My Rockport Aviors have arrived

Joey_V

Dennis Gardner wrote: »

Even PFB would never run studded mud tires on the Porsche, just cause that is what most guys in ND run on their rides....

With exotic cables, it is a matter of means, and with your means...it should matter. Considering cabling might have slowed the gear churn.

Cabling would not slow gear churn. Just more gear.

Honestly, it might seem like a lot of gear churn - but the 802D2 stayed in the system from the beginning.

All I did was bring in a Strad and Rockport Aviors. Sold the 802D2 before the Rockport Aviors arrived. And it appeared like I really enjoyed the BW sound which is kind of what I just ran with. But before the D3 would arrive, I had to hear the Rockport Avior for myself. Had I not had the inkling of getting D3 in, then the D2 would not have been sold.

So, that's not churning gear for the sake of churning gear. I like the BW sound and will always have it in the system. I find that to be pretty consistent.

Everything else stayed the same sans the amps.

The Cary 306 stayed. The Cary 05 stayed.

I kept all the amps until the end, when the Cary 211FE went to my brother's system.

Bottomline - I know BW will be always a part of my system somewhere. The Rockports are here as a trial.

Because I think the best auditions are at home.

msg

I was thinking about Joey's cable situation a bit off and on as I've followed bits of this thread here and there. It seems a bit of a Catch 22 at this point.

There's been so much discussion about how cables play a significant role in system synergy. I believe this. It also seems to me that there are some components that carry more weight in a system's sound than others might - say, speakers, for example. Then again, I've also seen some really strong reports on how a certain cable really limited a system's performance, and it wasn't until those cables were replaced with others that a system's potential was unleashed.

My thought today was that Joey's been auditioning all this gear with cables that - good or bad - have become his reference set. For this reason, I can see where it almost doesn't make sense for him to switch to something else at this point, because wouldn't it essentially nullify all of his auditions to date?

On the other hand, I understand that you just have to step in somewhere, because all cable proponents know that without quality cables, you're limiting a system's ability to present the finer details and characteristics that we're listening for by stepping into higher end gear in the first place.

My question is, would it make sense for Joey to get into a set of neutral sounding cables at this point, or to just continue with what he knows in order to keep his auditions relative to those prior? If it makes sense to get into cables now, which/what type of cables would let this gear cleanly reach its presentation potential? Or would it make more sense for Joey to be doing extra in depth research alongside his component research, and using and including multiple cables sets that are known to work well with his respective gear choices?

(ish. did I just... I just involved myself in a cable discussion. ish)

Joey_V

msg wrote: »

I was thinking about Joey's cable situation a bit off and on as I've followed bits of this thread here and there. It seems a bit of a Catch 22 at this point.

There's been so much discussion about how cables play a significant role in system synergy. I believe this. It also seems to me that there are some components that carry more weight in a system's sound than others might - say, speakers, for example. Then again, I've also seen some really strong reports on how a certain cable really limited a system's performance, and it wasn't until those cables were replaced with others that a system's potential was unleashed.

My thought today was that Joey's been auditioning all this gear with cables that - good or bad - have become his reference set. For this reason, I can see where it almost doesn't make sense for him to switch to something else at this point, because wouldn't it essentially nullify all of his auditions to date?

On the other hand, I understand that you just have to step in somewhere, because all cable proponents know that without quality cables, you're limiting a system's ability to present the finer details and characteristics that we're listening for by stepping into higher end gear in the first place.

My question is, would it make sense for Joey to get into a set of neutral sounding cables at this point, or to just continue with what he knows in order to keep his auditions relative to those prior? If it makes sense to get into cables now, which/what type of cables would let this gear cleanly reach its presentation potential? Or would it make more sense for Joey to be doing extra in depth research alongside his component research, and using and including multiple cables sets that are known to work well with his respective gear choices?

(ish. did I just... I just involved myself in a cable discussion. ish)

I agree with you, the cables as of now would have colored the sound or limited the sound from my first component to now. That said, many cables would have their own characteristics and without getting the best cabling around, there would always be that question as to what limitation or what sound signature is it imparting.

