I just purchased a pair of the Chapman T-6 MkII on the GON. I had a pair of the original T-7s that were damaged in shipping.
I have had them shipped to Chapman to see what "upgrades" are available. I expect that these may be the last set of speakers I buy. Maybe you will get a chance to listen to them along the way. |
Just a quick follow up. The Chapman web site is now up and running. The address is: www.chapmanaudiosystems.com |
The T-77 is the top of the Chapman line; the T-6MkII is likely now above the older T-7 model. From what I gathered talking with Mike F, he and Stuart prefer the sound of the T-6MkII to the T-7.
Being halfway across the continent and never hearing the T-77's prior to purchase, - I did own two pairs of T-7's, I can't comment on comparison directly of the T-6MkII and the T-77's. Mike (and of course Stuart) have heard both on the Chapman Audio Systems rig.
I'm sure Mike will post a review of his brand spankin' new T-6MkII's when he gets a moment. I have posted review of the T-77's on the audioasylum.com
Your best way of ascertaining the differences would be to call Stuart directly; he could tell you precisely, technically as well as experientially, what the differences are. 206-463-3008 Leave him a detailed message, if necessary. He can also discuss surround/center speakers. He does custom installs in homes, but I'm not familiar with any surrounds/centers. They may exist, but I've been focused solely on two channel. |
How does the T6MKII compare to the T77?
Does Stuart have a speaker to use as center channel? |
I understand your enthusiasm and indeed have experienced what you describe, or at least I think so. Sadly, I'm not sure I've ever experienced bad audio, or at least I don't think so. I do know, however, that removing a component from Nirvana and placing it in my system, which is located in my very distinct listening space, here referring to configuration and materials, will produce an entirely different listening experience. Indeed, without all of the shared excitement that you describe, it could prove to be profoundly different, perhaps better or, unfortunately, perhaps worse by degree. Nothing's easy.
I now have the "best" audio system I've ever owned, at least in the sense that I thoroughly enjoy the musical experience it provides, but I must quickly add that it is far from the most expensive system I've owned. The key, at least for me, was switching to tube amplification.
Your description of the Chapman experience/reaction sounds very much like my assessment of the SuperAbbys/Bailey that I bought over a year ago.
How can we both be right? |
Dweller. I appreciate you taking the time to post a response and I respect your opinions. I can tell you however that I've lived with Chapman products and their advancements for over 20 years and I've NEVER been left feeling unfullfilled. I have been a part of some of those advancements that Stuart has made and they have always made us feel excited and energized. Nothing wrong with feeling like that in my opinion, and if I've purchased gear that I like and it works for me, or if we have tried something new and exciting, I like to share that with others. As I stated in my original post, I wish everyone could have experienced it with us. We would have even let you in because everyone's brain needs a shock now and then! Cheers. |
Hi Mike,
Glad to hear about your adventure.
I've experienced something similar a few times in the past.
My term for this phenomenon is "paradigm shock".
When something is radically better (or different) than we expect, our brain "freaks out" and unleashes emergency energy to analyze the occurrence and make sure it doesn't threaten our survival.
When the big "B" is comfortable with the "new thing", it calms down and our senses return to normal.
I think this is why you can have a fantastic restaurant meal today that won't be nearly as good a second time tomorrow.
I'm sure the speakers you heard are damn fine products.
Lots of stuff we buy is very good.
But when the "P shock" wears off we're left kind of unfulfilled and don't know why.
This is why I put credence in magazine reviews where
the author has lived with something for months.
Gives a good perspective. |
Crap! Lost a page of writing due to a brown out!
Ok, cut to the chase...
Them Chapmans? Exquisite.
The Pathos Classic One MkII amps bridged are treasures, too...
