It’s been a few years since I’ve been on audiogon. Sorry for the very late reply.
To answer your question, I did not listen to other PMC speakers before purchasing. With that said, I still own my speakers. I’m very happy with them. Many other aspects of my system however, have changed. I have to update my profile soon.
Did you end up getting the PMC speakers? The audio refinement products you have are excellent!
I am thinking of going with some PMC GB1 speakers in my 14' W x 16' D room about 12" from the front wall. They will be driven by Audio Refinement separates (multi 5 and pre 5) designed by YBA in a 2 channel setup.
Did you listen to other PMC speakers when you were shopping for your OB1s? Anyone have thoughts on my proposed setup?
System edited: Almost done for now! I most recently added the Purist Audio Dominus Fluid power cord to the digital portion of my Audio Magic power conditioner along with the Purist Audio Venustas tonearm/phono cable. I really like the Purist Audio cabling...amazing stuff! Maybe in few years I'll upgrade speakers and amp (again).
Hey Calgaryian, a fellow Calgarian suggests that for a possible rack upgrade, check out some of the butcher block countertop material from Ikea. It is available in custom lengths, but I cant remember how much it costs. Cheers!
I'm a bit embarrassed to say that the rack is from Ikea for just over $100. I like the fact that it has rollers; it makes it easy to roll around to swap cables, etc. I'm thinking of upgrading my rack in the next year, but haven't found anything better than what I already have....Quadraspire and Salamander have some nice designs...but they're still not exactly what I'm looking for. calgarian
I really like the looks of your system. Is the rack store bought or a custom built design. I'm looking for something similar to replace my Atlantis rack since my system is speading to the carpet around the stand.
System edited: Added Purist Audio Dominus power cord for the Analogue portion of the Audio Magic Eclipse power conditioner; Upgraded Turntable from Linn Axis/K9 to Avid Diva/SME IV/Shelter 501 MkII. The Dominus is settling in currently and is sounding very sweet! I honestly didn't think that a power cord on my power conditioner would make that much of a difference!
Thanks for your comments. Glen, the Copland is no longer a part of my system. I found the time today to update my pictures. The Copland is an incredible preamp, however, I no longer required six channels. The Aesthetix Calypso takes my system to a more refined level of sound with increased dynamics (esp micro-detail) and overall better spatial imaging. This is dependent on the tubes I'm using though.
I'm just starting to get back into vinyl, and am considering upgrading turntables.....maybe for my next birthday, I'll indulge!
Nice system, enjoyed seeing the picture of the inside of your copland gear. That and all your choices in components are top notch. Enjoyed reading and seeing your system. Glen
Very nice system! No doubt you've put time into carefully selecting your components. The one thing that you could do that would take your system to another level is, upgrading your speaker xover networks. No doubt that it would make a big improvement in the overall sound of your system and speakers.
I just finished upgrading a fellow Candian's xover networks. Of course, I've upgraded all my speakers also. No doubt, upgrading the xover networks gave me more sonic improvement that any type of cable I've ever bought. The only two things that brought as much sonic improvement as upgrading my xover networks were my Audio Magic Stealth Matrix and my restored Eico HF-81 int. tube amp.
I thought I would update my system since it has changed so much since my last posting. I am tempted to change my system title to 'Going Full Circle back to Dedicated 2 Channel".
I am in the process of selling my B&W Center Channel speakers, my Copland 6 channel tube preamp, my B&W CM2 Surround speakers, as well as my Audio Refinement 3 channel amplifier.
I have replaced the Copland preamp with the 2 channel Aesthetix Calypso. I have also upgraded my Arcam CD92 CD player with the Ayre C-5xe Universal player. I am now using the Purist Audio Venustas XLR interconnects between my Ayre Universal player and my preamp.
I'm very pleased with the changes I've made thus far. Every tweak that I make to my system, whether it's a new isolation device, interconnect, or power cord is very noticeable.
