Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 29 May 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I find you have some of the best insight and knowledge in the business and would appreciate your advice in my own pursuit of purist sound.

My system is built around Magico Q3 speakers driven by Bryston’s 14B ST. The preamp is the Bryston BP25, and sources include the Weiss DAC202 using Amarra on a MacBook Pro, and a Rega Jupiter. Interconnects are Shunyata Aries and Cardas Neutral Reference, and speaker cables are Nordost Heimdalls.

What would you choose for the next step to provide the most improvement to my system? I am considering either an Ayre KX-R to replace the BP25 preamp or a Boulder 2060 amplifier to replace the 14B ST. I hope to eventually get both but can’t afford to do both at the same time.

Regards,
Tim Popik
United States

You’re in a place where your system is already pretty high level, and improving upon it will require some careful considerations, though I do think you are on the right track. As for the amp, the Bryston you have is plenty powerful; however, I do believe the Boulder 2060 is a better amplifier. It should be for the massive difference in list price, and its 600Wpc into 8 ohms will provide plenty of thrust for the Q3s. I feel the same way about the preamplifier: Your Bryston is fine as far as basic preamps go, although you should expect better from the Ayre -- the KX-R is a true cost-no-object design. I have had both the Ayre KX-R and KX-R Twenty preamps and Boulder 2060 amplifier in my system and I think very highly of those components.

There is the notion of component synergy to consider, too. The Brystons no doubt work great together, but the Ayre/Boulder combo is a little less predictable. I’d be more inclined to find a used Boulder 2010 preamp to use with the 2060, for instance, to ameliorate the synergy consideration. I’ve always found that you get the most reliable results when you pick the preamp and power amp from the same manufacturer. I think your speakers and sources are good to go.

Perhaps a strategy is to get the amp first and then see if you can get an Ayre preamp in your system on loan to assess how they sound together. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 23 May 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I’ve been an avid follower of your reviews for years. Thanks for your insights, and thoughtful and informative reviews.

I’m writing to seek your opinion on a potential purchase I’m considering. I have an eye out for a Simaudio Moon 880M/850P pair matched to the new Magico M3 loudspeakers. So here is my question: Is this combo a good match if I’m looking for the most lifelike sound I can get in a relatively small 15’ x 16’ x 9’ room?

Thanks for your very kind consideration,
Harry J.
United States

I can’t imagine the system you propose not sounding fantastic. I think the Magicos, with their three 7” woofers per side, are ideal for a small- to medium-sized room. The Simaudios are exceptionally transparent, while providing plenty of stable power to get the best out of the M3s. As long as you pay careful attention to the setup, which your dealer should of course provide, I think you’ll be in audiophile heaven. Good luck and let me know how it turns out. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 29 April 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I love your magazine, articles, and reviews of products.

I ordered a pair of new Rockport Technologies Avior speakers to replace my Thiel CS3.7s. Andy Payor said they shipped and should be here this week.

My current system is as follows:

ARC Reference 75 SE amp
ARC LS17 SE preamp
Boulder 1008 phono stage
Feickert Woodpecker turntable with Jelco tonearm and Ortofon Cadenza Bronze cartridge
Simaudio Moon Neo 280D DAC with MiND unit for digital and streaming

I am looking at upgrading my amp and preamp to get more out of the speakers. I was considering the following: ARC Ref 250 SEs with ARC Ref 5 SE or 6 preamp; Ayre MX-R (used) or MX-R Twenty monoblocks and KX-R (used) or KX-R Twenty preamp; VTL MB-450s with VTL TL-6.5 preamp; and if I can find a used Boulder 2060, maybe a Boulder (the new Boulder is too expensive).

I would greatly appreciate any thoughts you have on what you think would sound best with my system. My room is pretty big (it’s a living room that also opens into the dining room and kitchen with no walls in between, so about 35’ long and 20’ wide).

