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,

Do you find that the speakers are so revealing at times, that equipment that sounds good in some systems might sound very poor in your system. I am realizing that the speakers show it all for all your equipment and you can't have a weak link.

dgad

Oneobgyn- I hope it's not presumptious of me? I would like to reccomend ten cd's. I hope you like jazz.
Here are two more.Les McCann & Eddie Harris-Swiss Movement Atlantic Records-1537: Quicy Jones -Walking in Space AM records which appears to have merged with Verve.314543499-2. Obtain at your leisure of course.

gregadd

Would you try this for me to? Carol Kidd with the Robert Farnon Orchestra -" A Place in My Heart" HDCD Linn Records 2001,AKD 146. Available on Amazon.com As good as it sounds on my system I think it can even be better.

gregadd

Owner
Hi Carl

It never ceases to amaze me how these 18 wpc amps drive the huge X-2 Alexandria speakers not only with ease but with such musicality.

oneobgyn

Yes, those Lamms and the Wilsons are a highly synergistic coupling, something I never would have believed if I hadn't heard them, a great marriage.

cjfrbw

Owner
System Edit

I continue to be in awe of Vladimir Lamm's ML 2.1 18 wpc SET mono amp. It has been in my system now for exactly one year. I have owned just about every high end solid state amp and many high end tube amps. This amp however has brought me and my system to where I want to be. IMO it just can't get any better. certainly not at least for my ears. Until at least yesterday. According to Vladimir's instructions that come with the amp, he emphasizes that the 6N6P tube on each amp "should" be changed annually to maintain the best possible audio quality. Having enjoyed the sound I was getting for the past year, I wondered how this could be possible. I ordered the two tubes and received them yesterday. Also after discussion with Vladimir and his wife Elina I decided to change the two large 6C-33C tubes (V1 and V2) on my amps. These also arrived yesterday. I decided to change out the 6C33C tubes as I was noticing that some of the silver on the inside top of the tubes was wearing thin--a sign that perhaps I was not receiving the best sound possible. After a 50 minute warm up I sat down for a four hour listening session and simply put I was just stunned that I was listening to the same amps. What I heard was nothing short of spectacular. It brought goose bumps to my skin. All of us I am sure have our "go-to" tracks and albums that we always seem to use. For me I heard things that I hadn't heard before. The sound stage was deeper, wider and far more transparent than what I could remember.Strings,horns, vocals, orchestral etc just seemed to be indescribeable. The lesson that I learned was once again the magic of tubes, especially this amp made by Vladimir. I was also listening now to my system with the new Signature Edition upgrade to my EMM Labs DAC6e. It was truly a toe tapping evening. This is not something that one can experience with a SS amp. Switching out the tubes was like listening to a whole different experience. For these aging ears, there is just no way that I will ever return to a solid state amplifier. It just doesn't get any better. I say this with great reservation as Vladimir tells me that finally his long awaited ML 3 will be unveiled at this year's CES. It will be out of the range of most (certainly me) audiophile however as it will bring an MSRP sales tag of $130K !!! Vladimir has been working for years to bring this amp to fruition. I am told it will be a 30 wpc SET with each side having a separate box for its own power supply. Happy listening.

oneobgyn

Owner
Hi Eugene

Per your request I have answered all of these questions by way of e-mail.

Hopefully my suggestions to your questions have proved helpful.

Best regards

oneobgyn

Dear Oneobgyn

I found on Internet that you had listened to Tenors Hybrids. I need your advice. I won't be able to listen to them unless I buy the amplifier. My current system consist of Avalon Eidolon/CAT JL2. After I heard Kharma3.2/Tenor 75Wp OTL combo I was looking to improve transparency of my system. Naturally Tenor Hybrid 300 came to picture. How would you compare Hybrids to CAT Signature JL2? Did you have a chance to compare Tenor Hybrids with Tenor OTLs? Was it very obvious that OTLs more transparent?

My other components are:
ARC Ref 3 preamp
Meridian 508.24 CD player
Stereovox cable

Thank you kindly,
Eugene

eavr11

Owner
Thank you.

I appreciate your kind comment.

oneobgyn

Beautiful!!

elescher

Owner
Hi Howard

It was a fun afternoon for me as well. It is always a treat to entertain a fellow audiophile. There was no doubt in my mind that you would realize how great sounding the EMM Labs gear really is. As for making those X-2's totally invisible that is a work of magic. They are truly very special speakers.

Let's do it again soon.

BTW, I was impressed as to how critical a listener your wife is.

oneobgyn

Steve,
Thank you so much for having us to your home today for a listen. Thanks to your hospitality, we had the opportunity to experience a system among the upper ranks of what this hobby has to offer.

Gina wanted to thank you especially for taking us through a wide range of music, and more importantly, for being so kind. She was so impressed with how you've embraced the hobby to the fullest, taking no shortcuts in assembling a system that does everything you want it to do. It really sounds great, with a soundstaging ability that is stunning. The only question I have is how did they manage to make a 750lb. speaker completely disappear?

boa2

Owner
clinikat

I have not heard those cables in my system and unfortunately have no expert comment as a result.

