Anyway, I'd like to formally apologize to those who I've butted heads with on the forum (you know who you are), and had foolish arguments with that I refused to back down from. Those only served only to prove my own lack of understanding.
Suffice to say, I've definitely got a lot to learn, and I'm excited about the journey.
2.0 - Marantz: PM8005, NA8005 | Polk LSiM703 | PS Audio: Duet, Power Port Classic, PerfectWave AC5 x3 PC | Wireworld Equinox 7 IC | AudioPrism Quietline MkIII x7 | Sanus UF30 | Acoustic Panels, GIK Soffit Traps
Interesting how he seemed to really like the Joseph Audio and Zesto Audio rooms, whereas I thought those rooms were nothing special and didn't impress me.
Perhaps, but your comparison of the 1963 split-window Corvette and the old Volkswagon were spot-on. That is the exact reason why I prefer the 1964-1967 Corvettes.
Congratulations Art and Sam on winning best room AND ultimate component! Well deserved!
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Are those the smaller model? How do they sound Skip?
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Sierra Nevada Audiophile Society / Quicksilver Audio / Bernhagen-Porter / Syncopation
Bernhagen Porter Model 10/12 speakers ($50,000/pair)
Funk Firm Turntable Vector V with FX3-9″ captive ($4,895)
Transfiguration Phoenix Cartridge ($6,000)
Quicksilver Moving Coil Stage ($695)
Quicksilver Phono Stage Preamplifier ($1,595)
Quicksilver Line Preamp ($995)
Quicksilver V4 monoblocks ($6,495/pair)
Quicksilver Interconnects ($150/ft)
Heed Abacus 5 Input DAC ($1,395)
Heed Thesis Delta Transport/Player ($4,200)
Quadraspire Modular Equipment Rack Q4 Evo Veneer ($876)
Genesis Component Interface 1.5 meter single-ended RCA interconnect ($3,500/pair)
Genesis Loudspeaker Interface 3 meter Loudspeaker Cable ($7,200/pair)
Genesis Power Interface 1.5 meter Component Power Cord ($3,300)
Genesis Power Interface 1.5 meter Amplifier Power Cord ($3,300)
Rough total: $94,596
This is the room that wowed me the most yesterday, but today it was just OK. Perhaps the room is way too small for these speakers.
I did like how these $50k speakers sounded with female vocals. There was a certain realism to them that I enjoyed. The voices had a great texture coming through, and this is something unique to these speakers that I did not notice on other speakers that I heard.
I think there was a little disagreement at times in regards to controlling the volume. The main rep would go start a track at a certain volume, and then the other one sitting in the back row would say something like "down slightly" and he'd then he'd turn it down. I thought it would've been more thoughtful if they instead asked the room how the volume levels were and we could've asked for increases/decreases as necessary. This was one of the most quiet rooms I heard, and I don't think playing these speakers at lower volumes was doing them any favors.
Yesterday I had asked one of the reps if they'd be willing to play a record I brought and they said yes. So I went to their room today around 5:30pm as the show was winding down and asked again and the same rep said that unfortunately they were having "issues" with the turntable. I noticed earlier in the day that it hadn't been used. So I said "Oh ok, well maybe tomorrow then?", and he gave me an uneasy look that was something like a cross between "What the hell is wrong with you?" and "Will you please go away?" and then replied "Well the issue seems to be with the speed controller..." So I took the hint and just said "Ah, ok, well that's too bad" and then left. Maybe they were actually having technical difficulties, or maybe he didn't want to play something that could potentially demonstrate the system in an "unfavorable way". I'm not sure. All I know is my record won't be getting played in this room!
We tried to get feedback on volume levels from the crowd, but it was like herding cats. One cannot judge volume from between the speaker, hence my verbal instructions. The sound changed radically depending on how crowded the room was. The bloke walking up to the rack was Lyle, and the bloke in the chair was me (David). We are Bernhagen and Porter, and we designed and built the speakers. We will eventually have models from $10K-100K. Trying to build a really good speaker for less than that in the USA doesn't seem possible. Thanks for all the kind feedback! It is most welcome.
Hey David, thanks so much for jumping on the forum and sharing some feedback. Also, congrats on first runner up in the ultimate component category for your 10/12 speakers!