I am currently in the process of tube rolling with my Aesthetix Calypso. Thus far, I have tried various combinations of tubes including: Amperex 12ax7, Teslov 12ax7 (stock tube), Mullard 6922's, Amperex White label 6922's, Amperex Orange Globe 6922's, Seimens CCa's, and Electro Harmonix 6922 gold pins. I'm in search of the seductive midrange with full frequency extension without harshness or edge. I'll report back with my findings....
At this point, I'm dabbling with the idea of moving back into vinyl as well. My Linn Axis (K9 cartridge) is out of the closet now..and I've paired it up with a PS Audio GCPH phono preamp. A new (or new used) cartridge is in the works.
Tony, Good to hear power is not an issue with your OB1's. Most PMC speakers can go really loud and rock the house, especially FB1+'s and above.
I've got the LB1 Signatures which was the replacement to the Classics. I certainly liked them a lot with their neutral and clean presentation. Quality speakers no doubt as they were being used in some recording studios worldwide. The only weakness they have is deep bass but I have compensated this with the employment of a sub. They were discontinued just recently as Dynaudio has stopped supplying their drivers to PMC(the LB1's use Dynaudio drivers).
For me, the YBA's 75 wpc is not an issue. I live in a townhouse and don't listen to my system that loud. Quality vs loudness you could say....
Prior to owning the YBA, I had a Rotel RMB 1075 (125 wpc) as well as the Classe 70 (70wpc). The YBA amp is clearly superior to both of those amps in all areas.
I noticed in your system that you recently upgraded to a pair of PMC's. Which model did you end up getting? I hope you're happy with them. I really like my PMC OB1's; it was clearly an upgrade in sound quality from my B&W's.
Shadorne... I only use the center channel for home theatre (dvd movies); I don't listen to any 5 channel music formats (DVD-A/SACD). As a result, I don't find any difficulty regarding the integration of the center channel to my OB1's. I've tweaked my center channel to focus on midrange (voice/dialogue) using DNM Reson interconnects and speaker cable. My rear channel B&W CM2's from the late 1980's were formerly my front channel speakers before the PMC's. Overall, the PMC speakers are considerably warmer speakers with a mid-bass that didn't exist with the B&W's.
I missed your reply until now...great that you are having fun rolling tubes. How does the B&W center channel integrate with the OB1s? Isn't it outclassed?
The PMC OB1's are great speakers. I wonder how your YBA's 75W is in driving them. They proved to be quite a difficult load I presume.
I am actually in the verge of getting the LB1 Signatures from my local dealer who is clearing them at a discount. From my understanding, the FB1+'s and OB1's utilize Vifa drivers while the discontinued LB1's use Dynaudio drivers. I can agree that the bass on OB1's is very good. Even on the diminutive LB1's, the bass is excellent and goes deep. In direct comparison with the B&W N805's, the bass is much better, the overall sound more controlled, and the sound of electric guitar's jammin more real. Awesome with Bryston electronics.
I am using OB1 too, i just got it last week, it sounds wonderful, very accurate mid-range and deep bass. realy love it and it can play all kind of music!
Shadorne.... Thanks for your post. I've not heard the Energy Veritas or ATC speakers, so I cannot compare, however I'm really pleased with the PMC OB1's; smooth midrange and outstanding bass response. I've been doing some tube rolling lately with my Copland preamp and have settled on the Siemens CCa's. Other tubes I've tried include Amperex 6DJ8 Orange Globe, Amperx White label 6922 PQ, Mullard E188CC, and Phillips Miniwatt SQ 6922. The Siemens CCa offers a full frequency response from top to bottom without etch in the upper frequencies, a beautifully smooth midrange, and the widest soundstage I've heard from my system....
System edited: Pictures are forthcoming! I am no longer using the Harmonic Technology Truthlinks for my interconnects between the CD player and the preamp. Audience Au24 is now being used. I'm dabbling with the idea of getting a new cd player....considering the Ayre Universal C5xe. Saving up for it!
Nice system nut no pics? I am a fan of the dome mid range three way designs such as in the Energy Veritas or ATC line. I have not compared Energy or ATC to the OB1...how does it sound? Any change with going to tubes?
