AudioCircle
Other Stuff => Archived Manufacturer Circles => Vinnie Rossi => Topic started by: Vinnie R. on 8 Oct 2018, 09:24 pm
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All,
I just returned from a knock-out of a show at RMAF2018! As usual, it was a pleasure to meet so many new faces and revisit with all the familiar ones. This show seemed to have a certain magic to it going on since Day 1, where the music was just flowing right from the beginning in both rooms that I was exhibiting in :singing: - even with all the brand new components that where built in time just days before.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185295)
Room 4024 set up and ready for action on Thursday Evening!
I was formally debuting the L2 System in Room 4024 (with Tridoe Pete of Triode Wire Labs cables, and Harbeth Loudspeakers), and I also had the same L2 system set up in Room 3018 with Clayton Shaw of Spatial Audio and Paul Speltz of AntiCables). The L2 Signature Preamplifier in both rooms was equipped with the L2 Dac module, and the only difference was the one used in Room 4024 also contained the new L2 Phonostage module (which was just perfect for a demo that we had in our room by Muxia Music's test pressing LP of Trio Palabras! I will be posting more on this soon). The L2 Phonostage was fed from an Acoustic Signature Wow XL turntable with AS MC-2 cartridge and tonearm.
The feedback that both rooms received from show attendees and members of the press was simply outstanding! :notworthy: For various reasons I had difficulty sleeping during the evenings of the show, but the actual days exhibiting were almost dream-like for me because of how so many listeners were able to hear the debut of the L2 components and the *substantial* leap in performance they brought to both show rooms compared to all the shows of the past!
I want to express my gratitude to everyone (attendees, press, manufacturers and other members of the trade) who visited our two rooms, took the time to listen carefully, asked questions, and enjoyed their RMAF2018 experience. And thank you to Spatial Audio, Fidelis (importers of Harbeth and Acoustic Signature), Triode Wire Labs, and Anticables.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185297)
L2 Signature Preamplifier and L2 Signature Monoblocks. All cabling by Triode Wire Labs.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185304)
A packed room on Day 1. Luckily, this was a "king suite" room with some extra space!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185299)
Harbeth 40.2 (40th Anniversary Edition) on Tontraeger stands that I needed to elevate to account
for the tallish hotel chairs.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185328)
Harbeth 40.2, 30.2, and P3ESR [All "40th Anniversary Edition" models] with Tontraeger stands.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185302)
I am in the process of catching up with emails and voicemails, and finishing build/test of some more L2 components that I am aiming to ship on Friday of this week. Please bear with me and thank you in advance for doing so.
This is the Vinnie Rossi RMAF 2018 Show Coverage Thread, so I'll begin posting coverage shortly.
Cheers!
Vinnie
(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/43128037_2165898033624503_3132688891606204416_n.png?_nc_cat=100&oh=74a4adcbe16e0c78087eca92a01ccc85&oe=5C59D018)
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I begin the coverage with fellow Audiocircle member, Tyson:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160092.msg1708226#msg1708226 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160092.msg1708226#msg1708226)
As many of you already know, Tyson visits a handful of rooms and posts his show coverage here on AC. I am so appreciative of the time he takes to visit, and am especially humbled to have both of my rooms listed in his "Best of RMAF 2018" thread linked to above! :notworthy:
Lifetime Achievement Award:
Vinnie Rossi - every year his rooms are always at the top of best in show. And he never rests on his laurels. Because I swear to god his rooms get better and better and better, year after year after year. The man is relentless at improving. Bravo!
(although "lifetime achievement" makes me feel so old. :lol:)
In Room 3018 with Spatial Audio:
Best Bass:
Spatial Audio w/Vinnie Rossi. Man those Lumina L2s just crush it in the bass department. Blazing fast, highly musical and punches you in the chest. Couple that with some of the best imaging/soundstage at the show and Clayton has another winner on his hands.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185309)
Photo credit: Tyson
More of Tyson's show coverage, here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160077.0 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160077.0)
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From another AC member, "Shredder," who visited both of our rooms with his friends and posted about it, here:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154916.msg1708128#msg1708128 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=154916.msg1708128#msg1708128)
My friends and I dropped by both VR rooms twice. Spatial was our show favorite, Harbeth a close second. Both were drop dead, amazing tone, rich, natural, engaging. The new Spatial is a great speaker, and this was the best I have heard Harbeth by a lot.
