My system feels and sounds "done" to me, 14 yrs after I started. 2 channel and movies are better than I ever dreamed possible - the synergy is just remarkable. I have very fortunately been able to assemble a system that I will never grow tired of listening to. This is not in a dedicated listening room, but in my living room, complete with dogs, TV, open doorways, etc., etc. It really shouldn't sound any good, but it sounds GREAT!! Go figure... It has definitely been a learning experience and I've made my share of missteps along the way, as I expected to do.
My original goal was to be able to close my eyes and have the performers in the room with me. I have finally gotten there and actually beyond, to the point where the speakers disappear in the room. A pretty big deal considering the size of the speakers (BIG!) and the size of the room (19' x 20') I now just listen to the music and smile.
The latest additions - VAC Statement linestage, Focal Grande Utopia EM speakers and Critical Mass Systems Maxxum rackage made a huge impact to my system, both aurally and visually (as well as to what USED to be my savings.) :-). I finally have my DREAM system and couldn't be happier, as it sounds as good as it looks (some say even better). (edited 12/2014)
Valve Amplification Company STATEMENT 450 IQ Monoblocks
Great amps. IQ Continuous Automatic Bias System and Auto-Sentry System added on recent trip to VAC. Very good sound became off-the-charts sound. Literally best tube amps I've heard anywhere, at any price. With addition of the FOCALS, I can really appreciate the amps.
Valve Amplification Company STATEMENT Linestage
Added Seimens 7308s for break-in; will be installing CCA Telefunkens in several weeks. :-)
Esoteric P-02 Transport/D-02 DAC
SOTA digital. Phenomenal combination.
FOCAL Grande Utopia EM
WOW!
High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Rhodium and HelixPowrCds
Each run from wall to a P-10 power regenerator, which supply my system. They are "game-changers" for my system - the detail, imaging, separation and musicality are great. Helix goes to transport.
Critical Mass Systems Maxxum Rack and Amp Stands
Merlot 9-position filtered rack, with 2 Merlot filtered amp stands. Installed by Joe L. and my local dealer. All are movable for cable access, etc., a Maxxum first. System got even quieter, imaging improved and sound stage got both wider and deeper. They also make my living room look much better. :-)
High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Power Cable
Ridiculously excellent power transmission. Powers Esoteric P-02 transport from PS Audio P-10 power regenerator. Best I've ever heard.
Master Set Speaker system Tuning
Performed by Rod Thompson of Soundings (here in Denver). Took speakers to a much higher level than I thought possible in my room. Well worth the money for this system to perform to the level he got it to.
High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Speaker cables
SOTA for speakers
High Fidelity Ultimate IC's betw preamp and amps
Final piece of the puzzle. Entire system opened up tremendously.
High Fidelity CT-1Ultimate ICs from D-2 to preamp
New design with magnetic influence. Amazing low level detail with excellent musicality. Best cable yet between Esoteric D-02 DAC and Vac preamp.
Purist Audio Custom DC umbilical cords 4 Focals
Connects DC woofer external control modules to the Focal speakers. Custom made for this application (thanks to Albert Porter).
PS Audio P-10 Power Regenerator(2)
System protection as well as clean, steady power to all gear. Silver.
HighFidelity Ultimate Reference Helix Digital
Great digital cable clocking the p-02 and D-02 together using internal clock.
Hi Diamond P-4(4) and P-3(2) power cords
P-4s from wall to 2 P-10s, and from P10s to each amp. Also from P-10 to CD player and wall to sub. P-3 from P-10 to preamp and from Oppo to P-10. Extremely quiet, resolving and organic cables that get out of the way of the music. Macro and micro details in abundance, without any harshness or loss of musicality. Best PCs I've heard, at any price.
Pro ELITE 70 inch LCD w/full Local Dimming
Motorized wall mount allows TV to come forward and down for viewing. Retract to wall for critical listening.
Integra DHC-80.2 HD Processor
All the latest codecs for movies.
Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 rear speakers
Full range and great for movies
Oppo BDP-105
Video processing to 3D plus all latest Audio Codecs
Digital Systems Ultrabit Platinum Disc Treatment
The best I've found to help my CDs sound their best and remove scratches.
I'm reading that you are ecstatic with your new speakers and pre and that's great and what it's all about and you should be, I'm sure it sounds marvelous.
Now your speakers are taller than your stack of gear ;-)
You might want to give it some further thought about installing your Ultra 5's prior to your set-up because the sound changes hence your positioning might also - if you refer to Albert's thought's with his experience. My MBL's are on carpet and with all of the different isolation I tried using these I noticed the most significant differences, hence my preference.
Some nice pics showing the entire area would be nice - enjoy!
communicating via these forums when posting can be taken the wrong way - this is just a discussion.
As you and other readers know I have been enjoying my own Vac electronics for many years and continue to.
In response to your remarks directed towards me above "ARE NOT TRUE" when you wrote;
"I am surprised Dev could not hear it when he listened to it"
You are the only one who originally posting as if you had done a direct comparisons so I was asking for some clarification out of interest.
When someone makes statements as you did, such can be challenged which I did because your comments just weren't adding up.
I proved my point and you have admitted that in actual fact you never did do a side by side comparison in your own system or a direct comparison period.
I don't know how anyone could listen to a unfamiliar set-up in a unfamiliar room and come out saying that a specific pce contributed to this and that, now if you mentioned that you swapped out the two pre's in question and posted your findings well that's more credible. - I can appreciate the enthusiasm but that's were it ends.
What's the estimated break-in hours for the 9's 1000 -1500?
Ya I agree the Statement dealer issue is with Kevin and wasn't suggesting was anyone else's, just a shame because he's loosing out on potential sales and was a disappointing experience wasting my time and energy going to one of his so called listed Statement dealers - I'll leave it at that.
Hifimaniac, don't take this personally - sorry but that response is just lacking any credibility and actually lame.
I don't know how such statements can be made without doing a direct comparison and in your own system, then describe the differences, way too much of this goes on with individuals and frustrates the heck out of me when reading these forums.
Fplanner2000,
again congrats on your new speaker acquisition - I'm sure you are excited to receive, gorgeous speakers - look forward to your response. Also see you have now decided to move forward with the Statement pre, again congrats and look forward but it's going to be really hard if you don't have the same speakers to properly evaluate in comparison to your Sig - so much will be going on.
Which of the Select dealers do you use? There are only 5 listed.
Are there designated territories?
I'm going to rant a bit about this new Select dealer sales rule
1. What about the dealers whom are actual dealers and have sold Statement product, I know others including myself and now these dealers aren't allowed to offer new Statement pces - Absolutely foolish!
2. What about when you have a long term history established with a specific dealer "I have purchased several new - both my Sig MK2a and 450 Statement mono's from the same dealer and know of others whom have done the same but with different Vac dealers" even though they sold you Vac Statement product now can no longer offer you so you now Kevin is expecting you to start all over looking for a new dealer - humm, not smart marketing!
3. The list of "Select" dealers don't even have complete Statement systems to listen too so to clarify this just doesn't make any sense.
One of these so called SELECT dealers only has the Stereo amp and just sits off to the side - doesn't even have a Sig MK2a pre - a very old model pre and no other VAC pces - so what do you call this? - makes absolutely no sense.
Mark, how you were you able to do that? I spoke with Kevin and he doesn't and hasn't lent any out - you have to place a purchase order if you want to hear one.
"BLOWS away" the Sig is a pretty big statement, what do you exactly mean using that term? because talking to Kevin does not describe in such a way.
If there is such a substantial difference why wouldn't you order one?
Hi Mark, you loss me along the way - I take it you owned a ARC Ref5 which was then replaced by the Vac Sig. MK2a but then you refereed to the Statement pre-amp which is in question.
Did you actually have a Statement pre in your system?
