Description

Audio Nirvana has arrived. Being involved in this hobby for the past 40 years proves that this is a journey and not a destination. Over these years I have had countless iterations of too many systems to mention. Over the past 15 years I have become a loyal fan of Wilson Audio speakers and have steadily moved up their production line. Four years ago I never thought it could get any better than my Wilson X-2 Alexandria series l until I heard the X-2 series ll this year. Suffice it to say the X-2 Series ll speakers were added in October of this year in Black Almondine and now occupy the center of my sound syatem. For the past 3 years I have been seriously considering a return to vinyl and was ready to make the move until I began reading about the resurgence of reel to reel tape recorders and The Tape Project. Recently I found a fully restored Studer A810 tape recorder and added it to my system as well as becoming a Charter Subscriber to The Tape Project. Needless to say I was smitten. Recently I also swapped out my much beloved Meitner digital gear for the newer Playback Designs PDS MP-S5 and have been more than happpy with that decision. Earlier this year the video side of my room underwent a complete change and installed the Sim2 C3X1080 triple chip DLP with an Isco lll anamorphic lens. This allows me to enjoy either 16 X 9 format as well as 2.35 on a CIH Stewart Firehawk G3 132 inch curved screen. When I did this I upgraded the subwoofer(s) in my room by swapping the Wilson XS for two JL Audio Gotham subs. It took the better part of four months to get these subs dialed in for my room but once done they are simply better than I could have ever imagined. As far as what the future holds in the hobby, I am in a holding pattern but I never say never.
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    • Wilson Audio X-2 Alexandria Series ll
    I am in awe of this speaker both from the way it sounds as well as the way it looks. After 3 months of anxiously awaiting, the speaker finally arrived. Color is Black Almondine with Parchment Gray grill covers. The speakers weigh in at a cool 720 lbs each and stand 2 inches taller than the X-1's I had. Simply put, I have never heard a speaker as real as this. The soundstage is huge, more open than even the X-2 series l. The ease of setup as well was amazing. It took us only 2 hours to get the speakers operational. The wonderful thing about the X-2 is that the upper modules can now be meticulously set to image at ear level. The X-1's were always imaging just a bit high. These speakers are truly Dave Wilson at the pinnacle of his game. Just when I thought my X-2 series l's put me at audio nirvana, along comes the X-2 Series ll. The best way to compare this speaker to anything else is with a big smile rather than with hyperbole. IMO this speaker has brought me to Audio Nirvana.
    • Lamm Industries ML 3 Signature
    The ML3 is a single-ended (SE) tube amplifier utilizing a very powerful direct-heated triode GM-70 (125W plate dissipation) and a separate power supply. Combining the most sophisticated technologies and electronic design with graceful looks reminiscent of the classic era of tubes, the ML3 is our top-of-the-line, no-compromise product. It is a 32-watt amplifier that operates in pure class A and utilizes no overall feedback. The topology is absolutely unique and incorporates one of the most advanced power supplies ever featured in an audio device. These factors, along with the designer’s unique vision and understanding of the underlying principles of audio electronics, make the ML3 an amplifier without peer. With the ML3 as the centerpiece of a high-end system, the recorded event is recreated in one’s listening room with astonishing verisimilitude. The listener is able to experience an ephemeral yet tangible connection to the essence of the music. These are not empty claims. Those who have listened to the ML3 firsthand have unanimously acknowledged this phenomenon and have reported it to be utterly unique in their collective experience. IMO this amp rises above all others and is the the new king of the hill. Audio Nirvana has arrived
    • Lamm Industries LL1 Signature Dual Mono Line Level
