Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 7, 2013 Volunteer Posted October 7, 2013 (edited) It seems to have been an open secret on SNA that amongst our number, there was a member famed for his amazing golden horns. All who heard them came away in awe. Sadly, I was not fortunate enough to be able to hear them. “Don’t worryâ€, Bryan assured me. “I’ve replaced them with something even better, I think you’ll like what you hear†. With these words in mind, I arrived at Bryan’s place last week (Bryan being Lansche Plasma Guy) and was ushered into his room. A room quite unlike any I have seen before. Soldering gear all over the floor – a few resistors still needed to be inserted into the speaker circuits to fine tune them, diffusers and bass traps scattered around the place, valve gear everywhere waiting for power to give light to its beauty. And then the speakers. Nominally Acoustats. Now, I’ve seen photos of Acoustats so I was expecting giant panels towering towards the ceiling. Instead I was greeted by something that looked like a cross between Quads on steroids and a giant mozzie zapper (bear with me on this analogy, there is a point to it). Measuring maybe 1.5m tall by 2m wide, a metal frame and sitting on blocks of wood to ensure even height, the panels were covered by a protective light plastic grid. Now, it probably sounds as if these speakers look terrible but to be fair, if they were covered with some neutral coloured ‘socks’ they would easily pass for some room panels, much like maggies or quads do. The speakers are driven a direct drive amp from Roger Modjeski at RAM Labs. This means that all of the transformers in the speakers have been removed and the amp and the speakers form some sort of massive capacitor. “If you touch the panels you’ll get a very nasty shock, but you’ll probably survive.†Bryan warned me. “If you touch the speaker connections on the amp, you’ll get 5 thousand volts and you’ll certainly die†Mozzie zapper indeed. Soldering complete, on goes the amp. I imagine my hair is standing on end as the panels’ voltage starts to increase. And then the music.. .. Oh my… I’ve heard the description of speakers disappearing. I’ve heard of deep soundstage. I’ve heard of dynamics and detail and realism. I’ve heard of all of these audiophile descriptions but I’ve never heard speakers do what these did. With ease and grace, with no effort whatsoever, they simply stepped aside and let the music flow. That’s the best way I can describe it. I’ve never been hung up on detail before, I’ve always considered that to be a thing for those who like to impress their friends rather than have an emotional engagement with the music. This system has detail but it’s not about hearing the third violinist scratching himself, it’s about being able to listen to the third violinist if I want to rather than have him congealed in with all the others. I’ve always loved dynamics, the leading edge of a hammer striking a bell, the skin texture of kettle drum in the midst of a massive Rites of Spring crescendo. I used to think that only horns could do this. Tight dynamic bass. The control needed to turn Bjork’s “Hyperballad†from a muddy drone into the beautifully textured and nuanced song that it really is But after a few minutes of analysing the sound I realised that I had no need to. I wasn’t listening to a system, I was listening to music. I’ve heard a few systems in my time but never have I heard one that gets out of the way as much as this one does. Anyone want a pair of Zingalis? Apologies to Bryan if I have any of the technical details wrong here Edited October 7, 2013 by Zingmore 16
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 7, 2013 Author Volunteer Posted October 7, 2013 well I thought it was interesting
blakey72 Posted October 7, 2013 Posted October 7, 2013 I'd love to have a listen from your description. Sounds like the room came alive. Can't say I've really listened to a mega expensive/high end system. Lucky you Blakey.
BATMAQN Posted October 7, 2013 Posted October 7, 2013 Great write up Zing sounds like you've had one of those special moments that are not easily forgotten you hear about these wild systems that people build but rarely do most of us get to experience them.
BATMAQN Posted October 7, 2013 Posted October 7, 2013 “If you touch the panels you’ll get a very nasty shock, but you’ll probably survive.†Bryan warned me. “If you touch the speaker connections on the amp, you’ll get 5 thousand volts and you’ll certainly die†Mozzie zapper indeed. Like this part 1
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 7, 2013 Author Volunteer Posted October 7, 2013 (edited) I'd love to have a listen from your description. Sounds like the room came alive. Can't say I've really listened to a mega expensive/high end system. Lucky you Blakey. I have no idea of the cost of the system, but I doubt if it is anywhere close to mega expensive. The Acoustat panels come up on ebay every now and then and they are remarkably cheap Edited October 7, 2013 by Zingmore
Audionutz Posted October 7, 2013 Posted October 7, 2013 My Acoustat 6's may need to submit to some surgery, based on the OP's impressions, although sadly I've not heard the system in question. I do believe though, that the RAM Labs amps are special order only, and quite a wait for delivery ? Cheers 'Nutz
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 7, 2013 Author Volunteer Posted October 7, 2013 My Acoustat 6's may need to submit to some surgery, based on the OP's impressions, although sadly I've not heard the system in question. I do believe though, that the RAM Labs amps are special order only, and quite a wait for delivery ? Cheers 'Nutz I'm not sure about the RAM LAbs amps. I believe you need to sign some sort of waiver before you can buy them (something to do with the very high voltages) Maybe Bryan can comment on waiting times etc
gemini07 Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Thanks for the write-up Zing. Very tantalising and can almost feel the enthusiasm. Can you entertain us further by saying what sort of music you were listening to (other than Bjork?), and perhaps a few more details like the power coming through the amp, the source used etc. And for those of us unfamiliar with the the Acoustats, which other speakers you also rate highly (comparably?). Thanks, G
Steve M Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) Nice write-up Zingy ... Agreed that stats are quite special and Bryan's more so because they are heard raw (no covers) and directly driven by the amps. No offence to Quad ESL owners, but if you heard your speakers with their cloth covers off and the mylar dust cover removed - you would be amazed by the corresponding lift in fine detail. Sadly, Quads cannot be run without the dust cover for long term without eventual failure. That's why I use the ER Audio electrostatic panels, thin membranes for extra speed and detail and, designed to run (and last) without any covers. I have heard a few pairs of Acoustats and they sound pretty good. I know where there is a pair of the big Spectra 66's in Perth. Regards, Steve. Edited January 31, 2018 by Steve M
davewantsmoore Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 I doubt if it is anywhere close to mega expensive.
davewantsmoore Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 No small children or pets then None that are still alive ?! 2
houdinifangs Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Anyone want a pair of Zingalis? Hello sailor... 2
blakey72 Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 I have no idea of the cost of the system, but I doubt if it is anywhere close to mega expensive. The Acoustat panels come up on ebay every now and then and they are remarkably cheap I was thinking in comparison to my very modest setup. I could be wrong as I have no idea what something like that kind of setup would cost. I was thinking 10's of thousands :/
Cafad Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 “If you touch the panels you’ll get a very nasty shock, but you’ll probably survive.†Bryan warned me. “If you touch the speaker connections on the amp, you’ll get 5 thousand volts and you’ll certainly die†Mozzie zapper indeed. Like this part Yes, nothing like the threat of potential death to improve the listening experience! 1
Telecine Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Thanks for the write up. The system sounds great, if not entirely practical. Any photos?
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 8, 2013 Author Volunteer Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) Thanks for the write-up Zing. Very tantalising and can almost feel the enthusiasm. Can you entertain us further by saying what sort of music you were listening to (other than Bjork?), and perhaps a few more details like the power coming through the amp, the source used etc. And for those of us unfamiliar with the the Acoustats, which other speakers you also rate highly (comparably?). Thanks, G There was a very wide range of music. I'll try to remember it: Inti Illimani with Paco Pena and John Williams - "Leyenda" - amazing for the attack and decay on some very fast flamenco guitar. Also beautiful imaging Nick Cave - "Murder Ballads". The song "Stagger Lee" has some awesome grunty guitar and some screaming feedback at the end Mojo Juju - an Australian blues/jazz singer with the most amazing voice. Her version of "You put a spell on me" was so amazing that when I went into Basement Discs to buy the disc I asked for her live CD and was told that it's a studio recording. If you like women with ballsy voices you must listen to her Mavis Staples "We'll never turn back" - Another woman with a ballsy voice. Gospel singer, this album was produced by Ry Cooder Rite of Spring - Gustavo Dudamel conducting. James Blake - Astonishing electronica Le Trio Jouban - many more... Bryan, can you remember? Source was a CDC transport through a killer DAC. Not sure of the preamp. Not sure of the power of the amp but I believe its volts that matter for an electrostats rather than current Other speakers I have heard and loved Zingalis (which I own) Avantgarde Duo (a few versions) Acapella High Violon Wilson Sashas B&W "snails" Maggies Sonus Faber Auditor M and Cremona floorstanders Edited October 8, 2013 by Zingmore 2
Herbyj Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Which Acoustats are they? I think the servo amps originally came with the X and the Monitor 3/4 but you can use the amps with the more current models by bypassing the transformer and direct coupling the amp to the panel. Herby
shaky Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 .... Other speakers I have heard and loved Zingalis (which I own) Avantgarde Duo (a few versions) Acapella High Violon Wilson Sashas B&W "snails" Maggies Sonus Faber Auditor M and Cremona floorstanders I want your job! I'd like to listen to even half those..... (actually who am i kidding? All of them. Nice to listen to a system that takes your breath away. Yet to do that myself.
houdinifangs Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Pictures? Bryan I'm happy to help out... 1
illusion Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 I've heard some amazing full on systems in the flesh: A Full on MBL setup with a Clearaudio statement TT. An amazing set of Wilson Alexandra XLF in a custom made basement. Though from what Zingmore is describing, is pure music rather than impressive looks and performance, which ultimately is what we most appreciate.
keyse1 Posted October 8, 2013 Posted October 8, 2013 Half your luck hearing such stereo systems The best system I have heard is mine The reason for that is if I started listening to better systems the only thing to look forward to is DIVORCE or madness Before I pack it in though I would like to hear a low powered amp running horn speakers at a loud volume My understanding of technology is in the negative so 10 watt amp is just outside my comprehension But I sure do admire the stuff I see on these pages
Volunteer sir sanders zingmore Posted October 8, 2013 Author Volunteer Posted October 8, 2013 (edited) Half your luck hearing such stereo systems The best system I have heard is mine The reason for that is if I started listening to better systems the only thing to look forward to is DIVORCE or madness Before I pack it in though I would like to hear a low powered amp running horn speakers at a loud volume My understanding of technology is in the negative so 10 watt amp is just outside my comprehension But I sure do admire the stuff I see on these pages It is a slippery slope once you start listening to different systems Edited October 8, 2013 by Zingmore
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