Monsters. big speakers create big problems (had to elevate my listening chair 4" as i sit ~ 10ft away in a medium sized room) but after 2+ months of dialing in, these are end-game speakers and create an event every time they're on. give up the n'th level of detail vs M3s but have more power / foundational heft via 3x10". heroic build quality, berrylium tweeter is a revelation, my last speaker and will be for those who can afford it (replaced Wilson Sasha 2s--no slouches, but no S7s). --between wilson, rockport and magico you have to pick the house sound you like best and live with the drawbacks. i think this model magico has the fewest---smaller magicos have considerably more which i wouldn't own (again).
Luxman C-900U
world class SS preamp, immaculate build quality, perfect ergonomics (1db increments via full function remote), tone controls (seldom used, but nice option) and 'loudness' (which does come in handy for bass boost on badly recorded live discs), but 'line direct' is an open window. a true reference.
Luxman M-900U
Solid state class AB, 150wpc, impeccable build and sonics to match. runs cold to just a tad warm, but has treble fidelity i've never heard from AB. has proven a wonderful combo with speakers such as Wilson Sasha 2s and now Magico S7s, never running out of power and always musical and inviting.
the ideal match for the C-900U preamp, and the combo is a last stop for not-outrageous sums.
JAYS AUDIO CD3 Mk2
excellent, beefy (30+#) top loading transport (no moving parts!) for redbook. upsamples to 192k via I2s interface to dac. my last transport.
SMSL M400
replaced the Gustard X26 and compares favorably to uber$ dacs; gives up some bass depth and leading edge, and requires top notch accessories (Shunyata Omega digital and AC cords--into an $800 dac!), but having done so it punches well above its weight.
AudioQuest Wild speaker cables
step change improvement vs the Redwoods. ---low level detail in all frequencies is now clear, no sense of silver-related brightness. tonality is spot on, and incredibly quiet. fantastic cables
Kenwood KT-8300
highly modified per www.fmtunerinfo.com; custom power supply, output stage, opamps (biased to class A), IEC adapter, lots and lots of mods.
PS Audio P-10
excellent power regen that works wonders on front end gear (not so much for amps--sucks out dynamics). a godsend for apartment dwellers.
Shunyata Research Everest 8000
was meh when using alternate brand AC cords, or even the Sigma XC. But the Omega XC? oh baby, this is the bees knees of AC treatment under 20k, and without a single part to break. this is an item you hate spending the $ on, and every day after you're glad you did
High Fidelity Cables MC-1 Pro Helix+
i've one Pro Helix on the output of the PS-10 feeding line level gear, one MC-1Pro on the wall (which feeds a distribution box that powers the amp & PS-10) and one MC0.5 helix on another circuit.
i think most HF products are wildly overpriced and can be equaled elsewhere. but the AC magnets are a wonderful item and do more for AC than you can imagine. both the PS-10 and the synergistic UEF-12SE benefited from them. highly, highly recommended.
Stillpoints LLC Ultra 5
3 ultra 5s under the Luxman M-900 U amp (resting on a BDR Source shelf) were a shocking improvement in low level detail.
Added 4 minis under the C-900U and 4 Ultra SS under the DAC. every time more detail and no etch. indispensible under SS gear.
ASC 16
ten total, four at 4' tall, balance at 3'. big improvement over my DIY Risch Q&D Tube Traps
Relax The Back Zero Gravity Chair
wonderful addition to room, no apparent acoustical downside despite headrest
OC 703 Acoustic Panels (18 of them)
now at 18 in the room (three 24*48*6" deep, 9 as 24*48*2). the added 6"ers did wonders--gotta go thick!
good call!!! i have heard the 1060 and very much respect the Boulders. I also have heard your speakers which are sensational. I was just talking to a senior guy from Transparent Audio who has been to Rockport's place in Maine...tremendous respect is all i can say.
fair point...the Gryphon Antileon is 800 watts (full Class A) but it is stunning. Not sure about Vitus, but its also pure Class A. Ultraaudio.com (Jeff Fritz) has reviewed both Antileon Signature and the Vitus. He owned Wilson X2s at the time, but did end up with ARrakis at one time or another. Good luck and pls keep us posted...and enjoy!!!!!
I have heard good things about the Herron. I wonder if you might consider Pass, Vitus, Gryphon...all SS amps with good power and the reputation for having extension while maintaining a natural tonality. Good luck and enjoy!!!
you've got awesome speakers...i've heard them before. You probably already know this, but the materials used in this speaker were not used in the subsequent high end models of Rockport---deemed too expensive and reserved for the super-high end models like the Arrakis.
I think you will find that if you choose to audition different amps, the sin of omission may not be much of any omission. the 501s are very good...there just may be a doubling up of treble treatment where it is getting more rounded off by both components. as you say, really not a bad thing at all, as both components are really excellent.
If you can find a piece of Gryphon gear, you also likely already know that much of Rockport gear is auditioned/tested/voiced and showcased with Gryphon...just check out the website and you'll see pictures of their electronics at Rockports HQ in Maine. Enjoy your system...stunning speakers!
