Opinions, questions, comments, recommendations are most welcome. I really am looking for recommendations about equipment stands as that is an area where I need to do more work. Thanks.
This is the finest piece of digital equipment I have had the pleasure of listening too. IMHO it is in many ways equal and or superior to analog. I sold my Basis rig to finance the purchase. While I will rebuild my analog set up when I can afford to (I have some great records hankering to played), I can honestly say I am not missing my turntable. I could have never made that statement before the Reimyo.
First Sound Highly modified Presence Deluxe
I stumbled upon this little 4 piece gem on Audiogon. It has a Paramount upgrade and is a true Dual Mono design with 2 chassis and 2 power supplies. It has been further customized by having only a single output so the tubes are amplifying the signal directly. A pair of Seimans ECC CCa make up the tube compliment. Sound is incredible - vastly superior to the regular Deluxe MK2 which I previously owned. If there are 2 sources (not an issue currently) one must switch the interconnects in order to change components. That can be inconvenient, but it's all about the music right??? LOL
Audiopax 88 monoblocks
These amps are a synergistic match with my Avantgarde Duos. They sound better than the Atma-sphere m-60s, KR Audio Antares (both exceptional amps in their own right) on these speakers. I feel these amps were "voiced" with the Avantgardes in mind. The fact that they have a tuneable bias helps with room integration and personal tastes. The adjustment is more of a balance control only you are adjusting from warm to analytical. It is subtle but easily audible.
Avantgarde Avantgarde Duo 2.2 w/ wire upgrades
About a year ago I had the wiring (Cardas internal wiring, jumpers and the Rhodium binding posts) upgrade on my 2.2 This brought them up to 3.0 status. This is a worthwhile upgrade(around $2500)and the result is greater resolution (as if they weren't already astounding in that reagrd - HA) articulation and more seemless soundstage. However, nothing prepared me for the incredible change brought about by adding a second set of Avantgarde CTRL 225 subwoofers. Every performance criteria you can think of improved substantially. These speakers in regular stock form, are an arguably SOTA loudspeaker in most areas of performance. I was not prepared for how much better my system became as a result of 2 more subs. The most numerous complaints about Avantgarde Duos I have read is that the bass is not properly integrated with the rest of frequency range. I believe that this failure of integration is a result of sub-optimal set up. These speakers require (and deserve) careful set-up (feel free to email if you are having trouble). In any case, with the second set of subs, the bass became the best I have heard. Articulate, seamless, deep, you pick the adjective - They do it right. Set up is no longer as critical for integration as well. My theory for this vast performance increase is simple: Since you are doubling the bass output, you are halving any distortion and increasing dynamics in a speaker that was already about as dynamic as they come. The bass speed now keeps close pace with the horn drivers. The Avantgarde website called this modification "Mini Trios" With the new basshorns available, many Avantgarde Trio owners are unloading their 2 sets of 225 subs. Keep an eye out for some great prices for these 8K list subs. If there are other Avantgarde owners out there, I'd be happy to chat more about it.
Silversmith Palladium
I replaced my Cardas Golden References with the Stealth Hybrid MLTs, after I got the Indras. I wanted to achieve an all Stealth synergy. However,I did not really notice any significant audible change when I made the switch. The Reimyo and Indra certainly changed the baseline for any meaningful reference point in my system necessary to make a good judgement on this speaker cable switch. Cardas makes and has been making a great cable for years. No hype...just good quality for the price. The Stealth is very good as well. I decided to leave my above original comments and add to them my comments about the Palladiums. First, I do not think of these as cables, but rather components. The Palladiums have for the first time shown me what my system is truly capable of doing. In all honesty I was nervous for this purchase. I mean how does one justify a set of wires that cost almost as much as my amps or preamp? But when I read reviews and chatted with Roy C. I began to realize that the speaker cables were the limiting factor in my system. Of course I expected a change for the better, but I was unprepared for what they did to my system. The entire presentation of the music changed. It became incredibly more natural and lifelike in a way that trying to describe "Bass, PACE, Sounstage, articulation, etc." become Blah...Blah...Blah. I think for the first time I have been able to hear what the recorded signal truly sounds like. It sounds like recorded music...for better or worse. Different microphones are easily distinguished, moving about of musicians easily rendered. Adjustment of the bias setting. of my Audiopax amps is instantly discernible. When you listen to music you love, you will love the sound of the music. I had to adjust my bass subs because I could tell there was too much. If your system is not up to the task, fix it before investing in the Palladiums. What you don't know won't hurt you. In terms of equivalent upgrades I would say the Palladiums were well beyond the Indras and in the same league as the Reimyo. If you get the chance to audition these be prepared to lower the checkbook balance or max out a credit card. They are that good or I should say REAL. BTW Jeff Smith is a great guy and easy to talk to. He is interested in the music experience afforded to the few crazies in this crazy hobby of ours. He is one of us.
