Hey Mike...... I really felt the difference between what I had in the Reimyo and what I got in the P-03/D-03 was a whole other level of performance. I loved the analog sound of the Reimyo and I might have sacrificed a bit of that but I gained speed, decay, separation and what I consider to be a "wall of sound" from the Esoteric. From my perspective, the improvement was immense and when I added the G-0's clock, I was in another league altogether. The Reimyo is an outstanding single box player but getting into the Esoteric was a definite move up the rung in both price and sound.

twopippis February 20, 2008 03:59

Darren, I can send you some technical information on the differences in the Gold and Onyx cables that I received directly from Tara. I never compared the Gold vs. Black Zero so I can't really tell you the sonic differences there. However, I did compare back to back the Onyx vs. Gold speaker cable and found the improvement to be substantial. The speed, decay, separation all improved providing a much greater sense of "being there". Openness or air between instruments is evident and the soundstage is massive. Bass is full and well defined on the very low end. I always loved the Onyx so wasn't able to imagine how it could improve. I was amazingly surprised.

twopippis February 18, 2008 23:29

System edited: I've changed nearly every piece in my system over the past 18 months and am extremely pleased with the outcome. I'm thinking this should be moved to the All Out Assault category very soon or Done For Now because changes from here on will be minimal. For those of you who were not happy with my rear projection TV, you will see that I was able to modify my existing cabinet in order to add the plasma. I'll be adding all new photos soon.

twopippis February 03, 2008 21:57

P.S. Rcandpc, I believe the pictures do not do the cabinet justice. It is actually quite a beautiful piece in solid maple and was rather expensive. When I discuss moving it and putting a plasma on the wall, most (including audiophile friends) react by saying how it would be such a shame to get rid of the beautiful cabinet. So, to each his own re: aesthetics.

twopippis October 19, 2006 20:46

I really need to update my pictures because I've made quite a few changes. Islandbird, the marble tiles I use to have under the Talon's were actually purchased by Mike Farnsworth when setting up my speakers. Since the flooring under the thin carpet is concrete, this simple add really helped the sound and therefore it was not felt that replacing with a large one would make much of a difference. Having said that, I did remove the tiles and am now using the RF-999T tuning feet from Harmonix which made a huge difference to the sound. They look really nice too. For the rest who seem to focus on the rear projection TV and cabinet, I certainly understand and agree with you. If it were as simple a project as it seems, I would have done it long ago. I live in a two bedroom condo. My audio/video area is my only living space. With 18 foot ceilings, the place does really beg for some height and I do want to have a home that looks like a home as opposed to an audio shop. But more than that, you must consider what it takes to dismantle an entire system, find someone willing to take this large cabinet down three flights of stairs to the street, have an electrician come in to re-do the wiring and then decide on how to house all of these components! It's a big job and one that I have not had time to tackle (considering I work alot to pay for all of this!) And, I don't enjoy this hobby in a vacuum. I do have some very savy audio friends who have heard my system numerous times and simply cannot believe the soundstaging and depth of imaging I get despite the cabinet! It's something that has to be heard to believed! In addition, I've added a couple of HRS platforms in the mix and the balance of components are supported by Neuance shelves so I have addressed the vibration control issues. 2 channel audio is my first love so my attention and funds always go that direction first while video takes a back seat. Thanks for the input! I'll take volunteers to help move the cabinet!

twopippis October 19, 2006 20:35

System edited: I added the Isoclean Power Conditioning system several months ago and it was one of, if not the biggest improvement to my system I've made. The power conditioner alone deafens the background with its silence, allows for an expansive soundstage and provides for realism beyond words. The transformers surprise you by improving on the conditioner another 70-80%. I most recently added the HRS stand under the Reimyo CDP. This simple addtion was mind boggling. The immediacy in clarity, dynamics and extension was striking. I plan to purchase a couple more.

twopippis February 04, 2006 18:40

Peterh:
I've owned the Talon Khorus X and now the Firebird Diamond. I have not tried the latest Transparent cables but it was generally known in Talon circles that the Transparent cabling do not match well with their speakers. In fact, I had an entire system of Transparent cables and changed it all out once I bought Talon speakers as it sounded horrible. I encourage you to compare the Stage III vacuum reference cables to the Transparent mm if you have not. I would wager they give your cables a good run for their money.

