This is a collection of equipment (note how I dont call it a system!), the purpose of which was for me to sample as much as possible prior to settling down to equipment I can use in a final room I am building with Rives. Needless to say, I ended up getting deeper and deeper in this, learning that reviews are typically falwed because (i) reviewers have specific motives, (ii) they dont generally have very good systems, and (iii) no system is perfect and therefore personal preferences matter a lot.
The room is by no means great but it is custom designed and measured. It works quite well, even though these speakers need more room to breathe.
Happy to answer questions about my experience with all this equipment, all of which is quite excellent in its own way. I have some on order which I will add when the time comes.
Other equipment I have owned include:
-Tenor 300hp
-MBL 9011 monos
-MBL 6010D preamp
-VTL 7.5 mk i and ii
-Audio Research Ref 3 preamp
-BAT 75se
-Other
UPDATE: Moved to new room, much more spacious and finally allowing me to sit within the prescribed distance for driver integration. Also, I cleaned up somewhat the amp list: I now use the Wavac 833 mkii (4 box) and for solid state the Class A Gryphon Colosseum Solos. Added to the preamps is the Soulution. All cables are Jorma Prime including an 8m length xlr. Power cords being changed all to Valhalla. Here you also see an attempt to test the continuum turntable through a wavac phono. The sound of the system has ameliorated appreciably and it is now starting to be a system after all. Very happy with it.
Hi Michael Have you settled on the WAVAC HE 833 V.1.3 now as you amplifiers of choice after all the trials. I would have loved to have tried them on my Fat Boy horns. Thanks Jason.
Hi Michael, thanks for your positive comments on my audio systems, I spend many hours listening to different audio components to find synergy in system set up. I have had 3 emmLabs CDSA CD players from the first unit to the latest one, the new draw mechanism is better in the latest unit from the first model released plus the sound quality is also better with the upgrades to the software. The emmLabs TSD1 & Dac 2 take the build quality to a new level above the CDSA and the sonics are also a step ahead, better bass dynamics imaging & blacker background. Now with the release of the emmLabs XDS1 which I am saving for at the moment for my reference demonstrations is meant to be another big step a head of the emmLabs TSD1 and Dac 2. The emmLabs XDS1 build quality is the best yet along with the sound quality, I am sure we will be hearing a lot about this player soon from audio reviewers & audiophiles from around the world, I have already heard from some reviewers that the emmLabs XDS1 sets new standards in CD/SACD playback. Thanks Jason.
Hello Michael I would like to say that is a incredible audio system you have put together plus great experience gained by trialling the different recommended audio components to reach your own preferred systems. I have had experience with the WAVAC 833a Ver 1.3 and the emmLabs CDSA, both wonderful sounding audio products. I read your report on the Lamm M1.2 amplifiers which I have used in my system for 1.5 years before changing to the Lamm ML2.1 SET amplifiers. The Lamm M1.2 reference are excellent sounding amplifiers if you need the power, but if your speaker efficiency lets you get away with the lower power of Lamm ML2.1 sets this is a magical sounding amplifier. Great to see a audio system like yours on Audiogon. Thanks Jason.
