Description

This is a collection of equipment (note how I dont call it a system!), the purpose of which was for me to sample as much as possible prior to settling down to equipment I can use in a final room I am building with Rives. Needless to say, I ended up getting deeper and deeper in this, learning that reviews are typically falwed because (i) reviewers have specific motives, (ii) they dont generally have very good systems, and (iii) no system is perfect and therefore personal preferences matter a lot.

The room is by no means great but it is custom designed and measured. It works quite well, even though these speakers need more room to breathe.

Happy to answer questions about my experience with all this equipment, all of which is quite excellent in its own way. I have some on order which I will add when the time comes.

Other equipment I have owned include:

-Tenor 300hp

-MBL 9011 monos

-MBL 6010D preamp

-VTL 7.5 mk i and ii

-Audio Research Ref 3 preamp

-BAT 75se

-Other

UPDATE: Moved to new room, much more spacious and finally allowing me to sit within the prescribed distance for driver integration. Also, I cleaned up somewhat the amp list: I now use the Wavac 833 mkii (4 box) and for solid state the Class A Gryphon Colosseum Solos. Added to the preamps is the Soulution. All cables are Jorma Prime including an 8m length xlr. Power cords being changed all to Valhalla. Here you also see an attempt to test the continuum turntable through a wavac phono. The sound of the system has ameliorated appreciably and it is now starting to be a system after all. Very happy with it.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Accuphase DP800
    SACD Transport
    • Accuphase DC801
    Precision DAC
    • Wavac PRT1
    Linestage preamp
    • Krell Two
    4 box preamplifier
    • Vitus Audio SL101
    SS Preamplifier
    • Gryphon Mirage
    Preamplifier
    • Lyra Connoisseur 4.2L
    Preamplifier
    • DartZeel Preamplifier
    Solid State
    • EMM Labs CDSA
    SACD Player
    • Accuphase DG38
    Digital Equalizer
    • Kaleidescape Hard Disk Server
    CD/DVD Player
    • Vitus Audio SM 101
    Class A Amplifier
    • Goldmund Telos 2500
    Mono Amplifiers
    • Krell One
    Class A Amplifiers
    • FM Acoustics Resolution 411
    Stereo Amplifier
    • WAVAC HE 833 v 1.3
    150W SET Amplifiers
    • DartZeel Model B
    Stereo Amplifier
    • Nordost Valhalla
    XLRs and Speaker Cables
    • Jorma Prime
    XLRs and Speaker Cables
    • Isoclean Various
    Conditioners and Tranformers
    • Finite Elemente Master Reference
    Racks
    • Gryphon Poseidon
    4 Tower Speakers
    • Escalante Freemont
    Speakers
    • Velodyne DD 18
    Self Powered Sub
    • Gryphon Mirage
    • Gryphon Colosseum Solo
    • DCS Scarlatti Clock, Upsampler, DAC
    • My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent BC
    with Lyra, MSL, Kondo stepups
    • Goldmund PH3 Phono
    • Jorma Prime
    XLR, Power, RCAs
    • Nordost Odin
    RCA
    • Apple MacBook Pro 15
    Hi Res audio
    • Burmester Audio 948
    Power Conditioner Also Isoclean, PS Audio, Purepower and Isotek

Comments 321

Showing all comments by dev.

View all comments

Great thx for that info.

What is your take on the differences sonically speaking between the v 1.3 you had and now the MKII four box version, some say sonically really not much and there sure is a substantial list difference.

Did you have a preferred pre-amp paired up with these.

dev

Thx for the response - in relation to the Wavac, you originally had the v 1.3 and now have the MKII correct?, what's your over all take on the differences sonic wise.

The 1.3 was without the separate large black power supplies correct. I have some info saying there really isn't that much difference and to go for the non MKII.

Which pre-amp have you found that pairs up nicely with them.

When you refer to Vitus convert kindly provide some further details of differences. Do these run warmer than the Wavac's.

dev

Hi Mihalis, I see you have the gorgeous Wavac's - reading your list of owned product I have also owned numerous of the same.

Best I clarify a little - I have always wanted to put together a system using high efficient speakers hence what I currently own.

They are Horning 98 db efficient speakers and play 20 to 20 with no crossover on 7 of the octaves so I'm looking for amplification to marry up with them on my short list the Wavac's are along with Kondo Japan Ongahu + M77 combo or if I'm really insane go with a pair of the Gaguras mono's.

So back to why I posted, how would you describe these Wavac's in comparison to others, have you any prior models and if so what differences did you hear, do these throw much heat off. I was told they don't, for example my Vac 450 Statements do but my Vac pre-amp you wouldn't even know it was on. I listen to music for lengthy periods and also use for background music when entertaining and just enjoying.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, F.Y.I. I'm 98% vinyl and the other redbook for entertaining.

dev