You're looking at a different kind of "All Out Assault", this one based on utilizing a fuller expression of current excellent technology, as opposed to a limited expression of such. Some go for a cost-no-object expression of one technology. I have chosen to pursue a superb expression of different technologies. I have derived far more pleasure doing so than seeking one rig to satisfy my longings to hear beautiful systems.
Photos represent some of the speakers, components and cables I have reviewed over the years. I have spent time predominantly with four technologies in speakers; Full range hybrid dyanamic, Full range ESL, and Omnidirectional hybrid. I have branched out to horn hybrid as well.
I have moved to file and streaming playback exclusively utilizing Tidal and ROON. However, I maintain CD as backup source. I find a shocking disparity in performance of digital based systems.
This is a dedicated room, built by myself and tuned for two channel, but wired for 7.1 surround. I listen to 2 ch. audio approx. 95-98% of time. The surround and video compliment is not noteworthy, as a result. I upgrade them only every several years.
Source, amplification and speakers have all been reviewed and are highly recommended. The sound quality of the system is moving steadily toward SOTA.
Colibri is Avantgarde Acoustic's affordable brand of speakers. The C2 is a high performance compact (bookshelf) horn hybrid loudspeaker.
See my review of the Colibri C2 at Dagogo.com
The stock stands are quite low, so I obtained some 34" Sanus stands to raise the speakers, with superb results affecting the soundstage. The speakers are currently paired with my Perlisten D212s Subwoofers, which have also been reviewed for Dagogo.com
Legacy Audio Whisper DSW Clarity Edition
Bill Dudleston realized my concept of a fully configurable speaker able to be employed as both passive and active. The result is what I call a "crossover speaker," which can be configured; 1. Fully passive, with as little as one stereo amp and three sets of speaker cables; 2. Hybrid active/passive, using the Legacy processor for the bass and the Mid/Treble passive, and 3: Fully active, using six channels of outboard amplification.
The speaker has been retrofitted for a review of upgrade internal cabling and capacitors. The result is the Whisper DSW, which Bill Dudleston of Legacy measured a 2 dB improvement on the Bass!
PureAudioProject Trio15 PAP Horn 1
Wonderful two-way hybrid horn reviewed for Dagogo.com. I enjoy the flexibility of the speaker in the crossover and "internal" wiring. My special utilization of the speaker is in Landscape mode, the realization of a dream for an alternative sound which I have pursued for about five years. The Horn 1 in Landscape impressed the entire audio group of which I am a member; they all placed it among the very best systems I have made. It truly is a stunning application of an affordable speaker with high end sensibility.
Alternative application of using Sound Anchor custom stands to hold speakers sideways. This results in a far wider soundstage superlative for live music recordings. Note that the orientation of the horn of the Horn 1 speaker is normally horizontal, so the Landscape mode/application results in the speaker's horn turned vertical, similar to large horn speakers such as the Volti Audio Alura.
PureAudioProject Quintet15 Horn1
Largest of PureAudioProject (PAP) offerings, this one outfitted with the horn driver. Features upgradable crossover components (cap, resistor) and "internal" wiring.
This speaker is especially beautiful sounding with the Legacy Audio i.V4 Ultra Amplifier. Both products reviewed for Dagogo.com
King Sound King III
The King III is a full range ESL with a performance which takes back seat to no magnetic planar speakers. With subwoofers they are a formidable ESL experience.
Kings Audio Kingsound King Tower
Omnidirectional hybrid dynamic/ribbon speaker system not available in N. America. and perhaps entirely disconintued by Kings Audio. Added to my collection as an expression of Omnidirectional speaker technology.
Aspen Acoustics Grand Aspen Speaker
Continuing development of Scott Kindt's DLT (Disproportionately Large Tweeter; my term) designs. The Grand Aspen is the new flagship, extension of the Capella (previously called the Lagrange L5 MkII, seen below).