    The monaural line level preamplifier model LL1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High-End audio. Just like ML3 Signature is the best creation of its designer's professional career among the LAMM amplifiers, so is the LL1 Signature among the line level LAMM preamplifiers. The LL1 Signature has been designed to complement the ML3 Signature amplifier, and this combination in a system represents a "match made in heaven". However, the LL1 Signature will perform magic with any other appropriate power amplifier. The LL1 Signature features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path. In principle, it is a single-stage unit that basically represents the shortest possible signal path. The preamplifier contains four very linear low impedance triodes paralleled into a single inverting gain stage. The LL1 Signature employs a pure single-ended class A operation, with no overall feedback applied. Also featured are specially selected high-transconductance dual triodes 6N30P-DR/ 6Н30П-ДР (original) in the signal path and TKD stepped potentiometers for volume control - the best available on today's market. The preamplifier's audibly neutral power supply features a full-wave vacuum rectifier. This rectifier, together with a choke-containing filter, allows to practically get rid of the hum and buzz and, in the end, to ensure the verity of dynamic range without coloration. Two solid-state analog voltage regulators supply dc voltage to the tube filaments (heaters). Other features include 3 inputs, one tape/HT processor loop, attenuator (-12 dB) switch, output 1/output 2 switches, protection circuitry designed to enable manual muting of the output signal, and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The main distinction of the LL1 Signature from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its practically inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, especially LAMM power amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. Each preamplifier is handcrafted of the finest materials and top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, PRC wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers, CORNELL DUBILIER and UNITED CHEMI-CON electrolytic capacitors, ELECTROCUBE, ELCON and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; HAMMOND chokes, gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors, and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes. A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction. The LL1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer. The LL1 Signature works on all world AC line voltages (100/120/220/230/240V).
    • JL Audio Gotham/g213
    Gotham® Your first look will tell you that you are looking at something special… your first listen will confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. The beauty of the Gotham® extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment. This is a subwoofer system with limits well beyond the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating. A luxurious, handcrafted gloss-black finish is complemented by machined aluminum and stainless steel accents for a look and feel that fits perfectly with the finest home furnishings. More importantly, the beautiful cabinet houses a pair of JL Audio’s highest-technology subwoofer drivers. When demanded by program material, the Gotham’s amplifier can deliver voltage equivalent to 3,800 watts of RMS power to take full advantage of the twin drivers’ four inches of peak-to-peak excursion capability. This ensures that the Gotham™ can breeze through material that makes other subwoofers go into clipping, limiting or distress. Listening to a Gotham® reveals an entirely new dimension of subwoofer performance... a dimension so satisfying that listening to lesser subwoofers will forever become an act of compromise. Available Models: g213 (click for specs and feature list) Model: g213-GLOSS SKU: 96237 Cabinet Finish: High-Gloss Black
    • Playback Designs System MS5
    I just never thought that I would sell my Meitner gear because for years IMO it was the leader of the pack. Not so fast any more as along came the PDS MS-5 which creates music as close to vinyl as the real thing
    • Studer Reel To Reel A-810
    A fully refurbished state of the art Studio reel to reel
    • Krell Theater Amplifier Standard
    This is used to drive my center channel, surround channels and rear channel. I use it only for home theater however when Krell releases their SACD standard in May, I will delve into multichannel audio. I continue to use a Krell FPB-750 mcX for my Wilson XS subwoofer. I use 6.1 and not 7.1 in my room
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Center Channel
    I have used many center channel speakers but have found this one to outperform anything that I have previously owned. I use it with its accompanying speaker stand centered right under my screen. Recently upgraded this center channel to Black Almondine to match my new X-2 series ll speakers
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Surround (left and right)
    A perfect compliment for my Wilson X-1/XS speakers.
    • Nordost Valhalla
    I use this in my front end. An unbelievably transparent interconnect. I was using Tara Labs The Zero which was magnificent but I feel the Valhalla is a notch above even though The Zero was priced at $12,500 for a 2 meter pair of balanced cables
