Single Ended Journey

Owner

It's been a while and there have been quite a few new additions to my system. So please be patient as I try to update below.

Digital:

Big changes.

1) I tried the Allnic D5000 DAC. Nice but I then wwnt for the Chord DAVE Dac with the Chird Blu 2 upsaampling CD transport. Big improvement iver ny previous setup. Upsampling to 32/764 is the way to go for me.

2) Have really fallen for Tidal streaming with Roon. Upgrades from Auralic Aries FEMTO to a custom built server by Verastarr. It's a souped up Antipodes DX server with 4TB SSD and external linear power supply and SoTM USB card. And I really like MQA over Tidal. My digital now is closer to analog and much better.

Analog:

1) Upgraded to Koetau Coralstone Diamond Platinum. This is the best so far un my system. Using a AudioNote Kondo KSL Stepup trans into the Wavac LCR-X2 phonostage.

2) My Galibier Gavia is still with me. Undergoing upgrade to latest motir controller with new Kevlar Belt in its way from Thom Mackris. Have a Kuzma 4pt tonearm waiting fir this to be put back together.

3) OTOH, I also bought a Teres Verus Rim Drive Motor for the Galibier Gavia. Once I get some time and set it up, I can then have a shootout between belt versus rim drive. I decided to try the Verus rim drive because I really enjoy the various Garrard 301 TTs I've heard. I wanted a Dobbins 301 TT but could not sell my Galibier Gavia so decided to upgrade instead. Let's see the outcome. Argh! Just need more time.

4) Have not setup my Victor TT-801 yet with the 3 arms (FR66s, MX282, AC4000LTD). Reason is that I do nit have space for 3 TTs on my rack. One day ....

5) In order to accomodate all the tonearma/carts, I bought a secong phonostage: Cyrus Signature Phono. 4 inputs, all independentky adjuatabke gain, resistance and capaitance loading. Up to 72dB gain. Not as goos as the Wavac LCR-X2

Preamp

1) Moved to a Wavac PRT1. Boy this is good. 3D imaging, delicate, detailed, lively. Bug improvement.

Speakers:

Still loving my Feastrex D9e Type 1 field coils. Now with twin Rel R218 subs.

But I now have a Retm Saadhana V3 on its way. Let's see. Exciting times.

Cables.

Big changes.

1) Power cables are almost all Verastarr Silver cables. The power conditioner are Starment HC Gold, the rest are Signature Silvers. Big improvement.

2) Spekaer cables are now Verastarr Silver foils. again a nice upgrade in SQ.

3) Interconnects are now Verastarr silvers. 2 thumbs up.

Yes, I like Verastarrs all round.

Will update again when I have more time.

ddriveman September 01, 2018 07:23

Owner

More interesting thinsg have landed in my system since my last post:

1) Chord DAVE DAC - Brilliant

2) Victor Labs TT801 - PLanning to set this up with 3 arms (Micro Seiki MAX287, Fidelity Research FR66s and Audiocraft AC4000 LTD). Just need to find the time ...

3) Koetsu Coralstone Platinum Cartridge with Diamond Cantiliever

Things sold:

1) Feastrex D5nf Alnico

2) Durand Talea 2

ddriveman March 17, 2017 18:09

Owner

Some new interesting units have landed in my system and waiting for setup and run-in:

1) Allnic D5000 DAC. Finally found something to dethrone my Zanden 5000. Liking it very much. Running it with Auralic Aries vis USB drive.

2) Teres Verus II rim drive motor to convert my Galibier Gavia from belt to rim drive. This should be interesting.

3) Revelation Audio's power cable kit for Wavac LCR-X2 phonostage. A nice upgrade to an already great phonostage. Never thought upgrading the DC power cables can bring such improvements.

Will update the system with pics and comments as time permits.

ddriveman August 30, 2015 07:29

Owner

Hi Lucajames,

Galibier holds up well especially with latest speed controller and belt update. Also, the newer big block armboard is better than older swing arm style armboards.

ddriveman March 01, 2015 23:37

Owner

Thks for your comments Devilboy. How do you like tge Synergistic cables? It's one of those that are on my to try list. I see you are on computer audio. Just bought an Aurliac Aries streamer. Very nice sonically. I also have an Auraliti Pk90. Have not updated my system to show the computer audio equipment I have and need to do so because it is certainly the way to go. My system is very eclectic and so may find only a limited audience who appreciates its strenghts versus its weaknesses. No perfect system out there but this one floats my boat and brings great joy to me.

ddriveman February 27, 2015 19:47

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

Thanks for your compliments.
Yes, I did try the Takatsuki 300B in my Berning amp too. The signatures of the EML and Takatsuki and Sophia RP 300B were similar and evident in the Berning 300B and my other 300B amp.The Berning 300B is very transparent, neutral and fast. o the EML 300B XLS gives the best balance although I am still rolling the driver tubes and there may be combinations of other driver tubes that may favor other 300B tubes.
BTW the Mullard 12Au7 D getter CV491 driver tube is a killer in the Berning. Tried many others like RCA, Amperex, Telefunken, Lorenz etc. but that Mullard has the deepest soundstage with holographic imaging and delicate resolution. Never heard a tube have such a great difference in soundstage comparing to others when tube rolling. Usually the difference is in tone/timbre, balance, detail but not much in soundstage, except this time. You keep learning new things in audio. Amazing hobby.

