Audiophile Bargain!

[EEVblog]

Make an offer!
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/EPITOME-ONE-OF-A-KIND-ULTIMATE-4-7kW-2-3M-HIGH-HOME-THEATRE-SOUND-SYSTEM/253584899308

*PLEASE NOTE FIRST TWO 3D PHOTOS ARE FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY*
It is best to inspect/witness this system in first person to allow yourself to experience the true awe that its presence creates...

Coming from a line of sound enthusiast and speaker designer/builders that dedicated large part of their lives to sound and music reproduction this system was built as a statement to the height of what can be achieved !

Each aspect of the system has our heart and soul poured into it and has evolved dynamically over nearly 10 years. The speakers are made of heavy pressed MDF with a piano black finish. They were designed and build in Russia and air flown to Australia.

These exact speakers were originally featured at the world's Top Gear Festival 2014 in Sydney

Focal's Grande Utopia has served as the initial inspiration for this build - Focal Grande Utopia EM (https://www.focal.com/en/home-audio/high-fidelity-speakers/utopia-iii/floorstanding-speakers/grande-utopia-em) is currently being offered for $285,000 retail (https://www.stereophonic.com.au/focal-grande-utopia-em-floorstanders-pair)

The speakers are fully powered by top level Class-D amplifiers with an active crossover and featuring Dirac Live® Digital Room Correction and Sound Optimisation to dynamically achieve the highest possible level of sound quality in any environment.

The system is also designed to be mobile so it can be moved between rooms in a house or your theatre room for personal enjoyment or, on that big day having them rolled out to the social area or even weather protected outside environment to bathe your guests in that extra impression.


Our vision of 'what can be' has manifested itself in this wonder and have led to its unique superior range and sound characteristics:

- All sections are heavy solid MDF with subwoofers using double thickness. This is evident with each speaker stack weighting approximately 300kg. Each speaker is 235cm high (2.3m) and with the base and the curvature it requires allowance of 110cm in depth and 65cm in width.

- Each speaker stack is permanently fixed on a skirted heavy duty metal trolley with locking wheels. Trolleys were also custom designed and made allowing the speakers to be moved around and transported. Trolleys also feature metal frame fixture that covers the permanently fixed bottom 3 layers for safe transportation while detachable top two layers come with their own individual wheeled cases. Taking off top 2 layers/speakers allows moving through lower doorways in a building when detached.

- Each speaker comes with a full height assembled cover for safe storage when not in use.

- Speakers are direct driven with No Passive Crossover and requires 4 channels per each speaker stack to be driven, for a total of 8 channels that are provided by the processing and amplifier rack. NOTE: Passively crossing over this much power did not produce the results we were after.

- System is powered by two custom built Hypex 4.2kW amplifiers and a Crown 500W DriveCore™ amplifier. Amps were built and chosen to have as direct as possible sound pathway, with no unnecessary digital or analogue processing to minimise distortion and maintain highest quality. Total Amplifier Power Handling is 4.7kW

- All internal cabling is done using heavy grade Tchernov™ (http://www.tchernovcable.com) Power Speaker Cables

- Also Included in the set are two ultra-high end Tchernov™ 4-core cables for wiring the speaker stacks to the amplifier rack.

- All speaker drivers are top of the range Beyma™ - "European Drivers Since 1969". System Features 18" low end driver, 12", 6.5" and Pleated Diaphragm Tweeters. Speaker Total power handling is 3kW AES or 6.3kW Programmed

As this system is less of an object and more of an experience it is best to arrange and witness it in person.

We are located in Murrumbeena VIC 3163 (3 minutes from famous Chadstone SC)

[EEVblog]

Another wank brand I hadn't heard of:
http://tchernovcable.com/en/products/ultimate-series/

The Ultimate project marks the culmination of our continued efforts to redefine the state-of-the-art in cable design. These cables are the best we ever produced and probably the finest audio cables available anywhere today. Designed and carefully handcrafted for the most demanding High End enthusiasts they drive the industry to a previously unimagined level. The unmatched list of materials used reflect our relentless quest for absolute musical fidelity over the past 16 years.

The Ultimate cables incorporate a number of major design breakthroughs. The most profound distinction is the BRC+ conductors with unsurpassed impurity ratios, especially for the elements with semiconductor properties like tin (Sn) <0.00002%, germanium (Ge) <0.00002%, antimony (Sb) <0.00004%, arsenic (As) <0.00003%, cadmium (Cd) <0.00003%, and oxygen (O) <0.00024%. Due to their extremely high production cost the new BRC+ conductors are used only in the Ultimate series at present.

