APL NWO-MS comprising Esoteric VRDS-NEO converted to a high-resolution digital transport and separate DAC-M. Wave Kinetics NVS Turntable and Talea II Tonearm, Audiopax Model 5 SE and Audiopax Maggiore M100 SET and Evolution Acoustic MMtwo speakers. Transparent and musical system.
APL Hi-Fi Two Box Transport and DAC. Esoteric X-01 VRDS-NEO converted to a high-resolution digital transport. Separate DAC-M. Completely re-designed PCBs for the DAC-tower assembly. 32bit AK4399 DACs. Custom output transformers made by Lundahl Transformers, Sweden wound with special Oxygen Free Copper wire.
Evolution Acoustics MMTwo
Full range speaker
Each speaker has two 7 ceramic midrange drivers, one 5 ribbon tweeter and one 15 treated paper woofer. Constant voltage crossover. Frequency response of 10Hz40kHz and 93dB efficient
Wave Kinetics NVS
Direct drive turntable
Audiopax Maggiore M-100
100W Class A1 Triode.
Max. Power Output (at clipping): 100 W RMS at 1kHz/8 ohms (with KT-88 tubes) 130 W RMS at 1kHz/8 ohms (with KT-120 tubes) Frequency response: 15Hz to 80kHz (-3dB) Signal to noise ratio: [greaterthansign] 100 dB (A-weighted) ref. 100 W Gain: 23 dB Input impedance: 100K ohms
Audiopax Model 5 SE
Solid state special edition preamplifier
Durand Talea II
Unipivot tonearm
Ortofon A-90
MC Cartridge
Ortofon Black Credenza
The Cadenza Black model is using a Nude Shibata stylus with a boron cantilever. The effective mass of the stylus/cantilever system is extremely low due to the use of a very thin boron rod. This material is extremely stiff and even more lightweight than aluminium.
It also uses the WRD (Wide Range Damping-system applied for MC Windfeld, MC A90, MC Anna, Xpression), controlling the high and low frequency damping separately. The coil wire is the famous Ortofon Aucurum wire, which is a gold plated 6NX copper wire.
Evolution Acoustics DRSC
Double Run Speaker Cable - 192 individually teflon coated solid core pure copper conductors.
Whest PS.30RDT SE
Phono Amplifier
Ocellia Reference Interconnect
Anti-MDI design, 99,99% pure silver wire with natural dielectric, Mineral dielectric outer jacket, mineral insulation, Pure Silver connectors, Optional copper braid shield
Tara Labs Air One Series Two
Interconnect between Whest Audio Phono Amp and Bent Audio preamp
Purepower 2000
AC Regeneration
Wave Kinetics A10-U8
Component Control System (Isolation for CD/SACD Player)
I see Eddie answered your question on the SRA; his answer was the exact one that Fremer gave to me; 92 degrees if you can set it there. I have a Mint LP protractor also; it is excellent. If you can't get the Rake Angle with a microscope try by ear. One way I was taught was to keep lifting the VTA higher until the top is thin and you lose bass response, then very slowing lower a itsy bit until the bass is bull and natural and the highs aren't as harsh and strident. Keep in mind SRA and VTA are different measurements; check some research threads to remind you how each is measured. Your ear can usually guide you if you are in the right area. I hope this helps from my perspective.
I am so sorry to hear Eduardo de Lima passed away. Incredibly kind, humble person when I met him. I loved his room; it just had that something that makes it easy to listen to. Yes, I noticed we have the same Ortofon and I love it. I met Michael Fremer and he warned me it is a tough one to set up right, but finally got it. He likes the new top Ortofon even better;mentioned this at CES this year. The Audiodesk had issues in the very beginning and has worked them out. So far it is working great and is very easy and seems to do a great job. Fremer recommended it over others I asked about. Thanks for your note.
Beautiful system. I listened to an Audiopax system at T.H.E. Las Vegas 2011; the designer and owner was there from Brazil; very nice man. It was my favorite system that year. It was the most musical I have ever heard. He was driving his own speakers that year; a three way design. The CDP was an Ayon 5S. I suspect his amps are killer on your MM2's. I am so glad I took a chance on the MM2's and sold my MAXX; like you I am so satified. What state do you live? I want to visit if I am in the area.
