Hey Rene,

I guess we both have our laptops in the listening area, so we can "chat" while listening to our tunes.

I am listening to Zero7 at the moment. I really like electronic lounge and acid jazz genres. Most of these stuff are available on vinyl new, so I am pretty lucky. I was worried I couldn't find what I like on vinyl. The facts are actually contrary to my apprehensions as these genres are readily available on vinyl. I am a happy camper.

Thanks for offering to look out for some records for me when you go to Calgary. But, I am pretty set with records in Los Angeles. We really have lots of record stores here. So, again, I am a happy camper. As you know from that thread you linked me previously, LA is a mecca for vinyl. Few weeks ago, I drove down to Long Beach and went to 3 stores that sell exclusively vinyl all within a few miles of each other.

When you do feel like experimenting, rip some CDs and vinyl and compare how they sound when stored on your harddrive and feeding into the Unico's DAC. I'd like your assessment on how it sounds compared to its original format. When I do move towards my own HD system, I plan to get some studio grade AD converters to rip the vinyl and cds onto harddrive via USB input. Apogee has a good product for that, the Mini-Me.

Regarding playback, I want to use USB based output from laptop to dac too. The Unico sounds like a good solution since it has digital input. It makes things very flexible as it can be used as cd player and dac as well. And, it does help that it is capable of playing higher rez redbook. If I am to use the Mini-Me, I'd definitely rip at 24 bit resolution. But, I think a pure USB connection will have less jitter.

Wavelength has a Cosine DAC with USB input but that is a bit more than $3k. Apogee makes a Mini-Dac which has USB as well as Coaxial inputs for about $1k, but I am weary of its audio playback quality. Most internet stores that sell Apogee offer 30 day refund policy though,, so I should be ok there. Empirical Audio also offer mods to convert any DAC's digital input into USB interface for about $400.

Speaking of USB, I did cut the connectors off an USB cord before and solder RCA connectors in its stead. It made for the second best digital cable I've had in my system. The best is still the OTA wires with Eichmann plugs which I used between the NEC CDrom and Nixon DAC until a few months ago. The NEC has both analogue and digital coax outputs. But, up until a few months ago, I preferred using the analogue output in lieu of the DAC.

BTW, what's Calgary like? Should I take my gf there? We're looking for some place go to go for winter vacation.

Ed

viggen November 05, 2004 09:53

Ed, I guess we are back to the daily evening chat: The unison usually goes for a retail of $2000, but I got an irresistable deal on it. Comparing retail price that makes it almost equal to my analog setup. So far it seems nobody has really caught onto the Unison CD (only the amp is getting all the accolades). I just went with a hunch, a few posts on audio asylum, the apparent good built quality and Chris Johnson of partsconnexion saying that it would be superior to their own modded Jolida. Also I had the unfair advantage of finding an excellent review in an excellent German audio magazine (image hifi). Also one important requirement was that it could be converted to different voltages. I haven't had a chance yet to do some tube rolling but so far I am really happy with the sound. It has the most tuneful and swinging bass I have heard from any CDP in my system, and as you can imagine from the tubed output stage the midrange is beautiful too. During the first two days the highs were a little too much, but this seems to be transitioning into very extended smooth highs. Only problem is the fairly low quality CD tray that makes it obvious that the Unico has a CD ROM drive on the inside.

Still have to try a better power cord for the CD. I got a vh audio Flavor 2 two weeks ago for the amp. It still if burning in, but I never thought I would hear differences in the power cord as much as I do. I will have to give it some more time though before I'll say more.

There really is something about better power supplies that makes a big difference. Naim e.g. has been pushing this for as long as I know. The Unico CD has power supply that takes more space and provides more power than in many integrated amps I have seen, so that your explanation could be quite right.

Since you mention the hard drive based system. I am getting tempted to hook up my Powerbook to the Unison, since it has an external digital input. Supposedly using the USB out with a Waveterminal U24 digital out should give a fairly jitter free signal. One day when I am in an experimenting mood...How does this work with your NEC CDROM? Does it have a standard coax output?

