Monitor Audio PL-500 Speakers

by ricred1 on Done For Now

Description

Added Monitor Audio PL500 II speakers being driven by Jeff Rowland 735s.
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 24’ × 18’  Large
Ceiling: 8’

Components Toggle details

    • Antipodes Audio Oladra
    Digital Player
    • Monitor Audio PL-500
    PL-500
    • Infigo Audio Signature XLR
    1m balanced from Jeff Rowland preamp to Jeff Rowland amp and 1m from my DAC to preamp

    1.5m Infigo Audio USB
    • Clarus Crimson
    2.5 meter pair with spades
    • GIK 242
    Acoustic Treatment
    • Chord Electronics Ltd. Dave DAC
    • Jeff Rowland Corus
    Preamp
    • Jeff Rowland 735 mono-amps
    Class A/B amplifier
    • Sony VPL-XW6000ES
    Home Projector
    • Screen Innovations Series 5
    120" Screen Innovations Series 5 Gray Slate
    • Torus RM-20
    Power conditioner
    • REL No. 32

Comments 125

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@ricred1 ,
Good to know that. I did not realize that you also use tri-traps in the corners, and that too similar color as I do. I have ordered 4 additional tri-traps for the back corners. I was advised to go with 2 more 4A Alpha (2D) on front wall and 2 6A Alpha (2D) on the back wall, based on my current room setup. Once I install the rear tri-traps I will see how it changes the acoustics and then proceed.
Would love to see more pictures of your excellent system.

milpai

Owner
milpai,

Thanks. Room treatment has helped my speakers disappear, improve detail and imaging. 
"Wondering how you made the decision between 1D and 2D on the Alpha panels?" I sent a panoramic picture of my room to GIK and they provided recommendations to me.  

ricred1

@ricred1,
Great move on installing the GIK panels. How did the Alpha panels help? Wondering how you made the decision between 1D and 2D on the Alpha panels? I am currently ordering 4 tri-traps for my back corners. Plan to add 2 4A Aplha with 2D and 2 6D Alpha with 2D after a few months.

milpai

Owner
I finally moved the center channel speaker from the equipment rack to a dedicated stand. In addition, I rearranged the components and eliminated the need for two racks.

ricred1

Owner
Added two GIK Acoustics 4A Alpha Series Bass Trap Diffusor/Absorber, four GIK Acoustics 244 Bass Traps with FlexRange Technology, and two GIK Acoustics Monster Bass Traps.  


ricred1

Owner
Changed from Audioquest Fire XLR to Wireworld Platinum Eclipse XLR series 8.

ricred1

Owner
I think everything is about context...in my system the Dave added the detail my system was missing, while sounding more musical than my previously owned DACs.

My room is 20'x26'. I've had some great speakers(Aerial 7Ts, Wilson Sashas, Revels) but none of them could fill my room like the PL500 IIs.

"I bet it sounds like " you are there" type of sound." It's a system that I built based on my preferences and some won't like it. My system is on the very slightly dark side of neutral, that's detailed, but not in your face. I've owned hyper detailed systems before and I couldn't listen to them for extended time without feeling fatigued.

ricred1

Ricred,

How do you like Dave vs other DAC's you've tried?
And, How big is your room
It appears you have plenty of speaker to load room...lol

I bet it sounds like " you are there" type of sound

Well done

Jeff

frozentundra

Keep us posted on those Cable changes. Nice pics and system!
Happy Listening!

jafant

Owner
Changed from Wireworld power cords to Audioquest.

ricred1

Owner
Changed from Wireworld Platinum Eclipse 7 XLR to Audioquest Fire XLR. Changed from my Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 speaker cable to Clarus Crimson.

ricred1

Owner
Thanks Dave.

ricred1

Looking forward to your impressions, Rick.

Congrats on what I feel sure is a great DAC.

Dave

dlcockrum

Owner
Greetings Dave,
I sold my Aeris and don't have it anymore. I should have the Dave in a couple days. I will share my initial thoughts when I receive it.

ricred1

Hi Rick,

The Aeris is a great DAC of yesteryear (not to say it is not still a great sounding product). How does the Dave compare?

Dave

dlcockrum

Owner
Replaced Jeff Rowland Aeris DAC with Chord Dave DAC.

ricred1

Owner
Added the Torus RM-20 power conditioner. Trying to be content, but thinking of the Shunyata Denali power conditioner.

ricred1

Owner
Replaced the Bryston BDP2 music server with the Antipodes DS GT.

ricred1

Owner
added JL Audio F112 subwoofer. I hope I'm done!

ricred1

Owner
shadorne,

thanks for the kind comments.

ricred1

Wow! Simply superb setup! Great choice of gear and those speakers look and no doubt sound fantastic.

shadorne

Owner
Early post was sent from my phone and should read I have them 4 1/2 feet from the front wall.

ricred1

Owner
rshad0000,
I have them 4 1/2 feet from three front wall. I have Wireworld Silver 
Eclpse 7 speaker cables and Platinum interconnect and power cables. Audio is personal and there are no absolutes. I've owned Wilson Audio Sophia 2's, 3's, and Sashas. To "my ears" there is simply no comparison to the Pl500's. The 500's are simply more musical, realistic, tonality is much better.

ricred1

Ricred1,
Great system!   I am very envious.   I currently have Wilson Sophia 2s and am looking to upgrade.  I focused on Wilson again originally, but to be honest, didnt really care for their new tweeter.   Now i am really considering the new PL500ii or the PL300ii depending on what works best for my game room.

A couple of questions...

- How far our from the rear wall did you place the PL500ii speakers?  
- Did you try out several types of speaker cables?  I have wireworld eclipse 7 now so they may work well for me if i decide on the PLs.

Thanks!

rshad0000

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/silence-before-the-storm-review-monitor-audio-pl-500-2

bo1972

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