Thanks to you (and your buddies) for the multiple visits and your post, Shredder! :wave:
Vinnie
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Just one small correction on my show coverage. I visit about 40 rooms per show, but I only post and comment on a handful. That’s because most rooms are merely average sounding and don’t really rate a mention. So the best in show award is actually from a fairly large sample.
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Just one small correction on my show coverage. I visit about 40 rooms per show, but I only post and comment on a handful. That’s because most rooms are merely average sounding and don’t really rate a mention. So the best in show award is actually from a fairly large sample.
Thanks for the clarification on this, Tyson.
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Audiophilia's Anthony Kershaw and his wife Jan visited both rooms that I was exhibiting in:
https://audiophiliarmaf2018.blogspot.com/2018/10/vinnie-rossi-harbeth.html
Lovely sound, typical of Harbeth and its legendary status.
Great bass, too...Vinnie Rossi continues to make some of the most intriguing electronics, highly adaptable and sounding superb.
Wire by Triode Wire Labs. Very good and reasonably priced.
https://audiophiliarmaf2018.blogspot.com/2018/10/spatial-lumina-l2-loudspeaker-20000.html (https://audiophiliarmaf2018.blogspot.com/2018/10/spatial-lumina-l2-loudspeaker-20000.html)
Both rooms that featured the L2 Signature Preamplifier and Monoblocks were added to their short list of
"Great Rooms of RMAF 2018," here: https://audiophiliarmaf2018.blogspot.com/2018/10/great-rooms-and-best-of-show.html (https://audiophiliarmaf2018.blogspot.com/2018/10/great-rooms-and-best-of-show.html)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185319&size=tiny)
8)
Vinnie
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(https://parttimeaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/pta-banner-new-dark-700.png)
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/06/rmaf-2018-must-see-rooms-of-friday/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/06/rmaf-2018-must-see-rooms-of-friday/)
Both rooms featuring the L2 Signature System were including in a list of Part-Time Audiophile's
"RMAF 2018 Must See Rooms." 8)
Vinnie Rossi, Harbeth, Triode Wire Labs (Room 4024)
Vinnie is showing off his latest and greatest L2 Signature Preamplifiers and L2 Monoblocks, which handle a slew Harbeth speakers (big and small) extraordinarily well. Harbeth’s 40.2 Anniversary flat-out rock the house when tethered Vinnie’s new mono-block powerhouses. Without any doubt, a must see room at the show.
&
Spatial Audio, Vinnie Rossi, Anticables (Room 3018)
Clayton Shaw of Spatial Audio has really outdone himself with the new Lumina L2 open-baffle speakers, but that is his specialty. Along with Vinnie’s already spectacular amplification, the pairing is producing some of the most effortless and articulate bass I’ve heard this year. Currently, this room is one of my nominations for best sound of the show.
More PTA room coverage to follow...
Thank you for visiting, Eric!
Vinnie
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(https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-1/p200x200/39742516_2276664429237063_8822542345644802048_n.png?_nc_cat=107&oh=fee34aab75cf00a01753422e12942cf2&oe=5C18E8AD)
It's time for some video coverage:
Audiobacon.net "RMAF 2018 – Day One Highlights and Video Tour"
https://audiobacon.net/2018/10/06/rmaf-2018-day-one-highlights-and-video-tour/ (https://audiobacon.net/2018/10/06/rmaf-2018-day-one-highlights-and-video-tour/)
The Vinnie Rossi / Harbeth room starts at approx. 4:25 into the video.
Many thanks to Jay and Siao for adding us to their show highlight coverage!
More coverage from Audiobacon is coming soon!
