This is a system that brings plenty of detail, speed and energy without loosing any musicality and truth of timbre - I have tried SET, SS, Planars, Ribbons, sealed baffles, ported designs and - IMO this is pretty close to my ideal setup.
a) replaced the Bottlehead Tape preamp for a King/Cello tape/phono b) replaced the Siltech speaker cable for Kondo ANz pure silver strands c) replaced the Levinson No.333 power amp for an EAR 861 d) changed one of my EMT turntables for a Luxman PD555/Schu Tacco/Mantis analog setup
I did receive the Mach2 server but without any instructions or password to set it up! I am looking to have this info from the dealer but no answer yet, quite dissapointed :(
I already checked your set-up last night, quite amazing! Congratulations.
I am not there yet!, as you know some panels (even DIY) are not that affordable, and even with the best measurements available, there are some trial & error iterations.
Thanks Kevin, Jazz is my Schnauzzer's name!..we listed here many options but my vote counted for two, so he got that name!
Yes, those are ASC traps (I use three of them) and will include them in my system description, thanks for the heads-up.
The panels you are referring to are custom made ones from a studio engineer that gives consultation for room treatment here in Mexico, I have three more at the ceiling and some diffusors coming for side walls. It has been the best dollars spent in my system so far.
Thanks Musicfile! More pics comming once I have the Nagra T up and running, the Mach2 finnaly delivered from The High End Palace, and the King/Cello preamp that is on its way from SF!
...on the amp changing game...well, it is not the best idea (financially speaking), so I made a strong 2012 resolution and promised to stick with the Avalons and the Levinson/Gryphon setup at least 1 year :)
I am using single wire Siltech G5 LS cables 1.5 mt long... Ascent manual is clear on the fact that tri-wire/ampling is feasable, you just need to remove the jumpers at the bottom according to the manual. Let me know if you need a copy of the manual so I can email it to you.
System edited: I replaced the Symphonic Line Integrated - that was serving as a preamp - for the Gryphon Elektra Dual Mono active preamp, good synergy as for the SL with a tad more of transparency and full-bodied presentation.
Hodelrevords - that is a custom description that Audiogon includes when selecting that particular speaker, I beleive it refers to the differences between the original Ascent and the Ascent II.
Hodelrecords - I tried to locate the post you are referring to, since I have not modded my Avalons at all, and it might be something you read from other project I did with other component, sorry for the confusion it created.
Saying that, I have a friend here who wants me to upgrade the x-over some someday in the future, I aam currently restoring a Nagra T and an EMT 938 so my hands are full now :)
Hodelrecords - After a close inspection to the x-over, I left the parts intact, I have not tweaked the speakers at all except from the finish (previous owner). I would suggest you to contact Mr. Lucien Pichette at Avalon Acoustics for any doubts regarding parts.
So far the 300 Watts are working!, there are more solid images, more dynamics (but not necessarily more headroom), good definition at the extremes, and overall a more satisfying sound compared to the 120 Watt AB Symphonic Line Integrated (which is now serving as a pre/phono preamp).
System edited: ML333 added to the system, too early to post yet, so far Inhear more authority in the bass region, better resolution on top but any difference in terms of headroom compared to the SL which I am now using it as a preamp.
This is interesting, SET amps "trained" me to listen differently, now I must admit that some very good SS designs (Class A particularly as Lloyd mentions) have almost all that midrange magic and texture adding some other benefits to the equation like dynamics, bass tone and an holistic presentation.
Hi Charles - I found some relevant differences between the Viva and the SL that made me decide for the later - I had the opportunity to listen both of them with no rush at my room to arrive to the following conclusions:
i) The Viva managed to handle the Avatar speakers very good at reasonable levels with non-complicated material (Jazz Trios, vocals, ensembles, early and baroque music) but NOT on higher volume levels with more complicated material (Classical, Alternative, Rock. etc..) where bass control, dynamics and definition suffered a bit.
ii) Due to the current/power requirements with the Viva/Avalon combination, some sources were more affected than others, vinyl for example - where I had to turn the volume knob way up to arrive to decent levels due to the very low output of my cartridge.
iii) I had a buyer at hand who was willing to close a fast transaction for my Viva amp, I was really not planning to make a move this fast, but I realized that such an idiosyncratic amp like the Viva will not have a bunch of potential buyers out there, at least not here in Mexico.
Again, I am not saying that the Viva is a bad amp, for the contrary - with the right speakers few options touch it, but my change to Avalon re-defined my requirements.
A wise move?, understandable? ... I don´t know, all I can say is that I am really enjoying what I have now and listening to far more options in terms of music genres.
