With the recent addition of the McCormack DNA-0.5 Gold Rev. by SMc Audio, and recent up-grade of my dedicated AC system with Virtual Dynamics cryogenically treated wires, breakers and outlets, I feel that my system is essentially complete.
The Vandersteen 5s are tremendously versatile speakers with spectacular bass and excellent mid-range clarity-- also very non-fatiguing. Although they weigh 185 lbs each, they are noticeably smaller than the Vand. 3Asigs. they replaced.
The 100 wpc McCormack amp works very well with the V5s as they are an easy to drive 8 Ohm load, and it only has to drive 125 HZ and above (the 3 upper drivers). This Gold Rev. McCormack has a "deliously rich" mid-range and great rhythm. The sweet sound of the Vandersteen speakers and McCormack amp combo is nicely complemented by the quite neutral Line 2 SE pre-amp.
I love the neutrality yet musicality of the Levinson M37 transport and 360S DAC. I've become a real believer in Synergistic Research wire and use it throughout-- except for a Cardas AES/EBU digital cable.
This system comes together in a very musical way, and what I especially like is that it sounds good with audiophile quality music as well as regular ol' R&R and Pop CDs. The V5s can "boogie". I've sometimes thought that the weak link in my system was the SF Line 2 SE pre-amp, but I then found NOS tubes that I really like and it's become a super pre-amp in this system. I recently went back to long speaker cables-- the slightly warm sounding Syn. Res. Sig. # 10. I have a dedicated AC system, with Virtual Dynamics cryo'ed products which greatly lowered the noise floor.
From here I may try other components, wires, and tweaks occasionally, but I don't expect to end up with a more costly system. New cost (MSRP) of this system is in the low $40K range. I'm going to work on looking for music for awhile:>) Any comments or questions regarding this system are welcome. Cheers. Craig.
Hi Matt; thanks for the good wishes. I'll probably post a review thread regarding my up-graded dedicated AC system using the VD cryo'ed stuff. Cheers. Craig
System edited: The addition of Vandersteen 5 speakers to my system over a year ago prompted some other changes to my system (see system). I went to the smaller very sweet, liquid sounding McCormack DNA-0.5 Gold Rev. amp, short ICs and long speaker cables. I'm in the process of up-grading my dedicated AC system with Virtual Dynamic cryo'ed wire, breakers, and outlets. The 1st half is done and is excellent sounding, so I'm looking forward to phase 2 in a couple weeks (if it sounds ugly I'll be embarassed, but will report it). Also, I put a 2 1/4" thick Boos maple cutting board and A'Gon member Rcreation's cork/rubber footers under the amp-- detailed yet sweet sounding. Cheers. Craig
Hi Mdomnick; I've used Syn Res Phase 2 ICs for several years now and chose them over comparably priced MIT and Cardas ICs and spkr cables. I've also used Kimber PBJ and Hero and do not consider them competitive with my "mid-priced" SR wires. I recently had my SR ICs up-graded to the newest active shielded X-Series and like them a lot. The newest X-Series are very smooth and detailed w/o being too bright or analytic.
I also traded my old MCC box (it quit working) for the latest MCC-3, w/ the much improved BNC connectors. Finally, I replaced my Sig. No. 2 cables with Sig. No. 10 X-Series bi-wired cables with active shielding.
In my experience, the main benefit of active shielding is the impressive soundstaging it presents, but even w/o active shielding, I believe I'd still use the Syn Res wires I have as they are well balanced, smooth, dynamic, and detailed w/o being too bright or analytic-- good bass too. Sound staging is good even w/o the active shielding, but great with it. Cheers. Craig
I haven't done a very good job keeping up with this thread, so an up-date. To answer Sugarbrie's question, I don't use the Monster Power Conditioner for anything but accessories-- I got it for the outlets. All components in my primary system plug direstly into dedicated outlets.
And Tim, you're right, but I haven't been doing "nothing" with my system. I've had my SF Line 2 up-graded to SE level, and now use a mix of NOS Brimar tubes and stock Sovteks in it. The up-grade was worthwhile but not dramatic-- the SE upgrade and Brimars add some needed warmth IMO. I've also added a nice "pro" level Marantz CD recorder, and an older Adcom tuner that produces nice clear non-fatiguing music. Next step may be to get the outlets for my speaker's amps dedicated. Cheers. Craig
