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
"You are very welcome, doc. Please let me know (cc to Albert) when you plan to come here."

Ish...as you know, one of my close friends lives in Dallas. He too is an audiophile to the Nth degree. I am hoping to get out there this summer to spend some time hearing his system as well as yours and Albert Porter's. Sounds like a fun time

oneobgyn

You are very welcome, doc. Please let me know (cc to Albert) when you plan to come here.

gallant_diva

Doc if you travel to Dallas I will come get you, where ever you are. We have a nice group of audiophiles and would love to meet you.

As time grows closer PLEASE email me for my contact info. If you happen to be here for a Tuesday night the gang will be here listening too.

albertporter

Owner
Just got back from San Francisco where my wife and I saw Jersey Boys. Absolutely a four star performance. For those of us who grew up with Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, this is a must see. Was able to Tivo the Super Bowl game which I thought was lack luster. The commercials weren't so good either.

Thanks Gallant Diva and Albert Porter. It is my hope to make it to Dallas this year and be beating on your doors to hear your systems.

I must admit that I am getting the itch for analog

oneobgyn

Wow a Doctor and a delivery guy, was it UPS? HAHAHAHA
Seriously, congrats and best wishes in the next chapter of your life!

chadnliz

Valentines day + 10,000 deliveries !

The postman always rings twice, what about the Doc :^).

albertporter

doc, you have certainly contributed, both to the national population and audio, a rare feat.

gallant_diva

A wonderful Valentines day!

dgad

Owner
Feb 14th is my last day after almost 35 years and 10,000 deliveries.

Time now to start doing some other things.

oneobgyn

Or worse, force you to postpone retirement.

dgad

Owner
Dgad

Darn, but you've got my juces running hot.

As Michael Corleone in Godfather lll said "just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in"

It could be a whole lot worse however. The only thing that this hobby can do is bankrupt you.

oneobgyn

Mmakshak & Oneobgyn,

Vinyl does not need a ton of money. Just the right synergy. One thing off and you need to start from scratch figuring out where you are going wrong. Not necessarily spending money.

What have I not liked? Nothing. What I have found is that the wrong arm, wrong cartridge & you are off. Right arm, right cartridge and no break in & you are off. Wrong phono stage and you are off. Etc etc. I would suggest purchasing a proven system that you have heard to start. Get it set up correctly & you will have wonderful enjoyable music.

Schroder, ZYX Universe w. Raven or Galiber is a guaranteed hit for many. Jade w. Ikeda or Walker TT is a hit. Phantom w. Titan or ZYX etc. We must judge from peoples experiences and their feedback to learn. But if your VTA is way off you will not be happy. I have had cartridges take over 200 hours to break in. And then you need to change your load, VTA, & VTF all over. When I do judge I always check the room dimensions and if the system is capable of low frequency performance. Too many people make conclusions without have a system that is full spectrum. How many times I have heard wonderful analogue on speakers that don't have bass. Then once setup on a full range system and you learn the shortcomings.

Oneobgyn. Your system will reveal all. You have no choice but to find a cartridge that excels full range.

On a personal note, I am curious about the Colibri but hear different experiences both extremely positive or negative from different people. Same w. the Dynavector and the Allaerts. The 2 in the above paragraph are better than CD/SACD for me. That was not always the case. But SACD can get very close.

dgad

Owner
"Analogue changed everything for me"

Analog was my very first system. I can even remember some of the first albums I had and loved
Belafonte at Carnegie Hall
The Weavers at Carnegie Hall
The Limelighters
Pat Boone (OK go ahead and laugh)
Johnny Mathis
Porgy and Bess
Carousel
Ella Fitzgerald etc etc to name but a few

Over the years I collected several 1000 albums and then suddenly there was CD. I was amazed that something as this could reproduce music. It was identical to my first impressions odf the Sony Betamax when it debuted in the early 1970's. My first player was a Kyocera which loaded upright from the front. I was smitten but stupidly I sold all of my albums.

I will never deny what you all are saying with authority because it IS true. Until such a time however, I am truly loving my digital gear which together with the ARC Ref 3 through the X-2's produces some of the best music that I have ever enjoyed. Once the video side is back to standard I am hoping to take a dive back in. In fact when Mike Lavigne was at my house for a weekend last year he brought me a Reference album which to this day remains unopened. My promise is that this will be the first album played when the analog is up and running.

oneobgyn


"if there is money left over then analog will become a priority...I will however never part with my Meitner gear"

Looking forward to reading about your vinyl habit. Analogue changed everything for me

Rum

rumney510

Owner
Mmakshak

get in touch with me by phone or e-mail and let's set a time for some fun listening. I believe that I can give you some input regarding room modifications.

oneobgyn

Owner
" It really fullfills the neurotic hobbyist side of me"

Dgad...this pretty much says it all when it comes to all of us.