I am really tempted on the speaker upgrade too, but I think I should wait for the move and for the next semipermanent job. I can't believe they are running out of flu shots this winter, I really could have needed one against upgradeitis this time. I hadn't upgraded my system in almost five years, when my old Rega Mira just gave up on the left channel. That problem started one of the worst chain reactions in my audio carrier.

Well. enjoy your records. What are you listening to by the way? I could keep a look out for you in the record stores here. Also Calgary has a store with the biggest record collection I have seen anywhere (mainly pre 1990 used records. I guess I should not have written that, now Calgary will be promoted to an audiophile mecca.) I'll go bach to listen to some more Tom Waits for now...

Rene

restock November 05, 2004 09:16

Rene,

I guess you got a pretty good cd player. Don't mind me asking how much it goes for? I am not too familiar with Unison. Regarding tubes in digital, I only had experience with the CAL Alpha and SIgma DACs. My impression is that the tubes doesn't contribute too much in terms of sonic signature. And, with digital in general, its the "better" PSU and "better" powercord that makes the most improvements. So, I think it's the Unison's superior powersupply as well as its newer processor doohickeys that makes it superior than the Rega and close to the Technodec rather than its tube attributes?

Also, with the Dino+, the bass does get a bit deeper. Mostly, everything is cleaner and smoother with wider deeper attributes and most importantly more intoxicating.

As you know, I am mucho happy with my analog at the moment. I do wonder what the results would be if I dropped $4k on digital rather than analog. I guess I need to spend another $4k to find out... maybe after a year and after I get more shelf room....

I go back to listening to my records and wondering what $4k digital to get. Actually, I think I will use something harddrive based. This way I can rip my records for days I am too lazy to flip'em over.

Ed

viggen November 05, 2004 08:04

Linaeum, I forgot: Thanks for the suggestion on the pumice. I do have to try that some day....

Rene

restock November 05, 2004 02:52

Hi Ed, funny you say that you're not using your CDP any more. I know I said I would not be upgrading for a while, but I just found a Unico CD player "new in box" at a price I could not refuse (well I always wanted to try a tubed CD player). The amazing thing is that I stopped spinning LP's for the last couple of days and started rediscovering my CD collection. I am not sure whether it is the tube output stage but this thing is pure joy to listen to. I don't think I have ever heard my Missions going this low in bass response as with the Unico CD. I was really surprised but the Unico is a full step up from the Planet, and much better than the Linn Genki I had for a while and sold again. And I can start tube rolling....
Cd has now gotten a lot closer to my analog setup and in some way (bass response) it is clearly surpassing the Tecnodec.

As with respect to speakers: I have had the CDM 1 in my old Rega system for a weekend and it was just far too analytical, too sharp on top and much less musical than the Missions. The Linns I tried out during a short flirt with an all Linn system. Even then I preferred the Missions. Like the rest of the Linn system they were just a little sterile and grey sounding. Maybe some people like the Linn sound but I decided it is not for me (Although I never tried Linn active, which supposedly is a different story.

I am much happier with the Jolida/Mission system right now, and the funny thing is that I think it has more P.R.a.T. than the Linn. The Quad 11L I have heard only shortly in a friend Linn system and they were pretty good although I am not sure I would trade my Missions for them. A Quad ELS would look much more interesting down the road. Maybe if I settle somewhere someday.

Well, got to go back and dig out some more CD's....

