This is the best system I have ever heard. I have owned and heard many expensive speakers and none come close to the Shahinian Diapasons. The bass is absolutely concussive. The Double Eagle subwoofers pressurize the room and are capable of impact that is akin to body blows. The mids and highs are breathtakingly real. The music emminates from the modules in a 3 dimensional bloom with a realism that blows away even the best electrostatics. The notion that Shahinians are for classical only is just plain wrong. I enjoy all types of music on these speakers.
I had an electrician install a dedicated panel for the system. He used all square D 20 amp breakers with individual runs of 10 gauge wire to cryogenically treated hospital grade Hubbel outlets. Each amplifier has its own breaker.
I am fixing to trade my CAT SL-1 Sig MK III plus cash for this Thor pre and was wondering if you could tell me how you like it? Is it as great as everyone says it is? I would love some feedback please. Thanks
Nice job! I've never heard the Shahinians, but I suspect the sound is very similar to what I use (original Ohm Fs) with more sustain in the lower end. BTW, what's the dog in the pic listening to?
Hi Bob! I did see the crossover. Richard Shahinian suggested a crossover by Marchand at a 150Hz to 200Hz cutoff and a seperate 200 watt per channel amp. Says I should be able to replicate a 64 foot pipe organ tube in my house! Any luck finding the literature? My new Contra-Bombardes will be here Monday. I don't know of anyone on the planet running the newest Diapasons with two Contra-Bombardes.
Stan, Congrats! I can't believe I missed those but am glad that you are getting them. Anyway, I will search for the copy of the Contra Bombarde review. Did you see the Shahinian crossover that appeared on Audiogon? It is a bit spendy but it was on the same piece of literature as the CB. Bob
Stan, I can't wait to come and hear your system with the Thor. I was so impressed with my 1000 linestage that I hated to let it go because my latest system with the Beveridges works better with a passive preamp. Bob
System edited: I'm so happy with my system that now I just enjoy the music. That said, I would like to try an Audio Research Ref 3 preamp and a Naim CD player.
Yes the rack is homemade. My only regret not using thicker wood. Heavy amps create a bow in the plywood. I may upgrade the rack using the 14ply Finland Birch like my speakers are made of. The Benchmark is as good as they say. I have a Sony XA-777ES and the Benchmark sounds better than the Sony on redbook. In fact, the Benchmark sounds nearly as good as the SACD. I highly recommend the Benchmark.
Very nice looking system, I'm sure it sounds as gorgeous as it looks! I noticed you use a Benchmark DAC-1. Can you comment on how it sounds on a home system, I have heard much about it, and I was considering to add this to my own rig, using my existing CD player as a transport. What digital interconnect do you use? Congratulation again. BTW: is this a home made rack?
