New Ad-VENTURE for Bob

by mribob on Ever Evolving

Description

New Ad-Venture for Bob

I am grateful to the 'Gon community for their help to reduce my buyers remorse; and help me assemble a system that has exceeded my expectations...I'm in mid 50's; ..trying to mature and evolve; I started my ugprade journey with a pair of Dali Halicon 800's powered by Sunfire...nice enough sound; but I wanted more...met a great audiophile and seller in Dave Weinhart here in Los Angels; and made a big jump to MBL 111's, with Meridian front end; and 8011 mono amps...Dev, a "gon member suggested I up my amps to Bryston 28sst's; which I did; and still enjoy greatly. I grew frustrated with the Meridian gear; sounded a bit too digital with my analog speakers; hated to connect laptop to tweak; and could never get full low end base extension. Took Dev's recommendation again; traded my gear in on a VAC Phi Beta tubed preamp; and switched digital to PSAudio Perfect wave D/T combo..thought the redbook cd playback via I2S with the Haromonic tech cable was great. But the DAC in the perfect wave fell a bit short in giving me the detail from my Qsonix music server. Qsonix is made locally to me; Mike Weaver is a true gentleman; and has created an awesome product; even though they don't advertise like Sooloos. Their touch screen; and hi res capabilites are wonderful. I also had an opportunity to audition Venture speakers at the home of the US distributor; who lives locally; Mike Slaminski; another perfect gentleman; with great ears; and patience. Thought his Belgium made Venture speakers were the best sounding set up I have ever heard; including the Magico Q5's, or the Wilson Shasa's ..but they were beyond my affordablility index. On a whim; I called Mike; and he received the Excellence III in burl wood back from a reviewer; but they suffered damage in shipping and had a noticiable ding in the finish...so I grabbed them. The detail, staging, depth; richness of tone; incredible accuracy of response throughout the range; and vocals...the carbon/ abbaca paper drivers and crossover design made me just want to sit and listen forever. Mike set up the speakers with a slight toe in; and viola; magic. But then I went to THE Show in Newport, CA; and heard Ayon's room. That was special; right after their great review in TAS. Was able to pick up show sample of Ayon CD5-s transport/dac/preamp with upgraded tubes. Once this piece broke in; and replaced my PSAudio DAC; now I can't imaginge any better digital for me and my room. I sit and just listen to the music; without focusing on the gear. I tried it as preamp direct to amp; but found I prefered it running thru the VAC. My cables are a mixture of MIT balanced interconnects and bi-wire speaker cables, with Purist audio Venestus for digital and interconnect. I also use my rig for combined HT/two channel; its in my family room; and I needed huge WAF; the Ventures have it in spades, the MBL's, not so much. I obtained much of my gear and advice from local dealers, and the 'Gon from dealers used. It's great that the 'Gon is here to help us buy and sell gear as we experiement and balance quality, cost, and always exceed our budget. I also have three dedicated 20 amp lines. Room is a problem; had to set up on the diaganolfrom long/short wall. So I am done for now; will try to work on improving room with traps; isolation tweeks; and was amazed at the improvement in detail shown at THE show by Synergistic Research ART with their tiny 'cup and saucers' harmonic resonance improvements...if it were only less expensive...will post photos soon; but really; try to listen to Venture, unbelievable quality and detail.; but to my ears...the best I've heard; and I feel fortunate to have put together this quality of system with lots of help; and time...great to meet so many fellow hobbiests; after all, its all about enjoying the music. I finally got around to posting my system after this long journey....probably don't need all the power of my Bryston 1000 watt amps now that I've gone from MBL to Venture's; which are more effecient; but so far the slam and control of base is just fantastic; and the detail and prat pleases me...not sure what might be better; prefer to remain in SS for amps.
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 30’ × 20’  X large
Ceiling: 12’

