Before I give up on the separates all together, I've decided to try a pair of Odyssey Extreme Monos. |
Thanks for the Sound Quest suggestion, however I require at least three inputs and a tape loop, or a second pair of fixed level RCA outputs in lieu of the tape loop. |
FYI, present system consists of:
APL Denon 3910 (4 AKM DACS per channel, Lundahl output transformers, 24/192 Upsampler, H-Attenuator)
Lamm LL2 preamp with Mullard 6X4 and 12AU7, and Siemens CCa
VAC Phi 110/110 stereo amplifier w/ Sylvania 6NS7 GTA "Chrome Top" driver tubes
Von Schweikert VR4 Gen III HSE loudspeakers
MAS Signature Hybrid speaker cable
Purist Audio Aqueous Anniversary Contego RCA interconnects (CD>Pre) and Purist Audio Venustas interconnects (Pre>Amp)
Purist Audio Dominus Rev. B powering the APL Denon 3910 > Hydra 2 > DCCA Extreme Reference plugged to the wall
Volex 17604(preamp) and Elrod EPS-3 (amp) >Hydra 2 >Elrod EPS-3 Signature plugged to wall
2 dedicated 20amp circuits with cryo'd Porter Port outlets
Neuance shelf for digital source
Symposium Rollerblocks II under preamp
Aurios Pros under VAC amp
16x19 room...carpeted and draped. Nearfield listening. Speakers 8 feet on center. Listening chair 8 feet from driver plane.
Eclectic taste in music...jazz to metal. Listening volumes exceed 100db at times. Normal volume around 89db-90db.
Looking to simplify and pull out some $$.
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Looking to simplify and pull out some $$.
Tvad (Threads | Answers)
04-05-06: Camadeco
What about the VAC Phi integrated? The Phi Beta does fulfill one criteria... |
Thanks, Maineiac. That's one integrated that interests me.
The DK amps are always a possibility, too. |
Good point, Swampwalker. I require at least three inputs and a tape loop, or a second pair of fixed level RCA outputs in lieu of the tape loop. |
If some one can point me to a Phi Beta for around $7500, I'm in. I'll personally come pick it up anywhere in the US.
:) |
The Niles box adds too many additional connections for my taste. Thanks again for the suggestion, but I'm going to pass on that unit. |
are the von schweikerts considered detail speakers, or more warmish speakers? They are neither, IMO. Rather, they sound like whatever is in front of them. i heard a pair with a spectron digital amp, and i thought it sounded really average. totally flat soundstage.
Dennis_the_menace (System | Threads | Answers) That's the Spectron amp. The VR4 Gen III HSE produce a three dimensional, holographic soundstage with the VAC Phi. Again, it's what in front of these speakers that counts. |
Congratulations, Sherod, on the VAC Auricle Musicblocks. I was marvelling tonight at my VAC Phi 110, and wondering why the hell I want to sell it. There's very little that could replace the Phi 110 at it's used price, IMO.
The Musicblock 160s, at $8000/pair, ought to be good for that kind of money. The Phi 110 offers more, IMO, since it has triode and ultriode modes, and switchable feedback modes, among other things.
Of course, if Kevin says the Musicblock 160s are the new best thing, then I suppose they are, but they ain't cheap.
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Sherod, I don't necessarily need to stay with VAC amps. I looked at the Avatar, but in it's present configuration, I don't believe it has the stones to drive the VR4 HSE. One thing I really like about the VAC Phi is the ability to run it in triode. It has more power in ultriode, but it has more sweetness in triode.
I'm considering a McIntosh SS amp or integrated amp as an alternative.
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Yes.
I would rather not ask a local dealer for a demo as I have no intention of buying new.