At this time, what I am trying to do is provide an even playing field until I hit the jackpot system. Then after that I will move the cords into something I can synergize with.

Until then, I feel like it's a moot point. Just adds more variables to the equation.

THere has been quite a bit of progress.

I stuck with the Cary 306, and the SLP05.

The amps went to Boulder. Cary 211FE and Classe M600 were lateral moves.

The speakers that really stayed were the 802D2 and I am sure the 802D3 will follow.

In the meantime, I was able to spend some time with the SF Strads and now the Rockport Avior. Had I stuck with purely the BW, I would not know what else is out there and how it sounds in my room and with my ears.

Dennis Gardner

If he loves what he has, techflex, shrink and a couple hundos worth of nice connectors could go a long way.

He will get there, he is finally hanging his panels and he has nice racks instead of blocks and boards.

I liked the Classe' and BW combos that I have experienced, but fully support gear swapping, cause what else is there once you are married with children?

Joey_V

Dennis Gardner wrote: »

If he loves what he has, techflex, shrink and a couple hundos worth of nice connectors could go a long way.

He will get there, he is finally hanging his panels and he has nice racks instead of blocks and boards.

I liked the Classe' and BW combos that I have experienced, but fully support gear swapping, cause what else is there once you are married with children?

Hahaha... nice.

But yeah, I'll get there. Learning along the way and gear swapping with an aim.

I have a sound in my head and each step I take has to get towards that.

Joey_V

xcapri79 wrote: »

Dennis Gardner wrote: »

If he loves what he has, techflex, shrink and a couple hundos worth of nice connectors could go a long way.

Towards better sound or looks?
There is a lot of peer pressure in this thread pushing in one direction.
I suggest letting @Joey_V make up his own mind on his schedule.

I agree. Everyone works on their own schedule.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could upgrade and reach their ideal sound at a lightning pace?

The real world, however, puts contraints. And budget constraints still limit what I can do.

Yes, if I were lottery rich or filthy rich, I'd buy the best (? is there a best) cables from the getgo and just have some dealer install the most obnoxious set up in a custom 1st floor media room.

But alas, we all have to work within our limitations. And this is the path I chose to take.

Joey_V

Dang it my one panel is 3" too low. Now I got some holes in the wall. Atleast I hung one to check before doing all at once

lightman1

Nightfall

lightman1 wrote: »

Best audio investment I ever made.

Upstatemax

Last time I wanted ken to clean up a thread, someone was over the rainbow about someone putting tin foil around the wires in his Onkyo...

Guys, calm yourselves. Joey will go down the cable journey, when he is ready.

lightman1

Lightman's DIY cable starter kit!
Get em while they last!
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I'm blowing them out for the CRAZY LOW PRICE OF......
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F1nut

No one is pushing anyone to do anything, mearly offering suggestions to improve their listening pleasure. That is, after all, one of the things we do here.

That said, one doesn't need a degree in psychology to realize the motivation behind the comments from a certain someone when it comes to a brand of cables they rail against at any given opportunity.

leftwinger57

Joey, the Rockports are beautiful and that's a given. What the hell is that gigantic thing the middle of everything there ? If it's an amplifier it's like 8x the size of my Adcom. You've got to fill me in on this one... Name and model so I can drool over the spec sheet.... Lew

erniejade

I believe that's the Boulder 2060

[Deleted User]

I couldn't quite follow the wreckers, Bruce Lee video, tin foil or coathangers , But I did pickup on the new Rockport Aviors & Boulder 2060. Big congrats Joey!! They are very well tuned speakers & have some of the best cabinets in the business. And the brute Boulder has a huge amount of clean class A power. In every respect a better amp than the 1060. It holds up well despite it's age.

I liked the combo of the Boulder with a tubed linestage. That creates a nice balance, though i'd say it's more a pre-req for the 1060 which is a class A/B amp, and a bit more neutral. I found the Boulder to be a natural sounding amp, so I can see how Gryphon and Boulder's 2000 series would pair well with Rockport.

