Description

Audio Nirvana has arrived. Being involved in this hobby for the past 40 years proves that this is a journey and not a destination. Over these years I have had countless iterations of too many systems to mention. Over the past 15 years I have become a loyal fan of Wilson Audio speakers and have steadily moved up their production line. Four years ago I never thought it could get any better than my Wilson X-2 Alexandria series l until I heard the X-2 series ll this year. Suffice it to say the X-2 Series ll speakers were added in October of this year in Black Almondine and now occupy the center of my sound syatem. For the past 3 years I have been seriously considering a return to vinyl and was ready to make the move until I began reading about the resurgence of reel to reel tape recorders and The Tape Project. Recently I found a fully restored Studer A810 tape recorder and added it to my system as well as becoming a Charter Subscriber to The Tape Project. Needless to say I was smitten. Recently I also swapped out my much beloved Meitner digital gear for the newer Playback Designs PDS MP-S5 and have been more than happpy with that decision. Earlier this year the video side of my room underwent a complete change and installed the Sim2 C3X1080 triple chip DLP with an Isco lll anamorphic lens. This allows me to enjoy either 16 X 9 format as well as 2.35 on a CIH Stewart Firehawk G3 132 inch curved screen. When I did this I upgraded the subwoofer(s) in my room by swapping the Wilson XS for two JL Audio Gotham subs. It took the better part of four months to get these subs dialed in for my room but once done they are simply better than I could have ever imagined. As far as what the future holds in the hobby, I am in a holding pattern but I never say never.
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    • Wilson Audio X-2 Alexandria Series ll
    I am in awe of this speaker both from the way it sounds as well as the way it looks. After 3 months of anxiously awaiting, the speaker finally arrived. Color is Black Almondine with Parchment Gray grill covers. The speakers weigh in at a cool 720 lbs each and stand 2 inches taller than the X-1's I had. Simply put, I have never heard a speaker as real as this. The soundstage is huge, more open than even the X-2 series l. The ease of setup as well was amazing. It took us only 2 hours to get the speakers operational. The wonderful thing about the X-2 is that the upper modules can now be meticulously set to image at ear level. The X-1's were always imaging just a bit high. These speakers are truly Dave Wilson at the pinnacle of his game. Just when I thought my X-2 series l's put me at audio nirvana, along comes the X-2 Series ll. The best way to compare this speaker to anything else is with a big smile rather than with hyperbole. IMO this speaker has brought me to Audio Nirvana.
    • Lamm Industries ML 3 Signature
    The ML3 is a single-ended (SE) tube amplifier utilizing a very powerful direct-heated triode GM-70 (125W plate dissipation) and a separate power supply. Combining the most sophisticated technologies and electronic design with graceful looks reminiscent of the classic era of tubes, the ML3 is our top-of-the-line, no-compromise product. It is a 32-watt amplifier that operates in pure class A and utilizes no overall feedback. The topology is absolutely unique and incorporates one of the most advanced power supplies ever featured in an audio device. These factors, along with the designer’s unique vision and understanding of the underlying principles of audio electronics, make the ML3 an amplifier without peer. With the ML3 as the centerpiece of a high-end system, the recorded event is recreated in one’s listening room with astonishing verisimilitude. The listener is able to experience an ephemeral yet tangible connection to the essence of the music. These are not empty claims. Those who have listened to the ML3 firsthand have unanimously acknowledged this phenomenon and have reported it to be utterly unique in their collective experience. IMO this amp rises above all others and is the the new king of the hill. Audio Nirvana has arrived
    • Lamm Industries LL1 Signature Dual Mono Line Level
