WestminsterLab Re-imagining Amplification
- Thread starter gleeds
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Gian 60. Given the exception level of your system, you might also ask Dimitri to play the bridged monos for you after the standard pair. At Robert Harley's of TAS, we compared the CH monos to the single pair of Westminster's, and the results were illuminating. We plan to follow up with the bridged monos at RH's when his schedule permits.
One of the beauties, besides their small footprint, is how easily they can be expanded with a second pair of Reis at any time. This improves the already low noise floor, bass power and control, imaging, and separation between each instrument by a considerable amount. Have fun, and looking forward to your impressions.
By the way, what speakers do you own?
One of the beauties, besides their small footprint, is how easily they can be expanded with a second pair of Reis at any time. This improves the already low noise floor, bass power and control, imaging, and separation between each instrument by a considerable amount. Have fun, and looking forward to your impressions.
By the way, what speakers do you own?
I have 3 system,
main speaker one italian speaker,Montagna,tomorrow put photos of the speaker,driver made 100% by Montagna,3 way with magnet in Maxalco,that is Alnico V,97 db,with box of woofer made in ergal and carbon fiber
Then Thrax Lybra with sub Thrax Hades and supertweeter Elac and Acoustat X
main speaker one italian speaker,Montagna,tomorrow put photos of the speaker,driver made 100% by Montagna,3 way with magnet in Maxalco,that is Alnico V,97 db,with box of woofer made in ergal and carbon fiber
Then Thrax Lybra with sub Thrax Hades and supertweeter Elac and Acoustat X
Sorry i not explained well
WML is not imported in Italy,i think.
I will ask Madformusic,my really friend,italian distributor of Wilson Benesch,DS Audio,Metronome/Kalista,Thrax,Artesania,Horns, to contact WML to become italian distributor,if is possible,and if Madformusic has interest.
In that case we can test in his shop and my home,and some home of friends
WML is not imported in Italy,i think.
I will ask Madformusic,my really friend,italian distributor of Wilson Benesch,DS Audio,Metronome/Kalista,Thrax,Artesania,Horns, to contact WML to become italian distributor,if is possible,and if Madformusic has interest.
In that case we can test in his shop and my home,and some home of friends
By all means, have your friend at Madformusic reach out to Angus to explore the possibilities.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
I’ve had the pleasure of being a guest at Gian’s house several years ago while in Italy. He’s a gracious host, lives in a beautiful home and hands down one of the best systems I’ve ever heard. His speakers I heard were exceptional. There’s a thread here somewhere on WBF chronicling my visit along with photos
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Once again sorry for the distraction Gary but Gian is a true audiophile extraordinaire and such a wonderful man. I still have the Pink Panther LP he gifted me. It was the end of a remarkable trip.
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Steve Williams
Site Founder, Site Co-Owner, Administrator
@gian60
your'e short like me so to put these amps inn perspective here's a photo of me when Gary brought them to mu house. They are truly remarkable . Im sure they will sound great in one of your 3 systems if not in all 3
whatsbestforum.com
your'e short like me so to put these amps inn perspective here's a photo of me when Gary brought them to mu house. They are truly remarkable . Im sure they will sound great in one of your 3 systems if not in all 3
WestminsterLab Re-imagining Amplification
Well it's finally today and after a week of waiting I can honestly say that today was a revelation as I heard a giant slayer. Thanks once again to Gary for shlepping this gear from Newport Beach to my house. The reality is that this is far from a schlep as I could carry both these amps up my...
whatsbestforum.com
A very close friend of mine is auditioning the most expensive solid-state amplifiers in the world. I insisted that he have a static in-house reference as contenders come and go for in-home auditions.
He wanted to bring over my VTL Siegfried IIs for this purpose, which is fine by me. But I believe he very likely will end up with amplifiers with a solid-state output stage.
He asked me what I would recommend based on my personal experience for an amplifier that I believe will sound great according to his personal sonic preferences and in his system.
I recommended we try bridged Reis. He said "Really? Those things are so much cheaper and smaller and lighter than everything else I'm looking at." I replied "Yes, really. I go by sound -- not price, size or weight."
He wanted to bring over my VTL Siegfried IIs for this purpose, which is fine by me. But I believe he very likely will end up with amplifiers with a solid-state output stage.
