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, I believe that you have much to give us. I do believe that you are reticent in this area. There could be many reasons, some of which are pertainent. Let it go, Oneobgyn, you are near the forefront of reproduced music! Your ideas have got to be, at least, interesting. Very few people have what you have. If you let those ideas go, no matter how weird they are, you will be helping!

mmakshak

Owner
I have a very close friend who was the owner of a very high end audio store in San Francisco who had a vey elaborate system. In his business he sold and set up some amazing systems which obviously all sounded different. As a result when he came to my house for a listen whenever I changed or added a new piece of gear he always brought with his compilation of demo disks. His comments to me was that the music is "the only constant and non variable". In other words, he knew how this music sounded at his house as well as others. Many of the tracks elucidated clearly the human voice or piano or bass or other essentials to delineate a system etc. He would move quickly from track to track and listen to only very short portions of each to comment on each particular aspect of a system. In fact he made me copies of his demo disks some of which I played for you when you were at my house.

oneobgyn

Can I mention something, Oneobgyn. This has haunted,or been running through my head, me since you said it. The one thing that you can count on are the recordings(cd's). I guess, what that means is that that is the one constant. Maybe, Oneobgyn, you can give us further thoughts in this area. I know that I've been thinking about that since you mentioned it to me. One of the things I'm assuming here, is to bring the recordings that you are familiar with to any audition? I do know that "Celtic Spirits", as far as volume goes, has me thinking(Your system versus my system.). That was a recording that I had listened to on my system a lot.

mmakshak

No doubt. I'm coming over to collect your whole system. That's the only way to know for sure, don't you think? Exactly how can we transport your whole room to my house? I'm am curious about the sound stage placement as it pertains to volume. Do you have any ideas in this area? There is also a question on Audiogon about two-channel versus, let's say, 5.1, when it comes to digital. You have both, I believe, and, maybe, can give some insight. This discussion is on Audiogon, "When is digital going to get the soul of music". It's mostly toward the end of the discussion, but D_Edwards has a lot to say about it.

mmakshak

Owner
Mmakshak

As for dynamics, IMO this is the sum of the whole system which also includes the room modifications. As I stated I used http://www.acousticsciences.com

I believe they provided me with an exceptional plan and you can chime in as you have heard my system.

oneobgyn

Owner
"he has a Krell 600 also(I believe that is correct.), and the question of dynamics rests with Oneobgyn."

Hi Mmakshak

It is actually a Krell 750 Mcx which I use to drive my Wilson XS subwoofer. It definitely provides the oomph needed to drive a 750 lb subwoofer

oneobgyn

Davabar, I think Oneobgyn might be too modest to say anything negative. I do want to point out that Oneobgyn has a completely dedicated room to audio/video, with a complete acoustical treatment. That's what I want to point out-his acoutical treatment. I've listened in two audio designer's rooms, and neither had Oneobgyn's acoustics. I don't mean this to be negative to you, but maybe to point out a possible avenue to investigate. I am not good in this area, also. I just think that I heard differences between those 3 systems that had to do with acoustics(among other things-we're talking affordable here.).

mmakshak

Crisla, I can't answer your question about dynamics. I can say that dynamics never crossed my mind while listening to Oneobgyn's system. Of course, his system is not something that I could afford, but I can mention that he has a Krell 600 also(I believe that is correct.), and the question of dynamics rests with Oneobgyn.

mmakshak

Owner
Hi Davabar

Thank you for your kind comments

Although I have not personally heard your speakers, I have friends who have heard them and speak accolades about them. I have said many times that this hobby is not a destination but merely a journey. The enjoyment of it all by whatever means is what gives each of us satisfaction and brings smiles to our faces.Happy listening.

oneobgyn

Wow...I totally agree with your philosophy. Love the Alexandrias, the lamms and the Audio Research. Check my rig out. I'd be really interested in yor feedback.

Dave

davabar

Owner
"Stereophile reviews your Audio Research Reference 3 in this month's issue. I haven't read it yet, but what are your impressions of their review?"

I haven't read the review yet however of all of the countless preamps that I have owned, this is hands down the overall best.

oneobgyn

You're kidding, right? The was the best listening environment I've ever been in. One area that was intriguing to me was the plane that the main sound was coming from. What I mean is maybe the distance from the listener, and how it varied. I thought that you mostly liked the sound at a certain distance(I thought it was close to the plane of the speakers, but memory is hazy.). Certainly, when we lowered the volume on "Celtic Spirit", the sound went way back. BTW, Stereopnile reviews your Audio Research Reference 3 in this month's issue. I haven't read it yet, but what are your impressions of their review?

mmakshak

Owner
"Oneobgyn, can you give us further information on acoustics? You have a completely dedicated room for audio, which most of us can't have, but maybe you could help us tame some of our nasties? For instance, I have one speaker near a corner and one near an opening. Any advice would be appreciated."

