I added the upgrade kit to the K&K maxxed out phono. Sounding great out of the gate.

maineiac January 22, 2011 10:05

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.

maineiac November 28, 2010 14:52

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.

maineiac November 27, 2010 12:32

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.

maineiac November 06, 2008 04:06

System edited: Added ZYX Airy 3S-SB

maineiac April 08, 2008 13:56

System edited: Added K&K maxxed out phono stage.

maineiac February 23, 2008 09:20

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.

maineiac September 10, 2007 14:03

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.

maineiac September 10, 2007 08:03

Hi Chad,

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 September 09, 2007 12:33

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 August 30, 2007 16:03

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?

maineiac April 26, 2006 18:27

Yes I have the latest version. I am interested to hear about the new VAC that will be coming out soon.

maineiac April 18, 2006 18:50

System edited: Added the Clearaudio Turntable, Satisfy Arm, and Benz Glider cartridge to get me back into vinyl.

maineiac April 15, 2006 08:48

Congratulations on the A5 CDP Chad - I did not discern a long break-in like you will get with speakers or wires. I did put mine on repeat and let it play for about a week when I first got it. I am glad to hear that it is very close to the Lector, I had a Lector on order for months and finally got fed up and bought the A5 which I have really liked. I was big into SACD with my 2900 before I got my A5, now I only use it to watch movies.

maineiac December 13, 2005 03:58

Thanks for your comments Chad. The A5 is an excellent integrated amp, I demoed it in my system and it had a really great bass punch and dynamics. I got a decent deal on the VAC and it was recommended by VSA so I jumped on it. The A5 CDP is very nice and I am sure you would enjoy it in your system.

maineiac December 02, 2005 04:18

Awesome on getting the 4JRs, I am sure you will fall in love with them. My room is 18 X 24. The dealer where I auditioned had them in a smallish room and they worked great in there. Key is to keep anything from being in between them if you can (I can't - but I'm thinking of how to work around it). I originally had the system wedged into a corner next to the fireplace with one speaker up on the hearth believe it or not. I fixed this by switching to the long wall and took the opportunity to run the dedicated AC. I also covered the wall of windows on the opposite side with a good heavy curtain. I have found that there is a very precise spot and toe-in angle where the speakers have to be to optimize soundstage and bass. I got VSA to get me new spikes as the original bent, even without lead shot. I do have lead shot in now. Best of luck.

maineiac October 12, 2005 19:04

That pheasant came from Iowa. I used to go every year on a hunt but haven't been for a few years. They go up like rockets.

maineiac September 30, 2005 07:09

System edited: The addition of the VAC Avatar Super finally has me to a point where I have very good performance in both music and HT in a single system. This is a great AMP, excellent soundstage and detail but never harsh, and decent bass performance as well.

maineiac September 05, 2005 15:53

Jayctoy, I am not sure where the CD racks came from, my wife found them in a furniture magazine and ordered as a present.

maineiac September 02, 2005 10:08