Well, it has all changed again, I should just relist it as it has changed so many times since creating this as the "3rd" system. One thing is for sure, Ever Evolving has been accurate.
Awesome little digital tuner from the late 1980's.
Audio Note AN-Vx - Interconnect
I have two sets; I run one from my CDP to preamp and one from my tuner to preamp. Symmetrical 99.99% silver litz coax 20 strands 0.09 mm
Audio Note AN-Vz - Interconnect
Silver IC, 1m RCA
Analysis Plus Big Silver Oval
Constructed of pure silver over a stabilizing strand of oxygen-free copper, woven into a patented hollow oval geometry in an oval-coaxial configuration. 9 gauge.
Clearwave Loudspeaker Design Symphonia 72R
The Symphonia 72R has a custom sandwich layered non- resonant 2 inch thick front baffle with a solid hardwood layer for driver de-coupling. The drivers are flush mounted level to the front baffle to eliminate edge diffraction, and the driver openings have chamfered flares at the backside of the opening to eliminate early reflections inside the box. Top of the line RAAL tweeters and Accuton drivers.
Wadia 170iTransport
I use this with a 160g iPod Classic.
PS Audio DigitalLink III
Mine has the Level 4 Cullen modifications.
Furman IT Reference 20i
This power conditioner and protection unit has made the biggest difference I have ever intruduced into a system; I wish I would have purchased something like this a long time ago!!!
I find that I never fully recognize the impact something made until I use it a while and then go back to what I had before. It's a clearer perspective, and gives expectations time to tone down, leading to a more honest and unbiased understanding. Sometimes my initial impressions were right, and sometimes not.
Good point Arthur.
My only real concern with isolation tranformers is hum. Toroids are known for that and it sounds like you experienced it some yourself. Did that ever get resolved or did you just leave the amp plugged in the other outlet?
I did get it figured out; I talked with a rep at Furman who helped me. It was a ground loop issue and once I placed all the power cords into the appropriate inputs of the Furman I had no more hum, all is totally quiet; I would have sold it if otherwise.
I am removed from the hobby quite a bit these days Arthur and I have had the Furman for 4 years, so I couldn't remember what I thought after I got it, but I thought I posted something so I checked and sure enough; I kind of hate to post the link as I sound like an over zealous nut.
I concur Arthur, vocals are simply amazing; I am coming from Harbeth which are known for their vocals, and rightly so, yet these excel. Jed used a top RAAL driver, where I have heard some are restricted to the sweet spot, not so with this one.
You mention TV, I run my TV through the stereo, it is a thrill with this system, best I have had for TV by far, top to bottom.
No doubt there is a lot of information down low. One can get used to not having it, but when you do have it, and right, you realize how much information is down there, this really came to light for me with the WATT/Puppy's. The Symphonia 72R's don't go as low as the W/P's, but they have some weight to them, at least now, they took some breaking in.
I hadn't heard this model Drubin but I had heard the Minuet M72. A friend of mine is friends with Jed of Clearwave, and a dealer. My friend had the Minuet M72's and brought them over, where I was quite impressed.
In regards to the Harbeth's, I (believe I) could easily live with them again, these were one of my all time favorite speakers and I was fine without a sub. They would be my first choice if I were to change again, in fact I had thoughts of going back while these were breaking in.
I am having an issue with ear ringing, hopefully temporary and not tinnitus. This ringing came on at the same time as my acquisition of the Harbeth's and I was thinking they might be the cause, I am not convinced of this now, but this led to a sale.
That said, the RAAL and Accuton's are very nice indeed. The RAAL has to be heard to be believed.
Hi Fripp--I really don't know the answers to all your questions, but will provide this: I am in a rural area. We do not have brown outs. I have a dedicated wire running from my panel to my system, but it is still a shared panel with the rest of the house. It is a smaller house and wouldn't think it has a "heavy" load. I once owned a Classe preamp that gave live readouts of the voltage and as I recall it was steady at 119-120.
I also theorize that some gear may be more susceptible to this that others, where PC may benefit some setups more than others.
You may be right Mapman. As I say, I definitely wish for a fuller sound for this large room, but at the same time, I sure am enjoying music!
I really liked my W/P's and while the "little" Luxman "may" not have been enough, I sure would have liked to have heard it with them. That said, the smaller speakers give a more holographic sound, I couldn't bring the W/P's out as far as I would have liked.
Branislav, the Sason's were fuller (had more weight), where these are leaner. The Sason's did better than other speakers I have had with depth, but the Harbeth's are without question the best I have had with that. The Harbeth's are an amazing little speaker, the attributes I want to praise them for would apply over other speakers I have owned has as well; airy, spacious, great imaging and depth; I may prefer the soft dome tweeter on the Sason's.
I need very little of the Luxman to run the Harbeth's, usually around 9 o'clock on the dial.
My experience with the Harbeth's hasn't fully mirrored other reports, as mentioned; I was expecting slightly muted highs but I find that to be the contrary, compared to previous speakers.
Mapman, the room is indeed quite lively. It has been most notable to me while talking on the phone and I go down the hallway into the bedroom and the sound difference in my voice is very noticeable.
