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  1. #51
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    LOL. I just noticed the join date is under the avatar. Duh.
    I just looked. I also joined 2013. Wow where does the time go.

  2. #52
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Wow, I just looked too; eight and half years already!
    Amazing as if it was only yesterday, and all the evolution since ...
    I still love Opera and Tango music.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
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  3. #53

    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Jack View Post
    bzr

    Nothing has changed on that front since this site came on line in April of 2013. Since then there have dozens of declared dealers on this site as members including original ones like Jeff of A/V Solutions.
    That's my point Jack. I am also one of the original members here & know exactly what Mike went through with Ivan when he started this site. I am also aware of the manufacturers, dealers & columnists. The site is "Mike's". His dime, his time. So why is this problem arising now? There is a common denominator. If I had a sub-dealer on my site promoting components from an underhanded banned dealer, I'd be a tad pissed too.
    I do not believe Bobvin has ill placed intent with what he is doing. It's more of still waters run deep. I have always enjoyed his posts & the personality that came through with them. The pics are always a wow moment that deserve higher praise at times & some envy too I might add. Still waters, gentlemen....

  4. #54
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    There is a common denominator. If I had a sub-dealer on my site promoting components from an underhanded banned dealer, I'd be a tad pissed too.
    That appears to be the rub and clearly some history most know nothing about. That's unfortunate. I have no dog in this, just following someone's journey, who appears to be genuine in his intentions. Hope everything gets resolved for all parties

  5. #55
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    ... & know exactly what Mike went through with Ivan when he started this site.
    I am also very aware of a certain person, and am so so glad that I found Mike and Audio Shark. I was sick of having to bow down and worship a demi-God just to read about and share information on an audio forum. It was flippin unreal.
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

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  6. #56
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    I had an opportunity to audition Bobvin's fabulous audio system at his residence last evening. It was a memorable evening which allowed me to experience what the summit of audio playback can sound like. This is the BEST I have ever heard a system sound bar none! Bob has assembled an amazing system consisting of Diesis Roma speakers, Pilium electronics and DCS dac. The superb acoustics of his dedicated audio space allowed the system to really shine. I am not the best at describing what I heard but the sound was consistently dynamic, musical and engaging on all the tracks I heard. The speakers truly disappeared and it was easy to precisely place various instruments in the sound stage.
    As an example, I have heard Stimela on multiple systems and it has sounded good to excellent on a lot of them -- but I have never heard it sound like it did in Bob's room. There were some subtle details that I had never heard before despite listening to it hundreds of time. This was an unforgettable experience. Needless to say, Bob is a wonderful host. Now I am definitely wanting to audition his other 2 speakers -- Alsyvox and Bayz audio speakers. If you live in the greater Portland metro area or are visiting, I highly recommend a visit -- you will be bowled over.
    Anshul

  7. #57
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by apdoc2004 View Post
    I had an opportunity to audition Bobvin's fabulous audio system at his residence last evening. It was a memorable evening which allowed me to experience what the summit of audio playback can sound like. This is the BEST I have ever heard a system sound bar none! Bob has assembled an amazing system consisting of Diesis Roma speakers, Pilium electronics and DCS dac. The superb acoustics of his dedicated audio space allowed the system to really shine. I am not the best at describing what I heard but the sound was consistently dynamic, musical and engaging on all the tracks I heard. The speakers truly disappeared and it was easy to precisely place various instruments in the sound stage.

    As an example, I have heard Stimela on multiple systems and it has sounded good to excellent on a lot of them -- but I have never heard it sound like it did in Bob's room. There were some subtle details that I had never heard before despite listening to it hundreds of time. This was an unforgettable experience. Needless to say, Bob is a wonderful host. Now I am definitely wanting to audition his other 2 speakers -- Alsyvox and Bayz audio speakers. If you live in the greater Portland metro area or are visiting, I highly recommend a visit -- you will be bowled over.
    Anshul
    Anshul, I am flattered you put my rig into the loftiest category… I know you’ve heard Mike Lavigne’s system/room which I consider one of the very best. To be considered in that league is an honor.