Vinnie
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(https://i2.wp.com/theaudiobeatnik.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/beatnik-rev_logo_website.jpg?w=444&ssl=1)
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-day-2-pictures-part-2/ (https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-day-2-pictures-part-2/)
In the Spatial Audio room, Clayton Shaw was debuting his statement speaker, the Lumina L2 along with Vinnie Rossi’s L2 Signature Preamp and Monoblock System that he was debuting. All the cabling was from AntiCable. This was some of the best sound at the show.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185332)
Photo Credit: Jack Roberts / The Audio Beatnik
Thank you, Jack! :dance:
Vinnie
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(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185334&size=tiny)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185336&size=small)
Photo Credit: Darko.Audio
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185335&size=small)
Photo Credit: Darko.Audio
LP: Aphex Twin "Richard D. James Album" (1996)
Who the heck is this guy blabbering away at RMAF2018 (and this is *before* his morning coffee) - sheesh! :duh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQh2fAVhG0Y (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQh2fAVhG0Y)
Thank you, John Darko! :guitar:
Vinnie
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Senior Admin of the AV Nirvana Forum, Tesseract, posted about the Vinnie Rossi / Harbeth / Triode Wire Labs room:
https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/rocky-mountain-audio-fest-2018-official-show-report.3446/#post-28204
(https://www.avnirvana.com/threads/rocky-mountain-audio-fest-2018-official-show-report.3446/#post-28204)
Check out the front wall, that is where the action is happening, such is the depth of the soundfield in this room. I have always enjoyed the Harbeth sound and don't mind saying that I enjoy vinyl, as well. The Acoustic Signature TT and cartridge and Vinnie Rossi electronics kept the Harbeths well fed.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185347)
Photo credit: Tesseract / AVnirvana.com
Thank you, Tesseract!
Vinnie
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And here we have a new Audiocircle member who describes a new type of listening experience at RMAF
in the Vinnie Rossi / Spatial Audio room:
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160125.0 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160125.0)
Just natural non reproduced sounding music. My mind could completely relax without having to do that assemblage trick of "working" to believe I was hearing live, naturally produced music. Not with the Lumina L2's. I looked over at my friend. His eyes widened. Later he confessed that he had the same feeling about this wonderful system.
Welcome to AC, knodrog, and thank you for posting your impressions! :beer:
Vinnie
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Michael Lavorgna of Twittering Machines visited at RMAF2018, and
https://twitteringmachines.com/vinnie-rossi-audio/ (https://twitteringmachines.com/vinnie-rossi-audio/)
The L2 Signature System!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185389&size=small)
Photo Credit: Michael Lavorgna / www.twitteringmachines.com (http://www.twitteringmachines.com)
The Music!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185391&size=small)
Photo Credit: Trios Palabras - Lo Que Dice Mi Cantor (http://muxiamusic.com/ (http://muxiamusic.com/))
The record sounded profoundly beautiful in Vinnie’s room.
The... Polaroid! (and yes, I was a child of the 80's and remember those)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185390&size=small)
Photo Credit: Michael Lavorgna / www.twitteringmachines.com (http://www.twitteringmachines.com)
Thank you, Michael!
Vinnie
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I was lucky to attend RMAF and of course visited both Vinnie's rooms. And while I agree that the room with Spatial L2 speakers had one of the best sound, i think that it had noticeable better sound than Harbert. But for those who have room space issues Harbert speakers are the way to go if you want great sound while sitting very close to the speakers
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I was lucky to attend RMAF and of course visited both Vinnie's rooms. And while I agree that the room with Spatial L2 speakers had one of the best sound, i think that it had noticeable better sound than Harbert. But for those who have room space issues Harbert speakers are the way to go if you want great sound while sitting very close to the speakers
Different is what I'd say. I never understood the Harbeth sound but obviously many people like it and they sound the best on VR equipment without any doubt.
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You are right different is correct word to describe what I mean
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I was lucky to attend RMAF and of course visited both Vinnie's rooms. And while I agree that the room with Spatial L2 speakers had one of the best sound, i think that it had noticeable better sound than Harbert. But for those who have room space issues Harbert speakers are the way to go if you want great sound while sitting very close to the speakers
Thanks for visiting, Oleg - and see you at the NY Show next month.
Harbeth doesn't require near-field or mid-field positioning, but it is my preferred way (especially in our nearly square exhibit room at the show, as getting closer to them and using more toe-in significantly reduces the effects of the room... especially in the sweet spot). At RMAF, they were about 7 feet from the drivers to the listener (sweet spot chair). I call this 'mid-field' (and I would call near-field is around 4 feet or less... just like what is commonly used in the studio when mixing).
As for sound - yes, they are both quite different sounding (Spatial vs. Harbeth) and while both are very good so many things, both also excel at different things:
- With Spatial Lumina L2, they excel with their dynamics, and uncolored bass (no box). And in the case of the Lumina, they really excel with their bass adjust-ability (active bass built into the speaker), so they will work well with many types of rooms and tastes in bass (even those who want serious bass slam can get it, but served up in a very uncolored fashion.