Ironically, I don't find the sound of my system with the the Harbeth's warm or laid-back, but maybe some of that is a sign of previous systems or my room.
I am hoping we are able to add on to our house in the near future, if so, my system will be moved to a smaller environment, which I think would be a benefit.
Hey Arthur, awhile indeed. I have wanted to try the Harbeth's for a long time but was always concerned about them being too small for my room and I indeed wish for a fuller sound. That said, even though I continue to wish for a fuller sound, I have found that I am very much drawn to listen to them every day, in fact I have listened to a lot of music the past month, over 700 tracks. They do so much I like that it would be hard to live without what they do for some added weight. I have had to adjust to listen at a much lower volume level than I am used to as that is where this setup sounds its best. Listening at lower volumes has its benefits as I can listen with others in the house with less disturbance. I still don't have a "proper" stand setup.
I think you'd greatly enjoy the 550or 590 on your Nanos.
Looking for a better match with my speakers as what I had wasn't as good as what I heard from the speakers at a show. The Luxman is indeed superior and has me wishing I had it when I had some other speakers as I am curious how they would have sounded with the Luxman.
The Mac gear is quite relaxed and I always blamed a recessed midrange I had while using W/P 7's on the speakers, well I no longer feel this way. Admitedly the Luxman, with the rest of my system, comes across as forward, it is much prefered, for me, to the recessed midrange I had with the Mac gear. Even watching TV through the system with the Mac I wished for more, even boosting the midrange via the EQ a couple times to hear better, this is not an issue with the Luxman.
The Luxman is vastly superior in clarity/transparency, bass, vocals, you name it. Anyone blindfolded would pick the Luxman as 400 watts and the Mac as 30 instead of the reverse.
System edited: I replaced the McIntosh MC402 and C46 with the Luxman L-590a II integrated, Class A, 30 watts. I hooked it up late last night and at this point I have had no real time to listen.
LOL...nope, I only have one system Bruce, one more than my wife would like; I have just made a lot of changes over the years. I had the Wilson's prior to the Sason's.
I do have the spikes, I just can't remember where in my house I put them!
I agree on the weight, they are clearly a two man job. On the other hand, the weight can be good.
I wish I would have spent time with good two-way speakers a long time ago; I have always had three-way speakers, except a short time with some S805's, which I liked. I am simply hearing more of the recording now than I ever have and I am greatly enjoying music these days!
Having had Wilson's, I know there is more music to be had down low and I am considering adding subs. This "lack" of bass was more of an issue at first, but the further I get away from using the Wilson's, the less of an issue it is to me. I am a bit torn as I know subs, done right, can fill in the bottom for a complete package, but I am not sure I want the hassle, expense and quite frankly I am enjoying music now...so we'll see, I am in no hurry.
I have not used the spikes as of yet. It didn't seem like an easy task of setting them up on the spikes so we passed for the time. Admittedly I would like to try them but I am not sure where I put them, I need to do another search.
I haven't really moved the speakers much from where I set them up; I have a friend that helps me with placement and he hasn't had a chance to come over. They sound very good so I haven't been too anxious.
The angle is something I may consider as well because I sit very tall.
Unfortunately I have no input on any of your questions. :(
Thanks for the tip on the music. Being that I now use my iPod as my source, I have it on shuffle 99.9% of the time, so I am getting a variety of music instead of playing a particular artist.
I am still enjoying the Sasons a lot. I went to the AKFest show this past weekend, it was a bit of a let down compared to last year. That said, Jim Salk had some amazing speakers he just created and the DynAudio C1's with Wadia and Octive gear were spectacular!
>I'm saving up for Synergistic Research Power Conditioner...
As I stated above, the addition of my power conditioner last December was one of the biggest changes I have made, all positive.
The punch is nice, but there is simply a lot of music down low. While I have adjusted, for the most part, to less bass, I know there is a lot more music down low I am missing, based off prior experience with the Wilson's, there are some songs that it is more obvious on than others, but I honestly could be fine without. The key, obviously, is getting it all right.
Lapierre - I wish I would have spent more time with good two way speakers a long time ago. Not because I don't believe in or like 3 ways, it is just that I feel, right now, that one can learn a lot from a two-way that will help in hearing "flaws" when using a larger speaker, whether it be the speaker or set up.
I was at a show last year, AKFEST, and heard the Ridge Street speakers and was very taken by them; I had known about them for some time but this was my first listen. This in part is what led to the choice.
I spent two years with the W/P 7's and only a couple weeks with the Sophia's and what I miss is the bottom end of both; I missed this much more the first couple weeks, but as time goes by I think about it less, I missed it greatly at first; I am considering subs.
Samhar, let me say right up front that I did not play much with speaker placement, while something I regret, it is also something I cannot do easily myself b/c of disability. The speakers were set in a position that some friends found to be nice on the first night we hooked them up; obviously one (short) night of setup isn't always enough. The same can be said for the W/P's. While the 7's were set up by the dealer, I later had a friend move them to a spot we preferred, but those are the only two spots I spent time with.
With the disclaimer out of the way, and noting this is results in my room/system...the 7's were more 3 dimensional, this was the Achilles heel for me with the Sophia's, as their presentation was flat and I couldn't get past this. (This may have been fixed with placement. I am quite restricted in speaker placement, as they are in our living room.)