Together? Well, I'm not gonna spend more time talking to you guys. I'm going to have a listening session! |
Teajay. Sorry...I forgot to list the music. We listen to Yello 'The Eye' which is a FANTASTIC cd, Patricia Barber's 'Modern Cool' & 'Companion'. Some Linda Ronstadt, Emerson Lake and Palmer. REO Speedwagon, Golden Earring, Steppinwolf, etc. This system loves a well recorded disc, but also plays older recordings and does so in a very satisfying way. Older recordings that were almost unlistenable before now are pleasing to hear. We also use a Bedini Quadri Beam clarifier on each disc.
We love Yello, and if you want to show off your systems abilities, a copy of Yello 'The Eye' is a must have. |
Hi Guys. Glad to see some responses. Stuart does not have a website just yet, but that is coming soon. He can be reached by phone at 206-463-3008. Leave a message if he doesn't answer. You can also email me as he and I are in touch almost daily. I keep him up to date with the internet stuff.
The shop system consists of:
1 pair Symphonic Line M300 Monoblocks at 400 watts each @4 ohms. They swing 95 amperes peak to peak.
Source: Rega Jupiter transport with a modified EAD DAC.
Preamp is a custom one off unit.
Interconnects are: Transparent Audio Reference.
Speaker cables: my MIT 850 Shotgun EVO's. This is the cable that led to the current Oracle series and is comparable to the Oracle V2.1.
Power cords: my Ps Audio xStream Statements.
Tweaks: Black Diamond racing cones under speakers, and Jumbo Pucks under the transport and power supplies.
There was so much energy coming from this system that things were vibrating off of the shelves in the shop...and that's with a concrete floor!
My system at home consists of:
Portal Paladin fully balanced monoblocks. 360 watts each @4 ohms.
Rega Apollo cd player.
Classe CP50 preamp.
Monster Power AVS 2000 voltage stabilizer and Monster Power HTS 3600 MKII filter and suppressor.
Ps Audio xStream Statement power cords. These are being replaced with MIT Oracle cords which arrived today.
Interconnects are MIT Magnum Proline XLR & RCA. These are being replaced with MIT Oracles which will be here next week.
Speaker cables are MIT Magnum M1's which are being replaced with the 850 Shotgun Evo's that are Stuart's right now.
Speakers are an older pair of Chapman T6's and are being replaced with the pair of T6 MKII's we listened to last night.
I'm also using Black Diamond cones and jumbo pucks under everything.
Bbros upgraded T7 is one pair we just finished listening to. It's been the pair we've listened to for the past 2 weeks. They came in for the T7 upgrade program and will be leaving the shop as a hotrod, as will all pairs of T7's that are in for the upgrade.
It's fun, we love it and everyone that owns or will own Chapman's benefits from it because we are such critical listeners. Stuart makes sure that the speakers are built to the nth degree before they leave. The final results speak for themselves.
There are Chapman reviews both here and at audioasylum as well.
I'd love to chat more with anyone wanting to do so. Email me. I pass it all on to Stuart because he's a speaker guy and not a computer guy.
Mike |
Chapman's mom needs to stop posting here.hahahaha just kidding, I know Doug Schroeder loves his new pair a bunch! |
Thanks guys, I will check them out. I live in Kirkland so will have to give Chapman Audio a call and hopefully enjoy as much as you guys do. Nice reviews. |
Mjw55,
Look up Douglas_schroeder here, there's pictures posted of them and his system.
There's also a review by him over at the Asylum under the speaker forum. |
Mjfvashon,
I have a pair of recently purchased older T-7's which have been undergoing a complete overhaul and the "new upgrade" by Stuart. They are now completed and will be on their way back to me in a few days. From the word of those who have heard them, they are phenomonal; which makes me lust after what a listening experience with the T6MKII's or the T-77's must be like. I will post a review of my upgraded T-7's as soon as they arrive. |
Thanks for the info. What was the rest of the system components driving your new speakers? Also, what interconnects, speaker cable, and if any, which after market power cords. Would also be nice to know what equipment helped fuel the sonic nirvana. Many thanks. |
How about a link to his web site, a dealer list, and/or a price list so we can check these out for ourselfs? |
Mjfvashon, would you please share what was the upstream gear used during your audition of these speakers and the type of music played. Thanks. |
