Thread: My system: MBL - Vac - Burmester - Air Force One - Stealth Audio cables and more set-up

Hi there,

never did a proper intro so here you go, I just took a current pick which is the one at the top, pretty cool looking fish.

This set-up is in my living room, you can get a feel from the other older pics taken from different locations of the actual space - you will notice some changes in gear. The sound of the room is great, no slap echo and just sounds natural when one is having a conversation. The MBL's sound absolutely marvelous in this environment and I really enjoy the whole experience but knowing my room is the weak link it's time. There's a chair that I move out so I'm sitting approx. 11'6" I'm currently working on a designated room that will measure approx 19' 6" wide x 32' with a 9'2" ceiling.

Even having a designated room which I have had previously there still is no guarantees and can be a real pita but at least I'll have more freedom for set-up than I currently do.



My table that is in my avatar will be set-up in this room along with some other goodies so I'll still have tunes.


-MBL 101E -Vac Statement 450 mono blocks - Vac Sig MK2a pre w/phono - Burmester 100 phono - Air Force One table with Elite arm - Esoteric K-01 - Magnum Dynalab 109T tuner - PS Audio Power Plant 10 - Audio rack is pagoda edition double wide by finite elemente - Cables all Stealth Audio - using Sakra v12's for IC's in XLR, Dream for PC's, Royale for SC's

Here's a pic of Bob Graham setting up the Elite arm on my Air Force One and other one completed and listening.

I have tried allot of different isolation under my speakers, to date my preference is using StillPoint Ultra 5's as seen in the pic below - you can refer the thread I started specifically, you can read what others have to say - I highly recommend!

Incredible system!

Cables - in the past I have tried allot - Stealth Audio products in general are amazing and I highly recommend, I recently upgraded my Sakra's to the new Sakra V12 series - I use all XLR config - I also upgraded my Dream SC's to Stealth's latest flagship called Royale and I would HIGHLY recommend to see if you can get some in your system.

Below are a couple of pics - one with the Royale beside the Dream and other hooked up to my MBL's - my first initial looking at the pic was wholly crap these are huge but when I received it was kinda scary opening the boxes because that pic really doesn't do justice. They are very large and defiantly make a statement- the quality is top notch - fit and finish superb.

Originally Posted by LL21

stunning...wow...stunning.

Thx, waiting to see some pics of yours - the line up of gear is amazing!

Originally Posted by asindc

Very nice setup. What other brands did you audition before choosing the VAC combo?

Thanks, it was crazy but at he same time very educational. So what I originally purchased the MBL`s and waiting for them I also purchased a pair of CAT Convergent Audio Tech JL3 Sig MK2 mono blocks thinking that would be it - Ken used MBL`s while designing these amps.

It wasn`t the end of my journey - I ended up buying a pair of Bryston 28 Squared so I would have music while other amps came and went.

It was costly but a great learning experience - some amps I had - Boulder 2050`s - MBL 9011`s - Karan 1200`s - Pass numerous models just to name a few. At the time I still owned three pre-amps - ARC Ref3, MBL 6010d, VTL 7.5 MK2 and then my now Vac Sig MK2a and paired up with the amps.

I found myself liking this and that from different manufactures but known in the end were ending my journey. Then I got a email that someone had the same speakers and pre and the Vac 450 Statement`s - was using a Spiral Groove for source and the set-up was what I would call in a real world situation - that being in ones home. I had to fly out of the country, three day listening experience, see below pics. I`m most defiantly a Vac lover, these just do it for me in spades and couldn`t be any more happier.

I have my eyes on the new Statement pre and phono

Originally Posted by Matt715

Incredible system!

Thx Matt, most defiantly reproduces allot of performances in my room.

Originally Posted by BlueMcIntosh

Nice set up. Enjoy them in good health Dev.

Thanks Paul

Originally Posted by NorthStar

I like those dual 'round steel pucks' (StillPoint sets) under your speakers Dev; they look cool.

Ha! Ha! Thanks Bob

Here are some close up of one of the Vac`s and AF-1 table

Originally Posted by dev

Cables - in the past I have tried allot - Stealth Audio products in general are amazing and I highly recommend, I recently upgraded my Sakra's to the new Sakra V12 series - I use all XLR config - I also upgraded my Dream SC's to Stealth's latest flagship called Royale and I would HIGHLY recommend to see if you can get some in your system.

Very nice Dev. I only have the fortune of owning one stealth cable but it is my favourite phono cable by far - stealth hyperphono.

Originally Posted by socfan12

dev, beautiful home, beautiful system! The MBL speakers are in a league of their own IMO. Well done, sir!

Thanks Allen, I really enjoy them and with what I have feeding them shows what they can really do

dev, very nice. Bit above my pay grade though

Originally Posted by tunes

Very nice Dev. I only have the fortune of owning one stealth cable but it is my favourite phono cable by far - stealth hyperphono.

Hi Tunes, thanks. That's a great phono cable as you already know, did you know that they now have one even above that? I've owned numerous including the hyperphono, the Sextet is a amazing digital cable for between transport and dac. I really like their cables and these latest ones are very nice indeed.


What does your system consist of?

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

dev, very nice. Bit above my pay grade though

Thanks Kev, costs are all relative - putting that aside as long as you are listening to music and enjoying that's what it's all about right? I love my music, relaxes me. I work hard so I play hard!

Hey I agree 100%, not knocking, just musing out loud really. That t/t really sets the mood doesn't it!

