C500P initial impression

[PHC1]

Why not
The big question is, does it sound as smooth and non-fatiguing as McIntosh.

Since I've already owned the likes of Krell, Mark Levinson, BAT, ARC. etc... I have a pretty good frame of reference. McIntosh made me pause and listen to music for 3 years... longer than most gear I've owned. Continuing on the path to audio nirvana, I would not go back, only forward. Lamm is the only gear so far that helped me go forward in the "right" direction. :yes: To understand Lamm one really has to read the many reviews out there and even better yet, give them a listen!

Lamm is a paradox in the audio world, transparent, resolving yet one of the most harmonically rich sounding and musically engaging gear out there. The hybrid desing of using a triode in the second driver stage, driving the high speed MOS-FETs which are biased into pure Class "A" operation is a very musically rewarding, natural sounding topology. I am very, very happy with the results. There is not enough time in the day to listen as much as I want to listen.


Some of the drawbacks is high wattage consumption, even when the amps are idling. They get pretty warm and do raise the temps of the room by at least a few degrees when on. Being of high gain, the amps are more sensitive to grounding issues and may hiss or hum a bit. I've had that issue in the beginning which I have been able to minimize to almost a non-issue.

They may not be not for everyone but seems most that have experienced them are really emotionally touched by them. Many reviewers have kept their review samples for their systems.

 

[PHC1]

In Detroit those three are known as Motor City Credit Cards, How nice watches like IWC are purchased.

:lmao:

 

[PHC1]

Lamm? Where the heck did those come from? Congratulations! Did you just want something different? I guess those are for the new sound room? Did you decide on speakers? Absolutely share some listening comparisons.

The thread started here.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=217444&page=2

I am "gearing up" for the transition. Speakers are yet to be determined. The likes of Avalon, Rockport, Hansen and Wilson will be considered.

 

[JSCC]

The thread started here.
http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/showthread.php?t=217444&page=2

I am "gearing up" for the transition. Speakers are yet to be determined. The likes of Avalon, Rockport, Hansen and Wilson will be considered.

Hi Serge,

Since you mentioned Rockport, would like to share my experience with the Aquila's. This is the 3rd level (from the top) and is selling for S$60k over here (currently handled by same MBL distributor - who happen to be a very good friend of mine).

Using top MBL gears, like the 9008 amplifiers (mono'ed), these speakers are clearly able to display their fine characteristics and performance. I the same room, I could swear they are just that tad bit short in transparency in comparison to the BML 101E's.

But after an hour, I walked out - and never at any moment felt like parting my monies for this pair of speakers.

If your choice are the Altairs, then maybe that is a different level altogether and thats what my friend told me.

However, in this arena, we are talking about the Maxx 3, Magico M5's (you left this out - you should add this to your choice list) and clearly, the Maxx 3 is far superior - at least to me that the Aquila's.

I know you will choose with care and in-depth evaluation before making the decision. Would love to read your reviews when you bring that pair of speakers home, whatever the final choice would be, it must have passed your stringent audition.

Cheers!~

 

[PHC1]

Hi Serge,

Since you mentioned Rockport, would like to share my experience with the Aquila's. This is the 3rd level (from the top) and is selling for S$60k over here (currently handled by same MBL distributor - who happen to be a very good friend of mine).

Using top MBL gears, like the 9008 amplifiers (mono'ed), these speakers are clearly able to display their fine characteristics and performance. I the same room, I could swear they are just that tad bit short in transparency in comparison to the BML 101E's.

But after an hour, I walked out - and never at any moment felt like parting my monies for this pair of speakers.

If your choice are the Altairs, then maybe that is a different level altogether and thats what my friend told me.

However, in this arena, we are talking about the Maxx 3, Magico M5's (you left this out - you should add this to your choice list) and clearly, the Maxx 3 is far superior - at least to me that the Aquila's.

