Ken's 9.5 foot tall, 1400 pound (each) speakers and ULTIMATE turntable take DIY to the extreme
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- čas přidán 13. 09. 2024
- Ken Fritz is a one of a kind audiophile, and his system is probably the most extreme expression of DIY audio I've seen!
Ken's video by Boom Sizzle, connect@boomsizzle.com
It's a really big system, here's a partial list of the components:
The heart of this system is a Krell Evolution 707 pre- processor. All connections are made via balanced lines using premium grade Neutrik XLR connectors and 4 conductor cable sourced from Gotham Audio. This is a double shielded cable with the wire drawn in Turkey and fabricated in Germany. This is a custom made wire designed for Neumann to interconnect their microphones and associated equipment.
Ken designed and built his Frankentable, a vacuum turntable with three VPI HRX double motor - flywheel drive units, which are controlled by three (3) separate VPI SDS motor controllers. The 750 pound 'table rests on a custom made Minus K isolation platform custom designed for this weight capacity.
The turntable has three tonearms:
Arm #1: Kuzma airline with Koetsu Platinum Signature Jade cartridge Arm #2: Kuzma airline with My Sonic Labs Eminent Gold cartridge Arm #3: Kuzma 4 point with Lyra Atlas cartridge
These three (3) arms are plugged into an Aesthetix Rhea 3 channel phone pre- amp. Output goes to balanced input 1 on Krell Evolution 202 pre-amp. Output of the Evolution 202 goes to an input of the Krell 707 via Krell cast connection.
Two reel-to-reels:
Ampex ATR 102 reel-to-reel tape machine for playback of master tapes
Ampex ATR with Aria upgrade electronics with Playback Designs A to D converter for transferring master tapes to the 20 TB hard drive.
Digital:
Lake Audio LM-44 A-D-A signal processor. Output of LM44 to Crane Song STC8 - mastering limiter - compressor. Compression feature completely turned off. Output of the STC8 mastering limiter to input of Krell KBX 3-way active crossover. Low output of KBX goes to one half of a Krell FPB 600 amplifier and then to mid-base section of front loudspeaker. Mid output of KBX goes to second half of the Krell FPB 600 driving the midrange section of front loudspeaker. High output of the KBX crossover goes to one-third of a Krell Evolution 403, 400 watt, 3-channel amplifier and then to high frequency drivers in front loudspeaker.
The Lake LM44 processor was used via both a near and far field microphone measurements to adjust the frequency response of the above loudspeaker to a flat response. It was also used to adjust for room anomalies - room correction.
Two measurements were taken for two settings of the LM44; one for 2 channel playback of audio and the second setting for playback of home theater signals. Switching between the two settings on the LM44 was done through the use of an HP laptop computer.
The room was designed and built by Ken and his family, with attention paid to room acoustics and integrated room treatment.
On the video side there's a Sony VLP-WV995ES 3D - 4K projector and a Stewart Electrascreen 135 inch screen.
Power:
PS Audio regenerators and APC Smart UPS battery backup.
#DIYaudio #hometheater #audiophile
I've had the pleasure of being invited to Ken's home to witness this system in person. Aside from the jaw-dropping sound and scale, the most impressive thing is Ken's kindness and obvious passion and joy in sharing his system with others. He didn't know me from Adam, but he just handed me a record and told me to put it on. Let me tell you, I've never been so nervous using a turntable in my life! Ken is as much of a gem as this system. ~Nicholas @ LTA
How did it sound?
@@rottmannash
He already said: "Jaw-dropping".
@@rottmannash It was fantastic. I wanted to hear it in 2-channel mode (presuming that was possible with this system), which I did not get the opportunity to do, but regardless, it was effortless and natural. I mean, when the sax came in on a jazz recording he played, it was in the room and with spot-on timbre. And of course, the soundstage was gargantuan!
@@nicholastolson1699 Nicholas, does Ken live in Iowa by chance?I ask because I come from Iowa and he mentioned the movie Bridges of Madison county which is in Iowa
@@StewartMarkley He lives near Richmond, VA. He's my uncle.
