Dan's system is obviously the product of several years of dedicated trial-and-error (either that or a LOT of luck!). It is a wide ranging collection of different gear (ARC pre, heavily modded Sony CDP, OPPO DVD, Plinius amp an CLS's. I don't remember which subs he had (yes there are TWO) and his rear speakers for 5.1 (well, actually 5.2) are Sequel II's. No analogue front-end, but unless you're a die-hard vinyl-head, this system makes no apologies--it is very clean, clear, authoritative, and pleasant to listen to.
I was there, listening in several different positions in the room, for almost 4 hours, and I never felt fatigued (an only had a few moments of wanting for anything) from this system. Dan has a LOT of acoustic treatment in his room, which is in the basement--and therefore pretty much a concrete-lined bunker--and all that acoustic treatment DOES keep the bass reigned in, tight, and well defined. Highs also are very clean, focused and effortless. These CLS's are just a joy to listen to! I've heard them in several other systems, and they sounded just like I remember. The CLS (I think these are the CLS-IIz) is one of Martin Logan's best efforts, especially for Jazz, vocals, and small acoustic combos, and they ALSO can really rock out when coupled with the right subwoofers, and Dan's do all that.
For the kind of music Dan seems to listen to, and given his listening room, this system was a real joy to listen to. Personally, I like a little more "air" in my music. (OK, I'll admit I am a Sonic Holography junkie, and I crave open, airy, ambient, DEEP soundtages like Tyrone Biggles craves a rock during Chapelle's last season...) I can't fault Dan's system on anything--it has excellent pace, it is VERY engaging, especially with female vocals and acoustic guitars, it has delightful attack on transients, luscious sustain with vocals and large ensambles, and those sweet mids that all ML owners are so fond of and familiar with. My only desire was for a little more ambience--sometimes, especially with some of the live piano material or large choral works, it seemed like the performers were actually playing in OUR room, rather than in the large halls or cathedrals where they actually were. Dan's system definitely "makes the speakers disappear", but my Carver-addled brain was longing for a fix of "making the walls disappear" too.
One topic that came up again and again is that "there is no such thing as THE perfect system", just "the system that is perfect for YOU". Dan has accomplished this without a doubt. His system is a real treat, and I enjoyed every minute of my visit--from the conversations, to learning abou this heavily modded Sony CDP, to participating in a REALLY enlightening A/B comparison between interconnects. I think I can speak for everyone there when I say that we were ALL very impressed with the sound of his setup.
I just wish I had a C-9 (Carver stand-alone Sonic Holography Processor) in my bag when I walked in the room, to plug into his already sweet system. I think that would have been a REAL treat for everyone, even those folks who might not be big fans of Bob Carver and his gizmos. In a system like Dan's, Sonic Holography would be considered a "controlled substance"... :haha1:
Thanks to Dan and his whole family, for providing us all with a very relaxing, enjoyable, entertaining, and educational afternoon! Dan, you've got a FANTASTIC system, and the time I spent there has given me some ideas for improving my own setup...
--Richard
(mean, tough face)