ddriveman February 26, 2015 06:04

Owner

Hi Jetrexpro,

The Fi421a is indeed a very simple SET amp (which are already simple btw) and that's why it will stay in my collection. My F1421a has been upgraded with Silver Magnequest output transformers which are a significant improvement. It has also has Vcap CuTf caps. It is better than my earlier 300B amps and the First Watt SIT-2 and F2J amps. But compared to my current Berning 300B ZOTL, it loses out in terms of detail, resolution and speed. Best way to describe the 421a is that it is a richer, more dynamic sounding 45 SET with more power 4 watts versus 1.5 watt. I think its a good way for 300B lovers who want to try something else but can't go to lower power SETs like 2A3, 45, 205D and 71a.

ddriveman February 22, 2015 23:05

Owner

Dear Dan,

Thanks for your nice comments. I would love to hear your system too and chat with you. By the way, where are you located? Send me a PM.

ddriveman February 08, 2015 14:21

Owner

System edited: Added Stereolab Master Reference 818 Digital IC. Very good digital IC and better than my previous Stereovox XV Ultra.

ddriveman February 04, 2015 09:19

Owner

System edited: Just updated my overall system comments to reflect recent equipment additions such as the SP10mk3, Wavac LCR-X2 and Berning 300B choke loaded SET ZOTL.

ddriveman November 23, 2014 17:34

Owner

Finally, some comments about the Viv Lab Rigid Float arm. I have the 9" version. I initially tried it with my Koetsu Onyx platinum cartridge but this was not a good combination and not surprising as the Koetsu likes a heavy mass tonearm with rigid bearings. I then switched to an Audiocraft AC-03 MC cartridge. Now tis is a very nice combination. Rich mids and great bass response. More importantly, this arm has an ease and liquidity that I have not heard from my other arms. Not sure if it' the damped floating pivot or the straight underhand geometry or both but music just flows, unconstrained with a big smooth and somewhat lush sound plus great presence and palpability. Maybe not as focus as other arms and treble extension may not be the very best. But very enjoyable and I keep going back to the Viv/Audiocraft AC-03 combo. In fact, I like it better than the FR66s/SPU 85th Anv or SPU Gold. And the mids and bass are better than the FR66s/SPU combo (which is well know for its great ids and bass).

ddriveman November 08, 2014 10:01

Owner

Just added a new amp. It's a new version of Berning's famous Siegfried 300B/811 ZOTL amp.
Dave likes this better than the original Siegfried 300B. He says it sounds better. This is Serial #3. He only builds on special request. Hence, it is built like a DIY amp and is very simple/DIY looking. Its 300B driven by 6SN7 (2pcs), 12au7 (1pc) and 6au6(2pc) tubes. Stereo single chassis.
Its 7 watts into 6 ohm, 6 watts into 4-8 ohm and about 4 watts into 16 ohm. Technically, it's a 300B single ended, Class A, Choke loaded, ZOTL amp. No output transformers.
Initial impressions are very good. Sounding very nice. Great tone, smooth, rich, great presence and palpability. Also quite detail with good treble extension. Bass is also strong and tuneful. Not lean sounding like what you would think an OTL might sound. In fact, its sounds very much like my other 300B SET OPT amp but with better detail and resolution. I like it.

ddriveman November 02, 2014 06:36

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

I like the EML 300B so much that I just ordered the EML 300B XLS. I hope it's a little better than the standard 300B. Thanks for your advice on the EML 300Bs. It was the inspiration for me to try them out.

ddriveman October 27, 2014 18:42

Owner

System edited: Added Choir Audio HM-7 SUT and Tribute AVC passive preamp. I have had the Tribute AVC for a while but recently took it out and ran it from my phono to amp. I was reminded how good it is and so decided it needs a place in my system list.

ddriveman October 27, 2014 18:40

Owner

Just bought a used pair of EML 300B and tried it on my DIYHiFiSupply LD91+ MonoMax amps. Wow! I like this tube. It is very dynamic, yet sweet and delicate. The Sophia Royal Princess sounds a little darker. The Takatsuki has more air and greater soundstage so the EML 300B sits between the Takatsuki 300B and the Sophia Royal Princess. In terms of bass and dynamics, the EML is closer to the Sophia. But in terms of mids, detail, microdynamics it is closer to the Takatsuki. I guess I should try the EML 300B-XLS now.

ddriveman October 25, 2014 22:51

Owner

System edited: Added Wavac LCR-X2 phonostage. A very nice addition and my new reference phonostage.

ddriveman October 25, 2014 08:17

Owner

I have just started to use the Viv and have not had a chance to do some serious comparison yet. Hopefully soon.

ddriveman October 04, 2014 12:26

Owner

Additional correction to the system used in cartridge shootout:
Art Audio Carissa 845 amps, AR Ref 5pre, Hagerman Trumpet phonostage + Cinemag Blue SUT, Hagerman Cornet fully modded + Hashimoto HM-7 SUT and Kudos C30 speakers.

ddriveman September 28, 2014 05:38

Owner

Correction to the system used in cartridge shootout:
Art Audio Carissa 845 amps, AR Ref 5pre, Hagerman Trumpet phonostage + Cinemag Blue SUT, Hagerman Bugle fully modded + Hashimoto HM-7 SUT and Kudos C30 speakers).

