Zero Distortion: Sigma MAAT speakers, Kondo, Koda, NAT Magma and Lamm hybrid amps, Kondo GInga vs Da Vinci tables

[bonzo75]

The Sigma MAAT/Vector XAC is probably the most flexible speaker I have heard, and when mated with a full Kondo set up, is one of the best systems I have listened to, and certainly in top 3 of commercial gear, i.e. something that can be replicated, is not a one-off, and where the system quality can be portable to other rooms with reasonable size.

videos and measurements in the article

I heard the speakers with:

1. All Kondo gear including the 211 Gakuons,
2. Another with Vyger – Allnic top of the line DHT phono – Dagostino preamp and Koda K70,
3. Techdas AF2 and NAT Magma new, Riviera preamp, Thales Statement and Schroder CB arms
4. Vyger – Conrad johnson phono – Lamm preamp – Lamm M1.2 hybrids

Sigma MAAT – Final speakers from Italy – Zero Distortion

zero-distortion.org

 

[bonzo75]

 

[Audiocrack]

Good to read that you liked a set up with full Kondo equipment very much, Ked, because I know that so far you have not been impressed by the Kondo brand. And if I see it correctly, in one of the set up’s a Tripoint ‘grounding’ box was used. Never heard the Sigma Maat speakers myself,but they do look very inter interesting indeed.

 

[gian60]

Hi Ked,
you missed this in Italy,
hw has Vyger Atlantis,Ongaku,Pre Accuphse,mono amp Accuphase A 200

 

[gian60]

For tube i love Kondo and ANJ
There are other tube that cost less and could be sound better but no one has the feeling and charme for me like Kondo.
If will buy tube,100% only Kondo

 

[hogen]

Great report!! Well done bonzo!

 

[Ron Resnick]

I love this report! It was great to hear (ah, read) you get excited for a change about a cone speaker!

If I heard the Sigma Matt I think I would like it even more than the XVX. I would like keeping the scale and weight and transparency of the XVX, but reduce the number of crossovers, simplify the crossovers, and with the higher sensitivity and easier load pick up the ability to use SET amplifiers!

 

[LL21]

I love this report! It was great to hear (ah, read) you get excited for a change about a cone speaker!

If I heard the Sigma Matt I think I would like it even more than the XVX. I would like keeping the scale and weight and transparency of the XVX, but reduce the number of crossovers, simplify the crossovers, and with the higher sensitivity and easier load pick up the ability to use SET amplifiers!

Interesting, someone explained to me that Darryl has designed the tweeter and midrange drivers to operate on the basis each driver was designed to roll off more naturally alongside where another of the drivers picks up...resulting in a much simpler crossover design than the earlier Wilson designs?

 

[bonzo75]

In the article after the written part there are videos. Also some measurements shared by the designer Aldo

 

[Tbzc]

I think the magic of MAAT is routed on simple, first order crossover and high sensitivity. When my interest in MAAT started to grow I went to Aldo’s place south of Venice, Italy. I was quite sceptical about claimed sensitivity but he proved it by using PP 300B monoblocks with probably around 20w. Since I can not live without tubes (esp. triodes) that was for me very important factor. Combining triodes with MAAT gives you real life energy, speed and natural flow, much like good horns. Additionaly, with these speakers you get universality in playing different types of music. I listen to old jazz, new jazz, electronica, world music, classical, amplified, non amplified. So, only limitation is my mood, not the type of music

Of all tube amps I have tried (and tried many), I am a big fan of NAT. They really have the guts and musicality! Had Transmiter first then upgraded to NAT Magma New. Also their SUT is terrific for me, but still have to limited experience with SUTs to give final verdict.

I must say that Ked’s visit was really positive for me. I had serious health issues and really bad luck with my analog chain in parallel in last year and half. That is why I was not really able to devote enough time to optimize this part of my system. But what we have achieved when we put Kansui on Thales Statement was mindblowing! Since then I finally enjoy analog more than digital… Still don’t understand why this has happened: due to arm or SUT synergy. SUT is 1:20 so it should be good for MSL.

 

[Golum]

You take no prisoners Ked do you?
Great write up and keep it coming...

 

[morricab]

The Sigma MAAT/Vector XAC is probably the most flexible speaker I have heard, and when mated with a full Kondo set up, is one of the best systems I have listened to, and certainly in top 3 of commercial gear, i.e. something that can be replicated, is not a one-off, and where the system quality can be portable to other rooms with reasonable size.

videos and measurements in the article

I heard the speakers with:

1. All Kondo gear including the 211 Gakuons,
2. Another with Vyger – Allnic top of the line DHT phono – Dagostino preamp and Koda K70,
3. Techdas AF2 and NAT Magma new, Riviera preamp, Thales Statement and Schroder CB arms
4. Vyger – Conrad johnson phono – Lamm preamp – Lamm M1.2 hybrids

Sigma MAAT – Final speakers from Italy – Zero Distortion

zero-distortion.org

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The first system with paper driver mids and Kondo sounds WAAAYYY more realistic than the other system. Very impressive I would say from the videos.

 

[sujay]

Fantastic read, Kedar. Very thorough as always!

 

[christoph]

Fantastic read, Kedar. Very thorough as always!

"He's a good man...
...and thorough"