Ray & Aronsss,
Thanks. The Red Wine dac is a pretty interesting piece. I've not spent that much time w/it yet, but my initial impression is that it is very quiet, with a relaxed character. Perhaps not quite as resolving as my Metronome was, but it sounds allows my mind to focus on the song vs the gear.
It reminds me of the feeling I sometimes get listening to a car radio on a warm sunny day. I know it isn't the highest fidelity, but I can't help but enjoying myself. Of course, the resolution is better than a typical car stereo, but that's the type of emotional reaction I get from listening to it.
LP is still my primary focus. I've been dealing with a bear of an RFI problem that has troubled me for months. Close to having conquered it with a new phono stage. More on that later...Cheers,
Spencer

sbank May 19, 2006 10:14

Hello Spencer,Very nice system,i was also wondering how your dig. setup is working out,the RedWine dac sounds very interesting.LPs must sound very good!Ray

raytheprinter May 18, 2006 23:41

I look forward to your commentary on your new and very interesting digital set up.

aronsss April 07, 2006 18:52

System edited: Bought a Pioneer Elite DV45a universal player to use as a transport, and just settled on trying out the Red Wine Audio Monica 2 dac. The combination of battery power and non-O/S have intrigued me. Been checking out this type of design for a while, and figure it's worth a spin. Will report back later.

sbank April 07, 2006 09:22

System edited: Just sold my Metronome CD2V Signature. I'll be buying an inexpensive non-oversampling DAC and a DVD transport. Motivation is desire to help me finance an amp purchase of Joule Electra amps. So little of my listening time is spent on digital, that it seemed piggish to have so much invested in my cdp. Considering Ack, Scott Nixon, Audio Mirror dacs. Suggestions welcomed! Cheers, Spencer

sbank March 28, 2006 09:21

David,
Whichever one best meets at the crossroads of "I Dream of" Ave. and "I can barely afford it" St. My eyes are open and fingers crossed...Cheers,
Spencer

sbank March 20, 2006 17:32

Spencer,

Which one of Jud's creations are you looking at?

david_berry March 20, 2006 12:25

System edited: Sold the CAT preamp. Next move will likely be to sell my CD player to help finance an amp upgrade to the nice, but more expensive Joule Electra amps.

sbank March 18, 2006 18:42

You're the best !!!!

aronsss March 13, 2006 16:34

Aronsss,
Here’s exactly what was used for the rack:

Qty/Item/Description/Source/Price
Footers:
4 2.0AP-1oint 2”Audio Point Internal Thread 5/8”[email protected] Depth Star Sound Technologies aka www.audiopoints.com $36.99each
Shelves:
3 0517 Maple 1 7/8”x17”x48” (their thickest standard size) Perfect Plank www.perfectplank.com $77.00each
Top Shelf:
1 0517 Maple 1 7/8”x22”x48” (cut by them from 24”wide)Perfect Plank aka www.perfectplank.com $106.00
TungOilAnyhardwarestore ~$10.00
4 98853 A035 Brass Threaded Rod 5/8”-11 thread, 3’ length McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com $23.79 each

4packs 92916 A433 Brass Flat Washer 5/8”L Screw size, 11/16”ID,McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com $9.88/pack of 10 1 3/4”OD, .102”thick

3packs 92683 A860 Brass Hex Extra-width thin (Jam) Nut McMaster-Carr aka www.mcmaster.com $14.46/pack of 10
5/8”L Screw size, 11/16”width, 23/64”height

4 92716 A035 Brass Acorn Nut 5/8”-11 Screw size, 1”width, ¾”height McMaster-Carr www.mcmaster.com $3.03/each

Total cost ~ $675. If you use Salamander spikes in lieu of Audiopoints, you will save about $100.
Good luck,
Spencer

sbank March 13, 2006 15:58

Congratulations. I just got my Merlins which are breaking in. The synergy with the Joules appears to be as good as everyone says.

aronsss March 12, 2006 11:50

System edited: System edited: Just added a Joule Electra LA100mkIII line stage and OPS1mkV phono stage. Hoping to eventually add Joule Electra monoblock amps, and I've always thought the Joule amps sound best mated w/Joule preamps. This change will also allow me to free up some cash towards the amps. Still working out some setup bugs w/grounding and RFI, so no real listening impressions yet vs. the CAT preamp in this system. My prior experience with the LA150 taught me that their are minor tradeoffs with these pieces, but they both offer exceptional performance in their price class, and are synergistic w/the Merlins and Berning amp. Cheers, Spencer

sbank March 12, 2006 10:31

Hi Spencer,

well thought system!! Congrats!!!
Cheers

kuzibri March 02, 2006 19:06

Hi Robert,
Using Cardas Golden Reference.
Spencer

sbank March 01, 2006 16:11

What cable are you using between the VPI and the CAT ?

