Electrostat Heaven-Getting 2 Tubes soon?

by trackmagic on All Out Assault

Description

This is my starter system but still a work in progress. I have spent a lot of time on the room design and build because I knew once it was built I would not be able to upgrade any of the interior of the walls. All power wires run back to the BPT power conditioner on a dedicated 10 gauge 20 amp breaker- the mains, the center, the sub, the projector and the surrounds. All wires are at least one foot apart or if needed cross at a 90 degree angle to prevent any noise. The lights are on a separate breaker.

I will not be upgrading the speakers. I will not be upgrading the Halo processor or the DVD player for the theater side. My goal is to run two mono tubes VTL, VAC or SS Krell or Pass Labs on the mains and a new CD player between the mains and then have the secondary system for movies.

At this point I most likely will upgrade all solid state amps to Pass Labs and the mains to VTL S-400 or 750's, VAC 110 or 220's. Any suggestions here?

All speakers, interconnects, and power wires will remain the same upgraded ones I presently have.

Here are a few more details:

• Dedicated 10 gauge power wire with 20 amp breaker

• All studs in walls have been polyurethane coated to create a musical transducer effect similar to polyurethane-ing a cello, bass or acoustical guitar. (I know a little voodoo, BUT go down to your basement, poly one stud next to another and knock on both once it is dry.) Learned from

• The walls were all insulated for noise and vibration control.

• The sheet rock was laid and each area of the dry wall was “checked” by tightened or loosening the screws before mudding. This was accomplished by knocking on the walls and trying to make each area sound the same by loosening or tighten the screws.

• The front half of the ceiling was slanted down towards the projector screen to reduce standing waves. Two parallel surfaces reflect continuous sound waves = poor sound.

• The paint was picked for its acoustical benefits, meaning gloss paint has the most reflective qualities verses flat having the least

• 80 weight carpet was used to further reduce standing waves-this is regret! I wish I would have put in wood floors and used throw rugs to adjust the reflective-ness of the wood floor. I am considering now putting in a slate or wood floor and tearing out the carpet.

• Leather couches were used to try and reduce the absorption of sound instead of fabric

Next steps in the room:

• VTL S-400 or 750's or VAC Phi 110/220 Tubes for the mains?? Pass-labs for the surrounds?

• Sound treatments throughout the room

• New CD/DVD player- Denon 5910 with mods by PartsConnexion, which replaces the output stage with tubes

