My Last Speaker Purchase (I'm serious)

2

Comments

  • MSALLA
    MSALLA Posts: 1,602
    edited November 2006
    Damn, they are sweeeet!!!!!
    Michael


    Samsung 50" HD DLP
    Yamaha RX-V2500
    (2) Outlaw 200
    Adcom GFA 555
    Sony BDP300
    Denon 2900 DVD
    Lsi9's mains
    Lsi7's rear
    Lsic center
    12.1 SVS driver in 4.53 cuft. tube
    Harmony 880
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Loud & Clear
    Loud & Clear Posts: 1,538
    edited November 2006
    I'm a firm believer in large speakers. Little ones never did it for me. Glad you found the excitement gained by lots of air being moved about the room.

    Two Channel Setup:

    Speakers: Wharfedale Opus 2-3
    Integrated Amp: Krell S-300i
    DAC: Arcam irDac
    Source: iMac
    Remote Control: iPad Mini

    3.2 Home Theater Setup:

    Fronts: Klipsch RP-160M
    Center: Klipsch RP-160M
    Subwoofer: SVS PB12NSD (X 2)
    AVR: Yamaha Aventage RX-A2030
    Blu Ray: Sony BDP-S790
    TV Source: DirecTV Genie
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • PolkThug
    PolkThug Posts: 7,532
    edited November 2006
    Very Cool!!!!
    Never Forget
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • dane_peterson
    dane_peterson Posts: 1,903
    edited November 2006
    They look great. So if you're done buying speakers... at least for a while, what's the next purchase? Cuz we all know it's always something.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2006
    Congratulations, Brad,,I'll give em' six months :eek: :D
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    These VMPS speakers are so good, they're begging for better associated gear. Right now they're powered off my receiver with music being played via a DVD player. As a result, I haven't even begun to hear what these speakers can actually do. It seems like such a waste to have big, bad-**** speakers and not take full advantage of them. So it presents a conundrum for me -- to upgrade or not to upgrade. And if I choose to upgrade, at what level should I go?

    Here are my options for improving 2-channel performance:

    Option #1: SS amp, tube pre, CDP

    Option #2: int. amp (tube or SS), CDP

    Option #3: int. amp, MF tube buffer

    Option #4: combine my 2-channel & HT systems

    Option #5: do nothing

    Option #6: MF tube buffer only

    The “best” options (#1 & #2) are costly ones – I’m guessing $2K - $3K. Based on my current financial situation, I’m reluctant to spend that kind of money on audio right now.

    The “cheapest” option (#4) would actually put money in my pocket, but would require dismantling the reference rig.

    I bought these speakers to pull HT duty only, and they want to do more than that. Ideally, I'd love to power the speakers with something like an Odyssey Stratos (or another hardcore amp) with a tube pre and a nice CDP. But again, the question is: “Is it worth it?”
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    Option #1 for nowhere near 2K...

    Come on EB, you know it can be done.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    Option #1 for nowhere near 2K...

    Come on EB, you know it can be done.

    Yeah, but I wanna do it right the first time. Sure, I could get a decent 2-channel amp, an entry level tube pre, and a CDP for about $1,200, but that ain't gonna git 'er done.

    Don't forget about accessories -- interconnects, power cords, tubes, vibration isolation, etc.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    You're right... but that's the beauty of buying used. You know as well as I do that you're never going to reach the top of the mountain on the first go, so you may as well enjoy the journey. If not entry-level, go a step up and just make sure to set yourself up to break even on resale.

    Option #4 also seems viable, but will take alot of fun out of the hobby IMO.
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    Option #4 also seems viable, but will take alot of fun out of the hobby IMO.

    Agreed, although Option #4 is the most practical solution -- the best of both worlds. However, I like the idea of having two separate systems. Besides, the ambience and acoustics in the 2-channel room are much better, and since I listen mainly to jazz, that's an important consideration.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    So we're in agreement... scrap all plans for a one-rig solution. So I guess my next question is -- which system is going to be your two-channel set-up? It sounds like the Tylers might be relegated to HT duty?
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    So I guess my next question is -- which system is going to be your two-channel set-up? It sounds like the Tylers might be relegated to HT duty?

    Oh, no. The Taylos remain in the reference rig. Besides, any floorstander would be too big to put in the 2-channel room, especially the VMPS'.

