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.
System edited: New VR-9 Mk2 speakers still for sale. Custom finish and build. Price reduced to $64,990. Over $35K below retail plus no tax. Available NOW!!
FYI - to clarify, the VR-9 SE Mk2's I'll be selling are brand new, never opened by anyone, including me, fresh from the factory, with full warranty. They will have built-in upgraded Channel Island Class D subwoofer amps(a VR-9 first) as well as Custom Lexus Metallic Champagne lacquer and finish. They are gorgeous. Please contact me if interested.
Thanks Lloyd. They are the best speakers I have ever heard, by far, and I am very fortunate to be able to have a shot at them. Although used, they have been very well taken care of by someone I trust and they are the current model. They are in the category of "super-speakers" that I never thought I would be able to own.
In order to pull this off, I will be selling my VSA VR-9se custom-upgraded and painted MK2's immediately. They will be factory sealed with full warranty and I will hopefully get them within the next 10 days, unless they are sold in California first. They are obviously great speakers as well.
System edited: At this point another World-class speaker has caught my eye/ear and I should have an opportunity to acquire them at a price that is simply too good to pass up. Should know more soon.
System edited: Just put up more early speaker pictures. Although they look like different shades due to the sight angles, I have been assured the appearance is quite uniform. We found a few paint irregularities, so it looks like they will be going back to the shop in CT post haste.
The P-02/D-02 sound even better than they look - very pleased with them. Have exceeded my expectations.
No clue when the speakers will arrive. I originally thought in a few weeks, but it looks like it may be longer. They are being carefully hand-built and there are a lot of different parts required. The crossovers alone probably take 3 days, from what I can tell. I'm not there, obviously, but should be getting pics of the build shortly (I hope).
System edited: First look at the custom paint job on the VR-9SE Mk 2's as the crossovers are being built. Tons of internal bracing, 2" thick walls which will get additional treatment before completion.
Don't need the workout!! Actually scheduled for white glove delivery via Pilot Air, plus I think Albert and Leif plan to be there as well to help set the speakers up to my room. At least that's the latest I've heard....
Thanks Jeff - I really appreciate your kind words.
With a little luck the cabinets will finally get to VSA from east coast paint and fabrication by the end of the week. I'm very curious how the paint job came out with the custom Lexus metallic champagne paint. Hopefully I'll get a pic or 2, which I will probably put up here.
I'm also a bit surprised by their weight - apx 250 lbs each, EMPTY! That's without anything in them. Adding all the drivers, subs, wiring, crossovers and extra sound deadening materials, etc. will probably make them even heavier than my 7's! Makes me REALLY glad these speakers have wheels.... :-)
Congrats! You closed...that is what counts. You wont look back over your shoulder about the pennies here or there on the sale...you will look FORWARD towards your 9s! Massive news! Congrats! Do post.
Speakers finally sold. Got less than I wanted for them, but seem to be going to a good home, so I can't be too disappointed. They leave tomorrow for the packer/craters, then Cali.
