This should be fun to watch....

**Mike** · July 2, 2017, 12:17 PM

http://www.soundstageultra.com/index...ystem-part-one

I like Jeff a lot. He's a no BS kind of guy and has a great 40,000 foot view of the industry. Not every review gets a glowing "best I've ever heard" conclusion either.

This should be fun to watch....

I really enjoyed Jeff's "what I would buy" series. I hope he brings that back for 2017.

**Dr Tone** · July 2, 2017, 12:30 PM

Very interesting, it will be fun to see the system he builds with the new mentality. This is far more interesting for the average guy that can't afford some of the crazy priced items out there right now.

**Mike** · July 2, 2017, 12:36 PM

My guess (just a guess), is that it will have to stay pretty mainstream. I don't see any crazy speaker designs or odd ball flea watt amps entering the scene since it has to be gear he will have to use for compare and review.

A lot depends on budget too.

But it will be fun to watch.

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**apdoc2004** · July 2, 2017, 12:50 PM

Jeff is a terrific reviewer -- objective, sufficiently detail oriented and trustworthy. I love what he is about to embark on -- it will be a great service for the vast majority of audiophiles who cannot or prefer not to play in the uber leagues.

Anshul

Originally Posted by Mike

http://www.soundstageultra.com/index...ystem-part-one

I like Jeff a lot. He's a no BS kind of guy and has a great 40,000 foot view of the industry. Not every review gets a glowing "best I've ever heard" conclusion either.

This should be fun to watch....

I really enjoyed Jeff's "what I would buy" series. I hope he brings that back for 2017.

**Melbguy1** · July 2, 2017, 12:58 PM

My pick for Jeff's system would be Magico M3's, Vitus SS-103, SL-103, SP-103, Kronos Sparta, Alluxity Media One server & either Vitus or Berkley Reference dac. PAD, Jorma or Siltech would be my choice for cables.

**Dizzie** · July 2, 2017, 01:02 PM

Jeff Fritz for president!

**The Sandman** · July 2, 2017, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by Melbguy1

My pick for Jeff's system would be Magico M3's, Vitus SS-103, SL-103, SP-103, Kronos Sparta, Alluxity Media One server & either Vitus or Berkley Reference dac. PAD, Jorma or Siltech would be my choice for cables.

Someone who's been happy with Q7 Mk2's won't be satisfied with M3's. M6's maybe, but not M3's.

**Melbguy1** · July 2, 2017, 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by The Sandman

Someone who's been happy with Q7 Mk2's won't be satisfied with M3's. M6's maybe, but not M3's.

It depends on how much he wants to down-shift. The M6's are $172k...not that far away from Q7 Mk2's. And if you ask Mike, the M3's are sensational

.

**byrdparis** · July 2, 2017, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by Melbguy1

My pick for Jeff's system would be Magico M3's, Vitus SS-103, SL-103, SP-103, Kronos Sparta, Alluxity Media One server & either Vitus or Berkley Reference dac. PAD, Jorma or Siltech would be my choice for cables.

He want to keep it on "budget" not to spend 300-400k again

**Melbguy1** · July 2, 2017, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by byrdparis

He want to keep it on "budget" not to spend 300-400k again

Have you crunched those figures? And I don't mean the retail numbers...the "Industry accommodation" ones

.

**The Sandman** · July 2, 2017, 01:20 PM

M6's are quite a bit less $$ than Q7 Mk2. Off the top of my head, it's $230,000 for Q7 Mk2 vs $175,000 for M6?

**KeithR** · July 2, 2017, 01:28 PM

Interesting read, thanks Mike. I like Jeff's no BS policies as well and it will be nice to read about his new journey.

I can't help but think he's also missing "soul" in his system and hence some of his "something not right" comments.

**Mike** · July 2, 2017, 01:40 PM

Keith - that will be interesting to watch.

When we speak of "soul", I often wonder, does soul come from the music itself or from the equipment?

Does a vibrating/tuned cabinet give us soul or is it just resonances we attribute to soul?

Does the harmonics from tubes give us soul or is it a coloration we find pleasing?

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**byrdparis** · July 2, 2017, 01:51 PM

[QUOTE=Melbguy1;209151]Have you crunched those figures? And I don't mean the retail numbers...the "Industry accommodation" ones

.[/QUOTE

Haha

but anyway...
i guthered from his "part one" he will going for 20-40k (Harbeth 40.2 /AT el34 bassed int/linn lp12 - just an example...) kind of stuff..

**Melbguy1** · July 2, 2017, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by byrdparis

Haha

but anyway...
i guthered from his "part one" he will going for 20-40k (Harbeth 40.2 /AT el34 bassed int/linn lp12 - just an example...) kind of stuff..