I am a blessed man to have been to Ken's home on more than a few occasions. While I readily admit this story is filmed/recorded in stunning fashion it pales in comparison to being there....and most of all it falls far short in conveying what a great man Ken is. God Bless you, my brother!
Ah, Tom...perhaps you can answer the question I put to Steve: What the heck is up with all of the grandfather clocks?!
I envy you Tom
@@redstarwraith My guess is grandfather clocks are his other passion judging by the lumber in the workshop.
@@redstarwraith he's worrying about time they should go
@@redstarwraith lol.....Ken is inherently a collector of things. To be honest I moved out of the country and when I was there I believe he had those in another part of the home...so honest answer...I don't know!..lol
I wasn't expecting that. Very moving, it's a lot to process. I wish the best for Ken and his family.
It brought a tear to my eye watching this .
This was spectacularly well shot and his story is heartfelt.
Even if this wasn’t an Uber system , the man had / has passion and a life well lived .
Thank you Steve.
Agreed... 100%
Seriously his speakers are Uber ! most Audiophile speakers are a joke compared to these -the Krell gear cost total is terrifying -Ken is not an idiot but a master of Audio - i have not heard this myself but talked to Ken around 10 years ago and met an audio buff who heard this system -just the room alone apparently has incredible sound
@@roymindmybusiness6908
Terrifying is right!
Couldn't have used a better word for that.
I think this comment sums it up, if that's even poossible...
Hey......what carmine said
Extremely moving. The highest of compliments to Ken for pursuing his dreams. Awesome looking system - I can only imagine the performance. The stuff dreams are made of, turned into reality through belief, dedication, and heart. Ken, I'm gutted your health is not better - may you enjoy the experience and undoubted pleasure of your work with your family/loved ones for the remainder of your time on this earth - bless you sir, you are an inspiration.
THIS......Could NOT be said ANY better... BLESS YOU. TRULY MOVING.
Well said Roy.
Its the audiophile equivalent of what Michelangelo did with the Sistine Chapel :D.
I have been to Pantheon in Rome, possibly the most stunning and famous construction in Italy. I think this is the level of construction we are talking about here, mindblowing is a gross understatement. Extremely impressive Ken.
It is heartbreaking to hear about your condition. Good luck 😋
If I had read your comment first I wouldn't have needed to add mine = both perfect and practical.
Wow...... what a man! This is the type of man that got us to the moon. They know no limits.
Yes, absolutely spot on.
This IS the type of man that got us to the moon ... indeed.
Richard Jones
This is the type of man that got us back from the moon, even more important.
No human has gone to the moon. But the system looks marvelous
Pablo Malaga plenty have gone to the moon.....
@@pablomalaga4676 you don't exist but great comment!
How amazing is this guy, I wish him well for his remaining time here on this earth.
Enjoy the music
What an absolute badass! I thought it would be just some rich, bald Jeff Bazos type who had people do 70% of the work for him, but I couldn't have been more mistaken. Long live Ken, best of luck with his health to him.
lets be honest, Jeff probably didnt have to do squat. he started off in a hedge fund
Ken is rich for sure. A project like this costs a fortune.
I'm not crying, you're crying! A wonderful video! Beautiful to see Ken share his life long passion with his family like that. It's a unique time and bond they will always share, even after Ken is gone. Thanks for sharing his story Steve.
Thanks for sharing this Steve. What a unique individual. Krell must be thrilled he chose their equipment! I hope and pray he can stave off the inevitable as long as possible. A cruel fate for such a person.
On the outside, it looked like the video would be a tribute to excess, but in reality it is a tribute to one man and his family's devotion to music and a lifelong project powered by love and togetherness.
Ken, thank you for letting the world see a part of your world.
May God bless you.
This brought tears to my eyes. I can't imagine having the patience, the vision or the know how to build such an end-game system. And his wish for his creation to exist intact....wow.