• Various musical type decorations

Change the sub to a Velodyne DD-15 or DD-18
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Martin Logan Prodigy
    I have wanted elctrostats for over 10 years and now I have got them! Power Cables are Belden E83754 StarQuad red with a switchable spiral ground with Watt Gate and Marinco plugs SPECS: descended from Statement E2 Descended from Statement E2, Prodigy establishes new standards in technology, performance, and aesthetics. Advances in our electrostatic transducer, a new multi-transformer design, and isolated high-pass/low-pass crossover result in increased efficiency, power handling, and bandwidth extension. Multi-laminate composite cabinetry integrates a matrix assembly for strength. Aluminum alloy head-piece and side plate, and extruded stator supports increase rigidity of the ESL frame assembly resulting in an utterly non-resonant high performance cabinet-providing luminous detail, and expanded dynamics. Innovative, ForceForward™ (patent pending) bass configuration utilizes dual aluminum and high rigidity fiber cone drivers in isolated chamber configuration. You experience unprecedented room/bass control with outstanding placement flexibility-clean, pure, powerful bass-everywhere. Prodigy sets the standards for living with sound. Available in matte black with a variety of hand-finished hardwood trim options, Prodigy is both single wire and bi-wire stereo capable. EISA (European Imaging and Sound Association) High End Loudspeaker of the year, 2000-2001 Frequency Response: 28–22,000 Hz ± 3dB Dispersion Horizontal: 30 degrees Vertical: 4' (122cm) line source Sensitivity: 91 dB/2.83 volts/meter Impedance: 4 ohms, 1.0 at 20kHz Crossover Frequency: 250 Hz Components: Custom wound audio transformers, polypropylene capacitors, air core coils Woofer type: 10” (25.4cm) x 2 (per channel) cast basket, high excursion, high rigidity cone with extended throw driver assembly, non-resonant chamber format. Bass Control Switch: +3dB below 50Hz Power handling: 300 watts per channel Weight: 133 lbs/each (60kg) Dimensions: 67” H x 16.5” W x 28” D (170 x 42 x 71cm) ForceForward: the problem bass reflections... the solution ForceForward As long as recorded music has been enjoyed in the home, loudspeaker designers have faced the challenge of room interactions produced by bass frequencies which can color and alter the character of the music. These colorations are a natural occurrence of sound wave reflection and motion through any listening room. Remember that all speakers radiate bass frequencies in all directions—including behind the speaker. The low frequencies which are reflected from the front wall and back to the listening position, add to or subtract from the original audio material and chaotically interact throughout the listening environment. Typically, this produces a diminished signal—called a null—at about 50Hz and an enhanced signal—a peak—at around 100Hz.
    • Martin Logan Theater
    Very good center-Power Cables are Belden E83754 StarQuad red with a switchable spiral ground with Watt Gate and Marinco plugs SPECS: the reference electrostatic center channel From the beginning, the center channel has been recognized as the most critical element in any home theater and multi-channel music system. It grabs your attention, grounds the cinematic experience, and holds you in the moment. Designed and executed precisely, the center channel bridges the main channels and provides a seamless sound stage that tracks the cinematic environment—to perfection. This is exactly what MartinLogan Theater i was designed and manufactured to do—effortlessly. Theater i builds upon the foundation of the hugely successful Theater center channel loudspeaker by incorporating a myriad of design innovations including a Generation 2 stat panel featuring ClearSpar™ technology, MicroPerf stator, low-voltage DC power, and enhanced cabinet and stator finishes. The Theater i’s new Generation 2 stat panel incorporates a reformulation of our conductive coating and a new plasma deposition process. This refined thin film technology provides improved impedance tolerance and maximum adhesion and abrasion resistance. ClearSpar technology enhances Theater i’s transparent look and increases both efficiency and dynamics. The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer, maximizing efficiency of the Theater i’s small ESL transducer. Fusing this ultra high-performance Generation 2 CLS™ transducer with dual proprietary 6.5” shielded dynamic bass drivers and an innovative controlled dispersion array has resulted in a design capable of fully resolving any sound from the subtlest dialog to room-shaking effects. Theater i’s innovative controlled dispersion array minimizes destructive high-frequency room interaction. To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and significantly increase ease of installation, especially for custom applications, the Theater i features a low-voltage DC power supply. To further enhance custom application options, the Theater i ships with a multi-mount stand attached. Whether the Theater i is placed atop a rear projection TV, wall mounted under a plasma screen, or placed on the floor, the unit can be precisely aimed simply by adjusting the proprietary MartinLogan handgrips. Enhanced cabinet and stator finishes, standard on the Theater i, include the attractive and durable new semi-gloss black cabinet finish and shimmering, dark gray Meteor colored stators (the front and back perforated electrostatic panel elements). The Theater i is supplied with single-wire, high-resolution, proprietary toolless binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management. Frequency Response: 70–22,000 Hz ± 3 dB Dispersion: 30 degrees Sensitivity: 90 dB/2.83 volts/meter Impedance: 4 ohms, 3.1 @ 20 Hz Crossover Frequencies: 300, 3000 Hz Bass Drivers: Two 6.5” (16.5 cm) magnetically shielded. Non-resonant asymmetrical chamber format CLS™ Mid-range: Patented CLS™ electrostatic transducer High Frequency Drivers: Three 1" (2.5cm) soft dome, controlled dispersions array Power Handling: 250 watts/channel Weight: 57 lbs (26kg) Dimensions With mounting bracket: 13" H x 43" W x 11.5" D (33 x 109.2 x 29.2cm) Without mounting bracket: 10.5" H x 43" W x 11.5" D (26.7 x 109.2 x 29.2cm)
    • Martin Logan Script
    Great surrounds! -Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs SPECS: Design a pure, flexible surround speaker that perfectly matches with our floor standing models" ...that's exactly what we've done— marrying the performance of the Script with the lifestyle and video friendly look and styling of the popular new Clarity loudspeaker—and more. This versatile wall mount speaker excels as a stereo main, rear and side surround or in a multimedia configuration and can be driven to perfection by most AV receivers. The world's most accurate transducer—the patented MartinLogan CLS™ (curvilinear line source) ESL—has advanced to a new level and been blended seamlessly in this dramatically updated hybrid. The Script i’s new Generation 2 stat panel incorporates a reformulation of MartinLogan’s conductive coating and a new plasma deposition process. This refined thin film technology provides improved impedance tolerance and maximum adhesion and abrasion resistance. The new MicroPerf design reduces the size of individual holes in the stator, allowing more openings compared to a traditional MartinLogan ESL transducer, maximizing efficiency of the Script i’s small ESL transducer. ClearSpar™ technology enhances Script i’s transparent look and increases both efficiency and dynamics. The discretely sized Script i also features a state-of-the-art poly-cone woofer optimized for bass reflex design that delivers an accurate low-end response. To eliminate the need for a traditional IEC power cord and significantly increase ease of installation, especially for custom applications, the Script i features a low-voltage DC power supply. To further enhance custom applications, the Script i is only 7 inches deep when mounted on its pivoting wall-bracket (included with the Script i). Enhanced cabinet and stator finishes, standard on the Script i, include the attractive and durable new semi-gloss black cabinet finish and new shimmering, dark gray Meteor colored stators (the front and back perforated steel electrostatic panel elements). The Script i is available with three rail trim colors (silver, white bronze and black) and features single-wire, high-resolution binding posts for effortless cable attachment and management. Frequency Response: 70–20,000 Hz ± 3 dB Dispersion Horizontal: 30 degrees Vertical: 26" (94cm) line source Sensitivity: 89 dB/2.83 volts/meter Impedance: 6 ohms, 3 at 20kHz Crossover Frequency: 450 Hz Components: Minimal straight path design, air core coils Woofer type: 6.5" (16.5cm) mineral filled poly-cone with high damping rubber surround; non-resonance asymmetrical chamber format; bass reflex Power Handling: 150 watts/channel Weight: 25 lbs /each (11.4kg) Dimensions: 43.9" H x 10.2" W x 6.8" D (111.5 x 25.9 x 17.3cm)
    • Parasound HALO C-2
    C 2 Features:
    Dolby Digital EX, DTS ES, and Dolby Pro Logic II surround
    THX Ultra2 Certified with THX Surround EX
    7.5 Channel Enhanced Surround; 7.1 with 4 programmable outputs
    Additional DSP modes include Surround Music and Party
    Patented hybrid bass management prevents time smearing
    Automatic digital audio and video input selection
    Nine balanced outputs, two balanced inputs with XLR connectors
    Four audio only inputs plus a tape monitor/external processor loop
    Eight digital inputs; two digital outputs
    7.1 analog input with pure analog path, bypasses DSP
    Six audio/video inputs with composite and S-Video connectors
    3 composite video and 3 S-Video outputs: OSD, no OSD, record
    2 assignable component/RGB video inputs with separate H and V Sync
    1 component/RGB video output with separate H and V Sync
    BNC to RCA adapters are included for component video jacks
    Component inputs/output pass 1080i and 720p signals flawlessly
    Digital inputs and surround modes are assignable to sources
    Presets for optimum and analog input levels for various sources
    100% automatic calibration of channel levels and delay times
    Calibration microphone with 25’ cable included
    Dual zone control with analog audio and composite video outputs
    External IR input jacks for main and second zone
    Three 12v triggers, two programmable for events; wires included
    Fully upgradeable and controllable via two-way RS-232 port
    3u chassis, rack mountable
    Award winning customized MX-700 and Sidekick remotes included
    Parasound’s 10 years parts, 5 years labor warranty