Rene

restock November 05, 2004 02:51

I am not using any digital at the moment. I do have a NEC Multispin CD rom being used as a CD player but not used. I also have the Nixon Dackit with upgraded PSU but not using that either. Both has been in my drawer since I got da turntable.

viggen November 04, 2004 21:26

just curious about what kind of DAC you are using. maybe I am missing something, but I didn't see one mentioned in your system description (just the fact that it is rewired with OTA)

linaeum66 November 04, 2004 17:48

yeah, i think they are all pumice. I just picked up a trio at the local drug store. They aren't nearly as brittle as I thought. They are pretty decent sized cubes. I just put some felt feet and blue tack on them. I'm still experimenting with them, but my initial impressions are positive. The woman in the drug store thought I was insane though. I just told her "don't ask"

linaeum66 November 04, 2004 03:36

Ah those are pumice produced in volcanic regions where steam flows through molten rock as it rapidly cools to produce its porous state. They are not funny. Rather, they are a good, cheap and utilitarian choice of material to experiment with.

I wasn't aware you can get stone block versions of these. I've only seen then in its natural state or in small chunks sold at The Body Shop. If I can find some manly sized and angular shaped pumice or "feet cubes", I might buy a trio.

viggen November 04, 2004 03:16

Thanks for all the info. I was experimenting with granite under both my cd player and amp. I was thinking of coupling the components to the granite with something else , i.e. feet, cones etc. So i´ll have to give that a try. Also you should check out:

http://www.tnt-audio.com/clinica/sblocks1e.html

for a novel and almost laughable coupling device. I was thinking of giving it a try, only costs $3 each.

As for my screen name, it is after the speaker that got me into this audiophile mania: a radioshack speaker with a linaeum dipole tweeter that I had when I was about 14 or 15 years old.

linaeum66 November 04, 2004 01:44

Hi Linaeum66,

Wut does your username mean?

I am using a single Neuance shelf underneath the turntable. The speakers are still on the granite with BDR cones between them.

Theoretically, I think Neuance is a better solution for "grounding" vibration than granite where it's better at "draining" vibration. I think grounding leaves the components' vibration nature alone while preventing any type of resonance amplification. Draining can alter the components' vibration nature and, most of the time, makes the component sound more clinical.

That's why I have the BDR between the granite and the speaker. The BDR is draining vibration and altering the vibration nature of the speaker as does granite, but the BDR alters the vibration frequency of the speaker while draining it's vibration in a manner that leaves the speaker sounding less clinical.

In actual application, with the turntable on the Neuace, the improvement is noticeable much more so than changing a cartridge or upgrading the transformer. So, I think the speakers will sound better on the Neuance as well. But, that will have to wait. I intend to get two Neuance shelves. One for the turntable, and one for the electronics. Good thing all my electronics are small, so they can all fit on one shelf.

Ed

viggen November 03, 2004 23:11

I would think that the granite platforms would provide significantly better isolation than a neuance shelf. Do you plan on using them in conjunction with the granite? Or are you going to replace the granite with them? I've been experimenting with granite myself lately with pleasantly surprising results.

linaeum66 November 03, 2004 07:21

Hey Rene,

Glad to see you're back!

I did get the Dino+ along with making some other chances in my system. I can't say enough about the Dino+. I think it is a crime that Trichord is selling the Dino without the PSU. Then again, I probably would not have purchased the Dino in the first place if it was going to cost more than what I had paid. So, it is probably a smart marketing move on their part to separate the two pieces. Now, I have my eye on the replacement power/interconnect cable for my next upgrade. I've also upped my vinyl collection up to about 30 new lps and some used since I got the turntable.

And, I got the upgraded motor transformer for the Origin Live table. This is a decent upgrade too. Not as big of an upgrade as the Dino+ but still worthy. Now, my system is not as termpermental. It is still better at night though. Rather, it is glorious at night and just great during the day.

Can you tell me more about the differences between the speakers you've tried? I had the CDM1 before and didn't like it. I really liked the Linn first generation Kan but only with a decent sub. I would probably buy a Quad down the road in a few years. I am sorta captivated by the 988 due to the respect the 57 has in the audio community.

And, it's good that you're looking at monitor speakers. They are much easier to buy and try. I certainly went through a plethora of monitors through audiogon. Infact, I think there's atleast 3 Dulcets on sale on audiogon at the moment and, I think, a few Europas too. I think at the prices they are selling at, you can buy'em and sell'em and just eat the shipping cost if you don't like'm.