ddriveman September 27, 2014 13:13

Owner

System edited: Enjoying my new Koetsu Coralstone Platinum cartridge and SP10mk3 TT. Rotating back to MC cartridges now.

ddriveman September 27, 2014 11:31

Owner

Finally had a chance to do a shootout of some of my MC cartridges. We compared 3 SPU's (Silver Meister GM, Gold GM, Royal GM), Ikeda 9CIII (cantileverless), Fidelity Research FR7fz, Koetsu Onyx Platinum and Koetsu Coralstone Platinum. All cartridges except the Koetsu Coralstone Plt was bought used and hence runned-in. The cartridges were tested on my friend Kel's system (Art Audio Carissa 845 amps, AR LS27 pre, Hagerman Trumpet phonostage + Cinemag Blue SUT, Hagerman Bugle fully modded + Hashimoto HM-7 SUT and Kudos speakers). We used 2 TT's: Garrard 401 with Schick 12" arm and a Garrard 301 with Ikeda IT407 12" arm. Both Garrards have upgraded plinths. Most of the comparison was finally done with the Garrard 301/Ikeda combo. We used different headshells for the Ikeda 9CIII (Ikeda Rhodium headshell/cheap leads), Koetsu Onyx Plt (Yamamoto Ebony/Ortofon Silver leads) and Koetsu Coralstone Plt (Sumiko headshell/Ikeda Hybrid Cu leads). We started with the SPU's. Amongst the 3 SPU, the consensus was that the SPU Gold was the best. It was between the Silver Meister which has more treble extension and the Royal which was the most laid back. The Royal have all the SPU attributes but has detail, refinement, soundstage, smoothness and musicality but more punch and dynamics than the Royal and without some of the leading edge and treble extension of the Silver Meister. Mind you, all 3 had a similar SPU house sound. We then tried the FR7fz which sounded more balance, more PRAT than the SPU's while remaining smooth, warm, detailed and musical. 2 of our group (50%) liked the FR7fz the best. We then tried the Ikeda 9CIII which was very difficult to setup. We initially tried Ikeda's silver headshell leads but could not get one channel to work and finally had to settle for some basic cheap leads (unknown conductor) which did reduce the sonics somewhat. But we did hear what cantileverless brings to the party. A very direct, dynamic, detail, good micro and macrodynamics, very good PART. It does have a similar house sound like the FR7fz. But probably let down by the cheap leads we had to use. All favoured the FR7f over the Ikeda9CIII as a result. But it certainly wetted my appetite to try a higher end and later model Ikeda 9 REX or MUSA. Finally, we tried the Koetsu's. We were not expecting much. We thought we would get good mids but soft bass and treble extension. We tried the Onyx Plt and we were shocked. This is not the typical Koetsu wood body sound. Great dynamic and realistic bass. Kel and I thought it had the best bass of all. Very palpable mids. Seems like the musicians are there in the room. Dynamic, detail, airy and very musical. And mind you, my Koetsu Onyx Plt has a hairline crack on the body. I bought it that way at a low price. This was the only way I could afford a stone body Koetsu (or so I thought). In fact, the sound was so good that I then bought a new Coralstone Plt so that we can put it into the shootout. We then tried the Coralstone Plt. It was even better than the Onyx Plt even though it was brand new. More bass, more dynamics, more musical than the Onyx. And strangely more gain than the Onyx. So it could be something to do with the Onyx's cracked body. We ran it in for a few more days. We did hear some sonic changes in the Koetsu Coralstone as it was running in, so it was obviously performing at its best. I was told by the dealer that it needed about 100 hours of run-in. In the end, we had 2 members prefer the FR7fz and 2 others preferring the Koetsu Coralstone Platinum. Obviously this is not a formal review, not same headsells etc, but just a quick shootout over 3 days to get a flavor of these cartridges. A key take away is that these vintage cartridges SPU Gold, FR7fz and Ikeda 9CIII have a lot to offer and surprised us all. Kel has a DPS turntable/arm with Transfiguration Proteus cartridge as his reference TT. I would say that all the cartridges gave the DPS/Proteus combo a good run for the money. As for me, the Coralstone Platinum is my new reference. Can't wait for it to run-in fully on my FR66s/SP10mk3 combo.

ddriveman September 27, 2014 11:18

Owner

Chares1dad,

Thanks for your comments. Doesn't the EML 300b-XLS need different heater current than standard 300B?

ddriveman June 13, 2014 06:10

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

Have been tempted to try the EML tubes for some time. Not sure if I should go with EML's regular 300B mesh or the XLS version. My 300B amps uses the Yamamoto Teflon sockets and I have been told that the EML's have bigger pins and might not fit. Can you compare the pins of the EMLs with your other 300B and let me know if they are indeed bigger? Can you also provide ore details of your EML versus the TA-300B and the Sophia RP please.

ddriveman June 12, 2014 17:37

Owner

System edited: New additions. Takatsuki TA-300B tubes. And a Transfiguration Proteus cartridge. And my Galibier Gavia now has the updated motor and controller and new fabric belt. Details of new components added to the write-ups of the units. Ahh...so much new things to try to blend in. The journey continues...

