CD Player: Creek Destiny

Integrated Amp: Creek Destiny

Speakers: Epos M22

Speaker Wire: Osborn Silverlink

Interconnects: Audio Note and Cambridge Audio

TV: Pioneer 507

WIP: New House including:

Home Theatre Room

Dedicated Home Theatre Equipment (Projector, AVR/Pre, Power Amp, 5.1 (or 7.1) system)

Open Living/Listening Room

Hurting bank balance

nice one waylander, the creek opos combo must work together a treat. always had good respect for the creek stuff great to see a resurgence of their stuff of late with their latest range.

and looks like quite a WIP you got going there !

Yeah lots to do on the new home front!

The Creek and Epos combo have a nice synergy. Wouldn't mind getting the power amp too to bi-amp the speakers

Equipment

CD/DVD Player: Marantz SA15

Pre-amp: Elektra Pre

Speakers: Linkwitz Orions (fully active diploes)

Amplification: Elektra Theatron 7 Channel Amplifier

Subwoofer: Dual 15" Tempests in custom cabineters by Acoustic Concepts driven by a Crown K1 amplifier

Results: Very very good - it has taken a long time to get the combination right. The last addition, the pre, has made a significant improvement to the engagement of the system as it is tube based. Before that it was a bit too clinical. Would still like a second Theatron to fully power the Orions (8 channels).

The Room (Orions require a live front end and a dead back end.)

240mm thick custom made bass traps in rear corners (2m high)

1.8m wide bookshelves in each of the front corners to improve dipole effect

Carpet with industrial grade underlay.

3 pass blockout curtains covering 1/3 of room, mostly up the front (not good as such)

Results: Still some flutter/slap echo front to back, would like to try more absorption at the back end. The rear traps have been very successful in reducing overhang of bass notes with the result being a subtle yet significant improvement in bass clarity. Would like to try some professional diffusion up the front end of the room. Would like to remove curtains from the front end of the room to improve the dipole effect however not sure how to achieve this while still being able to black out the room for movies.

Equipment

CD/DVD Player: Marantz SA15

Pre-amp: Elektra Pre

Speakers: Linkwitz Orions (fully active diploes)

Amplification: Elektra Theatron 7 Channel Amplifier

Subwoofer: Dual 15" Tempests in custom cabineters by Acoustic Concepts driven by a Crown K1 amplifier

Results: Very very good - it has taken a long time to get the combination right. The last addition, the pre, has made a significant improvement to the engagement of the system as it is tube based. Before that it was a bit too clinical. Would still like a second Theatron to fully power the Orions (8 channels).

The Room (Orions require a live front end and a dead back end.)

240mm thick custom made bass traps in rear corners (2m high)

1.8m wide bookshelves in each of the front corners to improve dipole effect

Carpet with industrial grade underlay.

3 pass blockout curtains covering 1/3 of room, mostly up the front (not good as such)

Results: Still some flutter/slap echo front to back, would like to try more absorption at the back end. The rear traps have been very successful in reducing overhang of bass notes with the result being a subtle yet significant improvement in bass clarity. Would like to try some professional diffusion up the front end of the room. Would like to remove curtains from the front end of the room to improve the dipole effect however not sure how to achieve this while still being able to black out the room for movies.

a really nice list there rod, your system has really come along nicely and sounded a treat lat time I heard it. The very unique thing about your setup that some key pieces there jsut cant be bought ! a lot of hard work thought and effort gone it ! lovely stuff for which I'm sure yoru quite proud !

Waylander - Creek and Epos - very nice. The former bought the latter recently, didn't they?

I've always liked Epos speakers. Way back in the 1970s, early '80s they were renowned as being almost unbeatable value for money. I've heard the the "22s" are superb.

Waylander - Creek and Epos - very nice. The former bought the latter recently, didn't they?