I feel very fortunate to stumble on the Twins. I was at a audio downpoint selling off as much extraneous gear I can. I was moving back to my parents house instead of renewing my lease at my apartment because I was to have a surgery done and won't be working for awhile. I sold everything I can to make room at the new place including my speakers, cd players and whatever else I thought was worth selling. In my heart, at the time, I was sorta giving up on audio for awhile. I only bought the Twin because it is small and perhaps good enough to tie me over until after I've recovered from surgery and find another job and get a new system after I move out.

Who knew the Twin would be the cheapest, smallest, yet the best speaker I've heard in my system thus far. Lately, I've read some posts on audioasylum of the synergy between JMR and the Gaincard. So, maybe that is it...

Anyhow, thanks to Gumby Dean, I got a pair of Ridge Street Audio Poiema!! speaker cables and a Neuance shelf in my system at the moment. Both of these definitely has contributed to my audio happiness. Eventually, I will have to return the shelf, so I have to order a few from Neuance. The cable I am buying from Dean.

Speaking of monitors, I just had the Galante Rhapsody at my house for a few days few weeks ago. It didn't sound very good. If I knew you were looking for speakers, I should have let you borrow it first before selling it. It probably would sound very good with your amp. It's one of those monitors that begs for good tube power.

Yours,

Ed

viggen November 02, 2004 14:30

How is your new investment doing after living in analog world for more than a month? Did you already get the psu upgrade for the Dino? I would be very interested in hearing from you how you liked the upgrade. I will probably try to be sane and not upgrade the analog side for a while.

I am beginning to make some longtime plans for upgrading the main parts of my system (CDP, amp, speakers) over the next year. I saw that you have tried some different monitors along the way besides the Trente. The upgrade I am worrying the most about are the speakers. I'am fairly picky about speakers and so far the few speakers I have put up against my mission monitors have not really convinced me. I have heard Epos ELS3, Paradigm, Quads 11L, B&W CDM1s, Linn Katans without much success. They all are roughly in the same league, but you would think in time speakers are getting better? I am thinking about maybe trying some phase coherent designs like GMA Europa, Meadowlark Kestrels, Reference 3A de Capo/Dulcet, Odysee Epiphany. Having no good dealers around in either Albuquerque or Calgary does not help either. Once I finish this degree here I might just take a trip up to Colorado and check out GMA and others. And while I am at it I should probably visit Teres as well. Also I am beginning to spend to much money on trial and error on audiogon.

Well, so much for rampling on...

All the best,

Rene

restock November 02, 2004 10:46

Hi Ed, I guess the cartridge update is coming much earlier than expected. Either it is the bad wishes of my neighbors or just my bad luck, but the left channel of the Denon just decided to give up, some kind of loose contact somewhere. Maybe I should just not listen at 4 am. Looks like the Kontrapunkt will be back on the Tecnodec sooner than expected. At least then I will be able to give you some more insight into the differences between the Denon/Kontrapunkt.

Best wishes,

Rene

restock October 08, 2004 12:12

Ed, thanks for posting your history in the other thread. Do you still have the Luxman table around or is it already long gone?

I do like to "chat" with you in your palace here. From the time when your responses usually appear here it seems that we pretty much have the same daily schedule. Someday I'll get thrown out of my apartment because of sitting around this late at night, listening to music (and posting on Agon). I just tend to enjoy music late at night much more than during the day.

Since you are getting the psu upgrade: I talked to Graham Fowler a while ago (the developer and owner of Trichord) and he recommended to not only get the better psu but also the new power cable connector for the psu to Dino connection. Please let me know how you like the upgrade to the better psu.

Yours,

Rene

restock October 08, 2004 10:29

Ed:

I listen to traditional popular styles (Bill Evans, George Shearing, Red Garland and the like) as well as quality "Lounge Act" music (Bobby Short, Dudley Moore), and also classical piano concertos.

