Joel's new Audio Research - Vandersteen system

[JoelG]

My initial introduction into the high end audio world started a couple of months ago when I wanted to hook up a 25 yo Rega 3 Planar to my old Marantz AV receiver. The needle was broken, and then I found out I needed a new cartridge but was not sure if it should be MM or MC and I did not know the difference. Then, I found out the receiver did not have a phono stage. Oh no! So... I had to get one of those. When I started to look for a phono stage, I discovered Optimal Enchantment in Santa Monica where they have ARC and Vandersteen and Basis equipment. Randy is a great guy who owns the place. When I listed to that, I thought... yes!!! that sounds way better than my system! So... I decided to upgrade. I went to other places to audition Wilson and B&W 800s etc, and came backed to the ARC-Vandersteen.

Final Selection: Vandersteen 7s ) along with center and surrounds, Basis 2500, ARC REF 10, REF 250s, REF Phone 2SE, DAC8, Aurender S10, Oppo 105, McIntosh MX150, McIntosh MC205, Control4 HC-800.

As I was waiting for the equipment to arrive, I had to consider the electric and where it would fit. There was not enough room under the TV but there was an old closet. However, the width did not allow a 3 wide spacing, so now I am down to studs and will make some adjustments. I like the HRS racks, and so that is the plan. I duplicated the spacing I initially thought would be best, and made a preliminary rack in my garage woodshop the night before the equipment was to be setup.

There are 4 new receptacles in the closes, that will be on a 20AMP circuit (dedicated ground) with Furutech. Between the speakers will be the REF 250s, and the McIntosh amp (for the center and surrounds) in between. Above the center amp, I am going to place the center speaker on a small table I am going to make out of maple today.

It sounds good. I was allowed to use some of Randy's high end cables as I figure out the exact lengths I need, but am only using Mogami Gold 25ft from the REF10 to the REF 250s, and so I imagine when I get better cables and when the units break in, and when the Sain power cords arrive, and when the HRS isolation bases and racks arrive, and when the equipment breaks in (600 hours is a long time!), and when I do a few things to the room.... then... it will sound even better!!

Then enclosed pictures are as of today.... a work in progress.

[tunes]

Joel,

Wow! That is one superb "first high-end system"
Very, very nice!
The HRS stand will impress, though you have built a fine looking stand yourself.
Don't worry too much about the 600 hr break-in target with ARC. Just enjoy listening and you will marvel at how good it sounds and keeps getting better

[rscotth]

Joel,

Looking good. Keep us posted.

[bzr]

Well done,superb upgrade, man, are you in for a treat, congrats Joel.

[jdandy]

Joel.......Holy mackerel. You jumped right into the deep end. You made excellent choices in gear and speakers. This system will delivery a performance level that will be difficult to beat. Please keep us posted as it all comes together and gains break-in hours. Congratulations on a fabulous sound system.

[cmalak]

Joel...a big congrats. As everyone else has said, that is quite a first hi-end system. Once the room is done, I would have Optical Enchantment come back out to your place and take audio measurements of your room and optimize speaker placement. It sounds like you bought everything new so you have easily spent $150K with those guys, so you should expect nothing but all out assault on their part in terms of helping you set up the room and optimize speaker and equipment placement. Congrats!

[tweet]

Joel,

I really like your thinking. Why waste time with upgrades when you can just start at the top.

Seriously, a big congratulations on a fantastic setup! Keep us posted on your progress.

[JoelG]

Thanks.... now it is a cable issue. So far, the plan is Audioquest cables.

HDMI: Carbon , around 25ft HDMI from the MX150 to the TV and a Vodka 2m HDMI Oppo to MX150.

Speaker: short length Oak from the REF 250 to the Vandersteen 7s and the MC205 to the Center Channel speaker (which will be just above the MC205), and Rocket 25ft cables from the MC205 to the rear surrounds.

Interconnect: Audioquest Sky from the REF10 to the REF250s (will probably need around 21.5 ft to 25 ft), Diamondback, Cobra, or Columbia interconnects for the MX150 to the MC205 for the rear and center, a Columbia 1m for the Oppo to the REF10 (to play CDs if needed), and a 1m Columbia or Colorado for the MX150 to the REF10. Then, there will be some other cables from the 2SE to the REF10, and the Aurender to the DAC8 and perhaps others like cables from the DirecTV to the MX150 which may be another Vodka.

Just starting to learn about cables.

[Ritmo]

Congratulations Joel! Fantastic choices. This is going to be a fabulous sounding system. I have heard ARC with Vandersteen - great synergy.

Enjoy!

[New guy]

Originally Posted by JoelG

Thanks.... now it is a cable issue. So far, the plan is Audioquest cables.

HDMI: Carbon , around 25ft HDMI from the MX150 to the TV and a Vodka 2m HDMI Oppo to MX150.

Speaker: short length Oak from the REF 250 to the Vandersteen 7s and the MC205 to the Center Channel speaker (which will be just above the MC205), and Rocket 25ft cables from the MC205 to the rear surrounds.

Interconnect: Audioquest Sky from the REF10 to the REF250s (will probably need around 21.5 ft to 25 ft), Diamondback, Cobra, or Columbia interconnects for the MX150 to the MC205 for the rear and center, a Columbia 1m for the Oppo to the REF10 (to play CDs if needed), and a 1m Columbia or Colorado for the MX150 to the REF10. Then, there will be some other cables from the 2SE to the REF10, and the Aurender to the DAC8 and perhaps others like cables from the DirecTV to the MX150 which may be another Vodka.

Just starting to learn about cables.

Joel,

Congratulation on your new equipment. Excellent choices. I also use AQ cables with my ARC system as well.

Rich