    C 2 Specs:
    Frequency response: digital inputs 20 Hz - 42 kHz;
    analog inputs 20 Hz - 22 kHz;
    7.1 channel input 5 Hz - 200 kHz +0/-3 dB

    Total harmonic distortion: digital inputs [lessthansign].002%;
    analog inputs [lessthansign].002%;
    7.1 channel input [lessthansign].002%

    Signal to noise ratio: digital inputs 102 dB;
    analog inputs 98 dB;
    7.1 channel input 107 dB

    Maximum input levels: balanced 35 V rms;
    unbalanced 3.6 V rms;
    7.1 channel input 8 V rms

    Maximum output levels: balanced 16 V rms;
    7.1 channel outputs 8 V rms;
    programmable outputs 8 V rms

    Video bandwidth: composite and S-video (non OSD) 30 MHz;
    component video 300 MHz

    Dimensions: 17-1/4
    -Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs
    • Blanaced Power Technologies BPT-3.5
    The Model BP-3 Ultra features our 7.5-amp LoNo transformer from the BP-1 and our 2.5-amp LoNo transformers in one package. This unit is ideal for the front-end of larger systems or complete smaller systems with amps of up to 100wpc. Digital equipment can be completely isolated from the other components by plugging into the smaller transformer. There are 10 outlets total, usually wired with 4 on the smaller and 6 on the larger transformer, but custom factory wiring is available to accommodate your specific system needs [just give us a call]. Includes C-12 power cord. This unit is unique in having the smaller transformer piggy-backed to the larger transformer, giving you twice the isolation and power line filtering for your digital components. The benefits are an even lower noise floor with incredibly solid imaging and low-level detail.
    • Mitsubishi HC3000U DLP™
    Introducing a line of digital projectors designed for the cinematic connoisseur: the Mitsubishi HC3000U DLP™ projector with BrilliantColor™ technology from Texas Instruments.

    It delivers everything you would expect from a Mitsubishi home theater projector - long lamp life, low fan noise, and portability - but it's also setting new standards with innovative technology. The Mitsubishi HC3000U DLP™ projector, unlike other digital projectors, is able to produce a dramatic 4000:1 contrast ratio that accentuates deeper and darker tones to create an overall stunning visual experience with vivid images and brilliant colors.

    At the heart of the HC3000U is Texas Instruments’ state-of-the-art TI DarkChip2™ with the DDP3020 chip featuring BrilliantColor™. BrilliantColor™ is a new, cutting-edge technology that enables higher brightness, by boosting the midtone color levels, while providing truer, more vibrant colors for realistic and lifelike images. Be it sports, movies or television, the HC3000U can turn your home theater room into a virtual stadium, cinema, or studio.