twopippis May 22, 2005 18:11

Audiobugged, yes I use the Harmonix and Supra in bi-wire configuration. I've tried them in both the upper and lower and find that Supra covering the bass and Harmonix covering the mids and highs works the best and sounds amazing. Although I would love to, I have not tried the Harmonix Super Max Tweeter cable in that I need 15 foot runs and that puts the price out of the ballpark!

twopippis January 23, 2005 17:13

I love getting the music referrals! That's what this is all about for me, the music! Quadophile, I took your advice on Roxy Music and have to agree that it is outstanding. It really gives my speakers a good work out. Quite amazing! Rick, I will follow up on your recommendation of Bogershausen. Thanks! My favorite SACD to date is Matt Haimovitz, "Please Welcome..." Thanks guys!

twopippis October 16, 2004 06:00

Quad - I listen to a full range of music from classical to jazz to rock. That's what I love about this system. All of it sounds good. I'm really loving the recently released and remastered Living Stereo SACD's. The Shirley Horne tribute to Miles is amazing. Renaud Garcia-Fons "Entremundo" is fun music and one of the best recordings I've heard to date. To name a few.

Shventus - no pets, no kids.

Dgad - It's been awhile since doing comparisons in that I owned the Khorus X prior to the Firebirds. I've since listened to numerous speakers at CES over the past few years. Nothing in the same price range or lower has impressed me over what I have. I've changed everything in my system but have never had the desire to change the speakers. They provide fast and solid bass, open mid and sparkling highs. The soundstage is massive but realistic and imaging is right on. I'm not surprised they are on your short list. Good luck!

Thanks for all the positive comments! Wendy

twopippis October 02, 2004 17:59

System edited: I sold the Walker Velocitor in favor of the Reimyo ALS-777. I'm now biwiring with the Supra Sword on the woofer and Harmonix on the mid/tweeter. This is sweet! I continue to be impressed with everything I purchase made by Combak. I find their cabling and components to be of superior build quality and provides a natural and musical sound like no other. I've added the Ensemble Isolink Duo to separate out my digital front end. Talk about lowing the noise floor! It's been a surprising addition. All for now!

twopippis August 28, 2004 21:10

System edited: Lots of changes but I am finally getting the sound I've been looking for. Could I be "done for now"?

twopippis May 06, 2004 06:40

System edited: Once I receive the new Talon Hawk center channel (within the next two weeks), my surround speaker system will be complete. The Talon speakers have really evolved and provide a strickingly rich and full home theater experience. Two channel remains nothing short of amazing! I've changed out most of my power cords and interconnects to Supra which I've found to provide the most neutral reproduction I've found to date (no coloration). Thanks for all of your comments!

twopippis January 06, 2004 19:35

Jim:

Yes, I was neglectful in not mentioning that my resonance control is achieved with Audio Points under all the components. I've tried others including Aurios and these truly are the best for my conditions. I actually installed them one component at a time and then waited a few days in between so I could savor the changes to each. Overall, they just cleaned up the "grunge" as you call it. Truly the best amp stand I've found is the Sistrum. I've compared it to the Grand Prix Audio and the Zoethecus and the Sistrum wins hands down (IMO). It provides the blackest background and most clean, well-imaged sound I've heard yet. Actually, I consider the Sistrum one of the biggest upgrades I've made to date. And yes, all my audiophile friends want the home entertainment center to go but since I live in a condo and it is the main furniture piece in my living room, it must stay until such a time as I never invite others over again because my space has become that of an equipment head!! I guess that is where I differ from many of the guys who share this hobby! But despite the cabinet, I've been able to achieve some incredible sound with the system I've put together. Thanks for looking and I appreciate the input!

twopippis September 14, 2003 20:54

System edited: Pictures add. More to come!

