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:

One quality about you is your humility combined with down to earth and friendly nature. Depite having a system of staggering quality, you do not try to impose it upon your guests. This doubles the listening pleasure. Regardless of your personality, your system sounds astonishing in absolute terms.

I am also glad you liked my small present, a CD by Nusrtah Fateh Ali Khan. Khan is an artist of the highest caliber and his music simply captures you with almost a hypnotizing effect. Without him, the world of music would have been so incomplete.

gallant_diva

Owner
Thank you GD for your kind comments

It was a pleasure for me once again to host you as you took time away from your business trip from Dallas to visit with me.

As well thanks for the CDyou left me. The music is most fascinating. You enlightened me as to the meaning of this very beautiful sound

oneobgyn

I have had the pleasure of listening to this system again (thank you for the hospitality, oneobgyn) this weekend. When I visited oneobgyn last time, the amps were Audio Research References. While the system sounded great then too, it sounded completely different now. Right from the first track, I was moved with the sheer musicality, sweetness and pin-pointed imaginging. The sound was totally outstanding and captivating, with the Lamms and Wilsons making a synergistic combination. Thank you again, oneobgyn and congratulations on your having such a great system.

gallant_diva

Owner
IMO that is the proper way to go.

oneobgyn

Thanks for your response. It seems my best method then is to buy the speakers first and when I can afford, demo both sets of amps to see how I fair.

Kind regards

David

dmurfet

Owner


Hi David

If you speak to Vladimir Lamm and/or read his webpage http://www.lammindustries.com he will tell you that his M1.2 Reference will drive any speaker made. In that regard he is correct. My friend uses these amps on Dali speakers and loves the way they perform. The ML 2.1 are SET mono amps rated at 18wpc and might have difficulty with the either the Sophia or the WP7.

The Sophia is rated at 89 Db into 4 Ohm and the WP7 is rated at 93 Db into 4 Ohm. My point is simple. I believe that the ML 2.1 is the most musical amp that I have ever heard. They drive the Maxx ll well and the X-2 with ease.You can read Marc Mickelson's review of the ML 2.1 with Maxx ll here

http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/lamm_ml21_followup.htm

His reviw of the X-2 and ML 2.1 is here http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/wilson_x2/. There are 3 parts to this review. This link is part one.

My point is that unless you can audition the ML 2.1 with the Sophia and WP7 playing music that you like and at volmes you prefer I would only consider the M1.2 Reference.

BTW the Sophia for the money is an absolutely fabulous speaker.

oneobgyn

:-O

That must be quite "interesting" !!

Which Lamm would you recommend if I intend to slowly upgrade down the Wilson route - I'll be starting with Sophia or WP7 in my current room - don't think the joists would cope with more (living room is on the first floor).

I would prefer to be able to hide the amps away in an open backed cupboard for WAF.

dmurfet

Owner
Hi David

As you can see my room is integrated for not only two channel audio but so also multichannel audio as well as home theater.

I have been playing less multichannel audio recently because I am still a two channel purist and love the sound that my gear produces.

As a result I have been using the WATCH center, surrounds and rear primarily for home theater and it functions extremely well.

To answer your question however, when I do use the WATCH system driven by the Krell TAS, I have had no problem with music enjoyment. Ideally five X-2's all driven by Lamm ML 2.1's would have been the best case scenario but that is sheer fascination. I must tell you however that there is a gentleman here in silicon valley that does have a MC room with five X-2's with each channel using two bridged Halcro DM68's

oneobgyn

Hi Oneobgyn

I assume your nic is Doctor related - couldn't work it out!

I was curious as to your Watch - do you find it sounds differently voiced since it is driven by the TAS rather than LAMMs (unless I have missed something in the thread!)

Regards

dmurfet

Owner
System edited: System Edit On reviewing my system here I found that I have not included my EMM Labs CDSD. This unit, together with the EMM Labs DAC6e is the integral part of my front end components producing music as close to vinyl as the real thing.

oneobgyn

Owner
Thanks OWL

I must admit that I don't have the brass cajones to be applying that stuff to the pins of the tubes to my amps. You are a braver man than I.

oneobgyn

Oneobgyn

You will DEFINITELY hear a difference i you put it on the ML2.1s tube pins. Make sure you use very fine gright/ light sandpaper or emery board to LIGHTLY sand down each pin, then clean the tube pins with some Caig. When you apply the SST, only put it around 1/2 way up the tube pin. Also, be sure to bias down before you do it as otherwise, you'll be running very hot due to the enhanced conductivity, perhaps nuclear if you don't. For kicks try it on your V2 tube first and if you like it, hit the rest. Your tubes will last a lot longer, and you won't believe the improvement.

owl

I was hoping for help because of physical limitations, and I do hope to be impressed...I hope to add my thoughts ASAP.

chadnliz

Owner
Chad

It is very easy to do the whole thing yourself, so unless your friend is doing it for free, I would take some time and do it yourself.

