Description

Audio Nirvana has arrived. Being involved in this hobby for the past 40 years proves that this is a journey and not a destination. Over these years I have had countless iterations of too many systems to mention. Over the past 15 years I have become a loyal fan of Wilson Audio speakers and have steadily moved up their production line. Four years ago I never thought it could get any better than my Wilson X-2 Alexandria series l until I heard the X-2 series ll this year. Suffice it to say the X-2 Series ll speakers were added in October of this year in Black Almondine and now occupy the center of my sound syatem. For the past 3 years I have been seriously considering a return to vinyl and was ready to make the move until I began reading about the resurgence of reel to reel tape recorders and The Tape Project. Recently I found a fully restored Studer A810 tape recorder and added it to my system as well as becoming a Charter Subscriber to The Tape Project. Needless to say I was smitten. Recently I also swapped out my much beloved Meitner digital gear for the newer Playback Designs PDS MP-S5 and have been more than happpy with that decision. Earlier this year the video side of my room underwent a complete change and installed the Sim2 C3X1080 triple chip DLP with an Isco lll anamorphic lens. This allows me to enjoy either 16 X 9 format as well as 2.35 on a CIH Stewart Firehawk G3 132 inch curved screen. When I did this I upgraded the subwoofer(s) in my room by swapping the Wilson XS for two JL Audio Gotham subs. It took the better part of four months to get these subs dialed in for my room but once done they are simply better than I could have ever imagined. As far as what the future holds in the hobby, I am in a holding pattern but I never say never.
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    • Wilson Audio X-2 Alexandria Series ll
    I am in awe of this speaker both from the way it sounds as well as the way it looks. After 3 months of anxiously awaiting, the speaker finally arrived. Color is Black Almondine with Parchment Gray grill covers. The speakers weigh in at a cool 720 lbs each and stand 2 inches taller than the X-1's I had. Simply put, I have never heard a speaker as real as this. The soundstage is huge, more open than even the X-2 series l. The ease of setup as well was amazing. It took us only 2 hours to get the speakers operational. The wonderful thing about the X-2 is that the upper modules can now be meticulously set to image at ear level. The X-1's were always imaging just a bit high. These speakers are truly Dave Wilson at the pinnacle of his game. Just when I thought my X-2 series l's put me at audio nirvana, along comes the X-2 Series ll. The best way to compare this speaker to anything else is with a big smile rather than with hyperbole. IMO this speaker has brought me to Audio Nirvana.
    • Lamm Industries ML 3 Signature
    The ML3 is a single-ended (SE) tube amplifier utilizing a very powerful direct-heated triode GM-70 (125W plate dissipation) and a separate power supply. Combining the most sophisticated technologies and electronic design with graceful looks reminiscent of the classic era of tubes, the ML3 is our top-of-the-line, no-compromise product. It is a 32-watt amplifier that operates in pure class A and utilizes no overall feedback. The topology is absolutely unique and incorporates one of the most advanced power supplies ever featured in an audio device. These factors, along with the designer’s unique vision and understanding of the underlying principles of audio electronics, make the ML3 an amplifier without peer. With the ML3 as the centerpiece of a high-end system, the recorded event is recreated in one’s listening room with astonishing verisimilitude. The listener is able to experience an ephemeral yet tangible connection to the essence of the music. These are not empty claims. Those who have listened to the ML3 firsthand have unanimously acknowledged this phenomenon and have reported it to be utterly unique in their collective experience. IMO this amp rises above all others and is the the new king of the hill. Audio Nirvana has arrived
    • Lamm Industries LL1 Signature Dual Mono Line Level