The field of dielectrics is a source of a further definition boost. We rethought the conductor insulation/binding arrangement maximizing their parameters through the use of a complex SATI®/SASDB® assembly. Such a radical solution steps down the common-mode component distributed capacitance thus manifesting itself as desensitizing the cable to HF and UHF noise and reducing signal energy losses. Moreover, it improves vibration damping of the conductor, exceeding that of the Reference series, and decreases the electrodynamic noise to undetectable levels.

The Ultimate cables are the first to be engineered with X-Shield® SE (Super Efficiency) - the next generation of our patented Multi-Element Shielding System. It is a 4-layer interactive sandwich, where a >60% BRC braid is enclosed by two layers of solid 50 µ rolled BRC foil. Heavy foil provides better EMI suppression at LF, where industrial noise is most intensive. Due to higher metal mass the SE edition offers superior vibration absorption and drastically reduces electrodynamic noise generated in the shield. Furthermore, the additional outer layer of >85% silver tinsel braid improves the HF-UHF noise protection. The comprehensive shielding capabilities further expand the attainable dynamic range.

The new gleaming top-of-the-line Ultimate RCA & XLR plugs along with Spade & Banana connectors, made of completely rhodium plated beryllium copper completes our meticulous product visualization. Rhodium is chosen for its extreme hardness. The coating serves to protect the beryllium copper pin’s surface from deformation and homogeneity disturbance which can cause non-linear or high resistive local zones. Rhodium is noted for its proven neutrality and more detailed, articulated performance. 

Near ideal dynamics along with awesome scale definition maintained throughout the entire frequency range translates to exacting timbre, enormous physicality and fabulous uncompromised transparency. We cannot name a single competitor at any price which is clearly superior. But the final proof lies in listening, of course. The Ultimate is a priceless investment to a lifetime of audio excitement. Enjoy the music!

[MrMobodies]

That EPTIOME is so glossy it will light up with everything else in the room never mind the television.
Looking from the pictures it has got Samwha mains caps in the amplifier two small boards.

Why are they using loose speaker cable and TERMINAL STRIPS at the back of the subwoofer?
It looks dodgy for that price as you wouldn't expect cables dangling off a terminal block like that behind the subwoofer.

I see at Tchernov Cable they believe in the crystal/electron alignment wankery like from your EEVblog #29 - Audiophile Audiophoolery video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7ERMu825m4#t=2m20s

http://tchernovcable.com/en/materials/brc/
It doesn't say alignment but I get the picture from their diagram.

[ebastler]

"... made ourselves from scratch".

"And we even included some spare scratches for free!" 
(Most obvious on the base of the left speaker.)

Audio qualities and ridiculous pricing aside, these things just look homemade and "wannabe high end" to me. If you polish the surfaces to a shine, better make sure that they are plane before you start polishing, because all those little wobbles will show up nicely...

[b_force]

I find it always a bit lame to make fun of other people, while I see quite some gear snobs buying overpriced gear on this forum as well.

So to quote these people; "If you don't like it, don't watch it and leave them alone"

[Cyberdragon]

I find it always a bit lame to make fun of other people, while I see quite some gear snobs buying overpriced gear on this forum as well.

So to quote these people; "If you don't like it, don't watch it and leave them alone"

No...I will not be happy until this filthy POS shorts out and BURNS!

[Domagoj T]

"Each aspect of the system has our heart and soul poured into it "
Now there is  if I ever knew one.

[Mr. Scram]

"Air flown" as opposed to "ground flown".

[MrMobodies]

"Each aspect of the system has our heart and soul poured into it "
Now there is  if I ever knew one.

They definitely poured their heart and soul on the aspects of dangling the wires and terminal blocks at the back of the speaker or better put had them flap around in the breeze.

Sarcasm; They couldn't have used any any terminal block not with that grade of cable so they must of cryogenically frozen them first and had their electrons realigned to match up with the cables.

[ebastler]

"If you don't like it, don't watch it and leave them alone"

That motto also works well for displeased readers of this thread. 

[Domagoj T]

"Air flown" as opposed to "ground flown".

In their defense, stuff you put on ships is called cargo, and you ship stuff by cars or trucks, so there's that... I guess they just wanted to make it perfectly clear to us that they spared no expense with their outsourcing of manual labour.

[chris_leyson]

Tchernov cable, it must be good it's got arrows on it to tell you which way the electrons flow  For fuck sakes I would be more than happy with an old Marshall or Peavey amp and some speakers.

[MrMobodies]

I was searching for complaints about this cable and couldn't find any but I found a community of Audio Audiophoolies discussing them.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/tchernov-cables-anyone-knows-anything-about-them

Quoted from Inna at Audiogon
The cables require 230 hours to fully burn in, they now have about 160 hours. I tried them with three sources - Acoustech PH-1 phono, Nak 682ZX deck and CEC TL5100Z cd player.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7ERMu825m4#t=2m35s
Dave: "You have to wear them in, it's nuts!"

