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| We believe that by taking a holistic
systems approach to assembling a high-end stereo system,
more musical satisfaction can be achieved, in less time, with less
bother and with less money. To this end we offer our customers the
option of purchasing one of a number of turnkey systems. Most of
these systems are systems which you can hear in one of our listening
rooms. We value musicality and
the ability for a system to communicate emotion over all other
system attributes. Therefore our systems are designed to be musical,
to provide those special pleasures that almost all of us love:
Musical Enjoyment, perhaps even a glimpse of the great Unknowable
and flashes of the Noble Human Spirit. These systems will
communicate the emotion, the artistic flair, the skill and story
that the musicians are telling. They will caress, tickle, swoon, and
exclaim, thrill and amaze.They will not distract your mind
with harsh distortions, exaggerated flash, disharmonies, or plodding
acyclical rhythms. But they just may grab your heart and soul and
send them flying into the ether. |
|
Turnkey
System #1 (Acapella/Edge) |
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This is a relatively expensive
system, retailing for approximately $85,000 - $200,000 (depending on
the particular Acapella speaker selected, and whether the Lamm L2
reference preamplifier is included). This system offers a big sound
and sounds like... music. It is detailed, smooth, and authoritative.
No grit, no bloat, no muddled sounds, no smoke, no cottonballs, no
sugar-coating or artificial flavors, just good, honest music that
says: you can have both accurate reproduction and an extremely
enjoyable listening experience - at the same time!
Audio Aero Capitole mk II CD player: This player
can best be described by what it does not do; it does not scratch,
irritate, annoy, screech or any of the other things CD players
usually do. It just produces delightful music without adding any
unnecessary euphonic sweeteners. Though many players have a darker
background, more detail, more air, etc. none that we have heard have
the transparency, the authenticity, the intrinsic musicality of this
player. Connected directly to the right amplifier these players just
stand up and sing.
Lamm L2 Reference preamplifier (optional): If you
wish to add a preamplifier, either to connect to other system
sources, or to add more continuousness, richer harmonics, and better
soundstaging (at the sacrifice of a smidgen of purity and an ever so
slightly more closed in sound) then this is the preamplifier for
you. You will not care about the little sacrifices because this
preamp will charm you, seduce you, and sweep you off your feet and
into the music. There is a certain happiness that comes from just
plain pure enjoyment of the music, and this preamplifier is the one,
without par, to take you there.
Nordost Valhalla speaker cable and interconnects:
Running the Valhalla between the Capitole CD player and Edge
amplifier lets the music through while adding little if anything of
its own. Similarly with running the Valhalla speaker cable between
the Edge and Acapella speakers. But the special attribute to note
here is that the Valhalla is the fastest cable made (both
interconnect and speaker) and the Edge is the fastest amplifier
made. This combination lets through every nuance, each tiny aspect
of every rhythm, each and every part of every note envelope, and
lets it through NOW - when it is supposed to and how, as the music
itself dictates. The result is clean, detailed, full of PRaT (foot
tapping plus plus), and oh so smooth, by which is meant that the
flow, the continuousness, the raison d'être of the music is
preserved and offered up to the speakers. And, in this case, these
speakers can handle it.
Edge Signature monoblock amplifiers: Fast,
accurate, detailed, nuanced, with 400 watts per channel: extra power
really helps the notes to unfold and blossom, with huge amounts of
richness and texture - both in time (amplitude) and timbre
(frequency), effortlessly produced, with no overlap (lots of
separation), all against a clean dark background.
Acapella speakers: The Violin, Violin High, Violin
High Sub, Campanile and Campanile High speakers are all musical,
inviting, dynamic when called for, and have a naturalness to them
that is bewitching. Some just assume that because they have the
sweetest tweeter known to man that these speakers, the least
expensive of the Acapella horn/ION tweeter line, are contenders for
the best speakers in the world. But the tweeters have help; a
seamless top-to-bottom design that incorporates the best technology
for each segment of the frequency range: cone woofers - the best
technology for the job - are used for deep bass; horns: solid,
uniquely designed for the midranges where quickness of response and
accuracy of decay are critical - are also the best technology for
the job; and yes, the ION tweeters using a massless modulated spark
perform the duties of the treble and far above - par excellence.