Keith Jarret is about as wild as I get.

Haven't had the system set up properly for a couple years now (too much stuff in the living room around the speakers) however, you are welcome to give it a listen.

As soon as it cools down I'll re-install the Bottlehead gear (been running a vintage Carver receiver all summer).

dekay October 08, 2004 03:31

Hi Dave,

The Galantes came and went. I kept it for only a few days before placing an ad to sell it, and it went in less than 12 hours.

There's just no synergy between the Galante and the Gaincard. Perhaps the situation could have improved if I kept the speakers for longer. But, I am quite happy with the Twins and rather spend the marginal funds on upgrading the turntable ie transformer for the motor and external psu for the preamp.

Are you "literate" with piano jazz at all? Next time I go to Amoeba, I want to pick up on these types of LPs. I heard Laurent De Wilde on KCRW last week and loved it. He's not available on vinyl though. Perhaps you can help me find something similar and get a chance to hear your system too.

Yours,

viggen October 08, 2004 01:01

Ed:

Have you received the Galante speakers?

Also, let me know the next time you shop Amoeba, may join you as I'm a few minutes away (still not doing long distance drives).

dekay October 07, 2004 21:05

Hey Rene,

First of all, just want to say that I enjoy your long “wordy” posts. They read more like letters from a friend. Replying your posts while listening to my vinyl at night has become an enjoyable ritual. And, no where in your posts would indicate to me your your English is “foreign” except for the word “indented”. Maybe this is because I’ve read too many badly translated European books= X. JK.

Second, I should update information regarding my system. I ordered the external psu for the Dino as well as the transformer upgrade for the turntable motor. The transformer arrived yesterday, and I have to wait another 2 weeks for the psu. I can’t believe what a big difference the transformer makes. The instant I plugged it in, air, bass, dynamics and presence increased 3 folds. And, this was during the afternoon when my turntable is in a bad mood.

However, the stereo actually started to get worse sounding into the evening.. I think the transformer is going through its burning in process. Most records became barely listenable. Acoustic music sounded almost rock’n roll, and rock’n roll sounded like rap not that I listen to the latter 2, but you get the idea. The mid and highs are starting to open up this evening. Stereolab’s vocals, as I am listening now, are very clear at the moment; even though, I have no idea what the lead singer is singing about. There’s still a rather long way to go though.

The power cable on the transformer is the non-detachable kind and is very low quality. I think I might get a tech guy to disconnect the cheap power cable and install an IEC inlet in its place if the transformer doesn’t improve in a week or so.

And, feel free to talk about your system all you want in my virtual “palace”. As I am learning from you in regards to how you've built your system, your system is definitely relevant in this thread.

BDR stuff can be bought from Jeff’s Sound Value for cheap as they are B-stock. I bought 2 sets of the cones from him. I do think the cones would be awkward under your table though as your table seem to suffer more from physical vibration rather than high frequency resonance. I think it is awkward because I can imagine the cones causing your table to rattle due to the bass from your speakers. However, I don’t know how well your table is suspended, so I can only give you my best guess.

How has the Denon burned in and how does it compare with the KonA now? As my system is bottom heavy at the moment, the Kontrapunkt with its exceptional emphasis in the mid and highs as you’ve described does seem to make it a candidate for me to try. I did go back to that site that tenderly disparaged the 103 carts, and Romy recently described he’s endearing himself to the DL-103M. I tried to look for that cart but was informed that cart has been discontinued long ago and is pretty rare now. I think I will give the KonB or a lower end ZYX a try in the coming month. Any further comments on Kon vs Denon will be appreciated.

Regarding my source switching, yes I am swapping interconnects in order to do so. However, since I got the turntable set up, I’ve only listened to CDs for 2 minutes and is only used to hear how one album sounded between its CD and vinyl format.

