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

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My solid state amps can get quite warm in my small room. But the air was just beefed up plus I have a ceiling fan so I think that is going to help. To bad I all the way on the other side of the country. To hear your system now must be quite the experience. Again, congrats and I hope they give you many sleepless nights of listening pleasure :).

mikeduke

Regarding your June 6th update.
WOW WOW and holy Freakin wow. I am glad that your were able to work them into your system. I know that you were floored by the amps when you heard them. The fact that you were able to get that preamp as well is twice as nice. I know you have a nice size room but do you notice any increase in heat output? Again, that is simply fantastic OB.

mikeduke

"As for inputs to the preamp it uses any input ( I input mine via the phono input). I am not certain what you mean by analog inputs in the preamp."
I guess I used the wrong words but you gave me the info I wanted anyway. Yea, I bassicly wanted to know what input to use. I checked out The Tape Project. It seems like very impressive stuff. But to be honest, the fee to subscribe is really above what I can do right now. I am assuming that it is a yearly fee. So you bought yours from a private seller? If there were other tapes that did not sound bad AND were a bit more affordable, that would be a different story. We all have to know our limits :).

mikeduke

Was your Studer stock or did you have it modified. Does the Tape Project sell them or do you have to get them at places like Audiogon? I will admit, it is still an iteresting idea that is floating in the back of my mind. Who knows. I am still a "youngster" in age when compared to many people here :). Does that have to be connected to an analog input on the preamp?

mikeduke

Hey OB.
I guess I fell asleep and missed a few pages. Congrats on the Reel to Reel. I am sure that is sounds fantastic in your setup. So does it out play the Playback? As for me, I am getting a Turn Table in about three months. Not a Brinkman or Raven but a Well Tempered Amadeus with a Dynavector XX2 cart. Should be pleanty good in my setup. But that's great that you were able to ge a R2R to play with. To be honest, I think the price of admition would be to steap for me right now.

mikeduke

I had to learn how to tie my shoes and button my sleeves again after I was very very sick(deaths door) at 9 years old. I could probably get it if I really tried. I am not ruling against it at all. I believe that it is really as good as you say it is. Anyway, I think I would need a 2ch pre for this to work. I don't think my Halo can do it. That will come in time as well. Thanks for giving me one more thing to think about :).

mikeduke

That's great. I had a reel to reel when I was a kid. But it is long gone now. It was cool. I just don't know if I have the dexterity for it. I think I will stick to vinyl. Maybe some day I will look into it.

mikeduke

Cool.
It is great when you can get something that reinvigorates why we started this madness in the first place. And no matter what, there is that "coolness" factor :). Can you indicate the difference between tape and a TT that has you putting off a TT for a very long time?

mikeduke

Great pictures.
Glad the R2R is working out for you. Those X2's sure do look nice. As does the Studer.

mikeduke

That's great on the RTR. I don't think I have the manual dexterity for something like that. I will stick to getting a TT. Budget to start with, just to get my feet wet. Then later something better. But glad to hear that it worked out for you.

mikeduke

That is quite a gain in what I would call headroom. So it's almost like a two for one deal. Sort of like how I lifted the performance of my entire system by getting the Grand Prix rack and adjusting my dvd rack so it was not right next to the speaker. I am sure it sounds great. Have fun at your GTG.

mikeduke

nice :)

mikeduke

Glad there were no issues. You have to have a circular stair case right? :). Again, can't wait to hear some thoughts on these and any difference you can point out. A big congrats.

mikeduke

I figured it would a pretty big undertaking. 16 crates at a total of 4400lbs. That's some serious weight. Hopefully once in the same location there wont be much need for "fiddling".
Looking forward to some initial thoughts.

mikeduke

Just wondering.
Thanks

mikeduke

Great. Now, is the sensitivity the same? It should not be that much of a difference for the Lamms right?

mikeduke

:)
Really great to hear that OB. Can't wait for you to get some quality time with them.

mikeduke

Sweet :). No matter what, to me, that seems like a pretty big undertaking. Packing up the old and unpacking the new should be pretty interesting. And I thought watching Mark Seaton bring my 120lb sub upstairs was fun :). Good to hear that the new center will also be matched. Too bad I am on the other coast. I am sure that the GTG would be fantastic. Looking forward to hearing your views.

mikeduke

Wow. Five days to go. I am sure that you are very excited. Like I said, I have heard the playback one time and I was very impressed with how it sounded. I am assuming that the watch center will still be a match for the updated speakers? Have fun trying to get anything done that is constructive in the next 5 days :).

mikeduke

Sweet :)
I am excited for you. In the mean time for me, I took someones advise and moved one of my dvd cases further back so it was not right next to my right front speaker. I am floored by the change. I still have a hard time getting my mind around the fact that just doing that would effect the music so much. Now my sound stage is perfect and the music just floats.
I have to listen to my music again and hear it the right way :). Looking forward to you getting them back and setup.

mikeduke

OB, did I read right that you should get your speakers in all of their series 2 glory sometime in Oct? I am sure you are really excited. Can't wait for you to get them and read about them.

mikeduke

That is sweet. Much easier and less time consuming that the upgrade. Congrats on the new speakers.

mikeduke

Oh well, if you are going to ONLY :) upgrade your speakers, I guess that is OK. I would still be interested in how you you set up the hard drive system. I was playing around with that idea as well. I remember you saying above that you were not looking forward to doing the upgrade because of the hassle of the moving of the crates and the speakers. But, that is great. How long would the upgrade take?

