Nice system.

thesaint519 September 08, 2014 03:19

System edited: Just added a Dynavector XV-1T as a replacement for my XV-1s.

philb7777 August 30, 2014 13:20

Knghifi - congrats on the Ref 250's! Sounds like you are loving them and they will only keep getting better over the next 400-600 hours. Thanks for the info regarding the fuses. I agree on the stock power cord - it seems quite good to me too. Keep me posted on your tube rolling experiences and congrats again! Happy listening!

philb7777 August 12, 2014 14:12

Phil, I have ~190 hours on my Ref 250 and have to agree with you, it's the best of both worlds, SS and tube. Compare to my SS amp, it has no grain, more 3D, SUPERIOR timbre and an airier bass (not better but different).

My room is a large 25'x33'x15' with TAD Evolution One's 88db @4 Ohms on short wall so was hesitant. This amp has no problems filling the room with a transparent, linear and neutral full bodied sound. I can't wait to roll the NOS Tung Sol 6550 and KT150s after the amp is fully broken in.

To my surprise, the stock PC is excellent so no hurry to change them. It doesn't sound dark, thick or slow compare to all my stock PCs.

I contacted Kalvin @ARC regarding fuses and he doesn't recommend replacing with aftermarket. He agrees aftermarket has superior quality but timing is different so potential problems if there's a failure.

knghifi August 11, 2014 01:08

Siddh, you are definitely correct - anything I have ever upgraded upstream of the Eidolon Diamonds, the Eidolons have always kept up and improved by always playing what it's fed. They are a maxing speakers and obviously a classic. I love mine. I have had them for almost 10 years (bought new) and after 10 years I'm curious to hear new designs. I'm not sure; however, that I can ever find a loudspeaker that is significantly superior in the under $50K price range. And it would take something significantly superior in that price range to get me to ever make the change.

philb7777 July 28, 2014 15:51

Hi Phil,
I recently had my CAT JL-2 fully upgraded by Ken Stevens along with adding High Fidelity CT-1E ic's to my Avalon Eidelon Diamond based system. I have many times considered other speakers, but the Diamonds continue to play what they are fed. Presently, with the changes I have made, it proves to be speculative at best to search for a more revealing and honest speaker. They just do as told. The modified CAT amp, consequently, is an undeniable powerhouse driving the Diamonds producing a most enjoyable musical experience.

siddh July 28, 2014 06:48

Even though I don't believe everything I read from JV to be the gospel, he is correct regarding the new generation ARC Ref series. I did exactly as you did and checked them out after the JV reviews. He's spot-on with his assessment.

Keep us posted when yours arrive and you get some listening in. Congrats again!

philb7777 July 28, 2014 00:39

Thanks Phil. I will restraint myself from tweaks until amp is broken in ~500 hrs. I was advised these amps are very sensitive to quality power and high current PC. They will be going through a DEDICATED Weizhi PRS-6 and 20amp line.

BTW, I agree with the statement these are not your grandfather's ARC. I never like ARC and after reading JV reviews, I had to check them out again. He commented the brightness in upper mids and leanness have been voiced out to a more linear and musical sound.

knghifi July 27, 2014 12:43

Pradeep, that makes sense for classical music. I listen to more small combo jazz and rock/pop but do like classical as well. I need to go ahead and take the plunge on a second G1. When going to RMAF this year, I plan to look at power conditioners, power cables, and Rockports. I may very well be a VP, Secretary or Treasurer inthe Avior Admiration Society by year's end!

philb7777 July 27, 2014 07:52

Knghifi - congrats on the Ref 250 purchase! You will enjoy these amps. They run pretty warm, but not as hot as the usual large tube amps. They come with a built in fan with two speeds - both which are very quiet from the listening position. I haven't tried anything yet but the stock power cords as well. Mine have around 600 hours on them now so they are well broken in and its definitely time to start looking a fuses and power cables. I'm all ears for the first few that try the KT-150's too. Excited about the opportunity there.

Congrats again!

philb7777 July 27, 2014 07:49

Phil
My REL are also set at 28hz with the volume at 10 in a room size similar to yours ie 14x23x10 with a opening at one end for the dedicated HT and a small bar area. A second REL G1 would fit in ever so nicely. Of course it will depend on your music priorities /tastes. I find that for large symphonic works with huge dynamic swings, the 2 G1s are awesome. For example, Rimsky-Korsoff, Scherzade or Berolitz-Symphony Fantastique, the last 2 movements on side 2 .
I am the self appointed Founder-President of the Avior Admiration Society! You know my views on the Aviors.
Best
Pradeep

sunnyboy1956 July 27, 2014 05:07

Thanks Pradeep - I have always admired your system. It seems we have similar tastes too! I'm still contemplating another sub for dual G1's but my room volume is pretty small and it might be too much for the room. I have my REL crossover set at 28 Hz and the volume only between 10-12 now - just to fill in the very bottom octaves.

I'm going to RMAF this year - to listen to several loudspeakers. I am extremely happy with the Eidolon Diamonds, but as you know, we are always looking for something different or improved to our own ears. The Rockport Aviors intrigue me. I sure hope someone is using them at RMAF so I can get an in-person look and listen.

Happy listening Pradeep - I'm so glad you are on this forum as you always have thoughtful and experienced input to offer, etc.

philb7777 July 26, 2014 21:31

Phil
Congrats on an exquisite looking system and room. Glad you moved your system page to the "All out assault " category where it belongs. My 2 bit on fuses. I flirted briefly with Hi Fi tuning fuses in my amps and phono stage. Results were pretty impressive. Switched recently to SR fuses and am really happy with the results. The REL G1s have also benefitted. It's a no brainer given the quality and cost of your components.
Best
Pradeep

sunnyboy1956 July 26, 2014 10:26

I'm certainly open to it though - have any recommendations?

Actually I'm seeking recommendations. I ordered ARC Ref250 w/KT120s several weeks ago after my source confirmed KT150 is a drop in replacement for KT120. It's scheduled for delivery next Tue. These will be my winter amps so hope they run HOT. :-)

Downloaded Owner Manual and wondering upgrading the 3 fuses (power transformer, start-up circuitry and main power).

Once tubes are broken in, will roll NOS Tung Sol no hole smooth plate 6550, 6h30-dr and KT150 in the Fall. Forgot the amount of work and $$ owning a tube amp :-)

BTW, what PCs have you tried with the 250? I only have 15amp PC so need new PCs too.

knghifi July 25, 2014 20:08

Thanks and no I haven't tried upgrading fuses yet. I'm certainly open to it though - have any recommendations?

philb7777 July 25, 2014 01:59

Beautiful system Phil ... I was wondering, have you tried upgrading the fuses in your ARC Ref 250?

knghifi July 24, 2014 16:29

Thanks Phil...very much appreciated! I've been through several very good conditioners. This is the best I've used in my system. The article should be out this fall from what I am told....

zephyr24069 July 22, 2014 21:57

Zephyr,

Great news on the Bybee Stealth! It sounds like exactly what a great conditioner should do: lower noise floor and increase musicality. It's the one thing I haven't done yet for my system and one I will definitely consider in the future. I will definitely read the 6moons article. With the dynamics and detail your Aeris and amps provide, I bet the Bybee is the icing on the cake!

Will definitely take you up on the offer when I'm in SC, I live in Tulsa, OK, so if you are ever close by, you are definitely invided to a lunch/dinner on me and some listening!

philb7777 July 21, 2014 18:04

Phil...the Bybee Stealth just arrived, fully broken in as it is the unit that will be the subject of a forthcoming review on 6moons; after a day or so to warm up and settle in, I can tell you that for my system, it's a game-changer, nothing less. I've posted some comments on my system thread and elsewhere but suffice it to say it brings a purity and tube-like presentation to the sound-staging, imaging and overall musicality of the system that I've not been able to experience to date as happy as I was with the system.

Still marveling at your system...for vinyl, it must be hard to break away from that combination of gear, cables and treatments. I'm in the Northwest corner of SC; if you are ever close, let me know, you are welcome for a listen!

zephyr24069 July 21, 2014 11:27

Will do...thank you!

zephyr24069 July 02, 2014 02:23

Your components and cables are a perfect match for the Aeris. Congrats on teh Bybee on the way! Send me a message/email anytime!

philb7777 July 01, 2014 23:45

Thank you Sir...you should be very proud of that system, Avalons are one hell of a speaker and the rest of your gear sums up to one great experience from what I've heard. I may send a couple of questions your way soon. The AERIS are an amazing system and in this room with the new panel and circuit components I just put in sounds even more lifelike and musical. I have a Bybee Stealth fully loaded conditioner on the way by next Tuesday which should be another step up so I am very excited....

zephyr24069 July 01, 2014 23:18

Zephyr, I talked with a lot of people I respect for their knowledge, and also read and called Rives and others. Once I compliled the info the basic premise was to maximize absorption behind and on the sides of loudspeakers and maiximize diffusion on the ceiling and behind the listener. For my room this has worked out well for me. I have two large corner bass traps in the area/nook around my turntable. The two traps stacked on top of each other between the speakers are ASC tube traps for midrange / treble - absorption.

I'm betting you are loving your Legacy's. They are great loudspeakers!

philb7777 July 01, 2014 20:56

Beautiful system!!! I can only imagine how great it must sound. I have a somewhat similar new room (in terms of approximate size and orientation plus the slopping room contour for me on only 1 side. How did you determine what treatments were needed and which particular units did you go with from Auralex? Also....that appears to be the largest bass trap I've ever seen; how did you determine you needed one that large and the unique position it seems to occupy (versus off towards the corners, etc...)? Thank you!

zephyr24069 July 01, 2014 12:02

System edited: Added Auralex Q diffusers to my room to balance absorption and diffusion characteristics. It has added more air and depth to my soundstage. Don't neglect room acoustics! It can make a big improvement in sound for little money compared to gear and components!

philb7777 June 30, 2014 21:10