Components Toggle details

    • Venture Excellence III Signiture's
    lovely floorstanders; 3 7
    • Veloce Litho series Litho
    well built battery powered, with 4 6h30 tubes, extremely quiet and resolving
    • Hegel H30
    one amp running in stereo config; at 350 quality watts/side. Huge sound stage; agree with Robert Harley's review
    • Playback Design PS5D
    fantastic dedicated DAC, no transport;; with the usb-box, it upconverts computer files to DSD resolution; and via standard AES digital in; converts all files to 24/192. A fantastic upgrade for computer audio sources. Try DSD!
    • Oppo 105D, modded by EVS
    replaces Sony 5000es; wanted streaming Netflix, etc, and 3-d
    • Qsonix 205
    1 TB hi-res music server; with phenominal 15
    • Marantz AV8802
    home theater processor, for hdmi; blue ray; sat, and zone 2
    • Bedrock Rack of Silence Rack of Silence
    semi custom 4 shelf; each shelf weighs 28lbs; made of both HDF and MDF, and special vibration control. And it looks nice.
    • Aerial Acoustics CC-5
    great center channel; blends with many different speakers; made my own custom stand
    • Parasound A-51
    5 channels of 250 watts/side; warm running, smooth sounding for center channel; rears, and outdoor zone 2
    • Velodyne DD-15
    used for LFE for Home theater use; don't use for two channel listening, the 50 lb sandbag covered in pillow case helps with bass,anchors to floor; reduces 'booming'
    • JL Audio Fathom F113
    really fills in the bass for just two channel listening..
    • Equi-tech Q15
    power conditioner
    • EnKlein Taurus power cord
    6' silver, shielded, flexible PC. Made a huge improvement in detail powering my Hegel H30 amp. Highly recommended component
    • High Fidelity one pair CT 1-Ulitimates, 1 pr CT-E
    Rick's magnet wave guide cables, the hype is real. Makes a nice synergistic improvement
    • Klee Grand Illusion ribbon sc
    a nice open sounding ribbon alloy SC, but it is designed with a higher reistance level than my FMS.
    • PS audio Power base PS audio base
    20lb vibration control and power conditioner; used for computer and 4TB hard drive
    • Hi-Fi tuning fuses Black; premium
    placed upgraded fuses in the Ayon and the VAC, can't really tell how much improvement they made; system already working at a high level
    • Tara Power cords The One
    Two Tara pc's, one to equip-tech, one to amp
    • Stein Music Harmonizers A and B and magic stone
    Little black cubes that create magic on the sound stage and depth and detail. Tremendous tweak for me, helped with room problems
    • Standout Design six foot
    well designed; well built AV component stand; has a huge shelf to place a large center channel speaker; I placed my Aerial CC-5 and it fits great; weighs 85 lbs...big help
    • Stillpoints Ultra SS footers
    superb resonance control devices
    • Stillpoint Ultra 5's
    added three Stillpoint Ultra 5's with adaptor threads to my Ventures. Nice improvement over stock footers
    • Granite Audio Ground Zero
    A star design universal grounding platform, comes with quality ground cables and easy instructions. Nicely lowered ground loop hiss and floor noise. Highly recommend if you have a grounding issue at modest price point
    • HiDiamond 2 P-4 power cords
    I realize that my SR PC's were not allowing all my music to flow, replaced two with HiDiamond P-4's. Much better sound, have them on my amp and digital. Bested also my Tara the One.
    • Audioquest USB 1 pr Coffee, 1 pr Carbon
    silver usb cable, big improvement over stock, and belkan used previously
    • PS Audio P-5 Power regenerator
    a nice addition to assist in clean, and controlledp power, using mainly for video/home theater pieces. My amp and pre are plugged into dedicated 20 amp lines
    • High Fidelity Ultimate reference PC
    detailed PC, magnets work

Comments 71

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Owner
Milpai:
I will; thanks for the reminder...this has all been fairly recent; other changes have been to replace the MIT and PAD cables with all FMS new copper cables; the Hegel was a big pleasant surprise; amazed that one amp running stereo had more current; and better fine level detail, warmth, and sound stage than my pair of 1000 watt Bryston mono's...I guess its the quality of the watts, not the amount. Also; I re-tubed my VAC pre; and it corrected the bass drop out of right channel and eliminated my anoying hum, that I had blamed erroneously on either my Ayon CD5s, Marantz processor, Directv box, or MIT cable junction boxes...sent all gear back for check up, only to discover I had a bad right channel tube in VAC pre...
I am done for present, and really just enjoying listening to the music; and loving what I'm hearing...the Hegel/Venture marriage is perfect, with VAC tubed pre to balance things out..running all balance IC's. My music server thru the Ayon is now outstanding, love the DAC in this piece.
Photos coming soon, thanks for looking

mribob

Mribob,
You need to update your system with the new Hegel. Would like to see some pics of the Hegel. Enjoy your music!!