    Regarding the Diesis Roma… I know there is more these can deliver — now that I think they’re pretty close to run-in I am starting to monkey around with placement. Just a couple days before your visit I pulled them out into the room another 12 - 16”, and pushed them together a few inches. I think it was an improvement, but with such large scale movement I’m sure it will improve with fine tuning.

    Wrt “Stimela” Anshul requested it and I have the 45 rpm version so I got the turntable spinning, even dropping the needle for 5-7 minutes so the cartridge wouldn’t be ice cold. But, being the knucklehead I am, I forgot to turn on the CS Port phono-stage — it takes very little time to warm up but one track probably isn’t enough.

    Between speaker placement and a cold phono-stage, I know things will improve. You are welcome anytime and we can listen to Alsyvox and/or Bayz.

  8. #58
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    So I had one of those "High Def" music channels playing on YouTube while I was doing some stuff online, and I happened to see this familiar picture pop up on the screen. LOL

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  9. #59
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I am also very aware of a certain person, and am so so glad that I found Mike and Audio Shark. I was sick of having to bow down and worship a demi-God just to read about and share information on an audio forum. It was flippin unreal.
    So very true Randy, so very true
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  10. #60
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    I am also very aware of a certain person, and am so so glad that I found Mike and Audio Shark. I was sick of having to bow down and worship a demi-God just to read about and share information on an audio forum. It was flippin unreal.
    I know exactly what you mean. Been there, done that. Glad I'm no longer there. LOL
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  11. #61
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Pilium with Diesis… my Pilium Achilles and Alexander I think are reaching “burned-in” status. Last night with lights out (only the landscape lights out the window) I was listening to vinyl — holy smokes this is such a monster leap over the ARC-Wilson combo I loved for years. Texture, nuance, delicacy, detail (provided by the Etsuro Gold cartridge and CS Port phono) all served with amazing liquidity. How good? I was actually listening to and enjoying classical!

  12. #62
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    Anybody stopped to think about whos dime this site survives on? Kind of simplifies things into perspective really.
    If there is a commercial factor involved, perhaps they should "pay & display"!
    GREAT Post!
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  13. #63
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    i am thrilled the large Bayz CounterPointe 2 speakers are being picked up on Monday for a flight to Portland. I felt the smaller pair were not the best fit for my room, though the omni-directional presentation was really something remarkable.

    Bayz is now offering a matte finish to offer their models at a lower price point, so I opted for a matte-black pair of the CounterPointes.

    Shown are the smaller Courante model, but with the matte finish. I saw a picture of a matte-white pair with white marble base. These are crazy cool speakers with sound to match.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  14. #64
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    i am thrilled the large Bayz CounterPointe 2 speakers are being picked up on Monday for a flight to Portland. I felt the smaller pair were not the best fit for my room, though the omni-directional presentation was really something remarkable.

    Bayz is now offering a matte finish to offer their models at a lower price point, so I opted for a matte-black pair of the CounterPointes.

    Shown are the smaller Courante model, but with the matte finish. I saw a picture of a matte-white pair with white marble base. These are crazy cool speakers with sound to match.
    While I will never have those speakers, I do wonder how they are placed in a room. Do they go in the center of the room, and the listener can be in front or behind them?
    Bud

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  15. #65

    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    While I will never have those speakers, I do wonder how they are placed in a room. Do they go in the center of the room, and the listener can be in front or behind them?
    Bud, you hook them over your ears!

  16. #66
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by BlueFox View Post
    While I will never have those speakers, I do wonder how they are placed in a room. Do they go in the center of the room, and the listener can be in front or behind them?
    Being a ported design, getting the base properly coupled with the room is always a matter of careful placement. I have seen setups with the ports, which are on the back of the tubes, pointed straight back, towards the center of the front wall, and into the corners. I tinkered with the smaller Courante models in my room, and ended up with the ports towards the front corners which seemed to sound best. (I will, however, admit that once I felt the larger model would fit my room more, I stopped tinkering. Life is short, and while I might learn how best to get the smaller pair to sound best, repeating the process with the larger pair was not appealing so I choose to wait until the bigger pair arrive.)