Bass: The 7's bass was lower, but the Sophia's was punchier. Midrange: The 7's were recessed, something I wish were different; I preferred the midrange on the Sophia for this reason. Treble: The Sophia's were more aggressive than the 7's; I preferred the upper end of the 7's.
System edited: Hi Samhar. I am long over due to update my page. I purchased a set of Ridge Street Audio Sason speakers last summer after hearing them at the AKFEST show. While liked my W/P 7's, I always regreted spending that much. Unfortunately I couldn't duplicate the wonderful sounds with the Sason like I heard at the show. In December when I purchased the power conditioner I was simplt amazed at the difference it made in my system and wondered if I would like the Sasons with this change in my system, byt due to disability it isn't something I can swap on my own to try, so it was left as a thought for awhile. I was offered a trade for my 7's for some Sophia's plus given some cash, which I did back at the end of January. A short time later I was given the opportunity of some help to hook up the Sason's and I found that they do sound much better to me now with the power conditioner in my system. Short story long, the Ridge Street's are what I am using now.
Gr8ful - I am very pleased with the Wadia, for me there are many pluses and few negatives. When I purchased the Wadia, and DAC, I kept my CDP to compare with, it was a Meridian G08. It was an "interesting" compare; interesting in that I could not tell the two apart, nor a friend of mine. This surprised me a bit because to two setups were quite different and you'd expect some difference, but there is no way I could distinguish between the two. I had both sources level matched as close as possible using the Trim feature on my preamp and could switch between each source at will. Just be sure to use a DAC the reclocks the signal.
Bvdiman - Thanks for the words; unfortunately no Glashutte. :( I am not sure I see it in the near future either.
System edited: I added a Furman power conditioner/protection unit and WOW, what a difference, the biggest, and best, difference I have ever introduced to my system! I posted about it [url=http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ymisc&1230652278]here.[/url]
Hi Barnes. I am pleased with the PS Audio DAC, but let me be clear in that I didn't have another DAC to comapre it with, rather the DAC/Wadia/iPod replaced my CDP.
I thought hard between it and the Benchmark and went with the PS Audio w/mods simply based on comments I gathered around the 'net; I don't have any regrets with the purchase.
I just looked at your virtual system and was floored! I can't believe I haven't "stumbled" on this before. What a beautiful house!!! I wish I were closer, I think.
As for the Meridian, I have been pleased but I also haven't compared it to much either. I had a Merdian 508.24 years ago, probably shouldn't have sold it, and I went through myriads of gear, including CDP's, and at one point I was using a Musical Fidelity kW500 intgrated amp; I prefer my gear to match so I sold the Classe CDP I owned and purchased a MF A5 CDP, which was getting a lot of good press, well I hated it. Long story short, I returned to Meridian as they have always been solid with their digital offerings and I was pleased in the past. I easily prefered the G08 over the A5 and it has been here ever since.
...at which point I may get back to being a serious audiophile, though I must admit I am happier with less -
I suspect this is because it doesn't consume you as much. I am far happier when not "worried" about every little tweak and new product, etc. out there. Have a hobby, don't let the hobby have you!
Thank you for the kind words Shardone. The amazing thing for me is that nothing has changed in over a year! (Well, one minor exception, about 6 months ago I picked up another Audio Note AN-Vx interconnect to use on my tuner and sold my VD David power cord to fund it; I suppose I should update my page.)
Too funny Tommy! And, you have two? you are blessed! I agree, they are the best treatments and priceless. BTW, you guys should hear "Itsy, bitsy spider"!
So I don't sound too critical of the 802D's I will state up front that the WP7's list price is almost double the 802D's. I agree with your assessment of the boomy bass with the 802D's; in contrast the bass of the WP's is simply awesome...something I have longed for for 20 years. There isn't one aspect that I feel the B&W's excelled at in comparison's...it hard for me to put to words how big a change it was. In my instance this has been (most likely) the biggest change I have ever made.
Big change indeed Drubin. It is hard to know where to start on the Wilson's. For me they truly are a wonderful speaker -- neutral, coherent, very articulate, transparent, awesome bass...; the inner details were the first thing to strike me, as my amp was warming back up, and I am guessing that to be (at least) partly due to the extreemly quite enclosures.
The build quality and fit and finish are above reproach with only one possible exeption, which they addressed on the new models, the velcro on the front is out of place on a speaker like this and the sound deadening material looks somewhat like an after-thought, but I am nit-picking; as I say, they addressed this on the newer models, like WP8's and Sophia II's.
System edited: I have upgraded my speaker cables from the Virtual Dynamics David series (bi-wires) to their Master series (single-run), wow what an improvement. I made the change to single run as I replaced the 802D's with Wilson WATT/Puppy 7's, they don't need the bi-wire; the speaker change is a HUGE improvement.
Hi Mark, being that I can't take the walls out of the room, I can't really evaluate how they effect the sound. I know that the windows can, and do; I have thick blinds I can drop down if I desire. Thanks
I have consciously moved away from audio a bit, not that I don't use my system, I do every day, but I don't spend a lot of time sitting and listening to music and I have strayed away from these forums, it was consuming too much of me.
