Soulution 520 Preamp

MDP said:
I bet the Salons are really singing now :celebrate008_2:
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Hi Mark,

The Salon 2's have never sounded better than they do right now and the 520 preamp is not even burned in yet. The place where I auditioned the 520 sounded broken in comparison. That's how great the Salon 2's are because every other component was essentially the same in their system as mine. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is no maximum on what the Salon 2's can deliver as you continue to improve the components driving them. Wow!

Best,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Mark,

The Salon 2's have never sounded better than they do right now and the 520 preamp is not even burned in yet. The local dealer's system where I auditioned the 520 sounded broken in comparison. That's how great the Salon 2's are because every other component was essentially the same in their system as mine. I've said it before and I'll say it again, there is no maximum on what the Salon 2's can deliver as you continue to improve the components driving them. Wow!

Best,
Ken
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Ken, truer words have never been spoke regarding the Salons. Mike is tired of me saying the same thing.
 
Second full day running the K-01/520/501/Salon2 system. The sound has already changed some from yesterday. The main difference is the top end has opened up some and bass seems tighter. The treble remains very smooth with just a hint of warmth. There is more density to midrange and bass than without the preamp. There is also more air around instruments and voices. None of the treble brightness I experienced when I added previous preamps. The 520 is a very fine preamp, much more than I expected. Kevin, you were right!

Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Second full day running the K-01/520/501/Salon2 system. The sound has already changed some from yesterday. The main difference is the top end has opened up some and bass seems tighter. The treble remains very smooth with just a hint of warmth. There is more density to midrange and bass than without the preamp. There is also more air around instruments and voices. None of the treble brightness I experienced when I added previous preamps. The 520 is a very fine preamp, much more than I expected. Kevin, you were right!

Ken
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Isn't it great when you hear so much more information coming out of the speakers that you are so intimately familiar with than you thought was possible?

Have you found your second set of hands to maneuver the D3's into place this week?
 
Ken, I am really happy for you. It is such an uplifting experience to realise that having a world class preamp is way better than you would have thought possible. I honestly believe it is the soul of the system. I've tried to sell my 520 3 times now & just can't bring myself to do it. Congrats again!
 
Odyssey said:
Isn't it great when you hear so much more information coming out of the speakers that you are so intimately familiar with than you thought was possible?

Have you found your second set of hands to maneuver the D3's into place this week?
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Definitely, Le Roy. It sounds like an entirely different system with the 520 than I've been listening to for the last 3 months.

It must be tough being away from all that fine gear in Chicagoland, especially with the new 725/711 combo. I bet you can't wait to get back up there when it gets a little warmer. But you're definitely not hurting with the Austin system. ;)

Best,
Ken
 
bzr said:
Ken, I am really happy for you. It is such an uplifting experience to realise that having a world class preamp is way better than you would have thought possible. I honestly believe it is the soul of the system. I've tried to sell my 520 3 times now & just can't bring myself to do it. Congrats again!
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Thanks Kevin! You were all over it telling me I would be blown away when I was contemplating the purchase. You were so right. It does sound like the soul of the system. Now I know why used 520's usually sell in one day in the USA. But don't ever sell yours unless you are getting the 725. :)

Best,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
I should find out tomorrow if my local dealer is going to help me with the D3 setup. They first indicated they would but now seem to be balking at the prospect. If they decide not to, I think I can handle it myself. I believe Cincy set up his D3's on his own. I'll just really take my time if I'm doing it myself.
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Congrats on all the new gear Ken.

I have to say, your note that I've quoted above sure seems strange. Did you purchase the D3's from this local dealer that is balking at helping to set them up?
 
Alpinist said:
Thanks Mike!

No, I didn't purchase from my local dealer. He's not a Raidho dealer. That's probably why he's balking. ;)

Best,
Ken
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Ok, gotcha that would explain the hesitation. Looks like you'll need to fly an AS member out to help instead!

p.s. I'm free toward the end of this week. :lol:
 
Are the stands attached already or do you have a 3rd box with the stands in it? The reason I ask, is: My walnut D3s didn't have the stands attached and I needed to attach them, but my black D3s (2nd version) had the stands already attached an they were really fairly easy to unbox and position once the box is in the same room as the final position.

Good luck.
 
the professor said:
Are the stands attached already or do you have a 3rd box with the stands in it? The reason I ask, is: My walnut D3s didn't have the stands attached and I needed to attach them, but my black D3s (2nd version) had the stands already attached an they were really fairly easy to unbox and position once the box is in the same room as the final position.

Good luck.
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Hi Jock,

They are new Walnut D3 V2 and there is a third box with the stands. Are the stands difficult to assemble and attach to the speaker cabinet? Do you think one person can safely do it?

Thanks,
Ken
 
Alpinist said:
Hi Jock,

They are new Walnut D3 V2 and there is a third box with the stands. Are the stands difficult to assemble and attach to the speaker cabinet? Do you think one person can safely do it?

Thanks,
Ken
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Ken,

I hate to tell you this, but only the stands for the v1's came in a separate box. The v2's shipped in bigger boxes with the stands on.

You may want to confirm, but I bet Mark, Jock, David and others will confirm.

Mike
 
For some strange reason, I think the Walnut stands have to be attached, the Black came fully assembled.
 
Alpinist said:
Definitely, Le Roy. It sounds like an entirely different system with the 520 than I've been listening to for the last 3 months.

I should find out tomorrow if my local dealer is going to help me with the D3 setup. They first indicated they would but now seem to be balking at the prospect. If they decide not to, I think I can handle it myself. I believe Cincy set up his D3's on his own. I'll just really take my time if I'm doing it myself.

It must be tough being away from all that fine gear in Chicagoland, especially with the new 725/711 combo. I bet you can't wait to get back up there when it gets a little warmer. But you're definitely not hurting with the Austin system. ;)

Best,
Ken
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If it doesn't work out with the dealer may I recommend Stirling Trayle, that's what he does for a living. You can call him at 707 494-5482 or can see his web site at Audio Systems Optimized Turntable Set Up - Loudspeaker Set Up (beta mode). Nothing better than having SOTA speakers and system installed by a professional.

He does post once in a while on AS.
 
The stands are not hard to put on. There are 2 bolts that you screw the stand on to the speaker from the bottom of the speaker/stand.

I had my wife help me lift them out of the box and place horizontally on a foot stool we have for our couch. I bolted the stand on and then easily stood them up. I then walked the speaker the remaining 5 feet into position. You could also use some pillows or something to get the speaker 6 or 7 inches off the ground so it's easy to bolt the stand on.

I think Mark is correct - Walnut are shipped with stands not on and Black are shipped with the stands on. No clue why????
 
the professor said:
The stands are not hard to put on. There are 2 bolts that you screw the stand on to the speaker from the bottom of the speaker/stand.

I had my wife help me lift them out of the box and place horizontally on a foot stool we have for our couch. I bolted the stand on and then easily stood them up. I then walked the speaker the remaining 5 feet into position. You could also use some pillows or something to get the speaker 6 or 7 inches off the ground so it's easy to bolt the stand on.

I think Mark is correct - Walnut are shipped with stands not on and Black are shipped with the stands on. No clue why????
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Hi Jock,

This is terrific information. Thanks so much!!! We own a long ottoman that we could lay the speakers down on and attach the bases. All in all, it sounds pretty simple. We may just do it ourselves like you did.

Best,
Ken
 
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