As to why I have so many virtual systems… I guess I am not the only one. Just that others delete or hide their systems after they have built a new one. I want to keep mine to see a sort of chronological evolution of my system building physicality as well as philosophy. I guess any more explanation of this will underscore that I am actually a prima donna who wants to take up as much cyber space as possible, so ... = X

Speaking of prima donnas, I think I would be too full of myself to write a review on cartridges as I’ve only heard one table (not counting my prehistoric one) and two cartridges so far. My review would be more inclined to steer people in the wrong direction. They are more than free to read how these carts have sounded in my system in my virtual system page though.

What are you going to do after you have graduated? You’re going to move to another continent? You’re going to splurge on a new stereo system? I just got a call from a perspective employer this morning asking me what I've been doing for the past year since I graduated. I told him I just stayed at home. I don't think he'd understand the turntable issue nor appreciate me explaining it to him...

Yours,

viggen October 07, 2004 09:03

Hi again,

since you now have a turntable again...why not post your history at

Personal turntable/cartridge evolution

I just have to promote the only thread I ever started here... :-)

Thanks,

Rene

restock October 06, 2004 10:19

I guessed right then about Descartes being the philosopher in question.

Thanks for the description of the BDR cones. One of these days I might get a
set. However, I am always too late to get them on audiogon. The BDR cones
sell far too fast, most of the time in less than one hour. I guess if I can't find
them here I'll have to pay retail someday. I really want to try the BDR under
the Tecnodec. It will probably be more prone to vibrations then (I can see the
woofers moving if I am walking around my apartment when a record is
playing), but I guess it will sound better without the soft feet it has right now.

I think you are the first person that I heard describing the 301. Maybe you
should consider writing a review and comparing it to the 501. I think people
here would really enjoy a review of the new Shelter. It is very interesting that
you think the 301 is actually better in the highs. I would have thought the
501 would be much better than the 301 in every respect. Isn't the 301 even
built in a different factory?

I always find cartridge comparisons quite difficult, since you can't really
switch them very fast. Also I am still at the point where the DL103R is
changing. For now I feel that the 103R is certainly a step up from the basic
103 in terms of detail and extension in the highs, and that without giving up
the musicality and live of the basic DL103. The comparison to the
Kontrapunkt A is more difficult. The two cartridges excel in very different
areas. The Denon is faster, livelier, less analytical, and tighter bass with a
slightly more forward sound. The Kontrapunkt, I think, is more balanced, with
smooth midrange and highs, and sometimes a little on the analytical side.
One big surprise was that the Denon actually tracks much better than the
Kontra, despite the older-style spherical needle. It manages the +8 and
+10db torture tracks on my test record without problems. The Kontrapunkt
can't even do the +8dB track, which is really annoying since it can't play two
of my Tom Waits albums correctly.

It's quite funny that I get so many good comments from Gunbei and you
about the stones for the shelves. I made the shelves five years ago at the
beginning of my Masters/PhD. degree when I had to save some money. I have
to get better photographs to show some more details. I made 12 spikes for
the turntable shelf in the machine shop out of a threaded rod, then I drilled
several holes in the stones to mount the spikes: 3 on the bottom of each of
the three 8inch cubic stone, and one centered on the top so that I can level
the plywood board accurately. The turntable shelf alone weights probably
around 80lbs and decouples the Tecnodec from the floor via 12 spikes. The
electronics rack is a more simplified version of the tt shelf. The black paint
helpes to not make the shelves look like a dorm room ones. These things
were supposed to be a temporary solution until I could afford more, but
somehow I haven't found better shelves yet.

Sorry about talking about my system so long here, since this is really the
place to talk about your setup. I have only recently heard about the 47labs
gaincard. I read about the similar?! Audio Zone amps. I would be really
interested to hear how those amps sound. Does the gaincard have several
inputs or do you have to switch interconnects each time?

Also on curious question I wanted to ask you: Are you starting a new virtual
system for each major modification of your system or are they really six
different systems?

