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

I have talk to you in the pass. I live in bay area too. NICE SYSTEM YOU HAVE.I have Wilson 7 with all Burmester and MBL pre amp 6010D.Why do you use LAMM amp instead of ARC.Is Nordost pc better than Shunyata? Do you plug in your power amp to the conitioner or to the wall? Howard

hic

Sorry that I didn't get back with you Steve. I did start to write something. Anyway, I think you are on right track. Your system is something else. I just won a bid on ebay for that Eagles XRCD, "Hell Freezes Over". "Hotel California" sounded unbelievable on your system. Maybe it will show me something that is missing on mine, not that mine is, in any way, comparable to yours. Alex wants me to listen to Ella and Louie on his system-maybe at a higher volume than before. Louie's voice was just incredible. A lot of what audiophiles talk about is pure nonsense in the context of your system.

mmakshak

Owner
"I believe it was the third cut that you played on Sunday."

That track was "Duende" on the album "Black Light Syndrome". It is guaranteed to give any system a workout

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

" We were wondering if maybe you were the devil"

Actually I'm not....just a guy who has been into this hobby for the past 35 years. I always enjoy meeting fellow audiophiles and talk about music and each other's system. I must admit that where I am now has finally brought me to audio nirvana. I have no desires to change anything in my system. IMO the Meitner gear is just as good as it gets. The only glimmer deep in my brain is consideration of a return to analog and a TT. So far however I am enjoying what I have.

oneobgyn

Steve, I've got to warn you. By exposing me to the ultimate in high-end, you may have made a mistake. I'm really into music(as I am sure you know). What I come up with, may really suprise you. Don't take it personally. I don't think that I could possibly equal what you have, but I might present things that you are not prepared for. I don't know, but I think you know me. Whatever I come up with, comes from truth(my truth, of course). I might hit you with a couple of questions, although I'm not sure. Your system is so far advanced from mine that I can't be sure. But don't discount what I say, as it comes from reality(according to me).

mmakshak

One area, in my system, that has been helped by listening to Steve's system is speaker placement. Before, I was worried that I might disturb the synergy of my system by moving my speakers. Because my sound is so far off the ideal, I have no problem trying to dial in speaker placement better. Thank you, Steve! Remember that group that you have heard before? Well I bought the regular cd, and I've bid on what version you recommended. I believe it was the third cut that you played on Sunday.

mmakshak

I'm hoping that my other response made it through, but, so far, I don't see it. Well, anyway, my brother and I took the plunge, and we are listening to our system after hearing Steve's(Oneobgyn). We have decided, since you were so gracious, not to blame you 100% for our disatisfaction with our system. We were wondering if maybe you were the devil, though. You invite people over, giving the impression that they will appreciate your system and think of ways to upgrade their own. In actuality, the listening session results in complete disatisfaction with their system. Meanwhile, you are snickering in the background? Seriously, though, it seems like my system is a facsimile of music. My system sounds like it it beautiful, while yours was. BTW, just for your info, I thought that you dialed in the correct volume(42-I think) for "Celtic Spirit"(Narada, 1996), but in my system the correct volume makes the sound more forward-kind of like the cd's that you played for me. Just food for thought.

mmakshak

I just got back from Steve's(Oneobgyn)house. First, I want to thank Steve for allowing my brother and I to listen to a system that was so unbelievable. I don't think(and I apologize in advance for saying this) that the sound that we heard could be duplicated-at least in the Bay Area. I do have a suggestion, though. Let Steve play his cd's. He has dialed in the sound. When I played two of mine, they fell short, compared to what Steve had played for us, although I thought Steve would have dialed in "Celtic Spirit" properly,given time. I want to mention one SACD. It was(I guess it still is?) Bob Dylan's, "Blood on the Tracks" SACD. While superficially, it might sound similiar to what you hear on your home system, when you listen to it closely, all these other things happen. The timing was incredible. Steve has a dedicated room that has been treated to unbelievable lengths. All the equipment sounded fantastic. Those Wilson Alexandria speakers completely disappear. Good luck trying to upgrade, Steve(just kidding)!

mmakshak

Owner
Just bring the CD's you know well on your system. Anything else I am sure that I have.

I have heard Ori's cables. He brought them to my house. They are very good for the money. I prefer mine better. As for Alex' modded Denon, I will leave that for another day and just have you listen to my system. I am not a big fan of pulling cables as I find that it takes 50-100 hours to restore the dielectric and I am very anal about my system.

Contact me by e-mail. You have my e-mail address from prior correspondance

oneobgyn

Owner
How about tomorrow evening after dinner?

oneobgyn

When/if I come to listen, I couldn't bring many cd's, but I could bring a recent APL Hi-Fi Denon 3910 cd player, and about 6 inches of Ori's interconnects, if you are interested. Both Ori(who doesn't receive the credit he should)and Alex are very gifted individuals.

mmakshak

I have been so inclined from the beginning. Do you think that I'm qualified, though? I just got back my cd player, and I just found out that cd can beat analog. There seems to be a huge variation in cd quality, which can influence the dialog between cd and analog. Sure, I can come to your house and be wowed, which I'm sure will happen. But are you sure that is what you and I want? I am new to digital, and I think I need some more learning. But if you think that I/you will benefit from the listening situation, I'm more than willing to do it. I would actually love it. Anyhow, no matter what, I appreciate you extending the invitation. I think that you would have to be the teacher in this situation, though.