mikeduke

Ant new news on the TT front? When I get back from Florida my Grand Prix rack will be installed. From all my readings, I think that Nottingham would suit me fine. I thought about the Raven one, but to be honest, based on what I have read, I don't think its sound is for me. I really think that the Nottingham suits my style. Can't wait to hear you thoughts on your new Brinkman. I am sure that will sound great. I am assuming that the Playback still sounds great also.

mikeduke

That's great OB. Can't wait to read about it in your system.

mikeduke

No,
I heard it here
http://www.transparentmusic.net/

I have been talking to Barry, the owner, for a while now and I went up there to buy my Grand Prix rack. It was really impressive to hear his entire system with that player. Out of my league though but at least I got to listen to it. Like I said, it is the best sounding cd player I ever heard.

mikeduke

Hey OB,
I ordered the rack today. Plus I was able to listen to that CD player. Holy Crap is great. I have heard a number of good players. Granted at shows, but still... I have heard the big esoteric rack, the Zanden, Audio Research, Sim Audio, Pathos etc. That PlayBack is the best digital system I have listened to. It sounded so real. It was the most natural sounding player I have ever heard. I am sure in your setup, it sounds out of this world. Congrats.
I will let you know when I get the rack installed.

mikeduke

The "problem" is that I am physically unable to work on my system myself. I just don't have the balance for it so I need to have a dealer do all my installing for me. I know that fact limits what I can get, but I that is a limitation that I simply can not get around :(. So far though I have been able to get the things I wanted without much trouble. The hyperspace with the Anna arm should be very nice. If you do audition it, I would be curious to hear your thoughts on it.

mikeduke

Thanks. Yea, I am excited. From talking to Johnathan and my local dealer, and Alvin from Grand Prix, I am really looking forward to this. I can finally get that big wall unit out of there. That is fantastic news on getting the Playback. I have heard from a few people that it is the real deal. I have also seen that stores website in my wandering around. It does look like a top shelf store. The Brinkman Balance look fantastic. But as you say, let your ears and your wallet dictate what you get. For me that will be a Nottingham 294 with a Dynavector Phono Preamp and Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. Since the last TT I was over 15 years ago I am sure that this will be a nice step back into analog. Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.

mikeduke

Hey OB,
I am ordering the Monaco Rack this Sat. Can't wait. I have my long list of items that I want to do now. It may take a while, but it will be worth it. So is it the ML3 or Analog, or is it just the ML3 and... Nothing :).

mikeduke

As far a the Jazz that I have that I like,
Dave Brubeck, Wes Montgomery, Hampton Hawes, Wynton Kelly Trio
I would also through Sonny Rollins in there as well. So I am dipping my toe in the Jazz pool. If you have any more that you feel I might find interesting, that would be great.

mikeduke

Well,
I like mainly Rock, Blues, Hard Rock. I am getting into Jazz a bit.
EX of stuff I like:Allman Brothers, Little Feat, SRV, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Traffic. But I also like Diana Krall. I mainlyjust wander over to some online store and see what grabs me. But if you have any suggestions, that would be great.
Thanks

mikeduke

I marked a few down that sounded interetsing to me. I will add that one to the list. Thanks

mikeduke

Thanks
I have already bookmarked the site and will see looks interesting for me.

mikeduke

So besides the specific K2 recordings do you also recommend their SACD's and XRCD's? Do you think they are a cut above the others that are out in other places.

mikeduke

Thanks OB.
I will check them out for sure. Like I said, always trying to find new stuff that will sound good on my system.

mikeduke

He is the owner of FIM right?. I don't think so.
I am trying to broaden my habits a bit. I have some XRCD's and XRCD24's. Mostly Jazz and a few acoustic and Blues. But my habits are mainly Blues and Rock. But that does not mean that I don't want to try new stuff. My player can upsample redbook to about 1/2 of DSD. But it does have DSD interface for SACD's. Like I said, I am trying out new music to see what else I like. I have not bought anything in a while, but I may start again.
Thanks again

mikeduke

Yea, I am excited to see what happens with this. If I remember correctly, a TT may be in the future? As far as 2ch, is it mainly CD XRCD? Or do you also listen to SACD as well.
Just wondering. My system sounds great, IMO of course, with HI Rez SACD and 2ch DVD-A.

mikeduke

The Monaco is what I am going to get. I am getting a 4 shelf Monaco rack and a 4 shelf Nobility Audio rack. Everything I have read and all the people I have talked to have indicated that it will be an asset to my system. I don't no if you mentioned it, but has your ratio of 2ch/mch/movies changed since the room has been changed?

mikeduke

Thanks OB.
I need to get the new racks in there and snap some pictures. Then I might see what they say about my situation. It would really be pointless to show them my room now. But I like having options.

mikeduke

"as you can see is well trapped with various size tube traps in a plan provided by Acoustic Science Corp."
This is an area that I have neglected to address. My room is small :(. It is 12.5'x9.5'x8'. I am in the process of getting rid of that huge wall unit that I have. I don't know if I ever showed you a picture of it, but based on all of the response I have gotten on it, I should be glad that my system has not been taken away from me :). I am looking at Grand Prix for the most critical components and either Nobility or Sound Anchor for the other components.
After that room treatments will be addressed. My dealer that I am buying the racks from has Echo Busters.

What does ASC do when you ask for a recommendation? Do they just say "I think this is the path you should take?" Do they put you in contact with someone who will do it? Or do they just sell you the stuff and you have to do it yourself.
Thanks

mikeduke

I like the new pictures of the room and equipment. It makes me jealous that my room is so small. The Gotham subs looks right in place in that room. I have no doubt that they sound fantastic.

mikeduke