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

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)

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

I don't believe you...you are replacing the McCormacks? I didn't think that would ever happen! ;-) The VAC's must be pretty special.

BTW - I have been experimenting with my Whispers. Interestingly, they are more sensitive to the toe-in than I originally thought. I had them as recommended, then changed them to toe directly at me. The soundstage closed up and really became 2D. I put them back to intersect in front of me and it all came back. I was really surprised it was that dramatic.

Have you had similar experiences?

Dave

dbld February 13, 2007 14:38

Owner

Update - System about to hopefully hit another level as I just ordered a VAC Phi 300.1 amp after great reviews at CES to replace my DNA-500, which has been an excellent amp. Apparently a number of others have had the same idea as there is a 10-12 week wait at this point, according to Kevin. He and I have been talking about this upgrade for quite a while now - when a very knowledgeable friend heard the amp at CES and raved, I decided to pull the trigger. Realized it was somewhat nuts to let the dogs/tubes issue keep me from best sound.....they'll just learn to be careful and I'm sure they'll also appreciate the upgrade (they like New Age and Jazz, mostly, plus sleeping in front of the speakers).

fplanner2000 February 11, 2007 18:32

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