Doctor's Rx-Wilson X-2, Lamm, PDS MPS5

by oneobgyn on All Out Assault
Studer A810 Reel To Reel
Wilson X-2 Series ll Black Almondine
Sound Room
Pair Of JL Audio Fathom Subs added

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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Components Toggle details

    • 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

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Owner
Mike

FWIW

there are a lot of Nottingham TT's for sale on Audiogon, one of which caught my eye for sale close by in Oakland with the Anna arm

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?anlgtabl&1219074781

I was planning to go audition this myself

oneobgyn

Thanks. Yea, I am excited. From talking to Johnathan and my local dealer, and Alvin from Grand Prix, I am really looking forward to this. I can finally get that big wall unit out of there. That is fantastic news on getting the Playback. I have heard from a few people that it is the real deal. I have also seen that stores website in my wandering around. It does look like a top shelf store. The Brinkman Balance look fantastic. But as you say, let your ears and your wallet dictate what you get. For me that will be a Nottingham 294 with a Dynavector Phono Preamp and Dynavector 17D3 cartridge. Since the last TT I was over 15 years ago I am sure that this will be a nice step back into analog. Looking forward to seeing how this all plays out.

mikeduke

Long time no talk Doc. . . could you elaborate on the differences you perceived between music from EMM and from Playback Designs? And please do keep us posted as you break in the new creature. Guido

guidocorona

hi Oneobgyn,

notwithstanding looks & ergonomics, was wondering if you could describe specific areas where the Playback Designs betters the Meitner combo. thks in advance.

Alex

alexsee

Owner
Mike

Congrats on the purchase of a wonderful rack. You will enjoy it.

I have indeed made changes to my system so since you asked I will tell. After all these years of loving my EMM Labs CDSD SE and DAC6e SE I have sold these (yes believe it as I never thought that I would) and ordered the new Playback Designs all in one box from Jonathan Tinn and Andreas Koch. I am fortunate inasmuch as Andreas is almost a neighbor of mine living but a few miles away. Two weeks ago Andreas brought their new player over to my house where we could A/B it directly against the Meitner stack. We did some critical listening and I was shocked to find that the Playback Designs bettered the Meitner in every way including looks, and finally a user friendly remote. I sold my Meitner the next day and bought the new one box and take delivery next week.

As for amplification, the new Lamm ML3 is IMO the finest amp I have ever heard but remains something mere mortals can only dream about. As a result I continue to own and love my Lamm ML 2.1. On the drawing table is thoughts of updating my X-2's to the new Series ll version although I am not keen on having to send them back to the factory for upgrade. So that leaves analogue and I am very close to making a decision. The sale of the Meitner stack frees up space on my racks to allow for a TT and phonostage. Space is a factor in my setup because my gear lies below my screen and any changes could potentially interfere with watching movies due to shadowing. I returned yesterday from a 4 day stay in Boulder where my wife and I took our youngest daughter to Freshman Orientation at the University of Boulder. I had the chance to skip away for a few hours and to finally meet Mike and Neli the owners of Audio Federation http://www.audiofederation.com who run their business out of their most beautiful home high up in the mountains overlooking Boulder below. For me it was a remarkable afternoon as there was some of the finest high end gear that I have ever seen including the Marten Coltrane Supreme speakers at $295K played with Lamm ML 2.1 amps. On that system was the Brinkman Balance turntable with a Lyra Titan cartridge. The music was wonderful and the TT especially caught my ear. They were using the Lamm L2 Deluxe phonostage as well as the Lamm Reference preamp. I was smitten. My visit there was all too brief but but I do plan on returning when we take our daughter back in August for the fall semester. Mike and Neli had an amazing passion for this hobby and I must say that in all my years in this hobby I have never met a female audiophile with such intensity as Neli. She and Mike are the real deal. As well having visited many high end audio stores across the country I can honestly say that I have never been in one with such a vast array of diverse high end gear. They have systems set up in every room with a multitude of other gear in the corners or on the floors waiting to be called into action. They had so much Nordost Odin Supreme in their setups that in itself could buy an entire high end system. The long and the short of it was my involvement with the Brinkman Balance turntable so all I can say is stay tuned.
BTW speaking of racks, Mike and Neli had amazing setups on both Rix Racks but the one that caught my eye were those made by HRS. They were the best I have ever seen and were absolute eye candy. For anyone who ever visits Boulder and has a passion for audio I would highly recommend a visit to the mountain top home of Mike and Neli where they run Audio Federation. Two nicer people would be hard to find and top that off by listening to some of the finest pieces of high end gear is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

oneobgyn

Hey OB,
I am ordering the Monaco Rack this Sat. Can't wait. I have my long list of items that I want to do now. It may take a while, but it will be worth it. So is it the ML3 or Analog, or is it just the ML3 and... Nothing :).

mikeduke

Owner
lamm ML 2.1 + Wilson X2 would be my guess as that is what I have now.
The ML 3 on the X-2 is absolute magic (which is what I had for the past several months with the ML 3's on loan from Vladimir.

oneobgyn

Hi Oneobgyn,
A tricky question - what would be a better system :
lamm 2.1 + wilson x2
or
lamm 3 + wilson maxx2?
kind regards

microstrip

Owner
matrix

Thanks

remember that one man's passion is another man's poison.

oneobgyn

System edited: 05-20-08
Re-named system: Way too much money to burn!!

nice system :-)

matrix

Owner
It is true about the ML3

Today a friend of mine is flying in from Dallas to hear them and tommorow they are saddly being boxed up and sent to Arizona where they will be reviewed for a forthcoming article.

