West LA Meetup---

KeithR · « **on:** 11 Feb 2004, 09:27 pm »

I have the Nagra preamp (many say it is the best in the world) coming in on loan from a dealer that I am going to put up against my BAT VK-31SE. If anyone is interested in joining (Sunday is definitely out, but since Monday is holiday, maybe then) to do some listening this weekend, please let me know. I could even do a Friday night session.

Current system--

Linn Unidisk 1.1
BAT VK-31SE
Avantgarde Solos
Sound Application line conditioner
Supra ICs

JoshK · « **Reply #1 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 09:33 pm »

Damn Keith! You are moving up into some seriously big time pieces there. Congrads. Did you ever get your Porsche?

KeithR · « **Reply #2 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 09:56 pm »

Thanks Josh--just swapping up stuff little by little, and not spending 1000s on cables

Yep, i've had the Boxster S over a year and a half actually...figuring out my next move. Do believe it will be a 1996 911 and a Ford F-150 for day driving.

Leasing is a steal on the boxsters now...it ain't really expensive at all.

JoshK · « **Reply #3 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 10:51 pm »

can't do that kind of thing now that I am married.

F-150 for day driving huh? I wouldn't have thought a gas guzzler for day driving but then again it is LA! Need something to push your way around in.

John Casler · « **Reply #4 on:** 11 Feb 2004, 11:11 pm »

Quote from: KeithR

I have the Nagra preamp (many say it is the best in the world) coming in on loan from a dealer that I am going to put up against my BAT VK-31SE. If anyone is interested in joining (Sunday is definitely out, but since Monday is holiday, maybe then) to do some listening this weekend, please let me know. I could even do a Friday night session.

Hey Keith,

I could probably make Mon (or even Fri nite). If you want to hear the MiniMax against the Giants, I could bring it along too.

KeithR · « **Reply #5 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 02:39 am »

I think the better test would be to take the best preamp, and later go to your place and test against the Mini Max?

As this is a purchase decision, i need few variables in the mix

Plus, since you are used to the Mini Max in your system, the winner put against it in your system would probably be more meaningful/interesting test to you?
Thoughts?

randytsuch · « **Reply #6 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 07:00 am »

Hi Keith
Have not been around for a while, and just saw this thread.
I would love to hear your system, but I am not sure if I could make it this weekend.
Maybe some other time? I would like you hear your unidisk, but I do have a history on not making the LA get togethers. I threatened to go and hear John's system over a year ago, and still have not made it.

I live in Brentwood btw.

Randy

John Casler · « **Reply #7 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 06:05 pm »

Quote from: KeithR

I think the better test would be to take the best preamp, and later go to your place and test against the Mini Max?

As this is a purchase decision, i need few variables in the mix Plus, since you are used to the Mini Max in your system, the winner put against it in your system would probably be more meaningful/interesting test to you?
Thoughts?

Sounds good to me!!!

My schedule is rather open and I'd like to see how the MM does in "tall cotton". (i.e: in with the Big Boys)

Does the Nagra have 2 pairs of "line outs"?

John Casler · « **Reply #8 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 06:08 pm »

Quote from: randytsuch

Hi Keith
Have not been around for a while, and just saw this thread.
I would love to hear your system, but I am not sure if I could make it this weekend.
Maybe some other time? I would like you hear your unidisk, but I do have a history on not making the LA get togethers. I threatened to go and hear John's system over a year ago, and still have not made it.

I live in Brentwood btw.

Randy

Hey Randy,

Time to make good on that threat

Again, I'm rather open, schedule wise, and the system w/ 626Rs and LARGER sub using the NHT X-2 crossover is sounding "super fine".

Wouldn't mind getting additional feedback.

F-100 · « **Reply #9 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 08:46 pm »

I would love to attend this session but already sheduled a getaway weekend with the wife. It's Valentine weekend

, got to please her so I can buy more new toys...

BTW, John, are you planning to post your review on the NHT X-2 soon?

John Casler · « **Reply #10 on:** 12 Feb 2004, 10:12 pm »

Quote from: F-100

BTW, John, are you planning to post your review on the NHT X-2 soon?

Yessssireee Bob!

Only problem is I separated my HT and Audio System a few days prior to it arriving so I haven't been able to tell if it will do both Stereo and LFE input switching like I wanted.

Additionally, I currently have the 626Rs running "full range" with the X-over acting as a "sloped" filter to blend in the LARGER Sub.

I can report that in this configuration it works like a champ.

Bass is easy to blend and match, and the controls, while numerous, allow some very nice control.

