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.
Lloyd....boy were you right on the P-02/D-02,....I've completed breakin on the various options I will utilize for RB playback and have the P-02 slaved to the D-02 in 22.xx master clock mode with phenomenal results.
Currently burning in SACD playback then we are onto USB from there.....lots of combinations to burn-in with these units!
The 02s dig into recordings as I've never heard before showing me even more detail, dynamics, more bass to die for and adding even more musicality and an even more massive and precise soundstage. The 03s were fantastic; the 02s are simply better!
See my system/other threads for the combo of filters and options that will be my go-to options for all RBCD playback....
How do you like the VAC tube amps? I've been doing tons of reading and off on many tangents around tubes; a trusted friend has recently strongly suggested the VAC PHI or above for amplification. I still love my NL12.1 and am thinking about the Maker Audio NL14 stereo with balanced output transformers and all the latest frills but his tube question is nagging at me......
Your system has grown and matured by leaps and bounds; it must sound fantastic!!!
Fplanner2000: Congratulations on the new speakers!!! I may be moving up to a P-02/D-02 very soon. Did you wind up putting your clock in the system and do you still have the units clocked with the 3rd box or did you move back to clocking the P-02 to the D-02 as source?
Wow! Anyone who has ever heard or bought that speaker has no end of great things to say including that they are a 'destination speaker',...congratulations in advance!
Thanks also for the comments on the P02/D02 combination; i had heard from both Mark and Tim (previously) of Esoteric that the D02 would be a valid upgrade path on its own with the transport able to be purchased later. The only caveat on use of a P-03/P-03U with a D-02 is that all functions up to and including ES-LINK v2 would be available but that anything specific to ES-LINK v3 would not be accessible as it would not be understood by the P-03U. That problem would of course be resolved at the point I upgraded to the P-02 at some point downstream. Definitely gives me something to plan for after the additional cabling needs of the AERIS are addressed this fall.
Best of luck selling your 9s; it's unfortunate there are hard feelings on one side after this; people have to understand that you simply cannot delay long periods of time after a promise date for an order and expect all to be well...
Wow!!! You've been very busy to say the least; I cannot find a ref to the speaker you are moving past the VSA 9's to snag. What are they???? This system with the 9s would be amazing; I can only imagine where you are headed if the 9s are not going to stay will be replaced by something else! Well Done,...you bring new meaning to the words "All Out Assault"!!!
Glad to hear you love the P02/D02 combo as well; several months later are your impressions of the units the same or better than they were? I am planning to move up eventually but given how much I love what the P-03U, D-03, clock and C-03 combo do for me currently, I'm moving VERY slowly at planning for the 02 generation including the pre-amp,...would love to know your thinking currently on this subject. BTW....is the lighting in the closeup photos of the P02/D02 very dim or this that a black finish??? If the latter, man, do they look amazing! Happy Listening!!!
