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

Owner
System edited: System Edit: Out with the old and in with the new. Some updated photos showing the room with lights on and off. Could not get better pictures with absolute darkness so shadows will be seen. The Gotham subs have now been integrated perfectly with both the audio as well as the video side of the room. I cannot believe that for half the size and wight of my prior Wilson XS these subs can literally shake my house

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

If memory serves me correctly I sent you a copy of that demo disk that I use which had that Pretenders cut on it. If not let me know and I will make it available to you.

You are correct....I did say that listening to so many systems and variables, for me the only constant is the music. That is why I always take with me my demo disks which highlight all different forms of music. This is the way IMO to compare systems

oneobgyn

Owner
Rob

My very close friend and audiophile buddy is a dealer

oneobgyn

Sorry I missed your listening sessions with the ML3. It's somewhat heartening(to us poorer folks) to hear that, "one can only dream about owning the ML 3's", as that is the exact same thing that occurs to people involved with this hobby at a lower price range. So, when people say, "if I only had X amount of money, I would be happy", they are wrong. For instance, I just discovered a $1200 preamp/DAC that beats my $5700 preamp/cd player. So keep looking folks, you may be suprised. Just don't listen to Oneobgyn's system, because you will be disappointed in your own(just kidding!). Actually, I learned some things listening to his system, that I can take with me to other auditions. One of the main ideas that Oneobgyn gave me was proper software. The cd or record is the one thing that doesn't change when auditioning equipment. I'm still trying to duplicate that Pretender's song on other systems.

mmakshak

Oneobgyn, any Lamm dealers in the Bay Area?

rdb001

Owner
Elberoth2

I only use NOS tubes when I do tube rolling. Glad to see you found a great answer to the ARC standard fare

oneobgyn

Guido, Doc - new production Tungsol 6550 is a weak sauce. I just got the REAL Tungsol - NOS Black Plate from 1955 ! Tube World sells them for $400 a piece, oughhh. I did not have had a chance to try it yet since I change players almost weekly (I'm continuing my quest for the best integrated CDP) and I do not want to put to many variables into the mix. I have also ordered some NOS 6H30-DR tubes as well. So stay tuned. I will keep you posted.

Adam

elberoth2

Owner
Hi Rob

Thank you for your kind compliments. I looked at virtually every prepro in the market having sold my Krell HTS 7.1. With my new Sony BDP S-2000ES which uses HDMI 1.3, I can pass a 1080p24 signal into my new Lexicon MC12HD Balanced which also uses HDMI 1.3. As a reult my Sim2 C3X will play Blu-Ray movies at 1080p24. The Lexicon was the only one to use HDMI 1.3 and 1080p24.
As for the Lamm ML 3 Reference, it is the best amp my ears have ever heard in my 35 years of audiophilia

oneobgyn

Looking forward to the pictures. I am thrilled that you decided to add the subs to your system as I am building a similar, albeit smaller scale, system. I have the Sony Blu-ray, a PS3 (which is better actually), Wilson Duettes, a Reference 3, Bel Canto e.One REF1000 amps, a Transporter and a Kuro plasma (everything is black/gloss black). New upgrades in the next month will be JL subs (most likely a pair of Fathom 112s given the size of my room), a projector (any suggestions for a smaller multipurpose living room with normal daylight?) and perhaps a pre-pro but I am forever waiting for the right one to be released (I have auditioned or am trying to audition all that have been mentioned in this thread). New amps are also under consideration. I love the AR Reference line and also the Ayre MX-Rs, but would love to hear the ML3 as well. I guess I will wait and see what the Fathoms do before I upgrade the amps as they sound great now.

rdb001

Owner
System edited: System Edit: Video system installation finally completed and all I can say is that this new Sim2 C3X 1080 PJ at 28 lbs throws an 11 foot picture with such startling brightness and clarity that I have been unable to leave the room. It has rekindled my love for video

oneobgyn

Owner
Hi Guido

As I have said many times here I have done no tube rolling with my Ref 3 as I am very happy with the sound. Perhaps when it is time to retube I will consider your advice. I will look forward to your updates as the tubes are burned in

oneobgyn

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

Owner
Jackd220

For those who have heard the ML3 it is an experience that is difficult to put into words. I am glad that you heard them (presumably at this year's CES). I couldn't make it this year but am a frequent attendee. The rooms however IMO rarely convey the full benefits of any piece of gear and the foot traffic in and out of rooms is very distracting. I have been privileged to have on loan a pair of these ML 3 reference amps from Vladimir. Simply put, "hearing is believing" as nothing short of listening can put into words the enormity of this amp.

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

Our meeting unfortunately came and went 2 days ago with several of our members present for this rare treat. First off there are (believe it) two BAAS, the original one and the one formed by myself and other members from AVS Forum who got together one Saturday afternoon at my house several years ago for a listening session. We had so much fun that we decided we should get together on a regular basis to do it again. The name we chose unbeknownst to us already was taken, so over on AVS some members term our club BADAS. At any rate the listening session was nothing short of jaw dropping for everyone present. Vladimir has hit a home run with his ML 3 Reference. Music has just never sounded so real. We listened both with and without the Gotham subs turned on. The general conscensus was that there is no need for the use of the Gothams in my two channel listening as the ML was simply that good. Granted the subs are far from broken in and their final position has not been established yet in the room. Also I remain uncertain as to their proper phase adjustment. One of our members brought an RTA in order to take measurements but we never got around to it because we were all so engulfed in the music. The amps handled every genre of music presented and even at extraordinarily high volumes without once even clipping. I have all too often asserted here that IMO the ML 2.1 is the finest amp I have ever owned. It remains such (inasmuch as I don't own the ML 3). Having heard Vladimir's ML3 I can only add that the bar has been raised more than just a notch. This now is the amp against which all others will be compared. One can only dream about owning the ML 3. It is simply "that good".

oneobgyn

I would be very interested in attending. I just met the BAAS's president recently, and need to join it.

mmakshak

I'm baby sitting a pair of ML2.1s now and I must say that they have a purity of tone about them that is quite unique. That is until I heard the ML3s.