When I quickly visited every room in the hour I was at the show on Friday, yours was the only room where I had a "holy crap!" epiphany. I walked in and there was some sultry female jazz vocals playing, and like I mentioned in my review, the texture of her voice was palpable. I had a moment where I thought to myself "So, this is what real hi-fi sounds like!". I wanted to look around at the others in the room and excitedly point at the speakers and say "OMG are you guys hearing this?!" but I resisted.
Thanks so much for coming to CAS 8 and bringing your speakers. Perhaps next year I'll get to hear them again!
We tried to get feedback on volume levels from the crowd, but it was like herding cats. One cannot judge volume from between the speaker, hence my verbal instructions. The sound changed radically depending on how crowded the room was. The bloke walking up to the rack was Lyle, and the bloke in the chair was me (David). We are Bernhagen and Porter, and we designed and built the speakers. We will eventually have models from $10K-100K. Trying to build a really good speaker for less than that in the USA doesn't seem possible. Thanks for all the kind feedback! It is most welcome.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Art is really excited about the win, he's posting the results link again!
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
[quote="shadowlight;but the agreement with the better half is that if I get something I have to get rid of something.
Oh boy o boy, I should not let my wife read this, I will not let my wife read this,
I cant let my wife read this! Doh
I come out ahead with the agreement so no complaints from me. She does not give me any hassle when I go out and get new music so working with her on equipment purchase is easy. Also, doing 1 for 1 replacement keeps the clutter away.
If you'd only learn how to use the quote format Drew.
Nicely done reviews, thanks.
I've heard the Pulsar's on tubes.......an emotional experience.
Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
Good to know that they pair well with tubes! Thanks for the insight!
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
The Destination Audio room was one that several other reviewers said they were looking forward to hearing. The Destination Audio Horn Loudspeakers ($95,000/pair) are very interesting with a vintage-looking cabinet and a huge horn mounted on top. I was really looking forward to hearing what this speaker could do, but that didn’t happen either time I was in the room. Even though they had a TriangleArt Master Reference turntable system ($39,999) sitting in the room, they were not using it either time I was there. And even though the speakers are 105dB efficient, they played them at very low volumes. When I asked for the volume to be turned up, I was told that they were playing at the appropriate volume. I heard several others say that they thought the sound was boring. I don’t think it was boring, but I think the digital source and the low volume didn’t show what these speakers can sound like. So, while I found the speakers very interesting, sadly I have no idea how they can sound."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
I'm not sure why the author of that article incorrectly states that Margules Group is based out of Tijuana when they are actually based out of Mexico City.
I was thinking about the Margules Group room last night, and I realized that they didn't have any forearm sized power cables, megabuck power conditioners, shakti stone sitting on top of said power conditioner, cable risers, or any extensive room treatments - only a few small bass traps placed into a small cubby/cutout that was located on the rear wall.
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
I'm posting these gorgeous shots from Dave Clark of the Margules gear here because it's like explicit audio pornography to me. I love the real solid wood front on the speaker, and the circuit design engraving on the amp.
Amplifier photo courtesy of Margules:
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
I'm posting these gorgeous shots from Dave Clark of the Margules gear here because it's like explicit audio pornography to me. I love the real solid wood front on the speaker, and the circuit design engraving on the amp.
I think it is just light reflection but it looks like the speakers center line is higher than the front edge from below the 2 woofer to the bottom. It looks like that in the Margules Facebook picture also.
Nicely done review Drew. Very comprehensive. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Now I have to just wipe the drool away. Wow! Never been to a show, but I got a hankering now!
Basement: Polk SDA SRS, Cary SLP-05 Pre, Enlightened Audio Designs CD Transport, Northstar Designs Excelsio DAC, Silnote Morpheus Ref2 Digital Cable, Marantz SA-14 SACD, McIntosh MC300 Amp, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Pangea Power Cables, Wireworld Oasis 8 RCA IC's, MIT Shotgun S3 IC's, MIT Shotgun S1 Bi-Wire speaker cables Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, PASS ACA Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's Spare Room: , Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub
Comments
3.1 - Polk: LSiM703, LSiM706c, PSW125 | PS Audio Quintet | VooDoo-Hubbell IG 8300 | Acoustic Panels, Acoustimac Bass Traps
6.1 - Pioneer Elite SC-05 | Pio BDP-51FD | Polk: RTi8, CSi5, F/Xi3, CSi3 | HSU Research VTF-2 MK4 | PS Audio: Quintet, Power Port Classic | DCF124BW x3 SC | Pangea: AC-9SE x2, 14SE, 14 PC | AQ Chocolate x2 HDMI | M850SW | Acoustic Panels, GIK Soffit Traps
de gustibus non est disputandum.
https://www.bottlehead.com/valve/whamodyne files/whamo.html
PS You'd have to go a long, long way to better that pair of A5s with what appear to be 1505 multicell horns on top.