Not sure where that came from, but I will try to address your question(s). Let me say up front that I have very little experience with tube gear, but as I believe I posted above, I can understand everyones affection with tubes after owning the 2275, but for me I did (do) not miss the tubes once I switched to the Mac combo. The key in that statement is, "for me". I have a friend that is very much a tube guy and he really likes the 2275; I had him over once again after I purchased the 402 and was using the 2275 as a preamp and he prefered the 2275 by itself, I did not. He has yet to make it over to hear my system with the C46.
While I was very pleased with the 2275, the 402/46 works best for me and this includes sonically.
The setup you suggest, with 2 MC275's and the C2200 I will speculate would sound wonderful, the MC275's are very well reported, but I don't see that as an avenue for me; if I wanted to stay with tubes I would keep my 2275. That said, if I was looking to purchase a tube amp, the 275 would be at the top of my list.
As already mentioned, I am pleased, very pleased, with the Mac gear, this includes looks, function and sound. With that in mind, and not spending much time here, hopefully I can finally settle down in regards to my stereo.
I have indeed had my share Arthur. This is a great combination and it suits my use of my system very well; let's see if I can stick with this for awhile!
Thanks Chad. The Luxman tuner is a nice tuner, I have been very pleased with it. Not only does it perform nice sonically, I like its function and small size.
I concur, if you can't run the SS amp very loud during the day, I question how much it would accomplish. If you both are going to be gone for a good amount of time, hook it up and crank it up.
Thanks for the tip on the tube cover, and further explaination, I'll give it a try.
I am not a big fan of the supplied jumpers. I agree with your logic in not introducing too many changes at once, if there are issues you don't like you will not know where to start. I do suggest though that your stranded wire be at least 12 guage and if there is any way to shorten that 25 foot length, take advantage of it.
No doubt 2 MC275's would drive them to greater levels, I can run the MA2275 out of steam.
You are not alone in this pairing, as I stated above, others told me about it. Enjoy and drop me a note when you get it all hooked up. (As I also stated above, be patient with your new speakers, they will change.)
Congratulations on your new purchase. I would like to comment that your new speakers will need a lot of break in, in my opinion. I feel the first four days (assuming their running 24 hours) will make the biggest (huge) difference but I feel mine continued to settle in for over 6 onths, with a lot of playing. If you have a SS amp you could get your hands on so you can run those speakers for 7 days 24 hours a day, I recommend doing so; if you don't mind running your tubes, go that route.
I am using a Virtual Dynamics David power cord on the Mac; Virtual Dynamics David speaker cables and they are bi-wire; I am using Audio Note AN-Vx interconnects. (See my sytem above.)
Thank you for the kind words. The (75 watt) Mac took me by a bit of surprise as well. I will try and replay how it transpired. If you look back in a previous reply from Beemer (Paul), he mentioned a friend using the Mac MC275 amp with 802D's and that it sounded very good; I always remembered that, although that isn't what led me to the MA2275. I have been interested in trying some Mac gear for a number of years and I was talking with a salesman that carries Mac and B&W and he happened to mention a few comments about the MA2275 and the 802D's being a great pairing, even though I was asking about SS gear. The gentleman I purchased the Mac from lives near me so I was able to try the Mac in my system, so it wasn't just a whim. That is the short version.
While I agree that B&W's are known for liking a lot of power, IMO the 2275 and 802D's is a very nice match and in my system the 2275 was clearly better than the kW500. There is no doubt that the MF could drive the 802D's endlessly and I can max out the Mac, but the Mac is better (at least in my system).
As far as "thinking" about the speakers you have mentioned, I thought about trying some Sonus Fabers at one time a few years ago, but ruled them out as I felt they may be great on some types of music and not so on others; I haven't thought about JMF's.
I talked with a saleman that also uses this exact (MA2275/B&W 802D) combo at home; he mentioned a B&W rep that also likes this combination a lot. I never did ask if he changed the power cord though. Did the setup(s) that you heard have the stock PC? I am wondering if mine is simply bad.
System edited: I sold the kW500 and replaced it with a McIntosh MA2275 (tube) Integrated amp. I also sold my Virtual Dynamics David IC that I was using on my tuner, I hope to purchase another IC soon, for now I am using my trusty Cardas Micro-twin on the tuner.
Let me note that if you contact B&W they may send you the spikes free of charge, which they should in my opinion.
I do not find my system to be warm or analytical, the kW500 is not a “warm” sounding amp; I find my setup to be neutral. I don’t blame you for wanting to hear first, it is a lot of money and we all have our own tastes. I purchased mine without hearing first, but I had heard the 803D’s and was using Signature 805’s prior to my purchase. If you are near southwest (lower) Michigan you are welcome to come over.
If playing CD’s I listen to Jazz, Gospel and a small variety of other forms, like Rock, in its various forms. I also listen to my tuner and satellite radio a lot, generally easy listening and smooth Jazz. As for volume level, 9 o’clock would be my average; when “critical” listening to a CD I may turn the volume louder, such as 10 o’clock or so, it depends on the CD, I do not listen real loud, though my wife may argue that.
