Thread: VAC / Rockports?

Hi

Do anyone here heard VACs drive Rockport? I was advised against tube amps driving the Rockports but have seen many brands i.e. VTL, ARC, Absolare drive them.




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I think the big boys would be fine. Not sure the 200iq is enough though.

Cmarin has the Rockport Lyra and big VAC monos. I've never heard the combo but I'm sure its special.

Dave

Hi Dave,

I’m biased, but the VAC Statement 450iQs and the Rockport Lyras make wonderful music together.

They just bring music to life.


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Thanks for posting. I really want to hear the Lyras at my dealers place soon. Do you switch it up often or stick with the same electronics for awhile? you have some amazing equipment to play with!!

Dave

Hi Dave,

Thank you for the kind words.

In terms of switching out gear, my current inventory was part of an odyssey over many years to try to get to the elusive “absolute” sound.

Lots of gear in and out. Sometimes two steps back for every step forward. Sometimes just chasing my tail. But mostly a lot of learning, from some key friends and professionals. Learning not just about gear, but all of the other elements that are important, including how different gear works or doesn’t work together, and the changes in your own listening palette - how and what I appreciate - over time.

Yes I appreciate variety, but in the end, on the advise of several professionals, and against my own tendencies, I set aside all of the “extra” gear in the bullpen and only listen to one “reference” set of equipment.

The other gear is wonderful in its own right, and sometimes a visitor will ask to hear it, but it’s now time to thin the herd.




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Originally Posted by cmarin

Hi Dave,

Thank you for the kind words.

In terms of switching out gear, my current inventory was part of an odyssey over many years to try to get to the elusive “absolute” sound.

Lots of gear in and out. Sometimes two steps back for every step forward. Sometimes just chasing my tail. But mostly a lot of learning, from some key friends and professionals. Learning not just about gear, but all of the other elements that are important, including the changes in your own palette - how and what I appreciate - over time.

Yes I appreciate variety, but in the end, on the advise of several professionals, and against my own tendencies, I set aside all of the “extra” gear in the bullpen and only listen to one set of equipment.

The other gear is wonderful in its own right, and sometimes a visitor will ask to hear it, but it’s now time to thin the herd.




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Hi CMarin,

Words on street that you have the Rockport Lyras with VAC monos, which VAC monos are they? It actually feels like I am chasing my tail when it comes with all these hifi gear. I am planning to purchase the Rockport Atria II but was told to stay away from tube amps. How well do the Lyras work with VAC? I believe the Lyras are relatively easier load compared to the Atria.


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Originally Posted by Bob82

Hi CMarin,

Words on street that you have the Rockport Lyras with VAC monos, which VAC monos are they? It actually feels like I am chasing my tail when it comes with all these hifi gear. I am planning to purchase the Rockport Atria II but was told to stay away from tube amps. How well do the Lyras work with VAC? I believe the Lyras are relatively easier load compared to the Atria.


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Hi Bob82,

I’m using the VAC Statement 450 iQ monos (with KT150s) with the Lyras. I’m biased, but I think it’s a wonderful combination.

I know of several who use the Lyras with success with Doshi tube amps and others with the CH Precision solid state M1s.

Lyras are very special speakers. But proper set up can make a big difference. I would suggest, regardless of which speaker you decide to get, that you invest in a professional set up. It will be worth it.

Don’t know about the Atrias specifically, but I will PM you with the contact information of a very knowledgeable and trustworthy dealer who can shed some light on your questions. He has long term experience with both tubes and solid state amps on Rockports.


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My dealer told me while auditioning the Altairs that the Atrias indeed are a bit harder to drive - though I'd probably prefer to go tubed preamp/SS amp in general on Rockports

That said the Atria is probably the most coherent Rockport and was his favorite in the line for his size demo room (16 x 25' or so). If tone and transparency are your favorite speaker attributes, they are wonderful speakers.

Originally Posted by KeithR

My dealer told me while auditioning the Altairs that the Atrias indeed are a bit harder to drive - though I'd probably prefer to go tubed preamp/SS amp in general on Rockports

That said the Atria is probably the most coherent Rockport and was his favorite in the line for his size demo room (16 x 25' or so). If tone and transparency are your favorite speaker attributes, they are wonderful speakers.

Keith

I have been looking at SS amplifier options for the Rockports Atria II too- Vitus Audio SS-103, Boulder 1160 among others driven with the VAC tube linestage.


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Originally Posted by Bob82

Keith

I have been looking at SS amplifier options for the Rockports Atria II too- Vitus Audio SS-103, Boulder 1160 among others driven with the VAC tube linestage.

I heard them with the $50k Class A Vitus amp and didn't find it enough power despite the nice tonality. I think a good Class AB amp is the way to go with Rockport. I'd probably look to Pass X series, Dagostino, etc.

Originally Posted by KeithR

I heard them with the $50k Class A Vitus amp and didn't find it enough power despite the nice tonality. I think a good Class AB amp is the way to go with Rockport. I'd probably look to Pass X series, Dagostino, etc.

Happy to see the Pass Labs X series mentioned.


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Andy Payor uses Gryphon amps in designing and voicing his speakers (or at least used to) so I would put Gryphon on the list as well.

Originally Posted by cmalak

Andy Payor uses Gryphon amps in designing and voicing his speakers (or at least used to) so I would put Gryphon on the list as well.

Considering the Gryphon too.


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I have heard the Rockport Lyra's on four occasions now. Twice at cmarin's, once in Omaha and once in Berkeley, CA.

All four times the Lyra's sounded outstanding.

Cmarin has done an extraordinary amount of work over time to get his Lyra's to sing in a way that I've never heard a beryllium based tweeter cone speaker sound.

He has taken a most methodical approach from component matching, cables, room considerations to AC power.

If I had his system I would probably only average 5 hours of sleep per night!

Originally Posted by Odyssey

I have heard the Rockport Lyra's on four occasions now. Twice at cmarin's, once in Omaha and once in Berkeley, CA.

All four times the Lyra's sounded outstanding.

Cmarin has done an extraordinary amount of work over time to get his Lyra's to sing in a way that I've never heard a beryllium based tweeter cone speaker sound.

He has taken a most methodical approach from component matching, cables, room considerations to AC power.

If I had his system I would probably only average 5 hours of sleep per night!

Thank you for the kind words.

As you know, it’s been a long journey with lots of fits and starts, pushing that big rock up the steep incline.

But it would have been a lot less less productive and a lot less fun without your helpful insights, long discussions and friendship.

And now back to pushing that rock up the incline.

Always a pleasure my friend.


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I would imagine this is an absolutely incredible pairing. World class all the way. Congratulations. Hope to hear the combo some time.

Originally Posted by Mike

I would imagine this is an absolutely incredible pairing. World class all the way. Congratulations. Hope to hear the combo some time.

Mike,

I sent the query to Kevin Hayes and he seems to approve.


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Originally Posted by Bob82

Mike,

I sent the query to Kevin Hayes and he seems to approve.


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I absolutely love my VAC at home. It checks all the boxes.

You can’t go wrong.


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