1978 vintage horn speaker with rebuilt drivers from Great Plains Audio and Werner Jagusch crossovers. Replaced Harbeth M-40.2 Anni's. Big sound, very dynamic and very rewarding.
Quicksilver KT Mono
New KT Mono's with KT150 tubes, generating 100 wpc. Added Telefunken ribbed plate 12AX7's for refined tone, clarity and space.
deHavilland Electric Ultraverve 3
Most enjoyable and complimentary preamp I've owned, by a large margin. Responds well to tube rolling. Currently loaded with NOS Tung Sol's in all positions. Exceptional value.
Weiss Engineering DAC 202
Replaced an outstanding Audio Aero Capitole Reference DAC/CDP/PRE. I can't say the Weiss is better than the Audio Aero, but it's more neutral, which is a better fit for the rest of my system that leans to the warm/romantic side of neutral. This DAC is a bargain on the used market.
Roon Labs Nucleus
Roon Nucleus server paired with IFi Zen Stream as a Roon end-point, connected via Black Cat Silverstar SPDIF cable to Weiss 202 DAC. Streaming Qobuz. Surprisingly nice step up in sound quality and enjoyability from my previous Aurender N10 at 1/4th the cost.
KCI Silkworm RCA Interconnect
Gold based RCA interconnect cable. Outperforms the Purist Venustas it replaced by a large margin.
Silent Running Audio VR-2 & 3 isolation platforms
I tired of messing with the various footers on the market. These are the real deal... excellent construction, visually appealing and effective.
Salamander Synergy Triple 20
Cherry Finish
GIK Room Treatments Tri Traps, 244 panels and Alpha 4 diffusion panels
This is the 2nd room I've treated with GIK products. Highly recommended, especially 244 panels.
Acoustic BBQ 12 gage Dueland speaker cables
I've had significantly more expensive speaker cables from Stealth and Auditorium, but prefer these. I also use ja pair of these in my secondary system. Great bang for the buck.
iFi Audio Zen Stream
Acting as a Roon endpoint centered between a Roon Nucleus server and my DAC.
I agree it's surprising that the M40.1 doesn't receive more attention here. I hosted an audio club meeting last week for about 10 members. I received comments like "this system just draws you into the music" and "the best system I've ever heard". I'm so glad I picked the big Harbeths over the other speakers that I considered. Like you, I've had a lot of speakers in the past, but for me the buck stops here. I hope that you enjoy the M40.1s as much as I do.
Steve, Sorry for the delayed response. I've only been able to spend a few hours with my new (used) 40.1's, but they are fantastic. They will be with me a long time!
I'm amazed they don't get more love on Audiogon. Once I upload my new pics, I believe you and I will have the only virtual systems on Audiogon with M-40.1's... hard for me to believe there's not a larger following.
Paul, I made the change almost 2 years ago from the SLH5 w/REL sub to the M40.1 and couldn't be happier. Their full body sound is addictive. Just amazing how they disappear in my listening room. Since you owned them before, you know what to expect and I'm sure you'll be very happy. Good Luck!
System edited: Sold the Harbeth SHL5's, Modwright Transporter & soon my REL sub to fund an upgrade to Harbeth M-40.1's. This will be my second time owning the 40.1's... I regretted selling them... lesson learned. I'm hoping to have the big Harbeth's by early August... can't wait!
New system pictures look great, they show what a very neat, well layed-out system you have. I'm with Al, Keifer looks very pleased with the new room, as well he should!
System edited: Added a Modwright Sony XA5400ES CDP with a NOS Mullard 5AR4 rectifier tube (rebranded as Hammonds 1965 vintage) in the external power supply and green label Sylvania chrome tops in the CDP. Just tonight, I switched out the stock Sovtek rectifier tube for the NOS Mullard (kudo's to Brent Jesse Supply), which has added some oomph in the bass and clarity to the mids/highs. I'm using the Wywires Juice II Silver power cords feeding the CDP & external power supply. This CDP provides exceptional bang for the buck once tweaked with high quality NOS tubes and decent power cords.
I'm in much the same situation, as far as equipment access is concerned. I live 100 miles from the nearest large city (Seattle), on an island, with no audio shops around. So, I've had to do all my shopping online, access to audio shops close by would be a blessing, but I rarely leave the island.
Also, there are no audio clubs, and I've not met another audio enthusiast in 43 years on the island.
I managed to get to RMAF in '07, I had the time of my life, and felt like the proverbial kid in the candy store. You'll really enjoy yourself, I sure did.
Thanks for the update. I'm in the process of evaluating the First Watt M2, I very much like the way it sounds, so I'm in a quandary as to what to do Decisions, decisions.
My system is in need of an update. I've gone back to the Harbeth line, currently using SHL5's... and am toying with going back to Harbeth M-40.1's which I had prior to the Daedalus. I also recently acquired a Modwright Sony 5400ES cdp.
I've been following you for some time. I like your move from Dyn's to low powered tube gear driving the big Tannoy's.
I'm hoping to go to RMAF this year to educate myself on different speakers, amps and digital players, as the bulk of my audio purchases are based upon on-line research vs. actual auditions.
I've enjoyed reading your audio history, we share a few similarities. At one time, I had Dynaudio Contor 5.4's, and really enjoyed them, but felt limited by their love of very powerful amplifiers.
