Whats the most overwhelming piece of gear you have heard?

Zero · « **on:** 6 Jan 2006, 10:58 pm »

In my five or so years in this hobby - I have not really come across an experience to where I hear a system that just sounds completely -right. Just the same, there are a few components that really hit above my expectations..

The Totem Acoustic 'sttaf' definately has to make the list, as its the only piece of equipment I have kept, and will not get rid of. I have owned plenty of 'better' speakers, let alone hearing a whole boat load I havent owned. There is just a certain magic that this speaker has. In fact, the overwhelming thing about this speaker is its ability to not blow me away, yet still has surprises for each recording - making everything a unique experience!

Second, would be Vinnie's stock clari-t. I may not go so far as to claim its a giant 'killer' - but she certainly is a giant. This unit taught me what 6 watts of good clean power is capable of..even driving average efficiency speakers with aboslute ease. Great sound for a great price if it meets you needs.

Third, yet another class D amp - the Teac Legacy 700. For $99 (and even the $199 retail), it was just astounding. We've read enough about it here so I do not need to repeat myself. I put this amp against the big dogs and it held its own every single time.

Rocket · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:33 am »

Hi,

Not sure if it counts but i've had my n.e.w. p3 tube preamp in my system since 2000. I generally swap my equipment every two years as upgraditis gets me in the end.

I had the modwright beta preamp in my system last year and the p3 held its own in comparison.

Regards

Rod

miklorsmith · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:36 am »

The production Modwright is ridiculously good at the price. Most of the pieces in my system are great at their prices though.

ctviggen · « **Reply #3 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:44 am »

I can't remember the name of the speaker, but there was a massive Dynaudio that sounded kick butt, driven by megabuck equipment. The Dynaudio was huge though -- I seem to remember it being very tall. It was in a showroom that had vaulted ceilings.

eric the red · « **Reply #4 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:47 am »

Sharp SD-EX111 integrated. Ridiculously good sound for $79.00 with my speakers. Have been using it as my main amp since I bought it last fall. Also the BAT VK-3i is a great preamp and a great deal used at @$1000.00. I'll own another one when I rebuild my rig someday.

mcgsxr · « **Reply #5 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:49 am »

I heard the Dynaudio Temptation (approx 65K, driven with around 20K of tube amp, and a Cary front end), and it amazed me with the ability to throw a convincing centered image, when I was WAY off to the side.

It ranks for me.

Marbles · « **Reply #6 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:53 am »

#1 Ridge Street Audio Sason speakers. Jaw dropping imaging/layering

#2 Empirical Audio I2S Turbo Off Ramp/P3a combo fed by a PC - Just incredible lifelike presentation in source gear.

nathanm · « **Reply #7 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:54 am »

The most overwhelming hi-fi gear I can recall was from some speakers that Audiojerry had. I have no idea what brand they were. Some sort of smallish floorstanding monitors in a reddish finish. Maybe it was reflections or something, I have no idea, all I know is that the speakers were only three feet high but the sound was wrapped around me in a hemispherical "shape". I was looking at the ceiling because that's where it seemed the sound was coming from. Of course, the minimalist recording was largely responsible for that too, but still...imaging out the wazoo. I have been unable to recreate that phenomenon since. Really bright and detailed treble too, another quality absent from my own systems. I hope these qualities aren't exclusive to that kind of super mellow jazz recording, but perhaps so.

nickspicks · « **Reply #8 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 12:55 am »

the first time I heard Martin Logan Ascenti. blew my head off. i'll never forget it.

the Audio Experience Syphonies preamp was the next piece. wow. what did that thing cost? sooo little.

bhobba · « **Reply #9 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 01:03 am »

The midrange on Quad electrostatics. Mind blowing IMHO.

Thanks
Bill

gstraley · « **Reply #10 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 01:29 am »

The most impressive piece to me has been the Superphon buffer stage ( now called the Revelation III). When I heard the prototype and compared it to everything I could find, I knew that I found the best preamp money could buy regardless of cost. The next best thing was the Reimer Wind River GS speakers. At first I did not really like them but when I figured out what they were doing right and the clarity that they possess over most other speakers that I have heard I learned to appreciate the good things that they do and realize tha most speakers have a bloated lower midrange.
I could get into my amp and cd player but unfortunately they are not an available product. They are custom pieces from Stan Warren.

SCUBADON · « **Reply #11 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 01:32 am »

Empirical Audio USB Upramp wiith turbo mod. It has allowed me to enjoy digital audio. Add a laptop computer, and a good DAC and it outperforms the mega $$$ Wadia I had. I also now have instant access to 1800 CD's. WOW

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #12 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 02:54 am »

Quote from: eric the red

Sharp SD-EX111 integrated. Ridiculously good sound for $79.00 with my speakers. Have been using it as my main amp since I bought it last fall. Also the BAT VK-3i is a great preamp and a great deal used at @$1000.00. I'll own another one when I rebuild my rig someday.

I've been toying with selling off my Onix Melody and buying a BAT VK-3i, maybe even the VK-3ix once the used prices come down a bit. I'd think that with a pair of Nuforce Ref 8/9s would be pretty nice.

Rob Babcock · « **Reply #13 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 02:55 am »

My most overwhelming peice would be software, not gear- the Eximius DVD2One Audio Remaster simply shocked me with its effectiveness.

Parnelli777 · « **Reply #14 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 03:35 am »

Most impressive pieces to me have been a friend's Viva, Graaf OTL, and Avantgarde Duo rig.

Always pure bliss

Now, if only I had a spare $50k lying around...

meby · « **Reply #15 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 03:44 am »

When I first started to be able to afford High End equipment I went to a dealer who had me listen to the Avantgarde Duos driven by all BAT gear. The room had an accoustical curtain on the back wall. When they guy left the room I pulled the curtain back because the sound was eminating from the wall and I thought they had a hidden set of speakers behind them

. To this day I have not heard that deep of a soundstage.

_scotty_ · « **Reply #16 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 03:50 am »

I would have to list my Reimer Teton GS speakers first followed closely
by the Superphon buffer stage, Reality Cables, and what Gregg said

Quote

I could get into my amp and cd player but unfortunately they are not an available product. They are custom pieces from Stan Warren.

Scotty

bubba966 · « **Reply #17 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 05:05 am »

Sonic Impact Sound Pads slapped onto a FedEx large shipping box.

For $20 a pair they're easily the best bang for your buck speakers I've ever heard.

I couldn't believe how good a damn cardboard box can sound...

konut · « **Reply #18 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 05:21 am »

In 1967 I was in the 9th grade. A local rock band played the Jr. high gymnasium. I stood next to the PA almost the entire night. There were JBL D130s in there. I've been hooked ever since.

Folsom · « **Reply #19 on:** 7 Jan 2006, 10:54 am »

Quote from: bubba966

Sonic Impact Sound Pads slapped onto a FedEx large shipping box.

For $20 a pair they're easily the best bang for your buck speakers I've ever heard.

I couldn't believe how good a damn cardboard box can sound...

Uh DIY electrostatic speakers..... Cardboard plus transformers

.

Do they really make music?