B&W speakers should be able to handle all you could throw at them. I had an issue with a preamp in the past when using my S805Â’s where the preamp would randomly go full volume when adjusting the volume, very scary sounding, literally blowing my hair back in one instance, this would cause the amp to go into protection. Each time I thought for sure the speakers were toast but they never missed a beat.
I have never tried the phono section of the kW500 so I am no help there.
No need to apologize for asking questions. Brightness is not an issue in my system. Let me note though that I didn’t like the combination of the kW500 and the A5 CDP, finding the A5 “cold and sterile”; I thought I gave it plenty of break in. You mentioned a volume setting of 1000, where are you getting this reading? The kW500 doesn’t have any markings. I have found the kW500 to be a great match with the 802D’s, preferring it over a Classe Delta series amp and preamp; I now question if there was an issue with that amp. I don’t feel that listening to the N803’s will give you an idea of what the 802D’s sound like, there are many differences so I would not suggest you “waste” your time doing that. I don’t have any regrets with my purchases but I will note that I feel the 802D’s take 5-6 months to fully settle in, they will change a lot the first week but still change months down the road. If you purchase the 802D’s be sure to get the available spikes, they make a difference.
Thanks for the kind words and the tip. The eBay ad is unauthorized use of my photo and I have contacted the person letting them know; I have tried contacting eBay but their Contact link isn't working at the moment, I will continue to try.
You shouldn't tell me stuff like that Paul, it may lead me to another change! :) What preamp is your buddy using? Also, is his 275 a Commemorative Edition or original?
Correct, the MF doesn't lack in power; that is one thing that drew me to it. I am sure lack of power is something you do not have a problem with either.
Thanks Blue, there have been a few iterations hasn't there? I have not heard the A5 integrated, sorry I can't help. As for MF being polarizing here on AudiogoN, I think some, if not a good share, of this comes from Stereophile's many reviews of their products.
I purchased my Luxman tuner last November (2004); while it is a great performer, I wouldn't classify it as gorgeous, so I suspect what you saw was an older model Luxman tuner.
When I compared my RCA version of the Virtual Dynamics David to the Audio Note, the Audio Note is the clear winner in my system. The David was brighter, a bit of an edge; the AN was more natural sounding and 3D, it is a great cable. (It should be at these prices.) I still use the David on my tuner.
Jhorton, I did not look into the Sophia's before my purchase of the 802D's; I basically jumped into the 802D's. I was VERY happy with my Classe/B&W S805 system and after hearing the new 803D's and liking what I heard I ordered some 802D's, that's the short version. Being very happy with my system I thought I was just going to make a speaker change, it didn't work out that way.
Anyway, while happy with the 802D's, I would recommend looking at the Sophia's too, in fact I wouldn't mind hearing them myself! :)
As for N802's vs. 802D's, I only heard the N802's once at a dealers. There have been quite a few changes between the two speakers and most say the improvements are easily heard, but you are talking a vast price difference between the two with the offer you have been given. The N802 has been a very popular speaker and may be something you could enjoy for many years.
System edited: Ok, I have finally gotten around to updating my system. I have been using an Audio Note AN-Vx interconnect from my CDP to amp for several months now. When I switched to the Musical Fidelity amp I could no longer use XLR's. A friend brought over his Audio Note AN-V interconnect and I really liked how this cable worked in my system and shortly after this an AN-Vx came available so I purchased it. These cables are very understated in their looks, they look like something you might receive included with a new VCR. A very 'natural' sounding cable, no hype; they are also very pliable. I also started using a Meridian G08 CDP about a month ago. I have had interest in this CDP for awhile and yet somehow forgot about it when changing CDP's; I used to use a 508.24 years back. The G08 is a wonderful CDP in my opinion and works better in my system than the A5, better in every area, there isn't one area I prefered the A5 in my system; I am not saying the A5 is a bad player, the G08 is just the superior CDP, and much more expensive. While Meridian has improved their system remote, the MSR, I still think they should include a standard "candy bar" style remote with their CD player; this would be my only complaint.
There are many different styles and building methods in log homes, most with merit. A solid log can be a great insulator, there are plenty of solid log homes in Canada; one just needs to take time (and care) in sealing each log together real good.
The Kingpin is a sweet looking bike! As I alluded above, I really like the looks of the Victory line of bikes.
LOL, a die hard rider! Anything from low 60's down can be one cold ride! Sorry for the HD / Victory confusion, I thought I saw a picture of you on a Harley. What model Victory do you have? They make some really nice looking bikes!!
I know what you mean about Sam, it appears he hasn't met a product he doesn't like.
The new Delta gear was great with the S805's, it also looked great, I received many comments; I really liked the touch screens too. When I added the 802D's it seemed I was running out of steam, maybe there was some other issue. A guy I know happened to call telling what a great match his new kW-500 was with his 802's; having one available near by I thought I'd give it a chance, it was clearly better in my system.
Thanks for the kind words on the house. For the record, it is a solid log house, all exterior walls are solid logs.
Have you had time to enjoy the Harley in this warm spell we are in? Great riding weather, no?