    There's an option #7 -- if I'm gonna dump all that money into making my VMPS' sound better with music, instead of doing that, why not use this money for beefing up the reference rig? If I do this, I'll keep true to the original intent of the VMPS -- HT duty only.

    Damn. Too many options.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh..... so we're still talking HT. And multi-channel pre's...

    Too many options indeed. Let me wrap my lil' undead brain around this one:p
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    Oh, just thought of Option #8: Upgrade the CDP and int. amp on my 2-channel system and migrate existing components to the HT system.

    I'm feelin' this option.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited November 2006
    I'm feelin' it only because it might free up your Bada:D
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    I'm feelin' it only because it might free up your Bada:D

    Nope. The Bada goes to the HT system.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    OK, after hooking up my tube CDP to the HT system, I made a decision -- just purchase a 2-channel amp to power the fronts and forget about building another 2-channel system.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited November 2006
    So what happens to the Tylers?
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    Joey_V wrote:
    So what happens to the Tylers?

    Them Tylers ain't goin' anywhere. However....

    Gonna check out some VMPS 626R's over the weekend. It'll be interesting to hear some ribbon tweeters.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited November 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Them Tylers ain't goin' anywhere. However....

    Gonna check out some VMPS 626R's over the weekend. It'll be interesting to hear some ribbon tweeters.

    Wow... if this review of a modded one proves sort of true for the base model, you should be in for a treat Brad.

    Joey

    http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue15/vmps626R.htm
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    Put this thread in your time capsules, fellas.

    A year from now I'm gonna pull this thread back up and scream, "IN YOUR FACE, YOU SUCKERS!!" 'cause I'll still have these speakers. :eek:
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited November 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Put this thread in your time capsules, fellas.

    A year from now I'm gonna pull this thread back up and scream, "IN YOUR FACE, YOU SUCKERS!!" 'cause I'll still have these speakers. :eek:


    Somehow I seriously doubt that :D
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited November 2006
    Early B. wrote:
    Gonna check out some VMPS 626R's over the weekend. It'll be interesting to hear some ribbon tweeters.

    Do these 626R have the spiral or FST tweeter? The spiral is good, just that the FST is the real deal.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    hoosier21 wrote:
    Do these 626R have the spiral or FST tweeter? The spiral is good, just that the FST is the real deal.

    Don't know yet. I'd love to her them both. There's a VMPS dealer in town, so I'm gonna visit him this weekend.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hoosier21
    hoosier21 Posts: 4,413
    edited November 2006
    there is a special going on with the 626R right now, go to audiocircle.com and read. 995.00 with spiral tweeter, add 200.00 for the mega woofer.
    Dodd - Battery Preamp
    Monarchy Audio SE100 Delux - mono power amps
    Sony DVP-NS999ES - SACD player
    ADS 1230 - Polk SDA 2B
    DIY Stereo Subwoofer towers w/(4) 12 drivers each
    Crown K1 - Subwoofer amp
    Outlaw ICBM - crossover
    Beringher BFD - sub eq

    Where is the remote? Where is the $%#$% remote!

    "I've always been mad, I know I've been mad, like the most of us have...very hard to explain why you're mad, even if you're not mad..."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,586
    edited November 2006
    I'm bookmarking this thread so that I can rub this in Brad's face next year.
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,136
    edited November 2006
    Wow they really are BEAUTIFUL. . . they even have that stressed wood look, all the craze on HGTV designers shows.:cool:

    Feeling a little green.:D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited November 2006
    hoosier21 wrote:
    there is a special going on with the 626R right now, go to audiocircle.com and read. 995.00 with spiral tweeter, add 200.00 for the mega woofer.

    Yeah, I saw those advertised on the VMPS website. Damn. Almost wish I hadn't seen'd 'em.

    I wonder how they sound compared to the Taylos. Hmmmm.
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Early B.
    Early B. Posts: 7,900
    edited April 2008
    Hey fellas --

    For all you doubters out there (especially you, George D.), I decided to dig up this old thread and remind all of you that I said this was my last speaker purchase (see also post #54). Still got 'em and goin' strong all day long.

    Ha! In yo' face, beetches!!!! Do you believe me now?


    Say my name!!! What? I don't hear you. Say it again!!! [...he says, as he does the happy dance...]
    HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

    "God grooves with tubes."
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • MKZ
    MKZ Posts: 1,068
    edited April 2008
    Good to hear that. What about CABLES?;)
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter