Fritz carbon 7SE MK 2, Upgrade


I hate the title above, but didn't know how to phrase it. Current system is secondary one, but, great otherwise. ATI  6002 AMP, Benchmark LA-4 preamp,  Meitner DAC MA1 V2, Bricasti M5, above mentioned FRITZ speakers, SVS SB 3000 SUB, Streaming Audirvana via Qobuz. 13x14' room, open door to bathroom and another to common hallway. ONLY play Rock and roll  85 to low 90's    Zeppelin, Rush, Pink Floyd, I could go on. Love my FRITZ, not sure why I'm posting. (will never sell)     Is there a speaker that is stand amount (bookshelf),  possibly small floor stander that will play superior to what I have (rock and roll) that is a dramatic upgrade sound wise. Will be keeping sub in place, currently crossed at 60.  Have been looking off and on for Joseph audio pulsar Graphene, whether that is the correct direction.  Have no way of demoing speaker in house, live an hour from Nashville. Willing to drive some though!  Looking used up to 6k, a bucket list speaker, if you will. You folks at audiogon have helped me in the past, thank you all very much. Robert TN

robshaw

Showing 22 responses by robshaw

@foamcutter  i have had the Fritz carbon 7se MK2 for a couple of years now. Love Them.  They are currently paired with a Pass X250.8 AMP and a Benchmark LA-4 Preamp, Meitner MA 1 V2 DAC and Bricasti M5 for streaming. Streaming Qobuz through Audirvana. Great System, for a 13x14 room, also with a SVS SB3000 sub, crossed at 50 or 60 HZ, don't recall though. All Rock and Roll, 90 db  outstanding. 

However, in my main listening area  NEW,  NOW (used) Coda 8 V1 amp Bricasti M1 SE dac with Network Card, LA-4 Preamp, Dual SB 4000 subs an Tekton Special Encores (175lbs each) labor of love and BACK!!!! Been comparing ( older Tekton Double Impacts) with a newly purchased A/B switch from Pine Tree Audio. (great quality and good price)  Haven't listened  to the Fritz in a while , but, will soon. Every time I listen to the Fritz, It puts a smile on my face. Only have so much time, if you know what I mean. Hope this helps! Robert TN

I would like to thank the following for your help and expertise that I don't have, or would like to. SOIX< THRIFTYAUDIO<JASTRALFU AND CHAYRO.  All had a lot of great advice. Don't really understand the sweet spot ref: on the ATC's?  I may adjust the crossover a bit as suggested, the second sub in this room would be great, just don't have the room.  Like I said,will never sell the FRITZ, they are that good, at least in my situation with rock and roll. I am not in a great hurry, just getting older as I speak, just very curious!  Also wondering if a Joseph audio perspective (USED) would  be a giant step up, overkill, too much for the smaller room, or maybe Nirvana??????? Thank again Robert

eric_squires/zlone   thanks also. Everyone has the voice of reason, but me. The phrase, NOT BETTER,  BUT DIFFERENT strikes a logical cord!  My  current ATI amp has the current and power to drive most anything. ATC has always intrigued me, but, the Joseph audio has also.  TAD does also, but, my wallet says differently.  Used should open some doors,maybe. I'll keep all posted. Robert

Just doing some soul searching tonight. I have to thank everyone, some excellent points, some profound! I have been tempted at times with a tube integrated, but, the tubes just scare me, SS has been good to me. In my main system, my amp which I will never sell is a Pass X-250.8  and it drives a pair of Specialty  Tekton Encores upgraded.  

One post that really intrigues me is the suggestion of ATC 19 or 20scm. I called Sound Approach on SOIX suggestion (coincidentally same place I bought my ATI amp) their 10% savings is almost over, as tariffs will raise it 10% on Monday. Their ATC 20 new would be 5849, regular price and 10% more Monday.  The ATC 19 is something that intrigues me w/o a huge outlay, also maybe finding a used pulsar, non graphene.  All posts have been great, Thank you Audiogon too. 

After espousing on my Current FRITZ Carbons, and reading@ rammerjammers  post: One word comes to mind that YOU ALL HAVE MENTIONED! Directly or in directly!

QUANDARY!