    The monaural line level preamplifier model LL1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High-End audio. Just like ML3 Signature is the best creation of its designer's professional career among the LAMM amplifiers, so is the LL1 Signature among the line level LAMM preamplifiers. The LL1 Signature has been designed to complement the ML3 Signature amplifier, and this combination in a system represents a "match made in heaven". However, the LL1 Signature will perform magic with any other appropriate power amplifier. The LL1 Signature features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path. In principle, it is a single-stage unit that basically represents the shortest possible signal path. The preamplifier contains four very linear low impedance triodes paralleled into a single inverting gain stage. The LL1 Signature employs a pure single-ended class A operation, with no overall feedback applied. Also featured are specially selected high-transconductance dual triodes 6N30P-DR/ 6Н30П-ДР (original) in the signal path and TKD stepped potentiometers for volume control - the best available on today's market. The preamplifier's audibly neutral power supply features a full-wave vacuum rectifier. This rectifier, together with a choke-containing filter, allows to practically get rid of the hum and buzz and, in the end, to ensure the verity of dynamic range without coloration. Two solid-state analog voltage regulators supply dc voltage to the tube filaments (heaters). Other features include 3 inputs, one tape/HT processor loop, attenuator (-12 dB) switch, output 1/output 2 switches, protection circuitry designed to enable manual muting of the output signal, and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The main distinction of the LL1 Signature from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its practically inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, especially LAMM power amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. Each preamplifier is handcrafted of the finest materials and top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, PRC wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers, CORNELL DUBILIER and UNITED CHEMI-CON electrolytic capacitors, ELECTROCUBE, ELCON and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; HAMMOND chokes, gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors, and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes. A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction. The LL1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer. The LL1 Signature works on all world AC line voltages (100/120/220/230/240V).
    • JL Audio Gotham/g213
    Gotham® Your first look will tell you that you are looking at something special… your first listen will confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. The beauty of the Gotham® extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment. This is a subwoofer system with limits well beyond the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating. A luxurious, handcrafted gloss-black finish is complemented by machined aluminum and stainless steel accents for a look and feel that fits perfectly with the finest home furnishings. More importantly, the beautiful cabinet houses a pair of JL Audio’s highest-technology subwoofer drivers. When demanded by program material, the Gotham’s amplifier can deliver voltage equivalent to 3,800 watts of RMS power to take full advantage of the twin drivers’ four inches of peak-to-peak excursion capability. This ensures that the Gotham™ can breeze through material that makes other subwoofers go into clipping, limiting or distress. Listening to a Gotham® reveals an entirely new dimension of subwoofer performance... a dimension so satisfying that listening to lesser subwoofers will forever become an act of compromise. Available Models: g213 (click for specs and feature list) Model: g213-GLOSS SKU: 96237 Cabinet Finish: High-Gloss Black
    • Playback Designs System MS5
    I just never thought that I would sell my Meitner gear because for years IMO it was the leader of the pack. Not so fast any more as along came the PDS MS-5 which creates music as close to vinyl as the real thing
    • Studer Reel To Reel A-810
    A fully refurbished state of the art Studio reel to reel
    • Krell Theater Amplifier Standard
    This is used to drive my center channel, surround channels and rear channel. I use it only for home theater however when Krell releases their SACD standard in May, I will delve into multichannel audio. I continue to use a Krell FPB-750 mcX for my Wilson XS subwoofer. I use 6.1 and not 7.1 in my room
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Center Channel
    I have used many center channel speakers but have found this one to outperform anything that I have previously owned. I use it with its accompanying speaker stand centered right under my screen. Recently upgraded this center channel to Black Almondine to match my new X-2 series ll speakers
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Surround (left and right)
    A perfect compliment for my Wilson X-1/XS speakers.
    • Nordost Valhalla
    I use this in my front end. An unbelievably transparent interconnect. I was using Tara Labs The Zero which was magnificent but I feel the Valhalla is a notch above even though The Zero was priced at $12,500 for a 2 meter pair of balanced cables