    As soon as you switch it on, you’ll see it. And then you’ll understand. This is a product of tomorrow that brings home real entertainment today.
    • Adcom GFA-555 mkII
    I have had these two amps for 13 years! They are known for being a classic. Soon to be put out to pasture for some tubes! -Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs
    • Jamo SW-400e
    Active subwoofer with specially developed 8
    • Marinco Clear
    This hospital grade plug is perfect for the replacement or building your own audiophile grade power cords. Meets or exceeds hospital grade (green dot) UL tests. Perma-Lock™ Terminals actually
    • Adcom GFA-2535L
    Side Surround speakers and other two channles are bridge momo for the center speaker-Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs The GFA 2535 is really two GFA-535s in one, with the flexibility to drive three or four channels. With individual level controls for precise control of each amp's volume, it's the ideal foundation for an authentic, ultra-realistic surround sound theater system, or for a multi-room or multi-speaker audio system. A single switch on the GFA-2535's rear panel lets you select 4-channel operation, or bridge two of the channels for a 3-channel configuration. In the 3-channel mode, the GFA-2535 brings your home theater to life, delivering 200 watts of clean, distortion-free sound to the center channel, and 60 watts to each of the rear channels. Add it to your existing 2-channel amplifier and you'll be at the center of a superbly balanced, awesomely powered stage with sound so real you can practically touch it. For audio applications, the GFA-2535 in the 4-channel mode acts as a pair of 60 watts-per-channel amplifiers to drive two sets of speakers. With two of the channels bridged, it delivers 60 watts each to a pair of satellites, and 200 watts to a single subwoofer for an incredible display of musical strength so real you definitely can feel it. Three channels or four, home theater or home audio, the award-winning Adcom GFA-2535 gives you twice the versatility of ordinary amplifiers. And twice the value that has made Adcom famous.
    • Belden Belden Star Quad red E83754
    Blanaced StarQuad 11 AWG stranded (7x22) tinned copper conductors, FEP insulation, conductors cabled, 100% Beldfoil® shield with 85% tinned copper braid shield, FEP jacket.
    • Watt Gate ICE-Clear
    The 320 IEC connector is perfect for the replacement or building your own grade power cords. Heavy-duty vinyl connector body is available in black or clear. Perma-Lock™ Terminals actually
    • Adcom GFA-5200
    This is for the rear surround speakers-Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs GFA-5200 SPECIFICATIONS Number of channels 2 Watts per channel into 8 ohms 50 Watts per channel into 4 ohms 80 Number of output devices 4 Type of outputs MOSFET Power transformer Toroid Storage capacitance 27,000uF Input Sensitivity for 1 watt output 0.1 volts Input Sensitivity for full output .71 volts Damping factor 20Hz - 20kHz >260 Rise Time 5kHz, 20%-80% 1.1us Dynamic headroom into 4 ohms 2.2dB IM Distortion (SMPTE) l watt to full power into 8 ohms.....<0.07% 1 watt to full power into 4 ohms.....<0.07% IM Distortion (CCIF, Any Combination from 4kHz to 20kHz) full power into 8 ohms....<0.035% full power into 4 ohms.....<0.035% THD + Noise at full power into 8 ohms (Typical) 20Hz.....0.018% 1 kHz.....0.020% 10 kHz.....0.070% 20 kHz.....0.140% THD + Noise at full power into 4 ohms (Typical) 20 Hz.....0.018% 1khz.....0.020% 10 kHz.....0.080% 20 kHz......0.165% Frequency Response at 1 watt into 8 ohms (10Hz to 20kHz).....+0, -0.25dB Power Bandwidth (-3dB).....3Hz to 130kHz Gain.....29dB Input Impedance.....49.9K ohms Signal to Noise Ratio, "A" Weighted (full power into 8 ohms) .....> 98dB Power Consumption (Continuous, Both Channels Driven) Quiescent.....50VA Maximum.....600VA Full power 8 ohms.....325VA Full power 4 ohms.....480VA General Chassis Dimensions....3" x 17" x 11.375" Maximum Dimensions.....3.25" x 17" x 12.125" Weight.....17 lbs. Weight Packed.....22 lbs. Power (Available in 230VAC by special order).....115VAC - 50/60Hz
    • Panamax Max 1000+
    This is more of a power strip now-Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs
    • Adcom GCD-600
    -Shorten cables and added Marinco plugs

