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
As I said you need to get him involved

oneobgyn

my dealer is your dealer

koegz

Owner
My best advice is to get your dealer involved. I am surprised that he hasn't to date.

oneobgyn

now with sim2. it's been 3 days and no responce. i will wait untill after the super bowl and call again. i am certain there will be no satifaction.

koegz

Owner
Are you dealing directly with Sim or are you going through your dealer?
I do agree that their lack of a timely response is inappropriate

oneobgyn

it's not just the problem, it is the treatment. we paid for perfection and they should respond with it, in both quality of product and SUPPORT!

koegz

Owner
It seems that with Sim2 there are only two sides....,.those who love it and those who have had nothing but problems. Thank goodness I have had only good luck with my C3X1080.

oneobgyn

wondering if you had any troubles with your sim2? in the first 90 days it turned off for no apparent reason. since then it has occured 4 or 5 time at very embarrassing times. once while watching the eagles final play off game at the end of 4th quarter with friends over. you can imagine the ribbing. now sim2 at my EXPENCE, wants me ship it back with insurrance. that is their policy so the say. a $32500 projector, that is the best i get from them. krell, when i had an issue, they picked up and returned quickly for an amp that weighed 250lbs and cost less then half the price of the projector. in my opinion this does not instill a great deal of confidence in sim2. it makes me consider selling on its return. at best they have got a dissatified customer. i understand things happen but they should be bending backward to satife instead they don't even call you back.

koegz

Owner
Microstrip

I have no personal knowledge of anyone using the JM Lab Grande Utopia Be with Lamm ML 2.1's. I would suggest that you call Vladimir Lamm and ask him and/or the folks at JM Labs

I have no published data re the question that you ask however again you should consider either calling Vladimir and/or the people at Wilson Audio. I can tell you that I have used four different amps (over several years) on these speakers (Krell 750 MCX, ARC Ref 600 Mk lll and now the Lamm ML 2.1--for a few months I had on loan from Vladimir his new ML3 Reference) and I can say that there is a certain magic that the Lamm amps make with these X-2 Alexandria speakers that is just not equalled by the other amps.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,
Have you heard of someone using the JMLab Grande Utopia Be (the old model) driven by Lamms ML2.1?
BTW, do you know of any published data (impedance versus frquency, frequency response) of the Alexandria?

microstrip

Owner
I'll be hearing them at Jeff's house. I have known Jeff for many years.

oneobgyn

the rockport Arrakis are amazing speakers. it is astounding that tas has not reviewed them. from what i have been told they have no plans to. JV from tas in one of his blogs list the rockport Hyperions(a 2001 design) as one of the truely would class speakers, along with the newer mbl x-tremes, symposium acoustic panoramas, magico mini II's, martin logan clxes and certainly the wilson alexandres II's. time to up date to the newer and better rockport tas. i have met jeff fritz a true champion of the rockport cause. where are you going to hear then not NC i assume?

koegz

Owner
Slipknot1

Thanks for the comments. I am always wearing a smile when I play any of those Tape Project Tapes. Today my Studer goes all the way up to Petaluma to be modded by Krieg who came highly recommended by Paul and Dan at the TP. My Repro Amp is under construction by Dan and I should have it by mid January so stay tuned. Dan told me that they will be introducing Series 2 tapes for the coming year at CES.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,

I have enjoyed reading your posts and watching your system continue to evolve. Fantastic choices in gear, and a wonderful room!

I will be looking forward to your thoughts with respect to tape playback. I am a charter subscriber to the Tape Project myself and have a Doc modified J-Corder Technics deck and tape head preamp. I never thought I would hear analog playback that could even come close to what my Walker TT does, but I have to admit that the TP tapes come pretty darn close! Especially the Arnold Overtures, Waltz For Debbie and Exotic Dances From the Opera. The "Exotic Dances" tape has some of the most stentorian and realistic bass reproduction I have ever heard.