Thanks for the kind words. Strangely enough, the kW500 works better with the 802D's than the Classe gear did, I had them both here at the same time. You "may" recall from my other postings that I was very happy with the Classe gear when using it with the Signature 805's. The kW500 is a very nice piece, one I have grown fonder of as time goes on.
I don't know what their room limitations would be but I have two toughts. 1) If you know you are changing rooms in the near future, buy with that room in mind; 2) Contact B&W, via their Web site, about your questions/concerns they may be very helpful in the matter. Obviously as big as they are you'd expect them to over power a very small room.
As for my thoughts on the 802D's, I am very happy with my purchase, but it has taken some changes for me to get to where I am at, I haven't posted a couple other changes I have made.
I am sure you know that most B&W speakers like power, these are no different; if possible take your amp and CDP to the dealer and hook them up, they are a lot of money.
Thanks Bon; I took a look at your system(s), I really like your systems and rooms as well; "they" say that it isn't the best for sonics to have the TV between the speakers but I do wish sometimes that I could place mine in that position as it would make the asthetics in our room better. I really like the decor and colors in the room of your first system.
Thanks for the kind words. The CDP is a A5 not the kW SACD. I purchased my kW 500 used, I didn't nothice it change any after I purchased it; it had just over 100 hours hen I purchased it.
You purchased the kW 500 or the kW SACD player? I see you have the Sim Audio Eclipse--I have heard great things about that CDP, what are your thoughts about it? Btw, nice system yourself!!
Where did you go to school in MI? I am from MI. I can't imagine driving one of those in the winter. So this girl was impressed with your stick shift you say?
I am very curious as to how you "stumbled" on to my Web page, what were you searching for?
As for all the cars/trucks, the only vehicles I owned that are shown on my site are a 1970 SS Chevelle andd a lifted 1978 Chevy pick up, the rest are basically pictures I found on the 'net, some will be pictures I took at shows. A few years after selling the Chevelle I was interested in another Hot Rod, so I kept saving pictures that I found and then posting them on my site, it has been awhile since I have done any of that.
Do you have a Firebird, something from the past or something you have longed for?
System edited: I purchased the Musical Fidelity A5 CDP a couple weeks ago to "match" the kW500. It does not have the form and function of the Classe, but then again what does; the LCD screen on the Classe is awesome. The A5 makes up for it in perfomance, the key areas I noticed were it being more holographic and better ambience, maybe a little more body.
I have not tried the A5 yet, I have been dragging my feet. I have not been disatisfied with the performance of the CDP-100, in fact I am very fond of its touch screen disply, not just for its "touch" capabilities but it has the best display I've ever seen. From my listening position I can tell what track I am on, how many minutes / seconds the tracks played and how far along the track is from the "slide" display. That said, I am still looking to get a matching CDP.
As for your bass results I find that interesting because one of the things I liked about my Classe / S805 pairing was the punchy bass. My current setup has a very tight bass.
LOL It actually doesn't look well on me, I suppose, for all the changes. As stated, I was expecting a "simple" speaker change as I was very happy with my previous set up, happier than anything prior, but sometimes one change causes another.
I had the Classe longer than 6 months, barely. :) I had the S805's for just shy of a year. Oh boy!
System edited: Call me the Breeze! I have changed again. After the speaker change I felt the need for more power, so sparing a somewhat long story, I now use a Musical Fidelity kW500 integrated amp, 500 watts. This was a great purchase for these speakers, it has a vice-grip like control of the speakers; I am pleased with the purchase.
As many of you know, I was very happy with my Classe / S805 combo, I am now experiencing the same with this combination, yet on a greater scale. Every aspect of my system is improved with the addition of these two; for years I wanted good bass, now IMO I have great bass.
Next up will most likely be a matching MF CDP, even though I like using the Classe. Also, I had to sell the Audience powerChords because the MF takes one with a 20 amp IEC, so I have the stock cord on the kW500; I am considering a new PC for that. I have my VD David XLR's for sale as MF doesn't allow for XLR; I will purchase another IC.
Thanks guys for the kind words. I have had the new speakers for a little over two weeks now and I am enjoying them; it took about 4 days of continous running for the majority of the break-in to take place, I ran them quietly at night.
The speakers come with rollers for feet and they make it very simple for setting them in place, but ordering the optional, yes optional, and very beefy, spikes is a must; they make a nice improvement in the bass. The optional spikes are two way, one end is a spike the other has rubber feet.
There is no doubt that there is a lot of music in the lower registers that bass drivers (can) pick up and the 802D's do it very nicely; it is nice having speakers once again that fill that in and at the level they do. Interestingly, when I am down the hall on the computer I don't notice all the improvements the 802D's have such as I do when in front of them, I speculate that it is do to the bass carrying down the hall better than the rest.
Anyway, as mentioned, the short time I have owned them I have enjoyed them, once broken in that is. Now if I could just get over the curiousity of what more power would do!
Thanks Chris. I have very high praise for the Classe Delta series. I like my current system better than anything I have ever owned, the fact it looks good (at least to me) and it is very user friendly is simply icing on the cake.
One note though, it really takes several weeks of 24/7 to break in and sound its best, the bottom end really makes a difference once this is done. I mention this as you never know how much run time gear has had at a dealer, or if you were to try some at home.
