arrived today and inserted into the First Sound preamp replacing the Siemens 7308 gold pins. After the first couple of hours initial impression is much more body, perhaps a slight bit of resonance/reverb of some notes, however not severe and seems to add a bit of body and live sound to the notes... again just an initial impression, more update with extended listening with more familiar material.

audiofankj March 12, 2005 02:59

Steve - Thanks... I think. :) I just spent enough on the Amperex PQ's! Did I mention they were supposed to deliver yesterday? I was out of town on business, they re-attempted today and I went to the Postal Office and it was still on the truck... so I eagerly await their delivery tomorrow.

Art - you lucky man!

Did I mention the tubes should have been here yesterday? I don't like the patience thing when awaiting new audio gear.

audiofankj March 11, 2005 02:59

Hey Steve - I am expecting a US-made pair of 1958 d-getter PW 6922's for my FS preamp in the next few days - cant wait!

artg March 10, 2005 19:21

Kirk, if ya like the Amperex d getter white PQ's, you need to try Amperex 1950'd d getter PW either Holland, USA, or even the 6dj8 with the Metal pins.....WOW what upgrade.

Steve

711smilin March 10, 2005 18:11

System edited: System changes: Changed speaker cabling to Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X2 (was using SR Resolution Reference FX X2) after comparing the two cables. The Resolution Reference adds a bit more extension and ambient ques in the recording than the Res. Ref. FX did, however the most noticable and significant factor for me was the Resolution Reference has much more "body" - especially in the midrange and vocals. This change has really helped get me to the sonic point I am striving to reach. Less important sonically, I moved the "old" glass covered print to the back wall that was behind the rack. Replaced with an oil on canvas painting of a pianist in an outdoor bistro kind of thing... put up a photo for lack of better description... I think it looks great in person and really like it. It is overwhelmingly too big for the room it is in now, however I do hope to begin construction on the "listening room" in the basement - perhaps by the end of this year.

audiofankj March 05, 2005 03:38

Hello Skushino, I have no problem with sharing my experiences with the FIM 880... my problem is it has been some time and my memory isn't *that* great. :) I do remember asking quite a few people and it came highly recommended from the slew of them out there. I do know it I was *very* suprised at the noticable sonic difference, especially given the relatively cheap price in this hobby. I seem to recall a quieter background as if a slightly lowered noise floor. Notes also seemed a bit more effortless, almost as you get with a power cord upgrade, like there is more power behind the notes... Soundstaging was a bit better and I think overall the sound seemed more pure. It has been some time, and those are the only areas I seem to recall, although there may be more. I would highly recommend the upgrade. I would also look into Albert Porter's PorterPort, as I have heard very favorable comments on that as well... I just learned of it after I already had the FIM. Best of luck to you.

audiofankj March 05, 2005 00:19

Hello - Your system looks very nice and it sounds like you really enjoy it. Congratulations! I notice that you have paid some attention to power distrubution. Would you mind sharing your experience with the upgraded FIM wall outlet?

I am considering an high-quality wall outlet for my system (FIM, Hubbell, P&S, etc.) and was wondering how you would describe the benefits. I try to apply Pareto (80 / 20 rule) when tweaking. Does a high-quality outlet like the FIM make a significant or subtle difference in sound? Thanks very much!

skushino March 01, 2005 18:47

Kirk- Nice to get together once again this evening and swap listening sessions on the systems. I have to say I left grinning and I think you've made an excellent choice with the H20 Signatures with the Blue Heron2's. What a sound! Not a hint of strain, just real music.Even with the "new" cables it sounded excellent and Im sure will flesh out even more as the cables ripen. Loved the eclectic cd's( Dead can dance,,very cool) and the more familiar Patricia Barber. As we discussed, the former system of your Meadowlark Nighthawks and V4 Monos was smooth, but this new set up adds the refinement, dynamics, and bass authority you didn't have previously. Very well done. Keep me posted on the planned analog rig down the road-Ken

kehut February 27, 2005 05:19

Hello Lloyd! Thanks for the compliment. It is actually quite enjoyable to be at a point with your system that you are content with... relaxing with just a minor tweak here or there in your mind, but no reason to consider changing a component.

I think Vince (Muralman1) meant well when he replied, as he does drive a monster of a speaker, but I don't think he read your blurb about "non electrostatic drivers"... So I assume you are looking for information on how the H2o's perform on conventional cone speakers...