@larssman  Couldn't agree more. Fritz and I have spoken a few time at length. Very nice guy, regular type, for what that's worth. We both are the same age, and grew up during the muscle car era. We talked for hours on that topic alone. We have a great deal in common. Very easy guy to talk with.  You appear to have the same qualities. Glad you enjoyed your time with him, not to mention the speakers. Thanks for sharing. I live an hour outside of Nashville area towards Knoxville TN. Robert 

I will keep all up to date, Thank you. After listening to all (very welcomed) comments, it is a very sobering, complex, thought process. 

@decooney : You brought up a very interesting point!!!!!!!!!  In my main system in a much larger area in a shop/building outside, I have a much more sophisticated/larger system. (much larger area )  in that building I'm running a Pass X250.8 with a efficient pair of upgraded Tekton Encore speakers, with a Bricasti M1 SE dac

As the speakers permit, even at 90db levels or more the Pass is working in Class A mode. Sound is to die for!!!!    I'm just wondering? , especially after reading your post.   I have their top of the line 6002 amp, which model did you use.? Just wondering , apples to apples????  I think you may have a very valid point,  I would rather buy (I think) a better amp than try to carry the 100lb plus Pass from my shop to my home listening room. My luck, my wife and I would drop it. 

Funny, because prior to speaker searching, I was looking at used CODA amps their model 8 V1 . I think that is their highest rated class A version or the S 5.5 version which is 50 watts in just class .  Thanks so much for the post. Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated. Robert TN

@decooney  I hope this doesn't violate audiogon protocols. Just wondering if I could call or e mail you later when I get home, later this afternoon or evening.  I would like to hear more about your amp compared to my 6002 version. Also what amp your using now that offer class A bias, and your opinions. Robert TN  If permissible and you prefer I ll give your my info? let me know. Thank you

@decooney  I tried to register at that website, in order to discuss some amp topics and it stated the site was not safe, Https wise. I'm not to good at computer stuff. All i want to do is NOT cheat anyone out of something, just would like to discuss things audio wise, and maybe learn things as a result, before purchasing. An educated consumer?? I'll do what I can, thanks for your post. Robert TN

@decooney  Just read an email earlier from decooney. He stated that he had a similar ATI Amp, and that it worked well with his TV surround system, however, not so well with his 2 channel system. That he was using or had used a class A amp with his system, that very much outclassed his ATI amp. I guess I'm just wondering now and had before, is the ATI just a very good amp for surround sound and not so much for 2 channel mudic? I know for a fact when I ordered it a few years ago, that the same housing can house up to 7 channels.  Had I knew then what I know now, I would most likely not  have purchased it, thinking that it is most likely suited towards surround. I may be wrong as it sounds very good with the Fritz speakers, I have in place now? However, now I would be looking as I am now for a strictly 2 channel amp. Any input would be welcomed. Here I'm looking for a new speaker to change in and out with the Fritz, and maybe its just the amp????

@soix    Thank you so much for the post. You have hit the Quandary, spot on!!! I have to compliment you. As my analyst, you have uncovered the truth, that escaped me.. Your last statement about reconciling  the situation is exactly my dilemma.  I may try today to move the Pass into the room that is smaller, that houses my fritz speakers. That would be the best comparison test. 

Speaking of reconciling. Should I find the PASS is superior (laughing) my new dilemma would be a Coda 8 V1 or Coda S 5.5. I have no idea playing the FRITZ at 90db at 10' away,  how may watts are being used ?  Then, should I get the 5.5 version and put it in my shop with my 4ohm tektons , which are very easy to drive, or play it safe and get the 8, and be safer with additional WATTS being available? AND I WONDER, why I like BOURBON!!!!  Thank you, I THINK!   Robert

  

To all that have assisted @decooney  The wife and I managed to move the x250.8 beast to the the room that houses the FRITZ carbons, small feat!!! As good as the ATI amp was(and it was) the Pass was far superior. Openness, clarity, speed, base,  mid range, etc. I guess I never realized how good the PASS amp was until I moved it to a new place, Impressive, my wife  thought so too. We lugged the PASS back to its home in my shop, the larger location. We were tempted to leave it with the FRITZ in the smaller room, after hearing it. Going to enjoy the FRITZ even more now that they have been awakened.  For those that would like to help? I'm now looking for a very good amp for Rock and ROLL for that smaller room containing the FRITZ.  My first choice is either the CODA 8 (most likely the V1) or the CODA S 5.5 . Would like to stay used if I can, The only thing that scares me about the 5.5 is that its only 50 watts classA) no AB after that. Suppose down the road i decided to purchase a pair of ATC speakers, wondering if the 50 watts would run a little shy at higher volumes????  If  anyone has some suggestions, that would be great. Starting to look as we speak. Robert TN     WOW! was that Pass good!

