RMAF 2008

Wavelength Electronics—Vaughan Speakers

John Atkinson  |  Oct 14, 2008

I was surprised not only by the ease to the sound of my hi-rez audio files played on the system in the Wavelength room, but also by the resolution. Surprised, because I am not naturally a tube guy, and not only is Gordon Rankin's gear tubed, it is unshamedly single-ended.

The Wavelength system comprised the Crimson USB DAC ($7500, now available with 6H30 tubes and balanced, transformer-coupled outputs), the Royal 71A Directly Heated Triode line preamplifier ($7500), and a pair of 12W Cardinal 300B SET monoblocks ($8500/pair) driving Vaughan Zinfandel 3-way speakers ($4500–$6000/pair). The speakers were new to me, but use an 8" Fostex driver to cover most of the audio range, supplemented at the frequency extremes by a ribbon tweeter and a 12" woofer. Sensitivity is quoted as a very high 97dB/W/m.

COMMENTS
Tim K's picture
Submitted by Tim K (not verified) on October 16, 2008 - 10:50am

This was the best sounding of the 'small' rooms to me. Only the six figure rooms provided a better listening experience in my opinion. In my view, much had to do with the asynchronous DAC providing a very listenable digital experience.Kudos.

Satellite Phones's picture
Submitted by Satellite Phones (not verified) on August 6, 2009 - 1:25am

This is really interesting take on the concept. I never thought of it that way. I came across this site recently which I think will be of great use http://www.ustronics.com . Have a look!