    The monaural line level preamplifier model LL1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High-End audio. Just like ML3 Signature is the best creation of its designer's professional career among the LAMM amplifiers, so is the LL1 Signature among the line level LAMM preamplifiers. The LL1 Signature has been designed to complement the ML3 Signature amplifier, and this combination in a system represents a "match made in heaven". However, the LL1 Signature will perform magic with any other appropriate power amplifier. The LL1 Signature features a topology that brings out the most natural sound performance in the audio path. In principle, it is a single-stage unit that basically represents the shortest possible signal path. The preamplifier contains four very linear low impedance triodes paralleled into a single inverting gain stage. The LL1 Signature employs a pure single-ended class A operation, with no overall feedback applied. Also featured are specially selected high-transconductance dual triodes 6N30P-DR/ 6Н30П-ДР (original) in the signal path and TKD stepped potentiometers for volume control - the best available on today's market. The preamplifier's audibly neutral power supply features a full-wave vacuum rectifier. This rectifier, together with a choke-containing filter, allows to practically get rid of the hum and buzz and, in the end, to ensure the verity of dynamic range without coloration. Two solid-state analog voltage regulators supply dc voltage to the tube filaments (heaters). Other features include 3 inputs, one tape/HT processor loop, attenuator (-12 dB) switch, output 1/output 2 switches, protection circuitry designed to enable manual muting of the output signal, and built-in remote on/off for LAMM power amplifiers. The main distinction of the LL1 Signature from any other comparable type of preamplifiers is its practically inaudible sonic signature. When connected to an appropriate type of power amplifiers, especially LAMM power amplifiers, it assures the extraordinary transparency of perceived sound and recreation of a three-dimensional soundstage in the home, recording studio, etc., without boundaries and limitations. Each preamplifier is handcrafted of the finest materials and top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, PRC wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers, CORNELL DUBILIER and UNITED CHEMI-CON electrolytic capacitors, ELECTROCUBE, ELCON and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; HAMMOND chokes, gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors, and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes. A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction. The LL1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer. The LL1 Signature works on all world AC line voltages (100/120/220/230/240V).
    • JL Audio Gotham/g213
    Gotham® Your first look will tell you that you are looking at something special… your first listen will confirm it beyond a shadow of a doubt. The beauty of the Gotham® extends well beyond its exotic design and exceptional craftsmanship, aiming right at the emotional core of musical and cinematic enjoyment. This is a subwoofer system with limits well beyond the needs of the typical home theater application, delivering a weight and integrity of reproduction that can only come from a system that is always in control. Its allure lies as much in its ability to convey subtleties as in its prodigious output capabilities. It is simply devastating. A luxurious, handcrafted gloss-black finish is complemented by machined aluminum and stainless steel accents for a look and feel that fits perfectly with the finest home furnishings. More importantly, the beautiful cabinet houses a pair of JL Audio’s highest-technology subwoofer drivers. When demanded by program material, the Gotham’s amplifier can deliver voltage equivalent to 3,800 watts of RMS power to take full advantage of the twin drivers’ four inches of peak-to-peak excursion capability. This ensures that the Gotham™ can breeze through material that makes other subwoofers go into clipping, limiting or distress. Listening to a Gotham® reveals an entirely new dimension of subwoofer performance... a dimension so satisfying that listening to lesser subwoofers will forever become an act of compromise. Available Models: g213 (click for specs and feature list) Model: g213-GLOSS SKU: 96237 Cabinet Finish: High-Gloss Black
    • Playback Designs System MS5
    I just never thought that I would sell my Meitner gear because for years IMO it was the leader of the pack. Not so fast any more as along came the PDS MS-5 which creates music as close to vinyl as the real thing
    • Studer Reel To Reel A-810
    A fully refurbished state of the art Studio reel to reel
    • Krell Theater Amplifier Standard
    This is used to drive my center channel, surround channels and rear channel. I use it only for home theater however when Krell releases their SACD standard in May, I will delve into multichannel audio. I continue to use a Krell FPB-750 mcX for my Wilson XS subwoofer. I use 6.1 and not 7.1 in my room
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Center Channel
    I have used many center channel speakers but have found this one to outperform anything that I have previously owned. I use it with its accompanying speaker stand centered right under my screen. Recently upgraded this center channel to Black Almondine to match my new X-2 series ll speakers
    • Wilson Audio WATCH Surround (left and right)
    A perfect compliment for my Wilson X-1/XS speakers.
    • Nordost Valhalla