    The sound from the Bayz Radial Speaker(BRS), the pulsating, omni-directional membrane, is really worth hearing. If you get the chance to hear them, don’t pass. As an audiophile you will, I am sure, respect the quality if the sound. Whether it is something that appeals to you — like all things in this hobby there is quality and there is personal taste. If the larger pair, in my room, deliver a bit more of what the smaller pair offered, I have no doubt they’ll play in the same league as the Alsyvox Botticelli or the Diesis Roma. Which brings us back to matters of personal taste.

    The small pair, in my room, had the BRS about 6’ from the front wall.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  17. #67
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    New Years’ Eve morning, we had some snow in Portland. I wanted to snag a little video of snowfall out the listening room early in the week but missed the chance. This time I managed, but I have no idea what I am doing. iPhone 12 mini, placed the phone on the top of the backrest on the chair in the main listening position. (Using a tripod would be a better choice, but not as conducive to an impromptu recording.)

    This song has special meaning to me, from a very challenging time of my life — a time of profound sadness and longing. In a similar vein, I lost my eldest brother the Friday before Christmas, so it has been a rough holiday season. Mourning is hard.

    This song speaks to me. The snow falling only deepens the feelings.

    (You can choose a hi-res version of the video


  18. #68
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    The big Bayz Counterpoint speakers arrived last week. Dropped them into the room to get some hours on them before finessing the placement. I had the smaller Courante model for a time, but they were not the best fit, size-wise, for my 30’ x 18’ x 9.5’ room. These can play down to 24hz, and you can hear and feel it. Plus, the omni directional presentation is really quite something.

  19. #69
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    That’s an impressive setup Bob!
    _______________

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  20. #70
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Wow
    Main System

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  21. #71
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Bob,

    What are the little white objects near the amplifier?
    Contributor to stereotimes.com

  22. #72
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Dizzie View Post
    Bob,

    What are the little white objects near the amplifier?
    Those, those are quantum audiophile LED candles (ignore the “quantum audiophile” part )

    Sometimes I like to listen with just those little candles burning, along with the view out as there are some landscape lights highlighting a few trees. I needed something because I miss the meters on the Ref 160 amps I had before the Pilium.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  23. #73

    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Only today I listened this video with the appropriate instruments!!
    Amazing sound, amazing music.
    The timbre, the different tone of the keys, the harmonics, the micro dynamics…
    It looked like the piano was in the room!

    And finally, the view make it all simple perfect!
    Beautiful, beautiful!

  24. #74
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    New Years’ Eve morning, we had some snow in Portland. I wanted to snag a little video of snowfall out the listening room early in the week but missed the chance. This time I managed, but I have no idea what I am doing. iPhone 12 mini, placed the phone on the top of the backrest on the chair in the main listening position. (Using a tripod would be a better choice, but not as conducive to an impromptu recording.)

    This song has special meaning to me, from a very challenging time of my life — a time of profound sadness and longing. In a similar vein, I lost my eldest brother the Friday before Christmas, so it has been a rough holiday season. Mourning is hard.

    This song speaks to me. The snow falling only deepens the feelings.

    (You can choose a hi-res version of the video

    Sorry to hear about your brother Bob , my condolences ...
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  25. #75
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    I am very excited to report my new Extreme server has arrived just today. I am eager to get the Rossini driver installed and see what all the fuss has been about… I currently have an Intel i7 NUC as my server.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  26. #76
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    congrats Bob, the Extreme is the real deal!!!

