[vegasdave]

The last piece of my audio tapestry (Esoteric) for this year was installed in my system today...

I was listening to Persephone earlier this evening and I unexpectantly caught myself smiling like the Cheshire Cat. For individuals with an appreciation for Gothic music, Persephone is a most haunting vocalist and her music is deeply profound - you get lost in her lyrics. I realized at that moment in time, this system, which was conceived less than a year ago, has surpassed my wildest expectations not only in its audio performance but aesthetics as well.

I used to listen to my music, now I live it.

The Esoteric X-05 has greatly raised the proverbial performance bar of the JBL/Bryston combination. The audio richness and detail that this CD player presents is simply stunning - I am truly at a loss for words. I have said this before and I will say it again, the delicacy and detail of the Bryston 28B mono blocks are incredible. The JBL 1400 Project Arrays have made this system what it is.

It has been a most enlightening journey, I have met many interesting people and unfortunately, far too many audio dealer snobs, dressed in starched suits that were blinded by their obtrusive, preconceived, stereotypical attitudes who could not see past the ends of their collective noses.

So, what is in store next? I must forge ahead and complete my stereo stand. Next year I hope to pick up a turntable - another learning curve ensues?

As for now, I am going to sit back and relax, put my feet up, and enjoy.

Be well...

Cool! Nice review and system! Thanks!

[Laundrew]

Now the only thing I have to master is the BR2 (must be smarter than the box), I keep holding it backwards and wonder why the volume is not changing

A mind is such a terrible thing to waste I am going to go and  until it does not hurt any longer...     

[95Dyna]

Now the only thing I have to master is the BR2 (must be smarter than the box), I keep holding it backwards and wonder why the volume is not changing

A mind is such a terrible thing to waste I am going to go and  until it does not hurt any longer...     

I've been using my BR2 to do arm curls and have increased the size of my bicepts by 38 mm.  I would suggest mastering the proper holding of the unit before trying this, however.

[laserman]

Yes, the JBL's are available in the States.  I had the opportunity to audition the Project Everest DD66000's earlier this year in Sonoma, AZ .  They were in an Art gallery, which also happened to be an audio boutique.  The purveyor also had another model that was the precursor to the DD6600.  They were not set up properly to provide critical comments.  The XO design concept was very intriguing and appears to allow the end user to tune the speaker to their room.

[Laundrew]

Now the only thing I have to master is the BR2 (must be smarter than the box), I keep holding it backwards and wonder why the volume is not changing

A mind is such a terrible thing to waste I am going to go and  until it does not hurt any longer...     

I've been using my BR2 to do arm curls and have increased the size of my bicepts by 38 mm.  I would suggest mastering the proper holding of the unit before trying this, however.

Perhaps I should paint an arrow on it 

[Mad Mr H]

Build a robot to do the things you can't manage

Only get someone else to program it  or it will only copy you 

[Laundrew]

Build a robot to do the things you can't manage

Only get someone else to program it  or it will only copy you 

Actually, I did...but he goes to work for me in the morning - so I must handle the remote myself

[vegasdave]

Yes, the JBL's are available in the States.  I had the opportunity to audition the Project Everest DD66000's earlier this year in Sonoma, AZ .  They were in an Art gallery, which also happened to be an audio boutique.  The purveyor also had another model that was the precursor to the DD6600.  They were not set up properly to provide critical comments.  The XO design concept was very intriguing and appears to allow the end user to tune the speaker to their room.

Awesome. I've only heard the Everest at the CES show here in Las Vegas. I was blown away to say the least.

[Laundrew]

Well I have literally cycled over 100 CDs in my new system at this time.  Surprisingly, I have only experience one poorly recorded CD. I would of thought that I would of experienced more than one questionably recorded CD during this run. A lot of my CDs that I enjoy are not really produced for large market runs - I guess that they are not very popular with the mainstream.

The CD that surprised me the most for poor audio quality was Boston, Third Stage. This really caught me off guard because it sounded pretty good on my previous system. There was just "no life" in this CD at all and I am curious if this is a result of poor dynamic range in the CD - truly an "ear opener."

This CD has really sent me for a loop

What I have noticed while listening to this CD on the Esoteric is a lot more detail. I am somewhat surprised at the amount of music I never heard from this CD before - a lot of subtle nuances. I like it!

However, it still seems to be a little bright. What makes a big difference now, is that the bottom end feels a lot more solid over my previous CD player. The CD now seems to have a little more life to it and the sound stage is much larger - perhaps they could of done a little better job in the production of this CD.

Be well...

[vegasdave]

It's interesting how components sound different. Some would say they sound the same...but that's a whole 'nother topic!

[Laundrew]

Now that the air-conditioning season is over, I think that I am going to move a fan into my listening room! I remember auditioning many great power amplifiers, some operating in Class A and the amount of heat that they generated concerned me a great deal about their "mean time between failure." I remember one amplifier in particular, everything was hot on the amplifier - even the volume control!