robertje March 01, 2006 10:38

David,
I agree that room treatments can make a huge improvement. I first tried some Roomtunes products, but they did little in this room. Chances are that I didn't have enough coverage of surface area for them to be effective.
Sensible Sound Solutions gave me a perfect balance between providing acoustical/technical expertise, and allowing me to save on the investment by doing some of the assembly of the treatments(e.g. stapling fabric on panels, etc).
The rear wall still has no treatments, and I'm considering adding some diffusors behind the seating on the back wall, but would like to move slowly to make sure I get a good handle on the impact of it. Take care,
Spencer

sbank February 23, 2006 09:33

System edited: A couple of minor tweaks added to system description...comments, suggestions welcomed. Cheers, Spencer

sbank February 22, 2006 16:30

Hi Spencer,

As I have found in my basement listening room, the acoustical treatment of the room (i.e. first reflection points, bass traps in the corners, etc) are by far the most inexpensive way to improve the musical experience. Granted, it is not as fun as shopping for a new amplifier or CDP, but something that cannot be overlooked.
Fantastic looking room and well thought out treatment!

David

david_berry February 22, 2006 14:00

Mark,
Thanks. I like you system a lot, too. I had Quad 63s prior to getting my Merlins. In fact, the midrange of the Quads were Bobby's starting point when he designed the Merlins.
The Supratek & Atmas are also favorite components of mine that I listen to regularly at friends' homes. The Scoutmaster is a best value in audio to my ears.
The rack is 48"w x 36"h. Top shelf is 23"d, others are 19" deep.
Yes, I do check the level occasionally, but between a whole house humidifier keeping humidity fairly stable, and the brass nuts/washers above & below each shelf, it hasn't been a problem yet. Take care,
Spencer

sbank February 11, 2006 13:43

Hi Spencer,WoW, Nice system...What are the dimensions of your maple rack? Im going to build a simular rack myself using all sugar maple with Finite Elemente Cerabases for feet. I know that wood moves all the time with humidity changes .Do you check your turntable for level periodically? Right now my design is on paper and is just under 48 inches by 24 inches deep.I try to keep the humidity in my home between 50 and 65% year around.Anyway Spencer maybe you know this,I just thought you should keep an eye,er level, on your rack and turntable from time to time. Mark

stiltskin February 11, 2006 10:21

Joe, thanks for the kind words.

Larry, I'll check out the rollerblocks. right now I'm using the DH ceramic cones under the Berning. Others have recommended Stillpoints. All these details add up sonically & economically!

Steve, make sure your new rug is natural fibre. I've read that most synthetics are more reflective. It might be a while before I get to mess w/rug padding, it would be nice to borrow some to try for an afternoon without investing in it. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank January 30, 2006 09:21

Spencer,
I've done no experimenting with padded vs unpadded carpeting. I will be moving my system to a new 14x19x9 room soon. It will have hardwood floors like yours and I am wondering how to treat the surfaces. I plan to get a large oriental rug and try it both ways. I'll post my findings. Also, just got my BAM upgraded to "Super" status. It definitly made improvements. In additio, I switched to a new Cary SLP-98 F1 (hot rod) pre amp. It made a large improvement in several key areas (soundstage is huge, amazing clarity). The bass is about the same as my previous pre. Please post your findings as you search for power cords for the Berning. Bobby P. suggested the JPS AC+ as one of his favorites with the Berning. Love your dog.
Steve

sburton January 29, 2006 16:52

Spencer,
.
Congratulations on the new room. It looks, and I'll bet, it sounds great.
.
I would suggest that you experiment by laying a piece of padding over your existing carpet and try a few comparative listenings on the same pieces of music with and without the padding. You might get some nice improvement or possibly over dampen the room, but you won't know until you try.
.
Definitely, try to get a set of Symposium Roller Blocks to put under your Berning ZH-270. I can tell you from experience that it will definitely be a nice plus and at a bargain price. If you can't find a set easily, I can loan a set to you.
.
Best Regards,
Larry
.

cello January 29, 2006 16:29

I have had the pleasure of spending an afternoon in Spencer's new room. Not only are the aesthetics great, his already excellent sound was much improved. so much air and bloom. The soundstage is out beyond the boundaries of the Merlins while still capturing the imaging that make these loudspeakers so special. You can sense the effectiveness of the room treatments as soon as you walk into the room, even with no music playing. Nice job Spence! I'm glad Buddy likes it too.

slipknot1 January 29, 2006 14:46

Hi Steve,
It's 23.5x16x9'. I haven't tried anything under the rug. Have you experimented with that?
You might not have seen them in the photos, but I do have two absorptive ceiling panels on the ceiling at the mirror points. Each panel is like my wall panels, OC703 2" thick rigid fiberglass. The ones on the ceiling are covered in light muslin. I thought with the ceiling treated, the floor would be okay w/just the wool rug. Always open to suggestions. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank January 29, 2006 10:34