[saxguy]

Just got the Super Alnico High Output XRS.  Louis made them with integrated 8" downfiring subs.  We did some other upgrades, including internal wiring with ZenWave SL 17G. Dave also made jumpers for the subwoofers with his bass cables.  So far it sounds great, but I know there will be some changes during break in. 

System:
Roon Nucleus
M4 Max Mac Studio running HQPlayer
Holo Red running as NAA
T+A DAC 200
Alan Eaton 45 SET Monoblocks
Zenwave D4 Interconnects
Zenwave SL 17G Speaker Cable
Intona Ultima USB

[Kray]

Just got the Super Alnico High Output XRS.  Louis made them with integrated 8" downfiring subs.  We did some other upgrades, including internal wiring with ZenWave SL 17G. Dave also made jumpers for the subwoofers with his bass cables.  So far it sounds great, but I know there will be some changes during break in. 

System:
Roon Nucleus
M4 Max Mac Studio running HQPlayer
Holo Red running as NAA
T+A DAC 200
Alan Eaton 45 SET Monoblocks
Zenwave D4 Interconnects
Zenwave SL 17G Speaker Cable
Intona Ultima USB

Great setup! any more pics of the speakers? with no grills, etc? back on speaker? I'd definitely consider something like that. 

[pstrisik]

Very nice!  What are the other components?  The amp/pre remind me of the simplicity of Dennis Had's later work.  I currently have his earlier Cary SLP-98 pre but have had Inspire preamp and amp.

Also like that you have casters on the speakers.  I recently made platforms on casters for my 80+lb version of the SAM-HO.  Preserves the vibration control of the GAIAs while allowing for mobility.  I'll post a pic later today.

[saxguy]

Very nice!  What are the other components?  The amp/pre remind me of the simplicity of Dennis Had's later work.  I currently have his earlier Cary SLP-98 pre but have had Inspire preamp and amp.

Also like that you have casters on the speakers.  I recently made platforms on casters for my 80+lb version of the SAM-HO.  Preserves the vibration control of the GAIAs while allowing for mobility.  I'll post a pic later today.

The red ones are the 45 monoblocks made by Alan Eaton.  They're really good, but I've found that if I run my DAC at line level and use the volume control on the amplifier it will overdrive the amps, so now I just run the amps at full volume and use the volume control on the DAC.  It has an analog resistor based stepped volume control, so I'm not really losing anything by using it.  I'm waiting for a Decware Sarah 300B amplifier.  I love the sound of the 45, but I do feel the need to push the speakers a little harder at times and the 45 is limited in that capacity.

The DAC is the T+A DAC 200.  I'm running DSD1024 from HQPLayer into it.  Sounds phenomenal.

I don't have casters, though.  Those are just the Gaia III footers. 

[saxguy]

Great setup! any more pics of the speakers? with no grills, etc? back on speaker? I'd definitely consider something like that. 

[uncola]

wow they look great.  I love that louis is continuing to do such interesting custom designs.  the 8" downfiring built in subs are very cool, I'd definitely get those if I was getting the high output towers

[pstrisik]

The red ones are the 45 monoblocks made by Alan Eaton.  They're really good, but I've found that if I run my DAC at line level and use the volume control on the amplifier it will overdrive the amps, so now I just run the amps at full volume and use the volume control on the DAC.  It has an analog resistor based stepped volume control, so I'm not really losing anything by using it.  I'm waiting for a Decware Sarah 300B amplifier.  I love the sound of the 45, but I do feel the need to push the speakers a little harder at times and the 45 is limited in that capacity.

The DAC is the T+A DAC 200.  I'm running DSD1024 from HQPLayer into it.  Sounds phenomenal.

I don't have casters, though.  Those are just the Gaia III footers.

My mistake, I can see the GAIAs now.   

Here's a photo of my rig.  Old timers here are probably familiar by now.  SAM-HO with Rythmik 8" powered mid-woofers below.  Louis generously built both cabinets together and matched the grain.  The monitors are on OREAs with that black frame hiding them.  The top is stone slab.  Above that is a supertweeter with vintage Yamaha beryllium drivers and ~13khz high pass facing upward that I built.  GAIA footers.  The whole think on a platform with rollers underneath. 

Currently with Auralic VEGA G2.2 streamer/DAC => Cary SLP-98 preamp => 1970's Pioneer M-22 - 30wpc all Class A.

This system is the best I've managed yet.  Still, I have on pre-order a pair of Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocs with LPS that will ship in the fall.  As wonderful as the Pioneer is and really good match for the Omega's, it is big, hot, and heavy (50lbs).  I'm getting too old to lift it!  The Orchard monos will be 50lbs together, but at least they are movable at 25lbs each.    These are GanFET class D and 250wpc at 8ohms.  The reviews of GanFET technology in general have been very positive and the Orchards are getting universal raves, so I'm hoping for the best in terms of match with the Omegas.  I'll either return them or keep them and sell the Pioneer.

[Kray]

My mistake, I can see the GAIAs now.   

Here's a photo of my rig.  Old timers here are probably familiar by now.  SAM-HO with Rythmik 8" powered mid-woofers below.  Louis generously built both cabinets together and matched the grain.  The monitors are on OREAs with that black frame hiding them.  The top is stone slab.  Above that is a supertweeter with vintage Yamaha beryllium drivers and ~13khz high pass facing upward that I built.  GAIA footers.  The whole think on a platform with rollers underneath. 

Currently with Auralic VEGA G2.2 streamer/DAC => Cary SLP-98 preamp => 1970's Pioneer M-22 - 30wpc all Class A.

This system is the best I've managed yet.  Still, I have on pre-order a pair of Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocs with LPS that will ship in the fall.  As wonderful as the Pioneer is and really good match for the Omega's, it is big, hot, and heavy (50lbs).  I'm getting too old to lift it!  The Orchard monos will be 50lbs together, but at least they are movable at 25lbs each.    These are GanFET class D and 250wpc at 8ohms.  The reviews of GanFET technology in general have been very positive and the Orchards are getting universal raves, so I'm hoping for the best in terms of match with the Omegas.  I'll either return them or keep them and sell the Pioneer.

I think you’ll love the Orchards. I had Atmasphere Class D monos (GaNFET) with SAM’s and they worked beautifully.

Building a pair of Super Alnico XRS HO with built in subs is very tempting.

[uncola]

wow nice vibration control!  I have a pair of virtualhifi vibron footers on the way to try under my bookshelf speakers.  I've had orchard class d amps in the past and think you'll be very happy with them, especially the ultra premium version with the linear power supplies inside. 

[pstrisik]

Thanks guys.  Very much looking forward to the Orchards.  Long wait though.  Shipping in Oct/Nov!