System edited: I have added two more Virtual Dynamic David interconnects, I purchased two XLR IC's to run between the CDP and preamp, and the preamp and amp; the only cables left that are not VD David are two Audience powerChords's on the amp and preamp.
After breaking in the interconnects I never went back and tried the Audience Au24's for a compare. Fresh out of the box the David's sounded great and if they have changed (after 200 hours) I don't know where. There was no WOW difference when I inserted the Davids, but I prefered the Davids, even brand new, as I sensed a little better PRat and my system also seemed to present the music a little more forward than with the Au24's.
As usual with VD cables, they are very stiff, the total opposite of the Audience cables, and this is the only bummer with them. I really dislike the stiffness. Quality is top notch as usual.
I never have followed up on my thoughts of the Classe gear after breaking in. There was quite a change in the sonics after what seemed like a month, the most notable was the bottom end filled in with much more weight, authority and tautness, something I really like. It was after this that I was thoroughly enjoying my system, more than ever, no matter what source I was using, CDP, tuner or Sirius (DishNetwork).
I ended up having an issue with my preamp, and long story short, Classe swapped it out for a new one. Right out of the box the new one seemed to pick right up where the other left off, but that was short lived and I found I wasn't enjoying my system nearly as much as I was; I had run it 24 hours a day for a week. After about a week it came to me that I should try running the preamp 24 hours a day for another week; this resolved the issue and I am very pleased once again.
You "won" the race hands down, "this year"! Maybe another go?
I was using the tuner a lot and couldn't believe I didn't get one years before, but since DishNetwork added Sirius satellite radio, I spend a lot of time listening to that.
Sound quality can depend, if you have a station that plays uncompressed you will be quite surprised, otherwise you will enjoy the tuner differently than your CDP, and that is simply using your system when you normally wouldn't.
System edited: A few little changes. A Luxman T-117 replaced the Kenwood KT-917 tuner and I sold an Audience Au24 interconnect (RCA) and purchased a Virtual Dynamics David IC, this will be used on the tuner. I found out something interesting in my system today, the Classe gear has wonderful LCD touch screens with a lot of great information; I haven't went through every screen within the menus and today I found that selecting the Status menu option gives some interesting info, including the current temporature of the unit and the voltage, you can watch the voltage fluctuate, not that it does very much. Much more info too, like the serial number, the version of the software, build date and more. Anyway, I thought it was neat to see.
Hey Tim, I was 'afraid' you'd see my changes. For challenging that I wouldn't be changing anything much this year, the mis-matched tuner is one of the only few remaining items! Thanks for bringing the tuner to my attention, I had finally convinced myself it looks good with the rest!
Thanks Gunbei. I did get to do some comparisons to my old gear, though not as indepth as I may of liked. Let me note that this gear was essentially new, and although I ran it non stop for days to break in, I am sure things settle in even more as time passes; not to mention it wasn't just one piece going through break in but three plus speaker wire.
The EMC-1UP was more open but the Classe imaged better and seemed to have a better focus on things. I compared these the least amount of time and admit it would of been interesting to have spent more time.
The Synergy IIi had some better resolution but the Classe had better PRaT, to me, and it always had me having fun with the music.
The amps were so close that I have nothing to say. If I spent more time with them after things settle in it might of given me more to say.
As a whole I really enjoy listening to the Classe gear, being under the B&W umbrella doesn't hurt. I also like having a fully matched system, it looks nice; using this gear is also a treat, well thought out IMO, except the volume via the remote, way to slow! Adding input selection buttons for the preamp on the CDP remote would be nice too as it already has volume.
I don't have much to say about the speaker cables, they ironically showed up the same exact day. I did use the Audio Tekne wire the first 24 hours, the system was ok, break in did improve things nicely; anyway, after 24 hours we inserted the Virtual Dynamic wire and the system went from ok to sounding great and the VD wire was straight out of the box. A week or so later I did insert the Audio Tekne wire back in when I hooked up the Pass for a compare and immediatlety it wasn't getting it done, 3 songs later the VD went back in. I will post back if I get it all wired with VD David.
System edited: Mass changes to my system, most actually unplanned. Anyway, I replaced: Pass X150.5 with Classe CA-2200 Jeff Rowland Synergy IIi with Classe CP-500 Electrocompaniet EMC-1UP with Classe CDP-100 Audio Tekne speaker wire with Virtual Dynamics David All the Classe Audio gear is from the new Delta Series. I am really enjoying this setup a lot and as one would expect, it all works very well together. As for looks, I have gotten more comments about this gear than anything I've owned, all positive. The touch screens are great to use and very well designed, they give a lot of information at a glance and have imbedded menus that are so simple to use. The VD David cables came the same day as all the other gear, so I didn't get much of a compare, but the little I did it took only seconds to prefer the VD, even right out of the box. My goal will be to replace all my cables with VD David. I have no complaints with the Audience cables, in fact I still highly recommend them, but I want uniform wire throughout my system.
Believe it or not, being that I have been busy with other things, I can't remember what all I prefered about the Sysnergy IIi over the X2.5. There was no doubt that I prefered the JR but the two were not miles apart. If I try and recall, it seems the JR has better definition, opens things up more and smoother. Sorry I can't be exact.