  27. #77
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    New Years’ Eve morning, we had some snow in Portland...
    We've had our hottest summer on record over here. 11 days exceeding 40 degreesC thus far and more to come. We could use some snow to cool off.
    Speakers: Magico M3, ACC, S-SUB | Electronics: Esoteric Grandioso stack | Amplification: Halcro |
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  28. #78
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Lovely room
    Modwright KWH 225i + PH 9.0 - Rega P8 + Ania Pro - Audiolab 9000CDT - Elac AF-61/Gaia II - Luna Cable Mauve

  29. #79
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne View Post
    congrats Bob, the Extreme is the real deal!!!
    I’ve joined the “Extreme” party late, but I am sure glad I made it. After just one night listening I can say I’ve never heard digital in my room sound this good. I can confidently proclaim “It Doesn’t Suck!” (And that’s with Roon, before updates. TAS not loaded yet, but soon.)

  30. #80
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    I’ve joined the “Extreme” party late, but I am sure glad I made it. After just one night listening I can say I’ve never heard digital in my room sound this good. I can confidently proclaim “It Doesn’t Suck!” (And that’s with Roon, before updates. TAS not loaded yet, but soon.)
    Funny how we all have different experiences with the same gear.
    Jim

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  31. #81
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    Funny how we all have different experiences with the same gear.
    Not so funny really, we all hear things a little differently, we have different tastes too. So many variables come into play. That said, I didn't do a shoot-out comparison of any kind like you did, and perhaps, comparing the Extreme to another server, I'd have a different opinion.

    Compared to my little Intel i7 NUC, which previously fed files to my Rossini DAC via ethernet, having a no-holds-barred server sitting alongside the DAC feeding via optimized USB, if things didn't sound substantially better I'd be pretty f'n disappointed. The Extreme did not disappoint.

    Last night I had a couple friends over, one who has better ears than me, to tinker with placement of the big Bayz Counterpoint speakers. We moved them about a bit then settled down and listened. My digital source hasn't had any upgrade for a couple years, so my friends were familiar with the sound of my system, and they've been by to visit many times to listen to the Alsyvox and the Diesis speakers.

    Both of my friends commented it was the best digital they'd heard, exposing texture and nuance to voices they'd not heard before. The Bayz, like the others, are pretty amazing speakers, and when my friends left and I had time in the sweet spot I was astonished by the overall improvement of the sound. For now, the big Counterpoints will stay in place for a time to get fully run-in, but I am eager to listen to digital now with the other speakers.

  32. #82
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Bob,
    Congrats on getting the Taiko Extreme server. Your system sounded so good when I visited to audition the Diesis speakers a couple of months ago; I can only imagine how amazing it sounds now!
    Maybe I can request to come over for another listen the next time I am in Lake Oswego. I would love to hear the system with the Alsyvox speakers.
    Anshul

  33. #83
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    [QUOTE=Bobvin;343998]Not so funny really, we all hear things a little differently, we have different tastes too. So many variables come into play. That said, I didn't do a shoot-out comparison of any kind like you did, and perhaps, comparing the Extreme to another server, I'd have a different opinion.

    Compared to my little Intel i7 NUC, which previously fed files to my Rossini DAC via ethernet, having a no-holds-barred server sitting alongside the DAC feeding via optimized USB, if things didn't sound substantially better I'd be pretty f'n disappointed. The Extreme did not disappoint.

    Last night I had a couple friends over, one who has better ears than me, to tinker with placement of the big Bayz Counterpoint speakers. We moved them about a bit then settled down and listened. My digital source hasn't had any upgrade for a couple years, so my friends were familiar with the sound of my system, and they've been by to visit many times to listen to the Alsyvox and the Diesis speakers.

    Both of my friends commented it was the best digital they'd heard, exposing texture and nuance to voices they'd not heard before. The Bayz, like the others, are pretty amazing speakers, and when my friends left and I had time in the sweet spot I was astonished by the overall improvement of the sound. For now, the big Counterpoints will stay in place for a time to get fully run-in, but I am eager to listen to digital now with the other speakers.[/QUOTE

