At Son Ultime, our clients’ systems evolve over time, along with the brands, technologies and products we offer.

This continuity is made possible by the remarkable loyalty of our clients. Many have entrusted us with the evolution of their systems for several years. These lasting relationships are built on a level of expertise, continued support and trust that is unique within the high-fidelity audio industry.

This installation revisits the “Chalet” system presented several years ago in Achievement 134: Sonus Faber Il Cremonese Installation.

At the time, this Achievement represented the highest level available through the solutions offered by Son Ultime. The system was built around a complete McIntosh architecture comprising the C1100 preamplifier, MC901 amplifiers and MPC1500 power controller, together with a complete AudioQuest cable system.

This configuration made it possible to fully optimize the Sonus Faber Il Cremonese loudspeakers despite the constraints of a relatively compact installation.

Since then, the development of new Audio Research electronics has considerably expanded our system design possibilities. We can now achieve remarkable performance through systems that are simpler, more compact and entirely focused on the quality of each component.

For this new evolution, the client specifically wanted to reduce quantity in favour of quality. The objective was not to add more equipment, but to simplify the system and concentrate its performance within a smaller number of carefully selected components.

The system therefore evolved from a McIntosh and Audioquest configuration toward a new Audio Research and Shunyata Research architecture:

Audio Research

• LS2 tube preamplifier
• S200 solid-state power amplifier

Shunyata Research

• Delta-X power conditioner
• Complete Theta Series cabling

Together, the LS2 and S200 form a remarkable system through their simplicity, compact dimensions and efficiency.

The LS2 provides the natural presentation, fluidity and harmonic richness of tubes, while the S200 delivers the power, speed and control required to fully drive the Sonus Faber Il Cremonese loudspeakers.

The Shunyata Research system completes this architecture with a coherent approach to power delivery and signal transmission, from the power conditioner to the loudspeakers.

The result is a simpler, more transparent and more coherent system that preserves the scale of the previous installation while placing greater emphasis on the quality of each component.

This Achievement demonstrates how an installation that represented the highest level available only a few years ago can now be revisited through the evolution of the brands and products offered by Son Ultime.

It also reflects the loyalty of our clients and the trust they place in us to guide them through every stage of their system’s evolution. This Achievement, like many others presented on our website, provides tangible proof of the expertise and quality of the relationships Son Ultime has developed over the years.

This is not about correcting the past, but about continuing an evolution made possible by new technologies, extensive knowledge of the system and a precise understanding of the client’s objectives.

In this case, the objective was clear: fewer components, with each one selected to achieve a higher level of quality.

The traded-in McIntosh components from this installation, including the C1100, MC901 amplifiers and MPC1500, along with the AudioQuest cables, will soon be available in the Pre-Owned section of our website. You are also welcome to contact us directly to reserve them in advance.

Son Ultime:

• Specialist in high-fidelity audio in Quebec
• Extensive inventory available immediately
• On-site maintenance and repair services
• Free delivery across Quebec
• Professional installation across Quebec