Have you ever done a direct comparison with the Sig?
I don't know anyone who has to date so I'm very intrigued.
As per my other response on your thread you know what I have, I really enjoy my Vac gear and puts a big smile on my face.
Hi Harve, I'm sure you are getting overly anxious now knowing your 9's are ready ahead of schedule - sales in general are very slow. I've had my EA MM3's up for sale and only receiving limited responses, Micro Seiki also but sold to a friend. Best of luck with your sale and look forward to your thoughts of your new 9's. You should check out a new site called audioshark.org, you will see allot of familiar faces and it's a friendly site.
Hi Mark, curious with your statement - how do you know what the Statement pre-amp was offering say in comparison to the Sig pre which the three of us own? To date I don't know of anyone who has replaced their Sig and provided any comparisons between the two, do you? If so kindly share, I do have my eye on one.
I reached out to Albert Porter whom owns the same speakers and replied he was very disappointed over all with the sound.
I was curious about this soft start up and auto-bias- mainly the sonic difference you wrote of so I was in contact with a friend who also has the Statement 450's due of my recommendations - I recall he had sent his back and had the soft start up done along with auto-bias. Main reason for sending back was because his amps kept blowing a fuse upon turn on like several others that I know of, I had forgot and because he never wrote saying WOW! as you did in sonic differences upon return simply was an over sight.
Asking what differences he heard - his system is stable with nothing new within the line, he said that now upon turn on they do not blow any fuses so he's very happy - sonically speaking said there is a difference but no WOW!, nothing that is obvious.
Hi Fplanner2000 - any update in relation to your acquisition of the Statement pre-amp you mentioned back in June that you should have some time in Sept - it's now late Oct.
That pre has peeked my interest - stupid list though
Hi Fplanner2000 - well that's GREAT that they were able to correct such and you are finally able to hear them for the first time :)
You wrote;
"I didn't think they sounded the way they should. Turned out that I was correct and that a few things that Kevin thought would clear up via break-in never came around."
Kindly provide information - maybe mine have the same issues.
I can't respond for either Ralph or Ken nor Vladimir of Lamm but I'm sure such would be debatable.
that's great you got your amps back and I'm sure it sounded GREAT cold because you were so excited just to have it back up and running after some 2.5 months! :)
I'm chuckling reading all your enthusiasm but heh all is good. You have so much going on and with new pces - don't you feel they need to be broken-in fully before adding the next.
I would have to question your comments suggesting the amps sonic characteristics WOW! in comparison to prior - how could they sound much better than before - even being cold. There must have been something wrong with them or your mind is playing tricks?
1- How could the amps be improved sonically by just having onrush circuit protection installed "this is installed so fuses won't blow upon turn on" this offers no sonic improvement.
2- Auto-bias built-in, has benefits but honestly again I would question such and would have to do a side by side comparison to hear if there were any improvements "be it slight or possibly a degradation". My amps are very stable looking at the bias lights so I can't see any reason to need auto-bias and it's so easy to auto-bias
I recall having a conversation with Ralph of Atma-Sphere some time back about this and his comments about auto-bias is for convenience and for those who don't have the skills or want to auto-bias - you are adding parts so now the systems is not as clean!
I also had the same conversation with Ken Steven's of Convergent Audio Technology - better known as CAT. His comments were very similar to Ralphs and why his product is designed the way it is.
So in closing the auto-bias is very debatable and questionable - hearing sonic improvements humm?
you wrote; Your assumption is also incorrect re: Rick's ic's.
Did you mean correct?
My understanding was Rick's IC's originally where only available rca terminated hence my response above, are they now in production offering xlr connectors?
I would really like to compare these against my Stealth Sakra xlr IC's, use from pre to amps and from sources.
"So they became in essence a balanced "work around", necessary due to a single-ended issue with one of my amps. Easy? no. Inexpensive? HELL NO!! Temporary fix until my amps go back to VAC for some tweakage in a month or so? Absolutely. :-)"
What's going on with your amps, what is the tweakage that you refer going to be.
