Hi Rtn1,
Thanks so much for having me over this weekend and giving me a chance to hear an incredible musical performance. It was a treat not to be missed. I've never heard a system like this. The sound was uncanny. You have sure accomplished your goal and become a benchmark for what I now know HiFi can do.
Music lovers and hi-tech lovers alike would be amazed at what this system is capable of and how it is constructed.
The first thing I noticed (after the incredible looks of course) was the fantastic soundstage this system has. Because of the diagonal placement of Rtn1's system and speakers he has at least a 35 foot soundstage which places a precise image of every instrument in the orchestra. I listened during the day, (it must be unbelievable at night!) and was simply amazed.
Then on CD after CD, (this Wadia system is Killer!)I heard the most unfatiguing, utterly listenable music that I've ever heard a stereo reproduce.
It is truly an accomplishment to have dynamics, sound staging, smoothness, rich textures, great bass, and a system that is fun to listen to in one complete package. I don't think there is a musical performance available that this system couldn't handle with aplomb.
I've developed a new appreciation for Avalon speakers, the REX, and amps by Pass Labs. Where is that tax refund?
Rtn1 has designed a system thats performance is like I've never heard before.
And as for his knowledge of classical music, performances, instruments, and musicians, Rtn1 is the man.
Congratulations!
A tour de force!
Humbling!
P.S. Wht a great family too!

sgr February 22, 2010 11:52

Amazing...

glenfihi February 17, 2010 13:13

Hi Avsource1, I did get to hear the SR Powercell 10SE in my system for a month. I was seeking a very particular sound to improve my system. The Powercell is a fine piece of equipment, but it took the Tripoint Troy to get me the sound I wanted. I am now using that with the Shunyata conditioner and Elrod Statement PC. I think the key to a power conditioner is the feeder cord, and I'd be curious to hear the Powercell 10SE with an Elrod Statement Gold PC. Alas, the Tripoint Spartan, reputed to be the finest power conditioner, is probably out of reach.

I am very satisfied with the BAT Rex. I heard the ARC Ref 5 in another system, and I prefer the BAT sound. I only remain curious about the Joule LA-450 and the Dartzeel preamp. My concern about any other tubed preamp is the possibility of any extraneous noise or hiss. Luckily, the BAT is very quiet and I can run my CD player at a high output so that the BAT is operating at the lower range of its volume capabilities.

I like being able to roll tubes with the flip of a switch. I am always alternating those tubes during a listening session depending upon the material. Plus, I feel the balanced operation is a plus when used in a completely balanced system.

rtn1 December 29, 2009 02:47

Hi Rtn1: Great presentation and description of your system. I read your earlier post and agree regarding H30 tubes. Just curious if you have tried Powercell 10 SE as surprising this conditioner maker H30 tubes sound fast and taut (without being sluggis as some reviews have suggested).
All the best
Avsource1

avsource1 December 29, 2009 00:06

Hello Rtn1,

Thanks for your observations relevant to REX...I'm enjoying mine - immensely! I don't believe I have explored its full potential, yet.

Congrats on a fine system,
Sam

c1ferrari December 26, 2009 16:04

What a nice setup!! How interesting of a location for your stereo.

brianmgrarcom December 25, 2009 00:21

Wow, looks amazing.

ejlif December 10, 2009 18:59

Hi Kamil,

I would be curious to hear the DCS and Esoteric top models, but I have not. I did not even consider them against the Wadia. I am sure those are great, but I am a long-time Wadia fan. Wadia just has the speed, detail, and dynamics that conveys the musicians technique, the pacing, the weight, and the color of music. The 9 series is a masterpiece and an engineering marvel. What I love about the 9 series is that it extracts all spatial cues of a performance, including the ambiance of the hall and a sense of space.

That said, the 9 series is a bit of a can of worms. Four boxes, four shelves, four power cords, and 6 AT&T cables. I am glad I did it, but for some it is just not practical or feasible. Steve had this unit for over 6 months in his store, so he can give you a very honest assessment of what it does. I would also not hesitate to buy a 781 with GNSC statement mods and an HRS platform from Steve. Add an Elrod Statement Gold power cord, and you would be done.

rtn1 November 22, 2009 16:46

Hi Rtn1. About the Wadia, have you compared it to other top end DACs such as Dcs (or any other) and what is it about them did you prefer?

