The End Of A 35 Year Journey ---Zellaton -The Reference Ultra Final Frontier
- Thread starter Steve williams
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Very encouraging to read about the Pawel/Ensemble PA1. Here’s my own set which I’ve owned for years and use with an Ensemble B-50 Tiger hybrid integrated at 50wpc (lovely Brimar tubes) and alternating between original Pabst motor Goldmund Studio and Linn LP12. These ZELLATON/Gorlich drivers are the original with high bridge very thin foam surround. Pure magic and to borrow your words - “a moving experience.”
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Hi Steve I wanted to share with you and wbf my recent amazing zellaton listening experience !
Thanks to the generosity of Gideon Schwartz from Audio Arts New York City, and Mike_Vinyl, I had the privilege of experiencing the legendary Zellaton Statement speakers at Mike’s place—and what an unforgettable experience it was.
Mike graciously hosted us for an incredible four-hour listening session, exclusively using his analog rig, which featured the Transrotor turntable and the United Home Audio reel-to-reel. His passion for high-fidelity audio is evident in every inch of his meticulously curated and polished listening space.
The Zellaton Statements are nothing short of breathtaking—both visually and sonically. We started with a beautifully pressed Dean Martin vinyl, and from the very first note, the holographic soundstage was immediately palpable. The vocals were immense yet elegant, lingering in the air with astonishing resolution—crystal-clear but never bright. The bass was fast and clean, and the separation of instruments was incredibly lifelike.
Next, we listened to Jennifer Warnes, and again, the experience was equally impressive. The speakers delivered remarkable height and a natural, relaxed presentation. But the real magic happened when we switched to the reel-to-reel. Mike played jazz instrumentals and vocal recordings, culminating in Bill Withers' Just the Two of Us—and it absolutely blew me away. The soundstage expanded even further, becoming almost three-dimensional, like a snow globe of music where each instrument felt tangible.
What impressed me most was how astonishingly quiet the overall system was. The exceptionally low noise floor allowed for exquisite resolution without any sense of fatigue. We listened for four hours, at varying volumes, and never once did the sound become overwhelming or tiring. As Gideon had mentioned, the system’s performance at low volumes was remarkable—maintaining its full soundstage and depth without collapsing. I believe the Schnerzinger gear played a key role in enhancing the system’s quietness, which, in turn, made low-volume listening just as immersive.
Mike is eagerly awaiting an upgrade to his Soulution gear, and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts once it’s in place. Given how incredibly impressive his current setup already is, I can only imagine what’s to come.
In short, the Zellaton Statements are extraordinarily resolving without any harshness. They maintain perfect phase coherence, deliver fast, articulate bass, and create an immersive, holographic soundstage.
This experience was a tremendous learning opportunity for me, and I’m incredibly grateful. Thank you, Mike, for your hospitality and for sharing your passion for high-fidelity audio
Thanks to the generosity of Gideon Schwartz from Audio Arts New York City, and Mike_Vinyl, I had the privilege of experiencing the legendary Zellaton Statement speakers at Mike’s place—and what an unforgettable experience it was.
Mike graciously hosted us for an incredible four-hour listening session, exclusively using his analog rig, which featured the Transrotor turntable and the United Home Audio reel-to-reel. His passion for high-fidelity audio is evident in every inch of his meticulously curated and polished listening space.
The Zellaton Statements are nothing short of breathtaking—both visually and sonically. We started with a beautifully pressed Dean Martin vinyl, and from the very first note, the holographic soundstage was immediately palpable. The vocals were immense yet elegant, lingering in the air with astonishing resolution—crystal-clear but never bright. The bass was fast and clean, and the separation of instruments was incredibly lifelike.
Next, we listened to Jennifer Warnes, and again, the experience was equally impressive. The speakers delivered remarkable height and a natural, relaxed presentation. But the real magic happened when we switched to the reel-to-reel. Mike played jazz instrumentals and vocal recordings, culminating in Bill Withers' Just the Two of Us—and it absolutely blew me away. The soundstage expanded even further, becoming almost three-dimensional, like a snow globe of music where each instrument felt tangible.
What impressed me most was how astonishingly quiet the overall system was. The exceptionally low noise floor allowed for exquisite resolution without any sense of fatigue. We listened for four hours, at varying volumes, and never once did the sound become overwhelming or tiring. As Gideon had mentioned, the system’s performance at low volumes was remarkable—maintaining its full soundstage and depth without collapsing. I believe the Schnerzinger gear played a key role in enhancing the system’s quietness, which, in turn, made low-volume listening just as immersive.
Mike is eagerly awaiting an upgrade to his Soulution gear, and I can’t wait to hear his thoughts once it’s in place. Given how incredibly impressive his current setup already is, I can only imagine what’s to come.
In short, the Zellaton Statements are extraordinarily resolving without any harshness. They maintain perfect phase coherence, deliver fast, articulate bass, and create an immersive, holographic soundstage.
This experience was a tremendous learning opportunity for me, and I’m incredibly grateful. Thank you, Mike, for your hospitality and for sharing your passion for high-fidelity audio
Kaveh,
Thank you for those kind words. It was a pleasure meeting you and spending the afternoon sharing our mutual passion. As an update, the Solution Phono 757 just landed. When the 717s arrive, hopefully you can join me again to hear the system in its final configuration.
Mike
Some updated photos with the new Solution 727 and 757.
Kaveh and Mike - what a great listening session…, still feeling the goosebumps! And just letting all forum members know that we’d love to host you as well, about an hour outside of Philly. Always great to meet new members and share listening impressions
Goosebumps indeed ! Especially when Hugh Masekala’s coal train tape played !Kaveh and Mike - what a great listening session…, still feeling the goosebumps! And just letting all forum members know that we’d love to host you as well, about an hour outside of Philly. Always great to meet new members and share listening impressions
Mike and Gideon where can I find those elegant stands for the schnerzinger emi and grid guard?
Interesting how people notice things without my speakers. That painting has been there for 12 years since I built the room
What happens if they don't?
Are there any other users driving them with your amps?
It is a question I must admit that has kept me up for many nights but as I have stated there are indeed users using 20 wpc Jadis. I know Emile Bok from Taiko in Holland is driving his Reference Mk ll with Trafomatic IIRC and his room is twice the size of mine
I never noticed it enough to comment on it in my two or three visits. The lighting looks about the same and the Wilsons certainly weren't blocking it. I think there might be a lesson here someplace...Interesting how people notice things without my speakers. That painting has been there for 12 years since I built the room
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