ddriveman June 12, 2014 07:42

Owner

Hi 11flat6,

Field coil PSU makes a significant difference to the performance. Its like a different driver. I have gone through various generations of Feastrex's field coil PSUs and they make a significant difference to the sound. And it can be also subjective. To me the constant current makes sense because it can help fight the back EMF generated from the voice coil magnetic field moving inside the field coil. The difference between the constant voltage (CV) and constant current(CC) is that the CC sounds more dynamic with better freq extremes especially bass. In fact it sounds like the CC is more push-pull amp and the CV is more SET like (more focused on mids). Anyway, do upgrade from switching more to a linear, mode power supplies. How much voltage does your field coil need? The modern ones are around 12V (like Feastrex) but the vintage Jensen's need 200+V.

ddriveman May 29, 2014 04:23

Owner

11Flat6

I use a Feastrex FC PSU. They have/had several versions. Mine us a second generation constant current version. They have gone to a 3rd generation all transformer version lately. FC PSU are very much dependent on your speaker drivers. I do have a Maxonic FC PSU. It was tried on my friend's Feastrex but it seems the compatability eith Feastrex is not as good. Hope this helps.

ddriveman May 20, 2014 16:22

Owner

Hi 11flat6,

I have not experimented much with the AC cords for the power supply. When I did try a few, there did not seem to be much impact. But I finally settled on using a Shunyata Python VX cord since I already had it. The Vx had the ferrite beads in the cord to reduce noise and I thought have a quite cable would probably help the PSU. I previously used the Shunyata Python Vx as the main cord to my main conditioner but found that while it was good it can dampen the dynamics a little. So moving it to just the filed coil PZU made sense. My filed coil PSU puts out between 10-15V only so its not a heavy power consumer. Hope this helps

ddriveman May 15, 2014 04:19

Owner

System edited: Just upgraded my REL Strata MkIII subwoofers with a pair of REL R218 subs. More dynamic and faster subs.

ddriveman May 10, 2014 21:47

Owner

Tjkurita,

I will post pics once I get my TT's setup on the rack. But I am liking the sound compared to previous Solid Steel rack. Sound seems more organic and lively.

ddriveman March 27, 2014 09:43

Owner

System edited: Just added the ViV Laboratory Rigid Float tonearm. 9". Can't wait to try on the various cartridges and TT's. Stay tuned.

ddriveman March 24, 2014 05:55

Owner

Just upgraded my audio racks to a extra wide Timbernation 4 layer 2" maple rack. Sounding more lively and organic now. Also added a Viv Audio Rigid Floating arm (9"). Have yet yo setup the arm but from my demo, I really liked it. Very organic, lively, rich and great soundstage and imaging.

ddriveman March 14, 2014 10:06

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

Thanks for the list. I have heard the Ocellia's. Nice speakers. Just a little too warm and slow compared to my Feastrex. BTW, there are 2 Feastrex for sale on AudiogoN, a 9" field coil and the 5" Monster Alnico. IMHO, if speakers use crossovers, they are less likely to be a good match for SET amps. You are not really getting the most out of the SET amps. It robs them of efficiency and therefore life. Its also important to match the impedance of the speaker with the OPTs. And for you 300B lovers out there, do listen to good 2A3 and 45 SET amps. There is more to SET's than just 300B. And when you are done with that, try some 71A and 205D. Magic but you will need speakers with over 100dB. For me the 300B is the highest power tube I will go to. Have tried 211, 845, 6C33C and G70 etc but while these are more dynamic, they loose some of the micro details, sweetness and immediacy (in general). If you stick with HE speakers you won't need more than 300B's anyway. Enjoy your system and music. Cheers

ddriveman March 01, 2014 20:55

Owner

To Islandmandan,

Thanks for your comments. Glad that you have finally discovered SET amps. I had used ElectroVoice EV12TRX tri-axial drivers before and there also worked wonderfully with SET amps. I love the fact that the SET amps drive us towards high efficiency speakers which then leads to the fast, dynamic, natural sound. But it can also be maddening because there are so few commercial high efficiency speakers and one is drive to DIY or custom make speakers. But, I guess that's the passion.
Enjoy your system.

ddriveman February 28, 2014 18:48

Owner

System edited: Just made updates to my system. Nothing really new added but just catching up with updating the system details.

ddriveman February 28, 2014 18:43

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

Sorry for late reply but I have been "off the boil" on Audiogon for some time. Yes, I am still using SET amps. I like the SIT-2. They are better than the First Watt F2J I had before. They are fast, good tone and have great bass but ultimately, they fall just slightly short of the immediacy and air of very good SET's like my 300B's. I like the SIT-2 over my Fi 421a but I like my LD91 MonoMax with Sophia Process 300B just a little better. At this time, I am keeping all 3 amps. The Fi 421a are on the lush side, warm side while the SIT-2 are more on the cleaner, transparent side with the LD91 MonoMax in the middle. Hope this helps. Now, with that said, I am using a solid state preamp (JR 3160). I have read that the SIT-2 prefers a tube preamp and that makes sense. I have yet to try the SIT-2 with my 6SN7 custom preamp. That could change my preference

ddriveman February 22, 2014 06:49

Owner

System edited: In addition to the previous post, I have also updated my system list: 1) Cartridges - used Koetsu Onyx Platinum and Ikeda 9CIII MC cartridges 2) Tonearms - Fidelity Research FR66s reiwred with all silver Ikeda wiring and Durand Talea II with Purist wiring 3) Technics SP10mk3 with Porter Plinth. Restored and upgraded by Music Technology's Bill Thalmann with the "Richard Kerbs" mods 4) Isoclean power conditioner 80A3

ddriveman October 25, 2012 08:47

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

I see that you like the Takatsuki 300b. How much are these and where do you buy them? I am tying a pair of Sophia Royal Princess now. It has better bass and dynamics than my NOS WE 300b but do lack that midrange magic. Would like to try the Takatsuki's. I see you also have the BPT power conditioner. Do you like it?