    Congrats on the Taiko....Question, how was the NUC set up, with the supplied wall brick, (SMPS), or an after market LPS?
    INDUSTRY AFFILIATION: OWNER/PRESIDENT OF
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  34. #84
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by MRJAZZ View Post
    Congrats on the Taiko....Question, how was the NUC set up, with the supplied wall brick, (SMPS), or an after market LPS?
    I had spent the last few years since getting my Rossini DAC upgrading my analog side… tonearm upgrade, Etsuro Gold cartridge, bespoke LFD phono cable, and CS Port phono stage. The little NUC on my digital side was as “out of the box” as it gets — basically Roon’s recommended hardware config to have a little non- MS Windows based Roon core. The only tweak I added was an Audioquest jitterbug. I didn’t want to go down the road I read so many people following, that of getting a linear power supply only to find a better one, doing the same with switches, etc. I sat on the sidelines and watched others but then started to follow the Taiko thread on another forum. I finally decided to get one and I am thrilled. It is only a few days old at this point, and I haven’t tried Taiko’s own software yet.

  35. #85

    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Wait until u have 1000 hours on it.......
    "We all know real when we hear it"

  36. #86
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    Not so funny really, we all hear things a little differently, we have different tastes too. So many variables come into play. That said, I didn't do a shoot-out comparison of any kind like you did, and perhaps, comparing the Extreme to another server, I'd have a different opinion.

    Compared to my little Intel i7 NUC, which previously fed files to my Rossini DAC via ethernet, having a no-holds-barred server sitting alongside the DAC feeding via optimized USB, if things didn't sound substantially better I'd be pretty f'n disappointed. The Extreme did not disappoint.

    Last night I had a couple friends over, one who has better ears than me, to tinker with placement of the big Bayz Counterpoint speakers. We moved them about a bit then settled down and listened. My digital source hasn't had any upgrade for a couple years, so my friends were familiar with the sound of my system, and they've been by to visit many times to listen to the Alsyvox and the Diesis speakers.

    Both of my friends commented it was the best digital they'd heard, exposing texture and nuance to voices they'd not heard before. The Bayz, like the others, are pretty amazing speakers, and when my friends left and I had time in the sweet spot I was astonished by the overall improvement of the sound. For now, the big Counterpoints will stay in place for a time to get fully run-in, but I am eager to listen to digital now with the other speakers.
    Bob, just to clarify my post. I was only relating to my experience with the Taiko server. I have not had the opportunity to hear the other gear you have set up in your home. It looks awesome and should able to show all it can do in that wonderful room.
    Jim

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  37. #87
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by apdoc2004 View Post
    Bob,
    Congrats on getting the Taiko Extreme server. Your system sounded so good when I visited to audition the Diesis speakers a couple of months ago; I can only imagine how amazing it sounds now!
    Maybe I can request to come over for another listen the next time I am in Lake Oswego. I would love to hear the system with the Alsyvox speakers.
    Anshul
    Anshul, you’re welcome anytime, just ping me. Currently the big Bayz are setup and I’m loving the sound, easily in the league with the Alsyvox (maybe even a little better, but my experience with them is short, and I haven’t optimized setup yet, the speakers are still resting on furniture sliders.) These too you should have a listen—they’re remarkable.

    But if you want to hear Botticelli I am happy to swap out the speakers, I have improved my swapping skills.

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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by still-one View Post
    Bob, just to clarify my post. I was only relating to my experience with the Taiko server. I have not had the opportunity to hear the other gear you have set up in your home. It looks awesome and should able to show all it can do in that wonderful room.
    Thank you Jim — I understood you were commenting on the Taiko. And I respect your opinion, I have heard a similarly configured system as yours at the Wilson / Dag / Transparent dealer in Seattle, so I have an inkling how your rig sounds. It is a system many would aspire to. That the Taiko didn’t move you doesn’t shock me, I know you have wax in your ears — just kidding! I cast no aspersions on your experience. Some people have giving me a lot of crap because I said the big Wilson WAMM didn’t move me when I heard them, but another brand’s top offering did. There is only what works for you and your rig in my opinion. Do you stream to the dCS stack? Is there a server you have chosen for yourself?