Unfortunately my love for video is as long as my love for audio. I started with the very first Sony Betamax and a Kloss Novabeam projection TV in 1974 and have gone through countless systems since then.

Once I am fully retired in the next few weeks I will devote my energies to the video upgrade and if there is money left over then analog will become a priority...I will however never part with my Meitner gear

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn, I consider it an honor that you have asked me back. Thank you! I've consulted some people, who I respect, to give me some direction in this second audition. Dgad, I've been having so many problems with my analog, that could you tell us what analog system you have, and what you've discovered along the way? Oneobgyn, I look forward to hearing what you have to say about room acoustics. My acoustic treatment, so far, had to do with a bass boom that was diminished with some bass traps.

mmakshak

Oneobgyn,

I myself have decided to avoid video other than a very basic system. This hobby is too much to go all the way on all ends. Now that LCDs are not expensive as before I just might bite. Funny I have SOTA analogue & CD but no hard disc system or flat panel video or projector. For me it is a decided sacrifice for now. I have a friend who did a projection & screen for under 2K. Something I need to see. I bet it is good enough for a "starter" system. Analogue gives me too much pleasure. It really fullfills the neurotic hobbyist side of me. I love the adjusting. I must say I have stopped adjusting as of recent. Too much risk in ruining a great thing. I finally have it all. Kind of scary. It just all snapped into place. It is either the tonearm / cartridge synergy or the final addition of the vibration isolation. My thinking is if you want to play go for analogue. It will take effort and occupy your time. If you want to set it & forget it go for video. You won't be able to adjust things as much (maybe I am wrong). Good luck either way.

dgad

Owner
Dgad

I cannot disagree with your comments. My biggest sorrow in this hobby was that years ago I got out of analog and sold not only all of my gear but also 1000's of vinyl recordings.

I do love the sound of analog and i am debating seriously about getting back in again. However, my video side is woefully out of date and i want to redo it this year. I am retiring officially on Feb 14th after 35 years (and some 10,000 deliveries) of doing Ob/Gyn. I am looking forward to some serious R&R and devoting more time to this hobby. As far as speakers, front end gear etc,etc, I am truly done. I have no desires to switch or trade anything. For me the quest is over. It is a toe tapping, grin on my face experience whenever I have the time to listen. Vinyl is intriguing nonetheless.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,

Once you add analogue you might 1, find again no end to the changes, 2 decide you need to upgrade your CD front end, 3 just forget about CD, 4 just be happy as you are now. Your safest bet would be to not do anything and be happy right now. I don't listen to my EMM Stack at all since going to Analogue. CD is "Car Only" music. There is a but there. Sometimes you just need to hear something only on CD that must go on some big speakers & sound almost there in the room.

dgad

Owner
Shade of Pale---great moniker BTW

For me the quest is over. IMO I have reached audio nirvana. I have no desires to change anything other than perhaps to add analog later this year. Thanks for your kind comments.

oneobgyn

Wow what a lovely system, very nice sounding certainly and nice looking too, a great musical aproach and a fine gear combination.
A work of a master.

shade_of_pale

Owner
Hi Mmakshak

Let's get together soon and be sure to bring as many of your demo disks as you want. I always find listening sessions with fellow audiophiles to be fun and rewarding

As far as my bass traps in the corners of the room they do reach almost to the ceiling (especially at the front of the room).

The design for the sound traps in my room was done by http://www.acousticsciences.com. They will provide a CAD rendering at no charge once you provide them with room dimensions as well as speaker and sitting location as well as where the gear is stacked. I followed their instructions and did the room in stages starting initially with the front and back bass traps and sound planks on the front wall. I then did the sides of the room in stages. The end result IMO proved more than satisfactory.

oneobgyn

Shoot, I thought that I answered you. I'm sorry, and very appreciative of your offer. I was tied up(at Ori's), but now I'm not, so I will try to contact you. I thought I had many more cd's than I had before in the last listening session, but after a listening at Ori's, I may only have a few worth listening to on your system. I will contact you shortly. My bass traps helped with a boom problem, and I thought I would continue them to the ceiling, but I noticed in your system, and another picture from an audio retailer, that you guys don't have anything in the upper corners. Any thoughts on that?

mmakshak

Owner
Mmakshak...I feel that another listening session is in order for you and I at my house so that we can discuss all of your questions. Contact me by e-mail or phone so that we can arrange it

oneobgyn

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