Steve this is truly beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been enlightened when ken said « everything in this system is part of me ». It made the whole thing make sense. It was not only about audiophilia, It’s about family. Thé human sidesof the journey is amazing. Thanks for an inspiring story.
"The future is now." Wiser words have never been spoken.
The only thing more beautiful than this audio system and that room is Ken and his family. God bless Ken and family. 🙏
Yeap it's Always Family,👨👩👧👧, then here Comes The Boom,🔉🔊🔊
I really love ‘ken’s smile’ at the end of the video while sitting in his nice chair. Spinning his tunes. I feel that love just as he does for beautiful well put together sound.
I never thought I’d get emotionally moved watching the Audiophiliac. Thanks Steve, and thanks Ken for sharing your amazing system.
Ken is truly a blessed man and I'm honored to have him share a small window of his life with me. Hats off to him and his amazing accomplishment.
Just amazing. Ken shows us, by example, how rewarding it is to make the most of the time we have.
“It brings tears to my eyes, not because it is a different movie but because I am a different person viewing that movie”
This just blew my mind and relates to me and a stage in my life (utterly unrelated to audio) that I have not been able to put into words until now.
Absolute audiophile...and the emotionalone....tears in my eyes and my heart goes to you Ken....thank you Audiophiliac for this
I was so moved by his passion for audio. Praying for you Ken. Thank You Steve for a look at Ken's life and passion for audio.✌️
Thank you Steve for showing this. Truly an inspiration for anyone interested in audio, and LIFE for that matter. For me the audio journey is kept on tiny budget. It's for the most part a matter of thrift store hunting, buying broken gear and learning how to fix it. But what's great is that even though all our journeys are so different, the goal of enjoying music and life are the same. This was a truly amazing view into this mans life-journey that truly touched me and everyone else I'm sure.
Thanks again! 🙂❤
Thank you Steve for showing this as everyone has mentioned. This is truly a man with a passion and love for music and family! He and his family have done a terrific job actually an unbelievable job at best. My prayers are with he and his family and I pray that he has a long time left here to rest and enjoy all of this hard work that is still hard to imagine possible for one man and one family to accomplish. Gives the word audiophile a new meaning! Thank you again for letting us see your magnificent system and to reinstall in all of us to follow up with our dreams!
Wow this should be internationally recognised.
I have been incredibly fortunate to enjoy the hospitality of Ken and his family on a number of occasions. I can say without reservation that the only thing better than Ken's system is the experience of enjoying it in the company of friends.
Those who know Ken might want to tell him about
Carbon 60.
Many testimonials on CZcams.
czcams.com/video/GPiigWAn1WY/video.html
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Very cool. Thanks for sharing. I guess that's one of the joys of getting old. Things that had a certain meaning when we where younger can have a totally different meaning when we're older.
I too was fortunate enough to spend many an evening watching news coverage of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq and was amazed by the incredible sound.
Ken and I watched movies with the surround sound and the sound was the most incredible I have ever heard.
I don't think there is a week that goes by that I don't think of Ken and miss him.
He was truly a driven and talented individual who was always striving to make a better mouse trap.
The cast polymer industry is better for having Ken involved for so many years.
God Speed Ken
Everyone has at least one good book in them and Ken’s is written in the audio system he put together. It should be something that belongs to the museum.
Are you sure your name isn’t Henry Jones Jr? Lol
Thank you for the gesture and I am sure Andrew would be proud to acknowledge what his family had done for him and his work reflect all their love and sacrifice just as I do with my family. I do, however, won’t mind to have a “Bro in Arms” with awesome persons!!! Again thanks for the kind sentiment, Christopher!
Wow! Sometimes something just 'hits you' and for a moment you have clarity and a new perspective on life and its meaning. Ken, you have lived life with a purpose and brought joy not just to your family and those around you, but in sharing this video with the world, you have brought joy to many. I don't need to hear your system - Yes, I would love to, but I already know that it is 'perfect'. I hope you continue to have pleasure from your achievement.
Two big thumbs up. What a project. What a story. I'm gobsmacked.
