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VAC Ren II, VAC Phi, or ARC Ref 3?

Finally, the two cold solder joints in one of my Rowland 7M amplifiers have been fixed. Just a simple 2 minutes soldering job at home, thanks to a kind live phone consult by Jeff himself. Now the system is back purring like a kitten.
Great say you, but. . . the problem is that now I have fallen totally prey to Upgraditis Furiosa, the most pernicious and 'wife threatening' form of Audiophilia Nervosa.
I listen mostly to classical--lots of chamber, vocal, Early Music, Baroque, Romantic, some large orchestra, lots of cello and other strings--on a system that I have lovingly put together over the last 20 years: EAD T1000, AT&T glass C-core glass wire, EAD D7000 Mk. 3, AudioQuest Quartz RCA, Audio Research LS2B, Gutwire XLR, Jeff Rowland 7M monoblocks, Cardas Golden Ref PCs on 7M, Cardas Golden Ref speakerwires, MagnePan 3A speakers.
The sound is sweet, lush, with a large if slightly unfocused soundstage, sometimes slightly veiled, somewhat soft at the bottom, can sound glorious in the midrange, good if not spectacular at the top. Much better at small ensembles than at full orchestra, where the sound stage can collapse and full strings and brass often display signs of brittleness and two-dimensionality. But, so much for self-criticism. Now what to do?
I intend to migrate towards a fully balanced system, with redbook and SACD capability and a tube linestage. I will start upgrading at the source and linestage points. The source will be an Esoteric X-01 or an upcoming APL NWO-1. But in this thread I'd like to discuss options for a new linestage. My requirements are an open and detailed, sweet sound, accurate with minimal coloration, with very good but not necessarily overwhelming macro-dynamics, an excellent three-dimensional and accurate soundstage, superior microdynamics and subtle nuance. The linestage must sound great out of the box--after breakin of course: not only after going through many cycles of NOS tubes musical chairs. All of this from a company with a stellar track record and reputation in quality, dependability and pre/post sale support. I listened to the VTL 7.5 and found it to be too soft. The BAT VK51SE sounded too dark. Then I listened at length to the VAC Ren II, which seems to embody all of my requirements. I have not heard the VAC Phi as yet, but it is in the running by inference. Nor I have listened to the ARC Ref 3, although I intend to: Ref 3 is in the running by reputation.
Suggestions? Opinions? It's your turn guys and girls!
guidocorona
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Thank you guys for the kind words, what I was hearing last night from the X-01 into the LS2B after 35 hrs of break-in was already rather incredible.
Sounds like I have already changed also the linestage: much larger soundstage, low level info, compatibility with congested passages, emotion in the performance is finally reaching my ears, bass line in 'continuo' melody can be heard instead of only guessed at. . . . and it's starting to sound even lush. . . or was I the one getting 'lush' after half a glass of Merlot?
note that not only my old and trusted LS2B is still in the system, but it is still connected to the X-01 through an almost 20 year old AudioQuest Quartz RCA IC. Just can't wait to listen to the system again tonight approx at the 55 hrs break-in mark.
JAFOX, one of the probs with LS2B is that it takes the creature 4 full days to warm up each time it is turned on and the tube enabled. Mine has now been humming for several weeks. While I do not pretend it to rival better/newer gear, it is never the less sounding quite enjoyable.
Fplanner, I have not heard the APL 3910 so I cannot comment on it. I only had the opportunity to listen to the APL 1000 and found it to be graceful and quite charming, with an intimate presentation which reminded me of some of the best features of my EAD combo.
Yet, I may be comparing apples and oranges. . . It would be quite interesting if someone could post a detail A/B first hand analysis of X-01 vs APL 3910.
Oneobgin, I can't wait to order the Ref 3 and insert it in the system. . . just need to postpone the process a few more weeks for WAF consideration. In the meantime I will break in X-01 thoroughly and make my system ready for the Ref 3's arrival/insertion.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
I used to be able to edit my post. . . but the capability has disappeared from this thread. . . oh well!
Just wanted to add that I have been always using the LS2B with its stock captive power chord, and currently the X-01 is still powered by its own stock chord. My EAD T-1000 DSP-7000 digital combo have always been powered only by the stock PCs which were originally delivered with my JRDG 7M monoblocks. . . very non denominational PCs.
fplanner2000
616 posts
 
Guido-
You might be amazed trying a really good powercord, especially on the Esoteric. I've had great luck with Electraglide Epiphany and Elrod Signature and Statement cords. My suggestion would be to call John at The Cable Company and see if they have 1 of these to "rent" - will only cost you $30-40 or so and it could totally end up rocking your world. Seriously. I mean it.

Also, Alex Peychev's (APLhifi.com) next project I believe is a mod on the X-01. My Denon was totally gutted except for the box, transport and multi-channel bits, with all new APL goodies shoehorned in, including a Class A tube output stage. You might check out the website and the forums attached.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
Fplanner, I have indeed heard an X-01 with Shunyata Anaconda VX and another with Epiphany and several other much less successful chords. . . quite amazing! My original post on X-01 describes my experience with this player and the Anaconda VX. See:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?ddgtl&1090867688&openfrom&3&4#3
I am also interested in hearing the new Anaconda helix VX. Elrod and a few others will also be on my eventual test list. Furthermore, X-01 works best in fully balanced mode and I am still using a venrable AudioQuest Quartz RCA. But all of these fancier tests will commence only after the creature is fully broken in, or I won't be able to tell who is doing what to whom. . . and why. . . and how well.
Yes, I do follow the APL forum regularly. Alex Peychev's original plan was to modify an Esoteric UX-1, universal brother of X-01, but with half the complement of Burr Brown 1704 DACs. I am not sure about the status of this particular project.
guidocorona OP
4,298 posts
 
OK my merry gang of doubters out there, it is truly happening. . . I have finally broken down for Christmas. . . and while ranting and foaming at the mouth under the spell and spasms of a full blown ceasure of Audiophilia Newrvosa, hands like claws reaching uncontrollably for the credit card, I have ordered my very own Arc Ref 3 in stunningly elegant black livery! I expect delivery of this hefty valvular marvel sometimes during the first half of January '06.
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