Recent GTG at Bob's place this past Monday

Hahaha!!! Well ended up being just me and Doug . Im sure Doug will put up his impressions on what he heard, but he is still in ny. Doug is a great guy and we had a great day.(thanks Doug)
Bob is a great and gracious host as always. (Thanks Bob)
Ill tell you one thing. We hear the d3's, we hear the d1, we hear the c1.1. And they all sound great, big huge soundstage on all of em. D1 still my favorite of the 3 .
But when Bob puts on the wave40's with the SET absolare amps. It is pure magic.
The sound is set to a new level of clarity and depth and accuracy. It's so relaxed and easy for the amps to push these speakers it just puts out beautiful music. If you want your music at 104db I wouldn't use this setup but at the levels I like they are perfect.
Of all the amp and speaker combos I've heard over the last 6 months this is the best smoothest sound I can remember. Of course it is not the last word in bass but it's basically a big 2 way one would think. But the bass is plenty for me and I would not add a sub.
Other than that we went and ate pastrami. The best most tender pastrami you can find.
Went to some great record stores.found an awesome vintage equip store that I need to get back to when I have more time. Living Stereo was ..... Blah!
Couple line mag 300b integrated And Devore speakers I would have liked to hear but they weren't very helpful.
All in all a great day!!
 
Did the Goldmund gremlins get you all?

It was "only" Steve and Doug that were here on Monday. Doug is still in NYC until tomorrow. Steve, Doug?....what you say? All I know is that we had a great time and Doug brought me a Pastrami sandwich from Katz. I ate it for lunch and for dinner, it was that big. Doug also gave me over 10 albums and CD's.....I wish Doug would come here every week!
 
First off to answer a couple of questions: The Goldmund amps were sold so we didn't get to hear them and yes, Katz has the best pastrami on the earth! It has just the right amount of spices and is so tender it falls apart. The rye bread's pretty good too!

I met Steve at Penn Station and we walked down to Bob's. The D3's and the Wave40's were set up for us to listen to at that time. First a disclaimer; I use a SET amp and a pair of two-way speakers so keep this in mind as I go along here. Everything we listened to on Monday was powered by the Absolare 845 SET mono's. These are much bigger than I thought they were, but these amps are the beauty along with the beast. The fit and finish is top-notch. The massive transformers are separated from the tubes by a nicely fit piece of metal and the leather that is wrapped around and stitched on is impeccable. Rated at 52 watts, these powered all of the speakers we listened to without a hitch, but more on that later. The Absolare preamp is just as beautiful as the amps. Three inputs, tubes, and a stepped volume knob that allows you to stop in-between steps. All of the Absolare products use high quality parts throughout. I was very impressed with them.

On to the D3's. Again, I'm coming from small two-way floorstanders so remember... The D3's had the best sound stage of any speaker I've listened to. Wide and deep, it placed everything right there in front of you. The bass coming out of them was very impressive. I actually had a hard time with these speakers because I'm not use to so much bottom end. I think the deep bass was a bit flabby but there were too many variables present for me to know if that was the case. Was it the speaker, the amps used, the music we listened to, or just me. I hope Bob can chime in and let us know since he has so many listening hours with these and has tried many different set-ups with them. In any case, these speakers were terrific and if you don't listen at stadium volumes I think they would satisfy many music lovers for a long time.

Next up were the Wave40's. Now this speaker was right up my alley. Wide sound stage, nice separation of instruments and just enough warmth to suck you in to the music. Where the Raidho's had you listening for every little nuance, every instrument being played with accuracy and precision, the Wave's let the music wash over and envelope you in this beautiful sound that was still precise but allowed you to sink into your chair and just let it happen. The bass was more to what I was use to. Not as deep as the D3's but very much there in it's own way. Firm, tight and all I needed from these speakers. I think the Absolare/Wave combo at play here was what produced this lovely sound. I don't think you would get the same results using a solid-state amp. The Wave's were much bigger than I thought they were and the craftsmanship was just incredible. I know a lot of us here call these the "eggs" but the shape really was a non-factor for me. I really liked these speakers, both in looks and more importantly sound wise and could own them for a long, long time.