    This will be upgraded drastically! Any suggestions?
    • Sony DVD PlayerDVP-NS90V
    HDMI™technology/SA-CD Single Disc DVD PlayerDVP-NS90V Enhanced Sony® technology for your entertainment lifestyle. 720p/1080i Upscaling Video Output through HDMI™1 Connection DVD-RW/DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD+R/DVD/DVD+R DL Playback2 12 Bit Video DAC with 108Mhz Processing SA-CD Playback Superior technology from a single disc DVD player. Sony's DVP-NS90V single disc DVD player packs three impressive technologies that enhance your movie and music experience. Sony's Precision Drive™ 3 System feature corrects warped disc's response for fewer image errors by adjusting the lens rather than the entire optical block for more accurate source playback. Other features such as the Precision Cinema Progressive™ Technology detect image changes at the pixel level instead of at the scan line level like most traditional DVD players do. By measuring algorithms, the DVP-NS90V adjusts for pixel behavior resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are virtually free from motion artifacts. The DVP-NS90V also offers MP3 Playback3 ,when using MP3 encoded discs, so you can select the perfect music folder to round out your day. • Precision Drive™ 3 System Past generations were only able to compensate for warped discs by moving the entire optical block, which took more time and limited the amount of correction possible. Sony's new Precision Drive™ 3 system simplifies the process by moving the lens-instead of the entire optical block-for faster and more accurate error correction. • Precision Cinema Progressive™ Technology Other DVD players detect image changes at the scan line level-Sony's Precision Cinema Progressive (PCP) system detects them at the pixel level. The picture is more faithful to the source-whether film or video-because separate, optimized algorithms are used to handle the differing pixel behavior. Separate algorithms are also used to process the moving and still parts of an image, resulting in sharp backgrounds with moving objects that are virtually free from motion artifacts. • MP3 Playback3 Playing MP3 Music on aSony® DVD player is easy. Just insert an MP3 encoded disc and press MENU. A blue screen pops up to display your folders. Scroll down the list using the remote or front panel cursor control to select the folder you want. The green files screen pops up to show the files in the selected folder. Select the file you want to hear and you're done. Finding music couldn't be easier. • 720p/1080i Upscaling of Video and delivery through HDMI™1 Connection • DVD-RW (Video Mode/VR mode w/CPRM) DVD-R/DVD+RW/DVD+R Playback2 • 12 Bit Video DAC with 108Mhz processing • SA-CD Playback • MP3 Playback3 (CD-R.RW, DVD-R/-RW/+R/+RW) • JPEG (CD-R/RW, DVD+RW/+R/-R/-RW, Kodak) 4 • CD (CD/CD-R/CD-RW)/VCR/SVCD5 • A/V Sync Allows for the alignment of the audio track to match the video - Necessary for some newer televisions that have video buffers or delays. • 192 kHz 24 Bit Digital to Analog Converter • Dolby® Digital and dts® through Coaxial and 5.1 Analog • Quick Set-Up • Custom Parental Control- 40 Discs • Remote Control with Limited TV Control Compatible with many but not all Major Brands • Child Lock (Tray Lock) • DVD/CD Text • Multi-Disc Resume- 6 Discs • TV Virtual Surround - 5 Surround Modes • Custom Picture Mode • Title and Chapter Viewer • Advanced SmoothScan™ and SmoothSlow modes • Instant Replay and Instant Search • Full 3-2 Reverse Conversion • Fast Play with Audio • Slow Play with Audio • Video Equalizer • Background Graphics • Variable Coefficient Filter • FL Off gives you the ability to turn off the front display. • Separate Speaker Settings
    • Monster Cable M 2.4's
    Bi-Wire speaker cables-The Grey snake!
    • Ultralink Custom Matrix MVR
    TECH-SPECS™

    Heavy-duty 24k gold contacts for high conductivity connections
    Double shielded construction for maximum rejection of EMI and RFI
    N2 injected dielectric insulation for ultra-low signal loss
    Ultra-pure 6N (99.9998%) OFHC copper center conductors for accurate signal transfer
    Available in 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 4 meter lengths
    • Ultralink Custom Ultima XLR42
    XLR Cables that run to my mains:

    Our finest audio interconnect cable represents a new benchmark in design and sonic performance.
    Dual balanced audio interconnect cable with Time-Aligned™ multiple-gauge 6N OFHC copper conductors
    Two-conductor twisted-pair configuration with proprietary winding geometry comprised of three precisely wound wire networks with a single large conductor for deep bass; six intermediate sized conductors for the critical mid-range and ultra-fine strands to transfer the delicate high frequencies for the ultimate in musical balance.
    Ultra-low capacitance micro-porous Teflon® insulation for faster signal transfer
    Double shielded with full aluminum mylar foil coverage and 95% braid 6N OFHC copper shield grounded at source end.
    Terminated with precision-machined; high-performance balanced XLR connectors.
    Attractive TechFlex® braiding protects cable jacket from damage.
    • Sony DRN – XMO 1MK2 XM Radio receiver
    DRN – XMO 1MK2 XM Radio receiver
    • Da-lite Cosmopolitan
    100
    • Dish 411 HD Receiver Dish 411 HD
    Select the on-screen message or issue that you need assistance with
    Go to the receiver's remote home page
    Use interactive receiver menus
    Research information on additional equipment
    Learn How To's
    View installation information
    Find additional receiver features and information