I also understand that Hardesty will be reviewing the X-2 Series ll quite possibly with the ML3

I have been into this hobby since 1970 and have either owned or heard some of the very best equipment BUT I must say in all candor that the ML3 is hands down the very best amp I have ever heard in all that time. Music has never sounded so real and soundstaging so perfect. Vladimir has hit a home run with this one. If anyone is given the opportunity to hear this amp I would say jump at the chance. it will give you goose bumps

oneobgyn

Joey,

Any news on the highs of the X2.2? I know a bit about the mids. Did the highs improve?

Oneobgyn,

A dealer friend of mine who is very opinionated and not one to give compliments to high priced items easily, said the ML-3s are the best amps he ever heard in his life.

dgad

Owner
Joey

I have heard what you have heard.

Several years ago when the X-2 was released and I owned X-1's, I was fortunate to be invited to Provo and to hear the X-1 vs X-2 demo in Dave Wilson's living room. The demo convinced me in less than 5 minutes just how much better the X-2 was. I was told by a reviewer from Soundstage that I shouldn't go hear that demo for fear I would realize how broken my X-1's sound. Suffice it to say, he was correct and I bought the X-2's. I am now hearing the same analogy about the Series ll upgrade. Having never heard the upgrade I am very happy with what I have and as stated even if I wanted to do the upgrade the speakers must go back to WA.

A similar analogy has been my love of the Lamm ML 2.1 with these speakers until I was privileged to have on loan from Vladimir his newly released ML 3 Reference which as I have said before is the finest amp I have ever heard and IMO is the amp against which all others will be judged.

Decisions....decisions....decisions

oneobgyn

I have heard from a fellow forum member (tone publication editor Jeff Dorgay) that the X2 v2 is a phenomenal speaker. He was at Dave Wilson's for the shootout between the v2 and the v1, he said the v2 is more realistic PERIOD.

I say, do the upgrade.

joey_v

Owner
You are probably correct but right now I am actually trying to figure a way to buy Vladimir Lamm's new ML3 Reference which I am fortunate enough to have on loan from him. IMO and for my ears I have never in over 35 years in this hobby heard a better amp. This for me would be a revolutionary change to my system but a almost 6X the cost of doing the X-2 upgrade

oneobgyn

It should be like getting new speakers. All your mustic will sound brand new. Just like refreshing your music collection. Worth it.

dgad

Owner
Dgad

My only resrvation in doing the upgrade is that they are not field upgradeable and must be shipped back to Wilson...I fear I would suffer from separation anxiety

oneobgyn

I am excited based on what people have told me. You can play louder w. less sense of volume. This is due to reducing distortion. Wilson moving to a proprietary drivers will make a huge difference. ATC have a proprietary midrange which is what they are famous for. The dynamic ability of ATC w. less distortion is critical. I have recently become a strong believer in horns. It is just too expensive to execute well without shortcomings. But when they use TAD or field coil drivers they bypass a dynamic speakers ability to play without distortion & congestion at volume. Also the transient snap is improved. I love my Wilsons but after hearing what a well executed horn can do it makes me wonder. Mind you cost was 160K. I find the Wilson bass still excellent. But the highs & mids are lacking. If this is improved it will be a huge upgrade and worthwhile. I will say, with the horns I heard, full range orchestra had tremendous detail and a total lack of distortion. It also was a semiactive system. SS on the bass & a few watts on top. No horn color. Wilsons are probably the fastest dynamic speaker there is (maybe TADs or some actives are faster). If they reduce distortion & improve speed (actually it truly isn't possible to get that close due to the physics of the drivers) the gap will be reduced and we can have the best of both worlds.

dgad

Hi Oneobgyn,Have we heard any feedback yet from anyone who
has Purchased or Upgraded to Series 2 Alexandria's.
Kind Regards Bigpond

bigpond

Owner
Harleyhawk

Not sure exactly what you mean but I have all disks up on custom made Billy Bags racks.

Thanks for the kind words

oneobgyn

What did you use for DVD & CD storage?
Awesome system.

harleyhawk

Owner
Sherod

She will be my 6th child that I had go through college. There I've said enough. I'm going to bed with that smile on my face.

oneobgyn

Nuff said. Your daughter is definitely priority and I am well aware of the cost of college as I have put two of mine through college as well as helping one go through three years of law school. I wish your daughter well. Sleep well,Doc, and may you go to bed every night with a smile on your face. ---- (O:

sherod

Owner
Actually I believe that I can inasmuch as the ML 2.1's IMO is the best amp that I have ever owned. It is just that the ML 3 is the best amp that I have ever heard. Finally I have my youngest daughter who will be a freshman this year at University of Boulder. Need I say more.

oneobgyn

..."Had I never heard them I would still go to bed with a smile on my face with the ML 2.1's "

Yes, but now you have heard them(ML3) and being the perfectionist that you are, do you really think that you'll be able to smile as much when you go to bed once the 2.1's are back in place? --- See smiley face --- (O:

sherod

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