Initially, I was quite concerned with the high damping factor, and (I think I posted this above, but didn't double check) spoke with Pat McGinty @ Meadowlark about it, in which he was quite excited and emphatic that the higher the damping factor, the better for a speaker "unless it's poorly designed" (Pat's words). Thus my concern subsided a bit as I waited the weeks for the amps to be built.

Once at home and inserted in the system it took me perhaps, all of maybe 30 seconds on all of 3 or 4 tracks to determine that these amps "would do just fine." Now, new out of the box is *not* the best they will sound, but you will be able to get an idea as to the control & power, yet graceful finesse these amps posess.

I would imagine the Von Schweikert's would be a fine mate with the amp. The First Sound Presence Deluxe MkII works fine with the amp as well. I am going to try to tube roll a bit on the preamp as I have had some stellar recommendations from Artg & Tvad who have both used the tubes I am using and what improvements can be had. As for your resistances, I don't imagine they would be an issue, I am running a 4 Ohm nominal impedance, however that is the beauty of Henry - he genuinely wants to make certain you are happy/satisfied with the amp after the purchase. We had many conversations post purchase, and Henry was adamant that if I was unsatisfied he didn't want me to feel obligated to buy. And, NO (if any are wondering) it didn't affect my outlook on the amps performance or sway me to keep something that may not be what I thought it should be. However, when you couple the performance of this amp in my system, at its asking price, coupled with the courtesy and integrity of Henry - it makes you quite comfortable to know it was well worth the leap of faith. That was rarely my experience in the past. This was a very pleasant change from the "norm."

If you are seriously considering an amplifier change I would suggest one other option Lloyd, I am not certain of which model you are looking at of the H2o, but you may want to contact Henry and see if he still has a *demo* unit travelling around the country. It may not have all the performance of the H2o Signature Mono's if that is the direction you were leaning, but it will give you a great impression of how it would mate with your speakers. For me personally after hearing the "standard" H2o Mono's on Henry's Scintilla's the amp purchase (in my head) went from "I am not sure how they will sound or mate" to "they work great with my preamp, and sound so phenominal... do I HAVE to wait 6 weeks for you to build these, Henry?" ...
I guess what I am trying to say is, rather than being overly concerned with the unknown and my overly active, analytical mind worrying about "what if" scenarios... after I auditioned, I was mostly unconcerned (except for the cone driver interaction) and just very excited to get them home and into the system with much hoping they will work as well on my speakers as they did on Henry's. As stated above, about 2 minutes of listening over a few songs, made me grin and shake my head... *warning* The grin happens quite frequently during listening sessions after 1,000 hours or so of break in on the H2o's... :)

audiofankj February 26, 2005 08:54

Hoping Kirk doesn't mind, I'd like to answer your question Lloyd. I own the
world's least resistive speaker in existence. It dips to .8 ohm, and operates at
76dB sensitivity. I'm using the same amps as Kirk. The sound is as Kirk
describes. These amps don't care what your speakers are. My last SS amps
were Pass X600 monos.

muralman1 February 25, 2005 02:38

Lloyd- I also 'second' your interest in the First Sound; it holds its own with any $10K preamp out there. Very good stuff indeed, and tube rolling allows for sound tailoring....

artg February 24, 2005 22:27

Kirk, Nice System! I'm very interested in your comments on the synergy between your H2O and Blue Herron 2's. I have the Von Schweikert VR4 HSE's which are similar (non electrostatic drivers)to your Meadowlarks, but in a 6 and 3 ohm configuration. Would you recommend these amplifiers over larger class A or AB SS? I too am a little concerned about the high damping factor on these higher resistance loads. I also plan to use them with some form of tubed preamp, most likely the First Sound Presence Deluxe MK2.Your comments are appreciated.

lloydf February 24, 2005 20:48

I know what you are talking about. A friend of mine sent me a compilation of female country singers (Chapman, Bloom, Griffith, and Newcomer) some time ago. Before the cable transformation, the voices were distinct, warm, and almost angelic. Installing the double shielded power cords put the singers right in front of me. Now I'm hearing all those human imperfections, like tiny pitch corrections. These singers may have lost their halos, but they gained in life likeness.

muralman1 February 23, 2005 16:05