System edited: Just added a photo snapped this morning from across the street... it is moving along- just not as fast as I wish it would be. Thus far, the lot has been cleared, the basement excavated, the footers poured, the basement walls poured, basement plumbing installed, introductory grading has been done. We are currently awaiting the inspection of the plumbing in the basement (I believe) before they can pour the slab. The builder is stating framing should begin shortly thereafter.

audiofankj May 22, 2005 00:13

Hello Art -

Would you believe me if I told you I am in love with my iPod and am leaning toward selling my complete system? Well don't. As much as I love/loved the iPod - even with the Grado 325 headphones, there is just no comparison. I may not respond as quickly on here as I am trying not to dwell on everything boxed up... :) Also, the wife and I don't care to spend much time in the apartment, thus we are off looking at the lot to check up on the progress of construction and stuff. I am hanging in there and am looking forward to the new room when we are finally there!

Hello Ken -

Great to hear from you! Yeah, I will most likely have to stop by soon. As I mentioned above to Art, I am trying to put the system and such in the back of my mind for now. I am not certain if listening to your system would be therapeutic or not! I may miss it even more! However, I was planning on giving you a call this week as I think the Atlanta record show is this Sunday... may have to go in search of new vinyl. Speaking of vinyl, perhaps we will have to get together... maybe see how my table and phono stage sound in your system? :) LoL - just going to come here and await its new home for another 5 months or so at this point... would definately be more than happy to consult with the CCa tubes as well - although you know your ears are damn good! Talk with you soon.

audiofankj May 17, 2005 21:26

Hey Neighbor! Your always welcome to stop over for a music fix should you get too far in withdrawl. Your alot closer now at least temporarily, Im sure you probably wish you just had more time to catch your breath with all thats going on. I need your input soon on the CCa tubes in the PH3SE too! Just give a shout! :) Ken

kehut May 12, 2005 16:05

Kirk - How you holding up with your rig in storage? Hopefully you're using this as a reason to get out and listen to more LIVE music. Hang in there- good thing coming doen the pike in that new room.

artg May 12, 2005 00:51

Our H2O sigs review is up at 6Moons.

muralman1 April 21, 2005 23:45

Lew4-

Yes, I spoke with Pat McGinty and described my personal dislike for "light" woods... in my mind I really don't care how rare a certain light ash finish is... I don't want a speaker that looks similar to plywood, etc.

There was a pair of Blue Heron 2's on his website picture of the month or week section that had stated it was "slightly darkened"... so I asked Pat about it, and he said he felt it gave it a "warmer" feel/look to it. As most of the other woods in the room are Mahogany or a darker stain I opted to go that direction. I personally love how they turned out. Pat is more of a "purist" with his woods, he would prefer to just laquer them to allow the natural beauty show through. I can appreciate it, however curly maple won't fly with the decor or my better half... :)

audiofankj April 21, 2005 13:05

Audiofankj In your desciption of the BH2 you said the entire speaker was stained for warmth. The staining was done by Meadowlark..wasn't it.

lew4 April 19, 2005 14:32

Art - Just keep me posted when you are headed in this direction... I look forward to enjoying some tunes together.

Nick - Thanks. I have tried plenty of equipment (not nearly as much as some, and quite a bit more than most I would think) and have come to realize, in my mind much more emphasis needs to be placed on system matching than some do. Many pieces of audio geat *can* sound *phenominal* paired with the correct supporting cast of gear. That same piece paired with similar gear that say all have a tendency to spotlight a given weakness will sound poor. This site is a great site with some very knowledgable people that are kind giving advice of their experiences. Listen closely and keep in mind what they had it paired with to help give you an idea if you are looking for a new item... then if at all possible, try to audition it, in your own system is always best, but not always feasible.

Howard - No worries :) Just making sure I didn't sound like an ass. Yeah, I am eagerly awaiting the new house and room... not the mortgage payment tho. :/ Hope rates stabilize a bit.

Vince - You trying to get my system thread to 1,000 responses? :) Yeah, I read that about the Meadowlark situation. I had a gut feeling about it, as I vented a day or two before that newspaper article right here in my system thread... The blurb about Von Schweikert however was from years ago... I am quite sure they are sound as of this time. I too am sad to see the situation with Meadowlark - only time will tell what will truly happen. I have heard some odd unsubstantiated rumors that I will chose not to repeat here. If they are true however, we would be seeing more Meadowlark speakers down the road...

Dlwask - Yeah, I too think that blurb about Von Schweikert was from years ago. They seem to be quite fine now, hope it remains that way!

audiofankj April 12, 2005 00:05

I read the link and its unfortunate about Meadowlark. But I must clarify that the Von Schweikert reference is an old one. I doubt Von Schweikert is in any financial troubles at this time.

dlwask April 11, 2005 17:15

My link isn't working. Go to Audio Circles and see, "Sad news."

muralman1 April 11, 2005 12:39

Hey Kirk, and other Meadowlark fans. There is bad news.