Congratulations on your system and the addition of the Studer to your setup.

slipknot1

Owner
Again even more reason to find another dealer. If those speakers were imaging too high with similar problems in the soundstage, IMHO the upper modules were not set up correctly. If properly set up the MAXX lll is a wonderful speaker.

I have not heard the Arrakis but will in March as Jeff Fritz from Ultra Audio is again doing The World's Best Audio System with the Arrakis being his speaker of choice. Jeff has invited many of us to visit and hear the system before it is disassembled

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn
Thanks for your kind invitation. Unfortunately, I live in the Far East.
My interest in the bigger Wilsons was triggered by a recent audition of the Maxx3 at the dealer (driven by some SS amps). Very dynamic and had lots of presence. My only reservation with this particular set-up was that imaging and soundstaging were too high and also unnaturally inflated in size. And driven by those SS amps, it didn't sound magical. i was bored after 15 minutes.
I have written to Wilson factory and was told that Maxx2 and ML2.1 together sounded great and in upcoming CES, they will pair Maxx3 with ML3 and Boulder amps. I guess if ML2.1 can drive the Maxx3, then Alexandria would be even easier.
Btw, have you listened to the bigger Rockports?

alectiong

Owner
Alectiong

you need to find yourself another dealer as he doesn't have a clue what he is talking about. People are fooled by 18 watts. Bear in mind that it is SET and not Push-Pull. I have had the volume at almost near ear bleeding SPL so trust me when I say they work. Bear in mind as well that Dave Wilson uses this amp in his sound room. If you have doubts I would suggest that you call Vladimir and ask him your concerns. Usually when you call either he or his wife Elina will answer and he will always have time to answer questions. Not sure where you live but if you are in my neck of the woods I would be happy to have you over for an audition

oneobgyn

Thanks. Good to hear that reassurance from you as someone with firsthand experience. My Wilson dealer doesn't carry the Lamm's and insists they are underpowered. I will have to lugg the amps to the showroom to audition if i want to be sure, but it is a hassle.

alectiong

Owner
I don't need subs for 2 channel music and the ML 2.1's are just fine in controlling the woofers. My room is also used for HT and that is where the Gothams are primarily used. As I have stated previously the subs are always on and I am asked constantly by listeners whether they are for music listening as they are so invisible. In fact I hosted Alon Wolf from Magico at my house last month as he wanted to measure my room with the subs on. He too could not tell whether the subs were on. On rare occasion when the music being played has some bass slam this is when the Gothams work their magic. For a dedicated listening room the ML 2.1's work just fine and if you want to go one step beyond, Vladimir's new ML3 Reference at 32 wpc offers even better bass but at a cost of $139K

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,
I am surprised that you need subs for 2-channel music. Aren't the Alexandria X-2's already full range down to 20 hz? Or could it be that the Lamm ML2.1's can't really bring out the bass that the speakers have to offer? I have the same Lamm amps and are interested to explore the big Wilson speakers but wonder can the ML2.1 really control those big woofers.
Happy Holidays!

alectiong

Hey Doc, thanks for correcting my misdiagnosis...I am happy not to have the tube-sickness, but just an neurosis :-) However, I do love that glow! Have a wonderful Holiday Season.

unoear

Owner
Brian

My crossover (actually cross out as my X-2's play full range and subs bring up the bottom)will not necessarily work for you based on different room size and room treatment, different subs etc..
It took me 4 months to get my subs dialed in but once done they are completely invisible in the room. Yes I use them for 2 channel listening but again they are invisible.

oneobgyn

Do you use your subs while playing 2 channel? If so, where are they crossed over.

bflowers

Owner
Marty

Coming from you I appreciate your comments. IMHO however all systems need to be compared to yours because simply put there isn't a more accurate system on the planet than yours. I will never forget my weekend in Dallas with you. Many will take exception to my comment but until they hear your system they just cannot fathom how excellent it is. As for my HT, I also apppreciate your thoughts

oneobgyn

Owner
Dave_b

Thanks for your kind comments.

David S. is one great dealer to know. He has been to my home many times over the years moving equipment in and other stuff out. You're lucky to have him in your backyard

oneobgyn

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