Would really appreciate your thoughts since it's difficult to audition the Series 9, especially with GNSC.

Thanks!

kamil November 22, 2009 05:00

They are aligned straight. The appearance of being toed-out is an illusion from the photo.

Firing with no toe-in gives the largest soundstage, particularly the rear corners. I now have them toed-in slightly, and this makes the images in the center more solid.

rtn1 August 26, 2009 21:05

Beautiful system, and interesting setup. It looks like you have given the speakers some space behind them. Are they actualley toed out, or firing straight ahead?

sdatch August 26, 2009 14:51

great system, i am sure the sound is amazing

voraratc August 25, 2009 12:40

I have a couple of more comments on the Bat Rex and the switch for the voltage shunt regulator tubes. The 6H30 is taut with huge soundstage width and depth, penty of extension to the upper and lower end, alot of detail and energy, with much space between the instruments. The 6C45 tubes have a smaller and more congested soundstage, and more decay to the notes. It knocks off the sharp corners of detail, and trims the upper frequencies a little. It is a more opulent rendition.

The 6C45 is my prefered tube for listening to solo, trio, quartet, and quintents. Anything thing small ensemble and closely miked. This is where soundstage width is not so important, since you have only a few people on stage. Plus, it seems like most engineers follow the rule that the smaller the ensemble, the closer one should place the mic. As an example, I have found the Emerson String Quartet to be such an energetically precise ensemble, they can miss the big picture. Listening now to their cycle of Bartok string quartets with the 6C45 tube, there is plenty of detail, bite, and energy, but there is also a harmonious and rich texture. Going between the two tubes with a recording like this is night-and-day.

The 6H30 is great for modern recordings of orchestral music. Kudos to the decision to have a switch to fine-tune the preamp.

rtn1 August 24, 2009 20:51

Nine months after receiving the major components, I am finally getting the sound I want. One really needs to persevere with a new system, and take the time to optimize everything.

Right now, I have a sound that is big, wide, deep, clear, warm, and controlled. The Tripoint Troy helped to achieve this by lowering the noise floor, and pushing the previous boundaries of the sound stage, particularly the depth. The best characterization I can make for the Troy is that the music is now full of 'plump juicy details'. The clarity comes from the midrange with a fullness and an ease. This is in distinction to many products that add dry detail - two dimensional from the upper frequencies that becomes more harsh at a higher volume.

In addition, HiFi gold fuses have been installed throughout (29 in all) with Walker E-SST on all fuses and connections. The accumulative effect is music that is warm, full, clear with a naturalness, ease, and flow. I feel that this system marries the best sounds of tubes and solid state. Music has a natural, warm, layered presentation with notes that float and decay naturally. The wooden bodies of the instrument have that natural, resonant character. Yet, everything is extremely controlled, bass is pinpoint and appropriate, climaxes are perfectly dilineated and staggering.

I've hit the financial wall, and I'm done for the rest of the year. It has sometimes been a rocky road, but great systems take much time and care.

rtn1 July 12, 2009 21:12

BAT REX Impressions
I have had some time with the Rex, and am now ready to form some opinions. My interest was initiated because of an inability to run the Wadia direct without losing detail due to the lowest output setting of 0.5mV into a 2 kW amp resulting in a volume running 60-80/100. I was looking for a balanced tube pre-amp that would provide more fullness and texture in the midrange. The Wadia direct had a midrange wherein the note started abruptly and decayed too quickly, resulting in an unnatural presentation. Music did not have the natural resonance. I have had some ground loop issues since adding the Rex, which is temporarily remedied as I actively seek a better solution (ie. Tripoint Troy).