System edited: +++ several changes 1) Sold the Viva Solista for a Symphonic Line RG14SE, great match for the Avalons. 2) Sold the GamuT CDP for an Accuphase DP80/DC81 DAC and an Havanna DAC for a change, great combination. 3) Trying a second RtR deck - the mighty Nagra T.
@Charles - I am also surprised of the gain this amp throws, it drives the Avalons to quite high listening levels (although I usually listen to moderate levels at all times) - I accept the fact of loosing some tad of ultimate dynamics, but overall it sounds fantastic! Thanks!
@Maybay - I heard the OTL route somewhere else, and actually a friend just got a Trascendent amp we should try some day shirtly, thanks for the heads-up. Oohh one other thing: describe "compulsive" :)
@Smaj - never heard of that model from Serblim, will find out! Thanks as well!
@Daveyf - Guarneri Evolutions ???? Where??? When??? How come???... Compulsive??? What is that?? :)
System edited: Avalon Ascent Mk II added - incredible how the Viva could manage this large speaker with authority, making a well known for me speaker sound at its best.
System edited: Two pieces added: 1) EAR7Technics TdP RyR deck for Tape Project, the best source I have now. 2) WLM Passiv controller for Lyra speakers, increased bass response
That could be the case Daveyf, the Solista now sings with the WLMs and sounds effortless... I still miss some of the GH magic, OTOH the WLMs are more rounded and complete.... this is a never ending story I'm afraid :)
I liked both speakers, the GH were very sophisticated and musical, lacking some very low bass information, the Extremas were more complete and resolving at both extremes, but more power hungry. I could live wi any of them.
Yes, I am very happy with the WLMs, they work great with the Solista.
System edited: I just added the GamuT CD1R as redbook player for the system - while keeping the Oppo for movies and other format playback such as SACD or DVDA . The GamuT is a very musical performer, throwing solid images and better dynamics than the modified Oppo Nuforce.
Thanks Smaj - as said, both are fine speakers really - I have seen your system and I can imagine the great synergy of the Levinson with the G's - congratulations.
@Davef - I am very impressed so far with my two days with the CD1 - this is the R version (green led redout) and actually I am playing it both ways to record any differences - with the Reimyo as a transport and standalone.
Initial impressions suggest that I can live without the Reimyo.
@Smaj - not sure if the WLMs are more "honest" to the records really - I think no system is since all have some colorations that might like some and dislike others. The Guarneri's are GREAT speakers in many ways where the WLM fail and vice-versa - at the end I could live happy with any of them.
@Smaj - these are different speakers - not better - than the Guarneris I had in the past - the Sonus Faber were very sweet and musical speakers with great craftmanship, the WLMs are more complete, fast, dynamic and recreate the recording ambience faithfully.
@Lloyd - I also have an iMac/Puremusic/Reimyo digital server, the Oppo/Nuforce sounds slightly better (additional depth and resolution) - I am keeping both sources since the user interfase of the digital server is fantastic compared to the old silvery discs. I am now trying a Gamut CD1 as an alternate red book transport and initial findings point out that it outperforms the Oppo in many ways.
Kops - I bought this amp from a gentleman who was using it with your same speakers. He told me that he had no issues driving the Hansens and his previous Avalons with the Solista. Drop me a mail if you want me to share with you his contact information.
This Solista has many of the mk II upgrades, such as the new transformers and caps, it sounds fabulous on my Sonus Faber which, by the way, are power hungry.
Vinyl19 - I bought the Viva without even listening to it at my system, I think I did it for the same time since for me component synergy is far more important the its individual ¨pedigree¨.
I had a pair of Avantgarde UNOs some years back, and had a great time with them, I reached a great match with a Jadis DA50 and an Acoustic Plan SItar integrateds to drive them, at the end I preferred the easiness, tonality and musicality of the Guarneris above the dynamics, speed and vividness of the Avantgardes.
I have never heard the Radia´s, but I understand they are great speakers based on the internet content about them.
Dave - as happy as I am with my Viva amp, I respect and liked a lot my time with both the Gryphon Anthileon and the Rowland 8 I had some years back with my Avalon speakers. I am not that familiar with the ARC line but some friends down here are advocates to the company and have been there for tears. Quite honestly I find hard to imagine the ARC sounding as good as your 8, be sure to listen it for more time and record your findings, please share them in the long run.
The Viva is terrific, if I could pick a word to descripe it would be ENERGETIC, it fills the Guarneris with music to the level where the musical intention is perfectly rendered, of course it has it flaws, but are minimal so as the Guarneris, the march as you said is fantastic.
Sad to see the US eliminated from the Soccer World Cup.
The Solista is a SET integrated amp - has a pair of 211 as rectifiers and a pair of 845 in the output section. Pure Class A, zero feedback and 27 Watts/ch design.
