Description

The summer has marked a number of fundamental changes to my system. I switched from the Music Hall mmf-5 to the VPI Scout - this was mainly to combat the grado hum (and get into a table with more of an upgrade path). The Grado hum is often reported on the VPI deck as well... but if it is still there, it is below the noise floor (which was not the case with the mmf-5).

I also decided to venture into the world of separates and I seemed to venture pretty far indeed. My initial intent was to get the Simaudio Moon P-5 / W-5 Combo figuring it would be a nice upgrade with similar voicing to the I-5LE. However, having heard Balanced Audio Technology monoblocks this spring, I begain to wonder what it would be like to experiment with a P-5 / BAT VK-60 monoblock pairing. My hope was that the P-5 would help maintain the Simaudio/ Totem synergy while the VK-60’s would lend some liquidity to the midrange. There is a substantial improvement in the overall sound of the system. Listener fatigue is nonexistent with the VK-60’s, yet the P-5 seems to maintain some of the detail and speed that I admire Simaudio for.

At this point I only feel that minor tweaking is necessary (as it always is). For one thing I need to choose some balanced interconnects to use between the Eclipse and P-5 as well as between the P-5 and VK-60’s. Any opinions of interconnect choices and other tweaks to add/perform is always appreciated! Thanks for looking. – Luke
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Components Toggle details

    • Sonus Faber Cremona
    New addition.
    • Balanced Audio VK-60 monoblocks
    • Sim Audio Moon P-5
    Just added... so far so good.
    • Sim Audio Moon Eclipse
    I think I hate this CDP. It is so great that it has spurred a whole mass of upgrades! : ) It definitely makes redbook CD's a viable source. http://www.simaudio.com/mooneclipse.htm
    • Sim Audio Moon LP5.3
    Still breaking in...
    • VPI Industries Scout/ JMW-9
    Well built and well matched table/arm combo.
    • Shelter 501 mkii
    -
    • Totem Acoustic Bi-Wire
    Three runs of Totem's Tress cable terminated with WBT banana plugs. http://www.totemacoustic.com/english/products/access_biWire.htm http://www.totemacoustic.com/english/products/access_Tress.htm
    • VPI HW-16.5
    Record cleaning machine - needed for anyone who buys used vinyl (especially if you live in the desert). One of the best purchases I have made! http://www.vpiindustries.com/products_165.htm
    • TNT Flexy Variation
    A homebrew four shelf rack made with a variation of the TNT-flexy rack design.
    • Grado Reference Sonota
    Wood body, moving iron design. http://www.gradolabs.com/product_pages/sonata_platinum.htm

Comments 10

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Been there...still there.

Mine's 11 by 21 by 10. Not much better but it's all mine!

The only thing that made it work, and work well, is room treatment. Not necessarily brand-name stuff,,,just something to break things up. Blankets, books or bookcases, plants, even the furniture.

Good luck!

vinylmatters

Nice looking system...quality components.

What are your room deminsions?

Good to see the turntable and Totem speakers. I recently added some Quad 22Ls to my system but will always keep my Totem Model 1s. Just something about that Totem sound...

David

vinylmatters