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

What did you compare your Firebirds to? I am very interested in them. I am looking for a speaker with full extension that sounds great at both low & high volumes. They are on my short list from a design point of view.

dgad September 28, 2004 06:20

Wendy,

What pets do you own?

shventus September 19, 2004 20:16

So what do you like to listen to?

quadophile September 14, 2004 18:11

Moony, you are on the wrong planet.

Regards,

metralla September 11, 2004 23:49

You could have got much better soundstage span if you separate the 2 speakers as far as possible!!!
;)

moony September 11, 2004 20:36

haha!! Why do you insert your components into the holes?? It doesn't sound good at all!!! ;)

moony September 11, 2004 20:32

You need to speak with my wife. I buy new components and tweak my system and she just looks at me like I'm crazy. I ask her to sit down and listen to the system and after 30 seconds she's looking at me like "What, what Im I listening to?" Then she gets up and mumbles something about not having time for this mumbo jumbo.

To her, her Bose Acoustic Wave" radio upstairs sounds just as good as my system.

Ive never met a woman that "gets it".

nm512 September 04, 2004 23:55

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

Wendy - on your recommendation a while back, I checked out the Goldmund / Stellavox line for use with my Hawks, and ended up with a Goldmund VSR. How does the sound of the Mimesis differ from the Stellavoxes or other lower level Goldmund products?

honest1 August 28, 2004 00:48

I'm Drooling :0)~..............oO!!!

audiobugged June 17, 2004 02:34

Wendy

Since its hard to look up the old system what changes did you make and what benefits did you see? It looks like a great system

Gary

gajgmusic May 07, 2004 00:57

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

WOW!!!!!!! Talk about one very impressive setup. You've got a system that most guys would just drool over (I'm also including myself :). A big congratulations to you on your beautiful system. I'll bet your setup sounds as good as it looks.

It's really great to have a gal audio/videophile here with us.

SV

wolf32 March 04, 2004 00:27

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

Wendy,
Well, now we have it. A woman is not going to go to the extremes that us guys will. Of course, a woman has more sense. (Also, I suggested the Zoethecus because it looks nicer than the Sistrum). Oh well... At any rate I was glad that you already covered the bases I suggested.

Enjoy,
Jim

jimyork September 15, 2003 00:52

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

Wendy - Exceptional system - I guess you layed down the gauntlet on the "boys with the most toys wins" contest! I wouldn't try to comment on your electronics as you have obviously done a lot of research and listening to get where you are. However, I didn't see any resonance control in your list, either, equipment stands or anything that you are putting under your equipment. (I do notice that you are using amp stands - Sistrum?) Your entertainment center is great looking but I think Zoethecus equipment stands or something similar for the rest of your system is warranted given your investment. Also, additional resonance control under and on top of each piece of equipment is also a good idea. I use the Walker Audio resonance discs on top of my equipment and Aurios MIBs under my equipment (and my speakers) - all have improved the sound - tighter base, better microdynamics, smoother highs, etc.. One other tweak that I have found very useful is the Stillpoints ERS sheets. They remove a significant amount of grunge. Also, the Herbies Audio Lab Disc Mat is a winner in removing grunge. All provide additional inner detail etc...
I imagine even though you seem to have significant financial resources, you probably don't have time to try al the suggestions you are receiving. Just remember to enjoy the music and the system you have.
BTW, if you change out the entertainment center, it will make room for a screen for a projector!!!

jimyork September 14, 2003 14:08

System edited: Pictures add. More to come!

twopippis September 14, 2003 03:37

Wendy,
I must thank you for posting your system. You are now solid proof to my wife that high-end hi-fi is not a man's hobby--though men do predominate. I wish the industry does more to promote women's involvement. In any case, yours is a system to die for (which is probably what I have to do before my wife lets me spend the $ to get it.)

Best to you and yours,
Matthew

gmwong August 14, 2003 18:27

Okay, I admit it. I'm blind. So where are all the pic links?

rgairns August 14, 2003 03:15

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

Can you include your own picture next to your system?;)

marakanetz January 15, 2003 16:05