After using Krell Amps, Mark Levinson Amps, B&W Matrix 800 Loudspeakers, Avalon Eidolon Diamonds and several others i fell in love with the Wilson Sound when i heard Wilson Grand Slamm's with Audio Research Amps at my dealer.
I could not believe what i was hearing the sound actually sounded real. I purchased the Grand Slamm's on the spot but have since upgraded to Alexandria's.
Now upgraded to Audio Note Dac 5 Signature.
2012 upgraded to Gryphon Mephisto Pure Class A Mono's weighing 240lbs each and Audio Research Reference Anniversary Pre-Amp.
Stunning system. Truly reference on all fronts. Congratulations. I would be interested in speaking with you about Wilson Alexandria X2 in your room. Maybe we can speak some time. Also, I've heard the XLF.
Hi Knghifi, Thanks for the compliment I have Nordost Valhalla for power cables on everything except the power amps were I am using Nordost El Dorado. I will probably update the power amp leads soon! Regards Bigpond.
Hi Lloyd, These monster power amplifiers are so incredibly polite!!! Never sound harsh even with poor recordings. Kind Regards from a very, very happy Gyphon Audio owner.
I agree with your comparison of Gryphon to tubes...i owned a CJ tubed amp before i went with Gryphon many years ago (Antileon was my first Gryphon). I spent several months looking through all my options...and originally was convinced i was looking for high powered tubes...there is an entire Thread i started (powerful tube amp for SF Strads)...
...and in the end, i went with Gryphon Antileon. The comparison i made was that it maintained all the midrange magic of the CJ...and bettered it in bass control, detail, decay, extension and nearly every other element.
And the Colosseum is far better than the Antileon...;0
can only imagine how the Mephistos must be! Enjoy!!! And Congrats!
Hi Lloydelee, I just hated the thought of having tubes in a big Power Amp and not knowing if they had degenerated to a degree that they still work okay but not getting the optimum out of them. I heard the Colosseums awhile ago with Alexandria's on a friends system and was very impressed, when the Mephisto release was announced I ordered them straight away safely assuming they would at least be as good! It has been a nervous wait going back to Transitor from Tubes but would you believe in alot of ways the Gryphons are more polite than the ARC Amps I had. I have just listened to them for the past 10 hours straight and continue to be impressed with their subtle bass, clean clear highs and magnificent soundstage!
I note on your review of the Wilson X1/Grand Slamm virtually all the points you raise are the same reason I love big Wilsons, no other speakers compare for me. With reference to your Zanden DAC I believe it is a similar sound to Audio Note anyone else feel welcome to correct me on this.
Kind Regards and many thanks for your kind compliments.
whoa!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Big Pond!!! Congrats!!! that is sensational! the mighty mephistos!!! and monos!!! Woo-hoo!
I am really happy for you. I am still loving my X1/Grand Slamms and over the course of the last year went from CJ ACT 2 and Gryphon Antileon to CJ GAT and Gryphon Colosseum. I still have my Zanden DAC...and am now just focusing on finding a second-hand Zanden transport.
so a set up on a parallel path...though you have gone over the mountain!
Did you compare the Mephistos to the Colosseum? i would love to know more about them...you are the first person i know who has heard them, let alone actually owns them!
Hi Jfrech, Love your Maxx 3's in that color, for the last 8 years I have owned Audio Research Reference 600 MK3's which I have been very happy with but as you know the Tubes wear out and I absolutely hated the idea of spending as much money as we all have and not quite know if the Tube wear is degrading the sound or not!!! The Gryphon amps with Wilson seems an incredible match in the short time (3 days) I have been using them together. Talk again soon. Regards Bigpond
Hi quite a system ! I keep hearing good things about Gryphon, what amps did you move from? I am in the process of considering new amps for my Wilson Maxx 3's. Using Ayre MX-R's right now and wonder if it's time to move to tubes...but great pure class A....So can you comment on what you are hearing?
Hi Tzh21y,I live in the Land Down Under and I purchased the Record Stand from someone nearly 1000 miles away because as you can see,it fitted perfectly into a certain spot in the confined space I had for it! As I stated above now I'm moving and will have a much larger room what's the bet I won't find another to match as I currently have records all over the floor!! Kind Regards Bigpond.
Kodg,Just to let you know I am moving house and the room for the Alexandria's in the new house is nearly twice as wide thank heavens!! I sometimes like to listen LOUD and no speaker I have ever owned comes close to Big Wilson's when you want to do this!! Kind Regards Bigpond
you are one lucky man even if you are way down under.
As far as attacks, I merely take it for what it's worth and from whence it comes. Over the past 36 years in this hobby I have made some incredible lasting friendships and for me that was what the journey was all about
