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

Thanks Doc!

statman

Owner
Statman

The full collection of photos that my son took are on their way to you. Check your e-mail inbox

oneobgyn

I was going to call you today as to the fact that I left his number at home and I'm here at the Fire Station for 3 days straight! I'll be home on Wednesday! I'm calling you now!

statman

Owner
Statman

Did you call my dealer as I suggested

oneobgyn

Nice update Doc! I still want to come up and listen to your system. I am still finalizing the purchase a new subwoofer. It's all your fault.;)

statman

Owner
Trust me when I tell you that you need the Tube Buffer in my system for optimal bass response. People at ARC also agreed

oneobgyn

I am successfuly driving two single ended inputs with my ARC Ref3 avoiding running them in parallel – I connect one to the RCA input and the other to the inverted phase using a custom XLR -RCA adaptor, inverting one pair of speaker cables. I think that the Ref3 uses 10 microfarad output capacitors, maybe it can drive a 10 kohm input without bass losses – but, as always, listening will tell which is the best way.

microstrip

Owner
Vito

Thank you for your kind comments

Here is how I solved the connection problem for the pair of Gotham subs used in both HT and 2 channel listening

First for HT...I tell my Lexicon MC12 HD Balanced that I am not running any sub or LFE output. As a result I am carrying all LFE and sub signal out of my Lexicon via the Left and Right Main channel output. The L and R main outs go into the PROCESS input (aka theater throughpass) of my ARC Ref 3.I am already running balance cables from the main output of my Ref 3 into my Lamm ML 2.1's and then to my Wilson X-2's which I run full range. This is commonly known as "full plus sub"

For LFE (from the Lexicon) and subwoofer signal from my Ref3 I now run a pair of Single Ended cable into the Musical Fidelity Tube Buffer and its own power supply and then another pair of single ended cable out of the Tube Buffer into each Gotham (run in stereo rather than daisy chain). The reason I could not run another pair of balanced cables (ideal situation) from the 2nd main out of the Ref 3 is because the Tube Buffer only has SE in and outputs. The reason I had to use the Tube Buffer is because I am running 2 loads in parallel out of the Ref3. The Input impedance of my Lamm ML 2.1's is 41 Kohms whereas the input impedance of the Gotham subs is 10 Kohms. As a result there was risk to my Ref 3...hence the Tube Buffer which has in input impedance of 470 Kohms. This allows the Gothams therefore to be driven with ease. I have absolutely no hum or other issues using SE cables and the Gothams have been crossed over appropriately using 4th Order Crossover thus rolling off very quickly. They have been phased appropriately and integrate terrifically with both HT and audio only.

Perhaps you should consider the Tube Buffer which is modestly priced. If so I would recommend it be purchase with its own power supply (also modestly priced) as this helps with the overall bass responce via the Gothams. The downside is the Tube Buffer is out of production but if you are interested e-mail me and I will tell you where you can buy from a dealer who has several new and in the box

oneobgyn

Spectacular room! Love the new pictures. Congratulations and enjoy the new equipment. I
was curious how you connected the Gotham subs to your system. Do you have both ARC Ref 3 and Krell SSP
connected simultaneously to the Gothams? Balanced or
RCA connections? I have a fathom 113 sub in my system
which I love. I am considering adding a second fathom.
Although I currently only have my SSP connected to the
single fathom I did experiment initially with two channel
use. Perhaps its just my unit but I detected an annoying
hum from the subwoofer utilizing the balanced connections
from my ARC Ref 3 to the balanced inputs on the subwoofer.
With the RCA connections it was fine. Here lies my problem:
how do I connect the Ref 3 and the SSP to the RCA connectors
on the fathom sub simultanoeusly? Also, currently I am
allowing the SSP to control the sub output, cross over, etc.
I would assume that in your setup you have the subwoofer
controlling its own parameters. Did you find it difficult
optimize the sub setting for both music and movies?

Thanks.
Vito

vmk

Owner
Gregadd

No excuse.....you are starting to sound like John Madden

oneobgyn

I appreciate that doc and my disdain for flying is no excuse.

gregadd

Owner
Gregadd

I am still waiting to host you when you reach the SF Bay Area

oneobgyn

Love the pictures. No eating allowed?

gregadd

Owner
Jackd220

I didn't make it to CES this year but many of my friends did. I heard mixed reviews about Vladimir's room if for no other reason than the typical room size, setup and crowds entering and leaving. I heard that he was hoping to show them with X-2's rather than MAXX ll's. We were very fortunate that he sent these amps to us on loan. I was praying that I wouldn't like the ML3 Reference and that it wouldn't be much better than my ML 2.1's. saddly this wasn't the case. Having heard the ML3 it is just my feeling that this is the amp against which all others will be judged.

