Letters

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 27 October 2013

To Howard Kneller,

I read your review of the Synergistic Research Element cables with great interest. I am considering either the Copper or Tungsten for my Magnepan 3.7s. Which would you say give the best bang for the buck? If I buy one set of interconnects and one pair of speaker cables, would you recommend Copper interconnects and Tungsten speaker cables or the other way around? Your input would be much appreciated.

Regards,
Hans

At the risk of seeming to recommend that you go for the most expensive cable as a matter of course, I would suggest that you go with the Tungsten cables. There is a big step up from the Copper to the Tungsten and a big increase in refinement. This would be my recommendation unless your system really needs some warmth. As opposed to the Tungsten, the Copper sounds a bit congested.

As for speaker cables and interconnects, you may find that you will see more of an improvement using the Tungsten speaker cables. However, as to what works best for your system, you would really have to try it out and see. Maybe your dealer can loan you some cables. That, of course, is a bit dangerous, as once you hear what a good set of cables can do, there is sometimes no going back.

I hope that helps. . . . Howard Kneller

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 15 October 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

Can you please tell me your thoughts on the following? For driving a pair of the Rockport Altair 2s, would you prefer a Gryphon Mephisto stereo amplifier or a pair of Colosseum monoblocks, given a Pandora preamplifier, dCS source, and Transparent cabling?

Secondly, and unrelated to the first question, I note the Magico Q7s were triamped at CES 2012 or 2013 (I cannot remember which). Is that necessary? I don't recall you triamping them in any of your articles. I have considered auditioning the Q7s with the new Constellation Hercules II at Goodwin's High End. Have you any experience with Constellation and Magico?

Thanks,
Rob

Wow, what a tough first question. Hmm . . .

I think I would take a Mephisto stereo amplifier, given the differences in price: $87,000 for the Colosseum monos and $57,000 for the Mephisto stereo amplifier. I might even choose the Mephisto without considering the price differential, but that would require a direct comparison between the two models with the same ancillary gear. The Mephisto is the newest design from Gryphon and they improve their products each time out. I do not think the mono advantage would be as great in this case, unlike several others that I could name (like the Boulder 2060 stereo versus the 2050 monos), because the Mephisto is the superior amplifier to begin with. Still, I could change my mind tomorrow on that. What a great dilemma to have!

As to Constellation and the Magico Q7s, that's a pairing I'm not completely sold on yet. I know they have shown together at the various trade shows, and I know that Magico has also successfully paired with Soulution. However, I have not heard these combos in my own home. Although they are certainly worth exploring, I'd surely look to the Gryphon models named above first, along with the new Boulder 2100-series products. I'm obviously quite high on Gryphon's products, and I also thought quite highly of the previous-generation 2000 series from Boulder. These would top my shortlist for powering a pair of Q7s. The Q7s come standard in a biamp configuration, but they can be ordered equipped for triamping if you so choose. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 02 October 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

I’ve been a Magnepan owner for 27 years with MG20.1 speakers for the last five years. I’m moving to a condo with a listening room that is 12’ x 12’ and 9’ ceilings. I’m trying to leave the Maggies for a box speaker.

I heard the Magico S1 and Q1 and was taken aback by the Q1. How does the Q1 compare to the S5 and would the S5 be too big for this size room? I listen mostly to rock.

I also wondered how the Rockport Atria would compare to the Q1 or S5. I will be driving them with 350W Goldmund monoblocks.

Thanks,
Ed

I get more e-mail asking about Rockport Technologies and Magico loudspeakers than any other brands, and by a large margin. So I’m going to use this opportunity to answer the question “Which one?” hopefully in a definitive manner that will help those trying to decide what brand is right for them.

It is no secret to anyone who reads this site that those two brands -- Magico and Rockport -- sit at the pinnacle of what I consider the best of the ultra expensive loudspeakers. While I deeply respect several other brands -- Vivid and TAD come to mind -- that I know are producing really fantastic loudspeakers, years and years of listening to the uberspeakers has convinced me that Rockport and Magico make the most complete high-end loudspeakers of anyone, when taking everything I personally value into account. Could I live happily with either? Certainly. That does not, however, mean that the two brands are interchangeable in every system and to every listener. So, consider this my definitive once-and-for-all answer on what makes the brands different from each other and, also, unique in the world of high-end audio.

