My System

[BFlowers]

Wilson Audio Alexandria X2 Series 2 Speaker
Boulder 2060 Amplifier (240V)
Boulder 2010 Preamp Preamplifier
Boulder 2020 DAC DA converter
MBL 1621 A Transport
Wilson Audio watch Monitor
JL Audio Fathom F113 Subwoofer
Theta Digital Casablanca 3 Surround Pre
Lexicon rt 20 CD Player
Balanced Audio VK 250SE Mono Amplifier
Balanced Audio vk-220 Amplifier
B&W SCM-8 Monitor
Transparent Audio Opus MM2 Speaker cable Speaker cable
Transparent Audio Opus MM2 Interconnect Interconnect
tara labs The Zero interconnect Interconnect
Tara Labs Zero digital Interconnect
Tara Labs The One XL Cobalt Power Cable
Tara Labs 0.8 Interconnect
Kimber Hero interconnect and speaker cable Interconnect
Running Springs Jaco AC filter
Sound Application RLS-1 conditioner
Sound Application Brass Alloy Power Outlets
Oyaide outlets
PS Audio Power Port Outlets
Pagoda Finite Element Master Reference Stand
ASC Tube traps
Sony SXRD Video
Custom Room Acoustics

I have been in this hobby only a short time, but I have jumped in with both feet. I have learned a great deal, and discovered some great new music along the way. I have heard some great systems (Steve's and Marty's to name 2 that have made STRONG impressions on me). I have reached a new plateau recently after converting my amplifier to 240V. I had heard this amp sounded best on 240V, but was not prepared for the difference. Solid state with effortless silky highs, iron fisted bass and stunning clarity and silence. I was within days of listing my amp and preamp and going back to tubes. I had good sound, but now I have goosebumps. I wish I could say I got there based on something other than a bit of luck. In the end I'm just glad I can avoid starting over.

 

[BFlowers]

I'll try to make the photos larger.

 

[JackD201]

I take a look at the pics and my jaw dropped. You mentioned you are new to the hobby, I fell off my chair. Hot dang man! You don't mess around!

 

[BFlowers]

 

[BFlowers]

 

[BFlowers]

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Much better and WOW! I'm a little worried about that TT spread across two stands though.

John

 

[Steve Williams]

Brian

Nice to see you over here again. Marty spoke to me about the conversion of your Boulder amp to 240volts. He said it made a huge improvement in the overall sound. Congrats Brian. Next time I am in Dallas I have to come by again for another listen

 

[Steve Williams]

Brian

I am curious as to what power cord you are using for your Boulder since you did the 240V conversion.

 

[RBFC]

Brian,

Beautiful system & room! I have been considering converting my Krell EVO amp to 240V, your comments are encouraging.

Welcome,

Lee

 

[BFlowers]

That is my transport traversing the two stands. It's done for aesthetic reasons. I need another component to balance the look. I'm open to suggestions. As far as the power cord, the only change necessary was reterminating it with a 240V plug. It was done by the electrician.

 

[Steve Williams]

Brian did you use any hospital grade or Hubbel type AC outlets..

 

[ack]

Nicely done. But in this thread, presumably the same Marty (???) seems to indicate that both Steve's and your Alexandria's also need a sub?

 

[ack]

Doh.. I just noticed you do have subs...

 

[Steve Williams]

Actually we both have subs

 

[BFlowers]

I use Sound Application outlets everywhere except the Oyaides I have on the preamp. I have tried several outlets, and despite what some think they have an easily noticed difference. The 240V outlet and plug are nothing special. Hubbell does make them, but my electrician chose another brand. As far as the subs, the JL's are excellent. I can't imagine better. I had the REL studio III before and it wasn't close (in my hands/room) for 3 times the price. One could probably get to 20Hz with the Alexandrias with positioning. I could not. The bass I have now is pretty spectacular. I can elaborate on any of these issues if there is interest.

 

[microstrip]

Actually we both have subs

Do you use the subs for 2 channel audio or only for AV?

 

[Steve Williams]

I use my twin Gotham subs for both audio and HT

 

[LL21]

Hi Brian,

I reviewed your [incredible!] system last nite and this morning...and would appreciate your advice on amplifiers. My system: Zanden digital; CJ pre; Gryphon Antileon; Wilson X-1/Slamms & Velodyne DD18; Transparent Ref Cabling.

With my Antileon amp in for repair, i got a tiny, old Goldmund loaner amp...lean, bare...BUT very transparent from the lower treble upwards. I am shocked at how much i am enjoying this little loaner in the upper treble (strings, quartets, etc). The Antileon is a tad dark (but otherwise vastly superior in my system). i think this is because the Zanden/CJ 'voicing' is right for me, and thus i am looking for an amp that is: effortlessly powerful and superbly transparent so as to simply pass along the tonal purity and highly detailed & extended signal i am getting from the Zanden/CJ.

Recommendations?
What else did you audition? FM Acoustics? Gryphon? (newer models)
Any difference in sound quality btwn 850 monos, 1060 & 2060...or is it "just" greater power/effortlessness?

thanks for any guidance. And enjoy your system!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BFlowers]

Sorry for the delay, but I just saw this post. Prior to my current set up, I had Maxx 2's combined with bat vk150 tube amps. Beautiful everywhere, except the bass. Then I got the boulder 2060. Great everywhere except a bit to hot up top. My understanding is that your speakers are similar up top to the maxx. You have tubes throughout, so you can use a transparent amplifier. The Boulder (2000 series only), is a very transparent and powerful amp. It performs best on 240V. I think it would match well with your equipment. The Soulution may work as well based on people that I trust. The only other amp I have tried on the alexandrias is the Lamm ML 2.1. It clipped in my room.