- With Harbeth M40.2, they excel with what I consider to be some of the finest midrange performance in their price class, and at being used in the mid-field and near-field (which brings considerable rewards since the sonic influence of the room becomes diminished). They also excel with great tone and coherency (the integration among the drivers is excellent).
As with any audition when carefully comparing two speakers, you'd have to use a few demo tracks of music that you know very well (and hopefully enjoy!) and try your best to match the volume levels to really hear what is best for you.
Different is what I'd say. I never understood the Harbeth sound but obviously many people like it and they sound the best on VR equipment without any doubt.
The difference is in them being different! :lol: Thanks to you and TomS for stopping by to have a listen. I hope you guys enjoyed RMAF2018 this year. 8)
Vinnie
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This was posted a few days ago - not sure how I missed it!
(http://www.audioshark.org/images/styles/vb3/misc/logo3.png)
RMAF Best of Show :hyper:
http://www.audioshark.org/rmaf-136/rmaf-2018-best-show-15220.html
This was one of those rooms you could sit and listen all day and never get fatigued. Vinnie had them dialed in and his new DHT Preamp sounded terrific. You also won’t meet a friendlier bunch than these guys!
I think he was referring to Triode Pete as the friendly one - he keeps the room fun and his cables are a great match between Harbeth and Vinnie Rossi gear, and always have been!
Thank you, Mike. And I hope to attend and see you at the Florida Audio Expo in February:
https://floridaaudioexpo.com/ (https://floridaaudioexpo.com/)
Vinnie
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This was posted a few days ago - not sure how I missed it!
(http://www.audioshark.org/images/styles/vb3/misc/logo3.png)
RMAF Best of Show :hyper:
http://www.audioshark.org/rmaf-136/rmaf-2018-best-show-15220.html
I think he was referring to Triode Pete as the friendly one - he keep the room fun and he cables are a great match between Harbeth and Vinnie Rossi gear, and always have been!
Thank you, Mike. And I hope to attend and see you at the Florida Audio Expo in February:
https://floridaaudioexpo.com/ (https://floridaaudioexpo.com/)
Vinnie
Thanks, Mike @ AudioShark! It was a pleasure to meet you!
Yo Vinnie --- Bada-bing, Gabagool... Capeesh?
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The RMAF Coverage continues...
(https://positive-feedback.com/images/pf88.jpg)
https://www.audionirvana.org/forum/title-to-be-added/audio-shows/rmaf-2018/99034-day-3-adieu-to-an-old-friend?p=99111#post99111
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185408)
Photo Credit: Myles B Astor / www.positive-feedback.com
It was Sunday and I only had time for a quick listen to the system but what I heard with the small Harbeth's [P3ESR 40th Anniversary Edition] left me impressed. Super smooth, rich and musical. Definitely some equipment for me to give more of a listen to at next year's show.
Thank you, Myles! See you at the next show.
Vinnie
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(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/e/e6/Stereophile_logo.jpg)
https://www.stereophile.com/content/wire-rmaf-day-3 (https://www.stereophile.com/content/wire-rmaf-day-3)
Warmth and midrange smoothness were the strengths of a Vinnie Rossi/Triode Wire Labs / Harbeth loudspeaker system...
Drums and percussion were depicted with excellence, the low tones of piano and instruments were conveyed with perfection, and the artistry and emotion of all concerned came through loud and clear.
In fact, the brilliance of music and interpretation was such that, for one of the rare times in my 15 years at audio shows, absolutely no one left the room or even fidgeted during a long piece of relatively obscure, heart-rending German lieder that was impeccably sung with deep feeling. This is a tribute not only to Vinnie Rossi, Harbeth, and Triode Wire, but also to the quality of show attendees whom Vinnie tends to attract. Thank you, one and all.
(https://www.stereophile.com/images/100918-Vinnie%201-600.jpg)
Photo credit: Jason Victor Serinus / Stereophile
Thank you for visiting and your coverage, Jason! The attendees certainly did make the show for us this year, where many (most) stayed for numerous tracks and I noticed a lot of sharing of the sweet spot chair and a lot of smiles and toe tapping! :D
Vinnie
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Published today by Eric Franklin Shook of Part-Time Audiophile:
RMAF 2018: Spatial Audio, Vinnie Rossi, Innuos and Anticable; a nomination for Best-In-Show sound.