    Receiver Features
    EPG Functions

    Channel Surfing Enhancements Explain

    Customers can select to skip
    • Ultralink Custom - Ultralink Audiophile MK II
    RCA cables-Custom - Ultralink Audiophile MK II
    • Ultralink Custom – Matrix MX
    MVS: S-Video

    TECH-SPECS™

    Heavy-duty 24k gold contacts for high conductivity connections
    Double shielded construction for maximum rejection of EMI and RFI
    N2 injected dielectric insulation for ultra-low signal loss
    Ultra-pure 6N (99.9998%) OFHC copper center conductors for accurate signal transfer
    Available in 1, 2, 4, 6 and 10meter piece
    • UltraLink Pro Platnium 26ft
    Ultralink is one of today's fastest growing brands of high performance audio and video cable and connection products in the North American market and ... international scene. PRODUCT FEATURES: Heavy-duty injection-molded connectors with Ultralink proprietary gold-plated contacts to ensure low-loss, non-corrosive, high conductivity connections; Ultra-low capacitance nitrogen-injected dielectric insulation for maximum signal transfer in high-speed, full-bandwidth digital multimedia connections.
    • Lumar 1 CL Black
    Cable lifters
    • Ultralink CCS-1M
    S-video/RCA converter CCS-1M
    • Jamo JCB -4
    Infrared repeater –
    For connecting four emitters and power supply to Jamo IR receivers

    Adapts to three conductor wire

    Requires PS-1 power supply
    • Mitsubishi VCR
    Got to keep the old school stuff just incase someone breaks out a VCR tape!
    • Jamo 6.5 K4
    KEVLAR 4 SERIES 6.5 K4 6 1/2

Comments 80

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Trackmagic, hey great speakers, I hope I'm not too late with this suggestion. I listened to some great tube amps through those speakers, my #1 choice would have to be Jolida's JD3000 200 watt monoblocks they use the 211 output tube. This is an industrial heating tube with something like 15,000 hours of life! These amps can power ANY speaker and amazing bass and mids. I've also heard the VAC 30/30 push pull 300B amp, at 32 watts easily powered this same speakers with maybe a little bit less bass. Bur very sweet sounding. The good thing about these amps is that Jolida's are $4,900 for the pair brand new! They pair very well with VAC's standard and reference pre amps. If you want the ultimate check out Viva's Linea 45 Preamplifier, it has 2 300B tubes for the power supply! In my is my opinion thus is very best pre amp in the world! It made the Martin Logan's sound like pure live music! I don't know what state you live in but out here in the San Francisco Area there is a store that modifies speakers and amps with their own patented wire. No one else does this that I know of. The Prodigy's I heard were re-wired and the transformation in sound was truly amazing!! I don't think you can go wrong with any of those amps.

Good luck,

Photofreak

analogman9

Owner
John,

Thanks for the heads up on your tubes, I am still dancing around all areas, I keep going back and forth on SS or Tubes. I may try a tube SS hybrid.

JWP

trackmagic

I use Martin Logan SL-3's with tubes with great satisfaction! My power amps are Cary SLAM-100's with KT-90's & NOS Sylvania 6SN7's. Pre is also Cary, the simple is better SLP-50a & a Cary PH-301 tube phono stage. The only noise in the system is in the MC section of the phono stage - too much of what Dennis H. calls 'tube gain' for my taste so I use a pure silver MC tranny by Ortofon into the MM inputs - ah, no more hiss! To totally remove all line noise I use an Equi-Tech 2kva balanced power transformer to feed a Shunyata Hydra. You can stand in front of my speakers with your ear on the 'stat panel with the volume full up between tracks & there is nothing there at all, so don't worry about tubes making noise!

johnmhuntbch

fantastic room! I have theater, odysseys,script sides, and arius i's for rear in a 7.1 system and have used the Adcoms as well for my "starter amps" .....I gotta tell you about rogue audio's zeus tube amp.....225w/ch for $7000 (saw a used one go for 3800 in audiogon about a day a go...weighs in a 200 lbs.!...i'm with you, i'm dying to try tubes but i don't want to give up the transient speed.....good luck!

tcadden

Owner
Sergiohm:

ML's are the ticket. I have not purchased any amps yet.

JWP

trackmagic

Nice system! I too have MLs all around and after going through Musical Fidelity (A3, A3.2), Parasound (850), PS Audio (HCA/PCA-2 combo), I've finally settled on the Panache integrated for stereo! That is right, no Krell, etc. It has been a huge improvement and it is cheaper than some other gear I've had. For multi-channel duties (movies) I use a Pioneer Elite 49TXi.
Take care:-)

sergiohm

Owner
Hello Jeremy,

Sorry for the delayed response…I was reluctant to post my normal email address (spam issues).

