My Quest the Ultimate System

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic. Read 1949 times.

jonc113

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 3
My Quest the Ultimate System
« on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:20 am »
Hello AudioCircle,

I got here by watching GR-Research's video on line sources, which I hope to use as my speakers.

I've got the preamp and amps all set:
Lyngdorf MP-60 - decodes almost all surround formats and features their patented Room Perfect software.
Atma-sphere MA1's - Output transformerless tube amps that are the best thing I've ever bought.
California Audio Labs CL 2500 MCA Amp - 500 Watts x 5 channels, way overkill, using two of the channels to bi-amp with the MA1's

Now to find speakers!
Had Martin Logan electrostatics, but the new room I'm in doesn't have enough space to accomodate the back wave (supposedly you need 5 feet to make the back wave reflect at the proper time)
So, I'm ruling out dipoles, despite my love for electrostatics.
Now I'm looking at line sources and traveling to Utah, just to hear 3 of them that can't be heard anywhere else.

So, if you have any speaker suggestions, I have open ears!

FullRangeMan

  • Facilitator
  • Posts: 20902
  • To whom more was given more will be required.
    • Never go to a psychiatrist, adopt a straycat or dog. On the street they live only two years average.
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #1 on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:26 am »
Welcome Jonc :thumb:
I could suggest the inexpensive Carver Amazing Silver or Platinum Edition if you can find an used, they need only 1 metre back to delivery a huge soundstage, just dont use they with toe-in.
I dont like MLs.

There is a Amazing clone called Gilmore Audio.
Just found this very useful link to Amazing fans:
https://audioresurgence.com/2014/05/gilmore-audio-and-carver-amazing-speakers.html
« Last Edit: 7 Jan 2020, 10:10 am by FullRangeMan »

Wind Chaser

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #2 on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:46 am »
Welcome to Audio Circle!

JLM

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 10746
  • The elephant normally IS the room
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #3 on: 7 Jan 2020, 01:11 pm »
Welcome!

IMO the ultimate system would start with the room (big, properly shaped and treated).  Without a great room your quest will be doomed.  Seems that you're already compromising on speakers to fit the room and amps - that like shopping for shoes and afterwards trying to fit your feet to them.  Suggest reading Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction" 3rd edition.  It is the consummate reference for audiophiles on how speakers react in residentially sized rooms.  Toole is recognized as one of the top experts in the world.  He promotes the use of multiple subs to control inherent room bass peaks/dips.  I use 3 subs in a well insulated room shaped in accordance with Fibonacci ratios. 

Next, pick the speakers to suit the room and your tastes.  The best speakers I've ever heard/owned in nearly 50 years at this were JBL 708P's ($4000/pair MSRP, 2-way actives - built-in amps with controlled directivity).  They are extremely accurate in terms of detail and imaging and very dynamic/room filling.  Best fed from a digital (AES/EBU) source.  Active speakers have solid/clear technical and sonic advantages.  And you can add JBL 705P ($1000/each that are the little brothers to the 708P's for extra channels).  Some of the best studios in the world use these speakers.  But speakers are a very personal decision. 

Then if you go with passive speakers look for amps that synergize with the chosen speakers.  You didn't mention a source.  Ultimate digital is a moving target so be ready to upgrade/replace at least annually.  Anyway the next step is to measure the room and treat it.  Recommend contacting GIK here at Audio Circle for advice/products.  I use ten of their absorption panels.  Then as a last resort, apply DSP room correction.  If you have the "right" room with proper treatments DSP won't be needed.  Earl Geddes, another respected acoustician, recommends using physical means to correct physical issues, not DSP. 

Phil A

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #4 on: 7 Jan 2020, 03:00 pm »
Welcome!

rollo

  • Restricted
  • Posts: 5530
  • Rollo Audio Consulting -
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #5 on: 7 Jan 2020, 03:35 pm »
  Welcome.

charles

bfstrysik

  • Jr. Member
  • Posts: 24
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #6 on: 7 Jan 2020, 04:35 pm »
Welcome. Seems like many of us are looking for the ultimate sound system. Sigh.  :?