Sorry for the delayed response, I was on vacation. I need to say right up front that the system that I am using with the S805's isn't the same as when I was using the N803's. With that said, some of the qualities I believe the S805's posses over the N803's is their transparency, they are very detailed and very true to source--they will lay things bare and be revealing. No surprise, but the N803's go lower.
System edited: I just added some power cords to my system, very nice.
I purchased a Virtual Dynamics David for my CD player; I then purchased two Audience powerChords and I did a direct compare of a Audience and VD on my CD player, the VD was easily the better of the two, better in every way.
I placed the two Audience PC's on the amp and preamp and this was a nice addition as well.
The addition of aftermarket PC's has been a great blessing to my listening enjoyment, and an eye opener.
Hi John, it's still here! Sorry I didn't get back. I am pleased with the Pass gear. The Pass gear is a far better match for the Reynauds than the Rowland was.
The X2.5, like other Pass gear, is a bit industrial looking but I like the look of it and the quality of materials, fit and finish, etc. is equivalent with the best of them, as you'd expect. I didn't like the four button menu driven setup at first, but once you use it a couple days you get the hang of it and it is no big deal.
Hi Nrchy, when I switched to the Reynaud speakers, the Concentra II I was using didn't match well with them, I was looking for something livelier and Pass was the direction I went. I did have the X150.5 connected to the C-II for a couple days, using the C-II as a pre, and this was very nice indeed and the direction I was looking to go. I just received the X2.5 so I can't say much on its performance until it breaks in further.
The Pass gear is better looking in person than pictures on their site and the build quality is at the highest level, as you'd expect.
I am not thrilled with the X2.5's menu driven operation, but I knew I'd feel that way before I received it.
I have had the amp for more than a week before the pre and I am VERY pleased with it. Choosing the X2.5 was simply that it should be a perfect match and from what I read was what I was looking for.
LOL Tim, we'll see who buys less by years end; not that it's fair, you did quite well on purchases last year, not that I didn't. (I do believe you are getting to, if not there, that point where you are satisfied, at least for awhile.)
Thanks Gunbei. I do admit though that, like Tim, I'd like to settle down and enjoy, not that I haven't enjoyed everything.
I now have all Audience Au24 IC's as well. More on this when I correctly disply my (now) current system, you all got ahead of me.
Now I have to go through that breaking in period, poor me (wink).
Who is "we"? LOL Ok, I found the Rowland did not go well with the newly added Reynauds, great with the B&W's though. I was going to wait until I could get pictures up, and listen to the new gear, but I have purchased a Pass X150.5 and X2.5, I just received the X2.5 today and do not have it connected yet. I did connect the X150.5 to the Rowland, using the Rowland as a pre and I was quite pleased with what I heard.
Holz, my walls are (solid) logs, but how it compares to others I haven't a clue because I have never had this gear in another room. I do believe that my room has short-comings as do other rooms.
Hi Nrchy, right now it is a tie, as the system is in a state of change again! I will probably start a new 'system' post when changes are in place, hopefully today, and pictures are taken.
I much prefer the blinds open, which over looks the front of my property and over to the farm across the road, but the digital camera has a hard time getting a good picture with the blinds open.
Yes, the Kenwood is quite big, especially compared to a Yamaha T-2, but I really like the looks of the Kenwood. The Kenwood has also had an IEC jack added and the output jacks have been replaced with gold plated jacks.
Audio Tekne cables are good indeed. Before I had them I used LAT Intl's SS-1000 D Bi-wire and I had Cardas Golden Cross for a very short time. The AT were clearly better, in my system, to the LAT in every area. The bass of the Cardas was way to warm in my system but it had a better top end than the LAT.
A friend brought over Acoustic Zen Satori and the Tekne was clearly better in my system.
System edited: It seems relisting in Ever Evolving was accurate.
I have swapped out the AZ Silver Ref. II for the Audience Au24, obviously prefering the Au24. The Au24 had tighter bass and better separation, to name a couple things...I didn't find the Au24 inferior in any area, just the opposite.
I am now using the Kenwood KT-917 tuner and I am amazed at its performance. If you could see my history on tuner discussions on A-gon, you would see me being very pro FM after purchasing the Fanfare FT-1A several years ago; I later went to a vintage Yamaha T-2. I wasn't planning the purchase of the Kenwood, it 'sort of' happened, thank you Lord. At any rate, the Kenwood FAR surpasses any tuner I have had in my system.
Yea, as much as say we are done we still manage to change. As for turning me to the JMR's, it was actually a joint effort, I was investigating them and then Phil bought a set of Trentes.
You didn't "miss it" before, I just recently got the all silver EMC, this wasn't intentional, that is another story, but like you I am very pleased with it as it matches the Rowland; this has some to do with why I am replacing my tuner, the Pioneer is silver.
System edited: Replaced the B&W N803's with Jean Marie Reynaud Concordes; I sold the Yamhga T-2 tuner and I am replacing it with a Pioneer TX-9100 with Don Scott mods, I will post pictures when I receive it; I now have an all silver Electro.