I take it due to using Rick's IC's you are left with only using rca.
so you have your dac hooked up to what "tape input" because as per Jwm posting above the 12au7's are only for the tape stage. Those are the only tubes that I have yet to roll. I actually removed my pair and confirmed the pre still operates.
05-03-13: Jwm Dev, the second set of tubes in the Sig. 2 is for the tape input output stage. The new preamp does not have tape so no longer needs the second set of tubes. The information was directly from the horses mouth.
when you wrote you felt sonic wise changing the 12au7's was more beneficial, I take it you are using your tape input then. What do you have hooked-up.
Jwm, speakers you mentioned as fads included MBL's which have been around for many years now and have lasted. Looking at your pics a pair of MBL 101e's would sound fabulous in that room, bringing the performers into your space.
I'm a bit biased because I have a pair :-) being driven by a pair of VAC 450 Statements - Sig MK2a pre which sounds marvelous. I do have an appreciation for many other speakers designs also, I have owned numerous box speakers including Avalon Isis, Eggleston, Wilson, Focal to name a few and currently have a pair of EA MM3's. Those would also sound nice in your room.
Jwm - Congrats on your new speakers amps, that will be a interesting new journey for sure and hopefully you will be able to duplicate your show experience. Sure seems to be allot of recent Altair owners all the sudden which is odd, big sale?
I wouldn't agree with your comment suggesting those other speakers mentioned are "latest fads", ones opinion in what they like in general is just that as there is no right or wrong just different.
Jwm, okay. Ya that makes sense due to the design. Sure looks pretty in side, one should leave the top off and install a angled mirror behind the unit so they can appreciate.
Which tubes are for the tape output 12AU7, those are the only tubes I have yet to tube roll. So these 2-tubes have no role sonic wise when using line or phono?
Are you also getting one? What does the rest of your system consist of.
I use a external phono also, Burmester 100 but the phono is nice for the money.
Hi Fplanner, are you looking at getting the new Statement pre.
Jwm,
I'm sure the new Statement pre does sound different otherwise .... sure looks different inside but is a substantial jump up in cost also. At the same time this new unit is a line stage ONLY unit minus some inputs mentioned above including a phono stage which many have in their current MKIIa's so one needs to take this into account also. Obviously some that don't spin it's not important.
Interesting design for sure only using two tubes, wonder why. Anyone have any thoughts on this. What does one call this new pre design?
Sonic wise, you can change the sound characteristics of your current Sig MK2a by just changing the tubes alone which is endless and allot less costly.
Still would like to hear what these differences are in comparison and if it's really justifiable or just different.
So far I don't know of any actual end user whom has gotten one, do any of you. If so would like to know what their system consist of, would also like a little history of the tube rolling they did in their existing MKIIa prior and what they heard for comparisons.
Hi Fplanner, I was chuckling in a positive way when I read what you wrote saying;
"the imaging gets even better and the dogs start looking around for the musicians/singers. I haven't seen that before... :-)"
It's pretty amazing isn't it? I've been lucky enough to have been enjoying such for some years now and never get bored seeing my "girls" two sisters "boston terriers" so engaged along with myself and seems no matter how many times I or them listen still get caught off guard which is remarkable.
If you go to the site you can now see the further pics of the product.
Kevin has changed the look, the 450's have an additional cord "three instead of two like ours
I personally don't like the look in black but if in silver those additional areas will blend in.
Line stage, looking inside only shows two tubes. If you click onto the picture and keep clicking you can see different pics along with a nice close up of the inside and I must say looks amazingly clean.
Peek at the back of one of the units shows 4 phono inputs, title says line stage but don't see any tubes for those phono's but then looking at another pick titled phono has six tubes but the back appears to only have xlr connectors so not too sure.
SPL meter would be a little more accurate to achive those readings that you refer to but I think even doing this it may still be flawed, my amps and pre may be quieter or possibly louder than yours due to different factors including manufacture, the bias and even the the tubes within "actual noise from such"
This is just my two cents and I feel there is allot more going on than just testing that.