mmakshak

Owner
I'm available this Sunday if you are so inclined

oneobgyn

Doc, my messages have been erased twice, so I will keep this short. I only have one cd to play on your system right now. The Jerry Garcia's Band, "After Midnight", Kean College, 2/28/80. I just want to mention that I'm not a lightweight whatsoever. I only care about music!

mmakshak

I hope you don't mind that I haven't reviewed all the answers, etc. here. I just have to say that that Alex's latest edition of the Denon 3910 is fully competitive with analog. I am a neophyte when it comes to digital, but it seems to me that certain cd's are created more equal-get my drift? With analog, I can definitely recommend 1981 or earler recordings. What say ye?

mmakshak

Owner
"I do
run the ARC balanced into my amplifiers however I've only
used single ended interconnects between the ARC and DCC2.
My question is have you experimented with balanced verses
unbalanced connections to your EMM dac? Did you find a
significant improvement? I will be borrowing some
balanced cables for my evaluation but would appreciate
your thoughts."

I run all balanced cables throughout my system which I prefer. Having said this however, Vladimir Lamm uses only "pseudobalanced" inputs to the ML 2.1 as he does not believe in balanced inputs. Although the amp also has a SE input I use the balanced input because I have only balanced cables (Valhalla) throughout my system and when I switched to the ML 2.1 from the ARC Ref 600 Mk lll I didn't want to switch cables (convenience only).

oneobgyn

Owner
"I think the preamp section
of the upgraded DCC2 is MUCH improved. So much so that
I actually prefer it over the Audio Research ref 3"

Very, very interesting. At one time I considered switching from the DAC6e to the DCC2 because I still really only listen to 2 channel. Even though I can listen to MC in my system I am still very much a 2 channel purist. The only reason I didn't is because i would merely have used the Unity Gain through pass out of the DCC2 into my ARC Ref 3 which I felt to be superior to the preamp portion of the DCC2 (Switchman). I am uncertain if Meitner did any modifications to the preamp portion of the DCC2 and what you might be hearing is the sonic benefit of the Signature upgrade.

oneobgyn

Just would like to thank you for your recommendation
for upgrading my DCC2 to DCC2SE. I've had the upgraded
unit for about a week and the improvements are substantial.
I do however have a dilemma. I think the preamp section
of the upgraded DCC2 is MUCH improved. So much so that
I actually prefer it over the Audio Research ref 3. I do
run the ARC balanced into my amplifiers however I've only
used single ended interconnects between the ARC and DCC2.
My question is have you experimented with balanced verses
unbalanced connections to your EMM dac? Did you find a
significant improvement? I will be borrowing some
balanced cables for my evaluation but would appreciate
your thoughts. Thanks in advance!

vmk

Owner
Dgad

"Do you find that the speakers are so revealing at times, that equipment that sounds good in some systems might sound very poor in your system. I am realizing that the speakers show it all for all your equipment and you can't have a weak link"

A truer statement could not be made. Case in point....there is a local Wilson dealer in my area who has an audio room with Wilson X-2's and components other than what I use. Many members of my audio club have heard his room and were aghast at the appalling sound. Difficult to comprehend but very true as I heard it myself.The X-2's are the most revealing speaker I have ever heard. They have gotten me to audio nirvana. I have finally reached a point in this almost 35 years of involvement in this hobby where I no longer feel the urge to change anything in my system. This hobby involves a journey for all of us and where the destination brings us is for each of us a personal crusade.

oneobgyn

Owner
Not so sure that we have to ever commit to that "one" speaker until each of us arrive at audio nirvana. For me and my X-2's, I am there....I will never buy another speaker.

oneobgyn

Well doc-while we have to commit to one speaker, amp,cables,etc., when it comes to music we can be like a bee to flowers.

gregadd

Owner
Gregadd

One of the fun things about belonging to an audo club is learning about new albums such as yhose which you suggested for me to hear. I have ordered these from Amazon based on your recommendations. Stay tuned for impressions. They arrive next week

oneobgyn

Owner
Gregadd

I have been away from here for a while. Just reading all of your posts. Check back tomorrow for some answers

Much of the music you recommend I have and truly enjoy. It is your question about my speakers that intrigue me and I will try to give my impressions tomorrow. Check back then and we will chat about it

oneobgyn

For Tuck and Patti Please substitute -Tuck & Patti -taking the long way home,HDCD Wndham Hill Records or get both.

gregadd

Stanley Clarke-Stanley Clarke Sony Records
Dee Dee Bridgewater-In Montreux Verve 314 511 895-2
Branford Marsalis -Renaisisance Columbia CK4071
Tuck and Patti Tears of Joy- Windham Hill Jazz WD0-111
Marcus Roberts-Portraits in Blue Sony SK-68488
The Manhattan Transfer- "tonin'" Atlantic Records82661-2

That pretty much wraps it up. Some jazz, some classical and some pop. Would be intereted in your opinion. No rush of course. A wide crossection of well recorded and performed music. I hope it fits your taste. Maybe I will hear it on your system soon.

gregadd

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