But as of this moment, it is clean, good looking and very functional for the price.

(and please temper my advocacy, and report with the Knowledge that I am now a NHT dealer -- just so I could get this product for myself and my clients)

F-100 · « **Reply #11 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 06:20 am »

John,
Thanks for the mini review

I might need to pay you a visit when my custom sub enclosures are delivered.

John Casler · « **Reply #12 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 02:27 pm »

Quote from: F-100

John,
Thanks for the mini review
I might need to pay you a visit when my custom sub enclosures are delivered.

Looking forward to seeing (and hearing) those beauties!

KeithR · « **Reply #13 on:** 13 Feb 2004, 05:54 pm »

Well guys, unfortunately preamp won't arrive till next week

I was looking toward 3 days of putting it through its paces, but will have to work on other parts of the system (video wise, and putting up a tapestry behind the listening position).

As it stands, since several can't join---let's count on next Saturday at 1pm.

John- yes, both preamps have dual line outs that are "hot"

The Nagra is just audio jewelry btw after doing more online research...can't wait to have another 10lb dynamo in my system!

Randy- re: the Unidisk, i think it has few peers. It is that good. Maybe some of our circle colleagues can comment on it who were at the last get together.

John Casler · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 01:43 am »

Quote

Well guys, unfortunately preamp won't arrive till next week I was looking toward 3 days of putting it through its paces, but will have to work on other parts of the system (video wise, and putting up a tapestry behind the listening position).

As it stands, since several can't join---let's count on next Saturday at 1pm.

Works for me. By that time I'll also have the MiniMax CD player. That too might be an interesting listen.

I'm looking at BlackLight Syndrome and Bela Fleck cuts, What are you thinking.

We probably need a female voice cut, a male voice cut and a Classical cut.

I have a cut that Brian uses quite frequently that has the best orchestral imaging and soundstage, I have ever heard.

With the new X-over I installed the Bass lines in the Blacklight Syndrome cut are much better.

Too bad my BPT 3.5 Signature Power Conditioner won't arrive by then.

(or maybe it will

)

And regarding the Linn: While I only heard a few cuts with limited Sweet Seat time, it sounded better than anything I have heard.

KeithR · « **Reply #15 on:** 14 Feb 2004, 08:13 pm »

I'm thinking a Dave Matthews cut off Luther College perhaps for male vocal?

As far as classical, Trittico is the easy choice--dynamics, microdynamics, and short making it an easy cut.

Tons of female vocal cuts, so Bela is fine---although Sade could be another interesting choice.

We'll discuss later this week...

KeithR · « **Reply #16 on:** 20 Feb 2004, 10:15 pm »

Guys- mucho apologies. Nagra just shipped yesterday, so won't have it till next weekend.

John Casler · « **Reply #17 on:** 20 Feb 2004, 10:49 pm »

Quote from: KeithR

Guys- mucho apologies. Nagra just shipped yesterday, so won't have it till next weekend.

Which model is it? Looks like there are two.

Also are your Solos up for sale???

If so, What is in the future?

oneobgyn · « **Reply #18 on:** 20 Feb 2004, 11:41 pm »

Now Keith, I am not so certain that I would go so far as to say that the Nagra is the "world's best preamp". That is a pretty bold statement and although I think it is very good, I am not so certain that I would put it into that elite league.

BTW, did you hear the Nagra preamp demo at CES given by Dave Wilson at his suite in the Mirage?It was very impressive with the B&W Signatures and (we thought ) the Sophias until he showed us that the Sophias were actually being played with an iPod.

Keith --I am hoping that you will be up in Northern California this week to audition my gear. I would like to show you what I feel is the best "tube" preamp (ARC Ref 2 Mk ll).

BTW, all I also have a Linn Unidisk 1.1 and Keith is dead on with his analysis. It "IS" that good. My only complaint is with its remote which plays havoc with my Krell HTS 7.1.

KeithR · « **Reply #19 on:** 22 Feb 2004, 12:39 am »

John- the Nagra PLL is coming...the one with the remote

I may switch to Dynaudio Confidence line, hence why I am testing the waters with the AGs.

Problem is my Solos sound pretty dang good right now...will see. I auditioned W/P 7s today, and still am bothered by integration and the hot top end. The Dyn C4s seemed much more musical on equipment less than 1/2 the price. (7s were on VTL Siegfrieds, ARC Ref II, Wadia 861). That said the C4s are too big for a typical condo, so the C2s would most likely be the better choice.

Also making a change means buying an amp which adds considerably to the cost.