1) The best analogy I can provide is like making your own fresh tomato sauce. At first, the flavors are sharp and out of place. As the natural sugars caramelize and the acids cook down, it develops into a cohesive whole with a rich flavor. The Wadia direct is like a raw sauce, the Rex is after a few hours of cooking.
2) The Rex does not immediately hit you over the head with a different sound, and initial listening may underwhelm some. Rather, it is the type of component that can grow on you.
3) The upper end is not rolled-off at all. It is very extended. However, violins and trumpets are back within the stage instead of jumping to the front of the stage.
4) Previously, I heard the strings of the instruments. Now, I hear the body of the instrument resonating, with retention of shimmer and bite on the strings.
5) The midrange is very detailed and taut. The edges are smoothed subtlety. It is not syrupy or bloated at all. I am finding certain components can increase both the detail and the fullness of the midrange at the same time, and these are worth seeking (more on gold cables another time).
6) The bass is very good, although not as impressive as with the Wadia direct. I believe new power cords will remedy this, as I have not had a chance to experiment with any other than stock. In all honesty, the bass with the Wadia direct was probably like fireworks and not the way real music sounds, but it was a good time.

So there you have it. There are not many balanced, tubed preamps out there to choose among, but this one is worth considering. I would imagine that a BAT amp or an appropriate match to a solid state amp would be ideal.

rtn1 May 14, 2009 03:00

Rob,

Although the electronics and speakers are awesome, I keep eyeballing that gorgeous equipment rack!!!

VERY NICE!!!

What's up with the BAT gear??? ;)

know_talent April 17, 2009 14:53

Jfrech, My room is 16 x 18 ft, but with the open sides and putting the system in the corner, the speakers are 10 ft apart and I sit 15 ft away. I do not have another room for the stereo in my house. Having it in the living room is good because I get to be with my family, there is plenty of natural light, and music fills the entire house. I can also fit a huge corner sofa in the listening space. Placing the system in the corner removes the sidewall reflections and really makes the room almost as big as the entire first floor. The room can probably use some treatments, but on whole, is the best set-up for this house.

Dgad, I am enjoying the BAT Rex, and am waiting on another interconnect until saying much more. As you mention, the power module has an internal switch that allows one to toggle between a pair of 6C45 or 6H30 tubes that serve as voltage shunt regulators. I enjoy having that switch to alter the sound based upon the recording. The 6C45 has a subtle amount of bloom in the midrange, plenty of upper frequency extension, tight bass, and a sense of air/space/weight. This is my preferred tube for listening to good, modern recordings. I also have recordings that are older, lean, have been dehissed, and do not have a very wide soundstage. The 6H30 adds more midrange bloom, softens the treble, and makes the bass softer and more diffuse. Stereophile likened to switch to Jekyl and Hyde, but it seems like a good idea to match music preference and recordings, and it is easy to access if one leaves the cover off the power module.

Husk01, It seems to me that the MBL101E would really benefit from as much good power as possible, and the Karan may be an intuitive choice. However, I just do not know how the Karan and MBL will mate, and whether it will possess those properties you feel are lacking by your current amp. There are a number of good amps at this level. I guess the obvious answer would be to try to arrange a demo of the 650 or 450 to see what it does.

rtn1 April 02, 2009 10:53

Rob, I am looking into getting a pair of the Karan 1200's. Do you think they would drive a pair of MBL101E's better than the MBL 9008's which I am presently using?

husk01 April 02, 2009 04:23

Beautiful system. How do you like the Karan's. I see you owned some tube amps before. How do they compare to the Karans. I myself am thinking of going solid state at some point. Just for the convenience. I had owned the Rex a while ago but it didn't work out for me in my system. Supposedly there is a switch inside that improves things substantially but I never tried it. Are you using it in normal configuration?

dgad March 28, 2009 16:51

Hi I am sure this is a great sounding system. Looks are killer and I bet the sound is better. Did you get to run special dedicate ac lines?

The matching veneers are really beautiful. I have to compliment you on that idea.

Did you have any other room options? Curious as to why you choose this placement.

Congratulations !

jfrech March 28, 2009 11:59

Yes, I plan on separating the power supply for the Rex soon. I just got it this week, and that's will be a priority.

rtn1 March 28, 2009 02:24

I also own Rex, and I would separate them in different shelves with at least 12" of clearance. My two cents.

mikelakers March 28, 2009 01:42

nice... very nice.

Never heard the Karan before - looks interesting.

flg2001 March 27, 2009 19:57