The current Rockport speakers are easily the highest-resolution speakers yet from Andy Payor. They marry, in an almost impossibly realistic manner, extremely high levels of transparency, naturally developing highs, a textured midrange, and excellent resolving ability across the range, with a powerful, rich bass response to create some of the most listenable speakers ever made. When you couple these performance attributes with their fanatical level of build quality -- including quality-control steps that verify the acoustical output of each and every speaker sold -- with a painted finish quality that is the best in the business, you end up with a product that is truly superior in the high-end marketplace. Consider this: Andy Payor fine-tunes every crossover in every speaker, measures the result himself before the crossover is potted, and inspects and listens to each and every loudspeaker personally. You can't get that anywhere else, period.

Magico makes the most resolving loudspeakers in the world, currently. The Q7 stands at the pinnacle, being the most complete speaker I've ever heard. It is as true to the source as I have experienced in my 15 years in the hobby, and will play anything, at any loudness level, essentially perfectly: ultra low distortion, superb linearity, vanishing levels of resonance-related noises, etc. Alon Wolf has expended more resources -- into manufacturing infrastructure, modeling software programs, quality control suites like the Klippel system, and engineering talent -- than anyone in the business today. When you hear a Magico -- particularly a model from the Q series -- you’re hearing deeper into the recorded event than you can with any other speaker. The bottom line is that, in terms of resolving ability, you can’t match them with anything else, at any price, period.

So which should you pick for your room? The Q1. In a room the size of yours, that speaker -- which you have already heard and really liked -- will be just about perfect. Knowing the surprisingly prodigious bass capability of the Atria (I have them in for review), I fear they would easily overload your small room. With the S5's dual 10" woofers, so would they in all likelihood. Since your budget allows, spring for the Q1 over the S1 (which I also really like) and have a complete solution that will fit your room perfectly. You'll have tremendous pride of ownership when you glance over and see that Q-series cabinet in flawless anodized-black finish staring back at you. So just do it and don’t look back.

Ultimately the question of Rockport or Magico is a personal one. Both brands make the perfect speaker for the right listener, and both brands stand head and shoulders above, in my opinion, such popular brands as Wilson and Avalon, for example. I know there are several dealers around the United States that carry both brands and, therefore, one of those would be my destination if I were shopping for a last speaker purchase. Good luck in your quest, and congratulations on whichever direction you take. You’ll have a truly superior loudspeaker. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 01 October 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

My system consists of a Cary Audio SA-200.2 amplifier, Cary CD 303T SACD player, Audio Research LS26 preamp, and I ordered my new Dynaudio Focus 380 speakers after reading your article. All of my interconnects are Cardas Golden Reference and the mains cords are AudioQuest NRG-10, with NRG-100 for my conditioner, an Isotek EVO3 Solus. I also have my old Linn Basic in excellent condition (I have had it for 35 years), with an Ortofon Rondo Bronze with Chord Dual phono.

Some friends are telling me to change my Linn with a Michell Gyrodec, keeping the same Ortofon and the local dealer of Audio Research is trying to convince me to change my Cary amplifier with the new ARC DS225 for synergy purposes. I would appreciate your opinion on any improvements. Thank you for your time.

Regards from Greece,
Themis

I can't give you any advice on the change to your vinyl rig because I do not have a turntable or any experience with them. On the amplifier front, however, I do have an opinion. I have always advocated that the best place to start when buying a preamp/power amp combo is within the same manufacturer's products. I think your dealer is generally right that there normally exists a synergy within a line of which you should take advantage. There are some exceptions -- like when you have a really tough speaker to drive and need a specific amp for it but do not want to give up a really special tube preamp you own. But since that is not the case here, I would ask your dealer if you could borrow a DS225 when your new Dynaudios arrive and try the combination out. I suspect you'll really like what you hear. Congrats on the speakers too, they are very good. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 20 September 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

I read your interesting article about digital sources. It seems that I must put CD players to rest. I decided to buy a laptop, probably from Apple, although I hold in equal esteem Toshiba and Sony. Is the Apple the best choice for music?

