Description

It's taken quite awhile to get to this point... one which I feel is a synergy that is and will be giving long term MUSICAL satisfaction.

Unfortunately there is no "one way" to get that synergy. The best advice out there (obvious but not always followed)... absolutely, positively, one must audition equipment before spending a single cent.

The Escalante Fremont's are new and beyond expectation. First heard them at CES '06. I listened and compared every day I was at the show. Did 6 more months of listening and comparing, then I decided to purchase them.
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Components Toggle details

    • Einstein The Last Record Player
    Replaced tubes with Falcon labled Siemens.
    • Art Audio dm-vps (balanced version)
    A match made in Heaven with the Claytons... or at least until the Clayton pre becomes available.
    • Clayton Audio M-200's
    200 watts of SS Class A love...
    • Jorma Design No. 2
    Copper cables with the natural organic warmth one would expect and the added bonus of refined, fatigue free hi-resolution.
    • Marten Design Birds
    89db @ 6ohms. The diamond tweeter is a revelation.
    • Purist Audio Designs and Isoclean.. Auditioning all models of both.
    Purist to the line conditioner and amplifiers, Isoclean everywhere else.
    • Isoclean Model 80A3
    I'm in a condo complex with 183 other units. Line conditioning is an absolute necessity. The Isoclean has given me what I've been searching for... finally.
    • Finite Elemente Pagode
    Set it and forget it. Easy to adjust the heighth of each shelf. Fit and finish is top-notch.
    • Isoclean fuses and outlets
    These 2 accessories build upon what the line conditioner does so well. The music flows with a natural organic quality that is quite beguiling, BUT never euphonic or slow. Nothing about the music is sacrificed to create an absolutely fatigue-free sound.

Comments 28

Showing all comments by branimir.

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Bob, I am sorry but, I will add some comments here...
First, I was also in Munich and I also found Bird to be not so good sounding in Einstein Audio room(BTW, Einstein is Marten distributor for Germany). Isophon Arabba was indeed better sounding but, far from excellent IMHO. Mid bass was overblown IMO and Arabba should really go deeper in bass for its price. Ispohon Arabba(with Diamond tweeter) price is 33K Euro in EU and $50K in USA so, it is not in the same price class as Marten Bird...
So, all in all I do not agree with Schwinnindia regarding Isophon Arabba's. For example new Sonics Spirit sounded much better IMHO then Arabba's. And would any of us pay $50K for a speaker that is not capable to reach till say 25hz(-3db) in room? I would not and this is the reason that I excluded Coltrane from my list(but, it is pretty good speaker).
I asked Bob to compare Fremont and Bird bacause I do not belive in presentation at Munich Show. I heard that Bird is in fact better then Coltrane in some regards...

Oh, just as a info for me the best speaker that I audition is Avalon Isis, with Krell LAT-1000 close second...

branimir

Excellent system!
BTW, I have few questions for you if possible...
1. Your description of sonic difference between Escalante Fremont's and Marten Bird's. Both are on my short list as possible replacement for my Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario's...
2. How big is your room? How far is your listening seat from speakers(usually-tweeters)?
3. Size of sweet spot on both Fremont and Bird?
Thanks in advance!

branimir