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

What can I say about OneObGyn that hasn't already been said above?.....an extremely gracious and generous host to invite a stranger into his beautiful home and offer the chance to mere mortals to listen to this system. In a word: Fantastic!

I listened to a Meitner transport and DAC, Wilson X2's, AR preamp and Lamm monoblocks. Fully treated acoustic room as well. Amazing amount of bass and control with only 18wts/channel feeding these monster Wilsons! The resolution also was incredible while maintaining a smoothness that always left me wanting nothing. The vertical, horizontal and depth of the soundstage was huge, one of the best I've ever heard, along with a Solid central image. Excellent.

This just has to be one of the most musically satisfying setups I've had the honor to listen too. It was just so involving, yet not fatiguing. It kept a smile on my face nearly the entire evening, truly something special.

Kudos OneObGyn!!!

brdsmith

Owner
Ny

Saturdays work fine for me as well although I am on-call this weekend

oneobgyn

Hello OB

My email is [email protected]. Please contact me there. NY.

ny92

Owner
Hi Ny

You are at most a 30 minute drive from San Jose to Danville.

Send me an e-mail so that we can plan an afternoon at my house for an audition.

oneobgyn

Hi OB1

May be we should call you OB1 (you know the rest). I'm in San Jose. I'll be glad to visit. Thanks, ny.

ny92

Owner
Hello Ny
Indeed the Lamm ML 2.1's at 18 wpc drive the X-2's with ease and plenty of head room even with those huge 15" drivers.

Previously I was using the behemoth Audio Research Ref 600 Mk lll's at 600 wpc--a totally different beast. The Lamm (for me) is the most musical amp my ears have ever heard with a mid-range and upper end that absolutely stirs my juices.

Where in the Bay Area are you? Perhaps we could connect for a listenig session.

oneobgyn

Hello OB,
I am new to this forum and just spend about 1 hour reading your postings. Amazing that somebody is so dedicated. I myself is an OB in the Bay Area. Just so that I understand, you are driving the Wilson X2 with only the Lamm Research 18 watts with ease? Thanks.

ny92

Owner
I have found that this configuration works best in my system

oneobgyn

Aaaah - now I understand - crossover sits post preamp!

I was confused when I began to think how many 2 channel pre's could do 2.1 and I thought - well I have never seen one.

Mine (probably like your Krell) does all the DSP work on board and puts out the various channels though 8 balanced outputs so no need for the external crossover.

Thanks for your help!

dmurfet

Owner
David

Here is the link to Jeff Fritz' Soundstage review which describes how I use the XS to bring up the bottom and the X-2 full range

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/wilson_xs_sub.htm

oneobgyn

Owner
David

The ARC Ref 3 does not do 2.1

Here is how I run the signal---there are 2 "main outputs" (each having both XLR and SE) from the Ref3--I run a balanced pair of interconnects to my Lamm ML 2.1's for 2 channel listening.

When I use the XS I run a pair of SE cables out of the other MAIN OUT into the Wilson Crossover and from there a SE interconnect out to my Krell 750 MCX which powers the XS.

Essentially therefore I run the X-2's full range and use the XS to bring up the bottom.

The XS crossover is preset to 35 Hz

oneobgyn

I didn't realise the AR3 could do 2.1 - I assume the LFE crossover is set really low since you are not short of bass from the X2s. Volcanoes and earthquakes only?

I seem to imagine your Krell MRS comment must ring true with a lot of others too since no-one has one. I must admit I don't understand why, since relatrively they are so small and hence wife friendly?

dmurfet

Owner
Interesting question

I only use my HTS 7.1 for home theater or multichannel music otherwise I use the Audio Research Reference 3 for two channel listening.

I used to use the XS sub for 2 channel listening but I don't any more as the dynamic range on the X-2 is 20Hz to 20Khz. The XS plays for 16-35 Hz. The XS has two 18 inch drivers and is a wonderful subwoofer. The X-2 has 15 inch drivers that provide excellent bass even when using the Lamm ML 2.1's for power. If there ever is an issue with the bass it is very easy to play the XS. For home theater and low frequency effects the XS just cannot be beat.

As for the Krell Master Reference subwooferI honestly did not consider it.

oneobgyn

Do you use your Krell HTS as a full time preamp? If not, when you listen to 2-channel do you skip the XS ? (Which would be a terrible shame! )

Next Q - did you audition the Krell Master Ref Subwoofer when you looked at the XS - I have seen a few floating about for sale, but seemingly no-one in audiogon has one.....

Kind regards

David

dmurfet

I am taking a rather radical approach for pre-amp, which is still in progress. Will post it once it is ready.

gallant_diva

Wow, nice system. I like the way that you've incorporated the Runco into your system. I love the CRT projectors, too. I have a Sony VPH-1272Q, but hope to move up soon.

Jack

jes45

Owner
Gallant Diva

Last week when you were at my house you fascinated me with your decision in which way to go regarding your preamp.

Perhaps you might want to share this with the collective.

oneobgyn

G2ma:

What is your pre-amp?

gallant_diva

Owner
G2ma

Actually IMO three things are at play here

1. Efficiency of the WP 7's at 93 Db which therefore should allow the ML 2.1's to drive these speakers

2. Incomplete break-in

3. The Lamm ML 2.1

The speakers are capable of producing some serious bass however you just will not get that "bass slam" to which you were perhaps accustomed with a solid state amp. It will however be a well defined bass

oneobgyn

Hi Oneobgyn
actually, I am using ML2.1 to drive my WP7 now, I found they don't present any difficulty. ML2.1 doing a great job to drive WP7 to my ear, but I do find that WP7's bass is a bit lean, Is that something to do with the amp? or maybe I need to brake in a bit more, do you know what is the recommend brake in time on Wilson speakers?

g2ma

Owner
Thanks David

Good chance I will be in your neck of the woods this summer.

oneobgyn

Nope I got a bargain on a pair of series one - they should arrive in the UK on Wednesday, but when customs release them is a different matter. I'm pretty sure you are right about the 2.1 not having the grunt for the Sophias the website states 94dB or above to get the best out of them. So they would stuggle with WP7 but Sophia really needs 1.2 Ref hybrid at 89dB.

Thanks for your help!

You're welcome to come and listen or for a cup of tea if you ever find yourself 7000 miles out of your way!

dmurfet

Owner
Hi David

Far from a dumb question

You got it correct. The different sets of binding posts are in fact used for your speakers' impedance.

You are also correct with respect to the wiring of your speakers. Wilson speakers are not meant to be biamped or biwired.

As for the Lamm amps that we discussed please make sure to audiotion before you buy as I am not so certain the ML 2.1's will drive your speakers efficiently BUT as I also stated the M 1.2 Reference Hybrid will with ease.

BTW, did you get the new Sophia Series ll ?

oneobgyn

Sorry for what is very probably a very dumb question, but the rear of the 1.2 Reference has two sets of speaker binding posts and the 2.1 has three. Firstly - they are both definitley monoblocks, but I have never understood this - is it to do with the impedance of your speakers which determines which post you use - I have also seen two sets of screwed posts on the bigger Krells - although mine has only one set of posts per channel.

Using a Sophia (currently winging their way to me in the UK) I'm assuming I have no bi-wire capability and these posts are not supposed to be used in this manner i.e. only use one set of posts.

Sorry for dumb question :o)

dmurfet

Owner
GD--you are too kind

Over the past 30 some odd years that I have been involved in this hobby my greatest pleasure has been sharing it with other people. This has allowed me to meet some very amazing individuals over the years, such as yourself. I have learned that one must not get lost in his system as a symbol but rather use that system to enrich oneself with the love of music. There is no right or wrong in this hobby, but rather all very different. I have said many times that this hobby is not a destination but rather a journey. We must all never forget this. To witness some active threads here on Audiogon where grown men argue, bicker and call each other names suggesting that they are the only correct ones and the others are not, merely looking for acceptance of their own gear is silly, childish and most unprofessional. We are all here on this Forum for no other reason than our love of music.

I am looking forward to the day when I will be in Dallas and be entertained by you and your fabulous sound system.

oneobgyn

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