    • Wilson Audio WATCH rear
    I decided on only 6.1 rather than 7.1 and am very impressed with this speaker in my home theater
    • Sim2 Triple Chip DLP Projector C3X 1080
    For those following the buzz on the internet this is the latest triple chip DLP from Sim that has a picture unequaled for projectors of this price and size
    • Isco 2.35 Anamorphic Lens Model lll
    Anamorphic 2.35 lens for Sim 2 projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk G3 CineV 130
    A CIH screen with native 2.35 aspect ratio and 120 inch width. Masks to 16 x 9 as well
    • Sony BDP-S2000ES
    Sony's flagship Blu-ray Disc™ player, with astounding audio enhancements and vibration-reduction that deliver phenomenal results in a rock-solid design
    • Lexicon MC12B-HD v 1.2
    Most impressive about the MC-12 HD is its extensive custom processing capabilities. Four 32-bit floating-point DSP engines provide vast resources for such proprietary features as Logic 7, Auto Azimuth correction, five-speaker enhancement, bass enhancement, and dialog enhancement. Lexicon?s bass management system, digital crossovers and tone controls are also powered by these DSP engines. This processing is performed at sample rates up to 96kHz with 24-bit resolution to retain top performance from all input sources. A fifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding Dolby Digital and DTS sources. Inside and out, the MC-12 HD is designed to accommodate potential hardware and software advancements with internal expansion, a removable rear panel access plate, and two RS-232 connectors.
    • Nordost Valhalla AES/EBU
    A digital cable with XLR (balanced)terminations. Used to connect the Krell kps25sc to the EMM Labs DAC 6
    • Nordost Valhalla
    Simply the best and most transparent cable I have ever used. I sold my Tara Labs The Omega for these cables. As great as the Omega was, I find there is no comparison with the Valhalla
    • Nordost Valhalla
    20 amp IEC power cables (one pair) used for my Audio Research Refernce 600 Mark lll mono amps. This resulted in immediate improvement in bass as well as producing a somewhat more dynamic sound.
    • Tara Labs RSC Gen 2
    Used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs RSC Air One
    5 pair of balanced cables used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs The One
    I have 2 of these in my front end. They made a big difference
    • Absolute Power Line Purifier
    Used in my home theater side. A very solid work horse
    • Aurios Pro MIb
    Decouplers. An absolute must in any system. I use these under my Krell kps25sc and Audio Research Reference ll Mark ll. I have also found dramatic improvement in my bass when used under my Wilson X-1 Grand Slamm speakers. These are sold exclusively at http://www.audionut.com Ask for Bob Williams. he will give you all of the theory behind this tweak.You can reach him at 1-877-944-5505
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Tube Traps
    The single best tweak to my room was to have ASC design room modifications (tube traps)according to the size of my room with the type of gear used. I have a total of 38 tube traps in the room in all sizes, varying from Super trap 20's, Super trap 16's and trap 13's, 11's and 9's. I did this in stages according to the plans provided by ASC and once finished I had a true 2C3D room. The walls are virtually invisible.
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Sound Planks
    Also part of the design rendered for my room by ASC. These sit at the front wall and have vastly improved the sound in the room.
    • Billy Bags AV Pro
    This is used for my home theater equiment
    • Billy Bags CD/DVD Stand
    Designrd specifically for my room I am able to store over 1000 CD's and/or DVD's
    • Zoethecus component stands Z.2/R (2 in all)
    Great looking, good support and excellent isolation
    • Zoethecus amp stands (3 in all) Z.block/1d
    Great looking with super isolation
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer X-10v3
    high input impedance allowing me to drive my new JL Gotham subs without compromising my Audio Research Reference 3 preamp
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer Power Supply
    Optional separate power supply for tube buffer which helps bass response from Gotham Subs
    • Transparent Reference (RSE) Interconnect
    20 foot pair from Tube Buffer Output to Gotham subs and one meter pair from ARC Ref3 to Tube Output Buffer
    • See Other Web site For More Details And Pictures
    [URL]http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?10535-Doctor-s-Orders-Part-Two-The-New-Listening-Room-Of-Steve-Williams&p=191656&viewfull=1#post191656[/URL]