That actually would be interesting, and applicable to a lot more audiophiles out there as another member noted. Leben pairs well with Harbeth and Devore speakers. Lovely amps.

**Melbguy1** · July 2, 2017, 02:11 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

When we speak of "soul", I often wonder, does soul come from the music itself or from the equipment?

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**joeinid** · July 2, 2017, 02:17 PM

I'm hoping for a more reasonable, bang for the buck kinda system.

**bart** · July 2, 2017, 02:49 PM

Wow, he sold his Magicos!
I'll follow his path with keen interest.

**Dizzie** · July 2, 2017, 03:00 PM

Originally Posted by joeinid

I'm hoping for a more reasonable, bang for the buck kinda system.

Me too.

**KeithR** · July 2, 2017, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

Keith - that will be interesting to watch.

When we speak of "soul", I often wonder, does soul come from the music itself or from the equipment?

Does a vibrating/tuned cabinet give us soul or is it just resonances we attribute to soul?

Does the harmonics from tubes give us soul or is it a coloration we find pleasing?

Good $400,000 questions

Jeff goes for so much detail, transparency, etc with mega buck speakers and fast SS amps (the "left-brained" sound) that he may have gone overboard. At $400k, you would think it would be absolutely perfect, musical, etc. Perhaps a more balanced system would be different.

**Kingsrule** · July 2, 2017, 05:04 PM

Didn't he already jump on the Devaliet bandwagon? Where can he go from that?????

**Dr Tone** · July 2, 2017, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by Kingsrule

Didn't he already jump on the Devaliet bandwagon? Where can he go from that?????

He reviewed a couple but I don't remember him jumping aboard.

**Melbguy1** · July 3, 2017, 12:55 AM

I suggested M3's paired with Vitus, Jorma & maybe a splash of PAD or Siltech, but there is lots of organic, musical sounding gear out there at all price points. Keith's combination of Brinkmann, Dartzeel and Devore is one example

.

**BlueFox** · July 3, 2017, 01:10 AM

He will end up with my system, and wonder WTF was he he thinking before.

**matt_zak** · July 3, 2017, 03:13 AM

He seems to really like Gryphon Audio. I think he'll end up with either the Diablo 300 or Antilleon EVO. He'll build the system around the amp is my guess. Either way this should be fun to follow for sure.

**Ritmo** · July 3, 2017, 02:17 PM

A good article and, I think, a really balanced perspective from Jeff.

It is very possible to assemble a very musical and engaging system without having to spend > $100K. While we are seeing inflation levels in audio that don't exist elsewhere in the economy, there are a lot of good looking and sounding products being developed for sale at reasonable prices.

As long as there is demand and willingness to pay top dollar for extreme stereo components, manufacturers will continue to design, build and sell.

Look forward to reading Jeff's journey in audio.

**cmarin** · July 3, 2017, 03:25 PM

So will it be cones or horns?

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**anji12305** · July 4, 2017, 07:42 AM

Originally Posted by cmarin

So will it be cones or horns?

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I suspect active monitors, and DSP filtered subs will fill the void. To stay below five figures (let alone six), complete systems must be from larger product runs.

**Mike** · July 6, 2017, 09:36 AM

Who thinks Jeff will move away from cone & domes?

I highly doubt it, but I could see MBL? Maggie 20.7's?

If he sticks with Cone & Domes, I could see Magico M3's, Gryphon Trident II, Vivid.

Jeff loves Vivid, so that's what I would bet on.

**Dr Tone** · July 6, 2017, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Who thinks Jeff will move away from cone & domes?

I highly doubt it, but I could see MBL? Maggie 20.7's?

If he sticks with Cone & Domes, I could see Magico M3's, Gryphon Trident II, Vivid.

Jeff loves Vivid, so that's what I would bet on.

I don't think he'll do another Magico or panels either as they both seem to need to be matched properly because of their unique designs. I think he'll go for more of a conventional designed speaker.

**Kuoppis** · July 6, 2017, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

http://www.soundstageultra.com/index...ystem-part-one

I like Jeff a lot. He's a no BS kind of guy and has a great 40,000 foot view of the industry. Not every review gets a glowing "best I've ever heard" conclusion either.

This should be fun to watch....

I really enjoyed Jeff's "what I would buy" series. I hope he brings that back for 2017.

This is intriguing. About time someone with credibility lets some hot air out of the audiophile balloon.

Too many people appear to think that more expensive automatically means better. Fair enough, it is an easy assumption. But people should listen more, trust their ears. What if in reality high price just serves as a reassurance for insecure buyers who don't trust their own judgment enough?

Very interesting indeed to see what Jeff comes up with.

