System edited: The system has taken yet another 180 degree change. I have finally taken a dip in the pool of computer based audio; and the water is fine. The use of the MacBook Pro and the Berkeley 2 dac have made substantial and fundamental changes to the way I listen to music. HD tracks are unbelievable to listen to, and redbook ripped to the computer's hard drive have more of a three dimensional quality. Of course, I will upgrade the cables as the piggy bank permits, however I'm quite pleased with the changes. Lastly, I added the VAC 160i; this unit is simply too musical to believe. It has plenty of punch for 85 watts, and yes, it reaches down low with definition and pitch.

ff116 September 06, 2013 18:46

System edited: I installed the Krell 402E which replaced the Audio Research Ref 110. I had zero complaints with the AR unit, but I simply needed more power because of the size of the room. Turns out the Krell is as outstanding as the reviews claimed. It doesn't sound like typical SS. It has a firm grip on bass, the highs are crystaline, and the mids are something quite special too. The Krell has very good balance, an organic tinge to it that makes the music very involving. My test is always; does the amp make me want to listen more, and does it just let me relax, and enjoy the music, and not the components? Answer, regarding the Krell-it does so in spades. This was one of those moves you make in audio that says, it doesn't get much better than this, at least not for me.

ff116 July 21, 2012 17:54

Hey Tony, I can't imagine the X03 would quit anytime soon. To answer your question, I'm not a member of any club, but one day maybe we could set something up.

I have to update the system, I recently sold my ARC Ref 110. I'm using a Krell 402e amp currently, it's amazing. I'll have to note some of my observations here, or on the forum when I have some time. Take care, and thanks for the post.

FF116

ff116 March 31, 2012 17:51

System edited: Everytime I want to give a precentage of how close to live music the system sounds, I discover new vistas in it's performance to render recorded music that much more real. The subtraction of the Lamm ML 1.1 (a difficult decision) and the installation of the latest version of the Audio Research Ref 110, Shunyata's Anaconda power cord, and JPS Aluminata ICs create greater synergy and coherence, not to mention a tad more power. Listening sessions are better, and longer than ever. I took a step backward in amp performance, but the addition of the upgraded cabling, and the increased synergy leaves me several steps ahead of where I was.

ff116 August 25, 2011 04:44

Thanks Samhar, your system's none too shabby either, very nice. The previous on-looker suggested some room treatment. I went for a DIY project that has yielded some very fine results. I had a bit of a slap echo, as the system is set up in the basement. I used materials furnished by ATSAcoustics.com, 2'x4'panels.

The Lamm's have a great synergy with the W/P's. I can't imagine better. I have a Whest ps30rdt that I will install shortly, just to give my digital front end a run for its money.

ff116 April 20, 2011 19:08

System edited: Just added the Esoteric x01d2. Really enjoying the Esoteric sound, I replaced the x03se for the x01d2. Although I was hoping for superior sound, I kept my fingers crossed based on reviews, and I must say I'm happy with the change. The x03se was not bad in anyway but, the x01d2 simply ups the ante in all categories, increased resolution, better dynamics, quieter background, and increased refinement.

ff116 February 22, 2011 16:07

System edited: Powercords Amps; Shunyata Black Mamba HC Powercord Preamp; Shunyata Black Mamba Cx Powercord Source Elrod Sig II

ff116 January 18, 2011 13:36