What input did you have your pre turned to when doing this? and what is connected to that actual input?
Interesting indeed, what is the aprox outer dimension of these cables and are they flexable or ridged
Curently I'm using Stealth Dream as PC's, I have yet to find anyone whom has done any comparison's. I'm still using the stock PC from the P10 to the wall, will change down the road.
With our amps I'm also surprised with the differences it makes with support, what you place them on.
Currently I having mine placed upon a Sistrum SP 101 platform with a Svelt shelf then placed upon it which is my fav.
Would like to try SS Ultra 5's and also Minus K
Placing my speakers upon StillPoints Ultra 5's to date is my fav
Fplanner, I agree if they were special informed trained dealers but the 2 dealers that I have met and one I have known for over 20 years unfortuantely aren't.
Jumping to conclusion suggesting a specific dealer isn't reputable just because they do not want or have Vac Statement pces on hand to demo to me is wrong, my dealer has done business and assisted in building Vac's business for some 9 + years while one of the "Statement" dealers I'm familiar with only a few years and my friend's dealer has also been arround for many years.
I don't believe it's good business practice and if a company did that to me I would tell them .... Best of luck!
The Vac pre, only time will tell I suppose but if it's anywhere in that amount well ....
As you know I have and do enjoy my Vac pces and have recommended to several but don't agree with what VAC is currently doing, Newbee dealer no problem but not someone who has done business with you for 9 + YEARS.
I was inquiring about the new Vac Statement pces with the dealer that I have worked with over the year whom has been selling Vac for some 9 years now and said;
Kevin has started something new, basically you have to be a "Statement" dealer to sell their Statement products. To be a "Statement" dealer you have to have a Statement system in stock for demo, which I don't have.
I contacted my friend, another member here whom I had recommended the Vac pre and Statement mono blocks and currently owns, inquiring and found out the dealer he deals with doesn't either.
It's going to be very interesting if this actually works for Kevin, I know I got tired of waiting for his phono and purchased the Burmester 100.
Vac is loosing my interest in their product with this type of attitude and in discussing with my freind his also.
I can see if you were a newbe wanting to be a dealer to sell Vac but someone that has been promoting and assisting in building your company "VAC" to where it is at currently for some 9 years in the making is just bluntly STUPID!
Basically saying I don't want or need your business or the customers whom you have established.
Apparently this new Statement pre will be listing for aprox $40K, if this is correct it will be more than DOUBLE the list price of the Signature MK2a
Kevin has said for years now there really isn't anywhere to go with his line stage design but sideways "no REAL improvements" but now a Statement pce possibly @ more than double the list.
I was inquiring about the new Vac Statement pces with the dealer that I have worked with over the year whom has been selling Vac for some 9 years now and said;
Kevin has started something new, basically you have to be a "Statement" dealer to sell their Statement products. To be a "Statement" dealer you have to have a Statement system in stock for demo, which I don't have.
I contacted my friend, another member here whom I had recommended the Vac pre and Statement mono blocks and currently owns, inquiring and found out the dealer he deals with doesn't either.
It's going to be very interesting if this actually works for Kevin, I know I got tired of waiting for his phono and purchased the Burmester 100.
Vac is loosing my interest in their product with this type of attitude and in discussing with my freind his also.
I can see if you were a newbe wanting to be a dealer to sell Vac but someone that has been promoting and assisting in building your company to where it is at currently for some 9 years in the making is just bluntly STUPID!
Basically saying I don't want or need your business or the customers whom you have established.
Apparently this new Statement pre will be listing for aprox $40K, if this is correct it will be more than DOUBLE the list price of the Signature MK2a
Kevin has said for years now there really isn't anywhere to go with his current line stage design but sideways "no REAL improvements" but now a Statement pce possibly @ more than double the list.
Fplanner, yes I agree about THD already saw that also.