    I use this in my front end. An unbelievably transparent interconnect. I was using Tara Labs The Zero which was magnificent but I feel the Valhalla is a notch above even though The Zero was priced at $12,500 for a 2 meter pair of balanced cables
    • Wilson Audio WATCH rear
    I decided on only 6.1 rather than 7.1 and am very impressed with this speaker in my home theater
    • Sim2 Triple Chip DLP Projector C3X 1080
    For those following the buzz on the internet this is the latest triple chip DLP from Sim that has a picture unequaled for projectors of this price and size
    • Isco 2.35 Anamorphic Lens Model lll
    Anamorphic 2.35 lens for Sim 2 projector
    • Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk G3 CineV 130
    A CIH screen with native 2.35 aspect ratio and 120 inch width. Masks to 16 x 9 as well
    • Sony BDP-S2000ES
    Sony's flagship Blu-ray Disc™ player, with astounding audio enhancements and vibration-reduction that deliver phenomenal results in a rock-solid design
    • Lexicon MC12B-HD v 1.2
    Most impressive about the MC-12 HD is its extensive custom processing capabilities. Four 32-bit floating-point DSP engines provide vast resources for such proprietary features as Logic 7, Auto Azimuth correction, five-speaker enhancement, bass enhancement, and dialog enhancement. Lexicon?s bass management system, digital crossovers and tone controls are also powered by these DSP engines. This processing is performed at sample rates up to 96kHz with 24-bit resolution to retain top performance from all input sources. A fifth DSP engine is dedicated to decoding Dolby Digital and DTS sources. Inside and out, the MC-12 HD is designed to accommodate potential hardware and software advancements with internal expansion, a removable rear panel access plate, and two RS-232 connectors.
    • Nordost Valhalla AES/EBU
    A digital cable with XLR (balanced)terminations. Used to connect the Krell kps25sc to the EMM Labs DAC 6
    • Nordost Valhalla
    Simply the best and most transparent cable I have ever used. I sold my Tara Labs The Omega for these cables. As great as the Omega was, I find there is no comparison with the Valhalla
    • Nordost Valhalla
    20 amp IEC power cables (one pair) used for my Audio Research Refernce 600 Mark lll mono amps. This resulted in immediate improvement in bass as well as producing a somewhat more dynamic sound.
    • Tara Labs RSC Gen 2
    Used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs RSC Air One
    5 pair of balanced cables used in my home theater
    • Tara Labs The One
    I have 2 of these in my front end. They made a big difference
    • Absolute Power Line Purifier
    Used in my home theater side. A very solid work horse
    • Aurios Pro MIb
    Decouplers. An absolute must in any system. I use these under my Krell kps25sc and Audio Research Reference ll Mark ll. I have also found dramatic improvement in my bass when used under my Wilson X-1 Grand Slamm speakers. These are sold exclusively at http://www.audionut.com Ask for Bob Williams. he will give you all of the theory behind this tweak.You can reach him at 1-877-944-5505
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Tube Traps
    The single best tweak to my room was to have ASC design room modifications (tube traps)according to the size of my room with the type of gear used. I have a total of 38 tube traps in the room in all sizes, varying from Super trap 20's, Super trap 16's and trap 13's, 11's and 9's. I did this in stages according to the plans provided by ASC and once finished I had a true 2C3D room. The walls are virtually invisible.
    • Acoustic Sciences Corporation Sound Planks
    Also part of the design rendered for my room by ASC. These sit at the front wall and have vastly improved the sound in the room.
    • Billy Bags AV Pro
    This is used for my home theater equiment
    • Billy Bags CD/DVD Stand
    Designrd specifically for my room I am able to store over 1000 CD's and/or DVD's
    • Zoethecus component stands Z.2/R (2 in all)
    Great looking, good support and excellent isolation
    • Zoethecus amp stands (3 in all) Z.block/1d
    Great looking with super isolation
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer X-10v3
    high input impedance allowing me to drive my new JL Gotham subs without compromising my Audio Research Reference 3 preamp
    • Musical Fidelity Tube Output Buffer Power Supply
    Optional separate power supply for tube buffer which helps bass response from Gotham Subs
    • Transparent Reference (RSE) Interconnect
    20 foot pair from Tube Buffer Output to Gotham subs and one meter pair from ARC Ref3 to Tube Output Buffer
    • See Other Web site For More Details And Pictures
    [URL]http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?10535-Doctor-s-Orders-Part-Two-The-New-Listening-Room-Of-Steve-Williams&p=191656&viewfull=1#post191656[/URL]