Stealth Indra
There is really nothing more I can add to the Jules Coleman Six moons review. This is a recent addition and it allows the wire to get out of the way so the components can be heard the way they are supposed to. If you are a careful shopper, you can pay around 4k for these (1 meter RCA)
Various Various
I have a Harmonix for the Reimyo. An Elrod for my BPT 3.2 A Zcable (from the BPT)for the Exact power EP15. BMI Sharks for amps, preamps and subs. Except for the Harmonix I would like to have all Elrods some day.
BPT and Exact Power 3.2Sig and EP15A
These go very well together. The Exact Power makes a big difference, and the BPT does as well. Taken together the system is better than either alone. The sound is dynamic, clear and clean. I have 2 dedicated 20 amp circuits, but because the 2 conditioners are connected together, I am only using one circuit. When a I find another Exact Power EP15 at the right price, I will add it to take advantage of the additional circuit.
Symposium Various shelves and rollerblocks
I have a Symposium Ultra for the Reimyo,Symp Super shelves for the amps.Symp Svelte shelves for the Preamps (with rollerblocks) and svelte shelves for the speakers (these make a difference. All these were purchased used for less than 50% of retail. Since aquiring the Reimyo, I am looking into some Harmonix feet. If they are even close to the Reimyo....
Lavan Soveriegn
These are ok. Here is an area where i would really like some recommendations. I am thinking Grand prix. Are they worth the price of admission???
I am a Planar man (Apogee) and there is only one speaker I would possibly change for which would be the Avantgarde Duo or Trio. The question would be bass horns too or not?
Heaven for sure from the looks of your system. Enjoyed reading your comments on the cables and the pre amp especially. Speakers as yours are ones I would really like to audition one day.
I seem to be heading in a similar direction to you. I have bought Audiopax 5c & 88s and I am housing them on GPA Monaco racks with apex feet to remove feedback from my sprung floor to equipment.
Now I need to decide whether to go for Duo Omegas or play it safe with the Audiopax Ref 100 or 150 speakers. I have heard the 100 & 150s but not the Omegas. Did you listen to other speakers before opting for the Avantgards? Ref 100s in particular?
My source is VPI SSM with XV-1S into Art Audio V1. I like all types of music, mainly classical on FM and Blues, Jazz or Rock on vinyl. My room is 14" x 22" so not far off yours. I guess room treatments will be required to tame the bass although the attraction of the sub-woofers are that you can set the roll off points and tweek them.
I am planning on AN-Vx or Ve cables throughout.
I only hope this is the right decision? Can you reassure me on the Omegas? I know they are very precise. Garbage in Garbage out as Ivor T used to say!
Your statement: "Looks to me that it favours classical and not-too-complicated musical material" is one way of saying that Fred's system must be able to handle any type of music, am I right?
Classical music is about as complicated as it gets and if a system can do it justice (not many can) then it can usually handle anything else.
Having said that I am sure that there are many styles of music that require some form of system colouration to make them enjoyable. Personally, I prefer a transparent system such as Fred has beautifully assembled here.
Congratulations Fred, I hope that your system brings you many years of musical fulfilment. BTW, have you considered adding the Grand Prix Audio Monaco equipment racks?
I have just bougth the Reimyo CDP. It replaced a Forsell Air bearing transport and DAC.The Forsell rig was very good with a warm analog sound. The Reimyo keeps that warmth with added resolution! I have Reimyo on a marble stand.I have tried Solid Tech Feet of Silence (which works under Forsell)but I have not found any difference. Perhaps Reimyos own feet is very good and dont need anything moore. What do you think?
Hi Nanderson Bass intergration seems to be a big issue for many AG owners, and I have experienced a number of possible solutions.
First, my room dimension are 15' (w/ speakers on that wall) by 20'. The back of my room is open into another area of the house so I'm not sure how that plays into it. I have a wool rug (great for treble floor reflection). I have 4 diffusion panels that were professionally made for a stereo show. they are big (7'x 2.5'x 3") they are made w/ insulation panels with a membrane inside. They are supposed to attenuate down to about 70hz. I use them for room reflections primarily. I also have Shakti Holograms which are great. They attenuate room nodes. Now onto some bass intergration suggestions.
My first suggestion is a second set of subs. Thats what I did and the sound was absolutely transformative. The room is "bass laoded" better, the driver distortion is cut in half. The bass is louder, lower and more articulate. It also seems to improve imaging and midrange. I beleive that Fidelis Audio recently was selling a set for $3k...a great price. The friend who sold me his set replaced his w/ VBT subs, which he really prefers. I feel the sound is more clear but at the cost of output. When I set up my speakers I am meticulous about their placement. Each speaker is measured to be exactly (as possible)the same distance to the lisening position w/ the tilt in at the same angle for both speakers My set up has the rearmost support leg set so you can just see the edge of the stainless from the inside of the front support leg. That may be tough to visualize as I described it. Email me and I'd be happy to call you or give you my phone number. Another thing that helped was puting the subs on Symposium Svelte shelves. It made bass more clear and less boomy. I know others have used Grand prix Apex footer w/ good results. Hope this helps.