Curiosity about tube amps led me to my current Tannoy HPD's, having had a pair of Tannoy 12" MG's for many years, in a previous life.
A Modwright SE 9.0 phono stage with upgraded power supply and NOS tubes works very well for me.
Your system is a very fine one, which I would love to hear, with your VAC/Daedalus combination.
I see you have not commented on your system for some time, I am a bit unclear on whether you still have the Daedalus, the Harbeth's, or both.
Whatever you've got, I'm sure you're enjoying it greatly.
Thanks for the response!!!! Very sorry to hear that!!! I have a similar situation, new house with shared open space with wife and grand children, sound affects everyone...........!!!!!!!! Not to mention the inquisitive hands of an 18 mo old boy !!!!!!
I'm liking them a lot. I'm sold on the Harbeth sound.
Unfortunately I moved into a new house about 6 months ago and my new listening room does not contain the sound very well, so my ability to listen to music without disturbing my very sensitive wife has been curtailed significantly.
Congrats on the new harbeths! I always enjoyed my shl5s w/rel subs more than my 40.1s. With the manley Snapper amps it was really nice. I think the VAC amp would be even better. Enjoy!!
The Ulysses / VAC pairing was very good... no complaints. I may regret selling them as the sound was quite good and they were beautiful to look at.
The only area that the Ulysses fell short on vs. my previous Harbeth M-40.1's was in texture and body. The Harbeth's are extremely organic and earthy sounding... very full bodied.
I'm thinking about going back to Harbeth M-40.1's or trying the SHL5's.
My wife dislikes the big box look of the M-40.1's... so the SHL5's would be the lesser of the two evils.
TAS had a nice review of the Stirling LS3/6's which can be had new for a little over $4K. Not a lot of info on the web about them yet... but what info there is all seems to be quite positive. I prefer to buy used as I tend to change things up every two years or so... so I'd definitely take a bath on reselling the Stirlings when I decide to move on to something else.
Taking my time for now until I do more research on my speaker options... then will hold out for a good price. Recently missed a pair of M-40.1's that sold for here for about $6K... a very attractive price. Still would prefer to keep it under $4K... so the SHL5's and Stirling LS3/6's are definitely serious contenders.
Hi Paul, just curious as to what you are upgrading to after selling the Ulysses and what aspects did you find them lacking in? By the way I have Daedalus Athena and how did you find the VAC 70/70 and Daedalus pairing? Thanks
Pdreher, I understand, it's not for everyone... (boo,hoo... sniff, sniff...) ;)
Quick, hit her with the second pair of speakers idea while she is still reeling from the shock of the Landscape suggestion! It won't seem anywhere near as radical and could win approval! :)
Doug - I told my wife what you have recommended, then showed her the picture of your Ulysses setup in Landscape mode.... and she tell him to "Get the hell out of here!" We both had a good laugh.
Now, let's talk... You have a unique opportunity before you, which lies in your Ulysses speakers! You may have seen my unusual configuration of them in my system pics - I put them sideways, which I call Landscape Orientation. Don't laugh; I prefer them that way. It's like a super-monitor experience similar to some studios. You will not beleive how the bass cleans up HUGELY when in Landscape mode. You're getting a LOT of floor bounce and blur in the bass with Portrait/vertical mode.
See my reviews of these speakers in traditional and Landscape mode at Dagogo.com. If you have questions, feel free to contact me via Dagogo's website.
One other thing, cables. Whatever speaker cables you have, double down. That's right, simply get another pair and run them parallel and in so doing mass the total gauge. You will be most pleased with what happens to the sound. I no longer run any speaker for my systems using only one set of cables; I always double them if possible. The only exception is the Legacy Whisper DSW, which takes tri-wiring and I do not have six pair of spkr cables.
BTW, the stands I obtained from Sound Anchors have been customized to accommodate the Landscape orientation and have complete 360 degree adjustment, as well as size adjustment for other center and small towers I may wish to experiment with in Landscape mode. I also ordered the built in amp stand so that I can experiment with shorter speaker cables.
So... if your other half is as gracious as mine to allow me to do whatever I wish in my man cave, then you could have a LOT of fun ahead of you! :)
Now, the other option; do not be too hasty in divesting the Ulysses, as if you tweak it the speaker has a lot of room to improve, as I have said. But you can also it seems "have it all," by keeping them and adding another pair of speakers, panels or horns, etc. That has been THE biggest gain in satisfaction for me over the years. Perhaps only the dedicated room has been as influential in bringing vast satisfaction. The availability of more technologies to bring enjoyment has been singularly satisfying. I will be happy to discuss this, too, if you wish. :)
If you are willing to put in some effort/time you have a LOT of wonderful experiences available to you!
System edited: New man cave. Contemplating selling my Daedalus Ulysses once the tax refund comes in. I keep flip flopping on staying pat or rolling the dice with a different speaker.
Pdreher, I have never heard about those speakers before. But had heard great things about Harbeths. I am sure your current speakers are better than the Harbeths. One question regarding the acoustic panels. How did you decide on the panels behind the speakers? I can understand on the first reflection points and on the corners. I use GIK too, but not sure if I need panels on the wall behind the speakers.
