Originally started with the MF CDP, and that got the ball rolling. Added the MF 308 next. It took me an entire year of speaker auditioning before I bought the WB Curves. There are still things I'd like to change. Power cords, shotgun speaker wire. Obvious problems are speaker placement and room treatments. There is a big picture window along one wall and we have bare hardwood floors. Any suggestions will be much appreciated. For now, I'm busy rediscovering all my CD's.
My new room is much smaller than yours floor area wise. It is 14' x 14' x 18' (high ceiling) and is completly open to a small dining room. How do you think the Curves will perform in this environment? Would the Discoveries be a better choice? (remember I have a subwoofer)
As for adding bass to your system, I highly recommend one of Velodyne's Digital Drives Series Subwoofers. They can integrate into pretty much any system in any room. Their digital EQ is the highest quality I have ever seen and you can literally "see" the difference on your TV.
Could you do me a favor and post some more photos of your system? I'd love to see more photos of your speakers from different angles. They're gorgeous!
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, no, I haven't heard the ACT2. Although I have extensively heard the new carbon fiber ACT, and it is one of my favorite speakers. Compared to the Curves, it has a bigger, more open sound, better extended bass ( although not deep bass ) and the ability to image a little better. When properly positioned, the imaging of the ACT is magical ( without sounding bright). Norah Jone's "Lonestar" just floors me. She is perfectly positioned in center stage and the surrounding musicians have so much air between them, I feel I could get up and walk around the band members. The only other speaker I have extensively heard with that same effect is the Peak Consult Empress. I'm sure that you know that the ACTs are 2x the price of the Curves and the Empress is 2x the cost of the ACTs.
I have always felt that my Curves had adequate bass but not deep subterranian bass. I've tried to incorporate a REL Strata III into my system. Unfortunately, I can't get that darned thing to properly integrate with my speakers. This is probably due to my room. The sound is okay in the sweet spot, but I get a bunch of other places in my living room where the bass is reinforced. These "nodes" really drive me crazy. I have even considered adding Bryston amps to help with the bass. Finally stumbled on a solution when I added the MF XDac, X-10, XPSU between my CDP and my amp. These little boxes noticeably extended and tightened up the bass. Sam Tellig was right...go figure. Please keep in mind your room when choosing a speaker. The Curves are more than adequate in my living room ( 18'x 30' ). The Curves also have adequate bass for the music I listen to. Good luck on your search. I don't think I've directly answered your question, but I hope this helps.
I love your simple and clean setup. The view is fantastic as well. You must have hard time leaving that room. I had a quick question.
I was wondering if you've heard the Wilson Benesch A.C.T.2 loudspeakers when you were choosing loudspeakers. If so, could you compare their upper and mid range sound please? I have a good subwoofer, so the lowest bass is not an issue.
If money wasn't an issue, would you personally buy the Wilson Benesch A.C.T.2 loudspeakers or the Wilson Benesch Curve loudspeakers and a quality subwoofer for the same price?
Thanks for the input, Cytocycle. The view is nice but the window doesn't help with the room acoustics. I'm too lazy to move my system to my AV room right now. I also took a look at your system - awesome.
The Gamut is an amazing player just make sure to get the CD1R, CD1S or the latest MkII so you don't get the lack of reviewer bass of the original. It is an extremely smooth player with tons of detail.
You're right, Ajuhu. I've had my eyes out for other CDP's. Gamut and Audio Aero... perhaps the new G08 from Meridian. The new Classe CDP looks wicked. Any suggestions?
Nice system, maybe too much british gear. MF 3.2 is slow, rolled off highs and the bass is not enough punctual. The 308 does not help you out either to correct this sonic signature. In its price category the 3.2 is fine, but your speakers are so good that they need a better source. Get a quicker, more dynamic cd-player before buying powercords etc. Just my opinion (I also begun with an MF CD-player - A3 - I did like it, but when you have such a nice speaker, it deserves better.
It's kinda funny. A couple of months ago, I showed my wife the system that you posted. I told her that this is the type of HIFI I was aiming for...she was not amused.