I was intrigued by your description of tuning your drywall by adjusting the drywall screws and coating the interior portion of the wall.

I am currently designing my next home and I would really like to get the room closer to perfection. High dollar gear can only get you to a point; proper acoustics are the real difference in systems. I am basing my room dimension on the golden ratio to help limit room modes. I have used bass traps and foam in the past to augment my rooms, but I need to go to the next level on this next room. The house I am designing will be my home for (hopefully) the next 20 plus years.

Questions about your setup…

Are your wall cavities various depths to capture different frequency ranges?

Are you using any other acoustic treatments in your room?

What are the dimensions of your room?

Thanks,

John Stark

My response to John:
John:

Good morning. Thanks for the reply. The room is approximately 20x21 feet, and 9 feet tall. I have attached a diagram of the room and where the room treatments are going to go in the near future. Before you design the room, I would HIGHLY suggest that you contact Michael Green at Tune Land for his help in designing the room, his consulting fees are inexpensive in compared to the cash we spend on the equipment in the room! The room is a great portion of the quality of sound so you are on the right track with spending some time here first! Michael can guide you on all the proper usage of wood, sheetrock, polyurethane, wiring, design, etc. I learned some from him and some from my years being an audiophile. If I could change anything about my room it would be removing the carpet and putting in wood floors which I may do in the near future. All of the power wiring 12 gauge goes back to the BPT power conditioner and then to a 10 gauge wire and a 30 amp breaker. Each speaker, amp, sub, projector are on separate lines. All wires were kept at a 1 foot or greater distance to reduce induced noise from other sources. The tuning of the screws, polyurethane, paint type, etc. all came from Michael’s recommendation. I can give you what I know but since you are starting from scratch and want to do it exactly right, I would consult with him. He has done some major studios, sound rooms, I think concert halls and other venues. He has some pretty strange ideas that if you think them through make a lot of sense. It will be against what you are used to thinking in some areas. I have attached his contact card if you would like to contact him directly via his cell.

Keep me in the loop with the design and such, I love this stuff and want to learn more!

I hope all this helps.

God speed,

Jeremy
See this web site and forum for additional information.
http://www.michaelgreenaudio.com/schools/highband.htm or http://www.michaelgreenaudio.com/forum/
Key to the diagram:
MEC’s are Mini Echo Controller Pressure Zone Controllers (PZC’s). You can see them here on TuneLand. These acoustical treatments come in two versions (horizontal mount and vertical mount). You can double check with Michael, but for your room, I believe Michael has proposed placing all or most of the acoustical treatments on the ceiling so as not to interfere with the aesthetics of the room. Also, I believe he is proposing all the treatments to be supplied in a base coat so that they can be custom painted to color coordinate with the room colors.

trackmagic

I have had no noise issues with my tube amps. You might try Audiopax tube amps or Audio Research tube amps.

brucemax

I have a friend with Prodigy speakers for 2 channell listening and his Nagra tube power amps and pre-amp were an improvement over his YBA gear.
Personally I have 4 CLS 11Z,front and rear, Theatre centre,and Depth sub. The ML's are powered by the lowest powered, Ead theatremaster and their processor and dvd player.
The room is small but the sound is quite exciting.
I have a separate 2 channel system in another room,
Vtl, Blue circle,Sutherland MeadowlarkHeron i, for seious 2 channel.
I feel movies and music demand different room treatments and don't mix well.

williamlee92@sympatico

I'm using a SL3 with Krell KSA100. It's just ok. Not the best I've heard. Best ML system I've heard were using OTL tube amps. But they're high maintenance and most companies have disappeared.

Next best I've heard is Audio Research tubes.

I would also agree with previous poster regarding Spectral, although I haven't heard it on MLs.

[email protected]

Owner
John:

Thanks for the comments on the system. I have shot you an e-mail to discuss!

God speed,

JWP

trackmagic

Nice setup...

I am designing my next home and many of your same room considerations have gone into my current designs. I smiled when I saw your comment on the installed carpet (I made the same mistake in my last home).

I would like the opportunity to run my list of room considerations by someone else that has gone thru the pains of designing their own room. Perhaps we can both gain a few pointers from the experience.

I am using Magnepan 3.6R fronts powered by McIntosh amplification and Magnepan 1.5QR rears powered by Bryston amps.

Send me an email at [email protected] if you would like to discuss these issues.