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/12/rmaf-2018-spatial-audio-vinnie-rossi-innuos-and-anticables/
...I had made my way up to the 11th floor and down the shifty stairwells during my first quick pass, all the way down to Room 3018 before I really heard something to get excited about. It’s rooms like Vinnie’s and Clayton’s that really are “the energy” for that audio show feeling.
... Bass was massive and natural — and by natural I mean it was like real thunder, not a facsimile, or one of those pesky apartment neighbors who just got “Sub-Woofer: The Movie” on Blu-Ray.
...The mid-range and treble was as effortless as anything I had encountered this year at any of the shows. Not to say it was out-right the best, but it was spooky in how it loaded the room and held voices inside the image when needed but allowed the vocals to show space when the recording demanded it.
...When we talk about Best-In-Show sound, I can’t help but take into account that what I heard here at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest is not only a few extra inches of performance, but a few feet worth. How many other speaker and electronics brands can admit they’ve made those kind of gains?
(https://i0.wp.com/parttimeaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ES000422-e1539136003702.jpg?w=329&h=488&ssl=1)
(https://i0.wp.com/parttimeaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ES000424-e1539136020586.jpg?w=330&h=488&ssl=1)
(https://i1.wp.com/parttimeaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ES000441-e1539136050172.jpg?fit=940%2C635&ssl=1)
(https://i1.wp.com/parttimeaudiophile.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/ES000426.jpg?fit=940%2C635&ssl=1)
Photo credit for the four pics above: Eric Franklin Shook / Part-Time Audiophile
:notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Clayton, Paul and I are all very thankful for this outstanding coverage - what a show it has been!
Thank you, Eric!
Vinnie
PS: PTA also has a podcast called "The Occasional" and in their latest episode, they cover RMAF and their favorite rooms as the show.
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/12/rocky-mountain-audiofest-2018/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/12/rocky-mountain-audiofest-2018/)
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The L2 Signature Preamplifier in both rooms was equipped with the L2 Dac module, and the only difference was the one used in Room 4024 also contained the new L2 Phonostage module (which was just perfect for a demo that we had in our room by Muxia Music's test pressing LP of Trio Palabras! I will be posting more on this soon).
I decided to post this in a separate thread - this is a fantastic recording and something to look out for in Spring 2019!
https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160166.0 (https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=160166.0)
Vinnie
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Thanks, Mike @ AudioShark! It was a pleasure to meet you!
Yo Vinnie --- Bada-bing, Gabagool... Capeesh?
If I wasn't from the Bronx I would have no clue what you are saying..LOL
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If I wasn't from the Bronx I would have no clue what you are saying..LOL
When you have a name like Vinnie, it goes with the territory I suppose. :duh: :?
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A mention from Steve Guttenberg ("The Audiophiliac") / CNET:
"These High End Audio Devices Take Sound To Another Level"
https://www.cnet.com/pictures/these-high-end-audio-devices-take-sound-to-another-level/8/
A feast for your eyes and ears
I've attended nearly every Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in Denver, Colorado since 2008, but this year's show had more spring in its step. Lots of cool gear of course, but the show goers' excitement was palpable. High-end audio is alive and well!
This is what we all love to hear, Steve - and thank you for visiting!
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185475&size=small)
Vinnie
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More from Jack Roberts / The Audio Beatnik!
RMAF 2018 Debut Products that Really Impressed
Vinnie Rossi (L2 Signature Preamplifier and Monoblocks) & Spatial Audio (Lumina L2 open baffle loudspeakers)
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-debut-products-that-really-impressed-part-4-vinnie-rossi-spatial-audio-and-klipsch/ (https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-debut-products-that-really-impressed-part-4-vinnie-rossi-spatial-audio-and-klipsch/)
This is one of the systems at the show that really got my motor running. The whole system didn’t cost what many of the speakers at the show sold for, and it sounded better than most. It was dynamic, open, had emotional energy and was very natural sounding. These were three great debut products.
(https://i2.wp.com/theaudiobeatnik.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/beatnik-rev_logo_website.jpg?w=444&ssl=1)
Many thanks again, Jack!
