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

Owner
Sherod

would that would be so and as my mother used to say, "from your mouth to God's ears" but I retired from Ob/Gyn one year ago and as a result there have been many life style alterations. I did however open a Medspa in my home town 2 years ago and that is starting to take off so one never says never BUT for now those amps are on loan. Had I never heard them I would still go to bed with a smile on my face with the ML 2.1's

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn,
Tell Vlad that you're keeping the ML3 amp, that you're building up your female clientele in your business and will send him regular payments ; that is, of course, on the stipulation that you return to him your current ML 2.1 as a deposit of good will. (O:

sherod

Owner
Hi Joey

For anyone who fancies himself an audiophile 5 minutes of listening yo the ML3 will shatter anything that you have heretofore felt to be audio bliss. It will make you want to win the lottery in order to be able to own this amp. I have listened to most of the best amps over my 35+ years in this hobby and IMO there is just nothing that even comes close. We have been lucky to have this amp on loan from Vladimir. It will be tough to send it back.

oneobgyn

Interesting thoughts on the Lamm 3.... must be a real sweet amp! Wish I could take part in your gathering... then again, it's probably best that I don't.

Too costly an endeavor.

joey_v

Owner
I spent the past several days tweaking the phase and level and crossover of the Gotham subs per the review in Ultra Audio by Jeff Fritz. Anyone with these subs should read this article which is excellent. I must say that my crossover frequency has changed as well as the level settings. Here is the link. It is a "must read"

http://www.ultraaudio.com/twbas/twbas_20080401.htm

oneobgyn

Owner
Rich

sounding so good does not necessarily mean they are phase aligned.

I have found phase to be hugely important when integrating subwoofers. Here is the method that has worked well for me: You'll need some form of measurement device, I use True RTA on my laptop, but a simple SPL meter will suffice. First, you'll measure only one speaker at a time, level matched with the sub. Reverse the speaker cable leads so that the speaker is 180 degrees out of phase. Whatever your crossover frequency is, say 50Hz, run a tone at that frequency through the speaker/sub. Adjust the phase on the sub until you measure the greatest suckout -- it will be dramatic (and the reason you don't measure the greatest summing point). Correct the speaker cables and you're set -- speakers and sub will be in phase. Use as steep a slope as possible so that you do not create phase issues on either side of the crossover frequency, which you won't be able to adjust for

oneobgyn

I think so --they sound great --found an aoustic firm here in va 20 min away that does big time studio and theater work besides home stuff and he is coming out on wed to listen to my system and make suggestions --I have my subs between my stats just next to each panel which I believe gives the best phase alignment--and even if they are not phase aligned-they sound so good I am not sure I want to change anything :):) thanks for the imput will let you know --rich

ras422

Owner
Rich

the Gothams took me 4-6 weeks to get broken in and to phase align in my system. Are you sure that yours are properly phase aligned?

oneobgyn

Agree--bass has timbre and I can hear very distinct bass notes--it just never gets muddy no matter how far down it goes and they just blend with my stats seamlessly-alot of people don't realize that as good as your mains are --adding a world class sub-subs can make that much diff --even sound staging improved with the subs in stereo --rich

ras422

Owner
Hi Rich

I know that you are enjoying the Fathom. I sold my Wilson XS having heard a pair of Gotham subs at a friends home in Dallas. I was smitten. I am in awe as to how good a sub these Gothams are. Thanks for the kudos and happy listening.

oneobgyn

Owner
Mmakshak

Having returned the ML3 this past week to my audiophile buddy, I am now back listening with my ML 2.1's. If one were to never hear the ML3 I could go to sleep every night with a smile on my face knowing that the ML 2.1's are the best around. Given the opportunity however to have had the ML3 in my system for several weeks all I can say is that it is an audiophile experience like none other that I have ever heard. IMO there is no amp in the marketplace today that reproduces sound in such a way as these. Now if I could only find a way to own them.