milpai

MriBob
Good to hear that all is well. At this level of happiness, I think most "improvements will be subtle and additive. What fuse did you use that you liked? I have some new biwire Morrow Audio SP6 speaker cables being made to shoot out against my current ones. Should be here about Christmas time ho,ho,ho. I ,too don't miss my subwoofer
Happy Holidays to you as well
Joe

gammajo

Owner
Gammajo:
the new equipment rack is nice; a subtle but noticeable improvement in fine level details and decreased grunge. I have the Ayon on MIG isolation cones from Synergistic Research; have not tried the Stillpoints. the new fuse also has helped with subtle improvements; but its all additive.
I am enjoying the digital sound all the time now; great low end; smooth clear highs; slight improvement when I play hi-res HDtracks downloads from my Qsonix thru the built in dec over rebook playback alone; but at time; I'm very happy with system balance and synergy. No need for subwoofer for two channel; the Ventures and ayon go extremely low.
All in all; I am at a happy place. Ayon was great to deal with; no hassles in going over my new unit; returned it better than ever...
Happy Holidays.

mribob

Mrbob
Glad your back in business. I tried some Pangea Sorbitane feet under my Ayon this week and didn't notice anything much compared to the standard feet. I might look into the Rack of Silence option. Also interested in the Stillpoints Ultra's for under my speakers. Have you tried the new fuses yet?

gammajo

Owner
Installed new component rack; a semi-custom Bedrock 'Rack of Silence'. This allows better detail, quiet, and cooler performance for my tubed pieces; the VAC and Ayon. Overall, a nice improvement for not too much money. Pics soon.
My magic is back since I had my VAC tuned up by VAC in Florida. Deeper base notes, richer sonic densities. Helps my Ventures and Ayon really sing as good as they are able.

mribob

Cool - Glad it was simple.

gammajo

Owner
Gamm:

Yes; Paul has been working hard; and found one faulty tube; which he replaced; and is testing it at their shop; and it matches the sonic quality of the units they will bring to demo at RMAF shortly..so I'm looking forward to getting it back; and restoring the magic; he and Ayon have been great with customer service; these things will happen; but its nice to know that they will stand behind their products and help us in any reasonable manor..can' say that about other vendors...more once I get it back and can listen to it again...I'll try the mat when I get it back; I also bought an upgraded fuse; which I'll put in once the unit returns...more later.

mribob

Mribob Sorry to hear that you have had trouble. Those type things can be a real pain to trace through the whole chain including amp and speakers. I bet Paul will bend over backwards to get things right but please let us know. Can he hear the same degradation in the shop that you heard at home? I would wonder about a partial failure of a tube or a power surge, such a lightening when you were not home.

My unit is still giving me the magic and perhaps even better as it has passed 500-1,000 hours. Frankly I am astounded by the Ayon’s ability. I have never been more pleased with my sound. I did finally get my DeMatt on recommendation of a friend as the only mat that made a real difference in his non-Ayon system. For me the mat seems to make changes that are on the very edge of perception but I think it does slightly improve sound by subtracting further hints of digital, allowing a more natural, pleasing and organic feel. It is easy to use in a top loader and cost about $40 so what the heck. Yes, the tight fit was referring to sliding into my existing shelf rather than onto an isolation platform.

gammajo

Owner
Glenhifi; thanks for your kind words; and for reading my long story...
Gammajo: I have ordered a new isolation rack from 'Bedrock rack of silence'; it's being made for me now, custom; and should be installed in three weeks. However; I had a sudden problem with my Ayon; all the features work; but I lost the 'magic' and especially the sonic density and low end frequency and slam I initially had. Sent it back to Paul at Ayon; and he seems stumped.As its both my DAC and transport; I'm not able to enjoy my rig; and I'm hoping that Ayon stands up; and helps me out with quality customer service...more on this to follow. The unit is only two months old; and I was out of town for two of those weeks; and not using it.
Cammajo; not sure what you are referring to the cd5 fitting in; is it your custom cabinet; or a isolation platform? Is your unit still making magic for you?