ddriveman October 24, 2012 14:15

Owner

Ok, time for some updates:

1) The First Watt F2J is being traded in for a First Watt SIT-2. Looking forward to hearing what this single ended JFET will bring. It will have more power at 10w compared o the F2J.

2) The 421a is bring upgraded with an all silver Magnequest QS-025 OPT. This output trans cost almost as much as the amp. Will also upgrade the VCap to CuTF from TF.

3) The Feastrex D9e Type 1 drivers are also being upgraded to the atest version with CW treatment. This would take. Bit of time so I am without speakers till it comes back from Japan.

4) The Galiber Gavia TT has the latest solid block armboard which is cut for the Durand Talea II arm which I also acquired. Waiting on the plinth to be recut to allow dual arm while using the new heavy block armboard and another older style swing armboard.

5) The Technics SP10mk3 has Judy come back from being upgraded ith the "Richard Kerbs" mods. Have yet to set it up.

6) Finally, purchased 2 Arche fully adjustable headshells from Dertonarm. These will be used for the FR66s and MAX282 J tonearms.

Phew! Lots of new stuff, not enough time, sigh!

ddriveman October 20, 2012 10:40

Owner

Hi Davidhyman,

Sorry for late reply. Just saw your message. The Feastrex D9 Type 2 are a little better than my version which is a type 1. This is due to the premendur pole piece. It gives more details and probbaly higher efficiency. I have heard the Type 2 and also Type 3. The type 2 will have better detail and resolution in the treble and it gets better as it moves up the chain. The thing to be careful is that the Type 2 can be merciless if the recording is bad or the system is mismatch. It just lays everything bare, and the speed and detail from the treble can make it sound hot, especially if the system is mismatched. And of course, you need to have the bass to match. Those who go with box designs need to be careful to get enough bass (the Feastrex box designs are the most succesful so far) otherwise the sound can be lean. Since you are going with OB and a subwoofer, then its less of an issue but you do need a good and fast sub. I have no experience with the Torus but I use 2 REL Strata III and it works well in my system. I tend to prefer the REL approach which is to use the power amps to connect to the subs rather than the preamplifier. And the REL's load the room rather than fire directly at the listener, so its easier to integrate. I started with one sub and ended with 2. My experience is that getting 2 stereo subs is the way to go. You may need 2 subs anyway since your design is OB and you probably needs the subs to come in around 80HZ or higher and so a stereo pair of subs is needed.
I find the 9inch Feastrex mids and highs to be great. Its true most people prefer the field coil 5inch which has arguably better uppermids and highs compared to the 9inch. But its also mostly because the 5" is much cheaper and easier to integrate into a cabinet. But I can also say that the highest resolution and detail I have heard in the Feastrex range comes from the Type 2 and Type 3 Feastrex 9" fieldcoils. So, in your case, I don't think you give up anything to the 5" fieldcoil in terms of mids and treble. I also find the 5" to be less dynamic and ultimately limited in scale and loudness. I could drive the 5 inch to clip but I have not been able to drive the 9inch to clip. So, if you have a bigger room and the $$, the 9" gets my vote especially since you are getting the type 2. You may note I also use a supertweeter but I only choose those that range from 18-19KHz and above. I cannot hear any output from these even with my ears next to them but they do improve the bass, adds air/life and imaging benefits. Try it too! And its important to note that if you use a tube amp, it is best if it has a speaker impedance of at least 16ohm. In fact, the ideal speaker output impedance is 22 ohm DC. But that would mean a custom Output Transformer so 16 ohm is the minumum in order to be optimize. What amps are you planning to use? Also which field coil power supply are you intending to use. the Feastrex one is good. Make sure you get a couple of Degawa diodes to be used (one each) at the speaker terminals. They help to reduce back EMF from the field coils.
Finally, congrats if you do decide to buy the Feastrex. Not many users out there, especially D9.
I have a pretty good group of Feastrex users here and my local dealer/distributor is probably the most experience dealer outside of Feastrex Japan. I am also close with Haruhiko Teramoto, the builder and designer and have visited him several times. So, if you need any help, please feel free to call on me.

ddriveman July 02, 2012 09:04

Owner

System edited: Sold the Denon DP6000 direct drive and bought a Technics SP10Mk3. Awaiting an Albert Porter plinth for it. Stay tuned.

ddriveman November 26, 2011 09:40

Owner

System edited: Added a second REL Strata MkIII subwoofer. So, now running my subs in a stereo pari. I get better soundstage and depth. I can now say that having dual subs is a good thing.

ddriveman August 24, 2011 06:00

Owner

Hi Charles1dad,

Thanks for your kind comments. I like your system too. Its simple but with all the "right" components. I have always wanted to try Coincidnet speakers because of their high efficiency and compatability to low powered SET DHT amps but was never able to find a dealer near to me. You should try the pre-1970 WE 300B tubes in your amp.

