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

Thank you Oneobgyn. How would you characterize the VAC Phi vs the ARC Ref 3?
How much is ARC charging for the update of early production REF 3 tto the newest standard?

guidocorona

Owner
Guidocorona

I share your sentiment about the VTL 7.5

I have not heard the VAC Ren but I have heard the Phi and found it to be exceptionally good.

oneobgyn

Owner
Guidocorona

You are correct by not finding this mentioned on the ARC webpage.

Essentially what they have done is a rolling line change wherein they are using bypass caps as well as changing the output tube to a 6550C.

I suppose "update" was not a correct term to use.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn, I could not find any reference to a REF 3 product update on the ARC site: no specs, no prices, no mention.

guidocorona

Thank you oneobgyn. Please let us know your impressions of the updated REF 3 when it comes back from the factory.
Have you listened to the VTL 7.5 already? I auditioned it once for several hours. I found it to be sweet but somewhat colored and lacking transient response. To give you an example, it made Steinway pianos sound like Bluthner with a blanket thrown on top for good measure.
I have not heard Lamm yet--no prob for me about no remote and twin volume attenuator, but single-ended only would be a serious drawback as well.
Have you listened to Vac Ren II and/or VAC Phi by any chance? I have recently heard the Ren II at a friend's place and am very impressed by its staging, imaging and purity of sound. These devices are also fully balanced and have remote controls.

guidocorona

Owner
Guidocorona

The new Ref3 is indeed broken in. My initial impression is that it is difficult (at least for my ears)to perfect the ARC Ref 2 Mk ll preamp but indeed they have. To my ears there is something about the sonic signature of the Audio Research preamp that none other has. It gives me everything that I would expect from the music and more.

Of note is an already rolling line change upgrade on the Ref 3 wherein they are using "by-pass caps" as well as a 6550C output tube which supposedly makes it faster as well as tightening up the bass. Mine is going back for the upgrade this week. ARC promises a 3-5 day turn around. Stay tuned. Other preamps on "my" short list are the Lamm L2 and the VTL 7.5. I love the L2 but my reservations are the following
1. No remote
2. Dual mono volume controls
3. Only SE inputs. (I prefer XLR)

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn, You have dropped some tantilizing hints over the last several months about the performance of your new ARC Ref 3. Now that the machine is largely broken in, how about posting your detailed findings about it?

guidocorona

Owner
Statman

Not only can this become a very addictive hobby but so also a very expensive one.

One needs to be careful.

Over the years my mantra has always been to "let your ears and pocket books be the judge"

IOW, if it sounds good to "your" ears and "you" can afford it, then it is a no brainer.

oneobgyn

Just tell my wallet that,ouch! I've never gone this deep in pockets for speakers before;)

I can e-mail you when I'm ready?

statman

Owner
Statman

I live very close to your relatives and look forward to meeting you.

A serious audition is in order.

I am glad you are reconsidering your speaker options

oneobgyn

Wow, good info thanks! I live in the Pasadena area. We drove up north two weeks ago for the motogp races in Monterey. Headed up to Cambria this weekend for the benefit of some time alone with my girlfriend ;) I have relatives in Vallejo and San Francisco so I have been up your way a few times.LOL

I'll have to make sure and measure to see if the Sophia will clear my screen. That definitely is the way to go!

statman

Owner
It would be my pleasure to provide you with an audition if you are in the Bay area. Where do you live?

As for your choice of Wilson Maxx ll's,these are an absolute gem of a speaker and for the money, IMO, there are simply none better. The Maxx ll's have much of the X-2 technology at 1/3 the cost.

If you are able to come out here I will also take you to the home of one of our audio club members who has an absolutly wonderful room with Maxx ll's--perhaps the best demo of Maxx ll's that I have ever heard.

Now as far as your choice of Sophia's in the rear and WATCH center, my advice would be to do all Sophia's (ie for center and surround channels)for a better synergy in your system. Finally, bear in mind that Wilson Audio will be releasing a soon to be announced larger center channel speaker for people who have the Maxx ll's, X-1's or X-2's. When this might happen is speculation but it is going to happen and may be worth considering as a better center channel option.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,

Nice system! I'm seriously thinking of changing from my previous all Martin Logan speakers to Wilsons. Maxx 2's in the front and Sophia's in the rear with a watch center channel. Just need to convince myself to part with what's always been the norm(electrostats) for me. I'm also over at AVS forum and that's where I first saw your set up. If I'm in the area can I stop by for a listen? I really would like to listen to your system. The only dealer in my area is Brooks Berdan LTD. Whom is probably where I'll purchase from, I just need to hear them in a different environment. I'm also a long time Audio Research customer. This was back when Steve Huntley was there and did the upgrades and repairs. I wish he'd stayed on the West coast when he moved out here briefly.

Statman
aka Vern Sharp on AVS forum

Gravida 0 Para 0
;)

statman

Owner
GD

Marty just left after a weekend of listening.

He was quite impressed with your system and your room came up in conversation many times.

It is my hope to be in Dallas later this year and if so, I will be knocking on your door.

oneobgyn

Owner
As I have previously posted, I am simply in awe as to how amps of only 18 wpc have the ability to drive the 15 inch woofers on my X-2's. But drive them they do in a manner that is refined and articulate. Having just come from the Audio Research Reference 600 Mk lll behemoths at 600 wpc, there is certainly a difference in "bass slam" from one to the other. Yesterday I entertained a member of my audio club for some serious listening. We listened at levels that could make your ears bleed and there continued to be plenty of head room with these amps. We were never able to make the amps clip. So, to answer your question do I feel the need for more power than 18 watts. At this point I can say unequivocally "No".