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**Mike** · July 6, 2017, 03:15 PM

Should we start a poll?

**Kuoppis** · July 6, 2017, 03:49 PM

Ok Mike, you go first.

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**Mike** · July 6, 2017, 03:57 PM

I would have a hard time narrowing it down, but if you look at what he likes, it is probably going to be Magico, Vivid, TAD, Rockport, KEF or similar. It looks like he has a crazy shaped room like mine: http://www.soundstageultra.com/index...listening-room

I read somewhere that his room was 23 x 20. That should accommodate almost anything.

**Kuoppis** · July 6, 2017, 04:05 PM

Ok, you looked at LS. So in terms of electronics, what comes after Solution that is quick and detailed, but a bit more affordable? Maybe Nagra to stick with the Swiss, Inspiration series Constellation as they are a bit warmer than the bigger brothers and sisters, or even Hegel (reviewed favorably in Soundstage before).

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**Mike** · July 6, 2017, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Kuoppis

Ok, you looked at LS. So in terms of electronics, what comes after Solution that is quick and detailed, but a bit more affordable? Maybe Nagra to stick with the Swiss, Inspiration series Constellation as they are a bit warmer than the bigger brothers and sisters, or even Hegel (reviewed favorably in Soundstage before).

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I would think Pass X.8 series is a possibility.

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**Kuoppis** · July 6, 2017, 05:10 PM

Quality and performance wise - absolutely. I thought about it, but if I am not mistaken, Fritz appears to prefer the somewhat more detail focussed or thinner sounding amps.

My next power amp is likely going to be a Pass x.8.

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**Mike** · July 6, 2017, 05:20 PM

Jeff tends to gravitate towards, what I call, "hi-fi sounds". Uber clean, extended, high resolution, uncolored sounds. I don't see a major change from that (for example, Harbeth with a tube amp!)

It would be fun if he did a complete and total departure from the past and did some Avantgarde Trio XD's with SET amps, but I just don't see it.

Mike

**cmalak** · July 6, 2017, 11:24 PM

I can see him go with D'Ag integrated amp paired up with Rockport Cygnus (he's a fan of the Rockports) and maybe a Berkley Ref DAC with an Aurender A10 source. At list, I think we're talking $140Kish so half that at industry accommodation. Don't know about cabling and PCs but prolly middle of line stuff so another $15K at list adjusted for industry accommodation prices. No vinyl...he's not into that (nor tubes).

I am not suggesting these components specifically per se but like for like at these price points.

**Kuoppis** · July 7, 2017, 01:38 AM

Originally Posted by cmalak

I am not suggesting these components specifically per se but like for like at these price points.

I think that is a nice list. But wasn't his point however to go for more family friendly price points? I guess 140K is less than half compared to his previous rig, but it's still a tad much for toys that do not involve the family as he explained it.

Personally I think it would be much more interesting if he would look into much more affordable price points and identify the jewels in the field. That said, I think he still would like to review the ultra high end stuff, so that combination might be difficult to pull off.

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**Alpinist** · July 7, 2017, 05:11 AM

I really enjoyed Jeff's article. It was refreshingly honest. It will be interesting to see what his budget is for the new system. This will determine most of his component choices. I do wonder if there was some discontent with the uber expensive system he just sold. Is he looking for a system that provides him with more emotional engagement or is it truly just a scaling down price wise. This will be a major determining factor whether he sticks with the same brands or not.

I think it would be a lot more interesting if he purchases entirely different brands this time. I would expect this because having to downgrade a system with the same brands would be too much for most audiophiles to bear. I'm expecting a different path this time both sonically and brand wise.

Ken

**bonzo** · July 7, 2017, 05:19 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

Jeff tends to gravitate towards, what I call, "hi-fi sounds". Uber clean, extended, high resolution, uncolored sounds. I don't see a major change from that (for example, Harbeth with a tube amp!)

It would be fun if he did a complete and total departure from the past and did some Avantgarde Trio XD's with SET amps, but I just don't see it.

Mike

I agree and rather than guess what brands he goes with it will be interesting to see what direction he goes. Is it an active system, a devialet system, a SET+horn, or push pull with tubes, planar, or will he just go lower down the price on a sound signature similar to what he had

**Kuoppis** · July 7, 2017, 05:21 AM

Originally Posted by Alpinist

I really enjoyed Jeff's article. It was refreshingly honest. It will be interesting to see what his budget is for the new system. This will determine most of his component choices. I do wonder if there was some discontent with the uber expensive system he just sold. Is he looking for a system that provides him with more emotional engagement or is it truly just a scaling down price wise. This will be a major determining factor whether he sticks with the same brands or not.