Shunyata Anaconda Vx power cords: Filters out the
garbage while letting through the massive amounts of current when
and how the components need it. We are currently evaluating the
Anaconda Vx Alpha power cords to see if we can squeeze even a little
more out of the system. The system would be a pale shadow of itself
without these power cords. |
Configuration 1
'Ultimate'
This is the ultimate configuration
for this system design. The dynamics, the texture, the ability
to render large, complex works are all taken to the nth
degree. The only configuration that can top this one is one
that substituted the Acapella Sphäron Excalibur speakers for
the Triolons. |
Configuration 2
'Reference'
This is the reference
configuration for this system design. The only configuration
that would beat this would be to use the Acapella Excaliburs
instead of the Campanile Highs. The Lamm L2 preamplifier is
one of the few preamplifiers that we have found that
contributes to the synergy of the Audio Aero CD player and the
Edge amplifier. And because this system has a preamplifier, it
is able to handle the addition of a turntable, tuner, or
integration with a home theater.
This system is
available for audition at our showroom. |
Configuration 3
'Midi
Reference'
This system omits the Lamm L2
preamplifier (many people do not need a preamplifier as the
Audio Aero CD player can be plugged directly into the
amplifier), and also replaces the Campanile High with the
standard Campanile speaker. This system provides a very
similar sound to that provided by system Configuration 2 but
at a significant cost savings.
This system is
available for audition at our showroom. |
Configuration 4
'Mini
Reference'
For smaller rooms, by replacing
the Campanile with the smaller Violon High Sub this system
provides a sound that is very, very close to the sound of the
Campanile systems but with a smaller footprint (Campanile is
almost 8 feet tall, the Violon is about 4 1/2 feet tall) and
smaller overall sound.
This
system is available for audition at our showroom. |
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| Lamm L2 Reference
Preamplifier |
|
| 1 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| 1.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| Edge Reference monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Triolon
Excalibur speakers |
|
| 4 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
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| |
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| Total |
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| Lamm L2 Reference
Preamplifier |
|
| 1 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| 1.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| Edge Signature monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Campanile High
speakers |
|
| 4 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
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| |
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| Total |
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| 1.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| Edge Signature monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Campanile
speakers |
|
| 3 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| Total |
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| 1.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| Edge Signature monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Violin High Sub
speakers |
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| 3 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
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| |
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| |
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| |
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| Total |
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Turnkey
System #2 (Acapella/Lamm) |
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This is a excellent system for those
who like neutrality but still need the tube harmonic rush. This
system retails at approximately $63,000 - $133,000 (depending on the
particular Acapella speaker used) This system has less bass, bass
articulation and detail than system #1 with the Edge solid-state
amplifiers, but many people will actually prefer this system over
recommended system #1 because of its somewhat more analog treatment
dynamic swings and inner detail. This system is lovely, it is
powerful, it is fast and detailed - it has amazing pacing, rhythm
and timing, especially with respect to small details that just draws
one into the musical event. Listeners cannot tell whether the Lamm
is an OTL (output transformerless) amplifier (it is not, and so only
generates about 1/3 the heat), the dynamics are that close to real
life .
Audio Aero Capitole mk II CD player: This player
can best be described by what it does not do; it does not scratch,
irritate, annoy, screech or any of the other things CD players
usually do. It just produces delightful music without adding any
unnecessary euphonic sweeteners. Though many players have a darker
background, more detail, more air, etc. none that we have heard have
the transparency, the authenticity, the intrinsic musicality of this
player. Connected directly to the right amplifier these players just
stand up and sing.
Lamm L2 Reference preamplifier (optional): If you
wish to add a preamplifier, either to connect to other system
sources, or to add more continuousness, richer harmonics, and better
soundstaging (at the sacrifice of a smidgen of purity and an ever so
slightly more closed in sound) then this is the preamplifier for
you. You will not care about the little sacrifices because this
preamp will charm you, seduce you, and sweep you off your feet and
into the music. There is a certain happiness that comes from just
plain pure enjoyment of the music, and this preamplifier is the one,
without par, to take you there.
