Mjnaudio:

1. Stands: there is a brief review of them in the recent TAS and I agree with the positives in that review. These are very helpful if you like to play your music loud, and I find that they add some refinement at low levels. Also, I really appreciated that they raised the sweet spot (some percieved tonal difference).

2. The SA: also really like it--both firms up the bottom end and makes the mids and upper frequencies sound more effortless (still trying to make sense of this because it is completely independent of the the mains, so it may be an effect of continuing break in of my amplifier which was recently upgraded to SMC Platinum level). I'm running the SA through Nordost SPM's (my set of SPM's was biamp/biwire) and hear the expected speed. I have some other cables I was considering for the bass, but probably won't bother...

It does not come "set up" out of the box, you'll need to diddle some switches (a red light means power to the unit, but not turned on by the way). The binding posts are cheesy plastic ones.

bgrazman October 02, 2005 17:44

Please comment on the effect of placing the Gallos on the stands. Also, how 'bout the impact of the Gallo SA sub-amp. I love my Reference 3's, but always looking for the next increment of performance.

mjhaudio September 30, 2005 19:45

System edited: Updated the analog section. Listed the benz even though it won't be here for a week.

bgrazman September 20, 2005 20:38

System edited: Updated a number of things (mostly the SA & some tweaks). Need to update the photos. Continuing to implement the Rives design and that, combined with the system changes has me feeling pretty good. I welcome any suggestions/opinions, so everybody feel free to jump in.

bgrazman September 14, 2005 02:19

System edited: With the gallo sa promised to me next week, here's what I've done: Mains: full range: McCormack bass: SA Earphones: tape out > Dared 300B >Stax

bgrazman September 07, 2005 19:08

I am blown away by the effect of putting my CDP & pre-amp on final daruma ball bearings...

Also playing around with the 300b SET amp on the gallos. surprising sound from a 7 watt amplifier. Should be fun to combine this with the sa (when it finally arrives)

bgrazman September 04, 2005 02:22

Tboooe: Just realized: I have two different racks in the pictures.

One is a Boltz rack (designed for LP's) that I used while making the flexi.

bgrazman August 28, 2005 21:00

Streetdaddy: I made the resonators--sealed half cylinder (diameter = distance between studs) lined with rigid glass insulation

Tbooooooe: I also made the rack--it's based on the flexi-diy design. The shelves are 2X1's glued up (kind of like butcher block), the uprights are threaded rods (you can find points like I have if you pick the right diameter). Then shelves are held on with nut/steel washer/rubber washer/shelf/rubber washer/steel washer/nut assemblies.

bg

bgrazman August 28, 2005 20:58

hi, what kind of audio rack is that?

tboooe August 28, 2005 18:18

Where did you get the resonators? Did yo make them?

streetdaddy August 28, 2005 16:58

System edited: changes posted. am trying to find opinions: upgrade the ZZ8 to 24 bit ($2500-3000) OR new DAC? thanks, brent

bgrazman August 28, 2005 15:02

System edited: New CDP Amp is undergoing next set of mods Room keeps plugging along (just changed to a wool rug--didn't think it would sound different but it does).

bgrazman July 13, 2005 02:54

Just found out that I'm getting the door to my listening room installed for a fathers day present... not a waf issue--she just didn't know what to get me...

It's a component of the rives design I haven't gotten to you...

bgrazman June 14, 2005 21:22

.
Brent,
.
Thanks for getting into the details of how the sound has changed and the Rives comments.
.
Please do keep us updated as to how the room improves while you continue to the Rives recommendations.
.
Rgds,
Larry
.

cello June 13, 2005 18:58

Larry,

Thanks for your comments--it's been a long path, but it's the journey that's been fun.

In terms of Rives:
1. Great experience--they are a pleasure to work with
2. I've chosen to go the "DIY" route for as much as possible...
3. Having said that, I find:
Much much better bass (counterintuitively, adding the bass abosrbing treatments adding perceived power & control)

Better imaging (was already pretty good, but as I continue to build out the plan I keep getting better)

I'm not convinced they had the best speaker placement recomendation, but everytime I add something to the room, I go back & check again...

4. Design is "clean" and was developed with my input--desires, plans, aesthetics, etc.

For me, the Rives design included what seemed like a lot; everything from room layout, tuned resonators, absorbers, diffuser, ceiling treatment, floor treatment, window treatments, add a door & its treatment, etc. so it is very much a work in progress....

brent

bgrazman June 09, 2005 15:07

Brent,
.
Very nice system - Congratulations.
.
Please give us your impressions of the differences that the Rives Audio room design yielded. I am thinking about using them for my room.
.
A suggestion.....try a set of Symposium Rollerblocks under both of the Supratek boxes. Great results for not a lot of money. Also try rolling them under the amp and pre-amp. I have them under every component except for my TT.
.
Rgds,
Larry
.

cello June 09, 2005 03:51

System edited: new pictures added

bgrazman June 09, 2005 01:01

System edited: changed dac, room keeps coming along... wish I was home more to work on it

bgrazman June 03, 2005 19:18

Brent,i heard the Gallos at my local dealer with Cary SS amp tube pre,and Cary CD,and they sounded great,just the right presence,the 3 drivers integrated VERY well ,no boxy sound at all,good soundstage,big sweet spot,dont need to keep your head in one spot,,,and they sound good with rock too,unlike some fairly expensive speakers ive heard!!

raytheprinter February 05, 2005 14:52

Brent - nice system, let us know how the room works out.

Hey Dida - post your system

pops January 07, 2005 13:44

System edited: Putting the Rives Design into place... Placement, absorbers, resonators & bass traps done. More to come...

bgrazman January 04, 2005 13:18

am a decent way through the rives specced room... changed the geometry & have built or bought and installed:
a bunch of absorbers
a pair of mondo traps (realtraps)
carpeting
passive resonators (tuned)

Huge differences in sound and I can't wait to get through the rest of the build.

The room really is a key components... pictures to follow

bgrazman December 14, 2004 04:50

Nice looking system. I got slammed for my amp... but my speakers are O.K. : )

no_money November 09, 2004 16:56

Room design is in, now I'm trying to source & build all of the resonators, diffusers, absorbers... lots of money absorbers in there...

If anybody knows where to get Corning 703 rigid f'glass, please drop me a line.

Thanks,
bg

bgrazman November 08, 2004 20:22

Keep us posted on your work with Rives. If you implement according to the final plans, you will be stunned at the results. Richard and Chris are wizards, alchemists, and artists!

Nice choices in system components as well. Good job!

slipknot1 November 04, 2004 16:47