The best sound I have heard was found at Jacob Heilbrunn's house.

[Lagonda]

Becasue I am interested in a new amp. I actually am going to finalize a deal for the Dartzeel today. So who was I to ask about how different amps seem to voice? Should I have put anther post on a forum? Trusted the armchair experts who have never heard what they are talking about. Should I have called a dealer. Why not pay a small fee to talk with a guy who has listened to hundreds of amps. I believe there is value in that. Jay spent 50 minutes on the phone with me. Listened to what I like to listen too, how I listen, what my room and life is like. Then we went around about how all these units seem to fit into their nitch. It was very informative and I am happy to give someone a few bucks for insight into the years of knowlege they have built up. If anyone else were looking to make a multi thousand dollar purchase, why not spend a couple bucks to also hear a potentially less biased opinion.

I personally would find the people in this forum that have music and listening preferences close to my own and look at their equipment choices. Jay strikes me as someone who listens to a collection of "demo" tracks more than a music lover, he wants to be impressed by his equipment. He rarely spends enough time with gear to get their full potential, and is always selling something he will give great rating before letting it go. Not having any TT experience is a disqualification from the get go for me too. I have no problem with paying someone for audio advice, have done it plenty of times in my life. But i would pick someone more seasoned like Jim Smith or ddk . Of course ddk is a little costly he is paid in Lamm purchases !

 

[PeterA]

Becasue I am interested in a new amp. I actually am going to finalize a deal for the Dartzeel today. So who was I to ask about how different amps seem to voice? Should I have put anther post on a forum? Trusted the armchair experts who have never heard what they are talking about. Should I have called a dealer. Why not pay a small fee to talk with a guy who has listened to hundreds of amps. I believe there is value in that. Jay spent 50 minutes on the phone with me. Listened to what I like to listen too, how I listen, what my room and life is like. Then we went around about how all these units seem to fit into their nitch. It was very informative and I am happy to give someone a few bucks for insight into the years of knowlege they have built up. If anyone else were looking to make a multi thousand dollar purchase, why not spend a couple bucks to also hear a potentially less biased opinion.

You are certainly free to get advice from anyone you choose. You spent three days solving Michael Fremers electrical problems. Did you listen to his system and talk to him about amplifiers? I think you are also in the Seattle area. You could always talk to Mike Lavigne who has some experience with different expensive mono blocks both solid-state and tube.

Starting a thread here also never hurts but I think the best thing is to simply try to audition various options.

 

[Al Stewart]

Jay's Audio Lab is providing a service for a fee. Lots of us provide a service for a fee. Several folks on WBF are actually dealers who nicely try and sell stuff to WBF members: (I'm in favor of that too.) There is no real distinction IMO. Jay's Audio Lab has a different business model than a traditional dealer. It's probably way too early to tell whether it will be a profitable one. But that's Jay's problem, and if Kingrex learned some things he didn't know before calling Jay, then he got something for his money. Only Kingrex can say whether he received good value for his money

 

[Carlos269]

I personally would find the people in this forum that have music and listening preferences close to my own and look at their equipment choices. Jay strikes me as someone who listens to a collection of "demo" tracks more than a music lover, he wants to be impressed by his equipment. He rarely spends enough time with gear to get their full potential, and is always selling something he will give great rating before letting it go. Not having any TT experience is a disqualification from the get go for me too. I have no problem with paying someone for audio advice, have done it plenty of times in my life. But i would pick someone more seasoned like Jim Smith or ddk . Of course ddk is a little costly he is paid in Lamm purchases !

I agree with your observations. In order for someone’s relative opinion on a piece of equipment to be of any value that person MUST have a datum to measure that component‘s performance against. I for instance maintain a reference system to which I compare my other systems against. Within the same system component evaluations can also be effectively carried out if only one variable changes at a time. Jay has no reference to judge against other than aural memory which is fleeting at best and with all the churn of equipment that he cycles through, usually making a number of changes simultaneously. Again a very immature and inexperienced approach which lacks real experimental value.

The curious thing is that after paying the consultation fee Rex did not heed Jay’s advice.

Would have been easy to travel to Mike’s place to listen to the Dartzeels, Mike’s always longing for visitors. But wait a minute Rex has done electrical work at both Mike’s and Michael Fremer’s places, why not take the opportunity to listen to their system and get their thoughts rather than paying Jay a fee. I personally would not asked for input or advice from any of these three characters but most here would have taken that opportunity. Color me puzzled and confused!

 

[Kingrex]

You are certainly free to get advice from anyone you choose. You spent three days solving Michael Fremers electrical problems. Did you listen to his system and talk to him about amplifiers? I think you are also in the Seattle area. You could always talk to Mike Lavigne who has some experience with different expensive mono blocks both solid-state and tube.

