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.
Leaning closer to moving up to the VAC Statement 450 monos. In order for that to happen, I'll probably be selling my 300.1s sometime in November/December. (INDICATIONS OF INTEREST CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED - all VAC QC KT-88s are new, quiet and dependable with under 400 hours on them). Good home needed! :-)
Also getting a few more tweaks done to my NWO-M by Alex who is in Cali for a few weeks. Promises to be a significant improvement - will report back once I hear it.
Leaning closer to getting the Statement 450 monos. In order for that to happen, I'll probably be selling my 300.1s sometime in November/December. (INDICATIONS OF INTEREST CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED - all VAC QC KT-88s are new, quiet and dependable with under 400 hours on them). Good home needed! :-)
Also getting a few more tweaks done to my NWO-M by Alex who is in Cali for a few weeks. Promises to be a significant improvement - will report back once I hear it.
That is EXACTLY why I am staying off this particular merry-go-round at this point. Its a VERY fluid landscape. I can only vouch for Alex's player and Esoteric's Transport/DACs. I do know there seems to be a synergism, totally unintended I'm sure, between VAC and Esoteric gear. Those are usually my starting places when I look to add a piece to my system - its also how I ended up with my VR-7s - Kevin and Albert have won a number Best of Shows together - it seemed like a logical place to start(and I am reaping the sonic benefits!).
If there's one thing I know for sure, its that everything will continue to change. For that reason, I would probably wait on a high-dollar player/DAC and just get something you like for now that meets your current and immediately foreseeable needs. Its pretty hard to go wrong if you stick to major brands that have a good following. Unfortunately, that means you will probably also be demoing a bunch of players in your system. Sorry I couldn't be of greater assistance...
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.
Dev- Yes, but NOT in my system. I've heard both and they were very good, but again in other systems. Digital is developing more bells and whistles very quickly now - my current NWO-M is the right "flavor" for me currently(and it has a USB input). As I later get into mac-servers and the like, I will re-evaluate at that time to see which has the feature set I need along with the sonics I enjoy most. While there are a growing number of players coming to market that sound quite nice, my focus is not there right now. 2nd choice would still be the K-01 at this point.
Sam + Dev - I am at least to the stage of measuring my available space for these new toys. It didn't hurt when Albert VS told me yesterday that the Statement 450's were the best amps he had ever heard, when describing a VSA/VAC system they upgraded for an audiophile in Manilla. This is of course 2nd-hand info, but it pretty-well echoes everything I've heard about these from listeners and/or owners.
SO, while this would NOT be an "impulse" buy, it is definitely more of a possibility in the not-to-distant future than a mere pipedream, which is was prior to RMAF. I would first have to part with my 300.1s, which I really don't want to do, in order to make a possible purchase work. It is important to me that they go to a good home and that I get a fair price for them - hopefully that will be doable. As you guys know, I take extremely good care of my gear, so they are pristene. Please keep your ears open over the next 3-4 months if you could.
Thanks - will write more as I recall more rooms in a day or so. It seemed like there were more people this year than last.
Dev- I was impressed with the K-01, although a little less so when told it was using a standalone rubidium clock as well(which I already own). I'm sure it also has a pretty good internal clock as well. Advantages over the NWO-M that I saw were filtering ability and and ability to play SACD in native DSD. Its also over-engineered re: power supply and dual mono construction. I've also dealt with Esoteric before and they are good, friendly and responsive people to work with. IF I had more SACD's, I might consider a move in the future. If I was in your shoes, I would definitely get your hands on a K-01 for an audition. PM me if you'd like a good dealer.. :-)
Nolas threw a pretty wide stage, but didn't image as well as I had hoped they would. Given the speaker construction, I'm not surprised, however. They no longer have the outboard crossover boxes; boards now contained within the speakers. I never heard the first version, so can't make a comparison. Carl says they are an improvement.
AS far as impressed - VSA has a new VR-44 out that was pretty impressive at its price point($20K list). I also got to meet and spend some time with Guido from Austin both in the Esoteric room and outside which was also pretty cool.
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.