It's all about finding a pairing which has the right synergy. For my ears I haven't found a better match for the coin than Magico/Vitus, but we all see and hear things differently. I have a friend who just bought a Boulder 3060 & 2120 dac/streamer. If it were me & I had pockets that deep, I would have bought a Vitus MP-S201. But that's just me.

What is the next cab off the rank for your system Joey?

leftwinger57

I checked out the site and at 1st they were not showing that model. Next I went to the name and model number only and got the stand alone write up on it. Next you dudes have to check out this guy's review of the amp and he has Von Schweikerts that were the smaller brothers to the ones I saw at that dudes house. I think that thing can power my entire apt. No motr stuff here, very,very impressive.


http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue27/2060_boulder.htm

madmax

Starting with cheap cable is fine, otherwise, how do you appreciate or even know what you have by the time you are done?

tonyb

http://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649228787-harmonic-technology-pro-9-reference-2014-version/

I realize 29k may be a jump for you, but these are some darn nice cables for 1k and in your state. I believe Rich still uses them and he see's no reason to go anywhere else.

Even if you don't like them, you could re-sell and lose very little if not break even.

Joey_V

leftwinger57 wrote: »

Joey, the Rockports are beautiful and that's a given. What the hell is that gigantic thing the middle of everything there ? If it's an amplifier it's like 8x the size of my Adcom. You've got to fill me in on this one... Name and model so I can drool over the spec sheet.... Lew

Will send you a PM.

Joey_V

Bodhi wrote: »

I couldn't quite follow the wreckers, Bruce Lee video, tin foil or coathangers , But I did pickup on the new Rockport Aviors & Boulder 2060. Big congrats Joey!! They are very well tuned speakers & have some of the best cabinets in the business. And the brute Boulder has a huge amount of clean class A power. In every respect a better amp than the 1060. It holds up well despite it's age.

I liked the combo of the Boulder with a tubed linestage. That creates a nice balance, though i'd say it's more a pre-req for the 1060 which is a class A/B amp, and a bit more neutral. I found the Boulder to be a natural sounding amp, so I can see how Gryphon and Boulder's 2000 series would pair well with Rockport.

It's all about finding a pairing which has the right synergy. For my ears I haven't found a better match for the coin than Magico/Vitus, but we all see and hear things differently. I have a friend who just bought a Boulder 3060 & 2120 dac/streamer. If it were me & I had pockets that deep, I would have bought a Vitus MP-S201. But that's just me.

What is the next cab off the rank for your system Joey?

Bodhi,

Good to talk to you again!

Next up is likely an 802D3.

The 2060 is a nearly current model, just was replaced by the 2160 last year if I recall correctly.

My 2060 was actually Alon Wolf's from Magico... I find it to be a special piece of gear.

Very high level above the Classe or Cary 211FE and the Plinius SA103.

Fantastic piece, best amp I ever owned. I have absolutely no desire to upgrade at this point.... until I see the 3060 for sale... maybe in 5 years.

Joey_V

erniejade wrote: »

I believe that's the Boulder 2060

Alon Wolf's 2060.

Joey_V

DSkip wrote: »

Did you fix that door you installed?

Hahaha... you love me.

Joey_V

leftwinger57 wrote: »

Joey, the Rockports are beautiful and that's a given. What the hell is that gigantic thing the middle of everything there ? If it's an amplifier it's like 8x the size of my Adcom. You've got to fill me in on this one... Name and model so I can drool over the spec sheet.... Lew

http://www.boulderamp.com/2060-p1.html

halo

@Joey_V - so, if I'm understanding you correctly, you got the Rockport Aviors with every intention of moving on to the Bowers & Wilkins 802D3; irregardless of how good (or not so good) the Avior speakers sound in your home?

This is not a criticism, I just want to be sure I understand your process here.