    • Wilson Audio WATCH rear
    I decided on only 6.1 rather than 7.1 and am very impressed with this speaker in my home theater
    • Sim2 Triple Chip DLP Projector C3X 1080
    For those following the buzz on the internet this is the latest triple chip DLP from Sim that has a picture unequaled for projectors of this price and size
    • Isco 2.35 Anamorphic Lens Model lll
    Anamorphic 2.35 lens for Sim 2 projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk G3 CineV 130
    A CIH screen with native 2.35 aspect ratio and 120 inch width. Masks to 16 x 9 as well
    • Sony BDP-S2000ES
    Sony's flagship Blu-ray Disc™ player, with astounding audio enhancements and vibration-reduction that deliver phenomenal results in a rock-solid design
    • Lexicon MC12B-HD v 1.2
    Most impressive about the MC-12 HD is its extensive custom processing capabilities. Four 32-bit floating-point DSP engines provide vast resources for such proprietary features as Logic 7, Auto Azimuth correction, five-speaker enhancement, bass enhancement, and dialog enhancement. Lexicon?s bass management system, digital crossovers and tone controls are also powered by these DSP engines. This processing is performed at sample rates up to 96kHz with 24-bit resolution to retain top performance from all input sources. A fifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding Dolby Digital and DTS sources. Inside and out, the MC-12 HD is designed to accommodate potential hardware and software advancements with internal expansion, a removable rear panel access plate, and two RS-232 connectors.
    • Nordost Valhalla AES/EBU
    A digital cable with XLR (balanced)terminations. Used to connect the Krell kps25sc to the EMM Labs DAC 6
    • Nordost Valhalla
    Simply the best and most transparent cable I have ever used. I sold my Tara Labs The Omega for these cables. As great as the Omega was, I find there is no comparison with the Valhalla
    • Nordost Valhalla
    20 amp IEC power cables (one pair) used for my Audio Research Refernce 600 Mark lll mono amps. This resulted in immediate improvement in bass as well as producing a somewhat more dynamic sound.
    • Tara Labs RSC Gen 2
    Used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs RSC Air One
    5 pair of balanced cables used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs The One
    I have 2 of these in my front end. They made a big difference
    • Absolute Power Line Purifier
    Used in my home theater side. A very solid work horse
    • Aurios Pro MIb
    Decouplers. An absolute must in any system. I use these under my Krell kps25sc and Audio Research Reference ll Mark ll. I have also found dramatic improvement in my bass when used under my Wilson X-1 Grand Slamm speakers. These are sold exclusively at http://www.audionut.com Ask for Bob Williams. he will give you all of the theory behind this tweak.You can reach him at 1-877-944-5505
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Tube Traps
    The single best tweak to my room was to have ASC design room modifications (tube traps)according to the size of my room with the type of gear used. I have a total of 38 tube traps in the room in all sizes, varying from Super trap 20's, Super trap 16's and trap 13's, 11's and 9's. I did this in stages according to the plans provided by ASC and once finished I had a true 2C3D room. The walls are virtually invisible.
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Sound Planks
    Also part of the design rendered for my room by ASC. These sit at the front wall and have vastly improved the sound in the room.
    • Billy Bags AV Pro
    This is used for my home theater equiment
    • Billy Bags CD/DVD Stand
    Designrd specifically for my room I am able to store over 1000 CD's and/or DVD's
    • Zoethecus component stands Z.2/R (2 in all)
    Great looking, good support and excellent isolation
    • Zoethecus amp stands (3 in all) Z.block/1d
    Great looking with super isolation
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer X-10v3
    high input impedance allowing me to drive my new JL Gotham subs without compromising my Audio Research Reference 3 preamp
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer Power Supply
    Optional separate power supply for tube buffer which helps bass response from Gotham Subs
    • Transparent Reference (RSE) Interconnect
    20 foot pair from Tube Buffer Output to Gotham subs and one meter pair from ARC Ref3 to Tube Output Buffer
    • See Other Web site For More Details And Pictures
    [URL]http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?10535-Doctor-s-Orders-Part-Two-The-New-Listening-Room-Of-Steve-Williams&p=191656&viewfull=1#post191656[/URL]

