Never ending happiness, at Nirvana Sound

[StereoNET]

Last night I was lucky enough to spend the evening at Nirvana Sound in East Bentleigh. This had been a much promised visit, since before COVID but finally happened last night.

 

It was purely social. Good wine, food, music, and Mark Dohmann playing DJ via both Helix 1 and 2 turntables.

 

This was the system, featuring Wilson Benesch speakers, Ypsilon electronics, and Stage III Concepts cables:

 

 

I've always been a fan of Wilson Benesch speakers and I consider them one of the most underrated brands in the high-end world - they absolutely fly under the radar.

 

This has to be one of the most holographic systems I've ever heard - with a midrange that is just silky smooth, can deliver in spades when pushed and retains absolutely grip and control. Couple this with multiple smaller (by comparison to my own JBL Everest speakers) woofers that still have the ability to move loads of air, yet have unparalleled speed and drive. One of my complaints in high-end audio is that many speakers are so technically accurate, but just don't have the ability to get loud when called upon - I mean it's great to listen to Angus & Julia, Diana, Nils and all those cliche 'audiophile' go-to's, but who doesn't want to crank it from time to time - The B52's Rock Lobster (of all things) was a perfect example last night - I'll never listen to that track again the same after hearing it last night! With that said, the system is just as capable at low-level listening as well.

 

True, this is a system worth more in dollars than my first home, but it is truly something that you need to hear. I have heard many systems in my travels that cost far more yet do not deliver even close to the transparency, soundstage, and musicality that this one does.

 

George and Mark were the absolute perfect hosts, and the conversation was absolutely enjoyable. What Melbourne has in Nirvana Sound is a couple of the most knowledgeable audiophiles and music lovers the local industry is privileged to have, that just happen to offer advice and solutions for its friends - I say that as it's very much a case of being part of the family first, and business second.

 

When we first announced Nirvana Sound early-2020 on StereoNET, I said "Melbourne's New Home of High End Audio". I wrote that taking a little bit of liberty, but having now visited Nirvana, it was absolutely bang on (what a relief!). 

 

Many of you know George and Mark already - but those that have not made time to visit really should do so. The showroom is by appointment only but we spoke last night about doing some StereoNET nights there soon so that all can get the opportunity to hear this level of system without any obligation or expectations.

 

Thanks for hosting me gents, a truly memorable evening and left me rethinking many aspects of my own system on the long drive home.