I guess I should end now. This reply got much longer than I indented. I
should be as wordy when writing physics articles for science journals...At
least this is good practice for me (As you probably noticed by now I am not
native in the English language. I am using too many foreign language
phrases)

Best wishes,

Rene

restock October 06, 2004 09:54

Rene,

Hope you're named after the great Descartes too since he's da fave philosopher I was talking about. Many know him as the inventor of geometric planes and such, but he was also father of modern philosophy. The first episode of Matrix was based pretty much on Descartes' discourse in methodology. He's my forray into philosophy, and I thank him for it. If I am to have a kid on a no-man island, I'd name him Descartes then no kid would tease him because of his name.

I tried the knocking test. I knocked on various locations on top of the shelf. I tapped on the turntable's plinth, and I even tapped on various parts of the tonearm. No feedback at all. Atleast, I don't see or hear anything from the woofer. I guess the turntable is well designed in regards to resonance and vibration. It doesn't do well with physical vibrations though as the table is not designed to dissipate/absorb vertical shock as a fully suspended table is.

The BDR cones work very well under my Gaincard. Some people argue that if 47 Labs actually put the guts of the Gaincard inside a tuna can, it would sound better as well as being more affordable. The metal case does seem very resonance prone and does result in a slightly etched ringing and thinned bass when the resonance is not properly addressed. With the Symposium under the Gaincard, where it is supposed to rapidly drain resonance, the highs open up a bit but does nothing for the lows. The BDR doesn't seem to change the treble or bass too much, but it does allow the GC to be easier to listen to. As it is made out of carbon fiber, I suppose the resonance frequency is altered towards that of carbon which is more similar to our biology thus making it easier to listen to.

I got the 501 today and spent the day A/B/A/B/A... all day long. It helps that I am not working at the moment. The table was not in a good mood today until about 7pm. It was very grating sounding when I first got the 501 installed around 2pm. I couldn't come to any real conclusion between the 501 and 301 until just about an hour ago. Maybe it's an electricity matter, but it was hard to distinguish the two before 11pm.

The 501 does bass better than the 301. But, the 301 does highs better and has a wider and more transparent sound. When I say the bass is better with the 501, it's not just a matter of attenuation but the bass is more arromatic. It has better decay, guitar strungs are a bit more vibrant...
However, lots of air is lost up top. Voices are much better with the 301 as you can hear the vocalist reach back deeper into their chords before letting it out. The 501 doesn't have any of that.

One thing I found intersting which possibly also allowed me to hear more of the difference between the 501 and the 301 is the Dino. I switched from LOW MC on the dipswitches to High MM. Basically, I had all the dipswitches turn to it's off position. The Dino resulted in better transparency. The only thing I left on was the capacitance which is set for the MC. Ofcourse, I have to turn the Gaincard's volume up many notches. I hear lots of benefits with this configuration. Perhaps you can try it out with your Dino too and see if you hear what I am hearing.

Right now, I am in the opinion that I might benefit more by adding the Dino Plus PSU and maybe even the upgraded powercord rather than upgrading the cartridge. Perhaps, with the PSU, the lows will come close to the 501 and the highs will further improve. And, most importantly, maybe my table's disposition will become more temperate during the day.

My stereo shelf is a mess now. I got pliers, screw drivers and such all over the place. I definitely need to make more room, and I might just take the CD player out in order to do that.

Thanks for your compliment, Rene. Actually, Dean (gunbei) and I have both discussed how well put together your system is as we were driving to the dealer where I got the table. Your Tecnodec both caught our eyes. Also, we find the way you used the block to be very attractive and, best of all, cheap.

And, how is your new Denon doing and how would it compare with the KonA?

Yours,

viggen October 01, 2004 11:05

Hi some more....

Yeahh...that name has been causing me quite some trouble here in the US. Not everybody here knows the difference between the male (Rene) and female (Renee) version of name. Also the accent over the 'e' is a pain on any computer system. I don't know why my (German) parents gave me a French name anyway. I am always hoping it was due to Rene Descartes (a French Mathematician from the 16/17th century).

