[Double Ugly]

For those interested, I've posted pictures of my system in the Gallery, including a few of my Timepiece 2.0s.

I apologize in advance for the quality of the pics.  My camera is fine and the program I have to edit them is excellent.  The problem is me and my inability to use either properly.  Perhaps Nathan will provide a few pointers, if so inclined.

DU

Gallery

[MaxCast]

Looks great, Ugly.  Now, when are you gonna mod your speakers?

[Double Ugly]

Looks great, Ugly.  Now, when are you gonna mod your speakers?

Funny you should ask...

The Continuums that will replace the Timepieces will be...how should I say this...very special.  I'll leave it at that for now.  

DU

[infiniti driver]

Hey Man...been a while since I talked to you! What are your impressions in your room with your equipment of the sound quality?

[Double Ugly]

Hey Man...been a while since I talked to you! What are your impressions in your room with your equipment of the sound quality?

A full review is in the works, but things are too hectic to do it properly right now.  I'm also awaiting the arrival of my freshly modded transport from Steve Nugent, so the plan is to cover both in a single review.

For now, suffice to say that  they’re amazing speakers IMO, and I’d have no qualms whatsoever about building a system around them.  However, after several lengthy discussions with Bob, I've decided to upgrade to the Continuums.  That is not to be construed as a knock on the Timepieces in any way; in fact, it's just the opposite.  If I were unhappy with them, I certainly wouldn’t be interested in the Continuums.  However, there are certain factors that make the Continuums a logical move for me.  That - and a lot more - will be covered in-depth when I get a chance to do the review.

DU

[reefrus]

The Oak Burl finished look awesome! Can't wait to get a pair for myself after the move! TP2.0 or Continuum AD.Maybe 3 Continuum AD and 2 TP2.0 and you'll never leave the house as Bob said!

[Horsehead]

DU- they look terrific!  Did you play around with the stands yet in terms of mass loading, etc?

My maple Continuums should be here this week or early next week and the anticipation is killing me.  When my Aesthetix Calypso preamp gets here I will be biamping the Continuums with four Rowland 201 monoblocks- can't wait.

[Double Ugly]

DU- they look terrific!  

Yeah, they do look pretty good, don't they?  

Did you play around with the stands yet in terms of mass loading, etc?

Though I don't know anyone who's used their products, I took a chance and tried the micro-bearing fill from Star Sound Technologies.  The cumulative affect of the fill combined with Audio Points beneath both the speakers and the stands caught me by surprise.  Soundstage, instrument separation, tonal quality throughout the range - all significantly improved.  I knew the bass would tighten up and expected it would probably be more tonally accurate, but I wasn't prepared for everything to experience the same changes.  So far I'm at a loss to come up with a negative, and that's not a common thing for me.

My maple Continuums should be here this week or early next week and the anticipation is killing me.  When my Aesthetix Calypso preamp gets here I will be biamping the Continuums with four Rowland 201 monoblocks- can't wait.

I'm anxious to hear your impressions.  I feel like I've gotten a taste, but I'm sure there'll be easily quantifiable differences.

I'm surprised you've decided to remove the Placette Audio...mind expounding a bit on why?  Remembering what you wrote about the RVC a while back is what prompted me to try it.  It made a HUGE difference, but then it should've since the component it replaced wasn't a good impedance match for the amp.  I'll have to do some research on the Calypso...

Four 201s, huh?  I'm looking around for something else to drive mine, but barring the death of a rich, unknown relative, that won't be a realistic option for me.

DU

[Horsehead]

You must be the guythey were talking about at Star Sound Tech because I called and asked about the Micro-Bearing Steel, etc.  When I mentioned SP TEch they were very familair with what I wanted and said they were working with another SP Tech owner-must be you!  Thnaks for the feedback on their products because I think I will be ordering.

The Placette RVC is not completely out just yet.  It is still one incredible piece as was cleary exemplified when I was listening to Zybar's system yesterday (post in VMPS forum-we were using my balanced RVC).  I chose the Aesthetix for a couple of reasons- I'm going to have two sources- Wadia 861SE and Sony XA9000ES, and also wanted a "unity gain" bypass for home theater.  I also wanted a linestage with dual XLR ouputs for easy biamping, remote control, and some tubes.  

The Calypso fit the requirement perfectly and is supposed to be equally impressive in terms of build and sound quality. I'm working with my dealer and if it doesn't work out I can give it back, so there is really no risk.  I thought the linestage would be a perfect place to introduce tubes into my system since I've never owned a tube product before.

