Yesterday, the Tampa group held another round-robin listening session.
We started off at Brad's, and listened to his magnificent CLS IIz setup (with paired Vandersteen subs) driven by a new ARC pre-amp (? model) into ARC VTM 200 monoblocks. Source was a modded Sony SCD-1. Brad has a dedicated listening room with extensive acoustic treatments, and the result was superb... very natural, wide, and deep soundstage, with excellent dynamics, and an overall smooth presentation... definitely "analogue" sounding despite using only digital sources. First time I've ever heard the CLS' and I was quite impressed. George took pictures of his setup, but you can't appreciate the details of Brad's custom-built furniture, CLS stands, and overall setup, unless you see/hear it in person.
Next, we headed to Craig's, to hear his latest Summit system, now employing the Electrocompaniet Nemo monoblocks, fed by his Wadia 581i into an Art Audio Pre (? model). Craig too, has employed extensive acoustic treatments (with the full approval and masterful decorating touch of his wonderful wife
), and the entire setup yielded (as usual) superb sound, comparable to Brad's, perhaps with a bit more bass dynamics and detail with the Summit's woofers. The E'companiet Nemo's certainly delivered prodigious power to his hungry stat panels. We also listened to his Wadia direct to amp, but all agreed the addition of the Art Audio linestage expanded the soundstage, and resulted in a more musical presentation.
Lastly, we schlepped some of Brad's and Craig's acoustic panels and tube traps over to my place. After establishing a sonic baseline in my overly reverberant family/listening room, we deployed a variety of panels and traps in various locations. It was quite obvious that a healthy dose of acoustic absorption will
readily cure most of my rooms ills. The effect was not subtle at all. Nor was the look on my wife's face when she walked in and saw all the acoustic accoutrements! My 2008/2009 audio challenge will clearly be how to incorporate said treatments, while maintaining harmony in both our decor and marriage! Sounds like a great premise for a reality TV show! Aside from the acoustic experiment, the three wise men (Brad, Craig, and George) all felt that my Squeezebox/Benchmark source, via the CIAudio VPC-3, into the Belles amp, sounded far better than using the Denon 3808 as a Pre/Pro. Once I get my Modwright pre back (after blowing the power supply last week), we'll see whether SS or tubes prevail.
Part II of our listening caravan will be hitting George's to hear his latest tweaks. Stay tuned for updates!