Starting a thread here also never hurts but I think the best thing is to simply try to audition various options.

I heard Fremers system before and after we did the install. When done I was absoluty amazed. I loved it. I have been to Lavinge's place a couple time. Always wonderful. And yes, I spoke to Mike L last night about the amp and room setup. He pushed me over the top and today I put in my order for a used Dartzeel 108 amp. Eventually I want to pair Kharma speakers with the 108.

In the past I started a couple threads on amps over at Audionirvan. I use to be considering a Luxman M600A. I have been circling the SS hole for a while. I was also pushed over the SS edge when i heard the Thrax class A hybrid mono in my system. I had them for a few days. Audio-Ultra was kind enough to let my use them in my own home. They were darn good. I just had some reasons to not take that plunge. But it did show me how my SET845 have some magic, but lack some stuff. And that was a big point Jay got me to finally realize. No amp does everything right. Some do a whole lot really well. But there is always going to be some other one that does something just a little better.

 

[Mike Lavigne]

I heard Fremers system before and after we did the install. When done I was absoluty amazed. I loved it. I have been to Lavinge's place a couple time. Always wonderful. And yes, I spoke to Mike L last night about the amp and room setup. He pushed me over the top and today I put in my order for a used Dartzeel 108 amp. Eventually I want to pair Kharma speakers with the 108.

In the past I started a couple threads on amps over at Audionirvan. I use to be considering a Luxman M600A. I have been circling the SS hole for a while. I was also pushed over the SS edge when i heard the Thrax class A hybrid mono in my system. I had them for a few days. Audio-Ultra was kind enough to let my use them in my own home. They were darn good. I just had some reasons to not take that plunge. But it did show me how my SET845 have some magic, but lack some stuff. And that was a big point Jay got me to finally realize. No amp does everything right. Some do a whole lot really well. But there is always going to be some other one that does something just a little better.

congrats Rex.

i'm use to being blamed.

 

[Kingrex]

I agree with your observations. In order for someone’s relative opinion on a piece of equipment to be of any value that person MUST have a datum to measure that component‘s performance against. I for instance maintain a reference system to which I compare my other systems against. Within the same system component evaluations can also be effectively carried out if only one variable changes at a time. Jay has no reference to judge against other than aural memory which is fleeting at best and with all the churn of equipment that he cycles through, usually making a number of changes simultaneously. Again a very immature and inexperienced approach which lacks real experimental value.

The curious thing is that after paying the consultation fee Rex did not heed Jay’s advice.

Would have been easy to travel to Mike’s place to listen to the Dartzeels, Mike’s always longing for visitors. But wait a minute Rex has done electrical work at both Mike’s and Michael Fremer’s places, why not take the opportunity to listen to their system and get their thoughts rather than paying Jay a fee. I personally would not asked for input or advice from any of these three characters but most here would have taken that opportunity. Color me puzzled and confused!

I have never worked at Mike Lavingne's house. I have only been given a through tour and listened a few times. His Led Z tape was over the top. I went home from a session there and put my record on. It fell so flat I just turned off my stereo and pouted.

A reference system. What really is that. Is there an existing thread on what a reference system is. An amount of years ownership. A level of quality. Required components. What about attention to details such as vibration isolation, cabling, power supply, data infrastructure to support streaming. The idea of reference needs to be vetted. I mentioned to Fremer at his house, shouldn't every audio reviewer have a 3rd party specialist go through their home infrastructure and assure it is foundationally correct so reviews are accurate. I bet I could find issues at most of these guys places. Or at least ways to improve upon what is there. I see some of these guys data infrastructure listed in their associated equipment page and they are reviewing streamers. They are not all up to snuff.

Carlos, Why don't you think my decision was influenced by Jays advise? I heard what he was telling me about Gryphon and Boulder. And I have listened to Gryphon and Boulder at clients homes and stores. Is there some sort of obligation that I have to drop $33K on an amp someone tells me I would appreciate?

But mostly I am shocks how people are so offended a person such as Jay who has listened to hundreds of amps shouldn't be able to create a small business around his knowledge and make some money for his time. How about the other side of the coin. Are people saying Jay should be fielding questions from audio enthusiast and spending hours of his personal time on the phone for free. What is that all about? People freely choose to participate on forums when and where they want. But it is a whole lot different than scheduling an hour block in your day to talk to a stranger with no gain for yourself. I bet he gets 1 or 2 calls every day from people such as myself, asking his opinion of something. I called asking about a Luxman or should I get a Pass labs. Items he has owned 3 or 4 times. In the end he convinced me, spend more and get what you really want. And that is what i did. I am grateful Jay took the time to speak with me.
Rex

 

[Kingrex]

congrats Rex.

i'm use to being blamed.