Jon L

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #7 on: 7 Jan 2020, 04:38 pm »
Had Martin Logan electrostatics, but the new room I'm in doesn't have enough space to accomodate the back wave (supposedly you need 5 feet to make the back wave reflect at the proper time)
So, I'm ruling out dipoles, despite my love for electrostatics.

If you love electrostats and don't have room in the back, then there are JansZen speakers using Monopole electrostats!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqtkmhmZ5NY

RonN5

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #8 on: 7 Jan 2020, 05:15 pm »
jonc113

I think the Janszen is a nice option but as they say on their website, they have tight vertical and horizontal dispersion...so probably a pretty restricted listening position...but if your room is small and or placement very challenged, they could be your cup of tea.

I'm going to suggest another option with a very electrostatic type sound from their RAAL 70-20 tweeter:

http://www.salksound.com/model.php?model=Veracity+ST

Opposite the Janszen, they have pretty good overall vertical dispersion and very wide horizontal dispersion so lots of room ambience is possible along with a very electrostatic sound (I had quad 57s for a while)....not great if you have to have them close to the side walls though..

and they have a transmission line low end which is easy to place in the room

I would also probably tell you to look at Selah and Ascend Acoustics as well.


ArthurDent

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 15092
  • Don't Panic / Mostly Harmless
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #9 on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:12 pm »
Greetings & Welcome to AC jonc   :thumb:

Shakeydeal

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #10 on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:47 pm »
You have three too many channels. You can start there...........

Shakey

charmerci

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #11 on: 7 Jan 2020, 06:51 pm »

"...these are the best speakers I've ever heard in my life. And not by a little."


https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=167156.0



Tyson

  • Full Member
  • Posts: 11485
  • Without music, life would be a mistake.
Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #12 on: 7 Jan 2020, 07:41 pm »
"...these are the best speakers I've ever heard in my life. And not by a little."


https://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=167156.0




He said no OB so the Lineforce speakers are out....

witchdoctor

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #13 on: 7 Jan 2020, 09:32 pm »
Welcome Jonc :thumb:
I could suggest the inexpensive Carver Amazing Silver or Platinum Edition if you can find an used, they need only 1 metre back to delivery a huge soundstage, just dont use they with toe-in.
I dont like MLs.

There is a Amazing clone called Gilmore Audio.
Just found this very useful link to Amazing fans:
https://audioresurgence.com/2014/05/gilmore-audio-and-carver-amazing-speakers.html

+1, I agree, Carvers above or the newer Carver Line Source:

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/carver-als-line-source-loudspeaker-system/

WGH

Re: My Quest the Ultimate System
« Reply #14 on: 7 Jan 2020, 10:10 pm »
The Von Schweikert VR-33 would work very, very well with your electronics and room plus " the VR-33 are designed to sit close to a rear wall to save space, but more importantly, to provide the same room-to-room balance so that every audiophile will be able to enjoy the finest sound quality available. The VR-33 was designed to work in any type of room."

SPECIFICATIONS:
FREQ RESP: 30Hz-30KHz (+/- 2dB)
SENSITIVITY: 90dB @ 1w/1m
IMPEDANCE: 8ohms
REC. MIN. POWER: 60 watts
SIZE: 50" x 16" x 12"
WEIGHT: 103/lbs per channel

https://www.vonschweikert.com/copy-of-vr-22



Rave reviews everywhere, here are a couple:
http://www.stereomojo.com/Von%20Schweikert%20VR-33%20Speaker%20Review.htm/VonSchweikertVR-33SpeakerReview.htm

"In my experience, there is no way you are going to find a speaker that can keep up with, let alone outperform, them at anywhere near this price, period. They will easily equal or best most anything I've ever heard under about $10-$12k, and judging by any number of criteria."
https://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue51/vr33.htm

Used VR-33's are less than $2000
https://www.hifishark.com/search?q=von+schweikert+vr-33