Cheers

ddriveman February 03, 2011 15:30

Owner

System edited: Upgraded the super tweeters from the Taket BATPro to Townshend Maximum Ribbon Super tweeters (used pair bought in AudiogoN). These are a good upgrade. The high frequenices seem better integrated to the music. I get better imaging and the treble seems to be meatier and more organic rather than just airy with the Taker. Highly recommended.

ddriveman January 29, 2011 09:07

Owner

System edited: Added new system pic

ddriveman December 13, 2010 14:15

Owner

Hi Tjkurita,

Thanks for your comments. It seems from you system that we are generally headed in the same direction as far as pursuing sounds i.e. SET tube amps and single drivers. You can read my comments about the Feastrexs and I have 2 different models - the cheapest and the big field coils and I like them both very much. I have also heard the top of the range drivers at the Feastrex factory too. Awesome! Can you buy "better" speakers for the money...I would think so. But if you like single drivers, then these are the ones to go for. All the benefits of single drivers with none of the nasties and simple cabinets are enough to get good and extended bass from them. The model that is the best value of the bunch, IMHO and most other Feastrex lovers, is the cheapest 5" field coil - NF5ex. You are welcomed to come listen to my system if you are in the neighborhood.

Blessings

ddriveman November 18, 2010 19:05

Owner

Hi Dgob,

I have not heard the Ortofon A90 or the Denon DL1000A so I cannot compare the FR-7f to them. I can only compare it to the MM's I have and it is competitive. Maybe not as neutral or transparent but very musical. Perhaps Raul will be able to give better feedback. And it was Raul who lead me to the FR-7f anyway.

Blessings

ddriveman November 18, 2010 18:52

Owner

System edited: Updated: Just added in pictures and description of new 300B amp, DIYHiFiSupply's LD91 MonoMax. Another amp in heavy rotation but seems to be pulling ahead at this time. Also added in my collection of cartridges. Not to show off, but I really needed to keep a list of them somewhere (getting my senior moments) so why not here.

ddriveman October 29, 2010 18:36

Owner

Hi Dgob,

My sample already has the VdH refresh. I bought it from Raul. Will post my impressions once I have it up and running. Just recently tried a Fidelity Research FR-7F cartrdige also. Very nice. Its like a tube version of the Technics EPC-P100C Mk4. Very smooth and lusher sounding giving up very slightly on PRAT and resolution but the best MC I have tried so far.

ddriveman October 29, 2010 17:46

Owner

Hi Jazdoc,

Thanks. Its been a long time coming with my upgrade to the Gavia platter. I heard the difference in a demo at Thom's place before I bought my Gavia TT but at that time was constraint by finances to include only the Serac platter. Thom helped by putting in the graphite TPI platter on my Serac platter which reduced the sonic gap a little between the Serac and Gavia platters but even then I heard quite a difference. So looking forward to better music now.

ddriveman October 27, 2010 17:02

Owner

Hi Sebrof,

Thank you. I see you are also a SET lover. There is something special about low power single ended designs and fullrange drivers. Sound is more organic, natural and engaging to my ears and I believe yours too!

Cheers

ddriveman October 27, 2010 16:58

Owner

Hi Vernneal,

As you know, Audiophilism cannot be cured. Can only be soothed by good music.

ddriveman October 27, 2010 16:55

Owner

System edited: Upgraded. Turntable platter upgraded to a Gavia platter whihc is the next platter up the chain from Galibier. This is a 33lb platter compared to the previous 14lb PVC Serac platter. The Gavia platter has holes underneath with screws and nuts bolted to the underside to give it damping. Now under evalutaion. In addition, just receievd the AKG P100LE MM cartridge which has been getting rave reviews on AudiogoN. there is a review in AudiogoN but just now running it in and will report back findinds later. Finally, just added the DiyHiFiSupply's LD91 MonoMAX 300B monoblock amplifiers. My version uses Noguchi FM24W OPTs. Initial listening is very positive and now running it it. This is a 300B that sounds like a "45 tube sound" with lots more power (11-12Watts into my 16ohm Feastrex). So lots of changes and will have to let things brew for a bit before I can add more comments.

ddriveman October 27, 2010 00:41

Owner

Hi Dgob,

Thanks for your comments. I am also waiting for an AKG P100LE to show up which should give the Technics EPC-P100CMkIV a run for its money. I have tried and liked the Denon DL-S1 but sold it at that time because it was a high compliance cartridge and had very low output 0.15mv. I did not quite have a suitabel arm or phonostage at that time. Do you think the DL-S1 is clsoe to the DL1000A?