While I do not consider the 28Bs to run hot, they do tend to warm up a room after a few hours of operation. More surprises today and yet another "wow" affect, I listened for the first time to My Dying Bride "The Light at the End of the World."  Phenomenal! The energy that this group possess is truly remarkable and the 28Bs flawlessly hammer it out without breaking a sweat

[drummermitchell]

I have got to listen to these 1400s.I found a place in the city that sells them.
I wonder how the horns differ in sound compared to tweeters.
The highs must trail off into the beyond the hearing zone into nothingness.
I have only read a couple of reviews on them.
The store in edmonton has the 800s,those would at least give me an idea as to
what to expect.
I would like to hear my 50as beside them to compare also,but there a 100lbs each and would be nasty packing them to the city,I'll have to look a little deeper into this.

[Laundrew]

I have got to listen to these 1400s.I found a place in the city that sells them.
I wonder how the horns differ in sound compared to tweeters.
The highs must trail off into the beyond the hearing zone into nothingness.
I have only read a couple of reviews on them.
The store in edmonton has the 800s,those would at least give me an idea as to
what to expect.
I would like to hear my 50as beside them to compare also,but there a 100lbs each and would be nasty packing them to the city,I'll have to look a little deeper into this.

Hello drummermitchell,

I cannot remember how many speakers I auditioned, but when I first heard the JBLs, I knew that they were perfect for me - order me a pair, thank you very much. Ironically, I never knew that JBL existed before this! Something just reached out and touched me. The 1400s easily out preformed speakers I had auditioned that were above their price range (IMO). If I ever considered replacing my 1400s (when certain animals fly...), it would be a pair of K2s or nothing at all.

I remember the demo the dealer did for me, I said something to the effect that you will never see the 28Bs clip. He said "watch this," and actually clipped the 28Bs while driving the 1400s.

Granted, I will never, at any time, listen to music at this level - it was truly insane. He was using a SACD of Japanese drums and the entire store was vibrating as if a freight train was going by outside of the store. The 1400s and 28Bs were truly made for each other - insane      

[drummermitchell]

Hi Laundrew,I do have a shot at getting some arrays.I called the dealer in the city and he had sold the 800s.I should have auditioned them before as I had the chance,then I'd have an idea what they are like.The VP there told me in a small room that they would be too bright.
My room is quite small.I'd like to hear them myself as every room is different for sure.What speakers did you audition before the JBLs,any Revels perhaps in the
lineup.

[Laundrew]

Hi Laundrew,I do have a shot at getting some arrays.I called the dealer in the city and he had sold the 800s.I should have auditioned them before as I had the chance,then I'd have an idea what they are like.The VP there told me in a small room that they would be too bright.
My room is quite small.I'd like to hear them myself as every room is different for sure.What speakers did you audition before the JBLs,any Revels perhaps in the
lineup.

Hello drummermitchell,

It was over a year and a half ago when I started - please bear with me So, to name a few...

I started at Audio Excellence and auditioned Macs, Wilson Audio (Sophia?), and I think that one demo was with a Revel (? - not sure) driven by McIntosh electronics. Other speakers at various other stores were Spendor, Paradigm S8s (they stick in my mind - a truly awesome pair of speakers for just under $6K), B&Ws, Totems, PSBs and Mirage - there was many more, but I cannot remember them all. The audio dealer whom was loathing had a lot of exotic speakers (they were pretty looking - but not really great sounding) and he was driving them with Musical Fidelity electronics.

My room is only about 18X16 Feet (with a little "dog leg") and it is not the most "ideal" listening environment - I want to knock down a wall. I think what makes a big difference is the compression drivers, driving the horns. The motor in the LF speaker is 4 inches in diameter so it can move a lot of air and the 28Bs have an "iron fist" control over this. 

[drummermitchell]

Thanks for the  reply back,I wouldn't mind that size of room so my gear could breath a bit(alot more).Hopefully that dealer will get another set of arrays in and I can check them out as I am quite interested in those and another type.
Drives me nuts that I can't audition these,PATIENCE I guess.

[Laundrew]

Just received my hydro bill for September. For some reason, my Kilowatt hour consumption has increased by almost 7 Kwhs compared to August

 

[alexone]

Just received my hydro bill for September. For some reason, my Kilowatt hour consumption has increased by almost 7 Kwhs compared to August

 

...so this is good or bad news for you?



al.

[Laundrew]

Just received my hydro bill for September. For some reason, my Kilowatt hour consumption has increased by almost 7 Kwhs compared to August

 

...so this is good or bad news for you?



al.

Actually, I got a good chuckle over the hydro bill. An audio system increasing your monthly household electrical consumption by a little over 25% - "priceless." For the absolute enjoyment I derive from this system, it is a very insignificant and minuscule price to pay. I always look on the bright side, I will most likely reduce my natural gas consumption during the winter months

Be well...   

[vegasdave]

Thanks for the  reply back,I wouldn't mind that size of room so my gear could breath a bit(alot more).Hopefully that dealer will get another set of arrays in and I can check them out as I am quite interested in those and another type.
Drives me nuts that I can't audition these,PATIENCE I guess.

I'd like to audition them too...but I have to drive to Palm Springs, CA to do that!