Albert,I recieved my Purist Audio Musaeus ICs today,its 5:00 am and i cant stop listening,they are used,but took a few hours to settle down,they sound very good!

raytheprinter November 15, 2005 09:53

System edited: Rewrote text description of system to clarify recent changes.

albertporter November 15, 2005 07:11

System edited: Updated photographs and description of amplifiers, phono cartridge and Purist cables to match current system.

albertporter November 15, 2005 06:54

Mitch,

Yes, the 6.5" drivers deliver bass, and plenty of it. If I had fewer that might not be the case, but the Dali uses 24 of them.

As for amp matching, when I used AirTight ATM3 and VTL together (with original Dali crossover), I used the AirTight volume control on the front panels to match gain. Now that I have four Identical VTL's, gains are pretty much identical.

You may have missed my discussion of crossovers.

The tube crossover I had designed has variable bass EQ, plus a high transconductance pentode output stage, giving me the ability to adjust bass amplitude.

The tube crossover sounds so much better than the original, plus it allows me to match gain and bass EQ (equal, or more or less than Dali original).

So for tests with VTL and AirTight and AirTight and AirTight and all VTL (and other amps I tried), I could adjust bass EQ and bass volume, relative to high frequencies, matching for personality, room acoustics and efficiency differences of each power amp.

It's a vital feature, something so important, I could not be satisfied without it.

As for Dali working in the space you outlined, they may not be big enough. That's a lot of cubic feet ! I would hate to recommend them and have you disappointed. I will say that in my smaller room they will pound the crap out of you if you ask them to. I do have a lot of power on them and no doubt that helps.

I don't think it's impossible for Dali to work in the space you describe, but I would not try it without the tube crossover I had built. I can give you the guys name if you want to speak to him. There is a photo of it above in my equipment list and I am working on a review at PFO that will have images of the crossovers interior and circuits.

As for Genesis, I have only heard them at shows, certainly not where I could make any real determination, especially considering the difference in space provided at shows and your absolutely huge space.

I will say that at $50K the Genesis are a steal. If memory serves me correctly they were $150K not too many years ago.

albertporter November 15, 2005 01:57

Albert, do you get really serious bass from those 6 inch drivers? Do you find that the smaller drivers provide a quckier bass response than previous speakers that you've had with larger drivers?

You are using two different pairs of monoblocs on your speakers. How do you manage to get them to deliver equal amounts of power at the same time? Are you using some sort of volume control? Why didn't you use matching amps for all four channels?

I am doing a complete overhaul of my system and I'm considering the Magalines. There is a pair of Genesis 1.1's available for $50k...have you ever heard the Genesis 1.1's? If so, how do they compare to the Magalines? I am going to fly to NYC to auditon the Genesis.

I am moving back to my loft in January. It has a 22 ft by 70 ft room with a 20 ft high concrete ceiling. I would like to have a pair of bigger than life speakers there.

mitch4t November 14, 2005 23:09

Judit, it's included in the next to the last photo posted at the top of this page, image is marked "View including new HDTV."

Below the Sony WEGA is my Vandersteen dialogue speaker. Granted it looks small in the photo but I promise that's what the black "dot" is.

My wide camera lens combined with fairly large space makes things look very small at that distance. For perspective, that Sony is about 5 feet wide, although it looks small beside the Dali Megalines and from that distance.

albertporter November 14, 2005 03:10

OK. I give up. Where is the Vandersteen VCC1?
Is it the black box behind the HDTV?

judit November 14, 2005 02:54

Ray, regarding your question

Being a photographer, maybe you can help me. I would like to get a poster made of an album cover(Sade;Stronger than Pride) the cover is in mint condition, any idea how i can get this done? Thank you,Ray

Easiest way would be to scan the cover and have it printed out at Kinko's or similar. Not sure the resolution used for printing the album cover will stand up to that kind of enlargement. There are programs that interpolate missing data and/or removes the printing screen, improving the ability to enlarge.

One such program is Genuine Fractals but I have not experimented with it enough to know if it would work in this situation.

Also unsure about copyright stuff. Kinko's got sued a few years ago for copying material and allowing it to be used and they’ve been a lot more restrictive ever since. Make a few calls and get advice from scan and output places and go from there.

albertporter November 12, 2005 22:15

Thank you Mary, your flattering comments are what every music lover longs for.