twopippis September 14, 2003 03:37

System edited: I just changed my listing category from "Done For Now" to Ever Evolving. The word "Done" no longer appears to be part of my vocabulary! I will say that the change I made to Sim Audio monoblocks and the ARC tube preamp has been a big one in a very positive way. Sim power amps seem to have tremendous synergy with the Talon speakers. I've always wanted to get a tube-like sound without losing the dynamics I need for my home theater. The Sim/ARC combo is just terrific and does achieve that. What I am hearing is so palpable, open and vibrant. And those Sim amps kick *** but remain so smooth and easy to listen to! I will be adding more and photos over the next few weeks so stay tuned.

twopippis August 13, 2003 21:28

System edited: Quest for the best is addicting! I thought I was done but truly was not and won't say I am now (disclaimer). My system has grown leaps and bounds since my original posting several months ago starting with the Talon Firebirds that replaced my Khorus X. Such a huge sound and sound stage, unbelievable imagery and detail, tremendous bass. The Edge Signature preamp is as quiet as it gets, no noise, and the blackest background. Burmester, well what can I say? It is certainly the best redbook digital I've heard to date. The holographic imagery is as close to tubes as you can ever imagine from solid state system! David Elrod has outdone himself with his latest Statement power cord. I would have never believed he could have outdone the Signatures to this degree! Purely genious and something I can't possibly live without once it was placed on my NL-12 power amp! Lastly, I can't say enough about the Supra Sword speaker cable. Don't let the cheap price deceive you. Try them. They are truly a hidden treasure. (I did after I heard that a much respected audiophile friend sold his Valhalla's to replace them with Supra Sword). After 25 hours of burn-in I was convinced. After 150, I was in love!

twopippis April 29, 2003 19:08

System edited: Thanks for all the feedback! I don't see any of you other guys putting your picture next to your system so I won't be doing that either. I did meet several people at CES so my face should be familiar to some. My upgrade from the Edge NL-10 to the NL-12 has been phenominal and even better than expected. I'm hearing a broader sound stage, more detail and a really powerful bass sound. I also replaced my Martin Logan Cinema Center with the Talon Khite Center 2002. I really liked the ML but there is better synergy with the Khite. I'll be updating my pictures here in a couple of weeks. Thanks for the tip on the switcher box. I have a friend who has the Jena Labs and loves it, so I may eventually go in that direction. So, as you can see, "done for now" really only speaks to the moment.

twopippis January 19, 2003 05:22

Thanks for all of the great comments and feedback. I'll attempt to respond to what I can. Gregm, I would love to connect the Capitole directly to the Edge but then I would be switching the cables back and forth on a daily basis to enjoy the surround sound set-up too. The Levinson was a good second choice in that it has the great Surround Sound passthrough which allows me to still listen to very good 2 channel but also be able to add the Krell processor into the mix when watching satellite or DVD. Rives, I actually had considerable help from a fellow audiogoner friend (Nickt) in setting up the speakers. Although aesthetics are important to me, I did want to try to place the speakers accurately in order to get the most out of the system (and $ I spent!) We started with them out further in the middle of the room and slowly moved them back. There was barely any noticable difference when placed closer to the wall. Who knows why but perhaps the 15 foot cathedral ceiling helped this out. We did have to toe-in a bit to center the sweet spot but overall we got very good results in this location. About the center channel, my original speakers were Martin Logan Odessey with the Cinema center. I wondered myself as to what kind of blend I would get. Amazingly, I find the match to be pretty seamless. The Cinema is an incredible center and has such a wide soundstage that it really ties together the Talon. Until Talon comes up with a better solution for a center channel, I'm very pleased with what I've got. Xiekitchen, of course I can't speak for your wife but my experience is that once woman are brought into the process of understanding and knowing what to look for when comparing any audio components, they are much more receptive to the concept. Example, I invited one of my friends over one evening to compare power cords I had gotten from the Cable Company library. They ranged in price from $300-1500. You can imagine her distain when strictly focusing on the price but when I asked her to help me figure out what sounded the best, she was into it! We spent about 4 hours trading out cords back and forth and only then relating the prices to each. Now, when there are several of us over at my house, I hear her explaining to others about the amazing differences in power cords! Its funny!

Wendy

twopippis September 29, 2002 19:21

System edited:

twopippis September 29, 2002 05:07