I'm pretty stoked. Now I have to tell Nancy. Ut owe. Doesn't that listening room of yours have a cot in the attic.

Thanks for talking the other day. I really do love the sound yours and Michael's systems put forth. There is something about it that is seductive and draws you in. Its all there, but its not demanding you listen to the equipment instead of the music. And one day in the future Jonathan will turn up another used pre with phono card in it, and I will be done with all that on my second system. I am liking the idea of simple and reasonably sized for our second home.

 

[Carlos269]

I have never worked at Mike Lavingne's house. I have only been given a through tour and listened a few times. His Led Z tape was over the top. I went home from a session there and put my record on. It fell so flat I just turned off my stereo and pouted.

A reference system. What really is that. Is there an existing thread on what a reference system is. An amount of years ownership. A level of quality. Required components. What about attention to details such as vibration isolation, cabling, power supply, data infrastructure to support streaming. The idea of reference needs to be vetted. I mentioned to Fremer at his house, shouldn't every audio reviewer have a 3rd party specialist go through their home infrastructure and assure it is foundationally correct so reviews are accurate. I bet I could find issues at most of these guys places. Or at least ways to improve upon what is there. I see some of these guys data infrastructure listed in their associated equipment page and they are reviewing streamers. They are not all up to snuff.

Carlos, Why don't you think my decision was influenced by Jays advise? I heard what he was telling me about Gryphon and Boulder. And I have listened to Gryphon and Boulder at clients homes and stores. Is there some sort of obligation that I have to drop $33K on an amp someone tells me I would appreciate?

But mostly I am shocks how people are so offended a person such as Jay who has listened to hundreds of amps shouldn't be able to create a small business around his knowledge and make some money for his time. How about the other side of the coin. Are people saying Jay should be fielding questions from audio enthusiast and spending hours of his personal time on the phone for free. What is that all about? People freely choose to participate on forums when and where they want. But it is a whole lot different than scheduling an hour block in your day to talk to a stranger with no gain for yourself. I bet he gets 1 or 2 calls every day from people such as myself, asking his opinion of something. I called asking about a Luxman or should I get a Pass labs. Items he has owned 3 or 4 times. In the end he convinced me, spend more and get what you really want. And that is what i did. I am grateful Jay took the time to speak with me.
Rex

Good for you Rex. I wish you well and may your new purchase bring you hours, months and years of enjoyment.

 

[rando]

People freely choose to participate on forums when and where they want. But it is a whole lot different than scheduling an hour block in your day to talk to a stranger with no gain for yourself.

Like and subscribe! Don't forget to reach out in the comments!!



Congrats, I hope the Dart lands somewhere you enjoy spending time.

 

[Kingrex]

Like and subscribe! Don't forget to reach out in the comments!!



Congrats, I hope the Dart lands somewhere you enjoy spending time.

God, I have to get off here. I have work to do. I laugh at your comment, but in reality, I have been Liking a lot of YouTube I watch when its good. I realize most all these people are small business, such as myself, and their ability to generate an income is partly based upon Likes. I respect the effort they put forward.

I have been buying video gear and am preparing to create some tutorial on electrical infrastructure. I got in a fight with a contractor on a current project. He thought he was so smart. He know more than everyone else. In the end after hours of my time creating drawings and citing NEC, it was apparent he did not know what he was doing and was setting up my client to kill one of his grandchildren due to a dangerous install. All his improper wiring has been stripped from the job and replaced with what I specified. It is actually a bit rewarding to catch this type of stuff for people. It makes me inspired to keep at it.

Anyhow I have Joe Pitman making drawings. I am mocking up equipment to make it clear what is wrong. There is nothing like visual aids. It takes a lot of time and money to make video. I also have to pay a company to manage my YouTube platform and content. Its a lot of work, so I take the time to hit Like when it is deserved.

 

[sbo6]

But mostly I am shocks how people are so offended a person such as Jay who has listened to hundreds of amps shouldn't be able to create a small business around his knowledge and make some money for his time. How about the other side of the coin. Are people saying Jay should be fielding questions from audio enthusiast and spending hours of his personal time on the phone for free. What is that all about? People freely choose to participate on forums when and where they want. But it is a whole lot different than scheduling an hour block in your day to talk to a stranger with no gain for yourself. I bet he gets 1 or 2 calls every day from people such as myself, asking his opinion of something. I called asking about a Luxman or should I get a Pass labs. Items he has owned 3 or 4 times. In the end he convinced me, spend more and get what you really want. And that is what i did. I am grateful Jay took the time to speak with me.
Rex

IMHO I have no stake in whether anyone wants to make $, it's a free and open market. But from the snippets of videos I've seen many of his statement don't match what I've heard comparing / listening to many pieces of equipment. And ultimately, he makes what I consider amateurish, general statements yet does so with ultimate confidence - which makes his opinions less credible and as such less valuable.

