My family's system changed direction from the original intent and focus on HT to upgrades driven to enhance 2-channel music. I upgraded speakers from VSA 4JR speakers to Devore Fidelity Silverbacks. The sources of a Musical Fidelity A5 CDP and Clearaudio Champion are driven through the VAC Avatar Super KT88 based integrated amp. The VAC's HT pass through feature make it very easy to go back and forth.
There's nothing like Hi-Def! With this, I feel like we have a real HT.
Devore Fidelity Silverback Reference
Dynamic and effortless sound.
Valve Amplification Company (VAC) Avatar Super
Integrated with HT bypass, fits in nicely with rest of system.
K&K Maxxed Out Phono
kit with upgraded cardas caps, built by my dad
Musical Fidelity A-5
Dedicated Redbook Player.
Clearaudio Champion
My first tt in 20+ years, good to be back into vinyl.
Clearaudio Satisfy
Tonearm
ZYX Airy 3S-SB
.24mv MC
Sunfire Ultimate Receiver
200 X 7, used to drive 5.1 HT system and also zone 2 (kitchen). This piece has been great for HT.
Denon 2900 Universal
DVD-DVD-A, SACD
Von Schweikert Audio LCR-15
Full range center channel.
Von Schweikert Audio VR-1
Used for the rear surrounds in the HT. Seamless integration with rest of system on multi-channel concert DVDs and SACDs.
Von Schweikert Audio VRS/1
10" 300 Watt, fits in great with the other VSA speakers.
Audience AU24
Connects MF-A5 to Sunfire
Analysis Plus Silver Oval Crystal
Used for mains and center channel analog connection from DVD to Receiver
Auditorium 23 Speaker Cable
Match well with silverbacks.
Analysis Plus Oval One
Lower quality for the rear channels, listen to mostly stereo SACD or DVD-A but still pretty decent.
Balanced Power Technologies (BPT) BPT 2 Signature
Balanced line conditioner
(BPT) C-7 Power Cords
I have these feeding my sub, DVD, Receiver, and BPT conditioner.
Audience PowerChord
Feeds the MF-A5 CDP from the BPT 2
Sound Application Outlet
Wall outlet
AIW 6 AWG Indoor/Outdoor Wire
Wire for dedicated line is real nice, 6 GA and 19 strand. My dealer was putting this into his new house and luckily there was enough left over for me to run my line.
Tributaries DCV 100 Comp Video
Component video from DVD to Receiver and Receiver to Plasma. HDMI from Sat to Plasma for HDTV.
Sorry Ryriken, I had to stop using this account because it got compromised. I just saw this. Yes, I would buy them if it were me, I wish I still had mine for second system. Be careful of the age, might need refoaming. good luck.
I read you owned some tannoy mercury m4. I have a chance to buy a mint pair for 250.00. How do they sound? Would it be worth buying them being so old but in mint condition 1 owner. Thanks for any info. Regards Ken
I just got a pristine VAC Avatar Super with 3 set of KT88 tubes, EH 8 and 8 Gold Lions. I did try the best looking EH set, but the VAC only sounded ok. I suspect this tube set is not so good. The other sets all look pretty burned out so I don't want to even try them. I did try out the preamp/phono sections and those two sounded great. What Brands of KT88s do you use or recommend? Also what brands do you like for the phono and preamp sections?
Thanks Pdreher, I see you have the MAC version of the KT88 integrated and I have always wondered how similar these integrated amps perform. The silverbacks are simply great speakers.
Hi Guppy, I have been enjoying the system and just adding software for the past couple of years. I just recently re-tubed everything in the VAC integrated bringing in some NOS pre tubes and new genelex kt88 reissues. I have also bought the upgrade kit for the K&K phono pre but haven't had a chance to get it installed (hate to take it out of service even for a couple of days). I think I will do it after we cycle through all the holiday breaks.
I listened to both the nines and the silverbacks in a similarly sized room to mine for my audition. They both sounded great but the silverbacks had that extra weight and overall presence. In my room, the bass is excellent in every way and not overpowering to any degree.
John DeVore is an excellent resource (I think he uses nines in his home system) and will tell you the straight scoop on what will work best for your situation.
