System edited: Harbeth HL Monitor III speakers now replaced by tweaked Tannoy Chester's. Paper-coned drivers and 3/4 inch of oak cabinet braced. More speed from the driver and less box boom when playing music with heavy bass line. Rgds
The Leira's are a superb transmission line with a lack of box coloration. I've had the original drivers re-coned and that's it. Purchased from a so called high-end London store that took them in as a trade and then listed as 'garden speakers' no less! Paid the sum of about $120.00 and promptly left. Been with me for a few years now and I have no thoughts of moving them on.
How do you like those Rauna Leira II's? I have a pair of the Rauna Tyr II in my bedroom system and I absolutely love them. There's a musical rightness to them that's difficult to describe. Enjoy.
The 509's are able to drive everything I have thrown at them. The MK1's I had for 10 years and would not have moved on but for an accident with them. They are totally devoid of a 'valve' sound but have the transparency and a true bottom end. I have no experience of the Lamm's and at those prices I never will methinks. Transparency is more important for me in an amp as I prefer to let the pre-amp/cartridge's I own to add a sonic signature. 509's are built to run all and everyday due to their heritage. Cheap to re-valve and easy to live with, the last pair of Mullard PL509's I got for $20.00. Those TV valves are good for 20,000 hrs. I would recommend you also check out the EAR 890 or 899 if a warmer valve sound is more your taste and the power rating is about that of the Lamm's. 509's are my perfect amp so I am biased and Tim De P is a genius without doubt. Don't think there are many designers who can execute an amp around those superb valves.
When you're ready, please share your thoughts on the new 509 monoblocs. I'm very interested in them, and am currently looking into purchasing an MKII pair or a new pair of the anniversation edition. Obviously, there's a pretty large price difference. Thanks. btw...would you happen to have any experience with LAMM ML1.1?
System edited: Shindo pre phonostage bettered former EAR 834P by a great margin. New 509 anniversary Monoblocks replace the original 509. Being run-in at present.
Yep, those Harbeth's are something else. Had some Quad ESL 57's that I just couldn't integrate with my room and I'm loathed to room tuning. The Harbeth's were superior in my room with pinpoint imaging with that nearfield listening that is soooo addictive at times. Many a Quad owner have discovered the Harbeth's which are far superior to the Spendor BC1's that people seem to be raving over at now over inflated prices imho. Will try the straws from McDonalds sir.
The MC on the 834 sounds average at best. I went through and heard quite a few trannies before hooking up with the FR by accident. Its 10 ohm setting is an absolute match with the SPU and is the only tranny that I found producing the dynamics I required at lower listening levels. Must be the torodial and yes I run my amps straight raw. Oh, and there is slightly more gain.
Nice setup which includes two of my "wish I never sold" items namely the original WTT and the HL Monitor MkIII's! At least I've still got my Onyx. I never thought I'd see a system with those sweet sounding Harbeths on the 'Gon (which I originally bought ca. 1980). If you're so inclined, try stuffing drinking straws into the port and see what you think of the bass response...anyways it's reversible.
I assume that you drive your amps directly with the 834P? Do you bypass it's built-in MC stepup with the FR unit? Does this provide more gain or do you just like the sound better?
Thanks for the comment, I like to do things a little way different.
Guess it all depends on the vinyl being played. The SPU has an euphonic sound that can be addictive and with the Weinz Paroc tip it tracks better and has more detail without the thinning out you get with the SPU Meister's etc.
The Koetsu has a mid and bass to die for but the top end is rolled off. Great for thin bright recordings.
Starboy - cool rig! One of the nicer ones here. You have some unique gear, with a cool retro vintage flavor, and lots of attitude. Which is your preferred catridge for jazz? For classical? Wish I was close enough to invite myself over for a listen.