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?p=160438#160438&sid=63ee92ab69013402c262436c5d98da15

Another respected speaker company, Von Schweikert, is also in trouble.

muralman1 April 11, 2005 11:51

M too - just funnin- couldn't resist :D

muralman1 April 10, 2005 15:38

Kirk,
I didn't get wise-ass out of your comment, not at all. It looks like when your home is finished, you will be in an incredible setting. Serene...except when you crank the tunes, right?

boa2 April 10, 2005 13:52

Hello Audiofankj,

I think your choices make a lot of sense. I bet everything works very well together.

Happy listening,
Nick

nickway April 10, 2005 03:09

Kirk - I will be in your neck of the woods one of these days, and when I am , I would LOVE to check out your awsome rig... Until that day, it's awfully fun to watch it develop!

artg April 10, 2005 00:49

Hey Vince & Howard - Yeah, spacious and airy for certain at this point... The intent wasn't meant to seem like a wise ass, but I will try to update that pic periodically as changes are made to the lot... that mound will be leveled out soon and they should hopefully start the basement soon...

audiofankj April 10, 2005 00:29

Great photo, Kirk. Spacious and airy are the first words that come to mind. Are they covering the mound in the back to make a plinth for a stack of H20's? Let me know when I can buy a ticket for that show!

boa2 April 09, 2005 15:47

Nice listening room. One thing is for sure, Kirk, you won't need room correction. ;)

muralman1 April 09, 2005 12:33

System edited: LoL - Great idea, Howard! I posted a pic of the "new listening room" as of Wednesday evening...

audiofankj April 09, 2005 01:21

You'll definitely have to post photos of your dedicated room as it progresses, Kirk. What a fun project!

boa2 April 09, 2005 00:40

Lew4 - The Blue Heron 2's are absolutely amazing. I am really overly pleased with them. I do feel they will benefit in a larger room than I have my system stuffed into currently... however the break in took forever. Both figuratively and literally! What does bother me is whatever is going on at Meadowlark Audio they can't seem to have the honesty/integrity/balls to post on their site, and or set an automated reply to emails or voice mails. I have a couple of friends that were interested in purchase of some of their speakers and emails and calls go un returned. It is frustrating to me personally as Pat has always been helpful and extremely knowledgeable about amplifier interaction and such - I am sure he still is. As we all need a vacation, I support their stated, "winter break" or at least their message said that for a few weeks. However, their "winter break" has gone into and almost through spring and almost practically in summer soon! It frustrates me to see such a spectacular company potentially damage their reputation by not just returning calls and emails and such. So much for customer service, eh? As for the Blue Heron 2's - absolutely fabulous, now if there is a warranty issue, I am certain I would be steamed with no return calls and emails. I am *not* just bashing from hearsay... after I had been told of this situation, I have personally sent emails and left messages. I will take it a bit further, for someone to outlay the cash on speakers in this price range (even the Kestral 2's at a couple grand!) is just ridiculous to not have any manufacturer correspondence/support for two months! I hope whatever is going on with the "winter hiatus" comes to a satisfied and fullfilling end soon, so Pat can relax and start brainstorming his next revision... :) If you do get a chance to hear the Blue Heron 2's make certain they have at least 1,500 hours of good play time on them! No joke - even the reviewer had Pat pound the BH2's for over 2,000 hours prior to shipping him the review pair. I don't recall the review, it was by Wayne Donnelly and is linked on the Meadowlark Audio site. My apologies to those who feel I am being too hard on Meadowlark Audio. I do love the speakers, and the company. I also have the reality of having to bust one's backside and save for years for the price of admission for a said speaker they produce shouldn't be "rewarded" with this situation after the cash outlay... Time will tell, I hope I am proven the ass in this situation as I would rather have Pat and his speakers here in the audio world than for my "bitter" attitude as of late toward them due to them going out of business or the like. Honestly would love to see Meadowlark Audio not only be back on line, but with a new model or two soon! Lol - it really isn't that obvious it has been a bad day here, eh?

Vince - What a small world! Howard has been a pleasure to converse with via email and always helpful to offer his insight. As for my room... I am looking forward to it while at the same time dreading the packing and transport of all the gear (and beds, couches, etc.) to the new house. Heh, we may even be "lucky" enough to move it from our home now to an apartment and then to the new house under construction if this one sells fast. Nothing like moving twice in 6 months if that happens, eh?

audiofankj April 08, 2005 22:12

Kirk, I love reading your journey.

BTW you got my listening room specs off a foot here and there. The coffered ceiling, and length of room measurement are spot on, but the ceiling is 10' and the room width 17' - :D

BTW (2) Howard lives around the corner from me.