ddriveman September 26, 2010 10:31

Owner

System edited: Have added quite a bit to the system since the Essemtial 3160 PhonoPreamp. The 3160 gave me much better transparency and now I do not need step-ups and has also forced me to rethink my amps. I don't think I am done with my amps yet but currently have the Fi 421a SET amp and the First Watt F2J SET amp in heavy rotation. Although one is a triode amp and the other a solid state JFET, they both offer what I like about SET amps, the immediacy and natural tones. I am also happily trying vintage MM cartridges (thanks to Raul Ruegas) and the Technics EPC-P100C MkIV is a winner which has caused me to sell my Dynavector XX2 MkII. Shows the value of such vintage MM cartrdiges which cost hundreds only but better than MC cartridges costing $2K. Also now trying vintage MC cartridges like the FR PMC3, AudioCraft AC-03 and FR-7f. These cartridges have caused me to bring in the AudioCraft AC4000 Limited (Silver Finish) arm with 3 armwands from Medium to Light. I really like this unipivot as it is easy to adjust azimuth. Sounds good and very flexible with the interchangeable armwands. Onwards and upwards!

ddriveman September 25, 2010 10:53

Owner

System edited: Just added in the J&R Essential 3160 PhonoPreAmp from Raul Ruegas. Initial listening reveals improvements in refinement and detail plus excellent soundstage (especailly depth). Looking forward to further listening and run-in.

ddriveman June 13, 2010 15:12

Owner

System edited: Added a link to a video of my vinyl setup on YouTube.

ddriveman February 28, 2010 08:29

Owner

Hi Bob,

I have been busy and have not checked this thread and just saw your post. I am glad you like the Feastrex's. To me they are the best full-range drivers out there. And I have visited the Feastrex workshop 3-4 times and have heard all the various models they have. My favourite is the D9e. By the way, where are you located? Maybe you can pop over to listen. Send me an email.

ddriveman January 26, 2010 11:55

Owner

System edited: Had the 47 Labs FlatFish Transport upgrdaed with a imporved clock and components by Brian Charney. Brian really knows the 47 Labs equipment. Digital Source is now up a notch in sound.

ddriveman December 27, 2009 07:18

Owner

System edited: Updated - added BPT BP-10.5 Ultra isolation transformer and a Charney Battery PSU for my Flatfish CD transport. See details on the components. Changes imporved sound significantly.

ddriveman October 23, 2009 15:47

Owner

System edited: Added the Hashimoto MC-10 step-up transformer which is better than the Cinemags. Highly recommended.

ddriveman May 22, 2009 08:04

Owner

System edited: Added new Step-up trans and updated the thread with all the cables being used. The new Hashimoto Live MC-10 step-up brings the system up a notch. The cables have gone down in price (s0ld the Kondo's) but improved the sound of the system. Sometimes, less is more...

ddriveman April 19, 2009 12:44

Owner

Jigstersg, both my D5nf and D9 were NOT built by Robert and followed recommended box designs from Feastrex. As for demo of D9, I think Robert was referring to the setup by the local distributor but I welcome you to drop by and listen to mine if you are interested. If you compare the Feastrex to other typical DIY speakers like Fosteks etc, you could say that they are very expensive. But if you compare the Feastrex to commercial systems, I think you will find that they can outperform systems that cost 4-5 times their total price. But in the end, if you like fullrange drivers, I think you will find that they have very few competition and I am referring to the top end Lowthers, Phy-Hp, AER, Fertin, Supravox etc.

ddriveman November 09, 2008 11:13

Owner

Jigstersg,

The amp was built by AHFartaudio. I bought a custom U4AB amp from Japan (which was featued in a Jap DIY magazine)and liked it but wanted to improve it. So I gave the schematic, some parts to Robert and had him built it up. Robert did a great job and it sounds great too. It has a very organic and natural sound especially in the mids and treble that makes it sound so realistic. When Robert was running it in his shop with the D5nf, he had lots of good comments from other customers who heard it there.

ddriveman November 07, 2008 15:07

Owner

Jigstersg,

Sorry for late reply but to answer your question...Yes, I live in Singapore. Are you in Singapore too?

ddriveman November 02, 2008 11:11

Owner

Mikeduke,

Sorry for late reply but have been very busy with work (and the lousy economy) lately. Yes, I would say that the Altmann DeJitter would help in your case. It does make the sound smoother and more effortless and seems to give more impacdt to the bass. For anti-Jitter, I was considering either the Altmann or the Apogge Big Ben. But the Big Ben is more expensive and while there are good recommendations for the Big Ben on the web, there was also a few not so great ones. Have not seen any bad reviews of the Altmann.

ddriveman November 02, 2008 11:10

Owner

Power Amp upgraded. SAme design but new built with better components and chassis. even more transparent with a very special 3D holographic soundstaging. Hard to described but all who have heard it like it - very orgranic, natural and live souding. Also added more pix of the system.

ddriveman September 06, 2008 13:14

Owner

Mapman, Thank you. Its still a journey though but its getting better all the time. Your Ohm speakers look very interesting!

ddriveman August 16, 2008 13:56

Owner

System edited: Wow! System has gone through many changes - New Turntable (Galibier Gavia), new cartridge (Dynavector XX2 mk II), new preamp and poweramp and the most significant change of all - new speakers (Feastrex D9e Field Coil). Being a single driver fan and finally getting a field coil driver is like reaching nirvana. I can say that the extra $$ and effort for the field coil is well worth it. My journey has been kicked into another gear. The Galibier Gavia turntable is also significant as it now gives me a very capable analog source that is revealing new insights and enjoyment. The pre and power amps are both custom built and intriguing. I am using very old and unusual tubes but getting very good sounds. Overall, I am into my next phase in my audio journey and loving it.