Lamm Industries ML1.1 monoblock amplifiers: There
is no other tubed amplifier that is able to drive so many speakers,
so well, with such passion yet at the same time so beautifully. The
Lamm has an understated refinement, a neutral but intrinsically
musical presentation. Would these amps be able to drive the
Campaniles? Yes, a thousand time yes. We heard them drive the Wilson
Watt/Puppy 7s - so we knew they could step up to the plate when the
going got rough. But in the final analysis, it surprised us just how
really well they fed these beautifully musical speakers beautiful
music. The Lamms are missing the last word in air, but the air that
they do have comes through in spades with the Acapella ION tweeter
on the job. The do not quite have the control over the bass that
large solid-state amplifiers have - but we are compensated with the
rush and swell, and not a little slam, that accompanies dynamic
swings during 'real music'.
Acapella speakers: The Violin, Violin High, Violin
High Sub, Campanile and Campanile High speakers. [See above].
Nordost Valhalla speaker cable and interconnects:
Running the Valhalla between the Capitole CD player (and optionally
the Lamm L2 preamplifier) and the Lamm amplifier lets the music
through while adding little if anything of its own. Similarly with
running the Valhalla speaker cable between the Lamm and Acapella
speakers. But the special attribute to note here is that the
Valhalla is one of the most neutral and quickest cables made (both
interconnect and speaker) and the Lamm is an amp with so much
refinement and is so responsive that this combination lets through
every nuance, each tiny aspect of every rhythm, each and every part
of every note envelope, and lets it through NOW - when it is
supposed to and how, as the music itself dictates. The result is
clean, detailed, full of PRaT (foot tapping plus plus), and oh so
smooth, by which is meant that the flow, the continuousness, the
raison d'être of the music is preserved and offered up to the
speakers. And, in this case,as said before, these speakers can
handle it.
Shunyata Anaconda Vx power cords: Filters out the
garbage while letting through the massive amounts of current when
and how the components need it.
Acapella Fondato Silenzio vibration isolation platform:
Put underneath the Audio Aero Capitole mk II CD player this platform
allows much more detail to come through and the decay of the notes
are much more pure and realistic. |
Configuration 1
'Ultimate'
This is the ultimate configuration
for this system design. The only configuration that can exceed
the performance of this one is one that substituted the
Acapella Sphäron Excalibur speakers for the Triolons. |
Configuration 2
'Reference'
This is the reference
configuration for this system design.
This system is
available for audition at our showroom. |
Configuration 3
'Mini
Reference'For smaller
rooms, by replacing the Campanile with the smaller Violon High
Sub this system provides a sound that is very, very close to
the sound of the Campanile systems but with a smaller
footprint (Campanile is almost 8 feet tall, the Violon is
about 4 1/2 feet tall) and smaller overall sound. |
Configuration 4
'Seductive'
By using the standard Violin
instead of the Violin High Sub, this system will have a little
less bass and not sound quite as refined as Configuration 2.
But the overall character is preserved and the musicality and
seductiveness of this system design is preserved. |
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| Lamm ML1.1 monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Triolon
Excalibur speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| Acapella Fondato
Silenzio |
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| Total |
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| Lamm ML1.1 monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Campanile High
speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| Acapella Fondato
Silenzio |
|
| |
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| Total |
|
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| Lamm ML1.1 monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Violin High Sub
speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| Acapella Fondato
Silenzio |
|
| |
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| Total |
|
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|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
single-ended interconnect |
|
| Lamm ML1.1 monoblock
amplifiers |
|
| Acapella Violin speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Valhalla
bi-wire speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| Acapella Fondato
Silenzio |
|
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| Total |
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|
Turnkey
System #3 (Acapella/Audio Aero) |
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|
This is a more modest system,
retailing at approximately $50,000 - $120,000 (depending on the
particular Acapella speaker used) This system has less bass, bass
articulation and detail, but many people might actually prefer this
system over recommended system #1 because of its somewhat
exaggerated dynamic bounciness and slight bloom. This system is
purely for the enjoyment of music - it is pleasantly dynamic with a
slightly golden flavor (but not a glow) that washes over the
listener in a most engrossing manner, drawing the listener in to the
emotions and pace of the songs, not just as if you were there in
front of the musicians, but as if you were there, feeling what the
original composers themselves were feeling when they originally
composed the songs.