I've always liked Epos speakers. Way back in the 1970s, early '80s they were renowned as being almost unbeatable value for money. I've heard the the "22s" are superb.

yes epos is really legendary especially in their bookshelves. like wise with creek, their little passive pre is quite amazing for the price too. make some lovely stuff both brands.

very glad too creek has bought epos if is the case. I think they had a management buyout at some stage but good thing didnt get bought up by some chinese company.

Waylander, very nice setup you have there mate

RodN, i laways enjoy listening to your setup and from what i heard last time with the inclusion of the elektra pre and re-adjusting of seating possition it has gone up yet another level.

Will be interesting to see how much more you can squeeze out of it

Thanks guys.

Yeah Creek did buy Epos - I'm glad they stayed British too. They do make lovely gear at their price point. Lovely synergy between the two because they use them as their reference.

I'm a bit jealous of JohnA's supratek though! I'm in love!

Maybe this is something for the other room though - to integrate with the home theatre!

I need a second job! Or maybe a tattslotto win this weekend!

Some lovely sounding systems here

Here is my humble system:

Amp: Redgum Rgi60ENR

Cd: AMC CD9

Speakers: Custom made by Aslan Acoustics with Scanspeak Drivers.

Cables: Osborn Silverlink IC and custom solid core silver/copper litz speaker cable.

Some lovely sounding systems here

Here is my humble system:

Amp: Redgum Rgi60ENR

Cd: AMC CD9

Speakers: Custom made by Aslan Acoustics with Scanspeak Drivers.

Cables: Osborn Silverlink IC and custom solid core silver/copper litz speaker cable.

hi wanrsey some interesting gear there, how did you end up with an interesing combo such as that with the redgum and the amc. a custom aslan with scan speak ? sounds pretty interesting as well.

hi wanrsey some interesting gear there, how did you end up with an interesing combo such as that with the redgum and the amc. a custom aslan with scan speak ? sounds pretty interesting as well.

G'day.

The Redgum, was a bit of kit that I always admired whenever I went into hifi stores however, I never listened to it because I always assumed it would be way to expensive. However, I was in the hunt for an integrated and thought i'd enquire about it. It turned out that it wasn't much more expensive than other amplifiers in it's sub 2K price range and when I compared it to others it really blew them away (and Lindy of Redgum is an amazing lady and very helpful).

The AMC was my first bit of kit that I got of a mate for $20!!. I think it sounds pretty good although it is probably the weak link in my system and is due for an upgrade, I just can't decide what to yet.

The speakers, well a bit of an interesting story. I was all keen for DIY so I got in all these great drivers Scanspeak 431G00 mids etc. Then I realised i didn't have the equipment or the skills to do them justice so I contacted Andrew at Aslan and we worked something out and he made me some of the most amazing speakers i've heard.

Here's some pics:

The Crossover to the left is the one in my speakers, the one to the right is the equivalent in alot of the manufacturers speakers:

System pic

Speaker pic

Cheers

My 2-ch setup:

Transport/preamp: Denon DVD5000 (RRP $4500 on release in 1997). Despite being a DVD player it was widely acclaimed by reviewers on its audio pedigree for CD playback;

Amplifier: Aragon 8008Mk2 (RRP $9000). Dual mono Class AB 200 watts RMS per channel. This current production model is the top of the range 2 channel amp from Aragon.

Speakers: Definitive Technology BP10 (RRP unknown). This model was superceded by BP10B, only difference between the two being the tweater speaker element. BP10B remains their current production top of the range unpowered bipolor tower speaker.

The Denon is connected to the amp via variable analog out using AudioQuest DIAMONDBACK interconnect RCA.

Amp is connected to the speakers using Audioquest MAMMOTH in full-range configuration (the speaker is not bi-wireable).

G'day.

The Redgum, was a bit of kit that I always admired whenever I went into hifi stores however, I never listened to it because I always assumed it would be way to expensive. However, I was in the hunt for an integrated and thought i'd enquire about it. It turned out that it wasn't much more expensive than other amplifiers in it's sub 2K price range and when I compared it to others it really blew them away (and Lindy of Redgum is an amazing lady and very helpful).

The AMC was my first bit of kit that I got of a mate for $20!!. I think it sounds pretty good although it is probably the weak link in my system and is due for an upgrade, I just can't decide what to yet.

The speakers, well a bit of an interesting story. I was all keen for DIY so I got in all these great drivers Scanspeak 431G00 mids etc. Then I realised i didn't have the equipment or the skills to do them justice so I contacted Andrew at Aslan and we worked something out and he made me some of the most amazing speakers i've heard.

Here's some pics:

The Crossover to the left is the one in my speakers, the one to the right is the equivalent in alot of the manufacturers speakers:

System pic

Speaker pic

Cheers

thnks for posting warnsey, yeah the redgums a great aussie contender in the under $2k. has ian there ever considered a ht bypass on his amp. would sell a bundle of them I reckon openign up the market to those with combined systems.

wow done well on getting the AMC for $20 ! they make some good stuff. I had a prologic pre-pro of theres going back now and was sensational in its preformce. they made some nice integrateds and cd players too even including some with valves if I remember.

good on andrew to comign to the party in helping you out with a cabinet for yoru speakers. great way of doing diy the xovers looks of real quality too. have you considered moving the speakers out from the wall, look a bit close to the wll from the pic, perhaps your room contstrined if not some thing worth having a play with to aid bass response and image depth.

thnks for posting warnsey, yeah the redgums a great aussie contender in the under $2k. has ian there ever considered a ht bypass on his amp. would sell a bundle of them I reckon openign up the market to those with combined systems.

wow done well on getting the AMC for $20 ! they make some good stuff. I had a prologic pre-pro of theres going back now and was sensational in its preformce. they made some nice integrateds and cd players too even including some with valves if I remember.

good on andrew to comign to the party in helping you out with a cabinet for yoru speakers. great way of doing diy the xovers looks of real quality too. have you considered moving the speakers out from the wall, look a bit close to the wll from the pic, perhaps your room contstrined if not some thing worth having a play with to aid bass response and image depth.

Thanks mate.

Unfortunately my room isn't the best at the moment (damn apartments) so I am quite constrained on their placement. I guess the good thing is I heard them at Andrews in a nice big room with good placement so I know how amazing they can sound with the right room, hoping for a new house next year (fingers crossed).

I would be willing to bet Ian would put a HT bypass in if requested, they are a pretty good company like that.

Thanks mate.

Unfortunately my room isn't the best at the moment (damn apartments) so I am quite constrained on their placement. I guess the good thing is I heard them at Andrews in a nice big room with good placement so I know how amazing they can sound with the right room, hoping for a new house next year (fingers crossed).

I would be willing to bet Ian would put a HT bypass in if requested, they are a pretty good company like that.

fingers crossed for you. I've had systems in some small spaces, know what you mean, even now with my larger loungeroom setup got my own set of compromises ! good you've heard them at andrews place to know what they can do, gives you to look forward ot hte new place.

yeah would be nice if ian brought an integrated otu with the feature givign people an aussie option and a good well known well regarded one.

Hi guys,

this is what i have so far:

Cambrigdge Audio 640a Ver 2

Krix KDX-M

Pioneer DV-696 SACD

Paul

Hi guys,

this is what i have so far:

Cambrigdge Audio 640a Ver 2

Krix KDX-M

Pioneer DV-696 SACD

Paul

His names like my name!

My system is based around a highly modified Linkwitz Orion style active dipole, with matching dipole center and surrounds. Each speaker is triamped using a pair of Panasonic XR55 digital receiver and digital crossovers. Source is a Pioneer DV600 SACD/DVD A player.

http://www.doddsy.net/steve6_009.htm

Great web site Raider - how's Bob going ??

My system is based around a highly modified Linkwitz Orion style active dipole, with matching dipole center and surrounds. Each speaker is triamped using a pair of Panasonic XR55 digital receiver and digital crossovers. Source is a Pioneer DV600 SACD/DVD A player.

http://www.doddsy.net/steve6_009.htm

Nice one, I also enjoyed your "Bob Blog" funny AND informative.

Almost makes me want to go make some myself, I did say almost!

There has been a bit of talk about the value in the Pana digital receivers and clearly you're happy with them.

No complaints with either Bob or with the Panasonic receivers. They replaced 60lb monsters. The only thing I'd really like is a digital connection all the way through, but we are still a year or two away from affordable forms of that.

The website isn't quite up to date since I've changed some of the electronics around but I'm too lazy to change it.

My system is based around a highly modified Linkwitz Orion style active dipole, with matching dipole center and surrounds. Each speaker is triamped using a pair of Panasonic XR55 digital receiver and digital crossovers. Source is a Pioneer DV600 SACD/DVD A player.

http://www.doddsy.net/steve6_009.htm

nice ! Rodn would be pretty interested I reckon !

Love the website Raider. Makes a great source for inspiration when the time comes for my own DIY speakers. Hope you won't mind if I call on you in the future for some advice. Where are you based?

Thanks again for a great read.

Nikos.

I'm in Sydney.

As for advice, I'm happy to help but I can tell you now what I'll say.

Here's the first piece:

If you you want the best sound regardless of price, IMHO dynamic dipole speakers are the way to go. My 'Bobs' replaced a set of much loved Wilson Watt/Puppies, and before that I owned Genesis, Martin-Logan etc etc etc. There is no doubt in my mind that I have the best sounding system I will ever be able to conceivably afford.

Alas, no significant manufacturer, certainly here in Oz, makes dynamic dipoles because they are very complicated, require a commitment to one overall system (ie no amp whoring), are very large and on first listen seem much less impressive than they are.

My second piece of advice, if that hasn't turned you off, is to not do what I did.

Buy the Linkwitz Orions, either finished or in kit form. Cost-wise they are a lot cheaper than my system, and you will not need to invest the hours I have. My site makes it seem a doddle. That is partly because I jumped on Linkwitz's back, but mostly because I didn't mention the time it took to get it right.

My system, which uses the Orion basics but adds extra drivers, digital crossovers, digital room EQ, matching surrounds and currently requires 12 amplifier channels is not something I would ever do again. It's been mostly reliable, but on occasion I've had to dismantle the whole thing just to find out I had a bad cable.

If this still hasn't scared you off, check out the DIY section at www.htguide.com. The honchos there are the best when it comes to DIY and especially simpler iterations of dynamic dipoles.

Their Arvo Part speaker is up there with the Orions and Bob.

Alternatively, you could just search for a used set of Audio Artistry speakers - the Dvorak or even better the Beethoven.

Alternatively again, buy the top of the range Maggies.

Edited September 22, 200718 yr by Raider61

If you you want the best sound regardless of price, dynamic dipole speakers are the way to go.

Mmmm. Not sure I agree with that but no wish to start a storm. What is "best" for one person might not be so for another. e.g. I'm not enamored of valve amps but some are. Different strokes for different folks as is illustrated by the extremely wide choice of components.

But in regard to speakers my personal take is that full range electrostatic speakers (and it is the bass in electrostats that is normally their weakness) are on top of the heap. The transient response and lack of boomy resonances take some beating as the Sound Labs Majestic units here illustrate - BTW they go down to 24 hz. http://www.soundlab-speakers.com/

Prior to them I biamped (with a Bryston active crossover - still have it but will sell if anyone is interested) other electrostats but that bass, although very very good, was never really up to scratch. Again no personal experience, but I read that ribbon speakers also have superb top end response, although I sense their reliability can be a problem and they share the problem with electrostats of trying to mate an extremely fast top end speaker with a relatively slow bass driver..

I have not heard maggies but they do appear to be excellent value for the dollar so that is sound advice (pun intended).

Very interesting note on amplifiers thanks. You have obviously spent a lot of time etc on putting together systems.

John

EDIT POSTSCRIPT: Maybe I'm misinterpreting your use of "driver" and am assuming you mean normal coil driver. If I'm wrong then we totally agree