Break time. Bob allowed us to use his place as our hub for the day. Btw, did I mention yet how great Bob is? He's so accommodating and easy to work with, will answer any questions about gear or otherwise. It's the most layed back, non stressful stereo experience I've ever had. Since this was my first time in NYC he told me that if I had any questions about anything at all, that I could call him whenever and ask away. I just met Bob and spent a few short hours with him, but I can only begin to describe what a great person he is...

Steve and I walked down to In Living Stereo because they have a used record shop there and I wanted to hear the new Devore "O" series speakers. I talked to what seemed to me anyway, the main gear guy there. I told him what gear I had, which was much of what he sells in his shop. He said the best thing thing to do was to call back to set up an appointment so that he could get everything ready for me. Okay, I totally get this, but there wasn't anyone else in the place. He had a potential customer in his hands and couldn't grab a set of speaker cables and set something up for me. Are you friken' kiddin' me?!!! Sorry, rant over. After that we went to Katz and hit a few more record stores on the way back to Bob's.

When we got back to Bob's he had the D1's set up for us. We also heard the C1.1's as well. The D1's are amazing for a monitor. Like many here have already stated, how they get all that bass out of those little speakers is beyond me. For how I listen to music, it was the best Raidho speaker we heard that day. The C1.1's were very close to them and if you couldn't afford the D1's you could own the C1.1's and know that you're not missing much. The little monitors did everything that the bigger D3's did just on a smaller scale. They had the same sound stage, the same precision and accuracy but didn't have the full range, obviously.

As my last note I want to say how incredible it was to meet a couple members of this site who, until this trip, I only talked with over my keyboard. If this makes any sense it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. Steve is a great guy who has a passion for music and gear but doesn't let it rule over him. He's the kind of fun loving guy that makes you feel comfortable and puts a smile on your face with his sense of humor and outlook on life in general. I'll be back to experience more of NYC and hope to meet a few other members that I didn't have a chance to this time around. Maybe even hear some Magico's!
 
First off to answer a couple of questions: The Goldmund amps were sold so we didn't get to hear them and yes, Katz has the best pastrami on the earth! It has just the right amount of spices and is so tender it falls apart. The rye bread's pretty good too!

I met Steve at Penn Station and we walked down to Bob's. The D3's and the Wave40's were set up for us to listen to at that time. First a disclaimer; I use a SET amp and a pair of two-way speakers so keep this in mind as I go along here. Everything we listened to on Monday was powered by the Absolare 845 SET mono's. These are much bigger than I thought they were, but these amps are the beauty along with the beast. The fit and finish is top-notch. The massive transformers are separated from the tubes by a nicely fit piece of metal and the leather that is wrapped around and stitched on is impeccable. Rated at 52 watts, these powered all of the speakers we listened to without a hitch, but more on that later. The Absolare preamp is just as beautiful as the amps. Three inputs, tubes, and a stepped volume knob that allows you to stop in-between steps. All of the Absolare products use high quality parts throughout. I was very impressed with them.

On to the D3's. Again, I'm coming from small two-way floorstanders so remember... The D3's had the best sound stage of any speaker I've listened to. Wide and deep, it placed everything right there in front of you. The bass coming out of them was very impressive. I actually had a hard time with these speakers because I'm not use to so much bottom end. I think the deep bass was a bit flabby but there were too many variables present for me to know if that was the case. Was it the speaker, the amps used, the music we listened to, or just me. I hope Bob can chime in and let us know since he has so many listening hours with these and has tried many different set-ups with them. In any case, these speakers were terrific and if you don't listen at stadium volumes I think they would satisfy many music lovers for a long time.

Next up were the Wave40's. Now this speaker was right up my alley. Wide sound stage, nice separation of instruments and just enough warmth to suck you in to the music. Where the Raidho's had you listening for every little nuance, every instrument being played with accuracy and precision, the Wave's let the music wash over and envelope you in this beautiful sound that was still precise but allowed you to sink into your chair and just let it happen. The bass was more to what I was use to. Not as deep as the D3's but very much there in it's own way. Firm, tight and all I needed from these speakers. I think the Absolare/Wave combo at play here was what produced this lovely sound. I don't think you would get the same results using a solid-state amp. The Wave's were much bigger than I thought they were and the craftsmanship was just incredible. I know a lot of us here call these the "eggs" but the shape really was a non-factor for me. I really liked these speakers, both in looks and more importantly sound wise and could own them for a long, long time.

