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

Oneobgyn, I have the new emmLabs TSD1 Transport & emmLabs Dac 2
(with computer USB input) connected with Jena Labs 916 power cords in my system now. I had the emmLabs CDSA SE in the system before this which was absolutely stunning. I think the new emmLabs Dac 2 takes this to even a higher level of music playback sound quality. My Parmenter Fat Boy horns & Lamm L2 Ref / Lamm M1.2 reference system were alive on Friday night, the best I have heard them.
Cheers Jason.

jasonparmenter

Sweet :). No matter what, to me, that seems like a pretty big undertaking. Packing up the old and unpacking the new should be pretty interesting. And I thought watching Mark Seaton bring my 120lb sub upstairs was fun :). Good to hear that the new center will also be matched. Too bad I am on the other coast. I am sure that the GTG would be fantastic. Looking forward to hearing your views.

mikeduke

Owner
Thanks Mike

Speakers actually arrive in 3 days and my installers in 5 days. They will take down and crate the old X-2 series l and uncrate and install the new X-2 Series ll. We will be having an audio club meeting here next weekend so I will be running non stop my Purist Audio Design Sytem Enhancer to get some burn in time before the event.
The WATCH center speaker is the same color and is the updated version of the WATCH center.
As for getting anything done I am on the way to the airport with my wife to visit our daughter for Parents' weekend at CU Boulder

oneobgyn

Wow. Five days to go. I am sure that you are very excited. Like I said, I have heard the playback one time and I was very impressed with how it sounded. I am assuming that the watch center will still be a match for the updated speakers? Have fun trying to get anything done that is constructive in the next 5 days :).

mikeduke

Owner
System edited: System edit for change in gear. Playback Designs player added several months ago and continues to astound me that it is capable of getting even closer to the music than my previous Meitner stack which I previously felt that nothing could beat. New speakers arrive this week (finally) and further edits to my system will follow including a much updated description of the system as well as updated photos which I will put up

oneobgyn

Owner
Phd

Thanks for the kudos. I have been to Albert's hous when I visited a close friend of mine in Dallas last year. He has a wonderful set up.

As for the sofa's position and the chair up front in the listening position, this merely reflects that although the room is used for both audioas well as home theater, the video end of things takes a "back seat" to my two channel listening

oneobgyn

Hey Doc, you want to rock? Thats a beautiful system only exceeded by your gorgeous room. I hope this is a sterile enviroment! Looks like you've have enough money invested to feed a third world country for a month.

All Kidding aside I know the struggle to try and reach perfection and after thirty years you obvious have reached your goals. Albert Porter may want to take a look here, he might pick up on some ideas. The only thing I would suggest is to move the counch to the forefront so that yourself and another audiophile can share the sweet spot and enjoy.

phd

Owner
Unoear

Thanks for the comments. Stay tuned for a report in the next few weeks. Can't wait to hear your impressions as well on the ML3
Our BAAS had a listening session with Matt ~2 years ago. Very fine gear indeed.

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

Here is a link to the Playback Designs

http://www.bluelightaudio.com/playbackdesigns.html

oneobgyn

Hey Steve, thanks for the invite to the X-2 series 2 Grand Listening. Most likely I will be out of the country at that time, but if not I will be happy to fly over for a visit.

While out in SF a couple of weeks ago I spent a wonderful afternoon listening to tunes with Matt over at Pitch Perfect Audio. He has a new loft demo space in old building on Brannan Street. Those Shindo Latour Field Coil speakers are very engaging, dynamic and about as close to pure audio fun as it comes. Matt's a good guy...if you get a chance, make it to visit his new space. Jeff Day did a write-up at 6moons regarding his visit to Matt's previous location.

I am looking forward to hearing your impressions with the X-2 series 2. Also, I bet you will love the new fast black look. Take care!

unoear

In the "Celestine Prophecy", the author said that people interact with others to get energy. One of the 4 ways to do this is to ask, "Are you sure?"(to create self-doubt, which robs the self-doubter of energy). Anyway, I know why you don't have analog, Steve. Your visitor's would then never leave. I'm lazy(or afraid of losing what I've written so far)so does the MPS-5 play cd's?

mmakshak

Owner
Actually I heard them in Denver as well as in Berkeley but not with either of those amps as neither were Lamm dealers.Both played on SS amps that really didn't grab me.

