 Trip to Goodwin’s to
hear Rockport and Magico
June 30, 2009
Editor,
I had my trip to Goodwin’s in Waltham last week to
hear both the Rockport Altairs and the Magico M6s. The article that you wrote
in March was spot on about the listening room at Goodwin’s. The support that I
received both from Allan Goodwin, as well as Al Moulton, was superb. You are also correct
that both the Altair and the M6 are superb speakers. I listened to both driven by the ARC
Ref 3, the Boulder 1050 monoblocks and the Spectral SDR-4000S CD player. I also listened
to vinyl and their music server connected to the Berkeley DAC. I spent two wonderful days
there.
I wanted to ask you a question since you have lived with
the Altairs (I am trying to decide between the Altair and the Magico M5, which
Goodwin’s does not have yet but are expecting in late July, I believe). One of things
that struck me about the Altairs (besides the amazing soundstage, unbelievable midrange,
great bass foundation, driver coherence and utterly relaxed sound) was, (in comparison to
the M6) a somewhat subdued or laid-back top end. I was wondering if you hear this as well
and that is the way the speaker is designed or could it be a factor of upstream
components?
Arnie Sanders
When I
wrote about Rockport’s Mira back in 2007 I stated, "The only area where I
feel that personal taste would come into play is the speaker’s high-frequency
performance. The Mira was excellent at capturing fine detail, presenting all the
information on recordings in a concise fashion. It was not hyper-detailed, however. If
hearing excessive air around instruments is important to you, the Mira may leave you
wanting just a bit. This aspect of its sound gave it a somewhat warmish character that I
found pleasant. But I could see where someone who is used to a bit of etch in the highs
would find the Mira a touch subdued." The Altair is indeed more revealing in the
treble than the Mira, owed to its more advanced tweeter. However, the slightly warmish
balance is still there. After living with three sets of Rockports in my room I have come
to the conclusion that the deep, full bass response along with a super-textured midrange
results in the treble not standing out in any way -- it is just an equal part of a well
balanced, neutral frequency response. That balance is something that is a great strength
of the Rockport loudspeakers. Having said that, you may still prefer the upper-end air
that is a trademark of some other designs, including the excellent Magico M6. It is a
remarkable speaker as well. Good luck in your quest! . . . Jeff Fritz
Moving up the Esoteric product line
June 26, 2009
Editor,
I greatly enjoy your reviews! Now if I only had your
system! A quick question if I may. I have an Esoteric DV-50S running through a BAT VK-51SE
and Levinson 436 monoblocks to B&W 800 Nautilus speakers. I have a chance to upgrade
from the DV-50S to the X-03. Would you expect that I would get a good jump even though my
equipment isn’t quite up to the level that yours was when you reviewed the UX-3,
which I understand is identical in the audio section to the X-03?
Best regards,
Bill
I made almost exactly the same upgrade, and I think it
is quite worthwhile. The VRDS-NEO transport mechanism is perhaps the biggest reason for
moving up the chain to the X-03. It sounds better, is more robust in construction, and is
more a pleasure to use in everyday operation. When I compared the DV-50 to the UX-3, I
said: "The UX-3 sounds weightier and more robust in the vocals. It is quicker and
punchier in the midbass, and also casts an ever so slightly more accurate soundstage.
These improvements were apparent with most every type of music I played. The DV-50 might
be termed a bit more polite, but in my system the level of dynamic energy and weight that
the UX-3 produced was all positive, all the time. The price of a used DV-50 or new DV-50S
might make it more attractive to you, and I don’t think you’d be disappointed
with either anchoring your system, but in absolute terms there is no real comparison in
sound quality: the UX-3 wins hands down." I think that about sums up my opinion. Go
for the upgrade! . . . Jeff Fritz
TWBAS missing one thing?
June 15, 2009
Editor,
TWBAS 2009 was outstanding. I found the articles to be very
informative. It's about time that an audio publication did something like this. However,
there is one element that I think should be included in a world-class audio system: a
time-delay system. I've found that time-delay systems properly done can add more realism
to the reproduced sound. Many concert halls use time-delay systems to optimize the hall
for different types of music. Many delay systems use hypercardioid microphones (two to
four for home use) to pick up the direct stage sound and then feed it to a time-delay
unit, which then feeds an array of loudspeakers which play back at a very low level (to
simulate reflective surfaces). The goal of a world-class sound system is to give the
illusion that you are at a live performance. Here is my test for knowing if you have a
truly great playback system: Are you exploring new artists and/or types of music that
you've never heard before? Or have you ever rented a movie just to hear what the
soundtrack was like? If not, either your system and/or room acoustics need revision. Keep
up the great work!
Sincerely yours,
Paul Blaha
Vitus Audio with Wilson Sophia 2s
June 9, 2009
Editor,
I read your review of
the Vitus SS-101 and was just wondering if I can pop a couple of quick questions. I am
contemplating getting one of these babies, but the dealer won’t let me try it out.
I am using Wilson Audio Sophia 2 speakers at the moment,
and I recalled you auditioned the Vitus with Wilson W/P 8s. So I guess that is as close as
it gets. Do you think it will be good match to my Sophia 2? I have a small room
(about 4m x 6m) so should I just get the SS-010 instead?
I am using an Accuphase A60 at the moment and am looking
for something with a bit more control on the bottom end and more airy sound. Also, do you
think I should get rid of my preamp as well? I have an ARC LS26 at the moment, and I know
the Vitus can be used as an integrated and power amp. I run an Esoteric X-01 as the
source. Thanks heaps in advance.
Cheers,
Dave from Australia
Either of the Vitus amps will match-up well with your
Wilson Sophia 2s. Of course, if your budget allows, I would suggest going with the SS-101,
if for no other reason than the power reserves it possesses. But the larger power supply
and greater current delivery might also make for better control of the low frequencies,
which you state as a goal of the upgrade. I have no doubt the SS-010 could drive your
speakers -- the Vitus amps seem significantly underrated in terms of power output -- but
the larger SS-101 is really a surefire recommendation. Regarding omitting your preamp,
I’d say give it a try. That’s really a toss-up: some people prefer having a
dedicated preamp in the chain while others appreciate the transparency that the omission
can bring to the table. . . . Jeff Fritz
Rockport Ankaas as rear channels?
June 3, 2009
To Randall Smith,
I read that you are about to publish a review of the
Rockport Ankaas. I just want to tell you that I am waiting in anticipation, since I am
considering buying a pair to use as rear speakers together with
Rockport Altairs as front speakers. I haven't heard the
Ankaas yet, but I believe that will be a killer surround setup. When will your review be
published? Also, would you care to tell me a few words about your impression of the
Ankaas?
Best regards,
Sture
You’ll be happy to know that my review was published on June 1.
The Rockport Ankaa is an incredible speaker, and probably one of the best values in the
Rockport line. I’m not sure I can add much more to what I wrote, but to sum up: It is
truly a full-range speaker with deep and articulate bass that played much lower in my room
than the 30Hz spec on the Rockport website would suggest. The speaker is also very neutral
and revealing from the midrange up, which is a quality you should be quite familiar with
since the Altairs have similar drivers. I cannot imagine that anyone would be unhappy with
the Ankaa. The Ankaa should be an excellent tonal match to your front speakers and will
likely create a seamless surround experience. Good luck to you! . . . Randall Smith
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