Break time. Bob allowed us to use his place as our hub for the day. Btw, did I mention yet how great Bob is? He's so accommodating and easy to work with, will answer any questions about gear or otherwise. It's the most layed back, non stressful stereo experience I've ever had. Since this was my first time in NYC he told me that if I had any questions about anything at all, that I could call him whenever and ask away. I just met Bob and spent a few short hours with him, but I can only begin to describe what a great person he is...

Steve and I walked down to In Living Stereo because they have a used record shop there and I wanted to hear the new Devore "O" series speakers. I talked to what seemed to me anyway, the main gear guy there. I told him what gear I had, which was much of what he sells in his shop. He said the best thing thing to do was to call back to set up an appointment so that he could get everything ready for me. Okay, I totally get this, but there wasn't anyone else in the place. He had a potential customer in his hands and couldn't grab a set of speaker cables and set something up for me. Are you friken' kiddin' me?!!! Sorry, rant over. I don't think I'll be going back there anytime soon. After that we went to Katz and hit a few more record stores on the way back to Bob's.

When we got back to Bob's he had the D1's set up for us. We also heard the C1.1's as well. The D1's are amazing for a monitor. Like many here have already stated, how they get all that bass out of those little speakers is beyond me. For how I listen to music, it was the best Raidho speaker we heard that day. The C1.1's were very close to them and if you couldn't afford the D1's you could own the C1.1's and know that you're not missing much. The little monitors did everything that the bigger D3's did just on a smaller scale. They had the same sound stage, the same precision and accuracy but didn't have the full range, obviously.

As my last note I want to say how incredible it was to meet a couple members of this site who, until this trip, I only talked with over my keyboard. If this makes any sense it was like meeting an old friend for the first time. Steve is a great guy who has a passion for music and gear but doesn't let it rule over him. He's the kind of fun loving guy that makes you feel comfortable and puts a smile on your face with his sense of humor and outlook on life in general. I'll be back to experience more of NYC and hope to meet a few other members that I didn't have a chance to this time around. Maybe even hear some Magico's!

Doug, :heart: Just want to say that it was a pleasure to meet you. It's magical for me when an AS member shows up at my studio....pure magic. Again the pleasure was all mine. Nice review as well. I agree with really everything that you say. I might add that I listen to the D'3s all of the time now, they really are my go to combo for personal listening pleasure. If a recording has tight bass I believe that the D3's with the SET's provide tight bass, as in with a stand up bass or double bass slapping away with a strong bass line. I played one track for you from Norman aka Wisnon's "Super Cd". It has heavy bass and it's not tight fisted type bass. It has this bellowing effect. If you don't know the recording it can come off as flabby but it's really fairly low "bellowing" type bass. I have heard it on other speakers in different rooms even and it's this wild "flabbiesh" type bass....I am actually amazed that the D3's with the SET's driving them produce this bass....I personally love it. BUT I listen to the D3's all the time and I am aware of what they are or are not doing. My two cents.....but again Doug, SO GREAT TO MEET YOU. And THANK YOU for the excellent vinyl and cd's that you brought for me....and the Pastrami too:heart:
 
...I might add that I listen to the D'3s all of the time now, they really are my go to combo for personal listening pleasure. If a recording has tight bass I believe that the D3's with the SET's provide tight bass, as in with a stand up bass or double bass slapping away with a strong bass line. I played one track for you from Norman aka Wisnon's "Super Cd". It has heavy bass and it's not tight fisted type bass. It has this bellowing effect. If you don't know the recording it can come off as flabby but it's really fairly low "bellowing" type bass. I have heard it on other speakers in different rooms even and it's this wild "flabbiesh" type bass....I am actually amazed that the D3's with the SET's driving them produce this bass....I personally love it.