I am strongly considering changing speakers and one of my prime contenders are the DeVores. I'm torn between the Nines and the Silverbacks. I have a relatively small room and was wondering about your room dimensions and how the Silverbacks work in the room. Specifically, are there any problems with the speaker 'overpowering' the room with too much (bass) energy? Any input would be helpful.
That's a pretty good hijack of a system thread, comparing my old speaker to something I've never had and is 2.5X the price. I don't know why or where that came from but I am glad that you like your dad's speakers - I am sure they are nice.
Maybe aggresive was a poor choice of words, just might be too bright for my taste, and I dont beleive bass is all it could be...my dad bought the Vandersten Wood Quatro and they simply burry the Von's in bass slam and tight tunefull snap, I know the 4's have a following, I am just not in that line.
Hey two Chads in a row. Thanks for your comments Chadnliz. I would not characterize the 4JRs as aggessive, just that the Silverbacks' presentation of bass is tight and very well defined. I never tried the 4JR bi-amp with SS bottom and tubes on top. I think that would be a great combo for the 4JRs. I have heard Vandys on a few occasions and even owned an older pair of 2s but never used them in my main system.
The plasma is a bit high on the wall but that was necessitated by the furniture and equipment. I actually have never noticed it as a problem in the 3 years that it has been in that spot. I guess the viewing distance is long enough to minimize the angle problem and I like to slouch on the couch. I am seriously considering a second plasma/lcd to place to the left so two sporting events can be watched simultaneously. I usually have sports on but listen to music.
I liked the VR4 when I demoed them but was wondering if they would be aggresive in the end (long term) and I have heard the same opinion as you from others on the jr and sr models, never heard the Silverbacks as of yet, have you ever heard Vandersteen? Looks like a solid system you have there and surely it sounds great but man is that HDTV a bit high on the wall?
The room you are in look like a comfortable space to enjoy in aswell, very nicely done!
I am enjoying the Silverbacks. I very much liked the 4JRs but the Silverbacks are more refined, have tighter bass, and have better efficiency which is a good match for my system. They hold the music together amazingly well at higher volumes. I am still toying with placement.
Maineiac...this is unexpected! The Devore's are great...I've never heard the 4JRs but I just heard the Silverbacks and they are wonderful...are you finding them more to your liking then the VSA's?
System edited: Swapped out VSA-4JRs for Devore Fidelity Silverback, changed to Auditorium 23 speaker cables. Also added Timbernation 2" maple blocks on brass footers under turntable. OK, it is now just really about the music.
maineiac...how are you...i assume by now you are dialed in with VTA and VTF...sorry for the delay. the Michell uses a Rega RB300 arm which uses shims to adjust VTA...i bought Michell's aftermarket adjusting nut which is exactly what Rega should supply...works great...went out to a hardware store and bought a "line level" with a magnet on the bottom...placed it on top of the arm...put the needle on an old record (stationary) and adjusted till it was dead on. for VTF i have a Sure stylus force gage (cheap) and it works great...no need for anything else...this isn't that exact of a science! lastly i have Hi-Fi News test LP that i have found indespencible over this year of learning.
i've pulled the rug out from under my system again...sold the A5 Integrated amp (don't think i will ever part with the CD player) and replaced it with Conrad Johnson pre/amp...loving the all tube sound...only missing the A5's grip. now i am in need of a phono stage as well...i think i will pick up a cheapo for the time being.
right now i am in the middle of building a system rack...decided for 2 - 3 hundred i could get awful close to the quality of the 1000+ racks on the market. i'm going to post pics on my system over the next month...would love your feedback.
I don't have a reference for the cartridge since this is my first analog setup in 20+ years. All I know is I really love the sound and I think there is still a bit of break-in to be had since it is so new. I am amazed at the absolute quality and am thoroughly enjoying my new collection of music that I have pulled together on a pretty minimal investment. I have found a spot that i can get great selections that are in great shape for a $1 a disc (not goodwill). I've just got to teach the wife to clean records for me and I will be all set. Can you tell me how you set it up as far as VTA and VTF?
congratulations on the tt...i just picked one up myself...mitchell gyro se. i started a year ago with a rega p3 and fell in love with the easy listening quality...and the cheap used medium! in any event, i am also pleased that the a5 is not completely outdone. i picked up a Benz h2 cartridge...really like it a lot, how do you find the glider?