No. |
04-15-06: Jmcgrogan2
Grant, maybe you should look at the older Avatar's, pre Super, 1999-2003. The original Avatar and Avatar SE had a triode switch. 30 wpc triode, 60 wpc ultralinear. Those are nice features. I don't think there's anough power there to push my system up hill. I didn't say that there was no profit, just not enough profit. Companies count on their products to make a certain percentage of profit I understand completely, and I agree VAC should charge whatever they want to charge. |
04-15-06: Sherod
Hey Grant,
I respect your respecting the dealers. Very honorable. That's why we
have Audiogon to buy used, right? Thanks. Have you narrowed down your choice of
integrateds yet? No, not really, but everyone's suggestions have been helpful. I got a gut feeling that he's about to introduce an
all new Avatar. Perhaps. It would seem to be a logical market segment in which to have a strong product. Have you considered maybe changing to
speakers that might not be so power hungry? I briefly considered Silverline Sonata III, but I really, really like my speakers, and I'd rather not toss everything out and start over. I'm having a difficult enough time deciding to buy an integrated. There are several options that offer plenty of power. I just bought Joseph Chow's new preamplifier and
I'm chomping on the bit in anticipation. What, no VAC Standard LE? (only teasing...) Try a Volex 17604 power cord from Carlton-Bates.com for $7.50 (or $5/ea for two or more). 14 gauge, 3 conductor, shielded. It beat several $1000+ cords on my Lamm LL2 preamp. No joke. |
I'll keep the Volex in mind, but I've read some ho-hum stuff on it in Audiocircle threads. For $159.00, try the Audio Horizon Premium power cord. When audiophiles routinely spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on accessories like power cords, and a $159 power cord is considered a bargain, I can't understand why anyone resists spending less than $10 on something that might well work marvelously. You've been around the block many times with power cords, Sherod, and you know as well as anyone that synergy is the key. Perhaps those over on Audiocircle haven't used the Volex in the right application. Perhaps they haven't even tried it at all. Whatever...it's less than $10 shipped to your doorstep. Try it or not, it's up to you. My Volex works really well in it's present position on the Lamm. Otherwise, I'm all set where cabling and power cords are concerned, and it feels good to be off that merry-go-round. Now, about the possible new Avatar... |
04-15-06: Jmcgrogan2
The word I heard on the Avatar was that VAC shut it down until they could find a way to make it more cost effective Wow, John. That's interesting. At $6500, you'd think there'd be some profit in it. Well, selfishly, I hope Kevin finds a way to offer a "low cost" VAC integrated that offers the outstanding sound of his other products...and I'd like to ask for a triode switch. :) |
Great word of mouth. Great specs...for what they're worth (200 wpc, lots
of current delivery, 1 Hz-600,000 Hz frequency range...???, 360,000 uF
capacitance).
Plus, they are priced less than $2900/pair, and come with a generous
audition period.
With the cost of the Odyssey Extreme Monos being what they are, I'd be
able to keep the Lamm LL2 in the system for only slightly more than a
used high end integrated amp (Mac MA6900, VAC Avatar Super, ect.)
The proof will be in the listening. I'll admit they are up against tough
competition, and no other SS or digital amp has come close enough to
my VAC to warrant downsizing.
But, I'm keeping an open mind, and I look foward to hearing them. |
Sherod, I've had a handful of first class SS and digital amps in my system and none have encouraged me to put the tube amp on the auction block. That's why I say we'll see how the Extreme Monos perform. They certainly have enough power and current to drive my VR4 HSEs in a manner that will be different than the VAC.
Different is the key word.
You're going to love the Musicblocks...and will be lusting after a Phi amp in no time at all. |
Hap123, I'm not familiar with the CinePro 3K6, but the VR4 Gen III HSE reveal whatever is upstream, and their sound changes accordingly. I once owned a Bryston 14B SST, and it produced bone crunching dynamics, but it had some glare that the speakers revealed. Any grain or edge in the amp will come through the Gen IIIs. They are not forgiving in this regard. They also like some watts and current to really come alive...100 wpc does it, but more is, well...more!
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Sherod, I have tried both a Dominus Ferrox and Dominus Fluid on the Lamm LL2, and I preferred the Volex. Go figure.
I've heard good things about Tubemonger...good quality at reasonable prices. Can't get any better than that.
I have not received the Odyssey monos.
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The Odyssey Extreme Monos are extended, clear and bring lots of muscle, which presents a very large image.
I've found that with the Odyssey monos in the system, the Lamm LL2 preamp requires rolling the 6922 tubes to soften the upper mids and highs. So, Mullards have been substituted for Siemens CCa tubes. |
An update on the Odyssey monos. I spoke with Klaus today, who suggested perhaps the amp's brightness was a result of them being out of bias. Over the telephone, I worked with Klaus' associate, Michael, and tested the bias of the Left Channel amp using a multimeter. It was, in fact, out of adjustment, so I re-biased the left amp with Michael walking me through the process. He suggested I listen tonight, which I did. The adjustment made a significant improvement by sweetening the upper mids and highs, and thereby removing the hardness and glare. The Mono Extremes now have a nice balance from top to bottom.
Tomorrow, I intend to call Klaus to thank him, and have Michael walk me through checking the Right Channel amp. Might as well get them back to spec to hear what they're designed to do.
Kudos to Klaus for encouraging me to call him. |