Will you still be posting your impressions of the Timepieces or waiting for the Continuums?

[Double Ugly]

... said they were working with another SP Tech owner-must be you!  

I agree with your assessment.  

Thnaks for the feedback on their products because I think I will be ordering.

As much as I’d like, I obviously can’t guarantee you’ll reap the same rewards I did, in whole or in part.  What I will say, however, is that I tried very hard to be accurate in describing their affect on my system.  After re-reading my comments, I stand by every word.  I hope you realize the same benefits.

The Placette RVC is not completely out just yet. It is still one incredible piece as was cleary exemplified when I was listening to Zybar's system yesterday (post in VMPS forum-we were using my balanced RVC).

I read the post, which only reinforced my confusion about the removal of the Placette from your system.

I chose the Aesthetix for a couple of reasons- I'm going to have two sources- Wadia 861SE and Sony XA9000ES, and also wanted a "unity gain" bypass for home theater. I also wanted a linestage with dual XLR ouputs for easy biamping, remote control, and some tubes.

The Calypso fit the requirement perfectly and is supposed to be equally impressive in terms of build and sound quality. I'm working with my dealer and if it doesn't work out I can give it back, so there is really no risk. I thought the linestage would be a perfect place to introduce tubes into my system since I've never owned a tube product before.  

Now it makes sense.  If you decide to keep the Continuums, perhaps you wouldn't mind helping me work towards my ultimate goal of having a dual-purpose system.  I won't be able to afford components in the price range of yours, but your greater experience with various components and manufacturers should prove invaluable in selecting equipment that work well together and with the Continuums.

Will you still be posting your impressions of the Timepieces or waiting for the Continuums?

I'll post a review of the Timepieces.  They're most definitely good enough to deserve it, and Bob deserves a little more positive pub as well.  But I've been music-less for the past two weeks (transport's on its way back from Empirical Audio) and I want to re-familiarize myself with all the things I love about 'em before writing the review.  And as I've mentioned before, time has become my most valuable resource of late.  I won't do the review until I have the time to do it justice.  Hopefully that'll happen within the next couple of weeks.

DU

[mscdda]

That wood finish looks awesome.  I hope to hear the SP speakers some day.

[Double Ugly]

That wood finish looks awesome.  I hope to hear the SP speakers some day.

Thanks...you'll have to take my word for it when I say the finish is even better in person.

Mind telling me where you're located?  You can send a PM if you'd prefer, but Bob’s sold several pairs to folks around the country.  Maybe someone nearby wouldn't mind showing them off for you.

DU

[mscdda]

I live in Salt Lake City.  Any local owners?

[Double Ugly]

I live in Salt Lake City.  Any local owners?

Not that I'm aware of, but I'd contact Bob Smith (SP Tech president) to confirm the location of the nearest pair.  Bob's available most evenings and weekends @ (877) 324-6800.  Assuming there is, I'm sure he wouldn't mind asking if they'd be willing to let you hear them.  

It's a haul (a little over 500 miles), but Steve Chang of Chang Audio Network (303-470-7077) is a SP Technology dealer (and Timepiece owner) located in Denver, CO.  He also has a pair of Revelations, but I wouldn't recommend listening to them unless you have (1) a very understanding wife and (2) a healthy speaker budget.  From my own experience, I can tell you they're hard to walk away from.  

DU

[mscdda]

Thanks DU.  I have the understanding wife, as you can see, our current set up is hardly unobtrusive.  However, coming up with $20k for a set of speakers is not going to happen.  I can just picture trying to explain why we should buy speakers instead of a new car.   Definitely interested in hearing the SPs, though.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?action=gallery;area=browse;album=445

[lonewolfny42]

I can just picture trying to explain why we should buy speakers instead of a new car.  

Ahhh,that's an easy one. With a new car you have all kinds of expenses...car loan, insurance , maintenance costs, registration, gas, ect. Plus,you have to worry about accidents and theft.

With a new pair of speakers, you'll be safe at home relaxing and not having a care in the world...unlike a car.[/list:u]
I'd go for the new speaker's..... [/list:u]

[mscdda]

Ahhh,that's an easy one. With a new car you have all kinds of expenses...car loan, insurance , maintenance costs, registration, gas, ect. Plus,you have to worry about accidents and theft.

That's good.  "You see, honey; we're actually saving money."