Does the lampizator pacific need to break in, or is it a used item that already has many hours on it? Even if used, it may need a few days up to a week to settle in. Anyway, just curious.
Dave
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@viber6 I believe that WC had the XS150 for a while, so he probably does have an idea of what to expect with the XS300. I think though that I remember him mentioning that the XS150 was super hot, even at idle. I would think that would steer him away from the XS300, but perhaps winter weather helps to forget those things temporarily :-) Dave
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Something for WC to try, if he has not already...
I’m guessing that when the Ref10 is in the chain, balanced cables are used to connect to the amps - is that true?
If so, then I’m also guessing that single-ended cables are used from Lampi to amps, when the Ref10 is not in the chain - is that true as well?
If both are true, then it would be interesting to compare SE cables from Ref10 to amps vs. the same SE cables from Lampi to amps. Some folks are saying that balanced is no better than SE. Would the performance be closer than that of Balanced cables from Ref10 to amps vs SE cables from Lampi to amps?
That’s the SE vs balanced experiment. Overall, I think it might be tough to beat an outstanding preamp, even when going more oranges to oranges (single-ended to amps for both scenarios). I remember when WC first got the Ref10 into his system - he was so impressed, I believe he named it the most impressive component he’d had in his system to that point. That’s saying a lot, considering how much equipment he’s had.
Dave
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I think I saw on the MF website that only fifty of those Titans would ever be made. Congrats on having one of the fifty WC! Dave
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I might have missed it WC, but what power cord do you have on the ref10? If it's not a platinum 7 or 8, then that might be something to try as well. Dave
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I agree too. You will need the ref10, if continuing to try amps. Plus, trying out a platinum PC on the ref10 might turn things back to the ref10. Dave
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@WC Back to the MX160. Yes, it has RoomPerfect, but not a great preamp section, when compared to something like a ref10. Too bad you can't get a McIntosh MEN220 to insert between your ref10 and the amps (or between the Lampizator and the amps). That way, you continue with great preamp/amp combos and add just the RoomPerfect. I think that would give RoomPerfect the best opportunity to shine in your setup and to fairly evaluate it as a possible upgrade to a very high end setup.
Dave
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Did you use a cotton ball or something else? Dave
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Same here regarding the Nordost - not at all mushy - just the opposite. Dave |
@WC I've been getting the same feeling about Krell. I have the Theater 7, and it's an excellent amp - supposed to be much better sounding than the Chorus amps, even though it's not as much power. However, it is supposed to have just as much current as the Chorus amps. I've been trying 7 channel amps for years, and I'm finally satisfied with this one. No more looking for amps - worst case, I'll do the XD upgrade. I'm playing with cables, as are you, so I'm enjoying the ongoing journey. Dave
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I agree with you WC - you can't try everything, especially mega buck stuff. I like your offer to pay shipping both ways. That way, if someone really wants you to try something they can share the wealth and purchase the cable and send it to you. I have a 15 amp 2 meter Audioquest Hurricane that I might send to you. I'll need another few weeks to evaluate it. Dave
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@thejeenyus54
I had a Pass Labs X350 and an X5 for home theater at my previous house, and it was absolutely fantastic. When we moved to our new house and started having kids, I downsized and thought I would try to find a 7 channel amp that would work well. 10 years later and many many 7 channel amps later - the goal has always been to get back to that sound I had with the two Pass Lab amps running my home theater. I had the Odeon last year - an experience I do not wish to repeat. However, that was my experience. Dave |
@ron17 I was very excited to try the Odeon and had one for ~7 months. I must have had a bad apple, since apparently most folks like it. Plus, I had the super duper upgrade done to it, and had problems with it. I was told that RF in my house was the problem, however, I've never had a problem with any other amp or component. Again, my situation was probably unique.
I would guess that WC would agree with that, especially when I mention that my next amp was the McIntosh MC8207, and that amp was so much better. I am now happy with the Krell Theater 7 and no longer looking for 7 channel amps.
