This system has been going through an evolution since 2000.I wanted to reduce my investment in this hobby.And to a degree,I have accomplished what I set out to do (roughly $1500/per part).I have trimmed down the system.The Z-Systems RDP and Citypulse DAC now reside in another "bedroom" system using the Winsome Labs Mouse/Rebuilt Radio Shack-Lineaum PRO LX-10s.The analog front end has been going through changes,as I search for a replacement for the Allaerts which failed after about a year plus.My cartridge evaluations have made me quite aware of the synergy possible with the "correct cart/arm/phono amp combination.The EMT is very balanced,yet still breaking in.No complaints on the digital.While it probably won't beat an analog set-up,its' performance is comparable to most digital front ends.It allows hours of listening pleasure without fatigue.As for cables,I have used nothing but Omega Mikro since I was first exposed to it in 1996.Others have come and gone without touching the delicate balance of qualities exhibited by the InSound/Omega Mikro cables.The Planar Analog VII is that stunning-no perceivable "cable" signature.The arrival of the InSound/Omega Mikro Gallo monitors have opened my eyes to a new performance standard.They are easily conveying more information than any speaker that I have had in-house {CLS,Yankee FPR-72,VSA VR-6 or Wisdom and AP Virgo}.These speakers present a stable 9 ohm impedance with 90db effiency..Even bass freaks have complemented the sysyem.Amplification is provided by the PrimaLuna PL-2 with upgraded tube set:Shuguang triple-muca 12ax7,La Radio Technique french military triple-mica 12au7(labeled Cifte) and the stock chinese KT-88s.I have a quad of the Anniversary Shuguangs in house,but have not evaluated them yet.This combination has yielded a large soundstage with excellent imaging.The system is capable of great finesse concerning the attack,sustain and decay of the musical signal.The Cd tweeks:Mikrosmooth and Ionoclast have refined the digital recordings to a degree that ,it is no longer a "step-child".The 2" platforms have produced an added sense of body and harmonic timbre.The Walker E-SSt appears to be the perfect topping for this particular "cake".Adding spatial cues and air.It even seems to lower the noise floor and give the bass added "life"/immediacy.
IMHO:I find it difficult to completely recreate a musical event ocurring in a three-dimensional space with the same transient and harmonic truths.Certain aspects can be achieved,but it is a game of juggling.
Latest generation Gamut player-improved buid quality and sonics.
Allaerts MC-1 eco-MIA
Jan Allaerts baby cartridge-wanted to hear what these cartridges are all about.Bought from Hudson Audio Technologies-2003 model sold as new.No warranty,no one standing behind it.
EMT TSD-15
SFL stylus Output:.21mV
Origin Live Encounter MKIII
Rega based arm
Bluenote Bellavista
Belt drive non-suspended table with Polyvinyl platter
Aqvox 2CI MKII
solidstate phono with balanced/RCA in/outputs.
Omega Mikro Power Planar active 100W
(1) red PC for the Gamut(1) blue for Aqvox.>Active shielded ribbon PC
Omega Mikro/InSound Planar Analog VII LCX
copper ribbon silvered on one side with LCX treatment.I use these for both phono and CD to integrated.
Prima Luna Prologue II
tube integrated using KT-88s for 40W/ch.Shanguang triple-mica 12ax7s and cryo'd French military Cifte Radio 12au7s.
Omega Mikro Planar Power passive 900W
blue passive ribbon power cord for the PrimaLuna PL2.
Omega Mikro/InSound Planar V LCX
actively biased copper ribbon cable,silver plated on one side
Gallo/Omega Mikro/Mapleshade Gallo Reference Plus
3 ball,crossoverless design using 4 ohm Dynaudio 6.5
Walker Audio E-SST
extreme silver contact enhancer
Walker Audio Valid Points
2
Mapleshade Ionoclast/Mikrosmooth
de-static and CD polish
Walker Audio Talisman
Destatic and magnetic optimzer for LPs and CDs.
Mapleshade maple platforms
maple shelf with Isoblocks.4
Mapleshade Heavyfeet V2/V3
2
Jena Labs Dual cryo AC ports
Drastic change moving to these.Wouldn't have believed the difference an AC port could make
It's amazing what some clowns will say/believe. You have assembled a great and unusual system, and if it play music well, then that's ALL that matters! Enjoy!
PS-Pierre is a great guy with loads of FREE advise.