oneobgyn

Owner
My screen is a Stewart Firehawk G3 CineV 130 which in the native 2.35 is 130" diagonal or 120" wide. It masks to 16 X 9

oneobgyn

Wow,
Love the setup. I am in the process of doing a 2.35 setup ht also. What size is your screen? How far is the seat from the screen?

streetdaddy

Yes Doc, I heard them at the Venetian. For the record I am the Philippine Lamm dealer. When Elina e-mailed me more than a year ago about the ML3 I had to make the trip over to the States. It is not a product that can be afforded in our small country so to my mind this would probably be the only venue where I would ever get to hear them.

I did go to San Francisco with my wife for a few days after Vegas but just vegged at the Fairmont. Had I known you were from the Bay Area I would have tried to wrangle an invite. Hahahaha.

Anyway, I'm sure the ML3s sound even better at your place than they did at the show. You are a very lucky guy. May you enjoy the fruits of your labor for many years to come.

jackd220

Owner
Those Grand Prix Racks especially the Monaco is the "creme de la creme"

oneobgyn

Thanks OB.
I need to get the new racks in there and snap some pictures. Then I might see what they say about my situation. It would really be pointless to show them my room now. But I like having options.

mikeduke

Owner
Mike

The great thing about ASC is that they will provide to you at "no cost" CAD drawings of how they would accoustically modify your room to achieve the best results. All you need to do is to provide photos of your room showing in detail all measurements and where the equipment, speakers and listening position is. You are under no obligation but certainly can buy from them (at full MSRP). I used a dealer and bought mine at back of retail. If interested let me know and I can provide that name to you by way of e-mail

oneobgyn

"as you can see is well trapped with various size tube traps in a plan provided by Acoustic Science Corp."
This is an area that I have neglected to address. My room is small :(. It is 12.5'x9.5'x8'. I am in the process of getting rid of that huge wall unit that I have. I don't know if I ever showed you a picture of it, but based on all of the response I have gotten on it, I should be glad that my system has not been taken away from me :). I am looking at Grand Prix for the most critical components and either Nobility or Sound Anchor for the other components.
After that room treatments will be addressed. My dealer that I am buying the racks from has Echo Busters.

What does ASC do when you ask for a recommendation? Do they just say "I think this is the path you should take?" Do they put you in contact with someone who will do it? Or do they just sell you the stuff and you have to do it yourself.
Thanks

mikeduke

Owner
Thanks Mike

My son is a film major and took those photos with professional lighting, ladder, tripod etc. They show the arched ceiling which rises from 9 feet at the window to 12 feet at the inside wall. The room is 17.5 feet wide and 31 feet long and as you can see is well trapped with various size tube traps in a plan provided by Acoustic Science Corp.

oneobgyn

Owner
Rugyboogie

I did try the Watchdog vs the Gotham subs. My son has been running almost identical gear to my own exceept he has MAXX ll's and the Watchdog rather than X-2's and an XS sub. I also heard a pair of these Gotham subs in a well set up audio room in the home of an audiophile buddy in Dallas. I was shocked as to how seamlessly they could be integrated into an audio room. My challenge was to integrate them into both audio and home theater. I accomplished this with the help of some fairly sophisticated equipment brought by the installers to calibrate my room. They figured out the phase issue and placememnt of the subs as well as where to cross them over or should I say above which they are crossed out inasmuch as I am running the X-2's full range and I use the Gothams to bring up the bottom end. Because I am running two loads in parallel out of my ARC Ref3 I could only accomplish this with the help of the now out of production Tube Buffer and its Power Supply from Musical Fidelity. Although these subs are so much smaller than the XS which had two 18" drivers they are built rock solid with two 13" drivers. Each has a 3800 watt Class D amplifier and they really move air. The other option I considered was the new Thor's Hammer sub by Dave Wilson but at $18K each and the fact that they are passive subs, a pair plus amplification could cost ~ $50K. I wasn't prepared to spend that amount of money for subs.

oneobgyn

I like the new pictures of the room and equipment. It makes me jealous that my room is so small. The Gotham subs looks right in place in that room. I have no doubt that they sound fantastic.

mikeduke

Very, Very cool pictures of the room.
The two Gothams look awesome and powerful. Nice that they do not require the real estate of the Wilsons subs.
Did you get a chance to try the Watchdog vs the Gothams ?
Nice setup, one day when I get to the Bay area I will have look you up.
Take care,

rugyboogie

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