Vinnie
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Hi Vinnie,
This is Gordon K. (knodrog) again chiming in. I have all tube Air Tight monoblock 211s and an Air Tight ATC2 preamp driving my older Luminas. The sound is terrific especially considering all the tweaks I've incorporated as well as having a completely professionally tuned (by Clayton) sound room. I am curious about keeping the special tube sound when you connect your SET preamp to your MOSFET solid state power monoblocks. I would think the tube qualities would be lost, but that is not what I heard in your room with the Lumina L2s running. Quite simply it was IMO the best sound I ever heard!! I need to be able to listen to full symphonic music as well as jazz ensembles. I knew I would need the headroom provided by my 211's 22 watts per channel to fill my 16 x 22 fully dedicated sound room. It seems to provide all the power I need, but would the ease and beauty of what I heard in your room reveal that I would actually need the power of your monoblocks @75 watts a channel to be the main issue of providing that sound regardless that your solid state monoblocks and not my 22 watt SET amps are driving the Lumina L2's?
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Hi knodrog,
Welcome to the VR forum!
Quite simply it was IMO the best sound I ever heard!!
Thank you! 8)
but would the ease and beauty of what I heard in your room reveal that I would actually need the power of your monoblocks @75 watts a channel to be the main issue of providing that sound regardless that your solid state monoblocks and not my 22 watt SET amps are driving the Lumina L2's?
The Spatial Luminas are fairly sensitive (I believe around 95dB) and have powered-bass drivers. So 22 watts *should* be plenty in a 16x22 room.
I think it is everything else about the preamplifer and power amplification that resulted in you hearing a much different sound.
Let's start with the preamplifiers:
The L2 Signature Preamplifier is a significantly different design compared to the AirTight ATC2.
ATC2 is an SRPP (Series Regulated Push-Pull) topology and uses a 12AX7, a couple of 12AU7s (these are both 9-pin, indirectly heated tubes) and an Alps potentiometer volume control. I couldn't find more detail about it.
L2 Signature Preamplifier uses 4-pin directly heated triodes (stock tubes are 300B, and it is a 'convertible' design that accepts some other highly delicious sounding DHT's), is single-ended (no SRPP), no feedback, uses a discrete resistor volume control instead of an Alps potentiometer, and I am sure there are many other differences such as the very important power supply topology (L2 uses dual-mono, Belleson super-regulated power supplies), bandwidth, etc.
The L2 Preamp contains a unique circuit that truly sounds like no other (and with better quality DHT tubes than the stock 300B that was used at RMAF, it gets even better)! You are hearing the Directly Heated Triode (DHT) tubes do their thing, without being taxed by an output transformer or the load of a speaker (which is a significant load compared to driving the input of an amplifier) so you are hearing the DHTs in all their glory. And L2 is a very low-noise circuit (incredibly low noise for a DHT Preamp). L2 Preamp is by far my best preamplifier design, and I really don't know how I'll ever top it. :o
So the preamplifiers are going to sound completely different.
As far as the power amplifiers:
Again, they are very different. Airtight 211 is an SET amp, has an output transformer, far less bandwidth (I believe it starts rolling off before 20kHz), an order of magnitude higher output impedance, lower output power (but as I mention above, it probably is still powerful enough for your Luminas because they are fairly sensitive).
L2 Siganture Monoblocks are MOSFET, significantly higher bandwidth, much lower output impedance, has greater than 3x the output power (and even more into lower impedance), etc. It's transient response is very impressive! It sounds unlike any solid-state amplifier that I have heard. Highly resolving, fast, musical - with only one pair of MOSFETs on the output. The amplifier board itself is very small, with low parts sound, short signal paths, and fed from very "good iron" (an excellent, custom-made transformer). And L2 Monoblocks by far my best amplifier design, and I really don't know how I'll ever top them either! (sure, wattage and size could be increased, but I'm talking about topping how they sound).
I am not saying one is "better" sounding than the other (of course this is matter of taste, and depends on synergy with speakers and other factors) - but they will sound very different. And you were easily able to hear this at RMAF with the L2 Preamp and Monoblocks driving the Spatial Luminas (in a similar sized room to your own).
-- My approach with L2 is to let the L2 Preamplifier set the foundation of the sound with its no-feedback, directly-heated triode design, high bandwidth, low noise floor, etc. Then let the L2 Monoblocks "copy" that unique DHT magic and provide power gain to drive the speakers.
-- You were also hearing the source (L2 Dac), which naturally plays an important role. It was running in non-oversampling mode, has a top-notch reclocking circuit, dual mono, Class A discrete output stages, and a whole lot of other tricks that make it a killer source.
