- Valve Amplification Company Avatar Super
KT88 80W/ch integrated amp. 4 KT88 tubes replaced with Electro Harmonix's; 4AX7's replaced with NOS RCA 1960's; 4AU7's replaced with NOS Mullard's.
- Bent Audio TX-103 Mu Step-up Transformer
Very nice step up from John Chapman at Bent Audio. I have the copper version. I use it at the 100 ohm setting, using the resistors that came with the transformer.
- Scott Nixon Tube DAC USBTD/4XAC
Scott Nixon USB Tube DAC, with separate power supply (4XAC). Tube was replaced with a NOS Bugle Boy.
- Apple Computer Powerbook G4
Use iTunes, with an external G-Technologies 500 gigabyte hard drive, as a transport. Connected via USB to the Scott Nixon DAC. All music recorded in Apple Lossless format, including music recorded from vinyl using the Alesis Masterlink ML-9600.
- G-Drive Q 500 Gigabyte External Hard Drive
Use this external hard drive to store my digital music collection. Even though it has fanless cooling, the hard disk itself is a bit noiser than I'd like.
- Alesis Masterlink ML-9600
CD Player/Hard Disk Recorder/CD-R Burner. This machine is my modern day tape deck to record vinyl.
- VPI Industries Scoutmaster
Delrin Clamp, Ring Clamp, 2 arm wands (one mono and one stereo).
- VPI Industries SDS Sychronous Drive System
SDS turntable motor controller and line isolator.
My first mono cartridge. I'm still breaking it in.
Like the name, this is a delicate, airy sounding cartridge. I'm still breaking it in, but I already love it.
Excellent cartridge for the money.
Second owner. Original 2 2 speakers.
- Nordost 1m Blue Heaven (RCA)
I use these on the input for the Alesis Masterlink.
- Nordost 1m Red Dawn (RCA)
I use this on the DAC.
- Verastarr 1m Silver Reference (RCA)
Nice and detailed. I tried the Red Dawn for the phono interconnect, but I had to go with the Verastarr, since it had shielding
Works pretty well, but there is no detachable power cord
- Brick Wall PW2RAUD MOV Surge Protector
The power conditioner is hooked up to this MOV surge protector, which is hooked up to the Porter Port. This is important in my lightning prone neighborhood.
Custom wood stand built by carpenter and designed by my interior designer. It is very heavy with lacquered paint finish that can withstand the high heat from the VAC amp. Nevertheless, it has a back and it doesn't have audiophile grade isolation.
Used with good results for the DAC.
This is the low-end white digital power cord manufactured by Soundstring. I use it on the VPI and Alesis.
Connected to power amp.
- Soundstring 12ft Tricomaxial (spades)
Nice copper cables from Soundstring.
- Stillpoints and Risers (3)
Use 3 of these as isolation for the VPI Scoutmaster.
- Sound Anchor Conecoasters (6)
Used underneath spikes on Thiel Speakers.
- Porterhouse Audio Porter Port Outlet
Replaced outlet with this cyro plug from Audiogon's Albert Porter.
Used underneath DAC.
I have two of these fans in the amp portion of the cabinet. They are virtually silent and help keep the amp cool. I've raised the power conditioner a couple inches higher than shown in the photo.
One set underneath VAC and one set underneath SDS