I think the Duos and Trios when properly set up are the most realistic sounding in the world from the mids on up. However, I found the bass integration and room interaction with the bass frustrating. I spent nearly an entire afternoon at a Advantgard dealer here in Wisconsin trying to tune the bass to make it sound as good as the rest of the system. Any tricks you could offer as to how to make the speakers fit into a room with greatest sonic effect, such as room treatments even as subtle as where to place big sound absorbing furniture and reflective surfaces like glass covered pictures or mirrors. Lastly what the dimensions of your listening room and how far from the side walls and rear walls and listening position are the speakers. I know that this is a load of questions but if you can help on any it would be much appreciated since I love these speakers more than any except for that bass thing.
Thanks. from your information i think it best to wait until I can afford the Grand Prix. Perhaps start out w/ the basics and upgrade as I can. I just purchased Harmonix tuning feet off of Audiogon (one set for the Reimyo and 2 fro the amps) fooling around with them now, but already a pretty large improvement.
I like the Apex on the Duos a lot, they really make things more lifelike and natural. They are the same on the amp stands. If you were only going to get the apex or the F1 carbon fibre shelf, go for the apex. They just about doubled the gain the stand itself makes. With the 88s the F1 shelf works real well, with some brighter sounding gear it could be to much.
Also you can get away with only one amp stand for the 88s, I had that originally and was blown away at the improvment. I eventually got a stand each for the 88s and it does improve it over sharing a stand. If it was down to a choice between one stand with apex and F1 shelf I would go for that over 2 stock stands, of course if you can afford two tricked out stands your gonna love it thats for sure.
Hi Ejlif Wow... I checked out your system and we have walked similar paths. Thanks for the advice regarding the grand prix. I am leaning in that direction. I keep getting other comments regarding what the solid maple shelves do for some people's systems. I can't imagine it would be better than the grand prix. How did you find using the footers on the duo stands? Do you think they work with the symposium shelve I am using now?
Great system. I too have the Duos and 88s. I have used and continually strived for improvment with my system over the past 2.5 years. I can highly reccomend the Grand Prix Audio amp stands with the 88s. I felt like my system really took a turn for the better when I added them. Also the Apex feet and F1 shelf can really take the stock stand up a notch. They aren't cheap, but considering what they did for my system I found them to be well worth it.
Hi Jond I have a few XRCDs and they are incredible when played on the Reimyo. I'm not all that much into classical so some of my favorites were Doug McCloud, Sam Maclain. Steve Miller was not really impressive. Dire Straits Brothers in Arms and The Eagles are absolutely awesome. These are imported XRCDs that I picked up on Ebay, but I think you can purchase them through May Audio who is also the USA distributor of Harmonix.
Celebrat, What a cool system! I've been lusting after that Reimyo cd player after reading a review in HiFi+, I'm glad to see someone actually owns one. I'm a big fan of the K2 recording process so a player that uses K2 decoding would sound pretty great, especially with those diescs. Just wondering do you have any experience playing either K2 discs or XRCD's on your new player?
Thanks Ray. I recognized what the flexi rack was after you mentioned the Samsons. I'll check out TNT. I am intrigued over the possibilty of a natural material such as solid wood having properties to enhance the quality of man-made sound. I have heard of several people who have chosen to switch from Sypmosium products(which I currently use) to solid maple and are very pleased with their choice.
hello Celebrat,you can see the flexi rack on,TNT audio,and Mapleshade,has some nice ones they call,Samson racks,also you may be able to do a search here on audiogon as many members have nice ones,
I have a hard time describing the sound of my system. It is crystal clear, incredibly dynamic, sounds great either at high or low volumes. Very coherent and immediate. It has a natural sound that, although I hate to say lifelike, when I close my eyes and listen to quality recordings of artists I am familiar, I am transported to another place.
It is not a particularly forgiving system. If there is a poor recording, it will reproduce it as is. If the recorded treble is harsh, it sounds harsh. This should not be misconstrued to mean most recorded music will become "unlistenable". Great music that is poorly recorded still sounds like great music, with its faults as well as its greatness presented to the listener.
Essentially it reproduces what it is fed. My personal feeling is that I would rather live with that type of system honesty than listen to system that washes over low level detail in order to ameliorate the results of a poor recording.
Hi Ray Thanks. I have heard other preamps, but other than the First Sound Presence Deluxe Mk2 I had previously, they have been in other systems so I have no way to evaluate their sound. In my system the modded version was much better and the Presence deluxe is a great sounding preamp. There are some reviews on Sounstage for that model. I have not heard of Flexy Racks. Please tell me more.
beautifull system you have ,how would you describe the sound?how does your First Sound pre compare to other pre amps your familier with? Have you seen the Flexy racks,?