Thank you,
Larry
United States

As much as I like the Audio Research electronics, I’m not sure they are the best match for your new Rockport speakers, since they tend to be a little difficult to drive. After living with many models of Rockport loudspeakers over the years, I can tell you that they like powerful, stable solid-state amplification. With that being said, I have paired Ayre amplification with Rockport speakers with great success. The Ayres, particularly the Twenty models, would be terrific choices.

Another possibility, but one I have not yet heard, would be the newest Boulder electronics: the 1160 stereo amplifier and 1110 preamplifier. These models should be shipping by early summer and, since you already have a 1008 phono stage, might provide you with some synergy on the electronics front.

Congrats on the new Rockports. They will be much better than your older Thiels, I can assure you. Enjoy! . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 09 April 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I loved the conundrum you set up [“Will the Real Ultra Products Please Stand Up?”]. You have hit it right on the head with what is wrong with the industry. The Paradigm Persona should be one of the most discussed products on the forums, and all you hear are the same things about people shopping for the same old names.

People can’t come to grips with the fact that Paradigm has vaulted themselves into the über speaker category with this new line of remarkable speakers, which says a lot about how established the old vanguard high-end-audio companies are.

We have the 9H set up with the remarkable T+A electronics, which are also in the über class of performance, technology, and build quality, yet cost considerably less [than their competition].

If you are in our neck of the woods -- the NYC area -- I would love to have you hear our reference setup. It is pretty special. Thanks again. Love SoundStage! Ultra.

Sincerely,
Dave Lalin
Audio Doctor
United States

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 10 March 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I just reread your 1998 review of these speakers [Wisdom Audio Adrenaline Dipole 75 on SoundStage! Hi-Fi], which I have owned since before your review.

Could you be so kind as to tell me if you ever heard the later monopole version of this speaker?

I have enjoyed the dipole for almost 20 years, and wonder if I am missing much. Tom Bohlender [then of Wisdom Audio] told me that he only manufactured 30 pairs of the dipoles, and was sticking to monopoles.

Thanks for your help, Jack United States

That was actually my very first audio equipment review! What a blast from the past. Although I’ve not heard that speaker in many years, I still have fond memories of it. I never did hear the monopole version, at least not outside of possibly a brief listen at CES many years ago, so I can’t help you with that comparison.

As to newer speakers, there have definitely been some real advances: materials, modeling software, more advanced manufacturing techniques, not to mention the engineering improvements seen at so many companies. There is no question you could improve your stereo in the areas of neutrality and transparency, to name just two areas, by buying new speakers.

On the other hand, the longer I’ve been in this hobby the more I realize that being happy with what you have is far more rewarding than coveting the newest component. The fact that you have been satisfied for 20 years is not only a testament to your Wisdom speakers, but also to your ability to simply appreciate what’s in front of you. My advice would be to go out and hear some new speakers. If that drives you to upgrade, so be it. It might just drive you back to your listening seat in front of your Wisdom speakers. . . . Jeff Fritz

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 09 March 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

[How do you choose] which of your sites to place a product in? Seems to me to be a no-brainer. Review the product and then decide, based on PERFORMANCE, where it slots in. Then publish the review accordingly. Making price the major qualifying aspect for Ultra is simply a matter of practicing elitism.

Alan Trahern
United States

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 07 March 2017

To Hans Wetzel,

Thank you for your wonderful review on Vivid Audio’s Oval V1.5. I haven’t had a chance to listen to any Vivid [loudspeakers] in person, but I like the technologies behind the brand and the “Alien” look. Here is my question for you and I’m looking for your advice. Thanks in advance.

I have a Sony TA-A1ES [integrated amplifier] and HAP-Z1ES [music player] powering my KEF LS50s. They are 6’ apart and 8’ from where I sit. I listen to Nat King Cole, Anne Bisson, Diana Krall, Adele, etc. I’m happy with this setup, but I want some more soundstage and energy to pull me into its space, or “sphere.” More bass and more transparency.

I found a one-plus-year-old [pair] of V1.5s at a dealer asking $3700. Would you recommend them as a big upgrade to my setup? What would I gain the most and would it match with my Sony integrated amp and high-resolution player? One more question: Would you recommend that I should skip the V1.5 and go with [Vivid's] B1?

