System edited: Added a Squeezebox 3 wireless music server, which I'm feeding into the TriVista21 dac. Fun and convenient. Surprising good sound at a modest cost. With a couple of 1TB drives for storage on the computer, my digital library is bound to grow. For serious listening, analog still is my choice...

sbank August 19, 2009 11:42

Hi Mitch,

I've been having a good time dialing everything in. Always learning more. Curious to chat about your contemplated changes, etc. Best,
Spence

sbank April 08, 2009 09:15

Glenn,

You are welcome to by for a listen anytime, send me an email anytime you'd like.

We seem to be missing each other at the various Philly group meetings; it's been a while! Nobody else is too happy when I break out the Clash LPs ;-)

Hope all is well,
Spence

sbank April 08, 2009 09:12

Lots of changes to your system !! How are you enjoying it? I, too, believe that I will be making a major change or two. Neuance question for you when you get a chance.
Cheers, Mitch

aronsss April 07, 2009 19:51

Spencer, wow , big changes! I am bummed that I could not visit this weekend. There always seems to be a meeting that coincides with my one son's birthday. The Dodd seems really intriguing. Best wishes to you and your family in 2009, as well.

Cheers,

Glenn

sdatch January 19, 2009 13:18

Spencer - Great room...really enjoyed my visit...I had no idea how big it was by the pictures above...quite a dream! The Alon's were mighty impressive...as was the rest of the gear...several treats including the ZYX cartridge...almost bought one a year ago.

Thanks again

Chad

chadlesko January 18, 2009 21:53

Hi Dawg,

If you are on a noisy power grid, the Dodd has definite advantages. Sonically, I am finding improvement and ability to tweak the sound based on tube rolling. The Herron sounded best w/stock tubes, and any quiet tube sounded relatively the same. Both are more similar than different sounding, and I recommend them both strongly. Never had a chance to hear the Herron 2 or 3.
The Dehavilland amps sound much more powerful than 30w/ch would suggest. You might be surprised at what speakers they can drive. They combine a subtlety and power that I find rare. Having more fun with them every day. They really draw you into the music. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank January 03, 2009 10:12

Nice system! You have many of the components I have tried, or would like to try! Merlin, Herron, Dehavilland, Dodd, Golden Ref....

Any other insights on the Herron vs. the Dodd? I am in the process of selling the Herron 1a/166 for financial reasons, and perhaps will replace it with either a VTSP-2 or a Dodd battery pre in the future. Currently running Herron M1 Monos, and a Dehavilland Ultraverve 2. I looked hard at getting an 845G Aires set, but they probably won't like my speakers, so I may go with the new 50a amp coming out this spring. Until then, the Herron M1's are the best amps I have had in my system. No regrets! I had them up for sale, but doubt I will sell them, unless I can get full asking price.

dawgcatching January 03, 2009 02:13

Recently rolled the tubes in my Dodd preamp, with a pair of Tungsrams replacing the ei's. Result: increased transparency particularly in the mids and treble. Dodd owners, give them a try if you get a chance...

Still looking for a power cable for the Trivista 21 dac, which is proving to be quite enjoyable. Pondered whether or not to try some other players as transports, but haven't been convinced that it's worth the money or effort vs. what's on hand now. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank December 23, 2008 08:05

Hi David,
Keen eye. In the center of that photo, I happen to have a pair of Trelja's Consonance Cyber 800's that I borrowed, as well as my amps.

sbank November 25, 2008 09:53

Hi Spence,
Looking good! One of the pics is showing 4 amps driving those Alons? Am I correct?

David

toudou November 24, 2008 20:20

System edited: New photos added. Grover Huffman speaker cables arrived today. Music is back after a quiet week.

sbank November 24, 2008 12:45

System edited: Updated system description, and added recent tweaks. New photos to come shortly.

sbank November 21, 2008 10:38

System edited: Well, big changes now almost completed. Picked up a Musical Fidelity TriVista 21 DAC and Stereovox XV2 digital cable, which I'll try with both the modded Sony and the Pioneer Elite as transports. I might actually start sitting in the room when CDs are playing. Will be picking up a power cable for use with the dac soon. The Merlins have been sold, and I'll be silent for a week or so, while I await Grover's tri-wire cables to hook up the Alon V's. The bi-wire Cardas Golden Ref will have to be sold. If anyone is wondering, the speaker change was driven by economics, as I've been very happy with the Merlins and the continue to recommend them to many.