Audio Aero Capitole mk II CD player: There is a
strong synergy between the Capitole CD player and Capitole
amplifier, which might be expected as they both were designed by the
same company (the amplifier and the player output stage were
actually designed by the same person). Where running the player
direct to any amplifier is wonderfully clean and pure - running the
player direct to the Capitole amplifier may be one of the only ways
to actually hear just what this player is actually capable of: giant
soundstages, incredibly open-sounding and natural, incredible
top-to-bottom micro-to-macro dynamics; and just plain... musical -
you will feel like a child again - wanting to pick up a tambourine
or drumstick and kettle pot and play along with the music.
Audio Aero Capitole 50 watt class A/push-pull amplifier:
We talked about about the synergy this amplifier has with the
Capitole CD player. There is also a significant amount of synergy
between this amplifier and the Acapella Violin and Campanile
speakers. This amp not only uses the EL34 triode tube that the folks
at Acapella think sounds best with their speakers (running this tube
as a Class A amplifier), but it then pipes the sound of the EL34
into a push-pull stage, using a KT88 pentode, for stability and
extra power into the modestly demanding loads of speakers like the
Acapella Violin and Campanile. This lends a purity, but strength, to
the sound - that is reflected in the musicality of its presentation.
Acapella speakers: The Violin, Violin High, Violin
High Sub, Campanile and Campanile High speakers. [See above].
Nordost Valhalla interconnects: Running the
Valhalla between the Capitole CD player and Capitole amplifier,
preferably using balanced cables, lets the music through while
adding little if anything of its own. The perfect cable.
Shunyata Lyra speaker cable: The Valhalla speaker
cable performs admirably here as well - but the Lyra (and perhaps
even more so the slightly more expensive Shunyata Phoenix speaker
cable - stay tuned) lets through a little more of the harmonic
structure and seems to be especially kind to the medium and macro
dynamics coming out of the Capitole CD player/amplifier combination.
The background is not as black, the sound no where near as finessed
- but this particular system is more about raw musicality than
finely rendered musicality - and these cables do the trick while
keeping the overall price of the system under control.
Shunyata Anaconda Vx power cords: Filters out the
garbage while letting through the massive amounts of current when
and how the components need it. We are currently evaluating the
Anaconda Vx Alpha power cords to see if we can squeeze even a little
more out of the system. |
Configuration 1
'Ultimate'
This is the ultimate configuration
for this system design. The only configuration that can top
this one is one that substituted the Acapella Sphäron
Excalibur speakers for the Triolons. |
Configuration 2
'Reference'
This is the reference
configuration for this system design.
This system is
available for audition at our showroom. |
Configuration 3
'Mini
Reference'For smaller
rooms, by replacing the Campanile with the smaller Violon High
Sub this system provides a sound that is very, very close to
the sound of the Campanile systems but with a smaller
footprint (Campanile is almost 8 feet tall, the Violon is
about 4 1/2 feet tall) and smaller overall sound. |
Configuration 4
'Seductive'
By using the standard Violin
instead of the Violin High Sub, this system will have a little
less bass and not sound quite as refined as Configuration 2.
But the overall character is preserved and the musicality and
seductiveness of this system design is preserved. |
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| Audio Aero Capitole
amplifier |
|
| Acapella Triolon
Excalibur speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Shunyata Lyra
bi-wired speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Total |
|
|
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| Audio Aero Capitole
amplifier |
|
| Acapella Campanile High
speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Shunyata Lrya
bi-wired speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Total |
|
|
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| Audio Aero Capitole
amplifier |
|
| Acapella Violin High Sub
speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Shunyata Lrya
bi-wired speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Total |
|
|
|
Components |
Price |
| Audio Aero Capitole mk
II CD player |
|
| 2 meter Valhalla
balanced interconnect |
|
| Audio Aero Capitole
amplifier |
|
| Acapella Violin speakers |
|
| 2.5 meter Shunyata Lrya
bi-wired speaker cable |
|
| 2 Shunyata Anaconda
power cords |
|
| |
|
|
|
| Total |
|
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