My system presently is treated with the Extreme SST everywhere except on the pins to my tubes,

Like you I am at a loss as to why heard no discernible change when I switched to the Extreme SST. Over on AVSForum this stuff created many hot and heavy threads with proponents and opponents. I sent a bottle to one of our so called objectivists (they call me the subjectivist) who did double blind testing and concluded that there was NO difference in sound quality when using the SST than with not. Could this be a case of "the Emperor's new clothes"?

oneobgyn

I know an AGON member who is a Walker dealer, he is going to do the whole treatment for me, I have some un-treated cables and it has been a short while since last treatment, I also moved to a better home for my limitations so I should hear a pronounced diffrence, I only have 1 lonely tube to treat, I never did my Sony TV so I guess there is supposed to be a big change in picture aswell. Glad to hear you still like the results, although I wonder why it didnt make a noticable change to your gear, perhaps yours is so good it cant be bested!

chadnliz

Owner
Lloyd sent a bottle of the Extreme SST at no charge because he felt I would be stoked as to how much better it is than the regular SST--heck MSRP on an ounce of this goo is $150 whereas only $75 for the standard SST.

I carefully cleaned every connect to get the old off and put the new on--took quite a while. Long and the short of it ---I was unable to truly notice an appreciable difference. Still a very transparent sound and for reasons I cannot describe and the volume seemed to be so much louder with SST applied.

Lloyd told me that I should apply it the pins of all of my tubes. At that time I had ARC Reference 600 Mk lll each with 31 tubes and the ARC ref preamp. With all of the pins, I was not brave enough to go that step. Now that I have Lamm Ml 2.1's and love the sound with far fewer tubes I chose also not to apply the SST to the pins

oneobgyn

I am about to do the latest recipe of the SST, the last treatment was pre-extreme, I hope to get the expected results and may try the HIgh Definition links (a friend is a Walker dealer so atleast I can audition with no obligation
wich is very appealing to me (my funds have to be clearly justified before I can throw money into my gear) I wish I could afford better interconnects, that is my only place where I truely feel I need help...day dreaming continues!

chadnliz

Owner
Hi Chad

I was reading about your system. It is just fine and you have every reason to be very proud.

I was interested that you have use Lloyd Walker's SST in your sysytem. I have as well including Lloyd's newest Extreme SST. I found it made a terrific improvement in my system. What I found to be most noticeable was that the volume seemd to be much louder after treatment as compared to before treatment. As well I found the soundstage after treament to be mch more transparent. I have talked to Lloyd many times about the SST. I find it to be a very worthwhile tweak

oneobgyn

Thanks for your kind and wise words, I promise if I ever need an OBGYN....and Medicade will cover it, I will be on your table hoping you have warm hands! hehhehehe sorry, gotta take my "happy place pills"

chadnliz

Owner
Chad

Always believe in yourself and good things will happen

I have been involved in this hobby since 1970. I have owned countless systems and have steadily but slowly moved up the ladder. A good piece of advice I can give you is to remain loyal to one dealer and this will pay dividends. Not always however will your dealer be able to supply you with what you want and in this case he can often get a dealer concession to make it happen for you. Case in point is that loyalty has its rewards with discounts. Nonetheless nothing comes free. Always keep your gear in great shape and sell it on a relible site such as Audiogon. People will get to know you and will realize that you are a good seller. Slowly but surely you will find ways to move up. It isn't easy but it sure is fun. Bear in mind that many of the systems on this "all out assault" are done by dealers who certainly have the where- with-all that you and I don't.

oneobgyn

OK Doc, I think you may have one best system by a few lengths, or atleats one of the largest investments, I am sure it is a true pleasure to listen too! I love seeing guys with these ultimate dream systems, then again it makes me aware of my limitations, then I simply sigh

chadnliz

Owner
Hi Todd

Like you I am a very big Wilson fan. I have owned many speakers over the years but in the past 12 years I have owned WP 5.1's, WP 6's, Maxx l's, X-1 Series lll Grand Slamm and finally the X-2. I have many friends who own the Sophia and for the money they are truly wonderful speakers. You could do a whole lot worse and should you buy them I am sure that they will be a part of your system for many years. As you can see from the photos my room also integrates home theater for which I use the Wilson XS and the Wilson WATCH center,surround and rear speakers. I am told that Wilson will be releasing shortly a new center channel that mates well with the X-2, X-1 and Maxx. I look forward to that one. Deep down however I am still a 2 channel purist and can attest that the soundstage thrown by these speakers in my room is second to none. Over the past 5 years I have gotten seriously back into tubes rather than solid state. I was using the Krell 750 Mcx to drive my X-1's. I traded these for the behemoth Audio Research Reference 3 Mk lll mono amps at 600 wpc for my X-2's and they were spectacular. I sold these in order to switch to the new Audio Research Reference 610T but that deal went south unfortunately and I explored options. Having talked to many people around the country about amplifier choices I boldly went from 600 wpc to the Lamm SET ML 2.1 at 18 wpc. I worried whether they could drive the huge 15" woofers on the X-2. Talking to the people at Wilson Audio as well as Marc Mickelson the editor of http://www.soundstage.com there seemed little doubt that these amps would perorm not only well but also in an exemplary fashion. Did they ever!! I have never experienced such a lifelike midrange ever regardless of the amps that I had in my system.

As for my digital gear, I have espoused the virtues of the EMMLabs gear for years on these open forums. I am fortunate to know Ed Meitner and to also live only blocks from his partner Andreas Koch. I am also close with their NSM Philip O'Hanlon. As a result I have become attached to their gear. IMO it is about as close to vinyl as the real thing. Years ago I had an extensive analog collection with a turntable of modest sorts. When the digital age hit I got on the band wagon. With the Meitner gear in my room I find very little lacking (although many of my close friends who own Sirius 3 TT's such as Mike Lavigne would beg to differ--and perhaps rightfully so). I have thought long and hard about getting back in and have a short list of TT's that I would consider. For now however I feel that I have reached audio nirvana with where I am. In spite of this, we all know that this hobby is a journey and not a destination. There are many changes along the way. The Meitner gear keeps my toes tapping and a smile on my face. Isn't this after all what it is all about?

oneobgyn

Hi OneObGyn,

I've enjoyed looking at your system pictures and reading through your system thread. My educated guess is that yours is one of the systems that gets closest to "The Absolute Sound" as just about anything. I've listened to the Wilson X2s, the Maxx1s, the WP7 and the Sophia at my favorite audio dealer - Goodwin's High End - near Boston, MA where I live. I've tried the different Wilson speakers with amps from: Boulder, Nagra, Spectral, Sim and each have brought out different aspects of performance that appealed to me in different ways. I would love to hear a pair of Wilson Maxx2s or X2s with the Lamms at some point. I have to say I am a big wilson fan, and fantasize about bringing the Sophias into my life at some point in my future. I'm 23, so I have some time I suppose!

Anyway - I'm wondering what thoughts you've given to trying an analog setup with your audio system. I apologize if you've already gone into detail about this in another thread. Of course analog is higher maintainence than a CD based setup, but I have found that for many (myself included) it is also more fun, and I have found that well setup vinyl-based systems reproduce music in an organic manner that I've yet to hear matched by even top-end digital systems. Have you considered giving analog a try? If so - I'm wondering what roadblock you hit that steered you away from it.

Thanks for your thoughts!

Todd

goatwuss

Thanks Oneobgin, I suspect the new 6550C may end pushing the Ref 3 over the hump for me. I still need to A/B it against the VAC Ren II, which hopefully will happen in the next several weeks. As mentioned already, the only marginal shortcomings I could hear with the original 6L6GC in the power supply was a very slight loss of detail in the treble, and a bass that could have been just a smidgin more defined. yet . . . oh that sweet midrange. . . staging. . . imaging. . . to die for!

guidocorona

Owner
Guido

I have now had the updated Ref 3 in my room for over a month so it is well broken in.

I have found "the" significant improvement to be in the bass which seems much more defined using the 6550C output tube.

The upper end seems slightly sweeter --not a major improvement.

All-in-all, I love this preamp. It blends so well with the Lamm ML 2.1's. Much to my amazement the ARC Ref3 sounds better in my system than even the Lamm L2 preamp. I would have expected the L2 to add a cetain synergy to the ML 2.1's but honestly it sounded only ordinary. The soundstage with the Ref 3 is just so much better than the L2 or any other preamp for that matter.

oneobgyn

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