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.
TV is now mounted on the back wall instead of parallel with the speakers. Depth and width of the sound-stage have improved significantly. Speakers also now disappear in my room, which I had hoped might happen. Maxxum rack and amp stands to be installed next week. (end of my x-mas presents)
Hi Mark - Thanks on the speakers. I have yet to find something they don't excel at. I never did put my clock back into the system, instead clocking the P-02 to the D-02 as you mention.
I am going to be re-arranging my system to accommodate a new Critical Mass rack as well as amp stands within the next several weeks (hopefully if they're ready), so I may reconsider after that point.
If you are not already using it, I highly recommend the Esoteric system tune-up disc. I try to use it every 20-25 hours or so and it works well in my system.
Don't see how you can go wrong with the P-02/D-02, especially at the discounted prices I've seen. Don;t know about the new 01 series - it was done with crossover ownership of Esoteric.
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?
That makes sense...take your time. I can only say that having spent time with the big Focals a few times only...i can sense how great they are. However, the Dealer insists they are much better with the Transp Ref XL jumpers and Ultra 5s...given that i use both with my own X1/Grand Slamms...i am just passing along their feedback.
I think your approach is the right one...get to know them and let them settle in first. Enjoy them!!!
Thanks Lloyd. I'm resisting the urge to toy with these speakers too much for fear of throwing something out of balance. Like yours, it took a while to get them where I like them, and I am pretty content for now to just wait to get the rack installed and the TV put on the wall. Both those moves should have a pretty big effect on my sound, hopefully in a positive way. At that point, I'm sure we will retune the Focals and see where I'm at. I decided to go with the less expensive PCs for now as I like their mid and high presentation better - more musical and natural. I also clicked the EMs up a notch to make up for a very slight loss of bass. Its amazing how adjustable these speakers are
Wow...thats a lot of experimenting! Good for you...it will be well worth it i am sure. I have experimented myself with my trusty X1/Grand Slamms and made lots of 'mods' which have helped without altering its voice which took forever to get right within the system.
I changed the tweeter to Focal's latest Ti, added Ultra 5s, mass damped the upper modules, used Entreq shielding to shield every single internal cable within the speaker...and then added a Transp ref XL jumper cable to the existing copper jumping plate. That last one made such a big improvement that i ordered the Transp RefMM (XL was better than my 10-yr old RefXL...so i figured lets see what happens with RefMM (MM2). (BTW, there are guys who mass damp each of the speaker 'slats' on the Grande EM...they use Entreq Vibbs). ;)
Thanks Lloyd. I have been experimenting with different cables as well. I have settled on High Fidelity Ultra Reference single ended speaker cables using Focal's jumpers as well as Purist Audio custom connector cables to hook the EM modules to the Speakers. Albert Porter was my source for the Purist Audio. In addition, I am experimenting with Power Cords to the EM module, varying between HiDiamond P-3 and P-4. I currently have 1 on each, trying to compare.... Interestingly, Albert lent me a pair of very expensive power cables, but they didn't improve the sound from the P-4's,which were 1/5 the price. They in turn are 4x more expensive than the P-3's, which so far actually sound the best to me. Its a moving target, however, requiring a whole lot more listening. :-)
I own enough Ultra 5's for the Focals, but since they are on carpet covered concrete, my Master Set installer felt they were unnecessary. In addition, the speakers are tall enough without adding an extra few inches. :-)
Big news!!! Congrats!!! And Critical Mass is serious stuff too!! Now...i have been playing around with my local dealers pair of big Focals. Here is what they do: 1) Ultra 5s underneath 2) Transparent Ref XL jumper cables for all 5 connections within the Focal Grande EM.
In your case, the TA RefXL are not 'that much' in the context of your speakers...and they made a huge improvement such that the dealer has left them in permanently for auditions and a few guys who work there now have them at home as well. YMMV. But yes, it never ends. Congrats again on a sensational speaker!!!
Racks are coming together. Due to be installed around 12/12. TV to be motorized off a wall-mount a few days before, if all goes to plan. System just keeps sounding better every day. :-)
Per Albert Porter, upgraded power cords to Focal EM Modules from stock = more body, better dynamics. Upgraded balanced connections from EM Modules to the speakers with a specially designed Purist Audio cable for that purpose = vocal and instrumental clarity increased, soundstage broadened and deepened, imaging improved. Thanks Albert!
The speakers aren't broken in to my system quite yet, but are getting there. I'm definitely enjoying playing them for friends as well as discovering various little "tweaks" from folks like Albert that increase system performance noticeably. Still very glad I was able to get these speakers - hearing new things from old recordings every day that make me go "wow". :-)
Ordered a Critical Mass Maxxum racking system from Joe Lavrencik this weekend at RMAF. Joe and his wife came over Sunday to take measurements. This system is more costly than I thought it would be, but is an important piece in finishing off my system. Apparently it will make a big difference in noise floor and system performance. I guess we'll see, although I've never heard of anyone being unsatisfied with their Critical Mass racking.
My 12 year old Billy Bags racks were purchased when I was just getting started in Audio - they no longer the best fit for my system and will be sold or donated.
Thanks Dev. Won't get to the pics until after RMAF, I'm afraid. As far as the Ultra 5's, I will obviously experiment and see what I like best. I am on carpet over concrete, so we'll see. Its hard for me to imagine the sound getting much better; seems like either way I will be OK. :-)
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!