The Grand Aspen is a six-way speaker with built in active, oppositional, slot loaded subwoofer. I will be giving this speaker an owner's review to appear at Dagogo.com
Aspen Acoustics Capella Speaker
Craft speaker made by a Colorado physics teacher. This is the pre-production model. Uses what I term the unique DLT (Disproportionately Large Tweeter) configuration. It has the punch of a dynamic speaker with the generosity of a panel speaker.
A more formidable model, the Grand Aspen, is under construction and will be replacing the pair of Capella speakers in my possession. The Grand Aspen features an enhanced DLT array, as seen on the Aspen Acoustics website.
See review of smaller model, L5 MkII at Dagogo.com
Perlisten D212s Subwoofers
Pair of Perlisten Audio D212s Subwoofers as reviewed by myself for Dagogo.com
I enjoyed the Legacy Audio XTREME XD Subs for ten years. Perlisten incorporates room correction in the subs, allowing me to maximize different genres of speakers used in reviewing. These are impressive devices.
Exogal Comet DAC and Ion PowerDAC
This is an unusual combination of a DAC (Comet) with an additional complementary extended DAC with integrated true digital amp (Ion). Together, they include everything needed in the front end of a system except for the source. The Comet can stand alone, but the Ion is dependent upon the Comet, it cannot be used separately.
This combination is thrilling in its performance to cost ratio. One of the most outstanding products I have reviewed in ten years! The digital amplification is especially notable for its ability at 100wpc to drive more difficult speakers to listening levels of about 88-90dB.
Eastern Electric Minimax DSD DAC Supreme
Latest EE DAC featuring DSD and continues to offer opportunity to roll in discrete opamps. Allows contouring system to any selection of components.
Discrete Opamps Staccato, Burson, Sonic Imagery, Sparkos Lab
Discrete opamps rolled into Eastern Electric Minimax DACs and Kinki Studio EX-M1+ Integrated Amplifier
Iconoclast Cables and BAV Power Cords Iconoclast/Belden
Current reference cable line. See review at Dagogo.com
Owned/Reviewed Spkr Cables Various
Have owned: Audioquest, Harmonic Technology, XLO, etc; Reviewed cables for Dagogo.com include: Iconoclast, TEO Audio, Clarity Cable, Silnote Audio, Snake River Audio, Wire World. etc.
Outlaw 950 Surround Processor
Has nice variety of surround settings, 2 component in, plenty of other inputs... Only thing I wished it did was to convert s video to component.
Rotel RB-976
A lovely little workhorse amp! Configurable from 3-6 channels; a wonderful flexibility for surround applications.
Magnepan MGM W
Very affordable planars for surround. They only play down to about 100khz, but acceptable for surround. Awesome feature - they can be mounted upside down (will sound the same) to accomodate wiring near top of room.
Legacy Audio Silver Screen
Black piano finish; complementary driver set to Focus HD; dual 7" bass, 4" planar mid, 1" tweet
Tice Audio Solo/Solo High Current
I'm using two Solos, and one is High Current for power amps. Gotta have someting like this to open up the system's sound...but price might be a bit steep for some people. I will accept an offer of $1,000,000.00 though.
Furutech GTX-D (G)
Audiophile grade outlet featuring copper internals and gold plated sockets for power cord pins
Plateau AV 42
Wonderfully solid, black for AV use. Affordable. Nice to have on casters when you have to move it.
Panasonic PTL-500U
Upgrade from PTL-330U; this unit has high def capabilities.
Auralex Propannel 2x4'
Room tuning sound absorbing pannels. Made a shockingly huge difference in my two channel listening! Some of best audio $ I ever spent!
Congratulations on your new speaks - very sweet. Nice write up - maybe you should give up your day job :)) ??
Interesting background about aesthetics and how they can affect our perception of quality and kudos on your "true confession". Being an interior design buff, I can appreciate your likening the VR's fit and finish to Baker furniture. For that kind of money, equipment should look as good as it sounds and vice versa.
Sure wouldn't want to be one of your old components . . . see what happens when you miss a couple of anger management classes :)!
