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.

 

[Robifabs]

Hi,

Looking for ideas and recommendations for:
- DC cables to feed REI monoblocs
- XLR interconnect between DAC & preamp and between preamp & REI.

Current digital line set-up is:

Aurender w20
Lampi Horizon
Nagra HD Preamp
WML REI

Current power fed with Hemingway entry range and Nodal audio Rahpsody power cable

Interconnects: Cardas Clear Beyond.

Any reco to sample (and why) would be much appreciated.

Thanks !

 

[Steve Williams]

I'd ask Gary. Doesnt Angus make his own REI cables

 

[Robifabs]

I'd ask Gary. Doesnt Angus make his own REI cables

Thanks a lot Steve,
WML power and interconnects are indeed lined-up for sample. Would be stupid to not go for “the most usual suspects” just… because they are !!
More seriously, I have a number of reference in mind with some very exciting prospects with Jorma Design and Argento.
I am really interested in any alternative recos if any, so as to widen my Horizon
Exactly what I found in the TRP Horizon thread (I am sure you know exactly what I am referring to!)

 

[gleeds]

Hi,

Looking for ideas and recommendations for:
- DC cables to feed REI monoblocs
- XLR interconnect between DAC & preamp and between preamp & REI.

Current digital line set-up is:

Aurender w20
Lampi Horizon
Nagra HD Preamp
WML REI

Current power fed with Hemingway entry range and Nodal audio Rahpsody power cable

Interconnects: Cardas Clear Beyond.

Any reco to sample (and why) would be much appreciated.

Thanks !

Hello, and happy to help. What is your name, Sir? It sounds like you are a customer of Rob and Fred's.

For Rei amplifiers, our top choices are WestminsterLab Carbon Ultra power cords and Ultra Carbon XLR interconnects. It is a perfect match for your system, albeit it would be helpful to know what your speakers are for a more complete picture. I have no concerns that WL's solid core, hand-polished vari-twist cables will offer significant performance benefits, especially on the amplifiers. Sample cables are available without cost or obligation. To present them, I generally ask to speak by phone with interested parties to obtain further details and will need your home address, e-mail, and phone #.

Angus and I appreciate your interest.

My best regards,

Gary

 

[gleeds]

My phone # is: 949.467.9808
e-mail: gary@hearthis.us

 

[SeagoatLeo]

Hi,

Looking for ideas and recommendations for:
- DC cables to feed REI monoblocs
- XLR interconnect between DAC & preamp and between preamp & REI.

Current digital line set-up is:

Aurender w20
Lampi Horizon
Nagra HD Preamp
WML REI

Current power fed with Hemingway entry range and Nodal audio Rahpsody power cable

Interconnects: Cardas Clear Beyond.

Any reco to sample (and why) would be much appreciated.

Thanks !

I purchased the Westminster Labs Ultra XLR for the connection between my REIs and Poseidon. I couldn't be happier with the choice. When finances permit, I will add additional XLRs between equipment and pre-amp.

I am pending audition of the Ultras of both Westminister Labs Ultra and Masterbuilt Ultra power cables for my Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 speakers. I've tried several lesser cables and they failed. I just installed for trial purposes ESP P-14 cables from 20 years ago ($300 in 2007) last week and they brought out the huge potential in my system. I'm shocked but knowing that Gary stated that the higher end WL and VS/MB cables bring greater resolution, speed and body to the music and this old and cheap ESP cable worked on similar design principals (but built to a low price point), I'm giving my speakers the best power cables. Both WL and VS/MB cables have similar quality and share important design characteristics, but different specific builds (wire material, cable twists, etc). I've heard VS/MB cables on my speakers and my speakers were rewired using the VS/MB Ultras. Outstanding! I should not have tried lesser cables (I just purchased the speakers this year).

 

[KeithR]

Hi,

Looking for ideas and recommendations for:
- DC cables to feed REI monoblocs
- XLR interconnect between DAC & preamp and between preamp & REI.

Current digital line set-up is:

Aurender w20
Lampi Horizon
Nagra HD Preamp
WML REI

Current power fed with Hemingway entry range and Nodal audio Rahpsody power cable

Interconnects: Cardas Clear Beyond.

Any reco to sample (and why) would be much appreciated.

Thanks !

Agree that Nagra preamps work great with the REIs. I run Organic by Argento for cables and preferred them to Cardas Clear Beyond. (For much less $)

 

[Steve Williams]

I purchased the Westminster Labs Ultra XLR for the connection between my REIs and Poseidon. I couldn't be happier with the choice. When finances permit, I will add additional XLRs between equipment and pre-amp.

I am pending audition of the Ultras of both Westminister Labs Ultra and Masterbuilt Ultra power cables for my Von Schweikert VR9 SE Mk2 speakers. I've tried several lesser cables and they failed. I just installed for trial purposes ESP P-14 cables from 20 years ago ($300 in 2007) last week and they brought out the huge potential in my system. I'm shocked but knowing that Gary stated that the higher end WL and VS/MB cables bring greater resolution, speed and body to the music and this old and cheap ESP cable worked on similar design principals (but built to a low price point), I'm giving my speakers the best power cables. Both WL and VS/MB cables have similar quality and share important design characteristics, but different specific builds (wire material, cable twists, etc). I've heard VS/MB cables on my speakers and my speakers were rewired using them. Outstanding! I should not have tried lesser cables (I just purchased the speakers the year).

Masterbuilt Ultra is my passion. Their PC is superb Everything they make is superb