Analog, organic and musical, with dynamic impact and tonal accuracy has dictated the evolution of this system. Competent sources and cabling along with the new Volti Alura are the current realization of my sonic preferences.
System edited: Stumbled upon these McIntosh MC30 mono blocks. Classic tube sound with plenty of muscle and a midrange which is quite involving. As good as they sound by complimenting the Volti horns, I can easily forgive their frequency extreme shortcomings. In fact the high frequencies are really smooth, I detect little missing, but they clearly don't reach the heights of the BorderPatrol. The bass reaches down very low but just doesn't have the control of the BP. However, I find the overall presentation quite attractive and an easy, enjoyable listen. Add to that the rock solid dependability of a circa 1960 amp, an I consider this McIntosh to be a keeper that will INCREASE in value as the years go by.
Cymbop, I just checked out your rig and comments. It appears we have allot of things in common along with our taste in music, listening habits, distain of television and even our love of dogs! Nice. Not surprising, then, that you were taken by the Alura as I was at AXPONA 2013.
Papermill, I heard the Alluras at RMAF last weekend and they have been haunting my dreams ever since. Thanks for sharing such great photography and notes on your setup. I'll bet that it sounds divine.
System edited: The Volti Alura, as I've come to understand many horn based loudspeakers, do not necessarily excel at sound-staging. I've been using the Plasmatron 3 from Chris at VH Audio for several months. It has opened up the sound-stage - front to back, added delineation to the bass. Not only has it enhanced the digital, but the same overall effects are present on analog. Dimensional. Individual voices and instruments more inhabit their own space. All the individual effects could be described as subtle, but collectively the improvements are significant. I can't imagine ever removing the Plasmatron from my system.
System edited: Just to be thorough. Upgraded the electro-harmonix to Sophia Electric Princess. The Sophia added more air, resolution, bass texture and power. Just a more sophisticated presentation. Plus, as an added bonus, the glass larger and visually impressive!
Thanks Roxy54. Akiko Audio "Tuning Stick" - AC Put it in/out of the system for a few days. It DOES something. The sound staging has more depth resulting from the vocals moving a bit forward. I'm now playing with the various settings on the Esoteric to determine what combination of sampling/filters sounds best. Vinyl playback doesn't seem to be affected as much....
System edited: Minor, but significant change - finally bought shelving for some of my albums. I had to "touch" every album to categorize them in some semblance of organization. I had forgotten about so many of them - some old friends. While most of my audio buddies are downloading their CD collections or Hi Rez, I'm the luddite, stuck in the mid-twenieth century! However, I remain convinced that my experience of music is enhanced by both the quality of sound, and also the ritual of vinyl playback.
Sgr, Our river house is located on the Wisconsin bluffs, a little south of La Crosse. We just love it. There is something very special about the Upper Mississippi. And it's funny, I rarely listen to the rig at the river. I mean to say that we listen to music,though the audio is not as good as home. Of course, with my Neo Vintage rig, I do enjoy music immensely, but I do on occasion, listen to the rig - mostly in awe that I have the good fortune to have such a set-up. Enjoy, also! Dave
I was reading your comments about my system tonight. Sorry somehow I missed them. Thanks for the compliments.
I enjoyed reading and looking at your systems also. I love fishing on the Mississippi and have caught a lot of nice catfish over the years there. I'm near St. Louis where are you?
Your room looks very inviting and comfortable and the equipment first rate and beautifully displayed. Enjoy, Sgr
Albert, I appreciate your comment. The Volti Vittora and Alura are really exceptional speakers. They project a "sound-field" unlike any panel or dynamic speaker, and yet deliver all the "audiophile" characteristics we demand. And, no, not a bit telltale sign that less sophisticated horn speakers are known for - really an accomplishment. Music has really become alive in my room.
Charles, Thanks for the comments and info for Dan regarding the BorderPatrol amp. My system "locked in" when I added the BP. They compliment the Alura perfectly. Dynamic. Muscular. Delicate. Nuanced. All with 20 watts/channel. Truth be told. I ended up purchasing the demo BP amp that I heard at AXPONA powering the Aluras. The translation to my home has been nothing short of astonishingly gratifying.
Papermill, You have built a very nice system and I'd like to hear your Volti driven by those amplifiers.
Dan, The Border Patrol are very highly regarded amps, in both SET and PP models. They're noted for having stout power supply designs. Part time audiophile.com has covered them thoroughly. Charles,
System edited: System edit. Replaced the Esoteric X-05 with Esoteric K-03. More delineation and thus more three dimensional. Nice. Plus a major upgrade in the DAC.
System edited: Recently added the BorderPatrol P21 amp. This is the amp I first heard with the Volti Alura at AXPONA. With the BP, I've completed the transformation of the system from a rather complex set-up to a simplified and highly musical rig. I'm also using Snake river cabling - another show demo. the BP is a pretty amazing amp. Plenty of power for the Alura, delicate, dynamic, revealing and highly coherent.
Metralla, thank you. I have the good fortune of my wife, who also enjoys our rig and has allowed our living room to be dedicated to music all these years. And the setting does enhance our enjoyment.
What a beautiful room. I don't have the experience to comment on your top shelf components, but you have done such a fantasic job with the decor I just wanted to say thanks for posting the photos.
Schubert, Thanks for the kind comment. I'm sure Greg at Volti Audio would be able to give you current pricing or check the website. I can say that I heard many speakers at AXPONA that cost considerably more than the Alura but didn't impress me nearly as much as this creation. I classify this speaker as a significant audio achievement that must be heard.
Fantastic speakers, very well done. I am planning a pilgrimage to Maine to witness the birth and possibly adopt of a pair of Volti. I promise to love and cherish for life. Good old Yankee enginuity at it's best.