[tggzzz]

Erm, the top two photos are 2D photos, not 3D photos!

But then it would be surprising if audiophools got anything right!

[SiliconWizard]

Isn't that the price of a small house?
 

[EEVblog]

I find it always a bit lame to make fun of other people, while I see quite some gear snobs buying overpriced gear on this forum as well.

Show me a $5000 hand held multimeter with the same specs as a $50 meter and I'll concede your point.

The difference is huge. Many engineers don't mind buying more expensive test gear that has say a bandwidth they might never use, or better build quality etc, and that's fine. But what they don't do is claim that their $5000 instrument with the same specs can measure things the $50 instrument can't. That's what Audiophools claim, and it's why we are justified in laughing at them.

[Kean]

Erm, the top two photos are 2D photos, not 3D photos!

But then it would be surprising if audiophools got anything right!

Actually, they're 2D renders of 3D models

[tggzzz]

Erm, the top two photos are 2D photos, not 3D photos!

But then it would be surprising if audiophools got anything right!

Actually, they're 2D renders of 3D models

Precisely. They are not 3D photos.

But then I've been taking 3D photos since 1984, and have some wonderful ones from the Edwardian and WW1 eras
https://vintagestereoscopicglassslides.wordpress.com/

[HighVoltage]

You guys have it all wrong!
I think the house is included and its is a bargain.

[abraxa]

What I find interesting is that the rendered speakers look so nice because the speaker cones have a distinct color. The real ones, however, are using plain old paper cones in the all-too-common shade of gray. They try to sell these babies for big bucks but don't use fancy-looking speakers? Amateurs.

[MrMobodies]

A bit inconsistent with not making the real ones fancy looking.

Looking at that AudoiGoon website I think I need some kind of amplification to hear for myself what they say they are hearing.

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/do-speaker-cables-need-a-burn-in-period

Quote from gdnrbob1 at Audiogoon

Components and cables seem to be affected by a 'breaking in' period.
What seems to be a simply electric path has subtle intricacies that, in the end, affect sound reproduction.
It seems like it would make a great thesis in EE.

For mere listeners, like myself, I just recognize the effect and play music.
When 'it' happens, I am a happy guy.

What a happy guy when it's broken into.


https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/cannot-find-perfect-sound/post?postid=1643618

Quote from kenjit at AudioGoon

Cannot find perfect sound

I've been listening to supposedly some of the finest speakers that currently exist. These include b&w 800 Series, revel high end, vivid audio, Psi audio and kef blades.
They must have excellent hearing and I wonder if they would submit themselves to hearing tests to confirm how good their hearing is to notice the difference.

Quote from jim204 at AudioGoon
I think one because they are probably a centimetre from your ear drum and two they are blasting may100 db as well and maybe they have damaged your eardrums so much that you now can't differentiate good from bad. Them earbuds'll do it every time.

Might have gone deaf without noticing but notices everything else with the sound.

I wonder if they would subject themselves to hearing tests to show that they have superior hearing and can hear such differences.

Sarcasm; Also I think Google agrees with me or were they Google bombed?
Type in AudioGoon and the AudioGon website comes at the top of the search results.

[HighVoltage]

And look, how they connect the cables inside.
Unbelievable!

[MrMobodies]

And look, how they connect the cables inside.
Unbelievable!

They are not ordinary cables or terminal blocks.

Nor can they be tightened down and secured due to the outside vibrations of the casing that might be heard through the speaker.
The sound won't sound pure enough if the cables are tightened down so it is best to leave them loose so that they resist any external vibrations that may occur.

They have been cryogenically frozen and had their electrons and crystals realigned to match up with the likes of the Audiophoolies at the AudioGoon community website.

[b_force]

I find it always a bit lame to make fun of other people, while I see quite some gear snobs buying overpriced gear on this forum as well.

Show me a $5000 hand held multimeter with the same specs as a $50 meter and I'll concede your point.

The difference is huge. Many engineers don't mind buying more expensive test gear that has say a bandwidth they might never use, or better build quality etc, and that's fine. But what they don't do is claim that their $5000 instrument with the same specs can measure things the $50 instrument can't. That's what Audiophools claim, and it's why we are justified in laughing at them.

Not gonna go into a debate with that, because it's gonna be an endless story.

But let me say this,
If it was about debunking some kind of product on the market or company, fair enough.
But doing this on a personal or individual level is just being judgemental and childish.
Like I said, I just find it lame to make fun of other people, go look at the mirror first to face your own little weird quirks since everyone has them.
Very disappointing.

Maybe it's just a difference in culture, but many people I know would find it a little disrespectful.
Even if what people believe isn't totally completely according to science, just respect them.

[TK]

“This is a custom made system that we designed and made ourselves from scratch.”   

Including the "custom" cheap eBay amp boards with the traditional QC (Quality Check) label on them...