[Vintage Pete]

So how does this incredible system sound? I brought along a bagful of CD's, all music I was familiar with, and of different types, so I could get a feel for how a system of this type would deal with the different genres: from Irish influence (i.e. Loreena McKennitt, Darby Devon) to Pink Floyd. In every case, I was struck by the organic, natural quality of the system-perhaps the most "organic" souning presentation I have heard. Dan had it right when he said the synergy of the MC2301 amps and the Amati Anniversarios is literally jaw dropping. The warmth of the sound is simply "delicious", while the soundstaging created by this system is simply amazing. Very often the speakers simply disappear and you find yourself completely immersed, with instruments and voices right out in the space before you.

Dan and I spent about 5 hours in the studio Saturday night playing different types of music, and Dan did some demonstrating of the performance of some hi-res downloads of both 24/96 and 24/192 formats. These demonstrations were very impressive, and has rekindled my interest in pursuing this with my Wyred for Sound DAC-2.

We did, as Dan mentioned, a brief A-B test of the Esoteric K-03 vs. the MCD1100, using the same song from the same CD. As much as I wouldn't want to say it, I did agree with Dan that the Esoteric delivers a more natural, open presentation. It wasn't hard to discern the difference. If I were in Dan's shoes, would I scuttle the MCD1100 for the K-03? I'm still thinking on this one...

Before we knew it, midnight had rolled around, and I had to admit I was getting tired from the long day, so Dan put me up in the studio, and I drifted off while watching the TV and listening to the home theater. Although I brought some DVD's, we were so wrapped up in the 2 channel setup that we never did get around to playing around with the theater very much. If any of you are as fortunate as I to get an invite, you will easily see how this could happen.


Here are a few more select photos:
















As to the theater system-out with the MC352, in with the MC452....




This morning, following coffee and danish rolls, we just went back down and did more spinning. Here are some screen shots of Dan's Laptop as he was demonstrating the hi-res capabiltity:








Before we knew it, it was time for me to start hitting the dusty trail. But before I left, Dan sent me home with an unused Blu-ray player with practically no miles on it. This will help me get another hi-def rig going.
Dan, you are the man!! I had a most enjoyable time, and I thank you and marlene for your kind hospitality, and for the awesome demonstrations!


Pete