  39. #89
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Rob181 View Post
    Oh please - lets call this for what it is - you have made a deal with Rhapsody - this is a business deal - pure & simple - to call it anything else is just BS. All anyone who questions my summation needs to do is wander over to WBF & read your posts on there. The " lay down misère" is the Pre Amp - Amp/s & three completely different sets of speakers - each north of $100k - come from Rhapsody. This business model was tried in AUS a number of years ago by a particular company - it has since quietly lapsed into a coma.
    Good points. Not that I've a dog in this scuffle, but Bob may in some ways or at some times be replacing a dealer for any given sale. Assuming Bob's cut is anywhere from perhaps 1% to 30%, doesn't really matter, but it's not loose change for ice cream.

    But I do have a few concerns including some of Bob's friends stepping forward seemingly to Bob's defense claiming he has money so he's not doing it for the money and crap like that. That's one of the silliest arguments I've heard lately. But it apparently works as it seems some of us buy right into it. Maybe one of these guys should email Warren Buffet to remind him he doesn't need money so he can stop investing.

    How's that saying go again? Ask anybody (that's anybody) how much money they'd like to make and the answer is always more.
    "The more I dabble with extreme forms of electrical mgmt and extreme forms of vibration mgmt, the more I’m convinced it’s all just variations of managing mechanical energy. Or was it all just variations of managing electrical energy? No, it’s all just variations of managing mechanical energy. No, wait. It's all just variations of managing electrical energy" -me

  40. #90

    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Stehno View Post
    Good points. Not that I've a dog in this scuffle, but Bob may in some ways or at some times be replacing a dealer for any given sale. Assuming Bob's cut is anywhere from perhaps 1% to 30%, doesn't really matter, but it's not loose change for ice cream.

    But I do have a few concerns including some of Bob's friends stepping forward seemingly to Bob's defense claiming he has money so he's not doing it for the money and crap like that. That's one of the silliest arguments I've heard lately. But it apparently works as it seems some of us buy right into it. Maybe one of these guys should email Warren Buffet to remind him he doesn't need money so he can stop investing.

    How's that saying go again? Ask anybody (that's anybody) how much money they'd like to make and the answer is always more.
    To my knowledge there is only one dealer for the three speakers and amps in Bob's room -- Rhapsody in NYC. Hats off to Rhapsody for finding several enthusiasts around the country willing to entertain potential customers in their homes and demo this esoteric gear. Hope it works out for everyone.
    Parker

  41. #91
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by pdub View Post
    To my knowledge there is only one dealer for the three speakers and amps in Bob's room -- Rhapsody in NYC. Hats off to Rhapsody for finding several enthusiasts around the country willing to entertain potential customers in their homes and demo this esoteric gear. Hope it works out for everyone.
    Parker
    Is it the role of a distributor to be a seller of one or to build up a dealer network? Unless one is strictly distribution like High End by Oz or On A Higher Note or dozens of others, I think Walter at Fidelis does it right. He’s a dealer and distributor. He keeps the brands he distributes for his area and builds up a dealer network outside of his area.


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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by pdub View Post
    To my knowledge there is only one dealer for the three speakers and amps in Bob's room -- Rhapsody in NYC. Hats off to Rhapsody for finding several enthusiasts around the country willing to entertain potential customers in their homes and demo this esoteric gear. Hope it works out for everyone.
    Parker
    Agreed. I've no issue with Bob's endeavors. As I read some of the posts I was a bit concerned about few things but, my radar started to go up a bit further when it seemed like a handful were volunteering to go on center stage trying to convince us, if one has need of money then their intent must be evil.

    Bob's relationship with Rhapsody matters not to me and he's to be commended for that as I'm sure he'll enjoy it. But since they have regional dealers, I guess Bob's a startup dealer soon to expand?

    Seriously though. I think it'll be fun for Bob and certainly a real convenience for customers in the area so it sounds like a win-win for all. Though, if there's any speaker movement for best sonics, it's gonna' be a little work for Bob, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

    Just checked out Rhapsody's website. They've got 5 others out there like Bob and seems like an interesting business model. And from what I could gather on the other's Bob's presentation should be head and shoulders over the other 5.