My circle would honestly welcome you. We have a wonderful time and in fact are having a gathering Oct 26th at my house. I promise you we listen at normal spl

oneobgyn

Hey Steve,

Sorry if I inadvertently offended you. No harm intended and by all means keep enjoying the the Gotham sub, I am envious...however, such an interesting choice for a west coast boy. Dinner was great and it was wonderful to dine with old friends in SF again. Also, I am going to take your advice and request that I require an in-home trial on the ML 3's as a a requirement and consideration to me for finalizing the purchase of the Lammies...I will be sure to give you the credit for my request to VL. You know I really do not want to be considered an audiophiliac, just a simple music lover would suffice and I guess I will stay away from your circle. BTW, did you get to listen to the X-2 Series II upgrade with the ML 2.1 and ML 3 before you made your decision...are you also a possible closet audiophiliac? Enjoy your new X-2, series ll.

unoear

Owner
Me too actually. I got it and found it cute

It was other things to which I referred that I suppose need not have been mentioned other than directly between me and Alan

oneobgyn

doc, I think unoear had has tongue planted firmly in cheek. I for one thought the suggestion of a lamm(p) shade was quite amusing.

gregadd

Owner
Unoear
We all make decisions based on our own prerquisites as well listening experience. There are others who rather make decisions based on the experiences of others and who have never heard a component prior to their purchases. In some circles we would call them audiophiliacs rather than audiophiles...
BTW, the Gotham subs stay. As I said earlier the M3 is a marvelous amp however in my system having heard both (which you haven't), it and the ML 2.1, with and without the Gotham subs, my decision stayed where it was and went with the X-2 series ll.

Sorry you had to dine alone.

oneobgyn

you know one solution would be to get a lamm lamp shade, another would be to get rid of the sub...btw, missed you at dinner ;-)

unoear

Owner
Thanks all....

The wait seems much longer as the deal has been a long time in the making. It was a tough decision as I contemplated the Lamm ML3 Reference as well as a turntable. Certainly I had my mentors in each camp whispering in my ear as to what I should do. There were merits to each. When all was said and done however the deal on the speakers was one on which I could not pass. Hence my decision. In the future I will certainly rethink the other two but for now my Lamm ML2.1 does everything to rock my sonic boat and the change to the Playback Designs player was so dramatic that once again I am very happy with the digital side of my room.
Re the ML 3 those of us who auditioned it were quite smitten but certainly not a 5 fold order of magnitude in price over the ML 2.1. As well the amount of light given off by the tubes on this amp was so bright that sitting under my screen would have had a negative impact on the viewing of movies. Unfortunately mine is not a dedicated audio setup but is also shared with my home theater. Finally when we did an A/B with the ML 2.1 with the pair of JL Audio Gotham subs vs the ML 3 alone amazingly it was no contest ...everyone in our audio club preferred the former. Then when we added the pair of Gotham subs to the ML 3 it was way too overwhelming a sound. So all in all the ML 2.1 with the pair of Gotham subs seemed to be the overall choice of all listeners.

oneobgyn

OB
Congrats! Fantastic color choice, BTW. My personal favorite Wilson color. Be sure and let us know how the new series work out and how they differ from the originals. Going to be a long 4 weeks wait I bet...

owl

Sweet :)
I am excited for you. In the mean time for me, I took someones advise and moved one of my dvd cases further back so it was not right next to my right front speaker. I am floored by the change. I still have a hard time getting my mind around the fact that just doing that would effect the music so much. Now my sound stage is perfect and the music just floats.
I have to listen to my music again and hear it the right way :). Looking forward to you getting them back and setup.

mikeduke

Owner
You read right

Splash down on October 22.

Color will be Black Almondine with an upgraded WATCH center in matching color

oneobgyn

OB, did I read right that you should get your speakers in all of their series 2 glory sometime in Oct? I am sure you are really excited. Can't wait for you to get them and read about them.

mikeduke

First and foremost, Oneobgyn is one great host. Thanks for the opportunity to enjoy your wonderful system. What a room! What a system! We listened to a variety of music over a couple hours and each music selection was beautifully presented. It's hard to single out anything in particular because it was all so well balanced and so good. Not many systems can cover an entire music range correctly, Oneobgyn's does it and does it in spades. We ran the gam-mitt from small to big music. Rock, folk, blues, classical, it was all handled perfectly. How often can we say that about a system. Congrats and thanks again. It was a real pleasure.

gerrym5

Thanks a million for being such a great host. I really enjoyed the visit and only whish I had more time...
Your system is very impressive and your comments of the ML2.1 being a great amplifier are right on the mark. I was very surprised at how they are able to drive the big Wilson's with ease.

Thanks a million!

gshelley

Doc, I sent you an email regarding the Lamm. Interested in your thoughts.

bflowers

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