This is the audiophile answer to “Why do we climb mountains?”. It’s not only that Ken spent the money but he invested the time and effort. This is about love for life and what it has to offer.
Sorry I'm scared of heights and the reason people climb mountains is because they're barking mad
Barry Musgrove oddly, I feel more sadness (and empathy) for you than I do for Ken.
Thank you Steve for showing us this. What a terrific man, terrific setup, all of this just awesome to watch. This may be my favorite episode ever !
Incredible!! Simply incredible... an amazing achievement!
Ken's a very dedicated and talented man, words cannot describe the admiration I felt watching this video.
Heartfelt thanks to him for opening his music heaven to the rest of our community and, of course, thanks to you Steve for sharing it with us.
I just wonder who on earth are the 2 miserable souls who put negative feedback.. how can one not admire such person?
Incredible story. Ken made his dream a reality.
That guy is the real deal. Here is an audiophile who has well and truly (understatement of the century!) earned his audiophile stripes. Respect.
Incredible build. Nothing more can be said. As I DYIer I am blown away.
It also encourages us all to enjoy every day and be grateful as our time is limited. It has occurred to me that my own DIY efforts are far too large to move to a condo and of little interest to others. So I am going off to my listening room and enjoy it while I can.
Ive been working in the audio/High end industry for 30 years and today i discover this amazing video,thank you Steve and Ken for this.This man is special.
Your best upload Steve
WOW! I can't believe what I am hearing and seeing in this video. I would have never thought anyone could have built a sound system like this. I love the room and everything in there and can only imagine how wonderful it must sound. I could spend hours just listening to the two grandfather clocks alone. I consider myself very fortunate to own a Sansui B-2301 and a set of theater speakers. I have permanent never damage caused be Surgery in 2010 and will be on narcotics for the rest of my life because of the pain and have found the music really helps. I was at a loss for words and was saddened when ken said he had ALS. I do know what pain is and what it is like to die and be brought back. Ken will find comfort in listing to the sound system he has built. Ken seems to be a very nice and kind person. And I wish the family and him well. Steve thank you for sharing ken's passion for music. I don't know him wish I did.
How quickly the Audio became relatively insignificant compared to this man’s life. Still wiping away tears.
I made my family watch this wonderful and moving story of Ken’s life achievement and audiophile journey. Totally inspiring In every way. I wish Ken well in the rest of his life. Now he can just enjoy the music with his family on the worlds best system. Thanks to Steve for sharing this amazing story.
Oh my heart I'm fn teared up Mr Steve this man is awesome this touched my heart I'm 56 and finally clean off dope I'm loosing my mind building a system to fill my spirit as well music saved my life. I live all music and after 11 overdoses 3 icu stays my emotional self opened up I found salvation and my daughters n husbands are back in my life Steve ill tell you what your channel woke a old feeling in me you helped save my life and I thank you I have put a modest system together that makes my soul dance . but his looks like the systems we all get in heaven. I'm praying for him to live as unasailed as possible as long as possible thank you sir thank you for all you do !! We love you Steve guttenburg
Here's to you, Edward:
*That's Life*
czcams.com/video/TnlPtaPxXfc/video.html
*For Once In My Life*
czcams.com/video/jZYIxbVr0qc/video.html
The full Ken video is worth the watch.
I hope Ken reads this because i take my hat off to him ... you have to be something special to be able to make something like that & as long as he is well .. he will enjoy music until the end of his days... well done again Sir..
Thanks Paul,
I usually have a music on from the time I get out of bed until after dinner when we watch a movie. I never have heat on in the music room because between all the incandescent lights and the dozen amplifiers running the AC is always on.
thanks, Ken
Amazing video, thanks for sharing. I wish all the best to Ken in his remaining years and hope he enjoys all of it with his family and incredible setup. Having lost a father to ALS myself I unfortunately know what is coming.
Ken you are an amazing person. Steve thank you for sharing this moment.
