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
So also with the Lamm ML 2.1's

I am simply amazed as to how 18 wpc can drive my X-2's with plenty of head room to spare

IMO they are just the most musical amp that I have ever owned.

oneobgyn

Thanks Serus. You probably didn't realize that I have the M1.2 Ref. mono's. It's a hybrid with 110 watts pure class A. Lamm states that they will go to 150 watts before clipping. In the Stereophile review of 2-05 they measured them at 180 watts before clipping. They seem to drive my Talons with ease. I haven't really cranked it up yet but will do so this weekend (My wife is going to visit her parents) but so far, at moderate levels, they're the equal of my Gryphon Encore (500 watts/8 & 1000/4).

frankg

Owner
I can always depend on Serus for an articulate and well thought out answer.

Now if I could only afford his superb cables

oneobgyn

Frankg: Most preamps buffer the volume control, i.e. the volume steps are not affected by the amplifier's input load.
It's a different question whether your Talons would run well with the Lamms. If you read Lamm's website, you'll notice that the amps will clip around 40 watts, as opposed to their 18 watt spec. This gives a theoretical peak SPL of about 99 dB at 10-12 feet distance from both speakers, i.e. a small listening room. This level is ear piercing to me, but some people claim that you need 130 dB SPL to get "realistic" (what in the world they mean?!) music...
If your goal is to listen to music at moderately high listening levels and below, then this combo might work.
If you want arena concert levels or bass that hits you in the chest, then look for a much bigger amp or consider bi-amping, if that's even an option on the Talons.
I've heard the tubed Lamms with Andra II speakers and they produced more than sufficient SPL and extremely nice sound from high bass an up. Definitely worth a try!
The solid-state Lamms have more "slam", but less soul...

serus

Owner
Hi Frank

Thanks for the clarification. Here is a tidbit that I have found just the other day when I was doing an A/B test using a NOS (circa 1957)12AX7 Mullard long rib plate square getter halo in the left ML 2.1 and a NOS (circa 1964) 12AX7 Telefunken rib plate tube in the right ML 2.1. I was playing an SACD with Ella Fitzgerald and Lois Armstrong which was originally in mono. I set the Ref 3 to "mono" mode and played the album. As I did I shifted the balance on the Ref 3 to extreme left and then extreme right in order to best evaluate each tube. As the preamp reached the very last balance (ie extreme left or extreme right) on each side there was a drop off in sound volume but only at that very last step of balance. The drop off was perhaps 6 Db. This is the only time that I have ever noticed this on the ARC/Lamm. My obvious guess is that it is a function of the preamp because otherwise I have never experienced volume too low or too loud at high or low volumes

oneobgyn

Hi again. I should have explained my question better. Someone had posted that there was a problem with the volume increments with the LAMM/ARC combo. Because of the high gain of the Lamm's, the volume would be too loud or too low at the lower listening levels or something to that effect. Was wondering if you noticed anything like that. My Talon Firebirds had a rated efficiency of 90 db but is supposed to be higher with the new crossovers I just had installed. Not sure how much. They're supposed to run a straight 8 ohm now, not dropping down very much.
Thanks, Frank

frankg

Owner
Frank

I can tell you in all honesty that I have played the volume of the ARC/Lamm at levels high enough to make your ears bleed. I have only twice heard the amps clip. It is a very soft clip and unless you listen carefully you probably won't even notice the clipping. Bear in mind the other factor you must consider is the efficiency of your speakers. Mine are rated at 95 Db so it is very easy to drive. You should have no problem with your M 1.2's and the Ref 3.

oneobgyn

Hi Doc. I just bought a pair of M1.2's and am using the pre-amp section of my DCC2. I've been considering the ARC REF 3 as well. The input impedance of the 1.2's is the same as your ML2.1's and the input sensitivity is close. I was wondering if you have any problems with volume levels with the Lamm/ARC combination as someone has posted elsewhere? Otherwise the ARC has everything that I'm looking for in a pre-amp.
Frank

frankg

Owner
Hi Oanhu

Fiirst off I must say that I use the DAC6e and not the DCC2 but I have heard on countless times the Meitner SWM3 which I must say is a fantastic preamp. I have also heard the DCC2 which also has a 2 channel Switchman. If I were to ever switch preamps this is probably the way I would go. For me, my ears and in my system the ARC Ref3 is truly the best preamp that I have ever heard. It is the sonic flavor that rocks my boat. It gives a soundstage so real that it just brings smiles to my face.

The Meitner preamp however should never be shortchanged as it is excellent. For my ears I prefer tubes and not sure if I would ever go back to solid state

oneobgyn

Hello Doc,
How much improvement when you put the ARC 3 ref preamp into your system instead of using EMM DCC2 as a preamp.
Thanks,
Oanhu

oanhu

Uffff, congratulations, I wish you a lot of nice hours with your music.

lobnik

Owner
Good advice but seems (for me) to be too much trouble.

