The Grande Utopia Project

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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    Hey gingers have souls! Am I a ginger? My beard has some red maybe

    I am already turning gray though so we are there!

    Thanks everyone. I feel really fortunate and lucky to have these speakers. I had to drive 22 hours round trip and luckily they were a price point I could afford. My wife was also understanding of my insanity.

    I am sure better exists, but to what end? The grandes are not perfect but they are very enjoyable and good at what they do. It is about all I can ask for. They are also the perfect kid speaker since children just bounce off of them.

    I would love to experience a master tape, perhaps one day if I am in your neck of the woods Ken!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Kex
    Kex Posts: 5,175
    Define better.

    You already own a superlative product, by any measure, that you have improved upon. Very few achieve what you have achieved at 35 years of age.
    Alea jacta est!
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    I appreciate that. I am a proud owner at the end of the day.

    This hobby is wildly subjective, for me these 25 year old speakers are just about all I can ask for.

    For some who prefer the current hifi sound... They may not be a fan.

    All a matter of taste. We audiophiles are never happy!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Tony M
    Tony M Posts: 11,146
    edited February 27
    You all know I've owned a lot of speakers that I bought cheap by going everywhere and many(!) yard sales and checking the local listings and some stuff that came with road trips, even 2 trips to meet fellow members on here and which I still have those items I got from you.

    My experience with $$$$ speakers is the Polk SDA-SRS2's, the Newform Research R645's, Large Magnapans and then I bought those Golden ear ONE's. I felt I had reached a peak with those. I feel they do everything right!

    I know how you all feel about end-game speakers.

    I wish I had bought something like the Golden ear's in my 30's but there was NO way I could afford this level of reproduction capabilities with whatever was manufactured back then AT ALL.

    I just remembered I have ESS AMT 1B's I received 30 years ago that are high-level and sound spectacular too and I still have them too. I was given those though. I think the other 3 sets I mentioned are above the ESS's x 2.

    So I'm glad to hear people change out speakers and gear every so often.

    It shows us OTHER sound reproducers connect to our souls in many different ways and some excite us more than we knew could happen.

    A couple of days ago a FAT-BOY jet flew over our house low. We heard it coming and ran out to watch it fly over. It was the loudest sound I think I have ever heard. That sound vibrated my SOUL and my Wife's too. :D I've heard jets fly over this house hundreds of times but this was on another level. Just like getting a new set of speakers or gear.
    We have a newer level of POWER memory to reflect upon.

    I'm going to rotate some speakers soon and I'm sure I'll like them all.

    I love to hear you guys talk about all your speakers and gear. B)

    There is that saying we can't miss what we haven't had or heard.

    So my top speaker experience, for now, are the Golden ear ONE's, but I'll keep looking locally for speakers that cost a lot more when new than the One's did when new. Then I read reviews. I have the savings now but I'm pushing 70 so... :D maybe I should put the brakes on buying ANY stereo stuff and enjoy my music collection on what I have now, like I've done the past month. ;)

    Most people just listen to music and watch movies. I EXPERIENCE them.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    edited July 27
    Time to amp it up

    5hah1wss1ft7.jpg
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,411
    You sure those aren't indoor AC units.....😉
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    They have binding post and xlr so checks out! 6jctpv2ifszy.jpg
    oqljitkclek1.jpg
    z0lw66vwmb28.jpg
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,411
    DAMN, You dog urinates on the binding post and lets the lightning out he may walk funny
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    I have to run two 50 Amp circuits to plug them in... Almost feels dangerous
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,004
    Cray-Cray is the name of the game....

    NEXT LEVEL...