mribob

MRiBob, Sorry to get back so late. Yeah my CD5s just fit in its space with about a 32nd of an inch on either side. I have not tried the fuses. Please let me know what you think of them. I did upgrade fuses in another unit (Audio Horizon) but that was with other upgrades at the same time, so can't directly compare what the fuse did.

gammajo

Interesting reading the story of your system. A very nice system to say the least. Great choice in the various components. Happy listening.

glenfihi

Owner
Dev;
Thanks for your help and responding many times to me via personal emails. You also have a good eye. The photo on the top right I got of my speakers when set up at the dealers; its not my room; but a better photo. being in SoCal; most homes are built on a slab; so my wood floors are glued on a cement slab; not a suspended floor. The excellence III's are about the same size as my MBL 111's, perhaps just a tad deeper; and smidge taller, but not as wide...the Ultimates I believe are same depth; but stand around 6" taller...not visually overpowering; but sonically excellent. Looking forward to hear your comments on your new VAC 450 statement tubed amplifiers..

mribob

Hi Mribob,

nice to see some pics and read you are enjoying, that's what it's all about.

Thanks for the kind words.

Is the one picture at the top and to the far right taken at your place also, did you have them set-up in another room?

Is your floor suspended or concrete underneath I forget?

I'm sure you are going to enjoy and have lots of fun trying this and that.

Speakers actually look much smaller than I imagined which is a good thing and I'm sure the pics just don't do justice in looking at the finish, just not the same as seeing in person.

Enjoy!

dev

Owner
Gammajo; turns out the Ayon CD-5 is just a tad too wide to fit on the Cayin isolation platform I had hoped to obtain..so I am still searching for a better platform to rest it on, you are rigth; its a heavy beast at 50lbs.

Let me know your results on the cd mat; with the style of transport; and the secure cover; wasn't sure the mat would provide much benefit.

I plan to order upgraded fuses for both the Ayon piece and the VAC preamp; have you had any experiences in sonic changes with a fuse upgrade?

Thanks for your comments; and suggestions.

mribob

Your speaker Pics look great. It took 250 to 300 hours for the Ayon to break in but sounded good out of the box and then not digital by 200 hours. I am connected directly to my Nuforce Reference V3SE amps with some Audio Horizons New Dawn balanced IC's and dont miss my preamp. Basically could not tell much difference going direct after the 300 hours. Think it might be a matter of Ayon-amp interaction whether another pre is helpful. Be sure to report if the isolation platform helps significantly. The Ayon is so heavy and solid with a floating CD transport, it will be interesting. I have ordered a Cd mat on recommendation of a friend.

gammajo

Owner
System edited: added some photos, will try to get better shots with a tripod later; but wanted to try to capture the wonderful fit and finish of the Venture speakers; but its their sound that is pure magic; when paired with the Ayon CD-5s, and VAC phi beta preamp. Also added Marantz 7005 AV processor and Oppo 95; need to experiment more with the HT side of things; using only hdmi and balanced outputs.

mribob

Owner
Gammajo: your room looks great! It took the Ayon about 250 hours of break in time to really sound open and detailed; without sounding 'digital'..I tried it initially direct t amp; ;hoping to eliminate some gear, but when I put the VAC back in; even with extra IC's, etc; it sounded even better; so I have Ayon set to fixed volume out at -10; and in processes of getting a Cayin magnetic isolating platform for the CD5-s; which should also help. Love it with upsampling. Not at all digital in character. How many hours are on yours?

mribob

Congrats on the Ayon CD5s. I have the unit too and have found it wonderful with the reflector tubes

gammajo

Owner
Wife is traveling with camera; photos up in two weeks upon her return; the Ventures are really beautiful....sorry

mribob

Venture and VAC with no pics......? Shame on you.

devilboy

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