IMO it would do him some good to watch Guttenberg's or Hans Beekhuyzen's channel for seasoned, professional, honest, concise and humble audio reviews.

Net - Money to demo lots of high end gear and a YouTube channel doesn't = expertise and quality feedback.

Again, my honest humble opinion.

 

[tima]

Eventually I want to pair Kharma speakers with the 108.

Which models are you considering?

 

[Kingrex]

Which models are you considering?

Its going to depend on the room. But I believe this system will eventually end up in another living room. I will build a separate stand alone listening room on the property that equipment may move from one to the other. But the PAP are not as much a living room speaker as I would like. I do like a clean, free from clutter, presentable living environment. Maybe a DB 7. Possibly a DB9. I don't want it to be a focal place in the room. It will be a designed installation. Might have a live plant aquarium drawing attention and giving something to look at. My budget will keep me in the Elegance line. Unless I get a used speaker. The house is going to be an open floor plan. Probably 11 foot ceilings. A main living area of about 1200 to 1400 feet. Arches and pass ways to sections such as live, kitchen, dine. Branch hallways to destination rooms. Think Florida style.

 

[tima]

Its going to depend on the room. But I believe this system will eventually end up in another living room. I will build a separate stand alone listening room on the property that equipment may move from one to the other. But the PAP are not as much a living room speaker as I would like. I do like a clean, free from clutter, presentable living environment. Maybe a DB 7. Possibly a DB9. I don't want it to be a focal place in the room. It will be a designed installation. Might have a live plant aquarium drawing attention and giving something to look at. My budget will keep me in the Elegance line. Unless I get a used speaker. The house is going to be an open floor plan. Probably 11 foot ceilings. A main living area of about 1200 to 1400 feet. Arches and pass ways to sections such as live, kitchen, dine. Branch hallways to destination rooms. Think Florida style.

Sounds like quite the project - I'm familiar with Florida style homes. I've alwalys thought the swept back Kharmas offer a beautiful design that can integrate with, not dominate, a room. Hide the speaker cables and interconnects to further reduce the audio room effect. I have not heard the 108 but from reading here I"m guessing it could pair very nicely with the DB7 or 9. Maybe you could write-up your journey to share with us. Good luck!

 

[RideCA]

The DarTZeel's were missing in his CV. He already had hosted the top VTL , D'Agostino and CH Precision in his room, time for the Dart's! I think that his regular amplifier is still the Ypsilon Hyperion.

Looking to read his review.

Microstrip suggests that Jacob Heilbrunn has had the “top d’Agostino, VTL and CH Precision” models in his system and therefore, presumably for comparison. In fact, the only CH Precision amp that JH has had access to is the A1.5 (we supplied a pair for his July 2020 review). As many of you will be aware, the A1.5 is CH Precision’s most affordable and lowest powered amplifier (although it shares the same operational and topological flexibility as its bigger brothers). Neither JH nor anybody else at TAS has reviewed the M1.1 and only Robert Harley has heard the flagship 10 Series in his own system. Given JH's system the L10 and two M10s that would be a far more appropriate price and performance equivalent to the DartZeel amps in question, as well as offering the ability to drive both the WAMMs and the Subsonics with the same amplifiers.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Why would you pay Jay for a phone consult ? He is entertaining and has had a lot of nice gear in his garage, but a knowledgeable audiophile ?

As Jay is not a member of WBF please let's refrain from comments to which Jay is unable to respond.

Thank you.

 

[Hi-FiGuy]

I have only been given a through tour and listened a few times. His Led Z tape was over the top. I went home from a session there and put my record on. It fell so flat I just turned off my stereo and pouted.

Have done the exact same thing after visiting Mike and Steve on several occasions

 

[Stereophonic]

I was finally able to go to Jacob Heilbrunn's house and hear his sound system. It was breathtaking and even surpassed the WAMM installation at Dave Wilson's house.
He is a very interesting and intelligent person. I am very glad we have him writing for The Absolute Sound.

Hi Lee.
As TAS president, could you please change your profile to industry expert?
Your current one can be confusing…..
Thank you !!!

 

[Lee]

Hi Lee.
As TAS president, could you please change your profile to industry expert?
Your current one can be confusing…..
Thank you !!!

I don't know how to do that. There doesn't appear to be an option. Maybe an admin can do that?

In any event, I am not sure what is confusing. My signature clearly states my role.