Thanks Mark, only sharing - would enjoy seeing pics of your set-up

Originally Posted by sharkmouth

Hey I agree 100%, not knocking, just musing out loud really. That t/t really sets the mood doesn't it!

Ya the table is a statement pce for sure - even when all covered up looks sexy

Originally Posted by NorthStar

You play football, hockey Dev?

Yes why?

Originally Posted by XV-1

Good to see you here Dev

System looking and I am sure sounding superb.

Why did you buy the gorgeous Artison Fidelity SP10 when you have the AF1? I think it is a SP10.
Having withdrawal systems in not having multiple arms, or just another flavour?

I like different flavours

Cheers
Shane

Hi Shane, how are you doing? Your system is looking mighty sweet it's self, awesome


Thanks, the AF Achates will be for the family room where my existing set-up is currently - AF-1 will be moving to my designated room I will eventually be placing another arm on my AF-1 just not sure as of yet and in no hurry as I'm just enjoying!

I'll be installing my 12" REED with MSL cart as per pic's below that you see on my TW Black Knight onto my Achates Idler Drive, I has this one commissioned. Normally the finish is of a paint which looks stunning but this was more to my liking. I contacted Christopher and asked if he could do one in African Paduak, answer was yes. This table has the inverted bearing and new platter design, I also had StillPoint Ultra 5's installed. I received it mid Dec, currently sitting in it's crate. I had it set-up to have my REED 12" on the right primary spot. Looking forward to setting it up.

Originally Posted by XV-1

Ah, its not a SP10, but an Idler. still bloody beautiful thou

That will be interesting to see how it sounds

If it performs like it looks for sure a keeper

Originally Posted by Mike

That is a cool looking cover indeed! A hanger for the AF1?

Nice to protect the table and contents when not in use - keeps the nasty dust off. I would have preferred clear but it's okay - it's huge so the handles sure help.

Originally Posted by mdkim

Just noticed this thread. Outstanding system Dev! Love the MBLs.

Hi Michael,

thanks, so do I You have some great gear also, would enjoy seeing some pics.

Originally Posted by BobM

Purty tables. Purty room. Awesome system. Makes my very jealous.

One question, I see you have an open wall to the right of the right speaker. Do you find any imbalance in the sound because of that?

Hi BobM, thanks.

When I had box speakers yes because of that first reflection but because of how the MBL's work and load the room no. The left speaker has some distance off the wall and windows have wooden louvers, the right speaker their are the two posts which actually assist also. Is it ideal, no. This is where I mentioned in my opening post that my room really is the weak link but it just sounds so good and in the past I have had a designated room and such posed it's own problematic issues. I have listened to many systems, some who have spent large on their rooms and in the end pulling out their hair dealing with issues, most rooms I did not like. I like a room where one can just talk and human voices sound proper, no clap echo, not overly damped.

Great system. Would love to hear your thoughts on the major sonic differences between your CAT JL3 amps and the VACs that you have now? Many thanks. Ash

Originally Posted by Mike

Dev - were the MBL's problematic to setup?

Have you been to Sarasota to visit with Kevin and Brent? I was at an audiophile meeting with Brent last night. If you do come down here, let me know. You're welcome to come over.

Lastly, I wanted to pick your brain on something....I am having an awful time with my new VAC phi200's producing an excessive amount of sibilance. I have rolled the tubes. I have tried them in two different systems. I have tried different cables. Different sources. Different preamps. I'm at a loss. On some tracks it's worse than others. But you can hear far too much "sssss"' "tttttt". Listening to James Taylor sing "Blossom" for example, the song becomes almost unlistenable. It seems worse on the Magico's, but both systems, it's bad.

I'm going to give them another 200 hours and then see. Just wanted to see if you had any thoughts. Thanks.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Hi Mike, MBL's have been the easiest speakers I have owned to date to set-up. Finding the right amplification to satisfy me was another story - it was a learning process and costly - as in everything others might not like.

Yes I have been to Sarasota but haven't visited Vac's location, thanks for the invite.

Your Vac phi200's, how many hours currently on them? unfortunately I do not really have any first hand experience to provide but what you are mentioning would be really annoying. Since you were at a meeting with Brent did you discuss this matter with him? If so what was his thoughts. Have you spoken with Kevin about this? If so what were his thoughts. You being in the same area relatively speaking would be a no brainer to just go on over and find out, possibly your amps need further break-in or just your pair. See if they have a pair that they can lend you and do a quick comparison. I'm sure they must have a room set-up, bring your amps there and see. You really already mentioned numerous trouble shooting options I would have recommended, my thinking if it's still there while doing these as you have mentioned it's either to do with break-in or just the amps themselves.

Originally Posted by iamhifi

Wow! beautiful setup, love everything!!!

Hi Angel, thanks. You have some really nice pces too and I'm sure must sound marvelous. Please post some pic's on the Gallery thread I started - look forward to seeing.

Originally Posted by ashandger

Great system. Would love to hear your thoughts on the major sonic differences between your CAT JL3 amps and the VACs that you have now? Many thanks. Ash

Hi Ash, thanks. Ya that might get some up-set as I have done in the past on other sites. Don't miss the CAT's at all, the Vac's are by far my favourite and preferred.

What does your system consist of.

Originally Posted by iamhifi

The dedicated audio room is on the works for sure I will post Pictures, moving air conditioner unit, closets etc

Ha! Ha! that's too funny What we will do for our audio, I look forward to the pic's. I recently moved my furnace and hot water tank 12ft so my room could be longer. I actually ended up getting a new very quite furnace too, only made sense.

Dev, It's great to finally see your system. It's simply FABULOUS!