It is not very often that one has the opportunity to experience a world-class musical reproduction. I had just such an opportunity last Saturday as I visited John to listen to his system. John has assembled a system that truly reaches far beyond simply connecting top quality components together. What I heard was stunning, to say the least—completely engaging and pristine! Clarity, detail, staging, presence, immediacy, speed, depth, dynamic…the level of sonic accuracy and musicality was unlike I’ve ever experienced. And I have heard systems costing more than three times that of John’s. Impressive? You bet, especially considering John’s newly remodeled listening room is not even completed yet. Not only that, but the brand new Legacy Focus HD speakers were not even two weeks old; John had yet to locate the optimum placement. Once he accomplishes that, the only shortcoming I noticed would be addressed. As I heard it, on that day, the bass was a bit boomy and could have been a touch tighter and fuller. The bass was good, just not great. Now, the midrange and upper frequencies, on the other hand, were world class. The level of performance I experienced wasn’t the product of a $30k amp, or $100k speakers, or…well, you get the idea. I’ve heard them before, this, in my opinion, was better. So, it is obvious to me at least, that John has been able to solve the challenges we all encounter in the playback of recorded music. He’s been able to take a system beyond the sum of its parts in creating a sense of atmosphere and sonic engagement. What made the reproduced music so believable? Every component was top notch, but not necessarily the “best”. They are even modest when compared to the cost of some. It became obvious to me that John understands something about the reproduction of music that most don’t. At least those I’ve come in contact with. What made the difference? How was such a superior sound reproduced by something less than the “best” components? John tells me that the key is line conditioning and vibration control. From what I heard, I’d have to say, he’s right. His system simply sounded better than it should have. He has something right…very right. His rack system is indeed a work of art. The best part is how artfully the music is brought to life.

Anybody living in the greater Portland, Oregon area owes it to themselves and their pocket to check out John’s system before they spend another cent on stereo equipment. I’ll even go one step further. If you are anywhere in the Pacific Northwest (or plan to be), you’d be money ahead to hear the results of John’s efforts. But then, I just might be out in left field, you’ll have to find out for yourself.

John, thanks for an incredible experience. I look forward to implementing some of your ideas to achieve the most from my own system.

Robert Stanley

rstan May 11, 2007 13:06