So far in the system even with disconnecting everything and then reconnecting I'm not hearing any negatives which is a good sign, usually takes a few days for everything to be back to norm. I dad to even bend some PC cables etc. to re-route everything and make look as neat as possible.
I just popped in the cords they came with for now, will put some hours in and then try others.
I still have the Burmester coming so that will be interesting, I have that fully loaded Burmester phono 100 coming also so I'll be able to do some direct comparisions plugged in down the road.
For the other room where the MM3's will be going I will be installing a Equi=tech 10WQ Wall Cabinet System out side feeding that room but also installing a few runs up to my MBL/Vac room also. I will really be able to do some comparisons, looking to keep what I preffer and get rid of what ever I don't.
CES, ya that should be interesting specially with VAC showing off their new Statement pre and phono which they have been working on for some time now.
I did buy a pair of Acustic Evolution MM3 speakers to play around with in a second room set-up so that will be interesting, different flavour than my MBL's for sure.
Finally received the 2 P-10 unit's in silver finish.
I found them to be taller than my exisiting Torus RM-20 unit's which I have placed underneigh the 450's. I'm using Sistrum 101 platforms with a svelt platform placed ontop and then the 450's ontop and works out nicely and very happy sonic wise. I then have a platform sitting on the floor right underneath and the conditioner sits ontop it and looks very clean.
I had the taunting task of reconfiguration due to that height differeance so I had to move the amps and come up with a configuration to raise my SP101's 3 inches higher, but all done and worked out nicely. :)
I find the build quality superior "exterior" to the RM20's, as mentioned prior no longer had my 450's plugged into them because I found in doing such degraded the sonic quality while with other amps worked fine and increaesed such.
I'm not shocked but it's kinda neat to see the fluctuation of power coming in and at different times of the day and then viewing the reading of 120 going out, makes me very happy.
As long as there is no negative sonic wise using these I'll be very happy just knowing my investment has some type of protection.
Yes I'm waiting to receive 2-P10's, one for each mono and also have the Burumester coming.
I have never tried the PC's you make mention of, I'm currently using Stealth Dream PC's and been very happy. Elrod Gold or Diamond PC's do peak my interest.
I still own one Torus RM20 which my front end including pre and tv are plugged into.
I have my amps plugged directly into the wall which to date has been my preference over plugged into two separate RM20's and the therory behind them similar. Like I mention prior worked great on other amps but for what ever reason no so with the Vac's
Hi Fplanner2000, you seem to be very happy so I suppose I'll also see. I just placed an order for 2 in Silver, as mentioned prior I also have the Burmester coming so I'll be able to do some direct comparisons. I still have a Torus RM20 which worked very nicely with other gear "amps" but found not so with the Vac's and currently just have my sources plugged into it.
How did the cable comparisons do, specially compared to the stock cords.
Do you use your stock cords on the Vac's? I have Stealth Audio Dream but need to at some point do a comparision.
Hi Fplanner, I await to see what the vertic is because I'm in the same situation. I originally had mine plugged into two seperate Torus RM20's which seemed to work great with others but not so with my Vac amps.
I have on it's way a Burmester 948 power conditioner and will try, Burmester says they can run two of their biggest amps and other gear into it with no problems what so ever so time will tell.
I got my tubes and placed them in. Letting my system warm up I could instantly here a difference that sounded very promising. I have around 20 hours on them and really just can't believe what I'm hearing over all, very happy indeed and for sure well worth it. As you said "small investment for a substantial return" FOR SURE Thanks! :)
THANKS, already chatting with both Ian and Rachel.
Yes the TV even with that cord is very nice, I noticed on my other pce changing the power cord did make a positive difference and it's just a shame one can't do such on this one.
Did you get yours calibrated as of yet? I have heard from others if properly done very positive results. I will be once I put some hours in on mine.
I was also shocked with the plastic backer when my other unit is all metal, as you are aware not an inexpensive unit and just wonder why that's all.