Comments 1014

Showing all comments by guidocorona.

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Hi Doc, glad (but not faintly surprised) you are having such a fab experience with Shunyata... Caelin's "plasma" Is a very apt metaphor for that amazing effect of sound that seems to emerge from what feels much more alive than the "black background of old"... I often call it the "living silence". There are in my limited experience only a very few manufacturers who know how to yield that stratospherically magical level of music experience.. paradoxically using very different technological approaches... And Shunyata is part of the rarified group.

Saluti, G.

guidocorona

In Canada, eh? I should be in Toronto by August 18th or so. . . where about are you Doc?

guidocorona

Hi Doc, have you thought of replacing Meitner with Playback Designs in the title of your system thread? Would give PD greater visibility within the community. G.

guidocorona

Long time no talk Doc. . . could you elaborate on the differences you perceived between music from EMM and from Playback Designs? And please do keep us posted as you break in the new creature. Guido

guidocorona

Doc, I have just replaced the 6550C in the power supply of my Ref 3 with a new production Tungsol 6550. Also replaced the 6H30 in the same power supply with an Electro Harmonics 6H30PI "Gold". I do not wish to be too descriptive as yet, as I have only 3 hrs on the new tubes, but it is fair to say that the sound is now quite different. Have you had any experience with these tubes in the Ref 3? The tubes are from Thetubestore.com.

guidocorona

Dear Doc, 'tis the 14th! I may be the first Agoner to congradulate you on your retirement day. . . yet I know I will be far from being the last!

No bare stage for you Doc. You are just stepping out of the formal performance, stopping for a minute through the proscenium and taking your just applause. Now go forth and claim your rightful place in the vast stage outside, where the 10,000 little actors you brought onto the world are now playing their own parts in their own small and grand productions. Your own role may have changed a little. . . yet it is no less important. You brought 10,000 babies into our world. . . now you are bringing and sharing your love for sound and your love for music to them and many more.

This is awesome . . . We All Salute You Doc!

Guido

guidocorona

VMK, yes the electroluminescent display on Ref 3 is quite noisy. If you press the dimmer button on the remote control of the Ref 3 6 times you will turn off the display, eliminating any noise. Any subsequent key press on the remote will temporarily light up the display for 10 seconds. My only regret is that 'display off' cannot be saved as a default setting.

guidocorona

Once again thank you Doc! do I assume you leave the Ref 3 completely on during break in, rather than on mute? And at what level do you leave the volume control during the 'silent' break-in process?

guidocorona

Thank you OneObgin, I'm fully braced for a long break-in with Ref 3. It has been the same thing with X-01, and before that with ARC LS2B, EAD T100 and DSP-7000 Mk. 3, not to forget my beloved Maggies 3As. All real bears to break in. . . I guess if I ever get the sudden urge for 'instant audio gratification' I'll get myself an iPod. . . probably little break-in there. . . . and little of anything else of course!

guidocorona

Doc, problem is that you are a lover of music, sound and beauty rather than a classic obsessive-compulsive audiophile. My hat's off to you! I am still in the obsessive phase. . . but my Ref 3 will be installed next Friday, and I hope it will take me closer to my own Nirvana. I know my system will still need some changes... yet eventually I will get there.

guidocorona

Believe you me Makshack. Probably the same effect that music had in distant 1986 on my 3 months old little girl. It was at that time my venrable McIntosh MCD7000 CD player feeding directly an Aragon 4004 through AQQ Quartz, feeding a pair of Celestion Ditton 66 through long lengths of lamp chords. My little girl was mesmerized and. . . well, simply speechless!

guidocorona

Has the price of the APL NWO-1 risen to $22K? It was just shy of the $20K boundary during CES.