It throws a very organic, energetic and much more detailed and resolution sound than the Lamm/MR combination (that I still have around), which was already a great setup, but some steps below the Solista, not just to my ears, but for many listeners that know my system quite well and have heard it this past weeks.
It is incredible how with just 27 watts, the Solista drives the Guarneris with aplomb, authority and easyness, the room fills more with music and one is more within the sonic event, lyrics are cleaner, harmonics float and decay of instruments creat a very unique atmosphere.
My wife likes a lot of vocals, I played Jaimie Collum the other day and she could not beleive the realism of his voice at my dedicated room, the guy was there!, singing for us, floating, full chest and throat vividness, one could tell when he opened or closed his mouth and when he filled his lungs with air, strings were vibrating with a level of reality that was scary.
Hi Dave - I will follow your advice on the Nordost speaker cable, actually I need to figure out my next step there since I am currently using a pair of Siltech SG180 but in a single-wire configuration.
Regarding my system - I have just bought a Viva Solista amp after an extensive search and investigation. It has "just" 22 watts, but it has a lot of current and looks very promising. I will report my findings once it clears customs this week.
Dave - it is aprox 4.5 mts wide - 6.5 mts deep and top ceiling that averages 3 mts hight. not the ideal ratios but enough room for my system, LP collection and Jazz (My Schnauzzeer) and audio-buddy ;)
Dave - The JA50's had more reslution and "light" than the RM200, it had a deeper soundstage as well. The RM200 on the contrary has more dynamic impact on music, better bass control (could be the difference in power output or its hybrid design) and a more silent operation (at idle the Jadis buzzes a little - like all Jadis amps). Given the price difference between both, I consider the RM200 a real bargain.
I would love to try the Lamm 1.1 amps if I got the chance prior deciding, I see that as my natural next step - but I am not in a hurry since it is sounding great as-it-is.
System edited: I replaced the Jadis DA50S for a pre/power combination - a LAMM LL2 and MR RM200 power amp - this amp is driving my SF much better than the Jadis, and the LAMM brought more resolution and a noise-free reproduction. I had the opportunity to listen the LAMM with a pair of Jadis JA50 amps and the combination was incredible but at a price, the RM200 came really close and looks like a keeper.
Lloyd - I am glad you are enjoying your Gryphon amps, they are terrific units, even the older ones like the DM100 or the S100. I might take that route again!
I am very happy now with Jadis again (yes, it is my third tie with Jadis gear) - not better but just different "personality" compared to the Gryphon line.
System edited: Velodyne DD18 sub added - after trying many options, I ended up picking a DD18 sub. Yes, it is a monster, but the electronics within this piece helped to keep coherence and detail of my Guarneri's. Now I have more body, dynamics and low freq extension that were lacking with the monitors.
Thanks Lapierre - The REL improved the frequency extension both in tone and speed. As all subwoofers it calls for some trade-offs but are minor, focus and image remains without sacrifing driver intergity of the SFH which I like so much.
I am sure there are better subwoofer options out there (Wilson Benench, Talon or JL Audio) that I might consider somewhere in the future.
I am still trying the REL sub (pictured) that a good friend here borrowed me some weeks back - this REL model is not their top line but works OK for the system, particulary while playing Blue-Ray titles.
I am going to try a larger REL sub shortly (Strata) and learn if this is a better match for my fast SF speakers.
System edited: Upgraded to a Xcheu Analog Taco arm upgrading my RB300 - obtaining better analog reproduction (scale, contour, fluidness and a non-mechanical sound). - brought my analog setup to an upper level.
Dave - I might try some others (Velodyne DD12 or Paradigm Servo) which are at hand just to finalize my testing - but it all looks like the REL is a good match for the Guarneris - as many of its owners have witnessed.
I decided to keep the Jadis amp - I just bought a quad of Genelec KT88 original valves and the system is sounding great. I am also trying a REL stentor sub which helps to deliver more music to the room without sacrifying the SF magic.
Very nice sounding Daveyf! - the Gryphons are great as well - both great choices for the GH's.
I would say that the Jadis is a tad more musical, particullary with voices, also creates a greater sense of dimension and drive (thnks to the tubes I guess) - control in the bass is not that great thou.
Keep in mind that I got the DA50 Signatures, not the JA50 which have the same sonic signature that the DA50S but a step above in all regards.
I am in the process to re-install a Jadis amp instead of the Gryphon - I am hearing more life, light and musicality thru the Jadis vs the Gryphon (whioch are not bad at all).
Will post new pics once I decide which Jadis amp I will decide on (DA50Sig or JA50 Mono amps) - both Pure Class A, KT88 driven.
It is very easy - just get into iTunes and under preferences there is a tab that lets you select the input/record mode when burning CDs - goes from MP4 to WAV - choose WAV. pretty straight-forward.
Once at home I can send you the screen shot from iTunes, currently at work.
