VTL based system in the Works

by gstringer on Opinions Please
2 channel in the making!
Speakers or Art?
Johnny, need I say more?
Now this is art!

Description

This is a basic system that has been in the "making" for six years when I wanted to revisit old records and purchased the MMF5. Been very happy playing it through the Rega Mira integrated amplifier using Paradigm floor standing speakers. Very boomy and lacked detail.

Was in an Atlanta boutique listening to some great music and decided to get better set of speakers and decided on the Meadowlark Osprey's instead of the Kestrel II for deeper bass. Then came the amp. I wanted the VTL MB450's but couldn't rationalize the expense. The ST150 sounded so great compared to other brands I was listening to I decided to make that plunge.

but... my system really lacks the soundstage and low level detail that made me want to purchase the components in the first place. I know my temporary pre (Mira) is the primary weakness. I am not sure what direction I want to go but must be a tube product that matches well with VTL. My thoughts are ARC, Cary Audio, and VTL. I was not thrilled by the VTL 2.2 and haven't convinced myself to shell out the price of a 5.5.

Could use some help getting this thing right. I know I need to get power cords asap.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Music Hall MMF5
    Budget component. Good enough for starters.
    • Rega Planet 2000
    Well known CD Player.
    • VTL ST-150
    Great tube sound.
    • Cary Audio Design SLP-98p
    Sweel Little Preamp with Phono added. Jaguar Red.
    • Meadowlark Audio Osprey
    3-Way speaker in line above Kestrel and below Blue Heron. Finish is Curly Maple with African Purpleheart stringer.
    • Audioquest Midnight 3
    BiWire Cable
    • Discovery Signature
    IC from Pre to VTL amplifier.

Comments 9

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Owner
The preamp has done a lot to improve the soundstage and add detail. I am still having a few problems with the sound that is from poor room acoustics so I looking a ways to resolve those.

I checked out your new room (not sure if it's finished yet) and have very impressed. Looking at your system components, you have a lot more experience (and $) in the hobby. I would be very interested in seeing yours complete. If you need a set up volunteer, I would like to help and see how the room/components/placement all goes together.

I live in Candler Park downtown. My email is [email protected].

gstringer

Great looking preamp! I have never had the chance to hear a Cary preamp, but have read many a decent posts on them. I hope it serves you well, and if it sounds half as good as it looks I would think you have a keeper.

If you are in the Atlanta area, we should try to get together sometime. I am eager to get my system unboxed and back into a room soon.

Keep us posted on how the preamp sounds as it breaks in for you.

audiofankj

Owner
System edited: Added pic of the new pre. Beautiful Jaguar Red.

gstringer

Owner
Well... I've purchased a preamp and am now waiting for the shipment. I tried to take the advice of Audiofankj but could not find anyone without getting in a plane to listen to the Supratek unit. Thought about buying on faith but didn't. I'll update pics when I receive the Cary SLP 98P as I highly anticipate its arrival. I hope is cleans up the detail and soundstage.

Next is the snake oil, err cabling. Then serious thought on room acoustics. Why is this hobby so addicting?

gstringer

Owner
The Artist is Mark Rasberry in Atlanta and is well known for various mediums. This is acrylic on canvas. You can check out some of his work at rasberryontheweb.com. The Hendrix was commissioned for me and the Cash is on consignment.

gstringer

Nice system. Who is the artist that did the Hendrx poster/painting?

mitch4t

A used VTL 5.5 is a very good choice at under two grand. They do not come up often, though. An Audible Illusions 3A is a pretty good choice and about a grand used. Problem with AI is you are limited in tube selection and service is a definiate problem; ie, getting it turned around in a reasonable amount of time.

c123666

Owner
Thanks for your input Audiofankj - I am not looking for a dealer of the great looking Supratek products. The First Sound products are a bit to expensive, but I'll see what I can do on Audiogon. You're not the first to tell me how great the AU24 IC's are. I am going to go ahead and get these in my system. I'm going to see how these perform before I go ahead with speaker cables.
Your input is much appreciated and I may solicit your input in the future if you don't mind. I check out your rig and was in awe! One day....

gstringer

Nice looking system! What are you looking for in a preamp? If you are considering tube preamps, I would recommend looking into Supratek and First Sound as both provide exceptional performance for their price points. Used either provide greater bang for the buck. Cabling will provide noticable improvements as well... perhaps look into some used Audience AU24 which in my opinion performs extremely well for the price point, until you come close to triple the retail price or higher... I would suggest cabling changes prior to power cord upgrades. Also, everything is cumulative, so you could also look for some used Synergistic Research AC Master Couplers (original version) for about $125 and have immense improvements with very minimal cash outlay (well... for this hobby...)

Overall you have a very capable amp, turtable, and speakers in my opinion. Many also love the Rega cd players, however I have never personally jumped onto that wagon. A few cable tweaks and you will be suprised how things can transform for you sonically.

Good luck and keep us posted.

audiofankj

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