Dave
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@ron17 Thanks Ron17 for your email (and post)! Good to know about your amp and the RF issue. The Odeon is the only amp I’ve ever had a problem with. There is a ground lift switch on the back, and in one position it was fine and just warm to the touch during operation - no problems at all. However, in the other position, then the amp instantly started burning up - you could smell the electronics burning. It was so bad, it scared my wife and kids. While I understand what you are saying with what happened to your amp, I’m not sure that this was RF. I think that they messed up this amp when they did the super duper upgrade. The sonics were essentially the worst of any 7 channel amp I’ve had in my house (with the ground lift switch in either position). That doesn’t seem to jive with the praise that this amp has received. Plus, the person who worked with me on this (nice guy, by the way) had me buy some testing equipment, and the test equipment did not conclusively show RF to be an issue in my home, yet he continued to think it had to be RF. I guess it never occurred to him that it could actually be something gone wrong with the upgrade. He eventually bought back the amp from me - he did make a profit on it. I didn’t care at that point - I just wanted to move on to something else. Dave
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Agreed on the separate discussion jetter. Very nice of viber6 to share his knowledge. Plus, I’m done with testing for RF - I’m into trying out cables now and enjoying my system - AND, of course, enjoying WC’s journey :-)
Dave
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"The Valhalla 2 vs ansuz MUST HAPPEN ! " Looks like the Audience is out :-) Did I miss it - did we have the reveal yet for the Valhalla 2 vs the Audience video? Dave
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I definitely agree that what we know now is possibly different than what we knew in the past, most likely due to learning and experiences. I think WC has done a great job of putting things into context and perspective, based upon previous point-in-time observations and current knowledge.
Dave
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I agree kren0006 - especially how close together they are. Dave
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WC, "well...this means i will need to start talking about products more often
and do shootouts here and there. Will need to change what i have been
doing." I guess if a big reason for your videos is to make money, then this makes sense. Otherwise, if not, then I wouldn't think that you would need to make a change unless you wanted to make a change. Dave
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WC, Looking forward to that comparison! I'm curious about the Ansuz. By the way, what happened to the Audience comparison - did we ever find out which was which (maybe I missed it).
Regarding the opportunity to monetize - no issue with that at all - I cheer you on for that. I was just thinking (please forgive my ignorance here) that it wasn't enough money to make much of a difference. Dave
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pockey77, Interesting that your thoughts on the two preamps are exactly the opposite of what musicmann1 mentioned on the previous page. musicmann1 mentioned that the Ref 10 has a little more dynamics and that the Ref6 SE is smoother. You mention just the opposite. Dave
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I am curious about this XD too, since I'm considering it with my Krell Theater 7. Dave
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The audio setup definitely gets messier with all of that SR stuff in there - many more wires, plugs, etc. And, much more cost for the ancillary items. Is it worth it? Can't wait for another video or so, and for WC to share his thoughts. I'd also be curious to see how the SR stuff sounds with the Gryphon preamp.
Dave
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I had the MX151, and while RoomPerfect was the best room EQ I’ve experienced in my room (over Aud. and DL), it did not exceed what I can get with quality 2 channel components (in a non-treated room by the way). I believe it’s due to a weak pre-amp in the MX product vs a dedicated pre-amp. That’s why I think the MEN220 would be a better product to try with a 2 channel system. Dave
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@WC - for a wall of sound, possibly some sort of line source/array speakers? Outside of that, I’m not sure. Dave
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Bob Carver also has line source speakers that have reviewed well. Just can't sit 5' in front of them - need a little more room than that. Not sure where WC sits from the speakers. Bob's speakers also appear to be positioned closer to the front left/right corners than other speakers, so that helps with the distance.
Dave
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I enjoyed both videos WC and I really like the format. And, you gave away what's hiding underneath the cover. Will be fun to get your impressions. Dave
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I've always been curious about Rockports - it will be great to get your take on them. Dave
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@viber6 Great info on the different speakers. One thing to consider is that your sonic priorities might differ from others. Some might like the big sound field with a little less pinpoint accuracy/clarity.
Thanks again,Dave
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Based upon the adjectives, I could also guess Soulution (maybe it's my wishful thinking), but I think the only thing under $20K from them is the 311 Stereo amp, so probably not. Dave
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WC - agree that the last video you posted is the best that song has sounded. It will be interesting to try other amps on that stand and see what happens. Right now, it seems like great synergy with the Dag amp. Dave
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I was thinking the same thing - pointed at the sweet spot would be toed in. Maybe klh007 was not in the sweet spot :-) Dave
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@guidocorona - I believe WC mentioned that the 535 is fully broken in and is a few months old.