Mmakshak

Actually I don't . You have been to my house and heard my system and even though 2 channel stereo is still my first love my room also has an integrated HT. Having said that I must say that room acoustics is paramount in superlative sound. Many here have gone the way of Rives audio which indeed is wondeful. Rather I chose to use a different approach and went with the people at http://www.acousticsciences.com. They did a complete CAD rendering of my room based on photos and measurements that I supplied. From this I used their tube traps and sound planks as they recommended and I have been totally satisfied with the outcome. You were the judge. What were your impressions?

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn, can you give us further information on acoustics? You have a completely dedicated room for audio, which most of us can't have, but maybe you could help us tame some of our nasties? For instance, I have one speaker near a corner and one near an opening. Any advice would be appreciated.

mmakshak

Very nice setup. For hometheatre, I think Wilson rocks for sure, I had a Watchwith 6 Watt Puppies round, moving to the beach meant the hometheatre went bye bye though, life's unfair tradeoffs :) I was really curious about the Lamms, they are that much better eh? I would have thought you would lose some dynamics with 18 wpc. You;ve certainly done it up right!

Cheers!
Chris

mount_rose_music

Owner
It was a rare treat for me this evening to host Ken Stevens, the owner of Convergent Audio Technology. He was anxious to hear my X-2's and it gave opportunity as well to have him audition the Lamm ML 2.1's, which at 18 wpc are vastly different than his JL-3's. All in all he had a good time and seemed to enjoy my setup.

oneobgyn

Owner
Rare treat for me this upcoming week-end to be able to host Ken Stevens (from C.A.T.) at my house. My neighbor owns a very serious (Sirius lll TT with CAT JL3). Ken is in for the Rolling Stones Concert in Oakland and will be staying with my buddy over the weekend. They will be coming by for an audition of my X-2/Lamm ML 2.1 set-up. Needless to say a very different sound than his JL 3's.

Stay tuned for a full update.

oneobgyn

Owner
Thanks

I have been very fortunate over the years to have established great relations with my dealers. There is truly such a thing as customer loyalty. As a result I have been able to make some good deals due to all of the equipment I have bought from them previously.

oneobgyn

Hey doc,
Is your set up the most expensive on the planet?
you seem to have a house full of equipment 'to die for'.

gawdbless

Owner
Mmakshak

I do appreciate your kind comments

It would be fun to do it again and have you bring some of your favorite music.

oneobgyn

Howard, can I say that the experience of listening ot Oneobgyn's system is invaluable? Let him dictate what you listen to, but have a few cd's that you are familiar with. I had one, that was so different from what I expected(the sound was recessed-much more so than I was used to). The doc doesn't realize what a great cd it is. You can learn from the experience. As a Libra(who values freedom), it liberated me(since my system was so far off) to move my speakers. I have to mention this, though. Boa, wouldn't answer any questions about listening at the Doc's. I will, though. My cd sounded(first song) sounded more recessed than I was used to. Food for thought?

mmakshak

Owner
Howard...

I remember very well you and I trading e-mails

As for ARC amp vs Lamm, I did use previously the Arc Ref 2 Mk ll preamp with the ARC Ref 3 Mk lll amp (600 wpc). These were wonderful amps but paled in comparison to the 18 wpc Lamm ML 2.1 SET.

At your convenience I would be pleased to provide you with an audition.

I use aALL Valhalla in my system and wouldn't trade it for any other cable or PC, but that is just my impression and $0.02. Shunyata is wonderful as well. I just prefer Valhalla.

As for using a power conditioner for my amps, I would NEVER use one. I have two dedicated 30 amp lines for my amps, each on 6 guage single stranded Romex wire, grounded at the street. IMO an amp should never be plugged into a power conditioner.

I do however use a Line Stage made by Jim Weil of Sound Application which I think is the best in the market. This is used for my front end equipment. The Line Stage is then plugged into its own 20 amp dedicated line at the wall. I have a total of 10 dedicated lines in my room. It was worth the investment.

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

As we discussed when you were at my house several weeks ago the difference between SACD and Redbook XRCD I will always prefer the XRCD version of an album. Case in point was the Import (Japanese) XRCD version of Hell Freezes over. It is an absolutely terrific recording. I will even go so far as saying that the XRCD Import version of Dark Side of the Moon is also superior to the SACD version.

As to turning the volume up to listen to the Louis and Ella album, I am not so sure that you will hear a difference. It was played at low volume at my house

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

Your comments are well appreciated.

As stated I have enjoyed this hobby for well over 35 years and have reached (for my ears) Audio Nirvana. I am finally in "steady state"

This hobby has opened up doors of unending new friendships with fellow audiophiles such as yourself. It is a wonderful experience.

oneobgyn

Hic, I can't answer your question. All I can say that Oneobgyn's system is something else. I'm sure(at least, I think I am) that he will let you listen to his system. My advice is that you should let him choose the cd's. I've already presented something that differs in our systems- I'm not sure that has meaning. My advice is to listen to his system as he presents it, and adjust your system accordingly.

mmakshak

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