Thank you,
Tung
United States

Since I own a pair of LS50s and reviewed the V1.5s, I can say without hesitation that you’ll hear a major improvement if you upgrade to the latter. Not only does the Vivid have a larger midrange-bass driver, it also has a notably larger cabinet that will allow for deeper and tighter bass response. Not only that, the Vivids produce some of the best soundstaging and “disappearing” acts that I’ve ever heard. Provided that they’re in good condition, I think the used pair of V1.5s is a steal. As for the B1, it’s likely a much more complete speaker than the V1.5 due to its three-and-a-half-way design compared to the V1.5's two-way layout; however, its even deeper bass and rear-facing woofer will load your room quite differently. If you have a reasonably sized room, the B1s might make more sense, but, personally, I think the V1.5s will suit your musical tastes just fine. . . . Hans Wetzel

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 06 March 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I really look forward to your SoundStage! Ultra online publication; seeing and reading about these ultra products is something I really enjoy, and your editorial style is also concise and seemingly honest no matter what the cost of the product being reviewed.

As for ultra-high-end [products], well, technology always trickles down and the true innovations are always rare. So I suggest a once-in-a-while summary of products that are beginning to feature these high-end technologies and rare-earth metals, and also let us know about the also-rans of this world in order to keep the other buggers honest. Maybe a thought piece featuring two products that are worlds apart price-wise but similar with the way they have used certain materials and are packaged.

Keep up the good work mate and remember it’s only ever about the music.

Kind regards,
Stephen
Australia

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 05 March 2017

To Jeff Fritz,

I think you answered your own question when you stated that you’ve discovered that the best performing products are not always among the most expensive. In the happy instances where price doesn’t define the state of the art, we are treated to breakthroughs that may help bring the best within reach of more of us. I think this should be a defining goal of your publication. I’d advocate for extraordinary performance -- rather than price exclusivity -- being the primary criterion for selecting products for review.

I really enjoy Ultra and especially your insights. Keep up the good work.

Best regards,
Gaines Wilburn
United States

Written by: Ultra Reader

Category: Letters

Created: 20 February 2017

To Howard Kneller,

Thanks for another great review on the newest Symposium Acoustics Osiris Stealth Ultimate stand. As you recall we spoke about a year ago and I purchased a five-shelf Symposium stand based partially on our conversation and I am delighted with its performance. Although I must admit I am starting to suffer a little Symposium rack envy after seeing the latest stunning solution! The purpose of this e-mail is to ask a question: Could the latest Symposium racks’ performance be further enhanced if one were to insert IsoAcoustics GAIA I feet as the final barrier and isolator between the rack and the floor?

I use the GAIA IIIs underneath my speakers and most recently my turntable to great effect. Something to consider. Keep those reviews coming.

Jerry
United States

Thanks for the kind words on the Symposium Ultimate review. Yes, the Ultimate racks are something. I was thinking of trying to swap out a few parts and upgrading my Symposium Standard racks to Ultimate status. However, inspecting both racks revealed that, although they are based on identical design principles, they share very few common parts. The Ultimate rack is really a complete upgrade from the Standard.

I have not auditioned the IsoAcoustics GAIA footers, which may be fantastic. But looking at the company’s website, I noticed that the GAIAs have some type of rubber or polymer-based bottom, although I really cannot tell exactly what material is used. As you know from the Ultimate review, Symposium eschews the use of such materials. Having spent the money on a Standard rack, I would be reluctant to insert a product under it that does not work the way Symposium envisions. I am very big on sticking with a single design philosophy when it comes to my system. As a result, I mostly stick with one manufacturer each for components, cables, etc.

Personally, I would try swapping out the Standard rack’s footers for some Symposium SuperCouplers, which are used on the Ultimate rack. Doing so would likely not be too expensive.

Having said all that, it never hurts to try anything, as long as you can return the GAIAs if necessary. It is also good to always keep an open mind, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you ultimately switched back to the Symposium feet. . . . Howard Kneller