System edited: Took some doing, but I've added a "Personal Audio Star", quite the hot item. Had to use telescope to catch close up of Von Schweikert VR-4 SR MKII speakers. Case of road rage against inferior components; hope it won't hurt my reviewing record.
Chad, as a reviewer I'm choosing components within a certain price zone typically (occasionally I can wander). Hence, the reference is chosen according to my means and range of reviews. Many things change by necessity when reviewing.
So what about your Chapman's? I think you can do better than Von's....I heard them and like them but reference???? I dunno about all that, your gonna have gear going in and out of your house at a good clip, I hope every 8 weeks you dont find a new reference:)
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh Yeahhhhhh tread lightly my friend! So anyway my dealer is steering my towards the Rega player but I am still on the fence, how much dif is there between the two models and is that extra cash worth it?
Are you gonna go to the NYC audio show in May?, Any real dedicated reviewer will be there....as will I. Give me a call when you have time, its been awhile.
Chad, Thanks for the compliment; yes, I am enjoying reviewing, but it is more time/work than most realize. My goal is to keep it real and honest, and a bit entertaining. So, God AND YOU are watching?! That's serious pressure! ;)
Do you enjoy the whole review gig? I hope it doesnt clash with your Christian values, keep it real and honest, both God and I are watching :) PS your reviews look like an old pro so far.
Sanwanlanman, and Midwest_Modem, Greetings, Wow, that's a mouthful of a moniker! So, I take it you're in San Francisco and working on networks? The ET's are excellent speakers at the price point. There are several options for pre/amps/integrateds with ET's. They are fairly inefficient, so an amp with more robust power will definitely get you more "jump" factor when listening to them. You might enjoy the nearly limitless "ooomph" of a class D amp with the right cdp. You should also try to have a listen to the new Rega players (Apollo and Saturn).
Midwest_Modem, you're timing is impeccable; you can watch for my Saturn review on Dagogo.com (sorry, I don't know the exact timing of when it will appear).
I am very interested in the ET's since I sold my Maggies a few years ago. I need help with amp/preamp/digital source combo that will work well with the ET's. I was going to get Usher, Tyler, or the new Nuforce speakers. If the ET's sound better than the 1.6's that I owned then I am all for it. Thanks
System edited: Recently moved to the Rega Apollo cdp, a very good move, I might add. If you heard and liked the Apollo, the Saturn will take your breath away! For those without budget constraints, this is a player you should go hear.
System edited: Wow! Been a busy, productive time in past six months for my HT! Added the Apollo cdp, went from a single Pathos Classic One MkII in stereo to dual units in bridged mode! WONDERFUL improvement! And now, a dream come true, flagship custom Chapman T-77 speakers handmade by my friend Stuart Jones of Chapman Audio Systems in Vashon, Washington! I put an extended review of them on audioasylum.com for all interested in these magnificent speakers. I would love to hear a showdown between the Vandersteen 5's and this setup with the T-77's and twin Vandy 2W subs! I have been trying MIT Magnum Shotgun 750 S3 speaker cables, but will switch back again to the Tice Audio cables to compare. I adored the sound of the Tice speaker cables in the system and will be anxious to hear what they do for the 77's! I cannot urge audiophiles moving on up in their price category to try the components I've assembled. The two channel system represents the pinnacle of what I've worked for in sound for over two decades. Finally, the dream is reality - every listening session is fantastic! THIS is what audio is supposed to be like! I must be doing something right, the Apollo and Pathos amp have each garnered several enthusiastic reviews by professional reviewers. And the speakers? Well, just read the review.
Congrats on the Chapman T77's. Your den looks awesome. Do you use any bass management EQ for all that low end power? Are those the new T77's or you previous T 7's?
Gmoodl, Yes, there are times I now wish I had that pair of ET's back again, just to swap them in and out of the system. I can only imagine how they'd sound with my current amplification.
Opticaltee, "someday" can really happen! Three years ago if someone would have said to me that I would have my own dedicated room and that I would build it, I would have told them they were crazy. But, we moved, I faced my fears of never having worked in the trades, went at it...and there you see, anyone with determination CAN do it!
I would say, having a dedicated room CAN take a lot of the acoustic problems out. The room needs to be proper dimensions and built properly to give the best advantage for being more acoustically perfect.
One of the most helpful things for me was to get a subscription to "Home Theater Builder" magazine! Wonderful resource! It opened up hundreds of questions in my mind, which at times was burdensome to wade through in finalizing the room, but in the end, it moved me to truly design a great sounding room! I obtained as many back issues as I could. Every single issue had something critical in it to assist my project.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the room was playing interior designer. I had fun selecting carpeting, paint, sconces, etc. Just adds to the gratification.
Stay tuned; I SOON will receive my custom Chapman T-7 speakers and will post new pics of them. For time being, I'm enjoying messing with a newly acquired vintage system with some Nikko gear and a gorgeous pair of Mission Argonaut speakers from about early 80's. Soon I will post yet another system; I'm putting together a Naim Nait 5i along with the Chapman T-7's. I'm tempted to use the Mission speakers there instead and go for the "flat earth" sound.
Love your room. Someday I would like to have a dedicated room, but for now I have taken over the formal living room. Having a dedicated room takes a lot of the room acoustic problems out is that not right? Especially if you get to start right at the studs! The finished product looks nice too!
Hey Doug I went back and listened to my buddies Eminent speakers on Classe 300 again..very disappointing the first go around. He changed the tubes in the preamp over to Australian tubes. WOW!! at the difference. The system sounded stunning!! Very good transparency and air... the bass blended very well with the panels. The wrong tubes sure can make a system sound like crap. The Eminents are back being one of my favorite speakers again.LOL
System edited: Most recently added second Pathos Classic One MkII allowing me to bridge them to mono. Stunning improvement! I've posted review on Audio Asylum.
System edited: It's been a wonderful experience moving from the huge soundstage of the Stacked Eminent Technology speakers to the amazing imaging of the current rig! Now running the sweetest and most simple 2 chanel setup ever. I never dreamed a hybrid tube integrated w. 70wpc would outperform separates, but the Pathos is incredible! I love everything about this system! Every listening session is pure pleasure. The Apollo and the Pathos have launched the system into orbit! Very soon, the Chapman T-77's custom built by Stuart Jones will be here. I can't imagine how good this sytem will sound then! It's not recommended, but I took the Vandersteen crossovers out of the signal path. WOW! Unreal improvement! I don't care what anyone says, they're not going back in. I do not run my system at higher levels, so I'm not concerned about damage to them. This is not an endorsement for you to do same, but I'm shocked at how much better the low end is without the crossovers. I know R. Vandersteen didn't design them to run that way; I don't care. They're not going back in. I'll likely post a proper review of the Pathos Classic One MkII on the Asylum soon. Finally, the biggest headache has been swapping out several sets of spkr, IC, pwr cables. Entire system's worth compared head to head. I went through Audioquest, then Harmonic Technology, and now have settled for the moment on Tice TPT wires. I didn't even know they existed. It's NOS from about 5-7 years ago. I'm terribly happy with it. However, I did discover that the spare XLO power cord I had laying around brought just the right touch of detail to the 2 chanel system if used on the Apollo rather than another Tice power cord. A stunning difference in realism with the swapping out of one cord on the cdp! My resolution and detail (but without harshness of any kind) is so good that I can easily hear the difference between a change in one set of IC's or one power cord. I have dreamed of this sound for many years, and am blessed now to be enjoying it.
Wow, there's been a LOT of changes in the past six months! Now, I am running Tice Audio cables for power, IC and speakers. They are lovely in my current setup. The most recent upgrade is highly significant; Rega Apollo cdp. OHMYGOODNESS!!!! THIS is a seriously fabulous cdp! Huge leap in reproduction on every level above the Rega Planet 2000 I had. No comparison. I put a review on Audio Assylum for interested persons. Here's the link:
