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
Absolutely no desires to add vinyl. The addition of R2R was so dramatic in my system that it has resulted in an extra dimension. By all accounts, as well as reading a recent review by Mike LaVigne regarding vinyl vs R2R shootout at his home recently has confirmed the superiority of R2R.

oneobgyn

Hello Doc,

Since you are going to be auditioning Allnic Phono Stage in the near future...have you changed your mind and decided to add a vinyl source to your system? Any thoughts regarding table, arm and cart (allnic-Z).

unoear

Owner
One of the members of our audio club has the Allnic Phono Stage which I plan on auditioning in the near future. Is the line stage all tubes as well?
I remain infinitely happy with my Ref3 however

oneobgyn

Albert Porter has sold his Aesthetic. Mike Lavine is evaluating it but is still committed to his Dartzeel.It is quite the rage. Reasonably priced if all you need is a line stage.Approximately $9k. Around $20k if you need phono.
I was just teasing.
Gregadd

gregadd

Owner
Not sure who you are talking about unless perhaps Mike L whoI saw recently auditioned the Allnic phonostage.
As for preamps it will take a lot for me to part with the Ref3. It is just a perfect match in my system. Perhaps next year when the Ref3 Mkll is released.

oneobgyn

Go ahead Doc you know you want to. It's calling you. Al & Mike have already. Bill Johnson wont mind. You know what I'm talking about. If you don't like it you can always sell it to me.

The Allnic preamp.

Are you going to try it?

gregadd

Owner
Vinyl9 and Microstrip

Thank you for your inciteful comments

oneobgyn

Microstrip,

Good to hear from somebody who owned a GM20 let alone no what it is!

Your right the amp does seem to work better in stereo. I did hear the GM20
power a pair of Magnepan 1.6 pretty loud, all though that does seem hard to believe the Maggies sounded very good with it! Maybe a little light in the bass though.

Still, a lot of power for 20 watts. The amp in stereo does pair very well with the my friends Avantgardes. [His Duo's sound big with 9 watts!]

I still think it is one of the finest 6C33C based amps available. I don't think Italian amps get very much press.
I'm always surprised at the ability of tubes to power difficult loads in general.

Hang loose,

Vinyl9

vinyl9

Oneobgyn,

Microstrip may be right about the Graaf may not have enough juice for your Wilson's. They are very current sensitive amps.
I was just suggesting something fun to listen to rather then a replacement. But man the ML3's aren't cheap I'll tell you! I didn't get a chance to hear those at CES.

You could also check out the VIVA Audio Devices A-New 845/211 monoblocks, I think 38wpc They had enough power to play the mbl 101e to very loud levels although those mbl's were modified to for higher sensitivity.

The dealer also has some big ARC amps and the Viva's keep right up with them.
I don't have much more info on these other then they are very expensive but they are among the best amps I've ever heard. I have a very humble system with BG Z92, Jolida's JD3000 monoblocks, another interesting amp 200 watts of 211 power. Lots of low end grunt, plus they are cheap! around 3 grand on the used market.

I've just been lucky enough to hear a lot amps together in one room, many of them modified, not that I can afford any of this stuff though! But it is surprising to me that extreme high price doesn't always equal the very best sound in every case.

Their are a lot of tube amp designs out there that aren't reviewed that may surprise you it's always good to keep listening and HAVE FUN!

Cheers,

Viny9

vinyl9

WHY!!!! I have two talon khorus speakers I picked up from a friend, an audio research 300.2 amp and am saving 2800$ for a B&K components reference 70 amp, I only hope in 30 years (I'm 23) I'll be as far as you...

battlebrat

The GM20s are inadequate to drive most Wilson speakers. Although I have never seen an impedance plot of the Alexandria, all other Wilson have low impedance points that would affect the GM20 reliability.
I owned two GM20s and find your comment of "explosive dynamic swings and amazing bass" remarkable - you highlight the best of the GM20s when used with adequate speakers - 18 ohm 107dB in your example - in a few words.
Unhappily paralleled GM20s used as mono blocks did not sound as good as a stereo one and were much less reliable, needing permanent adjustments of bias and offset.

microstrip

Owner
Vinyl9

I will them that amp up as I am not familiar with it. I love the synergy of my Lamm in my system and "IF" I were to ever replace it, the only amp I have heard better (and probably the best amp I have ever heard) is Lamm's new ML3 Reference.

And yes,"tubes rule"

oneobgyn

Wow, mega system!

If you think the Lamms make great amps you should check out the Graaf GM-20 OTL [20 watts] and use them as monoblocks[if you can find them these days] or as a stereo amp. These are hand made in Italy they have their own type of OTL design. This is the finest amplifier to use the 6C33C tube I've ever heard including Lamm. The good thing is they are only about $3,000 on the used market. Check out the website and take a look at the specs they have a mind blowing frequency response, with explosive dynamic swings and amazing bass for a 20 watt rating.

I have a friend who uses one with his Avantgarde Duo Omega's along with a Viva Preamp, an amazing combo. I think the Graaf would be an awesome fit with the Wilson's too!

It's something to check out,

Wish I had the room for such mega system let alone the big bucks!

Happy listening, tubes rule!

Vinyl9

vinyl9

I still have both. But the the ACT2 is currently on sale and I am also evaluating a Dartzeel preamplifier. My system oscillates between two excellent loudspeakers - JMLab GUB and Soundlab A1 Px. The A1s sound better with the ARC ref3, but I could not find a completely satisfying amplifier to use it with the GUB - the VTL MB750 sound excelellent on Soundlabs, but not with the GUB. Perhaps the Lamm ML 2.1 would be a nice match, but I never heard it and it is not sold in my country.

microstrip

Owner
I agree with your comments. Which (if either) do you have in your system now?

oneobgyn

I have owned simultaneously the REF3 and ACT2 series 2. Both are excellent but very different preamplifiers. Both can help to fill your room with a large 3 D soundstage and can make you feel that the sound is not coming from the loudspeakers. But a system tuned for one of them will not tolerate the other...

microstrip

Owner
It is :)

oneobgyn

" ...tough ACT to follow..."
I'll just assume that's a reference to a certain champagne colored preamp.

gregadd

Owner
"I continue my claim that what Johnson doesn't know about preamps isn't worth knowing."

You're right....that can be a tough ACT to follow...but for me I really like my Ref3 and I don't need a phonostage

oneobgyn

I was kidding. I'm not as bad as Madden. If I had to fly for work I'd just do it. Keep those drinks coming.

I've owned the Sp-9,MKI and II and a modified SP-14. Both hybrids. All worthy of the ARC legend.
Ultimately I refused to buy a line stage. I think for that money they could easily include a phono stage. I lost that battle. Additionally, I think the phono stages have gotten better standing alone.
It would be nice if you could buy amp and preamp from same company. In fact many times you can, say like Boulder,ARC, CJ, etc. Of course when you reach your level it becomes increasingly difficult.
I continue my claim that what Johnson doesn't know about preamps isn't worth knowing.
gregadd

gregadd

Owner
Gregadd

I can understand your fear of flying. John madden lives only a few miles from me and FWIW Capt Sully Sullenberger lives down the street.

The Ref3 is for me a very special piece of equipment and for now reigns supreme in my room. Prior to it I owned its predecessor the Ref2 Mk ll and also found it very good but the Ref3 has IMO corrected all of the shortcomings of the Ref2.
I know there are many excellent preamps in the market today but there is something about the synergy between my Ref3 and the Lamm ML 2.1 amps that creates such an amazing and realistic soundstage that you can literally walk around the instruments and singers. FWIW I did an a/b between the Ref3 and the Lamm L2. I very much wanted to use the Lamm because I have always felt that a preamp and amp from the same manufacturer work best with one another. Alas such was not the case. The Lamm preamp was somewhat on the dark side for me and didn't light up my senses like the Ref3. I know others have experimented with tube rolling on the Ref3. I haven't as I find that I remain immensely happy with the ARC stock tubes. In fact I recently decided to retube the Ref3 and it was a whole new listening experience after adequate burn-in.For those wanting to get into tubes but prefer a SS amp I have always said that a tube preamp gets them part of the way as all inputs now see a tube before going to the amp.

oneobgyn

So Doc how's the retirement going. I am looking for a preamp. (ARC REf 3)So tell us again how good it is. Maybe I can afford a good used one.
I promise. I'm gonna get out there someday. Maybe I can hitch a ride with John Madden.
gregadd

gregadd

Owner
Mmakshak

I remember the commercial that used to ask "was that real or was that Memorex?"

oneobgyn

I don't know Oneobgyn. Once I saw your picture of that animation, all the other pictures looked like animations-and not the real thing. How can we be sure those other pictures are real now?

mmakshak

i did, no good. i will tell you, that i would tell anyone considering this co's products, it is not worth it. i have never spent, so much money and been treated so poorly!

koegz

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