System edited: System changed 11/21/09 (it's been awhile since an update!)

sfdude November 21, 2009 18:25

Nice setup. I really like your DAC and the Aeons - a big step forward perhaps even a leap compared to the Sonatinas? I suspect you will get used to the sound - it takes a while to adjust to the clean fast mids of a good panel.

shadorne January 14, 2009 15:15

System edited: Added a Lavry DA10 DAC and will be connecting via Toslink and SPDIF (via USB Select) to see what works best.

sfdude January 13, 2009 17:28

System edited: Added ML Aeon i speakers and removed the VTL 2.5 preamp.

sfdude January 04, 2009 18:49

System edited: Updated with new pics of the system. Not much else new though.

sfdude January 03, 2008 06:02

System edited: The Sonatinas are very very seductive speakers.

sfdude August 06, 2007 07:15

Yes, Acme breads...never had the Cow Girl Creamery cheese though.. I'd like to think Marin County is my backyard but it is about 40 miles away from me. Still get out there and enjoy it every time though...the hikes are wonderful!

As for the Mac Mini, it's just as capable a "transport" as a regular old DVD player (although I've heard dedicated high-end CDPs sound a tad better) when fed to the Red Wine Audio USB Select (I added the DAC option). I'll probably end up playing with DACs after a little while when i get used to the sound of this (which is quite nice but a little on the etched neutral side of things).

sfdude August 29, 2006 07:57

I'm guessing you live in Marin with a picture of Mt. Tam. Marin is one of the best, if not these best place to live in the US. Just wish we could afford the housing there!

How does the Mini Mac sound? I'd guess close to an ipod--pretty nice if the music is in the AAC format.

Pour a glass of California wine, with an Acme baguette and some Cow Girl Creamery cheese, power up some tunes and enjoy!

[email protected] August 27, 2006 20:18

System edited: Added a Cary Rocket 88 tube amp but have yet to hook it up. The 999ES is completely unhooked from the system and gathering dust.

sfdude July 28, 2006 21:39

System edited: Added a Red Wine Audio USB Select USB DAC for connecting the Mac Mini to it. Will be utilizing this for my music server and converting my CDs to Apple Lossless files.

sfdude July 14, 2006 07:07

you might find that using tubes with AP will open the midrange out greatly, and add a lot of warmth through the mid bass. I originally auditioned the virgos with bel canto, and found a thinness in the mid, just how you describe, although it was very detailed.Same went for Classé amps. Adding my unisis brought out a cohesion and far better balance, and the good news is AP`s are easy to drive. I know of someone who is using an 8w minimax valve amp with a pair of avantis, and doesn`t wish for more.As a guideline, my 30w push pull drives my paduas to earsplitting levels when the need arises, but as i listen at relativly low volume (7 o`clock on the volume), i need something with a balanced sound at low volumes. I found tubes to do this with aplomb, so i think you will be happy.
let us all know how you get on m8.

paggusset July 03, 2006 07:54

Rio, will definitely have to give Stereo Unlimited a visit while I'm out there. I wish I had that view all the time but I need to make the trek out to Marin county to do that (which I love to often).

Paggusset, I'm auditioning an KT-90/KT-88 based tube amp shortly and will see how the match fares. Thanks for the tip on the BC being thin. It might err on the side of leanness a bit I believe as well.

sfdude July 02, 2006 17:26

i dont think the ap`s are to blame. the bel canto can be very thin in the midrange, ap speakers in general are very transparent and show up sources and other ancillaries.Have a listen to other amps, and see how you get on. Nice system though :)

paggusset July 02, 2006 00:24

Hi SFdude, Awesome view by the way! I don't know how much music I would
listen to if lived there! Most Audiogon members don't live in the Bay Area but since you do, go check out Stereo unlimited in Walnut Creek[it's well worth the drive] and ask them for advice on your system. This is a laid back store with solid information plus they make their on cryo treated wire, along with other mods that will really amaze you. Dave and Liz are also very nice people who have an absolute pasion for music!

Happy listening!

Photofreak

analogman9 June 30, 2006 02:22