So since you already own the Luminas, and you love how they sounded at RMAF, then feel free to email or call me about L2 whenever you are ready. The only two things that I would like to mention are:
1) Lead-time is getting longer by the week, as this is my busiest time of the year.
2) Starting 2019, there will be an increase to the pricing (I will begin taking on global distribution for L2). *Now* is the "pre-order" pricing of both components.
And thanks again for listening at RMAF and posting your impressions!
Cheers,
Vinnie
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Just when I thought the RMAF 2018 Show Coverage was completed, Brian Hunter of Audio-Head just
posted:
https://audio-head.com/vinnie-rossi-l2-signature-preamp-and-monoblocks-rmaf-2018/ (https://audio-head.com/vinnie-rossi-l2-signature-preamp-and-monoblocks-rmaf-2018/)
The slide guitar-infused Plowin’ Mule track by Doug MacLeod posted almost ghost-like focus for each instrument in the music field. It was certainly hard to tell where the speakers were placed, and if pressed to gander a guess, I would have implied a location much further back, behind the somewhat close, actual placement of the 40.2s. A fun party trick? An expensive hollowed gesture to scare trick-or-treaters? I say nay. Raw craftsmanship from two brands that gel together for power when needed and grace unyielding. Best imaging and focus of the show for me.
And he shows a hot top-view pic of the L2 Signature Preamplifier & Monoblocks, wired neatly with all Triode Wire Labs cabling:
(https://audio-head.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Vinnie-Rossi-L2-6765.jpg)
Photo Credit: Brian Hunter / Audio-Head.com
Thanks for your post, Brian - and for coming in for a fun listen to our room demo!
Vinnie
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And now a "RMAF 2018 Best System Award" from The Audio Beatnik:
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-best-system-awards/ (https://theaudiobeatnik.com/rmaf-2018-best-system-awards/)
Best System at RMAF Under $60,000 – Spatial Audio/ Vinnie Rossi Room
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185873&size=small)
Thank you very much, Jack and Becky Roberts! :notworthy:
Vinnie
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Eric Franklin Shook of Part-Time Audiophile already covered the Vinnie Rossi / Spatial Audio room, and today he
posed his full coverage of the Vinnie Rossi / Harbeth / Triode Wire Labs room:
https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/24/rmaf-2018-vinnie-rossi-triode-wire-labs-harbeth-more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts/ (https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2018/10/24/rmaf-2018-vinnie-rossi-triode-wire-labs-harbeth-more-than-the-sum-of-its-parts/)
Insight was available by the boatload. Bass attack, fast, but not bloated or overly thumpy. Mid-range, what I consider to be signature Harbeth, but turned upward and wider that I know from my previously smaller Harbeth experiences. Treble was where, for me, things shined. The insight came from imaging that hung afloat in the middle of the room like an apparition.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185920&size=small)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185923&size=small)
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=185922&size=small)
Photos by Eric Franklin Shook / Part-Time Audiophile.com
Many thanks again, Eric, for all your coverage of our rooms! :wave:
Vinnie
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More bacon, please!
https://audiobacon.net/2018/10/30/rmaf-2018-photo-tour-coverage/2/ (https://audiobacon.net/2018/10/30/rmaf-2018-photo-tour-coverage/2/)
If you ever wanted to hear a pair of Harbeth 40.2 speakers ($17,990/pr) disappear in a room, pair them new Vinnie Rossi gear and Triode Wire Labs cabling. Vinnie Rossi debuts his L2 Signature Preamplifier with DAC and Phono (21,985) and Monoblocks ($14,995/pair) at RMAF 2018.
Along with eye-opening clarity, imaging, and soundstage depth, these L2s were some of the best looking pieces of audio gear. That CNC-machined aluminum chassis is just sick.
(https://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=186192&size=small)
Photo credit: Jay Luong / Audiobacon.net
Thanks again, Jay!
Vinnie
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And one more to wrap up the RMAF 2018 Show Coverage!
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rmaf-2018-electronics-15k-and-up-1/ (http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/rmaf-2018-electronics-15k-and-up-1/)
(http://www.theabsolutesound.com/files/images/logo.png)
* Most Significant New Products of RMAF 2018 *
Vinnie Rossi L2 Signature Preamplifier and L2 Signature Monoblocks
Thank you, Julie!
Vinnie
[Off to the New York Audio Show next week!]