    BTW, I'm really just glad to see Bob endulge in a few in-room videos. And the George Winston one I listened to sounded rather musical too.
    "The more I dabble with extreme forms of electrical mgmt and extreme forms of vibration mgmt, the more I’m convinced it’s all just variations of managing mechanical energy. Or was it all just variations of managing electrical energy? No, it’s all just variations of managing mechanical energy. No, wait. It's all just variations of managing electrical energy" -me

  43. #93
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    For sure, it is a different business model. Bob @ Rhapsody is not trying to be a distributor, he is a single point for sales of a number of brands not distributed elsewhere in the USA. Myself and a few others are "remote listening rooms" and we have no part of the sales process. If someone comes here and listens, like what they hear, and choose to make a purchase they'll deal directly with Rhapsody. This should not be confused with the typical distributor/dealer model. There are no local dealers that the "listening rooms" are competing with.

    Everyone is hung up on "what's in it for me?" I understand that people will now judge all my comments as promotional and they can sift / sort / filter my comments as they see fit. I've always been honest and straight forward. If you are interested in any of the brands offered by Rhapsody you have less of a travel commitment with the remote listening rooms geographically distributed across the USA, it is really simple as that.

    I've had a few companies approach me to be a dealer, even one asked me to be a distributor. I'm in process of retiring and selling the company I build over the last 20 years. I'm not interested in starting another.

  44. #94
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    For sure, it is a different business model. Bob @ Rhapsody is not trying to be a distributor, he is a single point for sales of a number of brands not distributed elsewhere in the USA.
    Do those manufacturers know that? When I spoke with Daniele Coen of Alsyvox long before anyone had even heard of the brand, their expectation of a U.S. distributor was to build up a dealer network. Wonder what changed? I can probably still find the distributor agreement they sent me.

    Frankly, it’s just not sustainable IMO.


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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Yes, the principles of Alsyvox, Bayz, Diesis and Pilium are all aware and in complete agreement with the "listening room" model. I know Daniele @ Alsyvox is thrilled with the number of speakers that have been sold in USA. There was one other Alsyvox dealer, in SoCal, before the listening room agreement who is still a dealer. I don't know how he's been fairing with the brand, in California the covid restrictions I expect have made it hard on lots of dealers.

    As to sustainable or not—its something only time will tell. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

  46. #96
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Quote Originally Posted by Bobvin View Post
    Yes, the principles of Alsyvox, Bayz, Diesis and Pilium are all aware and in complete agreement with the "listening room" model. I know Daniele @ Alsyvox is thrilled with the number of speakers that have been sold in USA. There was one other Alsyvox dealer, in SoCal, before the listening room agreement who is still a dealer. I don't know how he's been fairing with the brand, in California the covid restrictions I expect have made it hard on lots of dealers.

    As to sustainable or not—its something only time will tell. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
    Exactly. We’ll see.


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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    The big BAYZ Counterpoints completely disappear visually and sonically, leaving a soundstage that erases the boundaries of the room… iPhone 13 low light camera provides this nice night-time view from the sweet spot.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  48. #98
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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    And what do those big BAYZ CounterPoint’s sound like in my room?

    I don't offer this as a tool for evaluating sound quality, I’ll leave that to Jay. (I just don’t think a video, recorded on an iPhone, compressed by the YouTube algorithms, and played back on another system is going to tell you much of anything.) But, it can give a wee-little taste of what the Bayz Counterpoints sound like in my room. Forgive me for trying to hold the camera steady for the full song without use of a tripod. (I have a phone-mount on order.)

    The track is "Cuando Silba El Viento" by La Segunda on 'Sera Una Noche' (44.1/16bit)


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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Konstantinos and Costas of Pilium Audio visited the Portland RLR yesterday -- a treat to spend time with the minds behind the sound. I love meeting with and learning from the passionate and creative individuals who drive this hobby forward.
    Attached Images Attached Images

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    Re: Bob’s System Evolution

    Simply amazing. Whoa


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