I would prefer a DAC with volume control. I have read that the best preamplifier is no preamplifier. Unfortunately, the EMM Labs DAC2X does not have this advantage. I have on the top of my list the Weiss Medea+, the Esoteric D-02, and the more affordable Bricasti M1. I think that these models justify their prices because they are outstanding. Which of them would you choose? The goal is the ultimate neutrality and accuracy.

John

The decision you've made to ditch the CD player and the preamplifier is a real stereo-simplifying move, and one I would gladly make if I did not need a preamplifier for reviewing purposes. I really like this system model. To answer your first question first, I'd just get the Apple. It's not that you can’t get great sound from any good laptop, it's just that the Apple products work so well in so many ways that, why not? It's just a solid choice, and one that many audiophiles have happily adopted.

As for your DAC choice, there are clearly no losers on your list. I think any of them would make a fine addition to your system and provide just the type of neutral, accurate performance you crave. However, I would like to add another possible candidate to your list, and that's the Calyx Audio Femto. This model sells for $6850 and is excellent in every regard. It is built to the highest standard, is as accurate as any digital product I've heard, and has a terrific volume control that will allow you to configure your system just as you wish. In the time that I've used one I've grown to like it more and more. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Category: Letters; Created: 15 September 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

I own a pair of Marten Design Django XL speakers and have enjoyed my time with them. I had heard the Rockport Technologies Mira 2 speakers at Goodwin's High End a while back and thought they sounded fantastic, but ended up going with the Djangos.

Now I am wondering if the Mira 2s would be a better way to go for a little extra of that saturation factor. I know they are discontinued, but I can still get my hands on a pair if I act quickly.

I believe that you have experience with both so I am seeking your opinion on the differences between the two under similar conditions.

Thanks,
Gerard

I have heard the Marten Django XL loudspeakers ($15,000 USD per pair) under show conditions on a couple of occasions. Frankly, I think the Djangos are the best speaker proposition yet from the Swedish company. They offer more bang for the buck than their higher-priced models, particularly when you factor in the three 8" woofers per cabinet, and we know that the Accuton drivers used in them are quite good.

Still, anyone who reads SoundStage! Ultra knows that I am quite fond of the Rockports, and the original Miras are speakers I reviewed highly. The second version of the Mira improved on the first with a better tweeter and midrange driver -- not inconsequential considerations. I have great confidence that the Mira 2 would improve on the bass response of the Django XL and you would get more saturation, particularly in the midband. You'll hear more "meat on the bones" with the Rockports and, in my experience, that can be a great serum to the sound of ceramic-driver-based loudspeakers. Let me know how it works out. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 13 September 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

I am an owner of this stuff:

1. Sources: Clearaudio Maximum Solution / SME V / Clearaudio Goldfinger Statement; McIntosh MCD1100 CD/Blu-ray player
2. Amps: McIntosh MC2301 300W tube amplifiers
3. Preamp: McIntosh C1000C/C1000T
4. Room-correction system: McIntosh MEN220
5. Cables: Atlas Asimi silver cables
6. Speakers: Wilson Audio MAXX 2

I am quite happy with this system, but I am missing something in the presentation. At the end of the day, the sound is not as accurate as I would like. I like a lot of punch, but there is something “unnatural” (that I cannot/do not know how to define) in the final presentation. I would like to ask you if changing the speaker for Magico would improve the sound. My first option was to upgrade to Wilson Audio MAXX 3 or even Alexandria X2 Series 2, but now I have doubts since the sound could be similar (with some improvements) and I would have to spend a large amount of money.

The other option is go through Magico and try another totally different option. My listening room is about 50 square meters. What is your opinion about that? Thank you very much in advance.

Regards,
Elías

Your statement that the sound is not as accurate as you would like resonates with me. Years ago, I owned Wilson speakers -- the original X2 -- but eventually moved on to speakers that were more resolving, more transparent, and yes, more accurate, at least to my ears. From that point on, I never looked back.