Regarding

hopefully you all will still welcome me after a few weeks! I gotta tell you that I have yearned to listen to your system this week so I am looking forward to returning next week.

I think the pressure is on us, were a group of ragged guys that must remember to behave so you can "tolerate" us. Sometimes we get a little crazy like most guys do when they’ve known each a long time.

Must say, I have never met a woman with more willingness to make the music right. I hope I can help in some way, you have already helped me by listening with us and sharing your excitement.

albertporter November 12, 2005 21:52

Thanks ALbert. Same here, mutli channel if just for movies for me

henryhk November 12, 2005 07:37

Albert,

You truly are the Host with the Most, particularly when it comes to kindness, genuine love of your fellow man...and of course, the ownership of the world's greatest 2-channel rig! My, oh my. It made my 2005! Seriously! Now what is audio going to do to hit me between the eyes during 2006? Nothing will measure up to the Dali's, Walkers, VTLs, Purist Audio (I have NEVER loved a cable but those stole my audio heart), Sony, 3500 LPs plus, etc., that I met in your household. The listening session is a memorable one, and it'll always be cherished. ;-).

I'll be at every Tuesday listening session that I can, travel schedule dependent, and hopefully you all will still welcome me after a few weeks! I gotta tell you that I have yearned to listen to your system this week so I am looking forward to returning next week.

As I end this post, I'd just like to say how much I appreciate my friend, Albert...he is the same as he was 25 years ago and welcomes me back with the same affection. Albert is my life-long friend, and I'm going to do everything within my power to not loose track of him at this junction in my life. God is good, and he leads us to return to good things in life...such as precious friends like Albert Porter. Thank you, Lugnut (Patrick Paul Malone), because it was the thread about your life that assisted in my location of Albert Porter.

Albert, your rig is 2nd to none. I have not heard or seen anything in a magazine that would even seem comparable. Keep that baby in tune...we're gonna be there on Tuesday to hear her at her best!

Your Friend,
Mary

mcrheist November 12, 2005 06:28

Henry HK, easy to do.

I come out of my DVD players digital out (RCA connector) and feed the digital input of my processor. The processor can be selected to DTS, 7.1, 5.1 etc.

The processor has ANALOG outputs as RCA connectors and marked as front, side, rear etc.

I come out of the ones marked front and feed a unused input on my Aesthetix Callisto. Put the Callisto (or whatever you have) at a PRESET level that's easy to remember (I use 12:00 O'clock), then adjust the outputs of your processors volume to match each speaker in the system. In other words, follow the normal procedures to match volume according to set up instructions.

Then, each time you play a movie or watch a music video, simply set the preamp volume to the EXACT same level as last time and use the remote control of the HT processor to control all volume.

If you wish to listen in stereo, the analog outputs of the DVD player may be fed into ANOTHER set of unused inputs and selecting those gives you stereo and no need to crank up the processor or other speakers.

Either way it works fine. Like all HT stuff, each person must decide how far to go. Some are happy with HT in a box and some want 20K speakers on every channel. Personally I'm a two channel guy, so flipping on some B&W's or Vandys for effects, added to my excellent fronts, is good enough for me.

albertporter November 12, 2005 04:06

Hello Albert,Thanks for the invite!I bought a used pair of Purist Audio Musaeus ICs,should arrive sometime next week.From everything ive read,they should be just what i need for my phonostage.Being a photographer,maybe you can help me.I would like to get a poster made of an album cover(Sade;Stronger than Pride)the cover is in mint condition,any idea how i can get this done?Thank you,Ray

raytheprinter November 12, 2005 03:12

I see. Thanks, Albert. Good solution. But what about the pre-processor? How is that done? Apologies for asking all these questions, but I am about to move and trying to figure out how to keep a small but decent HT set up in the same room as my main rig, if it comes to that, wihtout completely merging the 2.

henryhk November 12, 2005 00:25

System edited: One of my (digital) studio shots of the new Koetsu Jade Platinum Signature cartridge, recently arrived as the replacement for my Koetsu Rosewood Platinum Signature

albertporter November 10, 2005 06:35

Ray,

Thanks for the birthday wishes. As for the tent, you know your welcome anytime, just let me know when your in town and we'll grab dinner and spin some tunes. Maybe Mary will join us, she is a VERY positive spirit and was more excited about the equipment and sound than her husband.

What a refreshing reversal !

albertporter November 10, 2005 06:20

Henryhk,

Sorry I took so long to respond to your thread. I missed it at first, it has been really crazy the last few days.

To watch regular TV, we just listen through the speakers in the HD Sony. When it's movie time the stand the Sony sits on has wheels (I installed). The Grand WEGA rolls between the Dali Megalines and I select the input from Dolby converter to run into the Callisto and the front channels come through just like my stereo software.

There is a Vandersteen dialogue speaker on the shelf below the Grand WEGA (automatically follows the TV) and the Surround amps power the Vandy dialogue and B&W 7NT (in wall) rear channels.

It's easy to get up and running and if I'm really lazy, I can just listen to the DVD or DSS in stereo through the Dali Megalines.

If you ever travel this way your welcome to see and hear how it works. I think it's amazingly good and VERY low hassle factor.

albertporter November 10, 2005 03:16

Mary,

I really enjoyed your company and input on my system. I hope you will come as often as your schedule permits, I know being a rep for a biotechnology research company is a high pressure job.

If you can make it next week, I have a completely different lineup of music in cue and a few thousand additional titles before any danger of listening to the same tune twice :^).

I was not kidding about the cable. In spite of the rather wonderful sound the new Purist 20th Anniversary had only 24 hours on it and it requires from 300 to 500 to max out. I promise you there is even more to come in the next couple of months, hope you become a regular, plus it's wonderful to have a beautiful female audiophile to balance against all the males that typically show up.

Maybe Jane will be here next time. She is a Maggie fan and while not as knowledgeable as you, she is a avid music lover.

albertporter November 10, 2005 03:05

Zaikes

Re:

Interesting - I hadn't realized that VTL has now discontinued the previous generation Reference amps, the MB-750 and MB-1250 (plus, it seems, the triode-only MB-250 Signature). I remember talking to Bea around the time the Seigfried first came out; I assumed it was to replace the older amp, but she said the traditional-style Ref models would continue and that they didn't sound entirely the same, and that some people preferred the sound of the old series, some the new model.

That was the word from Luke Manley when I ask them to build me a new pair 750's. So I assume he means just what he said, no more available.

I don't know about your explanation of the auto bias circuitry and can only go by description of my West Coast friends who have experienced both versions.

I do love my VTL 750's and with the latest Purist cable and all tube power supply I have dynamics from hell, (In a heavenly way :^).

By the way, a friend who is a tube maniac says Telefunken manufactured a tube (completely different number) that is electrically a replacement for the RCA and Sylvania 6350. Come to find out, the 6350 is from the late 1950's and designed to operate the very earliest computers.

I have request to vendors in Germany and Hong Kong and will let you know what I find out. More important, I'll let you know if I find any and if they outperform the gray and/or black plate RCA's 6350 I just bought.

albertporter November 10, 2005 02:47

Hey,Happy Birthday Albert! Mary,Great description of Alberts system!I read it twice,,Albert,if you hear something outside,,dont be alarmed,its just me setting up my tent in your front yard,LOL,,Ray

raytheprinter November 10, 2005 02:19

Interesting - I hadn't realized that VTL has now discontinued the previous generation Reference amps, the MB-750 and MB-1250 (plus, it seems, the triode-only MB-250 Signature). I remember talking to Bea around the time the Seigfried first came out; I assumed it was to replace the older amp, but she said the traditional-style Ref models would continue and that they didn't sound entirely the same, and that some people prefered the sound of the old series, some the new model.

I guess that plan wasn't feasible without time limit from the company's standpoint, which I can understand. However, one comment on Albert's reviewer friend's supposition about the sonic impact of the "auto-bias" circuit in the new Ref amps: from what I've read (and I could be wrong, and probably am on some of the tech details, but I believe I'm right in the overall gist of things), VTL still adheres to fixed-bias circuits, and what he's refering to as an "auto-bias" arrangement is actually a method whereby the amp (either automatically or by command - or both, I'm not sure) *re-biases* itself periodically, using on-board computer measurement and control, rather than dynamically during play, using some kind of passive balancing circuit as is the case with conventional auto-bias.

