Hi, maybe im late, but how would you compare a raal twiter vs a dome on paradigm, i have by now a paradigm studio 20 v5, thinkg to move to ascend sierra 2 or vapor audio, I am loking, to imporve realism, more 3d image, and more speaker disaperaing effect. I hope you understand me.
thanks any way

alfau7 December 18, 2015 21:41

Received some toys made by Jim Salk and Bob...

ainkfek June 29, 2011 22:12

The Hawthornes have settled in nicely with my Rawson Aleph5s, but the sound remained a bit harsh.
So, I have replaced the stock Jantzen Cross-Caps with Mundorf Supreme caps (both 6.8uF and 10uF).

Now the sound is everything I wanted Magnepan to be.

ainkfek March 15, 2011 03:04

System edited: Audio gd NFB-12 Dual WM8741 chips. This USB/Coax/Optical DAC is simply amazing. It's hard to believe it only cost well under $300 new. Conforting and resolving sound. Not muddy.

ainkfek March 15, 2011 02:53

I'm still in Cincy. Definitely consider me a candidate for the Tylers! I wouldn't mind heading down south to pick them up over a weekend. I recently switched to the B&W CM1 bookshelves, and they lack some of the presence I got used to with the Thiels.

heyitsmedusty March 01, 2011 20:11

Hey Dusty,

Are you still in Cincy?
I'm still rocking the Tylers, but I'm interested in tweaking the Hawthorne to find out how far they can go.
If they sound any better, I'll probably put the Tyler's up for cheap.

Have Fun,

ainkfek February 28, 2011 23:41

Are you still rockin the Tylers anymore these days?

heyitsmedusty February 28, 2011 22:02

System edited: Hawthornes Solo with 15" Silver Iris coaxial drivers. They sounds terrible with my Rawson monoblocks but incredibly musical with my ol' $300 chinese tube integrated amp.

ainkfek February 28, 2011 03:25

System edited: Added Beyerdynamic DT880 @ 600ohm. Very comfortable and it's a great match with G3 OTL headphone amp. A bit on a warm side compared to AD-1000. Have Fun,

ainkfek February 12, 2011 16:14

System edited: Added the VPI HW-19Mk4. I still love the Technics, but the VPI sounds very real on acoustics music.

ainkfek January 31, 2011 00:53

System edited: Added: Audio Zone Pre-T1 Preamp. This passive preamp is based on TX102 transformers. A brief comparison to the Sonic Euphoria PLC 1. High freq - Pre-T1 sparkles with less grain. 2. Mid freq - PLC has a bit more body, but Pre-T1 is more transparent with better balance. 3. Low freq - PLC has more emphasis on bass but a bit bloated at times. 4. Volume Control - PLC has finer volume settings, but the Pre-T1 has +6dB switch. 5. Connectibility - PLC has 4(inputs)/2(outputs) pairs with Tape Out. Pre-T1 is factory set to 3/1 or 2/2 option. My unit came with 2/2, but I have the Burson AB160, so that makes it 3/2. The Manley Skipjack or other switchers may be required for some. PLC came with 1 pair of WTB RCA for both In/Output. Pre-T1 is equipped with regular generic RCA connectors. The WTB connectors sound cool, but I think the cost difference should be allocated to other part of audio where it actually makes obvious difference. But the WBT connectors seem to make better physical connection to all interconnects. 6. Ground - Pre-T1 has Ground Float with a switch, PLC comes with a ground wire. Pre-T1's ground float works, while PLC didn't make a difference in MY environment, but was never an issue. Pre-T1's ground float is only noticable when turned all the way up so it should not be beneficial during normal playback. 7. Design Base - PLC is Autoformer wound and entirely wired with Cardas. Pre-T1 is S&B TX102 ver.1 transformers based. 8 Problem - I now have 3 preamps, and have to decide which one to sell...

ainkfek July 18, 2010 02:07

Just when I was starting to give up on the Technics, the SME 309 really makes the TT strut its stuff. Now, I'm going to have to upgrade my digital source... But ever since I'd acquired Versalabs Wood Block for $50, my CDP acts like a different unit. I've never experienced much improvement from power related products until this one. As always, benefits from power conditioners are system/environment dependent. I guess I just found a right combination. For now, I'm happy but Ever-Evolving...

ainkfek June 29, 2010 01:12

System edited: Added SME 309 to the SL-1200mk2. Mounting plate is made by SoundSupports.com

ainkfek June 17, 2010 00:24

That is one 'hot looking' SL-1200. Love your mods to it. I'm waiting to find a used 1200 for a good price that has not seen DJ use.

mjcmt May 09, 2010 15:42

System edited: Added a Von Gaylord Preamp and Burson AB160. Burson really cleans sound stage when placed between preamp & amplifiers. Have Fun,

ainkfek May 08, 2010 01:36

Nice system Ainkfek full range speakers are a great way to go

velocityofhue April 06, 2010 02:19

System edited: Upgraded to Linbrook II. Music sounds correct now that I don't have to rely on my subwoofer. Simply good.

ainkfek April 06, 2010 00:53

Sorry for my late reply.
It isolates my TT very nicely from low frequency.
It allow my cartridge to resolve more information, but the problem is that it makes me wonder if I can do much better with a different tonearm. Pehaps something like Origin Live Encounter? I have a pair of Tyler Acoustics Linbrook II on the way so I hope they keep me away from upgrading again anytime soon.

I'll post some pics once available.

ainkfek March 31, 2010 17:03

Sweet system!

How does the acrylic platform affect the sound of your Technics TT? I'm considering acrylic shelves for my rack.

mjcmt March 17, 2010 20:26

Thanks for your kind comment Dusty.

I would say this "Wounded" beast is back being a true contender.
Its battle scars still remain, so I was thinking about getting a faceplate for a quick fix. Functionally, there are no issues. I hope your SL is working nicely.

ainkfek February 10, 2010 22:11

Hiro,

You've done quite a job on my old SL-1200! You sure made a beauty out of that beast. I'm a huge fan of all your DIY stuff. I haven't had the pleasure to hear your system, but I have a feeling it would prove that you don't need to spend $20k+ to get top class music.

Classy system!

-Dusty

heyitsmedusty February 10, 2010 17:31

Hey Dogmcd,

Since I'd acquired passive pre by the Sonic Euphoria, I've been using the amps with shorting plugs. This combination offers plenty of gain, and they resolve like nothing I've ever heard. It's really hard to find major faults in these amps. I can listen to music for hours without a hint of fatigue. I think I will swap internal wires to see if I could improve these any further. I will be keeping these as long as I can.

ainkfek February 08, 2010 00:22

Hey Albert, I have no idea how I got the name Bruce...

ainkfek February 08, 2010 00:06

Ainkfek... How are you liking your Rawson Aleph 5 clones? Just updated the notes on mine. Wondered how your experience has been with them? Your system is looking really nice!

dogmcd February 07, 2010 20:13

Hey Bruce,

TT Weights clamp works as it should with the periphery ring on warped LP. To my ears they work effectively, but I prefer to take them off on flat LP. It don't find clamping universally beneficial.

ainkfek February 06, 2010 17:59