K-01 is breaking-in nicely, so far prefer it over any other single units I have had. A AMR 77.1 is sitting at the door awaiting to be shipped to it's new owner along with a DCS Puccini.
Still burning in my Magnum Dynalab 109T, gorgeous looking pce but sounding a little thin and isn't offering the same body nor bass compared to my MR78 W/Modafferi Modifications which is just a stunning tuner! Larry said 50+ hours and I might have 30 on it now so time will tell.
With your 108T can you run either rca or balanced IC'S? What are you using, have you ever done any comparision, if so what were the results.
What power cord do you use, again if you have what were the results.
Thanks, I'm sure your set-up sounds absolutely marvelous but you are missing out big time not using vinyl as a source option :)
I picked up last week same 70" TV as you, replaced my Pioneer ELITE® KURO Flat Panel HDTV PRO-150 FD 60 inch. Kinda shocked with the crappy power cord cable that is attached and not allowing one to install their own as per my other unit, never mind not being all that long. Happy to have the larger screen back because I went from a Elite 710 64" down to the 60" because nothing larger was available at the time but now finally back up to this one.
Tubes in pre-amp, put them in recently and still allowing to burn in and then will evaluate.
I was just checking out these amps tubes to place an order and found the following information, were you aware of this.
Thoughts .....
From GF web site:
Notice:
We have officially discontinued this Treasure CV181-Z model and have replaced it with the newer better MKII version called âPsvane CV181-Tâ. Please visit under Psvane T-Series vacuum tubes category for details on Psvane CV181-T tubes.
you know this hobby is addictive and I had to chuckle reading your last three posts in reference to the 450's.
It's okay I know you want the 450's soooooooooo badly, I bet you dream about it at night. :)
I'm just sitting relaxing and listening and while writing I have found myself just getting loss within the music, loosing track of time so it has taken a long time to write this little blurb.
I haven't really been following the digital arena very closely at all.
You said "Digital is developing more bells and whistles very quickly now"
One of the main reason's why I don't want to invest crazy money, one would think prices will come down along with some pces becoming extinct.
With Albert picking up this line I would have thought you would have gotten one of these players in your system for evalution and provided such info. to him be it good or bad.
Have you checked out "The Memory Player", I did a few years ago and at that time was not all that enthused for a few reasons but now their current units have from what I read come along including cost drops.
1. Build quality 2. Glishes 3. Not user freindly 4. Over all sound quality greatly differed from Clement's praise. 5. Rediculous price 6. Always changing constantly but reading their info. now the ysay can be upgraded over the internet, very interesting indeed.
I like the concept
Every server set-up I have heard to date, no matter what was involved or cost I find the individuals seem to be very enthusiastic and talk a good game. To the point of having me excited but once a song is played all that fads away very quickly unfortuantly leaving me just wondering.
Esoteric K-01 player, intersting. I'm presently looking into getting another player, I know I won't really use it all that much but when others drop by they always have those shiny discs and want to have a listen. Prior we would listen and then once a record was put on we just didn't go back, I also have a very nice collection of cd's and most are not available on vinyl.
Previously had a amazing set-up but do to not being used, money invested but mainly the real estate space needing due to being separate pces and the MBL 1621a transport being a top loading unit got rid of them. I'm looking for a all in one unit.
So any input in relation to this specially knowing what you already own would be appreciated.
Vac 450's, well you already know what I think. Did Kevin have the new phono pre-amp at the show that he has been working on? any pics or info.
What were your thoughts of the Nola speakers? I heard a pair, they were okay but nothing that intrigued me saying to get a pair.
Did you have any favourites at the show while attending that you care to share.
I also owned a MBL 6010D as well along with a ARC REF3 and switched back and forth within my system to get different flavours but once I got the Sig. MK2a pre into my system well long story short with out any hesitation I sold both of those world class pre's and I'm just truely enjoying my VAC.
Will be interesting to see what your out come is in comparing those two that you mentioned.