Perhaps, but your comparison of the 1963 split-window Corvette and the old Volkswagon were spot-on. That is the exact reason why I prefer the 1964-1967 Corvettes.
When I quickly visited every room in the hour I was at the show on Friday, yours was the only room where I had a "holy crap!" epiphany. I walked in and there was some sultry female jazz vocals playing, and like I mentioned in my review, the texture of her voice was palpable. I had a moment where I thought to myself "So, this is what real hi-fi sounds like!". I wanted to look around at the others in the room and excitedly point at the speakers and say "OMG are you guys hearing this?!" but I resisted.
Thanks so much for coming to CAS 8 and bringing your speakers. Perhaps next year I'll get to hear them again!
bringing them to lone star?
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Transport/Dac: L.K.S MH-DA004, North Star Design USB dac32, Cayin Venus cd-100i,
Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkI
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra
Speaker Cables: Organic Audio Organic 2, Analysis Plus Black Mesh Oval 9,
Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
Interconnects: Analysis Plus Solo Crystal Oval, Analysis Plus Copper Oval-In Micro,
Cerious Technologies Graphene Extreme
Power Cables by: Cullen Cables, 6sons Audio, Swiss Cables
I come out ahead with the agreement so no complaints from me. She does not give me any hassle when I go out and get new music so working with her on equipment purchase is easy. Also, doing 1 for 1 replacement keeps the clutter away.
Nicely done reviews, thanks.
I've heard the Pulsar's on tubes.......an emotional experience.
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk
https://theaudiobeatnik.com/california-audio-show-2018-show-report-3-five-interesting-new-products/
"Destination Audio Horn Loudspeakers
The Destination Audio room was one that several other reviewers said they were looking forward to hearing. The Destination Audio Horn Loudspeakers ($95,000/pair) are very interesting with a vintage-looking cabinet and a huge horn mounted on top. I was really looking forward to hearing what this speaker could do, but that didn’t happen either time I was in the room. Even though they had a TriangleArt Master Reference turntable system ($39,999) sitting in the room, they were not using it either time I was there. And even though the speakers are 105dB efficient, they played them at very low volumes. When I asked for the volume to be turned up, I was told that they were playing at the appropriate volume. I heard several others say that they thought the sound was boring. I don’t think it was boring, but I think the digital source and the low volume didn’t show what these speakers can sound like. So, while I found the speakers very interesting, sadly I have no idea how they can sound."
Your system was absolutely incredible!
https://www.facebook.com/MARGULESMX/posts/2144119415660417
I was thinking about the Margules Group room last night, and I realized that they didn't have any forearm sized power cables, megabuck power conditioners, shakti stone sitting on top of said power conditioner, cable risers, or any extensive room treatments - only a few small bass traps placed into a small cubby/cutout that was located on the rear wall.
https://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/california-audio-show-2018-kirstens-highlights/
https://positive-feedback.com/show-reports/california-audio-show-2018/
Amplifier photo courtesy of Margules:
I think it is just light reflection but it looks like the speakers center line is higher than the front edge from below the 2 woofer to the bottom. It looks like that in the Margules Facebook picture also.
If it really does have that it looks cool to me
Office: PC, EAR Acute CD Player, EAR 834L Pre, PASS ACA Monoblocks, Denon UDR-F10 Cassette, Acoustic Technologies Classic FR Speakers, SVS SB12 Plus sub, MIT AVt2 speaker cables, IFI Purifier2, AQ Cinnamon USB cable, Groneberg Quatro Reference IC's
Spare Room: , Antique Sound Labs Wave AV-8 Monoblocks, Tisbury Mini Passive Pre, Tjoeb 99 tube CD player (modified Marantz CD-38), Analysis Plus Oval 9's, Zu Jumpers, AudioEngine B1 Streamer, Klipsch RB-61 v2, SVS PB1000 sub, Blue Jeans RCA IC's
Living Room: Peachtree Nova Integrated, Cambridge CXN v2 Streamer, Furman 15PFi Power Conditioner, Polk RT265 In Wall Speakers, Polk DSW Pro 660wi sub