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

Oneobgyn, this is what is bothering me. How can I get some of those dynamics you had? For instance, I have to get a preamp. Would a tube preamp be better for the dynamics? I hesitate on tubes because of aging(both mine, and the tubes), and I don't even use a Conrad Johnson PV-6 that I have, because of unreliabity. I would prefer solid-state due to reliability-especially at my price-point. I do know that my speakers are very inefficient(Ori's 3-watt amp had trouble driving them.). Maybe if I improve the speakers(efficiency) in the future, that would help the dynamics?

mmakshak

Oneobgyn, thank you for those discs! Unfortunately, I'm going to need your system to fully appreciate them. A moving van is on the way. In the meantime, my preamp developed a hum problem(I left it on all the time, even though it is on when plugged in. Big mistake!) BTW, do you have any advice on a preamp? My brother is willing to spring for $1,200 for the Nuforce P8(which allows for full credit towards their P9). I want to mention that Oneobgyn has tuned his acoustic treatment himself, and his speakers-which are adjustable, were adjusted by Oneobgyn. My brother had the sweet-spot, and I mostly listened sitting on where the couches came together. Let me tell you though, the cut that really impressed me("Private Lies"?, live, by the Pretenders) was heard while listening there. He had me move to an ottoman right behind my brother, and sure enough, I heard more detail there. I just want to say that the sound, either place, was fast and super-dynamic. That same Pretenders' cut, at home, was a very good song, but at Oneobgyn's it had, what I call, a Scorpio effect. By that, I mean, I would never have thought of the way the song was done, or doing it that way. Think Neil Young, Dwayne Almond, maybe Ricki Lee Jones(all Scorpio's), here. That song makes perfect sense in a mediocre system(mine). It does not make sense(in the way that I described it) in Oneobgyn's system. I'm not sure I've expressed my meaning here. In Oneobgyn's system, I said, to myself, that I would never even think of doing the song like that. In my system, it was just a great song. Some of the other cuts on those CDr's are buried, a little, in the hum-but I will be hearing them on other people's systems. I want to bring Oneobgyn's talents into the audio area. I previewed what I said, and I'm not sure I've expressed the overwhelming effect that Oneobgyn's system has on cd's.

mmakshak

Owner
Statman

This is what life is all about...specifically making enough time for the things that we all really love and enjoy.

To me I have reached audio nirvana. This may sound somewhat selfish and self centered but honestly ALL of us in this hobby at some point must say "enough is enough" and enjoy where we are. At some point changing systems is tantamount to only changing the flavor of what we hear and nothing more, The flavor of a sound is ever changing and for me "the buck stops here". I love what I have and will never change other than to add vinyl to the mix. That will only come if and when economics allows such. Happy listening. Statman...you must hear Jordan's system. it is terrific and then when you are in this neck of the woods I would love to host a listening session for you.

oneobgyn

Steve,

Congratulations on retiring,you deserve it. I'm still holding you to an audition next time I'm up your way. I still have to call Jordan back for a meet also. I just never seem to have enough time to do it? Enjoy.

Vern

statman

Owner
Gajgmusic

Gary I just got back from a weekend conference on Aesthetics in Orange County. Of note was that many of the attendees were Internists, ENT's, Ophthalmologists and Obg's. Everyone it seems are just anxious to get away from the mainstream where we are burdoned by third party payors and HMO's etc who don't give a damn about doctors let alone the patients they cover. Merely it is all about their CEO's taking annual salaries in the order of $15-$25 million/year while we the caregivers fight for every damn $10 co-pay. I loved what I did for the best 35 years of my life and decided that it was not only time to retire but also to invest my time in other interests. Our medspa is turning out to be something wonderful. It is a great way to achieve wonderful results and to derive alternative income. The best thing about it is that there are no nights or weekend on call and I can set my own hours. I am also spending more time listening to music which I really love as well as plan on the much needed upgrade to the video side of my room. Like you I don't know what being in my prime is. As far as I am concerned I will always be there because as long as we all enjoy life we will always feel that we are in our prime

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

Just finished burning the two demo disks for you that you heard at my house.

They will go out in the mail for you this week.

Enjoy and happy listening.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn:

I am a thoracic surgeon and I do think I am just in my prime (whatever that means). I agree fully with the outside interests, it keeps you young and sane. Not to mention family. At the end of the day, when the job is done, it is all those things that will keep you going. Take care

Gary

gajgmusic

Oneobgyn, good luck on your Medspa. I'm hoping that anything that has to do with healing will be included? I have to mention this. Do you try to get people to underestimate you? The reason that I state this is that it would be a complete mistake. Please forgive me if I went too far with this statement. I want your input in audio(selfishly).

mmakshak

Owner
Jeff

Indeed Feb 14th was my last day. It was a very strange feeling walking out of the office and driving home. I must say that the strangeness however was very short lived and replaced by feelings of jubilation. I am devoting my full time energies now to the Medspa which I opened in Danville in August 2006. If that becomes successful there is definitely a turntable planned as an addition to my room. Presently however I am really enjoying life. I have been sleeping in and going to the club each day for some much needed exercise. Tomorrow I am leaving for Orange County for a long weekend with my wife. Stay tuned

As for those Watt Puppies they will show up at some point for you....

oneobgyn

Wow, Steve, I hadn't heard that February 14th would be your last day. I guess that those closest to you are the last to know (at least those DIRECTLY DOWN STAIRS and those referring to you in this case?) I had heard that you might be giving up OB.

Well, you've been a great asset to the community. It will be a loss when you hang up the shingle, but you do deserve to slow down and enjoy some time for yourself.

Now, about those Watts...LOL

wherryj

Doc,
In response to your question/comment earlier...

I am a 3rd year Med student in Chicago and am looking forward to going into EM. I've seen Ob/Gyn do their thing and I am grateful for each and every one of you. May your retirement be a peaceful and satisfying one!

And keep up the great audio adventure!

Joey

joey_v

Owner
Gary....not so sure what your specialty is but 15 years merely puts you in the prime of your career.

Always stay active with other pursuits so that early burn out does not become an issue.

oneobgyn

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

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

Guido

thank you for the wise and sage comments. I made a copy of your post to show my wife.

oneobgyn

Owner
Gregadd..

I agree with your comments. When I lived in Southern California I was on the Clinical Faculty of UC Irvine and was involved in Resident training. Not only was it fun and rewarding it also served to keep me sharp and as up to date on all the current literature.Perhaps retirement is only a figment of my imagination.

oneobgyn

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

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

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

Guido

guidocorona

Congradulations on the retirement. I would give a lot of thought to teaching, it will keep you young and active (perhaps more than audio). It is also a way to give back to the profession, which I suspect has given you a lot. I must say after 15 years in practice, I can't really see myself retiring, but this too will come. All the best.

Gary

gajgmusic

Despite alll our criticism of young people thier enthsiasim is infectious. They really want to do the right thing. Someone just nedds to tell them what that is. A law student called me "sir" yesterday.
While I beleive that lawyers and and doctors should one day quit their jobs they should never retire. There is so much work out there. So many people who can't afford it. Just my opinion.

gregadd

Owner
Mmakshak

As always it was a treat to have hosted you and your brother. I am happy that you enjoyed those demo disks that I played and I will burn some copies and send them to you.

My specialty as you point out has been very demanding over all of these years. Today I did my last delivery. It was very interesting and somewhat nostalgic because the patient was a daughter of a patient of mine who I have cared for over many years. It made me feel like a grandfather...which I am 4 times over.

Tomorrow afternoon the cutains come down on my career and the stage will be bare. The memories however will never fade.

Best regards.

oneobgyn

Owner
"2 days till you retire, Doc!

It's funny how I'm going in while you're going out... though I hope to have a system that can be compared to yours one day. A great collection of music machines you have there! As always, love your system, Doc!"

Joey...if you are embarking on either medical school or Residency, my advice is simple...consider the profession much the same as this hobby of audio in which we all indulge...the path should always be considered a journey and not a destination. Enjoy it and all of my best wishes. It has provided for me countless experiences as well as establishing many friendships..always follow the oath..."Do no harm"

Best regards

oneobgyn

Owner
"...teaching may be an option"

Gregadd...a very close friend of mine is the Professor of Perinatal Medicine at Stanford and has previously asked mre if I were intrerested in doing some clinical teaching there. I am seriously considering it. Kaiser Walnut Creek is also an option as well as UC San Francisco for devoting some time to the Residents and Fellows in training. I have been giving it some serious thought. First and foremost however is to get my Medspa which I opened in Danville off the ground. It has been a pleasant aside for me to do something different and we are very close to becoming profitable.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn, thank you for lessons on audio! We realized early on that your system is not comparable to ours. I do think room acoustics are very important, also. More important than people realize? Sorry about the mix-up on Neil Young. My brother's best friend gave it to him for his birthday. I still can't believe that "Pretenders" song(BTW, do you know the name of it?). We were energized, and ended up talking about it for three or four hours. People might not understand that you were basically on call 24/7 for those 35 years, unless babies arrive on a schedule?

mmakshak

2 days till you retire, Doc!

It's funny how I'm going in while you're going out... though I hope to have a system that can be compared to yours one day. A great collection of music machines you have there! As always, love your system, Doc!

Joey

joey_v

...teachning may be an option?

gregadd

Owner
Statman...thanks for the well wishes.

As an aside i was watching "Click" last night at home with my wife. I found the ending to be so indicative of most of us. For me it is almost as if I am wanting my remote control to stop the "auto fast forward" as I have seen all too often so many of my friends and colleagues working their entire lives chasing rainbows and never knowing when it is time to say "enough is enough". For me after almost 35 years of practising this specialty I have finally been able to feel content with my decision. I am looking forward now to enjoying so many things that I heretofore could not...most specifically having time to spend with my family and friends.

I am hoping that you can get to hear Jordan's system as well as mine in the very near future

oneobgyn

Congratulations on your upcoming retirement Dr! ;) I still want to check out your system right after I listen to Jordan's first. I swear between you two I'll never finish what I started.

statman

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