Comments 1014

Oneobgyn, good story ... you are one DEDICATED audiophile.

I worked in So. Cal shortly after college in Redondo Beach area and I can see reasons moving back. The 5+ years was one of the BEST times except for the traffic. LOL!!!

knghifi

I had the pleasure of listening to this room and system yesterday. A quieter and more accurate room one could not ask for. Great room. The Wilson's and the Lamm's are a great combo. Congratulations. Superb sounding system.

daveyf

Owner
System edited: System edit Update photo of new room

oneobgyn

Owner
I intend on auditioning the new V2 cables

BTW, to all interested, I have moved back to southern California one year ago and after 8 months of my system sitting in crates in one of my garages I have finally built out my new room

Please have a look for all the particulars of the build and photos taken along the way

http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showthread.php?10535-Doctor-s-Orders-Part-Two-The-New-Listening-Room-Of-Steve-Williams&p=191656&viewfull=1#post191656

oneobgyn

....except that now Nordost is about to release Valhalla V2... wonder how these bad boys would compare to V1 :-)

adg243

I agree with you that the Valhallas are amazing set of cables.

adg243

Owner
Indeed I still use Valhalla and am quite happy with it.

Thanks for your comments

oneobgyn

Hi Oneobgyn,

Marvelous system...

Do you still keep your Nordost Valhalla up till today? It's almost a decade and just wondering...

adg243

Hi Oneobgyn,

Marvelous system...

Do you still keep your Nordost Valhalla up till today? It's almost a decade and just wondering...

adg243

Hi Oneobgyn,

Interesting...i cross my X1s over at 41hz with a very steep curve...48db rolloff. Interesting to be in such a right range. I think the local ditributor has set someone else's X2s up with a similar crossover level to ours.

lloydelee21

Hi Steve
That is great news you coming to NZ, please phone me or email me before you arrive, I look forward to meeting you.

Thanks for the crossover points on the Gotham subwoofers.

jasonparmenter

Owner
Hi Jason

We have chatted several times over the years.

FWIW, I will be in Australia and NZ in December so possibly I can get to your store

As for running the X-2's full range with the ML3 and using the Gothams to reinforce the bottom end, I wouldn't do it any other way.

FWIW, I cross the Gotham's at 43 Hz

oneobgyn

Owner
Hi Jon

I am just seeing this now as I hang out typically at my forum
wwwwhatsbestforum.com.

I have deliberately remained mum on the ML3LL1 Signature Series with my Wilson X-2 ll's as I am afraid that I would get carried away with all of the typical hyperbole.

Simply put, at 32 wpc Class A this is the finest amp I have ever owned.What's remarkable is the sound produced with the Wilson speakers. For my ears it is a match made in heaven as the music IMO is beyond equal.

Does it drive the X-2's...with aplomb. I have driven the speakers to near ear bleeding SPL and never had the amps clip

The LL1 with the ML3 creates even more magic. What's important to remember is that the LL1 is an inverting preamp and you must remember to reverse the polarity of your speaker cables from the preamp to the speakers.

I can also say in all candor that the reason I have posted so little here is that with the addition of these electronics I have absolutely no desire whatsoever to change my system other than my typical annual rant that I remain interested in getting back into vinyl.

Short of that how does one spell "Audio Nirvana" :)

oneobgyn

Hi Steve
I would really like to hear your audio system one day if possible, the Lamm ML 3 amplifiers and Wilson loudspeaker would make a wonderful combination.
I also really like that your speakers do not have active bass units so the bass gets the full tonal quality of the Lamm ML3 signal with out contamination.
So many speakers use digital amplifiers to drive their bass units these days, I always think less is more and for my taste a loudspeaker with passive bass drivers driven by the same amplifiers as your midrange and treble drivers offer the most seamless integration and tonal qualities. Steve If you are ever in NZ please contact me it would be nice to meet and to share some music with you.

jasonparmenter

Oneobgyn,

are you still loving the ML3, LL1 combo? i am might be auditioning them soon.

do they drive the Alexandria's with ease?

thanks!

jon_p

Thanks...will remember when i get a chance to hear them.

lloydelee21

Owner
That's correct. The ML3 does NOT invert

oneobgyn

Hi Steve...that's interesting. CJ preamps also invert...but so do their amps...which means when using both a CJ pre and a CJ amp, you don't need to invert the speaker cables. IOW, ML3 does not invert?

lloydelee21

Owner
Assen

if you have a chance to audition the LL1 with the ML3 remember that it is an "inverting" preamp. As a result make certain that either you or your dealer switch the polarity on your speaker cables as they come out of the amp.

oneobgyn

Thanks, STeve and Unoear,

LL1 and LL3 sound amazing...look forward to hearing them both someday...preferably with the Big Wilsons.

lloydelee21

...I forgot to mention my Lammie dealer disclosure, among others :)

However, Steve was my inspiration to jump into the LL1 preamplifier...as usual his advice is well researched and, of course, spot on! My ear agrees, thanks Steve!

unoear

Owner
There is also some hope and speculation that Vlad might highlight his much anticipated Signature Phono stage that will finish off his Signature Series.

oneobgyn

Owner
FWIW, Vladimir designed the LL1 Signature preamp to go with his ML3 Signature amp. It is a revelation to hear, so much so that you quickly forget that the preamp (as do all Lamm preamps) lacks a remote. In spite of this shortcoming the musical event for my ears is about as real as it gets and even though there are likely other worthy preamp contenders there is something magical about these components played through Wilson speakers

oneobgyn

I will have to agree with Steve, the Lamm LL1/ML3 combo is the best that I have ever heard in my room. I have had the full Shindo system (Petrvs, WE300b, 301, WE755 Latours) in the same room. However, this is a very subjective hobby!

unoear

Owner
As I said previously, for my ears the Lamm LL1 Signature preamp used with the Lamm ML3 Signature amp is just the best sound that I have ever heard. I have no desires to change out gear as I feel my system is where I want it to be

oneobgyn

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