Comments 1014

Welcome to analogue! Hard to imagine how your sysytem could get any better. Keep pushing the envelope.

gregadd

Owner
Bigpond

They sound better than what they look and much to my amazment better even than the X-2 series l.

I put up the picture of the speaker to try and show the color as it is most unusual. From the distance the speaker appears black but up close they almost look a brownish red and then with the light on them, they appear to be egg plant in color with a purple hue.

oneobgyn

Hi Oneobgyn,The Wilson Alexandria's just look STUNNING hope they sound as good as they look,i'm sure they do.
It is such a brilliant design that despite the size they don't look bulky in any room.
I wish they had used a more stunning colour in Robert Harley's fantastic recent review!

bigpond

Owner
System edited: Some new photos showing the Wilson X-2 Series ll speakers in Black Almondine and Parchment Gray grille covers. Also added photo of Studer A810 Studio Reel to Reel tape deck.

oneobgyn

Owner
AFAIK any tube buffer will work. I wish I had known about the Audio Horizons because of the balanced option.

oneobgyn

Thanks oneobgyn. I'm currently running two balanced outs from my ref 3 one to my
gryphon and one to a pair of f112's. I'm thinking of inserting an audio horizons tube buffer( with balanced option) between ref3 and subs for the same reason as you. I saw you used the MF and was curious about your experience. - Jim

aldavis

Owner
I am thinking of a moded and well tweaked Scully R2R player.

gallant_diva

Owner
Aldavis

The Music Fidelity tube buffer was the simplest and least expensive answer (for me at least) to running two unequal loads in parallel. Not sure if there is any change in impedance.

Here is why I used it

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vaslt&1049587927&openflup&584&4#584

oneobgyn

Hey One could you elaborate on the MF buffer/ps. How does the impedance change and what have you noticed soundwise. How did you decide on the MF design. Thanks - Jim

aldavis

Owner
Mmakshak

check your e-mail

oneobgyn

Owner
JFrech

Bear in mind that every speaker rolling out of the Wilson factory has at least 12 hours of serious time on all drivers before they are shipped.

Yes I listen to a lot of music but when I am not listening I am running almost continuously a "burn-in" disc made by Jim Auld at Purist Audio Design. He calls it a "System Enhancer" and is good to run when any new piece of equipment or cable is added to a system and then to run once a month otherwise. I would wholeheartedly endorse your getting one and let it run as it will very effectively loosen up those drivers on your speakers.

As for the R2R, this is just an amazing new step for me and I would encourage others to consider it.

oneobgyn

I'd love to hear your set up one day. Congrats on a great system !

I recently upgraded my Maxx 2's to 3's. Dealer installed them last week, so they still have some breakin time.

Are you doing anything special to speed up breakin on your X2 series 2 or just letting the music play? My Maxx 3's sounded amazing right out of the box. After a week, they seem to have more ease.

I to am listening at lower volume levels. For me, just so much more information there. Wilson and my dealer said the timing is better, so more stuff ends up at your ear at the right precise moment, giving the "impression" of being louder. Guess that makes sense in my case.

Hope that new r2r is sounding super!

jfrech

Oneobgyn, fantastic! I think there is a quality(relaxation, and maybe getting lost in the music)which digital might not quite(or ever)have.

mmakshak

That's great on the RTR. I don't think I have the manual dexterity for something like that. I will stick to getting a TT. Budget to start with, just to get my feet wet. Then later something better. But glad to hear that it worked out for you.

mikeduke

Owner
GD...what make R2R are you looking for? I did a lot of research on this and might be able to help you.

oneobgyn

Let me be the first to congratulate you doc. It is the right way to go. I am myself in search of a tweaked Tape player.