As for Magico -- yes, to me their speakers are much better than the Wilson speakers. Frankly, even the S5, at much less money than a MAXX 3 or, for goodness sake, an X2, would be a much better choice. Moving up to one of the Magico Q-series speakers -- either the Q5 or the mighty Q7 -- would yield huge improvements in every respect. I would find a Magico dealer where you can hear at least two models, if not three, so that you can get the full measure of the brand. My guess is that once you do that, you'll take a similar path to the one I took and move on from the Wilson brand. Please do let me know what you eventually choose to do. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 10 September 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

Not having heard either speaker [Rockport Atria and Avalon Compas], I am looking for constructive input regarding the above models and how they would integrate into my room (14'W by 17'L by 8'H, rising to 10'). I'm using the latest Spectral DMA-400 amplifiers, DMC-30SS Series 2 preamplifier, and SDR-4000SL CD player. My taste in sound is detail and tight bass, but not so analytical that only a few recordings are listenable. If I err, it would be on the warm side versus dark and cold. Soundstage depth is extremely important. I would certainly appreciate any input you may have. I am currently using Avalon Eidolons (11 yrs. old).

Thank you,
Warren

Having heard many Avalon speakers at shows, and having tons of experience with Rockport Technologies loudspeakers, there is no doubt in my mind that the Rockports are superior speakers. So the short answer is to go with the Rockports. A bit longer answer is below . . .

I've never been that impressed with Avalons -- although I have heard them image pretty well, and throw a believable soundstage, their lack of real bass depth and power, occasional thinness in the highs, and generally uneven tonal balance have always left me wanting something better. In other words, I've heard them sound good, just not complete.

The Rockports, on the other hand, are quite neutral, but far from cold. Some have described them as warm, but I think this is primarily due to their full-range bass response. As for a direct comparison between the speakers, the Compas does have one more bass driver than the Atria, but the Atria counters that with what I believe to be better drivers overall: the Avalons use the ceramic Accuton drivers, which are good if a bit commonplace in high-end audio, whereas the Rockports use the company's own mids and woofers made from a carbon-fiber sandwich, along with the highly regarded Scan-Speak beryllium-dome tweeter. Both speakers have MDF cabinets, though the Rockports use constrained-layer damping in order to avoid enclosure-borne resonances. Ultimately, I believe the Rockport Atria to be the more thoroughly engineered loudspeaker, and I would put my own money there without question. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 05 September 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

Congratulations on your magazine; I have learned a lot of things about hi-fi.

I need a top-notch digital source, regardless of price. Should I go for a computer-based audio [system] with an excellent DAC like Meitner, or for a perfect CD player like Esoteric P-02/D-02? Of course, if you have a better idea, I would like to hear it.

Kind regards,
John
Greece

I'd like to suggest you start by reading my column, "What I'd Buy: Digital Source Components." In it, you'll see that I recommend a DAC and a Mac computer. That is what I would personally buy. Of course, if you have a large CD collection and don't want to store all that music on a hard drive for computer-based playback, a disc spinner is a necessity. But it sounds as if you are on the fence and, in that case, I'd go with the DAC. It is a convenient and great-sounding way to access your music collection.

The Meitner brand that you bring up is a good place to start your DAC search, and I'm quite sure you could find something under either that brand or the more upscale EMM Labs label (both part of the same parent company) that will suit your needs quite well. Others I would look at are listed in the above-mentioned article, at various price points. Good luck with your search and please let me know how it works out. . . . Jeff Fritz

: Written by: Ultra Reader; Category: Letters; Created: 28 August 2013

To Jeff Fritz,

I read your picks with interest. Why did you not mention a Wilson speaker?

Did you attend the High End show in Germany this year? If so, what did you think of the new Gryphon Trident II? Others who heard it thought it to be outstanding.

Mark Harrison

I did attend the High End event in Munich, Germany, earlier this year. Unfortunately, I did not get to hear the Trident II as they were only playing it at specified times and, unfortunately, our show-reporting duties did not allow us to be at Gryphon's room while this speaker was playing. I heard the same as you, though -- that the speaker was really good. Having heard other Gryphon models in the past, I know them to be superb speakers so I would assume the Trident II is a real contender.

As for Wilson -- or any other speaker I left off my list, for that matter -- I simply wrote about the products that I would personally buy, based on my experiences. There are many speakers out there that I have not heard and many more that I don’t think are very good. What I listed are the models that I absolutely know to be good and what would populate my shopping list were I buying at those various price points today. . . . Jeff Fritz