He asked me what I would recommend based on my personal experience for an amplifier that I believe will sound great according to his personal sonic preferences and in his system.
I recommended we try bridged Reis. He said "Really? Those things are so much cheaper and smaller and lighter than everything else I'm looking at." I replied "Yes, really. I go by sound -- not price, size or weight."
Better than the Quest is definitely relative but if you're looking for some tube warmth with true balanced connection the Trafomatic Lara and their top of the line Tara are great alternatives that pair very well. Mr. Gary Leeds I'm sure will chime in.
I will come back with a far more detailed feedback on an hectic and very exciting 4 months since Munich which results in an amazing stepping up of my listening experience moving from single to bridged REIs and the introduction of WML Utra-carbon power and interconnects in my system.
During the period, I was able to try and evaluate a few cable brands and a few pre-amps, play with all you can think about in terms of system set-up optimization including tube rolling and earth harmonization (for the lack of a better expression in English) between Stromtank-fed electronics and non-filtered, QSA fuse, speakers repositioning, PSI Avaa gain tuning, etc.
For now and to @ton77’s question, I have found my best match with Nagra HD Preamp and Bridged REIs.
In addition, the replacement of my beloved good old Aurender W20 by a Xact N1 reader pushed the envelope in never experienced before bass amplitude, depth and naturality for the digital line with a cascade of very positive consequences on staging, holography, presence, etc.
The phono line went through a similar type of development towards never experienced before analog ease and naturalness with the introduction of the Etsuro Gold headshell.
As always as you can tell, talking about a full system in a given listening room and a given audiophile’s appreciation context, but to the point of this thread tonight, built around the very strong association of paired REIs and Nagra HD Preamp.
It is notable though that I followed the same pattern for both lines with tube phono stage (Phasemation EA2000) on the one hand and Lampizator Horizon on the other, around the core made by bridged REIs and Nagra HD preamp. The good old tube powered by solid state model I guess.
Before going back to sleep (if Louisa, 2 weeks old today allows ), I have to pay a huge tribute to Angus. His level of commitment, support and determination to help understand and find the best match has been simply outstanding.
A huge thank to you Angus, and by the way, to the pioneers who on this thread, have created the first sparks of curiosity and interest for WML a couple of years ago now!
During the period, I was able to try and evaluate a few cable brands and a few pre-amps, play with all you can think about in terms of system set-up optimization including tube rolling and earth harmonization (for the lack of a better expression in English) between Stromtank-fed electronics and non-filtered, QSA fuse, speakers repositioning, PSI Avaa gain tuning, etc.
For now and to @ton77’s question, I have found my best match with Nagra HD Preamp and Bridged REIs.
In addition, the replacement of my beloved good old Aurender W20 by a Xact N1 reader pushed the envelope in never experienced before bass amplitude, depth and naturality for the digital line with a cascade of very positive consequences on staging, holography, presence, etc.
The phono line went through a similar type of development towards never experienced before analog ease and naturalness with the introduction of the Etsuro Gold headshell.
As always as you can tell, talking about a full system in a given listening room and a given audiophile’s appreciation context, but to the point of this thread tonight, built around the very strong association of paired REIs and Nagra HD Preamp.
It is notable though that I followed the same pattern for both lines with tube phono stage (Phasemation EA2000) on the one hand and Lampizator Horizon on the other, around the core made by bridged REIs and Nagra HD preamp. The good old tube powered by solid state model I guess.
Before going back to sleep (if Louisa, 2 weeks old today allows ), I have to pay a huge tribute to Angus. His level of commitment, support and determination to help understand and find the best match has been simply outstanding.
A huge thank to you Angus, and by the way, to the pioneers who on this thread, have created the first sparks of curiosity and interest for WML a couple of years ago now!
Ton, bear in mind that everything is system-dependent. Hearken is right; the Trafomatic tube-based balanced preamplifiers pair very well with the Reis, if a bit of tonal warmth is what you're after.
Please let us know more about your system, including your front end, speakers, and listening preferences, so that we can provide further counsel. We have enjoyed good results with the top Pass and CH pre-amplifiers. Keep in mind that if you are not using a Quest, you will want to pair a balanced preamp for use with the fully balanced Reis, and be aware of any gain difference that can occur when mixing and matching brands.
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