WestminsterLab Re-imagining Amplification

[SeagoatLeo]

I am a tube guy. Solid state amps have to work hard to impress me. Even the best ss amps make great first impression only to bore me later on., Previous encounters left me with the impression that the Westminster was good but punching above its' weight. I could iive with it, I thought the VAC was a better match for the VS 55 Ultra.

To be sue VS VR 30 is no Ultra./ When driven by the Westminster the VR-30 is a joy to be heard. While "Westy" had complete control of rh VR 30,- it was not a stranglehold. This combo while expensive could easily slide into an audiophile system. Both have a small footprint. While attractive they are not visually imposing. Despite the fact I was sitting maybe 6 feet away on the diagonal the speakers disappeared sonically. Imaging was realistic without being etxch- -a sketch. Bass was deep and tight. All the boxes were checked without screaming at you. It is unlikely that fatigue will set in during normal listening sessions.
It goes without saying I am impressed with this amp, ,seen at CAF 2024. It is worth a listen.

I own the VR9SE MK2 w/Foundation Amps and the REIs. I have enjoyed listening for 5 hours at a time without fatigue. Opposite-I don't want to leave (neither do my guests). The difference is that my speakers are 94/96 db efficient 6 ohms versus the VR 30 which is 87.5 db efficient 4 ohms. My REIs supply much more than adequate power for my very efficient speakers. The Ultra 55 (50) is similar to the 30 with .5 db more efficient at 88 db. Maybe a bridged pair would be better for the 30 and 50, also dependent on room size. A pair of 10" VS shockwave with a 30 or 50 would negate the need for more than a pair of REI's.

 

[Gregadd]

We all know WPC is a potentially misleading and misunderstood spec.

 

[SeagoatLeo]

We all know WPC is a potentially misleading misunderstood spec,

I had a Legacy Focus with 98 db 4 ohm efficiency and I have a Legacy Signature III with 94 db 4 ohm efficiency. The Focus had 6 12" woofers and the Sig IIIs 3 10" woofers. The former required 125 tube watts to control the woofers while the Sig IIIs use 35 watt highly modified Dynaco ST70 with total control and ample power for a 20X20X10 room. Additionally, the Focus impedance curve versus the sharp angled phase curve made it much more difficult to drive with a smaller powered tube amp.

In solid state versus tube WPC, tube power delivery is generally linear per it's power rating whereas solid state power delivery can vary widely at the same power rating. The REIs would be delicious overkill in power deliverable to my Sig IIIs.

 

[Mobiusman]

Having just received my new VSA Ultra 7's and 2 shockvwaves I clearly see why the VR 30's are called the mini 7"s. I bet they sound great, but will gladly keep what I have, plus the WestMinster electronics and MBUltra cable connecting them!

 

[MarkusBarkus]

...they were using "your" MB Ultra cables at CapFest and those are some seriously nice sausages, Mobiusman. V.Fine set-up you have with the 7s and Shock-and-awe-Waves.

 

[gleeds]

Having just received my new VSA Ultra 7's and 2 shockvwaves I clearly see why the VR 30's are called the mini 7"s. I bet they sound great, but will gladly keep what I have, plus the WestMinster electronics and MBUltra cable connecting them!

 

[gleeds]

And your system, Russell!

 

[Gregadd]

gv

Having just received my new VSA Ultra 7's and 2 shockvwaves I clearly see why the VR 30's are called the mini 7"s. I bet they sound great, but will gladly keep what I have, plus the WestMinster electronics and MBUltra cable connecting them!

In the ballroom at I heard the Ultra 7 paired with 4 of the VAC integrated amps. Quite impressive to say the least.
The "bucket" has been refilled. Congratulations!

 

[lscangus]

Hi everyone - I just wanted to relay a positive story about WestminsterLabs, Angus, and of course WBF's own Gary Leeds. I recently was swapping power cords on one of my REIs and unfortunately one amp died. Upon diagnosis, it turned out the power cord had a bad solder joint from snaking it around and the protection circuitry blew (while protecting the amps internals- ie. good).

I reached out to Gary and he had several ideas, then ultimately the amp was shipped to Angus to repair under warranty despite the mishap. This was done in an extremely timely manner considering the distance involved. It was back in just around 2-3 weeks!

Thanks again Angus and Gary! The REIs are wonderful amps and customer service is high.

Really glad that you are happy about the turnaround time. Enjoy music =].

Sorry a little late to the party with a reply. Gary Leeds is a consummate professional and these Westminster Labs amps are outstanding! We're really looking forward to getting our first products in the Toronto area.

Welcome to the family and really looking forward to work with you in the future.

 

[SeagoatLeo]

And your system, Russell!View attachment 140890

Wow! A SOTA system with the Westminster Lab bundle of a double pair of REIs, the Quest, the Monolgue, the ARS Machinae, gorgeous Von Schwiekert Ultra 7s, Lampizator Horizon. What cables did Russell select (Westminster Lab, Masterbuilt or ?). This looks similar to Gary's system!

 

[gleeds]

Wow! A SOTA system with the Westminster Lab bundle of a double pair of REIs, the Quest, the Monolgue, the ARS Machinae, gorgeous Von Schwiekert Ultra 7s, Lampizator Horizon. What cables did Russell select (Westminster Lab, Masterbuilt or?)

Seagoat, Russ uses a combination of MasterBuilt and WestminsterLab Carbon Ultra cables. His system cables, including interconnects, power cords, and speaker cables, have been MasterBuilt Ultra for some time. He recently added WL Ultra source cables for his balanced phono connection and AES digital cable for his streamer. So far, it's been a superb combination!

 

[mxk116]

And your system, Russell!View attachment 140890

First time I’ve seen the Ars Machinae M1 with 2 motors. Beautiful system.