For me and my system I have had the best results using the System Enhancer Burn in Disk by Purist Audio Design

oneobgyn

The signal levels used for burn-in should be as high as permissible, so that the internal voltage swings are at maximum. This would help with break-in of signal path capacitors, which have more AC current through them with the higher signal levels.
For the exact same reason, I'd also load the output with the lowest permissible impedance, per manufacturer's specifications. You can make a "dummy load" for this purpose, which consists of an output connector with a resistor soldered to it. Then you do not need an amp to break-in the preamp as fast as possible.
Just a friendly advice... :-)

serus

Owner
As I said...you just need to run signal through it. I would merely play your CD through the Ref 3 and that is all. The volume is not important. FWIW, I have the volume at 14 when I use the Purist Audio System Enhancer disk. Of course I am talking about all of the hours in the day when you are not actively listening when, of course the volume is at your choosing.

Again play a CD through the Ref 3. Leave your amps off (unless you are listening) and the rest will take care of itself. If your amps are not on you of course will not need to mute the Ref 3.

oneobgyn

Once again thank you Doc! do I assume you leave the Ref 3 completely on during break in, rather than on mute? And at what level do you leave the volume control during the 'silent' break-in process?

guidocorona

Owner
Guido

Remember that the entire system need not be on. You just really need to run signal to your Ref 3.

I also used (and continue to use) Jim Aud's (Purist Audio)burn in disk. IMO it is one of the best money can buy. I use it once a week in my system.

oneobgyn

Thank you OneObgin, I'm fully braced for a long break-in with Ref 3. It has been the same thing with X-01, and before that with ARC LS2B, EAD T100 and DSP-7000 Mk. 3, not to forget my beloved Maggies 3As. All real bears to break in. . . I guess if I ever get the sudden urge for 'instant audio gratification' I'll get myself an iPod. . . probably little break-in there. . . . and little of anything else of course!

guidocorona

Owner
"Both are very interesting people, and I think they both definitely listen to something specific in audio. It's just that what they look for is different from each other."

I have also said many times here as well as on other forums that what each of us enjoy in audio is a "flavor". If we all enjoyed the same flavor there would be but a handful of equipment that we would buy but alas this is not the case. Of course Alex and Ori feel their equipment to be better than mine (perhaps so) BUT they are voicing their equipment with a sonic signature that they feel to be correct or at the very least what they feel is most pleasing to their ears.

I have also said that in this hobby, "one man's passion is another man's poison"

For my money and ears and toe tapping experience I will stay with my Meitner stack which has an MSRP for both pieces less than Alex' redone UX-1 (NWO-1). This for me is indeed audio nirvana

Guido--I can only envision your glee when you hook up your Ref 3 in your system. Bear in mind that out of the box it will sound wonderful initially but then will (as does all ARC gear) sound somewhat muddied until fully burned in (yes I do believe that a burn in is necessary with this piece of equipment)

oneobgyn

Well said, Oneobgyn. I did ask Alex of Aplhifi if he listened to the sound behind the notes. He kind of looked at me with an incredulous look and said no. I know that he and Ori have met and talked about things at BAAS. Both are very interesting people, and I think they both definitely listen to something specific in audio. It's just that what they look for is different from each other.

mmakshak

Doc, problem is that you are a lover of music, sound and beauty rather than a classic obsessive-compulsive audiophile. My hat's off to you! I am still in the obsessive phase. . . but my Ref 3 will be installed next Friday, and I hope it will take me closer to my own Nirvana. I know my system will still need some changes... yet eventually I will get there.

guidocorona

Owner
Alex has been in touch with me to A/B his NWO-1 vs my Meitner gear. He boldly stated however that he already knows the answer as he did the same demo this past week at an audiophiles home in Oakland who I surmise owns Meitner gear. I have said many times that any piece of gear does not make up a system but rather the synergy of a system is greater than the sum of its parts. I would concede that Alex is indeed a genius at what he does. His reputation and followers certainly speaks volumes. Having said that I have no desires at the present time or even in the foreseeable future to be swapping out my Meitner for anything else. In my system it has been the glue that has brought the entire system to my feeling of what "audio nirvana" is all about.

oneobgyn

Believe you me Makshack. Probably the same effect that music had in distant 1986 on my 3 months old little girl. It was at that time my venrable McIntosh MCD7000 CD player feeding directly an Aragon 4004 through AQQ Quartz, feeding a pair of Celestion Ditton 66 through long lengths of lamp chords. My little girl was mesmerized and. . . well, simply speechless!

guidocorona

The inflation in the Bay Area is incredible isn't it? I have to admit I'm not sure of the price(I don't pay too much attention to things that aren't pertinent to me,). You should have seen the effect that Alex's music had on his three-month old girl.

mmakshak

Has the price of the APL NWO-1 risen to $22K? It was just shy of the $20K boundary during CES.

guidocorona

Oneobgyn, I just got back from Alex's at Aplhifi. I am putting a deposit on a Apl Denon 3910, and I own no cd's. He said that he would be glad to bring by his Esoteric, a $22,000 cd player, I believe, to compare to your Meitner. He has only one week to do that, though. Then he has to send it out.

mmakshak

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