I know you will choose with care and in-depth evaluation before making the decision. Would love to read your reviews when you bring that pair of speakers home, whatever the final choice would be, it must have passed your stringent audition.

Cheers!~

Rockport is not the kind of speaker that tries to impress. They typically never do sound Hi-Fi as much as others. The Altair is of course in a different league being a 515 lbs composite cabinet speaker. The Arrakis would be too much speaker for my size room.

Of course the Maxx3 is a big contender right now. I'll have to spend some time with it.

The Magico M5 is great speaker from what I understand. Very pricey. Not sure if it will work well with my size room but I will look into it.

Of course I need to find a speaker that I can live with for the next 8-10 years with no regrets at this price level. :sigh:

 

[jamnesta]

That it is. I'll share my findings of what the C500 is like with the Lamm's if anyone cares.

I'd be very interested in all your conclusions concerning the Lamms and how they compare to your time with the c500 and 501's. I would think even the most diehard Macthusiast would have to be interested as Lamm is so highly regarded with few if any detractors.

P.S. A very nice pair of Avalon Eidolon Diamonds in an upgraded Myrtl burl finish on that "other" audio website. :yes:

 

[PHC1]

I'd be very interested in all your conclusions concerning the Lamms and how they compare to your time with the c500 and 501's. I would think even the most diehard Macthusiast would have to be interested as Lamm is so highly regarded with few if any detractors.

P.S. A very nice pair of Avalon Eidolon Diamonds in an upgraded Myrtl burl finish on that "other" audio website. :yes:

Thanks for the heads up! I have spent time listening to Lamm and Avalon Isis. The room was a little too small to allow them to reach full performance but within the limitations of that particular room, the combo was very, very nice. The Isis may be a very good choice for my room as well as I will be able to give them the space they need to fully bloom. :yes:

 

[jamnesta]

Thanks for the heads up! I have spent time listening to Lamm and Avalon Isis. The room was a little too small to allow them to reach full performance but within the limitations of that particular room, the combo was very, very nice. The Isis may be a very good choice for my room as well as I will be able to give them the space they need to fully bloom. :yes:

As good as the Avalon line is, those familar with the brand say the Isis is in a whole different league...if you have the room and the $. You really are racing for the pinnacle Serge, Good luck & enjoy :thmbsp:

 

[PHC1]

As good as the Avalon line is, those familar with the brand say the Isis is in a whole different league...if you have the room and the $. You really are racing for the pinnacle Serge, Good luck & enjoy :thmbsp:

Thanks, I figured on a "cost vs use" analysis, I am way ahead with a great system that I would enjoy daily vs some of my cars which sit in the garage 355 days out of the year.

 

[@TOMMY@]

Since I've already owned the likes of Krell, Mark Levinson, BAT, ARC. etc... I have a pretty good frame of reference. McIntosh made me pause and listen to music for 3 years... longer than most gear I've owned. Continuing on the path to audio nirvana, I would not go back, only forward. Lamm is the only gear so far that helped me go forward in the "right" direction. :yes: To understand Lamm one really has to read the many reviews out there and even better yet, give them a listen!

Lamm is a paradox in the audio world, transparent, resolving yet one of the most harmonically rich sounding and musically engaging gear out there. The hybrid desing of using a triode in the second driver stage, driving the high speed MOS-FETs which are biased into pure Class "A" operation is a very musically rewarding, natural sounding topology. I am very, very happy with the results. There is not enough time in the day to listen as much as I want to listen.


Some of the drawbacks is high wattage consumption, even when the amps are idling. They get pretty warm and do raise the temps of the room by at least a few degrees when on. Being of high gain, the amps are more sensitive to grounding issues and may hiss or hum a bit. I've had that issue in the beginning which I have been able to minimize to almost a non-issue.

They may not be not for everyone but seems most that have experienced them are really emotionally touched by them. Many reviewers have kept their review samples for their systems.

Very interesting. I look forward to your comparison with McIntosh gear once you have the Lamms for longer.