Assistance with Coincident set-up

Hi Abill,

I owned the latest Franks II last year. For less than a year, i sold it. It was a huge mistake, please don't sell yours. If you like it's neutrality, purity and low level details extraction, nothing comes close to Franks. Yes, like you, i felt at times it was polite when listened to explosive classical and movies, it lacks the oomph...but i had passive preamp then. Preamp mades a huge difference. Save up for the Statement Linestage, I've owned it for 3 months now and regret i didn't do it earlier. Don't look else where....i did that and end up with disappointment and frustration.

If you must have dynamics and gutsier sound, go for Dragons MK2. I had first gen Dragons before upgraded to latest Dragon Mk2, huge difference! It came very close to Franks, but there is still a difference. For most music, Franks with Statement should satisfy most. If you can't compromise ultimate purity, transparency and low level details for a more explosive gutsier sound, Franks should stay in your system.

My suggestion: go for a used dragons and bi-amp with your Franks. If not possible, change your cd player to higher end model of Esoteric, separates are good. And get the latest Coincident Shotgun cables, they are the signature version of Extreme cables, essentially two extreme cables in one...it should made quite significant improvements and transformation to your sound. You will experience Franks like never before....i did that and never regret this route.

All the best!

Jimmy

I think Abill realizes the true gem he has in the Frankenstein MKII amplifier. Jimmy I agree with your opinion of the Statement linestage and hope Abill gets an opprotunity to hear it with his Franks one day.

Thank You Jianming_pang for taking the time to post.Your info is very helpful.I'm not in any hurry to change anything.I like your suggestion to update to Coincidents new ShotGun Cables. Trying to save but it's almost impossible in this economy.I'm spending more time enjoying what I have and trying some diy anti vibration tweeks.The last two or three days I'm fine tuning the location of my speakers.Last night I thing I found the speaker sweet spot,it's amazing the change I got from moving my speakers an eight of an inch this way or that way.
I also ordered more vibrapods (#1 and #2's)and also fine tuned the weights with lighter vibrapods,making one change at a time.
For the last few months I changed my mind set to if it doesn't sound right it's not coincident products and it is paying off in spades !!
I am happy with my Coincident speakers, amps and cables.
My system imaging and dynamics are much improved since tweaking system and getting new preamp tubes.

I'll report back when I get the shotgun cables.

Thank you everyone I appreciate the comments.

Montejay , forgot to mention, thank you for the post on the Dragon II amps.
I don't think I can come up with the money for the Dragons but if I do come into some money I will get them.
Who knows I may win the lottery.

Regards,
Abill

Hi Abill,

If you ever come close to buying a new Dragons Mk2, you may want to consider having an audition first. I'm sure you're familiar with the Franks, if you could hear (Franks) with Statement Linestage before you decide. Better still, if the combo can be paired with the shotgun cables, it would be ideal. If you're ever in Canada or if Israel would participate on future audio shows, you may want to visit him to discuss further or have a listen.

It's a big investment but let your ears be the judge, before you decide.

Personally, I would put my money first on a better preamp like Statement Linestage and Shotgun cables. Unless you're sure Dragons will meet more of your needs which requires high power amplification and a gutsier sound. You'll be surprise how better source, like Esoteric would add to the level of low level details, bass slam and impact.

When i owned the Franks Mk2 with a TVC passive preamp, there were two incidents that surprised or shook me....from Franks...a pair of 8 watts monoblock:

1. When playing a Jazz station from a Sansui TU-9900 FM tuner, the music stopped abruptly, and it felt like air was suddenly sucked out of the room! Shocking experience! i was actually doze off at my couch, and i jumped out from my slumber to find out what happen! Hilarious!!

2. When i played movies from an old DVD, i think it was "tomb raider" when angeline joie was swimming in the sea, there were very minor details i've never heard before.

Plus many other incidents from music recordings and movies i've heard, i wa able to hear more and made lots of new discoveries...the level of low level details extraction and excellent low noise floor still impresses me till this day. But many of my preferences requires higher power amplification...so i chose to plunge into getting the latest Dragons. The Franks by itself is very dynamic, i'm not sure if Dragons was necessarily more dynamic compared to Franks. But Dragons excel in low bass notes control and explosive sound.

Israel has all the above attributes in his system, probably more. I'm sure it'll change your experience. :) I'm glad placement of speakers improve your experience...currently this is an area i don't have much luxury on, plus i don't have dedicated ground lines. This, i believe, will enhance my system further.

Jimmy