Hi Mike -

Glad to hear that you'll continue to post as you explore your system & room.

Someone once told me that "you cannot control anyone's actions, you can only hope to control your own reactions". Easy to say, and hard to do.

That is what I hear in your "much consideration" post. We all see that Lox was out of line, but you're looking past that to what you could have done differently. Very impressive.

And I really love Stereotaipei's "square inside, round outside". Fantasic. Who'd have thought: personal growth on Audiogon :-).

Take care, and please continue to share your insights on the MM3's. I can't wait for mine (the Two's) to arrive.....

paul

paul99 February 09, 2007 20:41

Mike, glad to see you back. Herve is planing on an intigrated amp. I know it is only in pre-pre planning stages but how do you it will perform. What does your gut tell you. Do you feel that it would be a too much of a compromise, or would it be a fine piece of gear for someone looking to get into some Dart sound.
Thanks

[email protected] February 08, 2007 13:28

Mike.Do you still have the Backsaver Zero Gravity recliner as your primary listening chair? I was considering buying one but some have suggested a chair with a back that rises above your ears will interfere with your hearing the signal as it will refract at that point.I had thought in the fully reclined position the back is parallel with the floor so its not an issue. Any thoughts?

ardri February 08, 2007 05:55

SC53, Sarah.....yes, i recall the SA-1 fondly; and i also had the CD-12 at the same time for redbook. both great pieces.....the Unidisc is very nice as a Universal player....i don't think i've heard a better one.

the MM3 does use a ribbon tweeter.....which surprisingly integrates perfectly with the ceramic mid-range for completely seamless upper registers.

no; the Rockport does not have swapable headshells. the carbon fibre arm design makes it very easy to switch cartridges. i can change cartridges in about 15 minutes with a medium level set-up. i then adjust VTA dynamically. since the vaccuum hold down is so easy on the cartridge and everything is so perfectly made; the set-up holds indefinitely. i get the exact same VTF to the 'hundreth' of a gram today as i set it at a year ago.

the Rockport comes with 4 different screw in weighs that allow you to use it with any compliance or weight cartridge.

enjoy!

mikelavigne February 08, 2007 05:29

Stereotaipei; to answer your detailed post.

if you are in SF at the end of March you are welcome to fly to Seattle to visit my room to hear darTZeel, EMM and MM3; it's less than a 2 hour direct flight with flights about every hour.

regarding Valin's comments from RMAF. while repecting anyone's comments particularly Valin's......i did not share that feeling listening to the MM3 that they were 'sorely stressed by plucked strings' or that they were 'underdriven' by the dart amp. OTOH the room was 23' x 36' x 11'......and what i heard there was all over the board due to the room being so crappy. the previous year the VR9's in the same room were similarly inconsistent. i can tell you that plucked strings are 'on fire' when appropriate on the MM3 in my room. i played Copland's 'Fanfare' last weekend for a few guests in my room which is also large but considerably more balanced and have not heard it done better.

i am not yet prepared to compare the MM3 to the VR9 as i am still in discovery mode on the MM3. they are both magnificent speakers with slightly different design approaches and characters.

let me know if you want to work out a visit.

mikelavigne February 08, 2007 05:12

after 'much' consideration...

i feel i made a few mistakes;

1. i should not have responded to Lox initially.

2. i should have kept my considerations to myself since the way this has played out will simply polarize things further. those that quietly or openly don't care for my approach will be antagonized further.

OTOH who cares? right? i sure shouldn't.

3. i guess in my job i am always fixing things or making them 'all better'. it's a mistake to think that way here. that attitude assumes some common values.....and this is, after all, the web.

in any case; i want to go on; please let's forget this direction.

obviously; there is much positive from the interaction here that has some value to many....and thanks.....you are correct....i just need to ignore those things that deserve to be ignored.

"Square inside....round outside" ;^)

i'll try to be worthy of that.

mikelavigne February 08, 2007 04:14

Mike,

Dont stop posting. Just know that you cant please everyone and keeping away from things isnt going to solve anything.

Your system is great man.... and it's one of the constants I go through when I visit audiogon. I always visit your page.

I'm 24 and I first saw your system page when I was 22. 2 years later, I have amassed a system almost worthy of putting up on one of these pages... mostly because of you and your page.

So dont stop posting.

Joey

joey_v February 08, 2007 00:44

Lox upon reading your post on your system,It sounds like
you are very educated and you really know what you want.
And thats amazing,but why are you trying to impose your
idea on Mike,I can tell by reading Mike post,He is happy with His choices.And the good thing about it,He has the
money to support it,I will do the same if I am in his position.Mike please continue buying equipment you want,
and let us know how they sound,who knows I will win the
lottery next year.

jayctoy February 07, 2007 17:11

Let's see, Lox uses a single seat bike (and even he can't help mentioning the brand) as an attack on Mike's single seat, brand name ride. Am I missing something? :)

skull February 06, 2007 23:42

Actually, Loxodrome's comments are designed to be taken with a large grain of salt as is demonstrated on his System page, under 'Reading'.

imdoc February 06, 2007 19:29

Mike, I have to say that I have really enjoyed reading your threads, I have been reading them over the past month. I have gained allot of information which is a really helpful. I am looking at new main speakers right now and the MM3's speakers really have me intrigued. I love the hobby in a whole because after working hard and dealing with all the stress of life I get to listen to my system an it all melts away.

You can't worry about negative thoughts from specific individuals, that's live.

It is obvious by reading these threads that you have gained allot of respect by others and they look forward to your on going changes and thoughts and would be a great lost.

So forget about the negatives and remember all of the positives and people who you have influenced, hey if I would not have read your threads I would not have gained what I have.

I look forward to reading more of your thoughts, enjoy!

dev February 06, 2007 15:06

Hello Mike,

I have never posted on your site before, but have really enjoyed following you through your experiences with your system and the changes you have made over the years. I hope you don't "pull the plug" on your postings. Some of us who enjoy reading your experiences with your system don't live in big markets to where we can hear or even see the type of equipment that you and other high end audiophiles use. Personally, I don't have the funds that allow me to purchase this type of equipment at this time, but I do dream to have a system like this someday and what I can read and get from people like you is a very valuable resource for those of us who aspire to reach where you have gotten and we can only thank you for sharing with us your experiences and insights into different pieces of equipment that you use.

I was lucky to be invited into a gentlemns home to hear the VR-7's with the DartZeel amp and meitner source equipment and was truly amazed. It just made me realize what can be truly attained with first class equipment. I would really appreciate if you would compare your new MM3's to your VR-9's when you feel you are ready.

Sincerely,
Kelly

kss22558 February 06, 2007 08:55

Lox I think you are totally wrong.I dont know,why you even
bother to attacked Mike,You are out of line.You think Mike
will spend that kind of money if He does not love and
enjoying the music?Common bro wake up.Enjoy your bicycle
and I will be happy for you...Just relax...and be happy
for others....you will stay younger...

jayctoy February 05, 2007 17:49

Henrykh,
Personally I listened to the Dart only a few years ago, not on the Mini. Was great!
Wslam just bought last week one Dart for his mini (you can contact him on TAS forum, or on his personal site: http://photos.lam.ws/gallery/2424286). He listened to a lot of amp before falling in love with the Dart: ARC ref210, Spectral 250, Krell evolution, Ayre MXR... so the match seems quite nice

If I remember well, his room is something like 13'x30'and he says that the Dart has enough power to drive the mini (he is mainly listening to orchestral classical music).
I have to say I am surprised, given the fact that the real sensitivity of the mini is 84dB.
Personally I would rather consider to buy a Karan 450 (haven't listened to it yet...let's see) to replace my Gryphon Antileon: unfortunately it is in 220V and I am now moving to Japan where they use 100V power supply so cannot use the Antileon w/o redoing the power supply...

stereotaipei February 05, 2007 17:46

StereoTaipei.....do u use the Darts?: I was interested in the Magico Minis for awhile but noticed they may be a bit inefficient with a sensistivy of 87 into 8 ohms was not sure if the Darts could drive them well....have u tried them together?

henryhk February 05, 2007 13:03

Mike,
I fully understand your reaction.
It is unfortunately too bad that personal attacks from a few idiots can have more weight than 99% of people who respect you and read with pleasure your system evolution.

Can only tell you that I am one of the immense majority of Audiogon readers who respect you for your quest of perfection, the quality of your judgment and everything we learnt reading your posts.
However, what makes you really different in my eyes is the humility and humanity of your posts, not your room or your system. You are not the type of guy who needs to brag on his latest Ferrari or custom bike. You just want to share your passion and you treat the same way the guy with a $2000 or $200 000 system. Even under attack, you remain impressively polite and respectful. Respect!

As one Chinese proverb says, men should be "square inside, round outside", i.e. firm on what one stands for, one's belief and value, but respectful/flexible/avoiding attacks on one's interaction with others...

I don't know you in person, but hope to have one day the honor to meet you on one of the hifi shows.

stereotaipei February 05, 2007 00:06

Lol, people think I'm crazy as well cause of my hobby. But should I quit whit it because of the few ones who actually start flaming?? There are lots of people wo do apreciate it, like myself.

bart_nl February 04, 2007 20:49

Lol, people think I'm crazy as well cause of my hobby. But should I quit whit it because of the few ones who actually start flaming?? There are lots of people who do appreciate it, like myself.

bart_nl February 04, 2007 20:37

Mike,

I have enjoyed your thread ever since discovering hifi and have learned a ton reading your posts and replies to others questions and remarks. Please dont let one snob get under your skin. As Metralla stated above we all would solely miss your contributions, insight and over all love for this hobby. Thank you Mike, your a true gentlemen.

Justin

jlind325is February 04, 2007 20:13

Mike:

These are the wonders of Internet forums, which let several jealous people jump to their keyboards and bring out their own frustrations, on the name of freedom to speak.

I have been a victim of this too, although mine is very humble setup compared to yours. There is only one solution to deal with these: IGNORE THEM. Trust me, the more you explain, worse it can get. There is no need to debate such things on a rational basis.