Vince

muralman1 April 08, 2005 13:29

Kirk
How are the Blue Heron 2s comeing along, how are you feeling about them now

lew4 April 08, 2005 11:58

Islandear - I am currently running the Capitole Mk II SE through my First Sound preamp. I will continue to run the system this way until the cd player is totally broken in. Then I may try it direct to the amps. The sound is very engaging, liquid, and connects emotionally at this point. I am not certain I want to make a change. Every few days of play the AA seems to become a bit more refined in presentation and soundstaging and the dynamics more and more open with greater prowess as time is put on the unit. The SE upgraded caps are said to take a very long time to break in fully.

Howard - thanks for the kind words! It is always a pleasure sharing thoughts and experiences, thank you for your help with input and guidance! It is much appreciated!

Art - Yes, that would be the plan. I will do so. For those that say the AA Capitole Mk II SE out of the box will sound better than the EMC-1UP SE w/ spider are wrong. It doesn't. There was a bit of buyers remorse. Don't get me wrong the sound was good, but the entire presentation of the player is what makes the overall sonic landscape and the new out of the box AA was lacking overall dynamics and liquidity. It took a good two weeks or so to finally begin to gain the liquidity and fluid movement of the music being played. It has continued to improve with macro and micro dynamics from there. As of this afternoon the player just logged 500 hours of play time. Even though it may be 90-95% broken in, I will reserve final judgement for another month or so, as these upgraded caps are said to continue to improve over 1,500 to 1,800 hours. I would have not beleived it execpt I had gone through significant changes with my H2o Sig. Monos close to the 1,000 hour play time mark, and that was mostly due to the capacitors, as well as a good month or so for the First Sound preamp, again the capacitors... I will post my personal comparisons between the EMC-1UP and the AA Capitole Mk II SE down the road. I can tell you at this time the AA has clearly surpassed the performance of the EMC-1UP, however it SHOULD as it is nearly 4K more retail. I will tell you this, in retrospect the EMC-1UP seemed to have an "electronic signature" in certain regards. NOW before anyone says anything, let me be the first to tell you if you asked me two months ago, I would have vehemently argued the EMC-1UP was very emotional, analog and in no way electronic sounding. Again, now after hearing the AA Capitole Mk II SE in my system I can definately say the EMC-1UP is very good, however it has more of an overall warm tone to make the analog presentation. The bass seems to be a bit slighly overexaggerated in my opinion, or at least in my system as well on the EMC-1UP. I thought I may lose some bass with the AA, but not the case, at this point there is just as much if not a bit more macrodynamics, however the bass is more textured and articulate. My comment about the EMC-1UP being somewhat "electronic" is very obvious to me in hindsight - especially listening to just about any piano recording. There was an ever so slight, yet present "electronic" quality or over/under tone to the piano reproduction. Again, it is not fair to compare the two players as they are different price points, however I am noting my audible perceptions of the two. On some poor recordings the EMC-1UP was more forgiving, as it did a slight "warming" to the recording and didn't reveal the detail of imperfections as much. However, on good recordings that is where the AA takes the performance up a notch. Wow, how do I put this into words... Listening to Holly Cole's Temptation (not a great recording, not overly bad) the other night and with the AA I got the impression of the chestiness, the ever so slight raspiness of the vocals in the throat on passages, the breathiness, and slight inhale here and there, yet it wasn't the detail that was perceptible, but the overall subtle cues that were present that you hear when live that really transformed the listening into seeming MUCH more lifelike, than in the past when it was just a beautiful voice pinpointed on the soundstage eminating out of midair. What I am trying to say is it isn't necessarily the detail that you are hearing, but it is the subtlety of the detail that connects and interweaves into the music that makes it that much more realistic listening to it... More to follow in a few more weeks... but that is it as of now...

Ken - Are you kidding!? That second seat is for me to park my arse in when you stop over next, you have to tell me what you hear from last time! LoL. Well, as of this morning the new toy is still back ordered with no ETA... just wait longer, eh? I am extremely anxious to get the vinyl rig back online, however it is out of my control. We will definately have to get together sometime soon as the sound is really starting to solidify with the new player. I am still noticing improvements, however more subtle changes here and there now, so hopefully another few weeks and done.

General system comments overall - the system may have to go into boxes and be mothballed soon for a brief hiatus. The better half and I put a contract down on a new home and have ours on the market. SO - depending on if/when this house sells we may have to move to an interim appartment as our new home isn't supposed to close until the end of September or into October. As of now I am working on tweaking the basics for the dedicated listening room, which will be 15'8" x 21'9" by 9' ceiling... ceiling to be coffered, built in bookcase shelving to accomodate the vinyl are in the works, dedicated 20 amp lines, and general construction "beefing up" is underway, but other than that there is no room left for much more, as we are at the budget limit now with the house and its consumptions...

audiofankj April 07, 2005 22:33

Kirk,

Man, it was so nice of you to get that 2nd seat(for me!)Cant wait to get back over and check it all out. Keep up the nice work, and give a shout when your new toy arrives! Best-Ken

kehut April 05, 2005 21:33