I think it would be a lot more interesting if he purchases entirely different brands this time. I would expect this because having to downgrade a system with the same brands would be too much for most audiophiles to bear. I'm expecting a different path this time both sonically and brand wise.

Ken

I like where you're going Ken. And I think that might be the sensible option.

The question is where to go from Solution in terms of fast and ultra-detailed? It kind of only could be worse and that does not sound very compelling. Hence a sonic change might indeed be the more interesting option.

Maybe he was missing tube warmth and bloom and directness of horns after all

.

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**Mike** · July 7, 2017, 06:09 AM

There is something from the article that had me scratching my head: "The emphasis of my writing from now on will be on the best sound quality, not the most expensive gear."

I would be interested to get further explanation on this.

I had another thought: Revel Salon 2's and matching subs. But at nearly 12 years old, and a new model imminent, I guess that wouldn't make sense.

Jeff loved the Vivid G1 Spirit's and at a $93,000 MSRP, that's considerably less than his previous speakers.

I think if I was wagering, that would be my guess. Vivid G1 Spirits.

Electronics? Devialet perhaps. Gryphon stereo amp perhaps.

**Kuoppis** · July 7, 2017, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by Mike

There is something from the article that had me scratching my head: "The emphasis of my writing from now on will be on the best sound quality, not the most expensive gear."

I would really like for Jeff to focus on best sound quality, less the top price points. Would be very interesting and maybe a bit controversial at times. But definitively adding value to more people.

In comparison, the process of e.g. JV adding another 50K box to his half-a-million setup and saying that it sounds good mainly provokes a "duh" in my head.

Originally Posted by Mike

Jeff loved the Vivid G1 Spirit's and at a $93,000 MSRP, that's considerably less than his previous speakers.

The Vivids are a great candidate for basically anyone, just not sure where he will draw the line with his newly found audiophile family orientation.

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**Bobvin** · July 7, 2017, 10:20 AM

The suggestion for an integrated, like the D'ag, seems reasonable to stay within budget while going for exceptional sound that might still fill the 'something is missing' criteria.

**Old Bob** · July 13, 2017, 02:45 PM

1. what does Jeff do for a living, to amass a $400,000 stereo?????

You guys here seem to know him and respect him. I trust you! this WILL be a good story to follow! I also have 2 children and family things to spend money on!

from my price point, I would like to hear about upgrading my $2,000 bowers-wilkins speakers! for $5,000, or $7,000, NOT NOT NOT $100,000. I readily admit I have NEVER heard a super stereo like that, but I DO regularly hear the Boston Symphony live and I know what classical music should sound like. I gotta believe you can really do well for ?????$10,000 to ???$20,000.

is a new Rolls Royce in Boston for $340,000 BETTER than my Infiniti Q50.???? yes, but HOW MUCH BETTER. I argued and got $9900 off the sticker price, from about $48,000 to about $38,000. I get about 25 mpg, car is new, may get better. 300 horsepower, more than I need, backup camera, twin turbo, direct injection. a fantastic car for the price. is the rolls ten times better?????????

it WILL be a great story to follow!

best regards,
Bob

these other numbers are just not reasonable.

**The Sandman** · July 13, 2017, 03:09 PM

Originally Posted by Old Bob

is the rolls ten times better?

For driving to work or a trip to the grocery store? No. For a night on the town with Jennifer Lawrence or to pick up some Grey Poupon? Yes.

**GSOphile** · July 13, 2017, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Mike

There is something from the article that had me scratching my head: "The emphasis of my writing from now on will be on the best sound quality, not the most expensive gear."

I would be interested to get further explanation on this.

I had another thought: Revel Salon 2's and matching subs. But at nearly 12 years old, and a new model imminent, I guess that wouldn't make sense.

Jeff loved the Vivid G1 Spirit's and at a $93,000 MSRP, that's considerably less than his previous speakers.

I think if I was wagering, that would be my guess. Vivid G1 Spirits.

Electronics? Devialet perhaps. Gryphon stereo amp perhaps.

I sent Jeff a note (published early March) in response to a question he asked Ultra readers as to what types of products they should review. My answer was as follows: "I’d advocate for extraordinary performance -- rather than price exclusivity -- being the primary criterion for selecting products for review."

**Mike** · July 13, 2017, 05:46 PM

Originally Posted by GSOphile

I sent Jeff a note (published early March) in response to a question he asked Ultra readers as to what types of products they should review. My answer was as follows: "I’d advocate for extraordinary performance -- rather than price exclusivity -- being the primary criterion for selecting products for review."

I feel, it's important when attending shows to listen and force yourself not to ask the price. Price bias can definitely influence people - one way or the other.

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Thread: This should be fun to watch....