When Vladimir played the Liszt Piano Concerto on the ML3s I teared. I felt like a wuss. A happy wuss. Not happy because I'm going to own a pair anytime soon but happy that attention to music played SOFTLY has come this far in this age of boom and sizzle.

Congratulations on a fantastic system Oneobgyn. More magic to you and those lucky enough to be invited into your private sanctum.

jackd220

Owner
Mmakshak

Interesting observation about the ML 2.1's but the Gothams add just that little bit of extra to finish the puzzle. Presently I have on loan from Vladimir his new ML 3 Reference and having played that alone in my system I can say that there is absolutely no need to use the Gothams as the ML 3 provides more than adequate bass response. If you are interested I am planning a listening session of our Bay Area Audio Society so that members can have a chance to hear these amps as wellas the Gotham subs. Let me know if you want to attend.

oneobgyn

We're looking forward to seeing the pictures, and thanks for the ASC answer. The Lamm's had visceral impact in drums. I know that's not how visceral is usually used, but that Pretender's song was lead by drums at times. On other systems that part gets left out. You don't feel it in the gut, but you lose the feel of the song.

mmakshak

Owner
System Edit

Both JL Audio Gotham subs showed up this weekend and I managed (with the help of my son) to get them uncrated and set up. I must say that the way they come packaged is extraordinary. After the box is removed there are instructions how to uncrate them, move them and set them up. They come in a neat cloth bag which, once removed, there are two pair of white gloves to be used in the move and to prevent any fingerprinting of the piano black gloss finish. They also include silicone bricks to be placed under ther speaker feet to allow for easy moving on carpet. I did have to use the Musical Fidelity Tube Buffer as I have previously posted to minimize strain on my ARC Ref 3 which was now passing 2 loads in parallel. This little tweak with its accompanying power supply works fine. As for the subs, they are amazing and compete admirably with my previous Wilson XS. The sub allows for microphone Automatic Room Optimization at the listening position as well as phase alignment and polarity. Because I use my Wilson X-2's full range and the Gothams to bring up the bottom I have been experimenting with appropriate crossover. Presently I am finding that they perform best when crossed over between 30-40 Hz using 4th order crossover. This minimizes adding extra and unnecessary midrange volume. So far the subs are breaking in and are virtually inviible in the system. Should the subs be able to be localized in the room then there is too much midrange and they are crossed over too high. My Wilson X-2's go down to 19.5 Hz but driven with the Lamm ML 2.1's there is a lacking of that visceral bass impact. Together now the Gothams with the X-2's seem to be producing magic. Pictures will be posted after my HT is installed Jan 22-26th

oneobgyn

Owner
As you may remeber I have a very tall ceiling and so at the advice of ASC I did stack each trap for maximum sound damping. As you found out room treatment is IMO probably the single most improvement anyone can do to improve their sound system. Congratulations

oneobgyn

Owner
I will answer the lasrt question first ....

Believe it!!

Having heard a pair of the JL Audio Gotham subs at a friend's home in Dallas in his audio setup and hearing their versatility I returned to California and offered my XS and Krell 750 MCX for sale here on Audiogon. As I have said here many times the XS is an amazing sub. I was however redoing the video side of my room and wanted a pair of subs to negate room nodes. The XS is out of production and even if I found one I worried that all the extra weight in my room at that front end would be precarious (my room is on the second floor), as well as needing extra room along the front for a larger screen. Also the Gotham is simply the best sub that I have ever heard. BTW, my Gothams arrive this week. Stay tuned.

I will answer your other question later.

oneobgyn

I should flesh-out that fabric-covered plastic thing a little, although I think it's more important to put some acoustic device if you are faced with a similiar open door that is close to behind a speaker. It looks like a DIY(except for that arrow). It is 19 inches by 19 inches. The front has 4 cavities of 3 different widths. I also use two ASC tube traps, an RPG abfussor, and Cathedral Sound Panels(try'em before you criticize them). I retired some Lernd(?) bass traps. There is no possible way that that Wilson subwoofer left your room, Oneobgyn. We will need photo proof, or hospital paperwork from the movers.

mmakshak

Since you did your ASC tube traps in stages, can you give me an idea what stacking them does? I liked what one 9-inch did when placed between my speakers. I'de like to mention one thing I did that improved the sound from one side. I put a plastic thing(with an arrow showing direction on its back), with fabric covering it, on the wall behind the speaker. This speaker has a door opening fairly close behind it. I don't know the name of this acoustic device(I bought it from Justlisten.). Anyhow, for those people with similiar situations, I would recommend doing something like this. It added some detail that was missing-maybe disappearing into the opening? Placement in the vertical direction was done by ear. Horizontal placement was dictated by a mirror strip that I wanted to cover.

mmakshak

Owner
Jeffrey

I know Meridian is a very good pre/pro but also very pricey. IMO there are strong contenders in the market now for a whole lot less money

oneobgyn

Obgyn,

Great, thanks!

jkalman

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