Dave - I did something even more radical - I compared my (now gone) Reimyo CDP-777 CD player with the W170+Reimyo DAC (which happens to be the same DAC as the one within the CDP777).
To my ears there were no differences at all! - it is far better in terms of accesibility to my library and now I am hearing to more music than ever (not just the 5 Diana Krall CDs I had at hand) - exagerating here.
Caveats - i) I bought a quite expensive Siltech coax digital cable, ii) you need an above-average DAC to really meet a stand-alone CDP and iii) all music needs to be stored in the iPOD in WAV format (not even loss-less).
My next step is to retire the W170 and place a Mac Mini there with a better interfase (Front Row or the like) and use the iPOD as Remote control only.
Dave - I was refering to their size - they are pretty small!! but sound large!
I have had the Avatars (2 times in my life) and the Eclipse (just prior my Avantgarde age) - I decided to sell them because I tought I was performing an upgrade in my system (have you been thru this???) - The Avatars were sold for a pair of Eaglestone Rosas and the Eclipses to make space for the Avantarde UNOs. I always miss the great musicality and coherence of the Avalons - very similar to the SF but a little darker in presentation.
I have not heard in my system the larger and recent models of Avalon - but I agree with you on the fact that they should be great as well.
Dave - It is a very different kind of speaker (comparing AG to SF). The AG were more expectacular, fast and covered a larger piece in the audio band BUT they always sounded to me inconsistent (bass registers not at the same speed as the horns), larger than life and with an also large listening fatigue in my middle-sized room.
The SF are more limited in their frequency response (but I am in no rush to consider a subwoofer), not as dynamic as the AG and their footprint is to laugh at BUT they are trully magical, very musical and incredibly coherent with all sorts of musical material.
I have never heard the Mementos in my system, but the local distributor had them hooked some months back to a very expectacular Jadis set-up and sounded also great to me.
Thanks Pdreher - I am very satisfied with the music this system delivers, it is a very revealing, clean and engagiing setup with few missess and great assets.
System edited: Radical change: sold the Avantgardes and the Sitar for a pair of Guarneris and Gryphon gear (again). I have had at least six Gryphon units in my life, still convinced they are in the top three of SS designs. Terrific sound!
System edited: Reimyo CDP sold after listening the Wadia 170i and the Reimyo DAC with Siltech coaxial cable - listening to more music now due to the convenience of the iPOD music server/transpot - I kissed the ever-rotating Dianna Krall CDs good-bye!
System edited: Just added a Wadia 170i iPod transport - - very close to the Reimyo using the Reimyo external DAC (which I borrowed from the local distributor) - really close using Apple Lose-less format, and very convenient - just another source, not thinking of replacing CDs - yet.
System edited: I updated system pics and included my new Acoustic Plan Sitar Integreated amp - this amp is just fabulous!, I thought I had it all with the AN Meishu but this thing is just from another world.
Hi Chadeffect - I did try some SS amps - sound id great as well - but the magic of SET really shines with this speakers.... even at the sake of a less darker noisfloor - thanks for your words,
I sold the Jadis after hearing an Audio Note MEISHU amp with JJ Meshplates 300B and Conninham drivers - amazing synergy, more musicality, elastic and detailed presentation.
Nothing else is in the horizon as for a change - just enjoying the system.
Thanks Anh - Kimber select was on my list as well as Nirvala XS for options, I decided for the Siltech due to a good opportunity I got to get them, as well as looking for sinergy with my FTM4 Gold RCA.
As for the Reimyo - I am done in my search for a CDP, and since I am not into SACD, this might be my last stop in this regard, it is amazingly good.
System edited: Just added a pair of Siltech LS188 MK II G speaker cable ' wow! how much I was missing in detail, speed, energy and dynamics. incredible cable that woths its price every dollar.
Thanks Audiophile2006, I have performed some of your suggestions before reading your lines here - sucha as pulling them out and closer to each other, I am in the process to try different speaker cables, as for IC I am really happy with the Siltech FTM4 gold, as well as looking for a better AC power conditioner once I have installed a dedicated line (30A).
Indofunka - I have not tried OTL designs yet, but they are a good choice for many AG owners, check the AG website at Gallery and you will find quite a few.
The Jadis DA50 Signaure is a pure class A 30 watt amp, just the right size for the 100dB AG (Jim Smith used Thor 30 watt amps at shows).
The SET amps I have tried (Home made 211, Wavac 300B, Welborne 300 Laurel, Home made 45) all had great sound but thin and less dtnamic than push pulls (Class A) I tried.
I was really reluctant to buy the Jadis, but after heareing what it did in my system it never went back.
One of the best options for AG are Audiopax amps, also push-pull, low power design, it just brings more dynamics, tonal density and drive to the AG.
