What Do You Get When You Spend Megabucks?

"If you concede better bass extension to another system, then how can it truly be SOTA?"

Well 10hz for the VSR and 20hz -6 for the Meyer and 25hz -6 for the ATC. We'd have to open the discussion for how much bass extension we need in a speaker system. And both the ATC and Meyer have Subwoofers to add on. VSR has them built in.

'Your last question is basically my original question, but with a different assumption about the answer"

No, I didn't ask your question over. I was asking you why you selected that system to compare to my systems. What was it that triggered a comfort level in you to conclude it was better than my examples?

I Strictly wanted your opinion on that matter and still do.

I would highly recommend reading about the X-10 and the ATC SCM-150. I wish ATC wouldn't have taken down all the technical data off their site, which showed some very impressive (important) specs for their drivers and systems. Meyer's site has more info on their X-10 which is very high tech. What do you think the impulse response of the VSR speaker looks like with 13 drivers mounted front and back on each side?

I made no assumptions other than that manufacturer specs are accurate on their site and I'm using a known source for the assessment of the VR-11.

Part of the reason why I put forth Lakefrontroad's system is that it has been carefully assembled by a knowledgeable audiophile with a written record of the process, it's not clear that the system(s) you extoll have the same pedigree.

I'm actually quite familiar with ATC speakers and I consider them excellent products. A few years ago Mix did a comparison of the ATC 200 vs. Dunlavy VI. A group of audio professionals ended up not having a clear preference. Some definitely preferred the ATC as a professional tool while others preferred the Dunlavy. Some thought the Dunlavy would be better suited for mastering applications. Although no longer in production, the Dunlavys still enjoy a very solid audiophile reputation, but are generally not considered SOTA products by today's standards. My own experiences with ATC monitors (50 and 100s) is that the treble is not as good as a good ribbon design (say, Magnepan) and their amplifiers are no better, or worst, than any number of high power solid state designs, say Bryston as an example. Very good to great, but not excellent let alone SOTA.

BTW, I fully agree with your earlier statement that within their limits the Quad electrostatics are competitive with virtually anything at any price.

Strangely, I just read this thread.

For me, what I get for a large cost is live music. Not in the trite sense, but in the visceral, palpable feeling of living people in the room with real instruments. I've only experienced it once elsewhere, at Andy Payors old shop with the Hyperions and that great room.

On cd/sacd the music is alive about 1/3 or the time, based mostly on the recording. I have yet to play vinyl, but that's coming.

Is it worth it? To me at this point in my life... yes. But, I wouldn't give up a meal for it. I still shrink from the cost. Each part of the total adds something.
And I think of the things not yet done.

But I keep remembering my goal; to bring back the dead back to life. It can be done, it only takes effort, willingness and money.

What I got that was different was the total package and performance. It's stunning without being impressive. It simply shocking that the music is alive. And everyone who'se been in the room has expressed similar reactions.

And by the way, it costs lots less than millions.

Lakefrontroad,

I just had a good look at your systems. Not millions, perhaps, but one? :) Very nice!
Keep that pointer away from my "system".

Lakefrontroad, how much time has cinematic systems spent in your listening room, listening to your system? He sure seems to know a lot about the sound of your system!