Dave
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I will guess System 2, primarily because of the speaker cables. What power cords are on the amps? Dave
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@WC - Looks like the checkbook is now empty, especially concerning that last one :-) Dave
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There are many ways to build a room. Robert Harley of TAS recently posted an article on the construction of his new room. Best of luck WC - really excited for you! Dave
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speedbump6, I agree completely. I doubt WC would have both the Alexia 2 and Focal Maestro at the same time, but it's wishful thinking to see how they would compare. I'm also a Focal fan and have Focal Utopia M components in my car and my home speakers have Focal drivers. However, I've liked Wilson speakers as well, and I like the way the Alexia 2's come across in WC's videos. Dave
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WC, So, for folks who do not like any sweetness (viber6) then no need to have more than one amp on hand for both sweetness and non-sweetness. And similar for those who prefer sweetness. However, for folks like you (and I suspect there are many) who appreciate both flavors, I am guessing there are two ways to go. For example, if someone had a budget of $40K, would they be better served by getting two high performing ~$20K amps - one that is not sweet or much less sweet and the other that is sweeter, OR, an ongoing quest to find the one single ~$40K amp that does a bit of both? Or, a third option might be (something that you mentioned) to get the $40K amp that is not as sweet, but has high marks in the other categories. Then, component and/or cabling choices can sweeten things up a bit.
Dave
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Seems like a nice review. Not sure about the introduction though, where Rafe talks about Sinatra and the way he's supposed to sound and being played back "right" - the basis of which seems to be his parents turntable. Of course, I don't know the turntable the parents had, but I'm guessing it was nothing special. My parents had a turntable too, but I definitely would not base my audio preferences on the sound coming from my parents turntable. Anyway, aside from that, the DAC sounds like one that I would prefer. Dave
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Yep, I agree with riaa. I know it's not your intent to be a Shill or to be nixed by other companies for a Free Trial, but that is the territory you are stepping into. As can be seen by the Magazine reviewers, they tread somewhat lightly and don't deliver their thoughts the way you've been able to deliver yours in this thread. Definitely a tough spot...
Dave
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@WC Constellation vs Block? Dave
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@WC - thanks for the terrific comparison of the Constellation vs Block - great stuff and should be very useful for someone making that kind of choice. I would probably stick with Constellation, based upon your description. I'm guessing the Solution 711 probably is a combination of the best attributes of both.
Also, REL Predators instead of JL audio? The RELs are definitely less expensive. Dave
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Hopefully you get the 116 soon to pair with the Christine. Merrill's ANUP cables are supposed to be good too. Dave
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@wym2 For my part, it's not that I want WC to review the 116, it's that he mentioned the 116 is the one that he will be getting.
Dave
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A Soulution 725 preamp showed up on a'gon for under $16K when converted to 110vac. Would be interesting to see what WC thinks about Soulution products. Dave
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WC, I thought you had mentioned before that you kind of wanted to get something that would be of interest to many folks (for your youtube channel) - perhaps that is another driving factor?
Dave
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WC -
Wow, only 10 more days (9 days now) and your room will be ready? That's exciting! Dave
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kren0006, You mention folks with Class D bias, and while that "might" be right, it might also be that some or all of those folks actually hear a difference and hear something they don’t prefer with Class D. And that will be the beauty of the blind comparison(s) that WC will be doing. Can folks actually discern the difference? We shall see. Looking forward to it WC. Dave
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The only thing I would caution here is #5 on the disappointments. I believe #5 is now referring to an old line from Krell, not the new line. The newest line is the XD amps, which I don't believe anyone here (including WC) has tried. In fact, I doubt anyone but myself has tried the Theater 7 (without XD), which is better than the Chorus amps (without XD).
Dave
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Agreed about catering to a particular taste. The new XD line of amps have been mentioned to have a sound signature like the Luxmans, which some consider their sweet sound to be smoothed over compared to others. I haven't heard the 300i integrated, although reviews seem to be good so far. My Theater 7 without the XD is anything but smoothed over. I'm guessing the XD upgrade would possibly warm it up and maybe smooth it over. @WC - great news on the room - fun to hear how it is progressing. Happy B-Day in advance! Dave
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