VAC & FOCAL : 2-Channel w/Vinyl 2 com?

by fplanner2000 on
IMG_1047
IMG_1048 (2)
IMG_1049
IMG_1052

Description

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)
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 21’ × 19’  Large
Ceiling: 13’

Components Toggle details

    • 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.
    • Dedicated 20 amp lines
    One of my best investments

Comments 502

Showing all comments by mribob.

View all comments

Sign in to comment
Not sure that upgrading cables to a sub is going to produce a huge improvement...since your initial cables are decent to start; but I could be wrong...let us know....
We have some similar pieces; I do love the VAC tubed preamps...but the biggest step up for me in sonic enjoyment and quality was to switch to DSD capable DAC; omit the CD player; and rip all my music CD's onto a hard drive; and then up-convert to DSD....I had a decent Ayon CD5s, and the switch to Playback Design PS5D was incredible.
Keep your current VAC preamp; and replace it with a dac that can up-convert usb files to DSD, several makes out there; the MSB analog DAC, EMM, Chord, Playback Design, and I think Esoteric...
If that move doesn't float your boat; then try the upgraded VAC pre....we both are pure digital people; with no TT...and using our rig for combined two channel/HT.
I'd love to hear more about what the Novum PMR device did to help tune your room, and how you are liking it...
Glad you are enjoying your set up; and the new cables....

mribob

Fplanner: I have a VAC Phi Beta pre; with the recent upgrade to allow tube rolling. I just had a bad tube in my stock 6DJ8; and changed my first tube ever! Now my right channel is putting out beautiful music. Where can you recommend I purchase a matched set of the 7308's...glad to hear that you think they are a big step up from the stock VAC tubes...I am new to this tube swapping and need some friendly advice.
Thanks.
Bob P

mribob

Fplanner; never saw your prior system posts; but you do have a sweet set-up. Could you please comment on what you feel the differences are between the Von Sheikert VR 7se; adn the vr 5 anniversary? I know there is s steep step up in price; what is the difference or improvement? Most of my knowledge of the VS line is from the lower end 4 sr's..the reviewers never list his best speakers, the vr 5, 7's, or 9's in the same category as Wilson Maxx v 3, MBl, Magico, etc; yet they are neighbors in price and specs...What type of sound do you achieve with the tubed amps vs ss; do you use the Velodyne mainly for home theater; as the vr 7's do put out fairly robust base on their own. never heard the VR 7se's; but was always intersted...especially the way you have your system configured...seems like perfection..congrats on great set. thanks for your thoughts; happy New Year.

mribob

  • 372.7K
  • 502
  •  0
© 2024 Audiogon.com