The Promised Land

[jr_spyder]

Wow. I spent close to 5 hours with Ivan (Masterlu) and his son Richard yesterday at their home on Cape Cod. I've only been on this forum for 5 or 6 weeks now as I've recently reignited my focus on great sound in my home. I've learned a lot fast from all of you (thanks!), and also felt plenty of overwhelm with the choices available today to build a killer system. Ivan noticed my plight, and that I lived not too far away, and sent me a PM last week offering to help me and inviting me to visit. I couldn't pass that up!

As I'm sure y'all have seen in his signature that his Cape Cod systems are simply unbelievable - just to read them. In real life they are like visiting the Audiophile Promised Land. We took a slow but exciting tour through each of five different systems. Each one of them spectacular in it's own right - but wait, there's more! We started with the Aida/Burmester reference system. What can I say? Totally enveloping in pure music just more perfect than anything I have ever heard. As Ivan deftly maneuvered through various music from different sources every aspect of the rig was demonstrated, and nothing was lacking. Go loud and you feel it but it doesn't hurt, go soft and be mesmerized, in all cases hear new details, new emotion. Just awesome. Could sit there all day.

Next up was a comfy sofa in the Game Room in front of two lone standing Sonus Faber Amati Futuras. These are powered by Ivan's Byrston system which is neatly tucked out of sight in a side room. As I've been considering my options over the last couple months I've become quite enamoured with the SF sound and looks. So I was really anxious to hear this pair. To say I wasn't disappointed would be a great understatement. I experienced an involuntary smile that I just couldn't wipe off. I must have looked like an idiot (but Ivan is too kind to laugh). These speakers/components punch way above their weight to create pure delight. I was in deep deep lust.

After some lunch - Ivan is a fantastic host - we settled into the room housing the analog rig with Mac gear driving Sonus Faber Stradivari speakers. The demo started with digital sources which on their own were magical on this rig. In this smaller space the Strat's just disappeared and the sound stage seamed infinite. While I haven't spun a TT in ooh, 30 years or so, I have read with interest the resurgence of this source. This demo proved why vinyl is getting so much love. There's no way I can describe with any precision the difference, but it's palpable. Just so much smoother, more natural. I didn't expect this, but wow!

The final stop was the home theater. This, again, was just off the charts. Picture and sound better than any real cinema I have been in, and of course a lot more comfy. Ivan first demonstrated a musical number that exercised the surround capabilities to their full extent. After several hours of amazing two channel listening this was like a full body assault in the most invigorating way. I guess it's a cliche to say you feel like you're "in the movie" but holy smokes do you ever! The next demo was of a full on action screen with explosions, fire, sparks, flashes, lightening fast action, blood and guts - and not a single digital flutter or artifact on the screen. It seemed impossible that it could be so perfect. And while fully enveloped in sound and picture it wasn't at all too much - I honestly could have stayed in the theater all day - and wanted too.

I should add that in my 5 or so hour visit there was a lot of gear we didn't get to. It's endless, with yet another system under construction right now.

In addition to the joy of experiencing all these systems I was on a mission to learn how to solve some of my own system challenges. Ivan gave me a great education, with lots of "look at how I did this" examples on power management, tough room problems, remote management, cables, isolation, analogue, video scaling, and so much more. Pleasantly Ivan's suggestions were always scaled to my needs and budget with never a hint of "just spend more..." No doubt I'll be doing business with Ivan in the near future mainly because he's absolutely the guy I just want to work with and know I can trust as a great partner as I go through this exciting resurrection of my own musical passions.

The trip to the Cape will not soon be forgotten - it was a wonderful experience.

Thanks Ivan!

JR

[Ritmo]

JR -

Not surprised by your comments. While I've never had the opportunity to visit Ivan, many here have raved about how Ivan and his family are terrific hosts.

Glad it exceeded your expectations!

Mike

[thxthx]

WOW!!! Awesome story! Thanks for sharing... I can only dream of a similar experience one day as it just sounds like heaven with a simply amazing host

[Stereo-head]

Sounds like a great time! Thanks for sharing with us

[jfray]

JR,

I am glad you had a great time!!
You can not go wrong with Sonus Faber!! Keep us posted on the progress of your system......

[Masterlu]

John... I thoroughly enjoyed meeting, and sharing with you my audio passions. Your enjoyment to me was paramount, and from your description above I have succeeded. Thank you for all the kind words!

I'm very happy to hear you ordered your W4S modded Sonos, and that the IR receiver from Xantech solved your MX135 remote issues.

It really was amazing how fast the day flew by as we simply listened to music, and watched a few videos. It goes without saying, you are more than welcome to drop by anytime you wish, and of course bring your wife.

Thanks for turning me on to the artist "Straight No Chaser" I already bought their album.

Ivan

[jdandy]

JR.......You relayed your experience very well. A visit to either one of Ivan's homes is an experience not soon forgotten. I'm sure you know what I mean when I say Ivan is a perfectionist. It shows in everything he touches. I was as impressed with the Cat Walk room between the two channel room and the theater as I was with the bigger picture. It is easy to observe the attention to detail and the methods necessary to ensure a system such as Ivan's performs perfectly and in total silence without a source signal.

I am happy you got to spend the time with Ivan and I know Ivan enjoyed your company, too. Thanks for sharing the experience with us.

[LordoftheRingsEE]

-- Who is "Straight No Chaser"?

[jdandy]

[ame=http://youtu.be/xisCu5u6kvQ]Straight No Chaser I'm Yours /Somewhere Over The Rainbow - YouTube[/ame]

[Masterlu]

Thanks Dan!