Suffice it to say however that there is enormous mystique when it comes to cables. Over the past 35 years I have used most high end cables many to my liking. Over the past 4 years however I have settled on precisely where I want to be and see no reason to ever change. Valhalla, although not cheap by most standards can be certainly eclipsed price-wise by many other cables. For my ears and my pocket book I just have not heard a better cable than Valhalla. For me the search has ended when it comes to cable. Part of my audio nirvana is a result of Valhalla in my system. I just wouldn't have it any other way. YMMV.

BTW, there are many audio objectivists who will debate ad nauseum that there has never been a successful double blind test where an individual can differentiate his own cable from the ilk of Radio Shack zip cable etc. But that is a different story

oneobgyn

What do you think about the Shunyata cables, the Helix orion and the Antares interconnect. Did you try them and if you did, how do you copare them to your Nordost Valhalla.

[email protected]

Owner
Good question

I am still very much a two chanel purist however I still have the ability to play multichannel audio in my room.

Even if I play only two channnel and even though I truly am enamoured with EMM Labs gear IMO the ARC Ref 3 preamp is hands down the best and most musical preamp that I have ever owned. For me therefore the DAC6e Signature Edition and the ARC Ref 3 preamp for my ears is the best of all worlds.

YMMV

oneobgyn

Why do you use the Dac6e, rather than the DCC2 for two channel system? Do you find Dac6e sounds better?

danielsiu

Owner
Rumney

I have heard vinyl on the X-2's...just not mine. Indeed it is very impressive.

I have gone back and forth about getting back into vinyl and even though I agree completely with what you have said, I am just all too happy with the Meitner gear and the new Signature Edition.

oneobgyn

HighriskOb

I've had limited exposure to the X2, never with a turntable. I have heard the MaxxII with Lamm solid state and vinyl front end and compared to old emm combo set up. The vinyl I believe was a Super Scoutmaster dont know which cartridge. The turntable and the MaxxII were a very good match I thought. Other than the superior bass slam I didnt think CD extracted the most from the MaxxII. I must admit based on that comparitive audition I've bought a turntable. If you do get the the chance to hear a turntable on your X2 I'd be interested to hear how it compares to the new EMM. I still need a cd player. I can only imagine the X2 on vinyl. If the MAxxII are anything to go by, it would be very good.

rumney510

Owner
Rumney 510

I am uncertain as to why you feel that EMM and Wilson are an odd match to your ears. FWIW, Dave Wilson uses EMM Labs in his own house. I have been there and heard it when he launched the X-2's. The bass slam is very good bearing in mind that my amps are 18wpc SET Lamm ML 2.1's. IOW, the bass is very precise but does not have the slam one would get with solid state amps.

As for vinyl, so far the answer is "no". It has been many years since I have had a TT. I have considered getting back in but in all honesty the Meitner stack is as close to vinyl as the real thing.

oneobgyn

Owner
Hic

I can answer your question about the ARC Ref 3 very simply. It is without question the best preamp that I have ever owned. As good as its predecessor (the ARC Ref 2 MK ll) was, the Ref 3 is in a league of its own. You could do far worse with other choices.

As to how the Ref 3 and the EMM Labs sound together...also one word. Stupendous!!

If you have a chance, you should try to audition these components. They will take your system to a higher level.

oneobgyn

Wonderful system. EMM and Wilson seem like an odd match to my ears. I bet the bass slam of CD with the X2 is amazing. I was wondering if you had tried a vinyl front end ?

rumney510

I am looking for pre amp and cdp for my Wilson 7. How's your Audio Research Ref 3 and EMM Lab sound together?

hic

Owner
Vmk
As Guido says the display on the ARC Ref3is noisy. I always play my system with the display off. Notwithstanding this shortcoming however is the absolute magic of this preamp. I am in awe every time I listen

As for the Signature Edition upgrade to the Meitner DAC6e and DCC2 it is absolutely wonderful. SACD and Redbook both show improvement in overall listening pleasure BUT IMO the magic is in the reproduction of Redbook. It is quite remarkable. Without interjecting any of the standard hyperbole which pervades these forums, my recommendation is to audition it. I guaranty you will be amazed.

oneobgyn

VMK, yes the electroluminescent display on Ref 3 is quite noisy. If you press the dimmer button on the remote control of the Ref 3 6 times you will turn off the display, eliminating any noise. Any subsequent key press on the remote will temporarily light up the display for 10 seconds. My only regret is that 'display off' cannot be saved as a default setting.

guidocorona

Wonderful system! I'm considering upgrading my Emm
DCC2 to the SE. Do you find redbook CDs more dynamic
after you've upgraded? I've always loved the refined nature of the Emm combo but always looking to improve. I also own the Audio Research reference 3 preamp which has been a great addition to my system. Perhaps its my unit but does the display emit a high pitch noise? I usually turn the display off but was wondering if other ARC owners have similar experiences with the ref 3.

vmk

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