Sam- I've resisted so far..... Closest I've come is a discussion about the VAC Statement 450 monos with Kevin Hayes. That will DEFINITELY NOT be an impulse buy, if I EVER get them .. :-)
Great to see old friends at RMAF this weekend as well as making some new ones! Already heard Nola Baby Grand speakers and Esoteric K-01 SOTA CD/SACD player/dac, both on my short list to hear this weekend. Each was excellent and sounded much better than I thought they would, given the hotel room constraints. I'm sure I will listen more over the next several days. Not planning any purchases at this time, as my system currently sounds better than it ever has. But, you never know....... :-)
That's great news! I had a hunch it would be something "simple" - the tough part is figuring out which "simple" thing it is!! Sometimes THAT takes weeks/months.... :-)
This is another handy "fix" that may benefit other VAC owners. Thank you for sharing it.
One quick follow-up; I obtained even better results switching back to Ultralinear, and changing to the 1-3 Ohm speaker posts- the best sound yet. Perhaps the Treasure tubes need a lower resistance in the system.
John - Glad you hit upon a solution that works for you. As you point out, different pieces have different effects in different systems. That is part of the joy of this hobby, but also a source of frustration when all doesn't go according to plan. It also points towards the importance of being able to try something in your system before you are obligated to purchase it.
Marten makes excellent speakers - I was very impressed with the new Momentos(?) I heard a few years back in the Vitus room at CES, but I'd have to sell my system or my house to afford them at this point......
I think I found the solution; making a tweak, flipping the Vac receiver switch from Ultralinear to Triode, and everything instantly opened up- the magic is back again! Its funny how you make one change in your system, and eveyrthing else can change...it makes me very wary about making any more upgrades, especially when my system and music are very very good right now. How does anyone decide to buy a major new component, or especially a new pair of speakers? I really like my Kharma speakers, even though they are the smaller Mini-exquisites, but also found myself liking the Marten Coltranes at the Newport audio show. For 70-90K it is taking a real risk to upgrade.
Sorry you are having a problem. What I did was replace the 2 center fronts with the Treasures first, followed by the outsides several weeks later. I have no experience at all with the Psvanes, so can't help much there. I would try just the 2 centers first, with your old tubes at the ends, and see if you can recreate the problem. It may be a characteristic of the Psvanes - I just don't know. I would then try switching out the tubes until you hopefully find 2 that "work".
I believe they guarantee their tubes, so worst case they should work with you to find tubes that work. Mine definitely didn't close in the highs at the beginning. How many hours do you have on them? It shouldn't take 150 for them to sound "right" - mine was immediate, especially the bass. Talk to Rachel - she was helpful to me. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
A problem!!! I purchased one pair of the Psvanes and one pair of the Treasures (Grade A), and replaced all four of the 6SN7GT tubes on my VAC 300 amp, but right away I noticed dramatic changes; the mid-range remained very good, and the bass and bottom end improved markedly, but the high end seems very resticted or closed off. Listening to guitar or any treble seems somewhat muted. I switched back to my old tubes just to make sure there was no problem with the system, but everything came back again. I called Grant Fidelity, and the only recommendation they had was to give it 150 hours or more to break in. Has anyone else had this experience?? It is somewhat frustrating to have to wait a few weeks or longer to do any serious listening- hope I did not waste 600 dollars...
Despite your attempt to blame ME for how great your tube system sounds now, you need to accept the fact that it is all YOUR fault, since you made the buying decisions. :-)
I'm glad you are enjoying your system - in mine, those Treasures made a noticeable difference for the better and are still improving after about 120 hours.
I got a MUCH greater than expected sonic result when I added the second amp. My room is 19x20, which is not "large" by any means, and it easily handles both amps.
What is your room size and what are your speakers?
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.
I ordered a set of tubes also based on your recommendation for my Vac 300 amp. The Treasures now come in a 'Mark II' version listed as the Pvane series, so I order one pair of these, and one pair of the Treasures as well. I hope it is money well spent; these tubes in Grade A are expensive! You keep talking me into buying things, but buying the Vac MkII preamp on your recommendation was a step up- the best pre-amp I have yet heard; better than my previous best, which was the Mbl 6010D. My tube system sounds great now; my next upgrade may be to add a second Vac amp to run a matched pair of 300's in mono format-might have to build a bigger room first for all this gear!