gallant_diva

Owner
System edited: After so many years of being out of analog and having explored all aspects of vinyl I decided to go in a somewhat different direction, specifically reel to reel tape. There seems to be a growing buzz on reel to reel from many audiogoners as well as The Tape Project. The Studer R2R's have been out of production for well over 20 years but there are many qualified people who do refurbishing of these units. The big gamble is whether there will be a resurgence in the availability of R2R tapes. Certainly those available at 15 ips through the Tape Connection by all accounts seem to be getting much attention. I found this unit on eBay being restored right here in California. The price was right and I jumped in. I was given a tape of Dark Side of the Moon recoreded at 7.5 ips in half track and all I can say was "wow, I want more". I have subscribed to The Tape Connection and I am told that there will be a company based in Europe which will be making available tapes of such high quality as those offered by The Tape Connection. Stay Tuned

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

December will work for me. Send me an e-mail with your availability and I will make it work.

Good to see that you are working on your room acoustics. Clearly that is the single most important part of any room. I did mine in stages starting at the front, then the rear and finally down the sides of the room. No right or wrong way as long as the room is tamed. I went with ASC and have no regrets. Many use Rives with equally satifying results.

As for the Playback Designs one box player, I will let you be the judge when you come by for a listen.

As for the X-2 Series ll speakers I can only say that audio nirvana has been achieved.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,I guess this means no demerits(darn!)? Speaking of acoustic products, I recently had an ear-opening experience by putting an 8th nerve rectangle behind me at the wall/ceiling junction. I have 5 ASC tube traps(with 2 more ready to deploy), five nine-inch and two of the next bigger size. Three sets of Cathedral Sound Panels sit in the upper corners. One RPG Abfussor is used at the first reflection on the side, and one 8th nerve rectangle behind the speakers. So your talk about acoustics has had some effect on me. I actually think that possibly the 8th nerve rectangle might serve me better where I have the upper ASC(stacked) in the corner. I should read more of your description of the sound that the Playback System has added to your system, and I will. But just in case, what difference would listening to the Playback on your system versus the Meitner have(so I can say what part it plays in this). Also, should I expect just an improvement of the bass due to your subwoofer? I owe you a cd, so I have to get you one first(don't expect great sound from it though), but if you are having a listening session in late December or sometime in January, I'de love to have a hear.

mmakshak

Owner
Mmakshak

We literally dropped the X-2 series ll speakers into the exact footprint previously occupied by the original X-2's. Each spike occupies the same carpet hole. The upper module settings are identical to that of the original X-2's and the chair occupying the sweet spot remains in the same position. Having said this for whatever reason we seem to be listening at somewhat lower levels on the Ref 3 gain control even though the speakers remain at 95 Db efficiency. I am at a loss of words as to an explanation as to how to account for this. I did speak to Wilson Audio folks yesterday and they could not explain it either.
Now for the sound. I am saving all of the usual flowery adjectives by having people audition the speakers for themselves. I guaranty it will be a toe tapping experience so let me know when you want to come by for a listen.

oneobgyn

I looked back at your description of the seriesII. Are you saying, Steve, that you no longer have to listen high(not drugs)up? I've always associated a good sound up high with a well set-up system(for instance a turntable setup). Also, does the seriesII have a richer tonal balance(not that it needed that, or anything-I may have just assumed it from Wilson's experiences in Vienna)? Did you move the sweet-spot chair? If so, we will have to take 2 demerits(in your case that equals 2 tube-traps-we'll be coming by to get them.)from you.

mmakshak

Owner
System edited: System edit to describe new X-2 series ll and WATCH center channel both in Black Almondine

oneobgyn

Owner
Owl.....I am just waiting for my son to do the pix. The color of these speakers is most unique so pictures might not do justice.

As for the sound, I can say that 7 members of our audio club yesterday were left somewhat speachless. Hopefully they might find time to post about what they heard

oneobgyn

Congrats! Almost like getting higher efficiency speakers. Good deal... Get some pictures up already! ;^)

owl

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