So well shot I thought it was going to be a home movie in lockdown but this shows his humanity more than many videos out there.
This brought tears to my eyes, Thanks Ken and Steve for this..
Wow. What an epic system, journey and man. I really hope he is OK and able to continue to enjoy his hard work for years to come.
Me: I am a Audiophile. Ken: I have a little something to show you.
"Now that's a KNIFE!!" XD
@@davidfromamerica1871 hahahaha
Yup. I love my system but it is a kids toy income pare.
@@davidfromamerica1871 you would be the the first person i would TeaBag !
Me TOO 👍 💯
Pure gooseskin!!!! All the best for Ken! Respect from Germany, Oliver
Isn't that what we all dream of? Accomplish something extraordinary, and then having some time left to enjoy all that? He is a fortunate man.
A remarkable system and a remarkable man.
I'm pressed by not only Ken, but by his wife. She gave him five children, and the freedom to pursue and finally reach his dream.
Ken, you truly are a man to admire. You are blessed, even with ALS.
Not gonna see that gear on ebay anytime soon! ;-)
That has to be one of the most special rooms in any house on the planet! Amazing and unbleievable. Love people with passion and vision and who are prepared to work for their goals. This room deserves to be turned into a living museum.
I feel honoured to have viewed this. Music drives us in unusual ways. Thank you, Steve and most of all thank you , Ken
😳😢 OMG!!! Beautiful lifetime journey in audio. A life passion. Great story.
Extraordinary. Inspiring although I don’t remotely have a fraction of his knowledge it is aspirational. It took him decades. A perfectionist but pleased to see he knows when to stop and share his accomplishments and enjoy the fruits of his vision and labor.
Wow. I’m just kinda flabbergasted. Thank you for putting up and sharing that vid, Steve, and of course, thank you, Ken!
By far the best Audiophile video ever.
If I was Ken, when my time came to stay in a wheelchair, I would go into this room, sit in the most comfortable sofa ever and full send this sound system untill the last minute. Just appreciate this creation every minute possible.
Nothing but respect for this man and his family. It would be great if Krell guys take over his gear once when time comes and create a "Welcome" room in their factory as PS Audio has (they have 3 I think). To create a legacy to a man so passionate about his hobby as well as manufacturer themself to show what one can do with their gear and a lot of imagination and "know-how". Make it open and available to all music enthusiasts around the world :)
Wow Steve..that was amazing both on the shear work,love and skill that went into it but more importantly I feel on the human level..wonderful...thank you to ken and his family for sharing
What about a listening appointment fundraiser. Price is a set donation to the ALS Association. You get to listen to one full album in it's entirety. Great video Steve, thank you for sharing this with us. Ken and his family are truly amazing.
I couldn't do it. To start with, I've got two versions of Tubular Bells, then there's Neil Diamond with The Jazz Singer. Or Alan Parsons Project with I Robot. And what about the classics like 1812 Overture, or some Bach.
Can I have one full WEEK please?
Where a fantastic dream meets crystal clear vision and a cast iron will, truly anything is possible.
A thoroughly inspiring and human story, thank you for sharing and my warmest and most positive vibes going out to Ken, his family and all you have touched - which judging from the other comments has been many.
May the rest of your days be many, full of joy, love and music and without pain Mr Fritz.
Wow!! I'm speechless...amazing is not adequate. THAT is passion. It speaks volumes about Ken and his passion for perfect sound. Praying for Ken and his family.
Wonderful, incredibly moving story. I wish Ken all the best, and many more years of enjoyment with his incredibe system! What makes this story so special is that he isn't just some rich guy who bought a bunch of expensive gear and slapped it all together, but a real audiophile who has meticulously built his dreams listening room out of pure passion for the hobby.
A work of passion in the highest level.
I am speechless. Determined to make his dream
Come true.
Dream accomplished
Congratulations Ken on reaching all your goals, and for creating an extraordinary system and environment in which to enjoy it. I want to wish you luck with this next journey you face and hope that you will experience a complete remission, so that you will have more time to enjoy what you have created. Thank you for sharing, God Bless and good luck!