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • sgmsmg
    sgmsmg Posts: 546
    So that is what this cable is for:
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    d9wi0hpde1cm.jpeg

    2 Channel
    Pre:Bryston BP173
    Amp:Bryston 14B3
    Speakers: Golden Ear Triton Reference
    Source: Oppo UDP-205, Bryston BDA-3, Bryston BDP-3, Bryston BCD-3, Apple TV, Amazon Fire
    Cables: Wireworld Gold Eclipse 7 Speaker, Wireworld Gold Eclipse 7 XLR, AQ Diamond USB/HDMI
    Power: PS Audio P10 Regenerator, AC12, AC10 and AC5 Cables
    Display: Sony XBR65Z9F

    Home Theater
    Pre: Anthem AVM90
    Amps: Parasound A31, A51x2
    Speakers: Polk LSiM 707 (FL/FR), Polk LSiM706 (Center), LSiM 703 (SL/SR/SBL/SBR), Polk 900-LS (Atmos)
    Subwoofers: SVS SB16 x 4
    Source: Oppo UDP-205, Apple TV, Amazon Fire
    Cables: AQ Meteor/Rocket 88, AQ Niagara/Sky
    Power: Torus AVR20, Shunyata Denali, Shunyata Delta, Cullen, PangeaAC9SE Cables
    Display: Sony XBR85Z9G
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,411
    VR3 wrote: »
    I have to run two 50 Amp circuits to plug them in... Almost feels dangerous

    Jesus I don't even want to see what that power cord cost!!
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    The amps have a non-removable power cord which appears to be very high quality.

    2 runs of 8 gauge romex back to the panel... should be solid!! (goes crosseyed)
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    sgmsmg wrote: »
    So that is what this cable is for:
    Toolfan66 wrote: »
    d9wi0hpde1cm.jpeg

    thats actually an interesting photo. It is very similar construction to the transparent reference wire ($20k msrp) that I had to work with (royal PITA)

    zoee32gew9go.jpg
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,491
    edited July 28
    Sweet jebus, does the utility have to increase capacity to the neighborhood? :) Nice!
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • stangman67
    stangman67 Posts: 2,289
    Bruh, meanwhile all my stereo components run off a single 20 amp circuit lol
    2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave

    2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    Lol, i have a 200 amp panel and I will have 160 amps of dedicated audio circuits available of power!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • xschop
    xschop Posts: 5,000
    More power to ya. B)
    Don't take experimental gene therapies from known eugenicists.
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  • Gerres26
    Gerres26 Posts: 864
    edited July 30
    VR3 wrote: »
    Lol, i have a 200 amp panel and I will have 160 amps of dedicated audio circuits available of power!

    Damn! And here I thought my 80 amps of dedicated circuits were overkill! Can’t wait to see your review of these monsters.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    We have sound!

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    vwlodqwhpl2g.jpg
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,004
    Coming soon to a post near you....

    "Hello, my name is Trey and I'm looking for a foundation specialist".

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    I think my shelf reinforced the house... 100 Simpson strongtie lags about another 90 in hardware and massive lag bolts right to the studs

    I did add a 4x4 and a jack post under the left grande. The right grande sits on a solid cinder block wall
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • Emlyn
    Emlyn Posts: 4,476
    I had a feeling a jack post was involved somewhere. Good thinking!

    That's dedication. :#
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    So I have had them playing for a couple hours and so far am very happy with what I am hearing.

    This old mark Levinson gear is the real deal man. Hard to believe these are 30 years old.

    Lifetime amps, bar none
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    https://youtu.be/WQxzHRRwmj4?si=7hUjXXFxQVzaP_VQ

    Easily the best I've heard this song... Around 220 mark where the sax and dual trumpets come in, jeebus the hair son my arms stood up
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    https://youtu.be/E28LEtKZKJg?feature=shared

    A Tom request
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,004
    Trey, please allow me to be the first to offer you a congratulations along your audio journey. That sounds fantastic. I know, videos don't do ANY system justice. With that said...

    We have been speaking throughout the evening and I can tell (even through a cheap cell phone recording) that the last time I heard your system, compared to now? NICE.

    SO VERY NICE.

    Enjoy your listening! I, for one, can't wait to listen to your rig again. I'm proud of you broskizzle!!!

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,610
    Thanks Tom

    Going thru this thread start to finish has been fun and this truly has been a journey!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
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  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,411
    edited August 3
    Another good song is off the Allison Krause live SACD called "Forget about it" that stand up bass really digs deep.
    Post edited by pitdogg2 on
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,004
    Folks, please keep in mind that he JUST got this system and hooked it up. It has yet to gel and even get acclimated to the rest of the system. The best is yet to come.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
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