oneobgyn

wow --what a great system cograts on your gothams --I just got a pair of fathoms 113-and their bass reproduction is just incredible --I can only imagine what the gothams can do.!!!I knew I should have gone into obgyn :) happy listening --rich

ras422

If you sold every part of your house, except the listening room, I believe you could afford the Lamm 3.0's and analog.

mmakshak

Owner
As Michael Corleone said in Godfather lll..."just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in."
So was that experience yesterday when several members of our audio club decided that it was time to integrate analog into my system. Tzucc was kind enough to not only bring his turntable and phonostage but so also some magnificent vinyl that brought goosebumps to those 4 of us present.As I have said here I have been fortunate to have on loan probably the finest amps I have ever heard (Lamm ML 3 Reference). These amps raise to unimaginable heights ones listening experience. Yesterday an almost out of body experience occured with the 4 of us present with the help of the Lamm ML3 and an all vinyl listening session. I have never denied how good vinyl was but have resisted the temptation to get back in because I have felt that my digital gear was "darn close" to vinyl. Suffice it to say such is not the case

Here is a blog once again put up by fellow member Tzucc

http://fb.pikiwiki.com:8081/ewsfb/editor.jsp?YbLys65fDXagDbOZvXZ4MQ==

Here is a link to an ongoing thread about yesterday's event

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=13390547&postcount=138

oneobgyn

Owner
We had a meeting of our Audio Club yesterday at my house and fellow audiophile grellberg. One of our members posted a blog of his overall impressions at

http://fb.pikiwiki.com:8081/ewsfb/editor.jsp?YbLys65fDXZtqSi5UtwulA==

oneobgyn

Thank you for your kind offer of an audition, Oneobgyn. I just have to arrange for disposal of my stereo system afterwards, though. I'm already working on speaker placement, and when dialed in, I will listen to "Hotel California" and your compilation. Remember that I actually never heard your Wilson subwoofer. I will e-mail you when completed. Do you have any other suggestions for me to do? I did listen to a sample of K2, and thought its quality showed-even through computer speakers. The sound seemed to project out more.

mmakshak

As far a the Jazz that I have that I like,
Dave Brubeck, Wes Montgomery, Hampton Hawes, Wynton Kelly Trio
I would also through Sonny Rollins in there as well. So I am dipping my toe in the Jazz pool. If you have any more that you feel I might find interesting, that would be great.

mikeduke

Well,
I like mainly Rock, Blues, Hard Rock. I am getting into Jazz a bit.
EX of stuff I like:Allman Brothers, Little Feat, SRV, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Eric Clapton, Traffic. But I also like Diana Krall. I mainlyjust wander over to some online store and see what grabs me. But if you have any suggestions, that would be great.
Thanks

mikeduke

Owner
Mike

If you give me an idea of what type of music you like I would be happy to make some recommendations of what I consider audiophile reference material in that genre

oneobgyn

I marked a few down that sounded interetsing to me. I will add that one to the list. Thanks

mikeduke

Owner
Mike

There is an SACD of Winston's called The Five Songbirds

http://www.fimpression.com/detail.aspx?ID=42

Track #3 has Jacinta singing Danny Boy. Turn out the lights and this is one of the best rendidtions that you will ever hear. The miking used to record it is as good as it gets. It is as if she is 3 feet away from you

oneobgyn

Thanks
I have already bookmarked the site and will see looks interesting for me.

mikeduke

Owner
Mapman

Thanks for your kind comments. The room has been a gathering place now for friends and family whereas before it remained my very own for 2 channel listening

oneobgyn

Owner
Mike

In one word "yes"

Bear in mind that most of Winston's library are remastered but they are so much better than the originals that most are worth owning if for no other reason than to compare to the original.

oneobgyn

So besides the specific K2 recordings do you also recommend their SACD's and XRCD's? Do you think they are a cut above the others that are out in other places.

mikeduke

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