Sorry for the delay, Dgad. Cleaner bass, smoother transients, improved staging. Not fond of the space they take up, but well worth it for the sound.

ncarv March 15, 2009 14:19

Getting Real Traps in about a month. Already ordered but need them to ship. What kind of improvements did you find?

dgad February 24, 2009 03:08

System edited: Recently added Real Traps panels . . . stunning improvement. Have you tried them?

ncarv March 24, 2008 19:52

Cytocycle, I have the RFZ panels on stands at the first reflection points and the diffusors on stands against the wall in back of the listening position.
They do tighten the base incredibly well, but they also smooth the highs. The soundstage is also improved, giving a much clearer placement of instruments.
I'm planning on adding some panels to the ceiling in the near future. I haven't decided on which ones yet.
--Neil

ncarv July 24, 2007 16:26

Yeah always loved the VTL 300's and I heard the 500's years ago and I still drool (industrial art) over those double high amps!

Which Realtraps did you add and where in the room?

it is amazing how they tighten the bass....

cytocycle July 23, 2007 04:19

Thanks, Glenfihi. I think it is. I tried the MB-450 Signatures with Infiniti caps, but, to my ears, the Deluxe 500's had a more natural sound. They have been updated a lot, though, with Panasonic filter caps and Auri caps inside. I just added some room treatments from Real Traps. What a difference! Like a major component upgrade.

Yes, Galeriehughie, Close is amazing -- especially considering what happened to him. I saw an interview with him on TV. What an incredibly decent guy! He said he felt lucky to be in the position he was after the paralysis, as he had the resources to be able to survive comfortably when most others don't. I love his new work -- like a mosaic of small paintings that make up a larger image.

ncarv July 23, 2007 01:35

Neil,

Hey, a fellow Close fan!! I have both of his early tapestries, his self portrait from '93 and Philip from '91, But I have them both framed. I met him a few years ago at an opening at Pace in NYC, very nice guy. The early tapestries are real gems. His new ones are 10 feet.

And awesome system....

galeriehughie July 20, 2007 18:20

Has got to be magic with the VTL and Wilson combo.

glenfihi July 16, 2007 18:03

Thanks, Ellery.
The "pic" is of Philip Glass, a silk tapestry by the artist Chuck Close.

ncarv January 21, 2007 14:55

WOW...seriously...WOW.

just had a couple questions.

1. Are those tru-tone wall covers you are using?

2. Where are your fruity...I mean brilliant pebbles?

3. Who's the dude in the picture...looks like a cross between Dylan & Beck.

hahaha...just kidding...except with #3

but seriously...very nice

sorry that you had to read this.

Ellery.

ellery911 January 21, 2007 05:26

Hey nice system, Personally I have listened to Transparent vs. Virtual Dynamics and I find that VD sounds way better

j_haitel October 05, 2006 15:23

I thought that was you Neil. I'll have to say I agree with your choice 100%. At least for my room the Wilson's sound awesome. I can sit there for hours at a time, but then I have to work to pay for everything. Anyhow I won't be changing my speakers for a long time. Alexandria's will probably be my next speaker when the price on the used ones comes down to an affordable range for me.

I can't believe the Dunlavy's went to England!!! Did that transaction go well? What was the cost of shipping? Although he did get a great pair of speakers, I know that.
Nice touching base with you again!
Todd

opticaltee September 28, 2006 04:32

Yes, Brent, give a call and pay a visit.

You are all out, Todd! I like the Wilson's much better than the Dunlavy's. I sold "your" Dunlavy's to a guy in England. What a time packing them! Looks like you have a truly superior set-up!

Thanks, Joey. They are great speakers. Just went to see the Kronos Quartet and, when I closed my eyes, I could swear I was in my living room!

ncarv September 27, 2006 01:57

Maxx 2s... those are great speakers!

joey_v September 26, 2006 07:07

Hey is this the Neil that I almost bought the Dunlavy SC-IV's from? It's Todd from CA. I came across your system and I remembered that you told me you were buying some Wilsons. Well remember I had the SC-VI's? I ended up buying some SC-III's for the rear, but I couldn't get the sound right from the big guys because of my room. So, I sold all of my Dunlavy's and bought Wilson's and I am very happy with the sound. Look at my system on All Out Assault. It's called Front Row Center. I made major changes from when we last talked. Check it out and tell me what you think.
Todd

opticaltee September 23, 2006 04:46

neil, is that you? you've made some nice changes to the room- didn't recognize it...haven't heard the system yet-when am i coming over? :)
brent

knollbrent August 30, 2006 01:05

Thanks, Larry.
Looking forward to hearing your Teres, too.
--Neil

ncarv April 19, 2006 15:31

Neal,
.
Nice move getting the Maxx-2's.....Congratulations....They are spectacular.
.
Rgds,
Larry
.

cello April 15, 2006 02:58

System edited: Major additions this time . . . close to Nirvana.

ncarv March 17, 2006 11:45

System edited: Just added the Dunlavy's, but not willing to give up the Snell's just yet.

ncarv February 23, 2005 00:47

System edited: I'm joining Audiophiles Anonymous, as soon as I admit I am one.

ncarv December 23, 2003 01:16

Hi Neil, looks like a nice system! I didn't notice how you connected your Perp Tech equipment together. From my experience, the Revelation Audio Lab Prophecy I2S Perpetual Alchemy Interconnect is the way to go. That's my third I2S cable and it added life and dynamics. My advice may not help "stop" you, but hey ... this is audio ;-)

ozfly August 17, 2003 18:01

System edited: Recently added VTL Deluxe-500's, VTL 5.5 pre, Ekos arm, XX-2 cartridge, 5 sets of Symposium Rollerblocks, and Versalab Red Rollers & Wood Blocks. Any thoughts?

ncarv August 17, 2003 11:51