Joey_V

halo wrote: »

@Joey_V - so, if I'm understanding you correctly, you got the Rockport Aviors with every intention of moving on to the Bowers & Wilkins 802D3; irregardless of how good (or not so good) the Avior speakers sound in your home?

This is not a criticism, I just want to be sure I understand your process here.

I have every intention of bringing in an 802D3 into the house, regardless of how the Aviors sound. Ideally the Aviors stay in the stereo room while the D3 goes to the gameroom. Gives me 2 sounds and 2 different take on things.

I only got rid of the 802D2 only to make room for the latest BW speaker.

Atleast that's the plan. Whether or not it pans out, depends on a few factors.

What *might* happen is this:

1. Aviors stay in the stereo room, 802D3 goes to gameroom.
2. 802D3 supplants the Aviors, the 802D3 goes to stereo room, Aviors goes to gameroom.
3. 802D3 supplants Aviors, 802D3 goes to stereo room. Aviors gets put on sale, if I'm short on cash.

I like several sounds through the 802D2 so I think I might do both tubes in addition to the Boulder for the main room. I sold my Cary 211FE to make room for a pair of SET amps. Would love to see how the Cary 805AE SET amps do in my system, as a change of scenery from the Boulder 2060. WOuld love to have a tube amp and the Boulder in my room.

I don't know where the Classe M600 fits into the whole scheme. It might go to the gameroom with whatever is out there. All I need is the classe CP800 preamp/dac and I'm set. Would be gorgeous to look at too. Or if it sells, then it sells.

halo

Joey_V wrote: »

I have every intention of bringing in an 802D3 into the house, regardless of how the Aviors sound. Ideally the Aviors stay in the stereo room while the D3 goes to the gameroom. Gives me 2 sounds and 2 different take on things.

I only got rid of the 802D2 only to make room for the latest BW speaker.

Atleast that's the plan. Whether or not it pans out, depends on a few factors.

What *might* happen is this:

1. Aviors stay in the stereo room, 802D3 goes to gameroom.
2. 802D3 supplants the Aviors, the 802D3 goes to stereo room, Aviors goes to gameroom.
3. 802D3 supplants Aviors, 802D3 goes to stereo room. Aviors gets put on sale, if I'm short on cash.

I like several sounds through the 802D2 so I think I might do both tubes in addition to the Boulder for the main room. I sold my Cary 211FE to make room for a pair of SET amps. Would love to see how the Cary 805AE SET amps do in my system, as a change of scenery from the Boulder 2060. WOuld love to have a tube amp and the Boulder in my room.

I don't know where the Classe M600 fits into the whole scheme. It might go to the gameroom with whatever is out there. All I need is the classe CP800 preamp/dac and I'm set. Would be gorgeous to look at too. Or if it sells, then it sells.

Very

Thank you for the clarification

marvda1

well joey, how are the speakers? i want a full review, don't skimp.

Joey_V

marvda1 wrote: »

well joey, how are the speakers? i want a full review, don't skimp.

A different presentation than the Bowers, very complete and easy to listen to. Does not spot light different aspects of production. Definitely not as forward as the Bowers. More even but still with great detail. I can see why many consider this one of the greats.

On Classe, it is good. On the Boulder, it is far better.

That said, I still have to get acquainted some more... I have been working all week and will be on vacation so I won't get any ear time with them.

miner

Joey,
I seen your Rockports for sale on another site - really?

Joey_V

miner wrote: »

Joey,
I seen your Rockports for sale on another site - really?

I might be leaning that way, but not completely convinced on the sale since I like them, hence not posted on audiogon.

Another thing I'm thinking about is getting the 802d3 and doing a comparison on the fly at home.

But alas, I think I'm more of a bowers guy after all.

I think the Aviors sound better than the Strads, but I have odd listening habits.

I usually listen at low volumes and I have been so used to the d2 presentation at that volume.

I don't listen at loud or near reference levels a lot. But when I do, the Rockports are amazing.

But honestly, most of my listening is low volume. And I miss my d2 sound.

So I'm going d3. Calling it a day. And I'm not interested in any other speaker for the foreseeable future after that.