guidocorona

Makshack, don't worry, I won't tell the white-coats, but things are not that obscure. Music does affect our production and consumption of neurotransmitters. . . hence the way you may feel with different music and different equipment.

guidocorona

Doc, wise words. . . another way I sometimes put it is. . . was the experience a truly exciting 'one night stand', or am I ready to take 'her' home to mom?

guidocorona

Thanks Oneobgin, I suspect the new 6550C may end pushing the Ref 3 over the hump for me. I still need to A/B it against the VAC Ren II, which hopefully will happen in the next several weeks. As mentioned already, the only marginal shortcomings I could hear with the original 6L6GC in the power supply was a very slight loss of detail in the treble, and a bass that could have been just a smidgin more defined. yet . . . oh that sweet midrange. . . staging. . . imaging. . . to die for!

guidocorona

Thank you Oneobgin. If I purchased a Ref 3 without the update I think I will let ARC do the work. Terminal Retinis Pigmentosa and nimbleness with soldering guns tend to be mutually exclusive (chuckles!)

guidocorona

Very interesting Oneobgin, because perhaps the only remote flaw I could still find in the Ref 3 with 6H30 tubes was. . . a very slight looseness in the bass. Looks like ARC engineers and I hear music the same way.
As for the treble, I can't even think how it can be bettered as it is already so pleasing, except perhaps to increase its upper extension just slightly.
now two questions:
1. Are the 6H30 tubes and 6550C pin compatible, or in other words, can I swap them back and forth?
2. How much does ARC charge to update original Ref 3 units with new tubes and caps?

guidocorona

OneObGin, could you post a couple of paragraphs on the sonic differences of the Ref 3 before and after the 'treatment'?
Regardless, I do confess I find it a little difficult to contain my enthusiasm for Ref 3. But I also love the VAC Ren II. I truly should listen to them side-by-side before deciding. Ah, the drama continues!

guidocorona

All, yesterday I had the opportunity of auditioning at length the ARC Ref 3 and compared it to a VAC Ren Sig II. The ref 3 was extremely good and in the context of the audition, I definitely preferred it over the VAC Ren Sig II. You will find my detailed findings at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1123254379&openfrom&58&4#58
See you there!

guidocorona

Thank you so much OneObGin for your excellent help in my grand quest. I am delighted to see how my little thread on VAC/AARC -- now VAC/ARC Aesthetix is rapidly turning into a small goldmine of valuable first-hand findings from all the most knowledgeable agoners on the subject

guidocorona

Oneobgin, if you and all would like to help me make up my mind on my next linestage, please visit me at:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1123254379&openmine&zzGuidocorona&4&5#Guidocorona
Thanks a bunch, Guido

guidocorona

Thank you again OneObGyn. Please keep us posted.

Guido

guidocorona

Thank you Oneobgyn. How would you characterize the VAC Phi vs the ARC Ref 3?
How much is ARC charging for the update of early production REF 3 tto the newest standard?

guidocorona

Oneobgyn, I could not find any reference to a REF 3 product update on the ARC site: no specs, no prices, no mention.

guidocorona

Thank you oneobgyn. Please let us know your impressions of the updated REF 3 when it comes back from the factory.
Have you listened to the VTL 7.5 already? I auditioned it once for several hours. I found it to be sweet but somewhat colored and lacking transient response. To give you an example, it made Steinway pianos sound like Bluthner with a blanket thrown on top for good measure.
I have not heard Lamm yet--no prob for me about no remote and twin volume attenuator, but single-ended only would be a serious drawback as well.
Have you listened to Vac Ren II and/or VAC Phi by any chance? I have recently heard the Ren II at a friend's place and am very impressed by its staging, imaging and purity of sound. These devices are also fully balanced and have remote controls.

guidocorona

Oneobgyn, You have dropped some tantilizing hints over the last several months about the performance of your new ARC Ref 3. Now that the machine is largely broken in, how about posting your detailed findings about it?

guidocorona