Caught the video last night and it's GLORIOUS.
Ken, that is one hell of an impressive system design. Even more impressive is the fact that you engineered many of the components yourself! It is truly inspirational. I hope & pray that you defy medical diagnosis and get to enjoy your life passion for many more years to come. I can only dream of ever hearing, let alone owning a system of such grand scale.
God bless you, ~n thank you for sharing such a wonderful system.
Man ,that hit my heart. This is why we do what we do. Thanks kindly for sharing that amazing story of music and passion.
How incredibly inspiring. God bless this man.
It's inspiring. A passion that not only drives you forward, but now carries you when things are coming to an end.
That is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.
Ken,
by making this video and sharing your passion you have ensured that your legacy will live on and you can take heart in that you have just convinced an untold number of people to pursue their dreams and,
"That what you dream can become a reality" You Sir are a Class act and I wish you well.
Steve,
Thanks for sharing Ken's system.
Total respect!
Enjoy your system Mr. Fritz!
this was done on love music and the love of audio ! wow I have seen multi million system but nothing so stylish and elegant. I don't see anybody surpassing this in my life time . I hope that someone will keep this music edifice up so that all can see !
Holee cow. I’ll admit I thought the photo was fake when I first saw it in the video. But Ken is the real deal and I applaud his focus and dedication.
Wow... what a system, and what a story. Ken, your system is beyond words.
Wow. Several years ago I built my own speakers, they stand 5 feet high and 3 feet deep, and I thought they were big....
On a more serious note, the lesson here is if you've got plans then get on on with them. You really have no idea how much time you have left. Ken has ticked all his boxes. Hardly any of us get to so that, mostly because of our own inability to put life's distractions aside and single-mindedly chase our dreams.
I've built my speakers, and plans are drawn up for the turntable next. I'm basically Ken, just with a much smaller budget. I'm only just into my fifties so hopefully I have a bit of time yet.
Ken, your a A1 Audio expert. My impression of you and your outlook on life is just so inspiring.God has plans for you still. Best to you & yours...
Thank-you Steve for sharing. Very emotional and awe inspiring.
Great to see what people can do with drive, skill, passion and love..and humility .
Just awesome Steve, thanks for sharing this incredible story and achievement with us.
The best part is that his family were part of the build.
That is one VERY serious audiophile. Ken's passion and emotion brought tears to my eyes. It's so sad that he's being slowly robbed in his sunset years. God bless him and all best wishes to him and his
This is a huge step up in the already good quality of video.
And the story (and gear) is very compelling.
Thank you S.G.
Wow wow wow Amazing!!!! There are really no words for The Man and the build😲
Totally floored. What a beautiful film, beautiful system, beautiful man. Family, music, passion... you’re doing life right Ken.
What a beautiful, wonderful human being. An inspiration to us all.
Great video, thx Ken for sharing this. This convinced me whatever we accomplished really means nothing, it is just a temporary thing. We need to focus on something that eternal.
Great story
I had NO idea that I would get all 'misty eye'd during this video, but like many of the fine comments below, I was touched by Ken's story. Breath taking room which is SO symmetrical right down to the twin grandfather clocks and french legged wall tables to the left and right. Thank you Steve for sharing with us this very fine presentation.
That hit HARD.... for personal reasons.....
Ken, amazing work.
Wow...what a story.
Amazing, beautiful, such passion. It brings tears to my eyes. What a man. What a system.
Enjoy every minute, Ken, you deserve it. I am so amazed. Prayers and best wishes. The differnce between his dream and mine is he made his come true. Loving music and the associated equipment is a special hooby and part of us that audiophiles share.
I have so much respect for Ken. His dedication, his abilities, his love of music, just astonishes me. What a man. What a system!
Goodness me. Amazing!
No one can say, Ken didn't take high end audio seriously. Incredible guy, incredible video ... Thanks for sharing, Steve 👍
He lived his dream and passion, I tip my hat to Ken well done sir well done.