Regards,

TechSIS
John

techsis

Owner
System edited: I added this line to the description: "The poly turns your studs into a softer pulp inner core just like an instrument. When this happens, your studs turn into musical transducers."

trackmagic

Btstrg: Please tell us more....What did you experience with the Prodigys and the VAC 220's?

gerryn

I have had both the Vac and Manley's Neo Classic 250 with the Prodigys along with a few other SS and tube amps.
When it was all said and done I went with the Wolcott Presence 220 Tube Monoblock Amps.
They do everything right and will drive the sh-t out of the Prodigysand make them sound sweet at the same time with Great bass punch.

btstrg

Hi Trackmagic,

VERY NICE system,albeit amp upgrade considered there is nothing wrong with it. I run an electrostatic system also (ML Clarity's fronts, Logos centre and Script i surrounds). IMHO I believe your room can easily accomodate another pair of Scripts for 7.1 sound. You may also consider putting 2 pairs of Scripts (inverted) if the ceiling allows as Gaile Sanders has done in his basement.

As for the amps, well I don't have the budget to recommend anything from my own theater (I run an Audio Refinement Multi-5 amp at 125 wpc into 8 ohm and 200 wpc into 4 ohms but we already know how difficult ML can be at 20 KHz and above especially when pushed hard ... where they tend to blossom). My father has owned the Prodigy's and recently moved up to the Statement 2. Both of them were run with YBA Passion 1000 Monoblocks straight out of an Audio Aero Capitole CD player's preamp. Interconnects and speaker cables are Nordost's Valhalla. A Hydra 6 with Anaconda powercords supply the current. Very basic system that cuts right to the core of music. Extremely involving!!!! It brought tears to my eyes many times on good recordings. It made a pair of B&W 800 signature speakers running via Krell FBx mono's (if I remember the model corectly) sound very bland with absolutely NO INVOLVMENT whatsoever. Beware of buying very powerful and stable amps. I know that the Prodigy's need them but most are very dull and offer little besides good bass control. Try to audition a few before buying.

My father started from the ground up. First he got the powerconditioner with the power chords. Then he got the CD player (which by the way has a reference tube preamp built into it). Next he got a pair of Prodigy's based on the reviews. Lastly, all he needed was a good amp and he came across the YBA passion 1000 monoblocks which I believe have to be the most musical solid state amps ever made and they don't cost $75000 like some other reference gear. He gave me his Monster Sigma interconnects and upgraded to the Valhallas. I've been bugging my dad to post some reviews on his gear but he just replies "I'm too busy listening to music when I have free time" ... well that sums it all up. After he put it all together and broke it in, my father stopped looking for a turntable!

Good luck to you and happy listening, you are certainly going in the right direction.

amperidian

Owner
Thanks! I may try that to save some money so I can buy more new gear!

trackmagic

Trackmagic - something to try - sorta quick and dirty but very effective.
Go to home depot and get two of the cylindrical tubes for poring footings or whatnot, about 8 inch diameter. If you're near a Guitar Center or pro audio shop, get some Auralex, or similar absorbtion panels that you can cut up and mount them around the tubes - move them in and out between the windows and the stats until you get the amount of reflection that you like.
Reaaly effective in my case, and now that I've moved the whole shebang, I use them for bass traps.
Have fun

snofun3

Owner
Snofun3:

I thought about the window issue when I put the speakers in the room. I actually bought some blinds that are not really reflective but act more like a diffuser. Surprisingly enough I don't get that much slap back from the windows at all. I am going to use some rear sound panels between the windows in the near future. I will keep you posted. I have to say, I love the Logan's!

God speed,

JWP

trackmagic

Owner
Gerryn:

I have not consider either one of those tube amps. Thanks for the heads up on them, I will do some research. Thanks for the positive notes on the system!

Take care,

JWP

trackmagic

Nice system. I have SL3's, Cinema and Aerius i's, and enjoy every minute with them.
I used to have my system set up like yours, in a room that looks quite similar. I had a major problem with glare, and couldn't turn it up to a satisfying level. I have changed the positioning to the short side, and away from having the windows behind and find that it's sonic nirvana.
If you have a few minutes try moving the speakers to a wall away from the windows and I believe you'd be stunned at the difference. The back wave from the Logans can't deal with a super reflective surface. In fact I've also got two 2 x 2 Auralex sound absorbsion panels behind the SL-3's and they work great.

snofun3

I really like your very attractive system. If you are moving to tubes, have you ever considered a pair of VAC Standard 220's (KT88) or Manley's NeoClassic 250 (EL34) monoblocks? I'd love to hear them with the Prodigys.

Let us know what you do when you move to tubes.

gerryn

Owner
I would spare a seat! Thanks for the web site!

Take care,

JWP

trackmagic

Awsome!

I heartily recommend going to www.audioperfectionist.com and send for Richard Hardesty's four-volume set of journals that give one an EXCELLENT education on source, amplification, and speakers. You'll know/understand a whole lot more about audio when finished.

I assure you that all audiophiles out there give a hearty laugh when you say "I won't be upgrading..." Right!! Stereo is worse than cocaine!!

Mister, can you spare me a seat?

lookin4evr

Owner
System edited: Changed a few comments in the system. Jeremy

trackmagic

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