@decooney Thanks so much for your help. Your suggestions were spot on. Yes, at this point I am quite relieved. Now to find the amp of my dreams. So far CODA is #1,   willl see    tks again

@decooney  Just taking a break from calling The Music Room, looking at a Macintosh SS, leaving message on a Pass xa-30.8  Going to call shortly CODA dealers and ask some question about the 8 and the  S5.5   The room, 13X14 -9' ceilings, Hardwood floors, large couch, area rug, pictures on walls, One of 2 ((jack and Jill)  type bedrooms door to open bathroom and open hallway on other side. I listen @ 85 to low 90's db Rock. I think the 5.5 with 50 class A watts would be nice, just afraid, should I need more or buy another speaker that is much less efficient down the road, it will not be able to keep up, (distortion) The pass xa-30.8 has a decent reserve in AB should I need more. The X250 was ideal.  Wondering about the Macintosh, MC-312, all AB. There you have it.  Ill see what CODA has to say now. Don't know what other amps to look at for my needs? Need power, that's why I'm staying with SS. Thanks for the help.

@decooney  Looking for advice. May be subjective though.  Narrowed it down to  the Coda 8  V1 model  used or a used Macintosh MC-312 Mint, both are mint for that matter, The coda also comes with blue meters. Mac doesn't have a warranty, but MINT. Any thoughts? MAC is AB only Thanks

Hey thanks for the  info!  Hegel 390, TOP SHELF, Not familiar with the Gato Audio Amp 150 AE, will have to look it up later. Thank you

@soix   I have it narrowed down to the MAC 312 and the CODA 8 V1 with meters, used, in great shape. Good price too!  Wish someone called me and stated, one was sold already. First choice is the Coda, with some class A, and meters. The MAC is so close,because it is so collectable and beautiful. I would hope it sounds as good as it looks. I just know the CODA will sound GREAT!. I would like to make a decision today.

To all, everyone! Made a decision yesterday, and bought a used CODA 8 V1 with blue meters. Got what I think is a good deal. looking forward to adding it my system. Now, based upon its specs, I'll have to decide which system it seems to relate the best with. Never sell my Pass X250.8, hoping the CODA equals or surpasses. Really curious to see how Rock and Roll likes the CODA?  

I will let everyone know the outcome, once I get a chance to experiment locations. Hopefully, my experience might help someone else in their endeavors, as you helped me. Thanks so much, REALLY!!     Robert TN 

Hello all: The other day after moving the Pass back and forth, the wife is feeling her back. I went out on a limb when she laid down and changed listening chairs in my shop, where the Pass resides, and my larger system is. I changed out an old Lazy boy type recliner that I had been using, which sat quite high above my shoulders blocking my head from reverberating sounds waves from behind or reflecting, if either is correct. (Never reclining in chair while listening)  Also when removing the Lazy boy and replacing it with  the new chair, it appears to be more of a perfect height relative to the Tweeter area. Upon listening for a period, I couldn't believe my ears. My system NEVER sounded this good. More clarity, more dynamic, like a veil was lifted. This all happened with the PASS unit, all other equipment untouched!!!!  Nothing different.  Unreal.    The chair I'm using isn't as comfortable, as the Lazy boy, but, the lower shoulder back just works. 

I'm' really curious what others use as far as a chair is concerned. An ottoman would be nice too probably.  Still waiting for the delivery of the CODA.  Next week I'm guessing. Robert

@vthokie83   Thanks for responding. I am going to look at both chairs suggested. I was so VERY close to getting the S5.5, so close. But, Mike at Audio Archon, suggested the 8 V1 because, He stated, that my Tekton Encores are very CURRENT hungry for the best sound and that I listen to only Rock and Roll at 90db at 15' away.. He stated, if it wasn't for the aforementioned, he would have suggested  the S5.5 with no hesitation!!!! It was a wrestling match for me, so I took his advice.Sill so curious about what you own, but,after playing some AC/DC and Zeppelin,I have  no regrets. Thanks again for the chair info. 

Thanks for the advice on chairs. I'm glad you live within driving distance. I live about and hour out of Nashville, and their are a couple of audio showrooms I've never been to there. My fault. The reasoning is Nashville is so large, the traffic is incredible. It is the largest complaint of people in the Nashville area. At 4pm. you can't move, just crazy. Enjoy your 5.5!!!!