ddriveman August 12, 2008 15:18

Owner

System edited: Added Neumann W444STA preamp. This is a vintage microphone active fader. Discovered via my Japanee audiophile contacts who are fanatical about vintage German broadcasting/studio equipment (Telefunken V76 microphone amps, EMT 928/930/950 TTs etc). It gives up a bit of refinement/transparency and air/spaciousness compared to my Django TVC but adds better tone, weight/body. It also gives me some gain when I play some CD's/LP's with low recorded volume. YOu can find these failry cheap on eBay. Tremendous value. Add a 24VDC power supply and off you go.

ddriveman December 09, 2007 03:10

Owner

System edited: Just swap the Golden Sound Ultra tweeter for the Taket Bat1 super tweeter. This is something I found in recent trip to Jpan. Its a very interesting product, piezo ribbon operating on the Heil principal. Said to go from 20-150Khz. Does not need a crossover. Compared to the Golden Sound tweeter, the Taket Bat1 gives a much wider and deeper soundstage. It does the same as the Golden Sounds in terms of tone improvements and adding weight to bass, more focus on treble etc. And its quite a bit cheaper. Highly recommended. The company Taket has a more expensive "Taket Bat Pro" super tweeter with adjustable efficiency and crossover roll-off. Also their piezo ribbon headphone have been getting rave review (as possible the best) in the headphone audiophile community. Here i the link: http://taket.jp/japanese/j.html.

ddriveman November 04, 2007 00:32

Owner

The cabs are built for me by a local DIYer. We used 3/4" Marine Plywood (best plywood we could find in Singapore). It has a real wood Maple veneer put on. Up close, you can see its a DIY build but from far it looks good enough.

ddriveman October 24, 2007 09:43

Owner

Sorry for late reply. The Fostex attenuator is more refine & transparent than the stock one. Also better control, you get 1dB steps.

ddriveman September 29, 2007 15:01

Owner

Jsujo,

My EV12TRXB cabinets are 52" tall TWQT box. Use the Martin King Mathcad software to calculate for an Fo=35Hz. Built with 3/4" Marine plywood. Actually I think the 12TRXB work quite nicely in simple bass reflex also because of the high qts. I have heard them in open baffle and they sound fine with suprisingly low bass (down to about 60Hz in OB). Thats why the vintage EV boxes are bass reflex. I think they will do well in your RCA LS-1 cabs.

ddriveman September 24, 2007 16:57

Owner

System edited: Just added the Golden Sound Ultra Tweeter. This is a super tweeter that supposedly operates in freq > 100KhZ. The Featres D5nf drivers do not need a super tweeter as the high freq are extended but the ultra tweeters actually add weight to the mid bass, sweetens the mids and focusses the treble without adding energy to the top end. You can't hear any output at all from the device but it does make a difference especially the bass which is surprising. A worthwhile upgrade.

ddriveman September 23, 2007 10:32

Owner

Maineiac. I see you have the Auditorium 23 speaker cables. DO you like them and how do they compare to others you have heard.

ddriveman August 31, 2007 16:05

Owner

Thank you. Yes, I move the chairs and side table aside for serious listening and drop the drapes behind. For casual listening, the drivers are high enough that its okay.

ddriveman August 31, 2007 15:14

Audiogon

Forum

Bluebook

Merch

Description

Components Toggle details

47 Labs FlatFish Mk 2 CD Transport: Charney batt PSU & Upgraded Clock

Zanden 5000 MkIV DAC

Galibier Gavia TT with Durand Talea 2 tonearm

Technics SP10mk3 + Porter plinth FR66s. Fully serviced and rewired with new Silver wires and Rhodium connectors by Ikeda

ViV Laboratory Rigid Float 9 inch

Technics EPC-P100C MkIV MM cartridge

AKG P100LE MM cartridge

Koetsu Coralstone Diamond Platinum

Various MC/MM/MI: SPU Gold, Koetsu Onyx Plt, FR7Fz, Ikeda 9CIII

Wavac LCR-X2 Phonostage

J&R Essential 3160 phono+linestage

Tribute Inductive Volme Control

Berning 300B ZOTL (New Siegfried)

DIYHiFiSupply LD91 MonoMax SET amp + Noguchi OPT

Fi 421A SET amp

First Watt SIT-2 amp

Feastrex D9e - Type 1 Field Coil Speaker

REL R218 subwoofer 2pcs, stereo pair.

Altmann JISCO Dejitter

Hashimoto Live MC-10 Step-up Transformer

Choir Audio Hashimoto HM-7 Step-Up Transformer

DIY HiFi Supply Cole LCR phono amp

Custom Mod Nagashima U4AB SET amp

Tony Wong Custom 6SN7 CCS line preamp

Neumann W444STA line preamp

Feastrex D5nf speaker

Audioquest Leopard tonearm cable

Analysis Plus Silver Oval Tonearm Cable

Silver Breeze Tonearm Cable

STEREOLAB Master Reference 818 Digital IC

Antipodes Komako IC MK 2 version

ClearDay Double Shotgun

ElectraGlide SOTU Power Cord

Harmonix X-DC2 Power Cord

Shunyata Python Vx Power Cord

BPT BP-10.5 Ultra Power Isolation Trans

PS Audio P500 and P300 Power Regenerators

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