sbank November 16, 2008 09:56

Goldeneraguy,

Thanks for your comments. Yes, the Aries 845G is a beautiful sounding amp. You'd think it is much more powerful than 30w, and it drives the Merlins well, even in my large room. Wish I could keep them.
Kara has been very helpful with my questions, no doubt. Take care,
Spencer

sbank November 13, 2008 16:40

Hi Spencer , Glad to read of your purchase of the Aries 845G
I own and love this amp and to find that a very knowledgeable
member (you) selects this amp for his system makes me realize my old ears are still working.Not only have I found this amp to be superb,I find Kara to be first rate,top notch and always available.
Sorry to see your Merlin's up for sale.In reading your posts I know how you enjoyed them.
Well have fun with the amp its really special.

goldeneraguy November 13, 2008 12:46

Alfa,

Sorry, I haven't responded to your question until now. Although I like the Belles amps, haven't heard his preamps. As for the Dodd, it continues to impress greatly. Just the quietest blackest background ever. It really lets the other gear shine through. Easy to live with, and looks great. I can't imagine anything close in price beating it.

sbank November 03, 2008 10:49

Give Gregg Straley Reality Cables a try. They're truly outstanding, and inexpensive. They replaced $2000 Purist Audio Venustas in my system.

I tried bi-wire and single wire with jumpers in my system, and settled on jumpers sounding best. Never thought it would happen.

Anyway, try the Straley's. They're available with a home trial period.

tvad November 02, 2008 11:23

System edited: Just added Dehavilland Aries 845G monoblock amps to the system. At first listen, they are very impressive, and sound great with the Merlins. Unfortunately, I have to sell the Merlins for financial reasons, and will be going to Alon V's which at their price, should be hard to beat. Need to buy tri-wire speaker cable and power cables for the amps, thinking about JPS AC+ PCs, and GroverHuffman speaker cables or Nola Blue Thunder. Suggestions appreciated.

sbank November 02, 2008 11:18

Alfa,

So far, I am very impressed w/the Dodd preamp. It's the quietest tube pre I've ever heard. Jet black backgrounds, and not subject to the EMI/RFI hash that plagues many others in my environment near huge radio tower. It's beautiful and well-constructed. Wish I had the $ to try rolling all the top tubes that I've heard elsewhere and read about.
Honestly, at its asking price, I think it has no real competition. I'm done thinking about preamps for a long time. In my system, the Herron is the only one that comes close. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank August 27, 2008 12:46

I am very interested in the Dodd preamp.

Do you have any additional comments you may wish to share?

I am currently using a Belles 28a Reference with a JLTI phono preamp.

The Belles is silent in its operation and provides excellent sound and features (remote and a HT bypass).

Let me know, I am tempted to try the Dodd

alfa_lover August 26, 2008 19:12

System edited: Added some new photos...

sbank August 17, 2008 13:43

Spencer
Trust me on this one.

I also used Cardas Golden Reference speaker wire and Cardas Neutral Reference interconnects.Exceptional wire,however.
There is definitly something to using more Nordost wire this far up the signal chain. You won't have to go any further with it.

Once I take delivery of my record player and choose a cartridge I'll hit the pavement for some speakers.

Mark

stiltskin April 21, 2008 20:33

Hi Gary,

The Dodd & Herron are very similar in nature, they both pretty much disappear. I don't have very many hours of listening yet on the Dodd, so take my comments w/grain of salt, but so far...
jet black background, very good at dynamic contrasts, good tonality. Soundstage might not be as deep with the Dodd, but definitely as wide with equally good imaging.
The Dodd wins hands down as far as looks; the woodworking is beautiful. The Herron has good fit/finish, but is sort of plain looking, nothing fancy or eyecatching.
If it matters, the Dodd has a nice matching remote that mechanically rotates the volume knob. The Herron has no remote.
I have heard & like the Dehavilland Mercury2, but be sure to check impedance match compatibility before you buy one. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank April 21, 2008 17:15

Mark,

Thanks for your comments and suggestion. I will be happy to try some Nordost if I get a chance. I agree that the Valhalla took quite some time to break in and did sound bright at first, but now I'm really liking the improvment in the tonearm and wiring.
Congrats on your new amp. Curious to hear what speakers you choose. I heard ASR amps in many rooms at CES a few years ago, and they were run w/quite a variety of speakers.
Cheers,
Spencer

sbank April 21, 2008 12:39