To address your issue of the ML 2.1 driving the Wilson Maxx ll's, here is a link below to a review by Marc Mickelson of soundstage.com addressing this very issue.

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/lamm_ml21_followup.htm

The Lamm ML 2.1 has changed the way I have ever listened to or enjoyed music. They are that good.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn:

I am humbled by Marty's appreciation. My system is not perfect but I have made a few improvments since Marty's visit. You are most welcome to visit me. Please do let me know. We can dicuss our schedules offline.

GD

gallant_diva

I am sure that ML2.1 is one of the best amp. your X2 has quite big woofer, and as I read review lately, the Maxx 2 's impendence seems to shift from 3ohm to 8ohm. I don't know about X2, but ML2.1 are not ideal amp for Maxx2. Can you share some opinion on how is the bass section performance with ML2.1? do you ever feel you need more power than 18W?
Regards

kobiman

Owner
GD

BTW...Marty raved about your system. I am hoping to be in Dallas in the next few months. I intend on making a stop at your house.

oneobgyn

Owner
Hi GD...

Indeed the speakers have been moved ever so slightly since you were at my house. They image much better. The last adjustment was made when Marty was at my house several months ago.

Recently a member of our audio club did measurements on my room and found that the speakers were flat at all frequencies except for a small 60 Hz hump of 5 Db. It really isn't bothersome. We tried everything to eliminate it with no success . All of the tube traps were rotated in different directions to no avail. Finally we wondered if it was the room.

Finally to address the issue of the Lamm ML 2.1 SET monos.
Simply put I am in awe that an amp of 18 WPC can drive the behemoth X-2 Alexandria. However not only do they drive the Alexandria BUT I am able to play at volume levels much higher than I am used to listening....so much so, in fact that I have yet to clip the amps. I still have plenty of head room to spare.

As for musicality, I just have never heard such a well defined mid range and treble. They have gotten me so much more involved with the music as the speakers become absolutely invisible. Many people argue that it is the speaker that is the most important piece of any system but having listened to these amps and owning many high end solid state and tube amps I can say that hearing the ML 2.1 makes me change my thinking. I would tend to argue for the amp as the most important aspect of a system.

oneobgyn

Looks fantastic. I do not doubt the tubed Lamms drive your Wilsons wonderfully. At that efficiency level I would also use low power tubes. Your speakers seem to be at a position different from where I heard them when I visited you.

gallant_diva

Owner
System edited: system edit

oneobgyn

Owner
BTW, my son took some photos of my room and they can be seen at this link

http://homepage.mac.com/imacdoyou86/PhotoAlbum52.html

oneobgyn

Owner
System edited: System Edit Over the past 6 months I redid all of my furniture and finally found a chair that was comfortable enough for hours of blissful listening. I found a similar sofa and loveseat which I use as a second row for home theater viewing. Gone are my 1 1/2" maple butcher block as stands for my components. These have been replaced by Zoethecus amp and component stands. I also replaced the Audio Research Ref 2 MK ll preamp with its successor, the Reference 3. Finally I made a very bold move and sold my Audio research reference 600 Mk lll monoamps at 600 wpc and replaced them with Vladimir Lamm's most amazing ML 2.1 SET mono amps at 18 wpc. Not only can they drive the X-2 Alexandria with ease but I am able to play at high levels that even my ears cannot tolerate and still have much head room to spare. I have yet to clip these amps. The mid bass on these amps are beyond description. I have never heard anything so real as this. These amps draw you into the music in a manner that I have never before experienced. The Lamm ML 2.1's could very well be my last amp purchase. It is like being on a honeymoon. I am so tempted to audition the Lamm L2 reference preamp as I am told that there is amazing synergy between this preamp and the amps. My only reservations are... that there is no remote control... and there are only single ended (not balanced)inputs...and it is dual mono with right and left volume controls. Nonetheless I intend on giving it an audition as I believe that amps and preamps made by the same manufacturer do excel slightly more so than with different manufacturers.

oneobgyn

I can imagine what those tube Lamms do to your Wilsons :) probably bringing the singers to your room through teletransportation. Mine are M2.1s, which have more power (my speaker suck power) but yours are probbaly sweeter and more refined. I would love to listen to your system and enjoy your company.

I made an extensive comparison of the Lamm M2.1 with the Jadis JA-500. It is a tough competition and very hard to find any fault with either amp. I love both amps, but I think overall the Jadis is better because of bass, details, and control. The Lamms are not that behind though and are a bit sweater. I need bi-amping, not for my current spakers but for me next adventure (coming up!)

I will have Marty come over again because the sound of my system has improved *a lot* because of bi-amping, additional acosutic treatment, placement of speakers, and some changes in the crossover.

You are weclome too.

gallant_diva

Owner
I too bought the Lamm ML 2.1's

I am simply stunned as to how good 18 wpc sounds and how effortlessly these amps drive my X-2's with plenty of head room to spare.

BTW, I am glad that you and Marty connected. He loved your system.
I would be happy to entertain you once again if you are ever in the Bay Area.

My room has changed dramatically since you were here last. I will put up some new photos in the days to come with a "system edit"

Best personal regards

oneobgyn

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