I was hoping you would add your experience to this since you have so much more time with these speakers. I don't doubt the D3's can show their ability to do tight bass. I didn't really want to say "flabby" since it has such a negative connotation to it in the audio world, but the coffee didn't kick in yet and I couldn't think of another word at the time! I should have brought some Kraftwerk with me that has that really tight electronic bass to listen to. You brought up something that I forgot to say. Yes, I was very surprised, and pleased that the SET's could drive the D3's as well as they did. They didn't seem to strain at all and we did have some good volume going on too.
 
I was hoping you would add your experience to this since you have so much more time with these speakers. I don't doubt the D3's can show their ability to do tight bass. I didn't really want to say "flabby" since it has such a negative connotation to it in the audio world, but the coffee didn't kick in yet and I couldn't think of another word at the time! I should have brought some Kraftwerk with me that has that really tight electronic bass to listen to. You brought up something that I forgot to say. Yes, I was very surprised, and pleased that the SET's could drive the D3's as well as they did. They didn't seem to strain at all and we did have some good volume going on too.

Doug, wish you lived closer....you could "move in" like Steve has:roflmao: Just kidding...love every time Steve comes for a visit, we basically just have fun. Yes on the bass with the D3's next time someone is here "Steve" or "Joe" or ??? we will drive the D3's with the SET's and do some "heavy bass" recordings to show what I mean. I actually was playing Arnold's Overtures full orchestral the other night for someone. There are these BIG TIME kettle drums that really show amazing low and powerful bass. The D3's with the SET's don't skip a beat with this real acoustical, natural bass.....they deliver it clear and clean, actually to my amazement every time I hear this recording.

Something to do during the next visits.............
 
nice avatar!!! Proud to have met you Doug and spend a day with you.
There is so much more than what we saw in one day. Next time!!!
Great write up too!!!
 
What a great group! Wish I was there...sounds like big fun.
 
nice avatar!!! Proud to have met you Doug and spend a day with you.
There is so much more than what we saw in one day. Next time!!!
Great write up too!!!

I definitely want to get back to that little vintage shop too. I loved that old Marantz receiver! I want to come back with my wife when she doesn't have to be in classes all day. Of course I won't be able to take in all the great scenery we saw! ;)
 
Yes NYC is pretty much the premier spot to see all the beauties :disbelief:
Do you remember the name of that vintage store?? It was incredible I want to go back when I have more time. The gear there was awesome. I could be happy with one of those old marantz receivers. I'm not opposed to selling my amps and pre and filling in with old vintage stuff.:)
 
I did forget to mention the sources. We played both vinyl and digital and while the vinyl sounded great I was really taken by the EMM Labs gear Bob has. I didn't look that closely to see which models they were by I think it was the TSDX transport and the DAC2X D/A Converter. Again, correct me if I'm wrong Bob. It was the best digital I've heard. Most digital gear I've auditioned was in the $5k or below range so this stuff is outside of that, but there was no harshness to it. When we speak of digital we tend to use words like harshness, hash, glare, digital "nasties", etc... I didn't get any of that from this set-up. It was pretty spectacular. Again, Bob has spent a lot of time perfecting this system. Whether it's trying different power cords, speaker cables, isolation devices, etc... to get the best out of it all, and it shows. I've always thought that a successful system is the result of all of its parts.
 
I did forget to mention the sources. We played both vinyl and digital and while the vinyl sounded great I was really taken by the EMM Labs gear Bob has. I didn't look that closely to see which models they were by I think it was the TSDX transport and the DAC2X D/A Converter. Again, correct me if I'm wrong Bob. It was the best digital I've heard. Most digital gear I've auditioned was in the $5k or below range so this stuff is outside of that, but there was no harshness to it. When we speak of digital we tend to use words like harshness, hash, glare, digital "nasties", etc... I didn't get any of that from this set-up. It was pretty spectacular. Again, Bob has spent a lot of time perfecting this system. Whether it's trying different power cords, speaker cables, isolation devices, etc... to get the best out of it all, and it shows. I've always thought that a successful system is the result of all of its parts.

It was the Dac2X and the TSDX transport......
 
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