Do not let these comments affect your hobby and enthusiasm.

Having met you in person, I can attest that you are a great and generous indvidual.

cheers.

gallant_diva February 04, 2007 18:49

Mike,

I understand perfectly when you say:

i am not looking for sympathy or feedback; but just an understanding of where i'm coming from if i pull the plug on my system posting......

but I urge you to stick with it and not let these two incidents affect you.

As you said, Bambi B made some assumptions from the photographs that were unfortunate, but later apologised. Bambi B is a regular contributor (that's the operative word) to AA, and he has a lot of experience with Audio Research and shares this experience. I value Bambi's posts - though he does go on a bit at times.

You also share your experiences - in this particular venue there are 13 pages of documented changes, commentary, back and forth to other enthusiasts. It's now a valuable resource, and I'm sure there have been thousands who have read it, enjoyed it, been amazed by it - but never posted their thoughts; and you don't know they are out there.

Loxodrome just seems a little lost, and was reaching out in a strange and misguided way. I'm more feeling sorry for him than annoyed with his presence here in your system thread.

You've provided a unique window into your progress through this hobby, and one that no fellow audiophile would want to see removed.

It's your system and your every right to pull the plug, and nothing we can say would sway you should you make a decision to do so. All I can say is thanks for being here, for contributing (that word again) in a huge way to making our hobby extend beyond the borders of our own listening rooms.

You have helped break down the isolation that is appears to be native to those addicted to the pursuit of outstanding music reproduction in the home.

Hang in there, mate.

Regards,

metralla February 04, 2007 17:59

Hi Mike hope you and family are doing well.
One year ago to the day I met Mike in person after having exchanged e-mails and postings on Audiogon.
We were invited (family of 5 in total) to go and visit him at his place. This was Superbowl weekend with Seattle in it. To top things off Seattle that weekend had a 70 mph wind storm that knocked power and trees down everywhere.
He made time for all of us.
I know that most of us with money invested in our systems would never open our doors to total strangers. It is human instinct not to trust people that we do not know, but Mike is so passionate about sharing the music at his place that he has opened his doors (and our ears) for many us.
His listening room, as all of our listening rooms have, has a sweet spot.
He wants people to hear what he hears in this spot. Please note that there are additional chairs in his room for more guest/friends to enjoy the expierience.
He is an increadibly gracious host and has become a person that I can trust and can call on for advice. He makes time.
So for the personal attacks on Mike from people that have never shaken his hand
GO AWAY!!!
Loxodrome.... spend some time and think about what you doing to Mike and to our community.

rugyboogie February 04, 2007 17:39

yesterday i was traveling to Las Vegas for a business convention and had meetings last night.....then i read all the posts from yesterday....

.....thanks to all for the support.

i do this hobby for fun only......as well as post my system for the positive interaction it provides me. i've made quite a few friends over the years. but it's possible that as my approach is a bit over-the-top; it becomes too much of a lighting rod for nay-sayers. some well-meaning.....and some not so well meaning.

last week there was a thread on the audio asylum that was started as a result of some blog posting pictures of my room. the comments on audio asylum were pretty calm; although one person did make some pretty strong negative comments.

post by Bambi B

later in that same thread Bambi B apologized to me for getting so personal. i think that like Lox, Bambi B is an architect. unlike Lox; he acted like i decent guy and ate a little crow for acting so insensitively.

i am comfortable with my personal approach to things; i am on a path like everyone and will likely continue to evolve in my own personal way. however; maybe it might be time for me to keep my direction to myself......since my public direction seems to invite controversy......and that is absolutely not what i am looking for.

i don't care about criticism; but to provoke nastyness and attacks is just not worth it to me.

i am not looking for sympathy or feedback; but just an understanding of where i'm coming from if i pull the plug on my system posting......which i am very seriously considering.

mikelavigne February 04, 2007 16:37

Lox....
SHUT UP!
Who the @#$% cares about your Pegoretti? A lot of us have other interests and hobbies too. You sound like an idiot. I have two Serottas.
Let's get back to Mike's listening room, having (hopefully) slammed the door on Lox once and for all.

sc53 February 04, 2007 01:06

.
Loxodrome,
.
I find your comments illogical, annoying, and inaccurate.
.
If you truly had followed Mike’s system thread for the last few years, you would not have made any of the statements you have made to date.
.
You appear to be an articulate incompetent that either has an agenda (as was suggested regarding some interest you have in Kharma, if you do, you have not done Kharma any favors with your behavior) or you have some mental or personal deficiency that requires you to strike out at others. I have no idea of what your issues are but please seek getting some counseling and keep your comments to yourself in the future.
.
I have found Mike to be incredibly generous with this time in trying to help others move along their quest to enjoying music through audio and he has consistently invited others to join in his joy of music and audio.
.
If you want to take the time to read his System thread from start to finish, you should end up posting a full apology.
.
Please keep your pompous and self absorbed, incorrect, and uninformed theories to yourself. The world needs more people like Mike and less like you.
.
Sincerely,
Larry
.

cello February 03, 2007 23:32