About the table positioning. I doubt that the rubber completely decouples the tt from the speaker. You should see the effect if you knock on the top of the shelf and the woofer of your speakers move. I would assume at least the bass frequencies will feed back into the table, where the needle picks it up. This might not cause a real feedback loop, but it might result in smearing of detail in the bass if not other frequencies. I don't know enough about mechanic resonance control to know exactly what is going on (After all I am more specializing in quantum mechanics. Also my Wife having a Ph. D. in quantum physics as well won't help either). There are very different engineering approaches out there as you can see from the variety of tt available. I did notice more detail when my tt was placed away from the speaker. I used to have my Tecno behind the speakers, which is probably the worst spot for rear-ported speakers. If you look at my virtual system, you'll see that is now placed beside the speaker. Given my small Apartment size this was the only place that was acceptable to both my wife and me.

The Tecnodec was pretty sensitive to the support platform and seemed to like to be directly coupled to surface it is sitting on. I am even thinking of putting it on some BDR cones instead of the resilient feet it sits on right now. I could even notice the difference for the Rega Planet CDP with the best results for the plywood board. For a while we had the planet on a light solid wood table (Ikea) in our second system with good results. I never thought a CDP would be sensitive to its support, but I did hear an actual difference with the bright star platform (sadly enough for the worse). Even my Rega tt seemed to not like spongy support platforms.

How are those BDR cones working for you?

By the way: I never really made you a compliment on the rest of your system. It look very well though out and arranged. I really like small monitor speakers and I really would like to listen to the JMR. Only that shelf seems to be getting crowded now with the addition of the Aurora. That Neuance might be a good idea.

Well, I hope the Aurora will be in a better “mood” tomorrow evening so that you can enjoy the music even more.

Rene

restock September 30, 2004 12:01

Hi Rene,

Just a though after I read your reply... my ex gf and one of my fave filosofers are both named Rene...

Making sure we're on the same page, what kind of anamolies do you experience with the Tecnodec when being influenced by your speakers' vibration? Is it something as simple as the needle skipping or are we talking something more complex like vibrational energies. (You're the physicist. You tell me what the hell I am talking about).

And, stop talking about green chile. I had to walk to the kitchen to make myself a bowl of instant noodles because you mentioning chile got me hungry. And it's 1am.

Anyways, I don't think my Aurora is suffering from being too close to the speakers. But, thanks for pointing this out. The dealer guy and I both wondered why the Aurora chose to use a rubber type of material for the table's footer as it goes against the de-coupling method that Mark, of Origin, designs his tables around. Now that I think about it, I guess a more conductive material is better for draining mechanical energies but is also will allow the table to be more susceptible to external vibration as well. So, maybe it's the footer thing being made of a rubber material that allows the table to be free from the Twin's influence.

(I read somewhere later on, about tables of similar design but not Origin per se, that the vibration is not dissipated at the foot but at the bottom of the platter atleast I think it is anyways).

If there is anything that my table is suffering from, perhaps it is static. About 11pm, I ran my hand across the table trying to absorb any stray ion and transmit it to the table's footer. The table started sounding gorgeous after that. But, this might be because the electricity have improved since earlier ... Yah my motor is probably impervious to AC fluctuations but don't think the Dino is, and, to a lesser extent, my amp as well.

I am considering getting a Neuance shelf. I've been saying this for years actually but never actually ordering one. I guess I want the instant gratification and don't want to wait 6 weeks for it as it takes that long to make one, thus I never ordered one.

The motor of the Aurora, as you probably know, is separate from the table and is current sitting on 3 CDs as it is too short without the height support at the moment. The dealer guy, his name is Jay, didn't have the tall pulley for me and had to order one. I will get it tomorrow, so I can then remove the CDs. Before the CDs, I had a piece of cardboard under the motor, and you can definitely here the difference. I prefer the CDs over the cardboard but think I will prefer neither under the motor.

Anyhowz, take carez,

viggen September 30, 2004 10:43