From what I understand, this process is relatively brief and done when the music isn't playing, and after the individual output tubes' biases are reset the amp operates in fixed-bias as before - only without the need to 'pop the hood', hook up an external meter and fiddle around with a flashlight and screwdriver. If this desription is basically correct, then the process should only ensure correct bias is maintained (and senses and warns of weak tubes so they don't go undetected for too long) while having no impact beyond that - in and of itself - on the amps' sound, so presumably other explanations must be looked to in accounting for whatever sonic differences may exist between the two lines.

zaikesman November 09, 2005 19:12

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be invited to join Albert Porter's listening session at his home last night. Terrific food, wonderful group of audiophools (who made this female feel welcome and not obtrusive), and an amazing listening session to boot...plus it was Albert's birthday! Listening to Albert's system and software is one of the 10 most noteworthy audio experiences of my life...it reinforces why music should play a major role in our lives.

His listening room has to be one of the most stunningly quiet rooms every designed and constructed. It's design was well implemented, and invites the listener to relax and enjoy the performance. The acoustic treatments simply disappear...the walls appeared to be textured and not acoustically damped. Elegant, warm and engaging.

Prior to last night, my husband and I have never been introduced to the level of performance like Albert's equipment reproduces. The beauty of the Dali's took my breath away (even prior to firing up the rig!) ... they are amazing eye candy. :-) The Dali's performance is an incredible experience. I have NEVER heard any speaker provide that level of detail, resolution, soundstage depth, midrange sweetness, bass extension, and true "realness". When Albert played Faron Young's original master tape, it felt like being in the studio with Faron while the performance was actually occurring. It was the single best musical moment in my entire life...music the way it was meant to be heard. If only it could be reproduced for us that way (sigh)...

I could go on and on. The Walker was quiet, strikingly handsome, and made my Linn LP-12 sound like a childhood record player by comparison. Albert, you've motivated me to take that next step in my vinyl setup. Maybe not a Walker, but I want to make enough of a jump that the performance is at least 50% of your vinyl rig. :-) For those of you who have never been impressed with vinyl or believe digital is still the superior medium, I challenge you to take a trip to Dallas and hear Albert's table. It puts digital to shame.

Albert has put together a system that we all strive to achieve: one that is musical with synergy. The VTLs, Purist Audio cables (WOW!), Walker, Sony digital, Aesthetix, Dali's, Technics, etc., etc., are synergistic and simply get out of the way. And, above all else, they remind us that is is all about the MUSIC.

Albert (and audiophools), thank you for allowing Chuck and I to join in on your Tuesday evening gathering. It was so great to be in the company of individuals who truly love music, and want to share their enjoyment with each other. As one person mentioned last night, music gets more and more important the older we get. That single statement was reinforced to me last night amidst the company of a wonderful group of people, and an exceptional 2-channel audio system. I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to hear Albert's setup if you ever get the opportunity. Albert you are an awesome host!

Cheers!
Mary

mcrheist November 09, 2005 17:09

I may have missed it the thread...but w/ regard to your video set up....I would assume it is NOT hooked up to your main rig, so what are using for sound? The reason I am asking is my significant other wants to a screen in our living room where my main rig resides and I am trying to figure out how to do it without hooking it up to my main 2 channel rig. By the way, great system, great room!

henryhk November 09, 2005 07:32

Slappy,
Re: Mustangtuning.com

I need tires for my son's Mach 1 and your favorite site does not list any. Do you know of a site that gives HONEST answers about best tires for Mustangs?

In the old days I trusted and bought from Tire Rack, but lately all the reviews seem to be from employees and read like they have overstock to dump or promote a line with better mark up.

albertporter November 07, 2005 04:09

Herer, I think the VTL 750 can still be ordered through dealers but the factory is pushing hard for everyone to move on to the new series.

A good friend and reviewer who also owns VTL 750's, claims the new amps are more analytical and that the auto bias circuitry harms the tonal balance. I have not made the comparison so I can only parrot back what I've been told.

Surprisingly, four VTL 750's are no more heat than one pair of VTL's and one pair of Air Tight ATM-3, and they are less heat than one pair of big Atma-Sphere MA2 (with 40 output tubes).

As for outlets, search ads here at front page of Audiogon (Porter Ports).

Also do a search (same name) in the forums where several members have commented.

Guess I'm most proud that a short while back, the Chicago Audio Society (sorry if I'm calling their name incorrectly) did a shoot out with about a dozen different outlets and mine was the "winner." The president of the society called me, ordered a bunch and others have called and ordered since.

albertporter November 07, 2005 03:47