After 11+ years in this hobby (6 of which were fun, while the other 5 were completely obsessive)I have finally settled down. It has taken me 8 integrated amps, 8 amps, 4 pre-amps, 6 CD players, 3 analog rigs, and 8 pairs of speakers to settle on what I have now.
Am I happy? Yes.
I think everybody in this hobby should be a music lover first and a gear fanatic second. I think that is mostly the case, but I've run into a few exceptions and it still baffles me whenever I encounter it. My goal now is to listen to the music first, and the system second.
In order to hear the music though I require that a system have little to no noise. That is my first requirement. I had a bad experience with Joule Electra OTL gear being noisy (a problem that never was resolved by the manufacturer) and it has forever soured me on any sort of noise in a system.
The second thing that a system must do for me is be accurate in how the controls work. I am a stickler for volume controls being transparent and attenuating the signal evenly in both channels across the volume spectrum. I had a high end Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista integrated amp sour me on the proliferation of inferior volume pots. It had a slight channel imbalance at low volumes, but the deviation was within the manufacturer's "spec", so they would not fix it.
Kudos to Ayre, Tom Evans, and other manufacturers that do not act like cheapskates when it comes to volume controls. Companies like yours will always have my business (when I buy solid-state gear).
The next thing I like to have is coherant sounding speakers from top to bottom. I choose electrostats and planars over dynamic drivers because even though I love the kick and presence of dynamic drivers, planars and electrostats sound more "real" to me. If I listen long and hard enough to a dynamic driver speaker (especially to speakers that are not monitors), I start to easily pick up on the integration points or defeciencies in the drivers themselves. However, to be fair, I love monitor speakers. Its just that my room is a bit too big for them.
Finally, my source has to play with rhythm and pace above all else. I hate CD players that have technical issues (or sound too clinical, veiled, or mechanical). As far as analog rigs go, after switching to the Garrard, I am in no hurry to go back to a belt-driven turntable.
I have not owned enough cartridges to comment on what my requirements are yet. I suppose the first requirement be that they match well with my phono-preamp, so I'll just leave it at that.
So thats about it.....oh wait, what about the music? I listen mainly to rock (classic rock, metal, glam, punk, new wave, etc) but I also listen to folk, jazz, country, bluegrass, and blues too. My new love is classical and I have been listening to it for the last few years, but I am still a n00b. There is so much to learn in that genre.
Happy listening and if you have comments about my system, I would love to hear them.
The single best source component I have ever owned. Devilishly clever British engineering from the old days, mated with a plinth from one of the best.
Tri-Planar Mk. VII (Ultimate II)
You just gotta love how adjustable this thing is and how it was invented by a guy from the US Naval Measurements Division (RIP Herb Papier). After 7 years of building to Herb's sanctioned specs, this is Tri Mai's latest version, incorporating his own ideas. Incidentally, this arm in particular has also been cryo'd.
Dynaco ST-70
This is in my top 3 best amps for the original Quad ESL (Quad 57's). It is also the cheapest. I've bought, sold, and re-bought an ST-70 a few times. They're like that loyal old dog that wont leave you alone. You just gotta love 'em. :)
Quad ESL
The best speaker ever designed? Yes, I think so. Are they a speaker for all things? No. However, they do rock and they are perfect for my room.
EAR 834P
I love this phono pre-amp. There are probably better ones out there, but this one is mine, and we treat each other quite nicely. I even had its power knob chromed (I dont think there is another one like it).
Lyra Helikon SL
Lower output version of this classic cartridge. Designed as a regular Helikon with a single layer (SL) of windings. The single layer winding spec means lower internal impedance and lower output.
Naim NAC A5
This is the latest iterations of the long-standing NACA series of Naim speaker cable. On Naim's website they call it 'NAC A5'. Most people just call it either NACA5 or NACA 5. The best speaker cable for the money, IMHO.
So, how do you like Austin? Lot of music venues there, and Hi-Fi shops too, I would imagine.
I'm glad to hear you've settled in, and got the system back in action. As for me, I'm in awe of what my Zu 103R did for me after checking set-up, and getting VTA just right. It tops anything I've heard before with the Garrard 401 and Dyna 501. I better add that I upgraded the power supply in the Modwright SWP 9.0 SE Signature phono stage as well (it's been in for about six weeks).
I played Reference Recording's The Hot Club of San Francisco, which I just got. What a recording!
Even better news, I just learned about a Paratrace cantilever/Sapphire stylus upgrade from Expert Stylus Company, in the UK, that for $400, takes the Zu 103R to another level entirely.
If I have it done, I'll let you know how I get on with it. I'm hoping it might stop me from lusting after a Lyra Atlas, Dyna XV-1S, Ortophon MA-90, and several other carts I can't afford.
I guess you got settled in in your new town, and got your system up and running. Have you given up on selling your 301? Glad you got a nice cart, wish I could afford something like the Helikon, but I'll just have to suffer along with the Zu 103R and Dyna XX2MKII.
I just read your posts here, the new and the old, and got a good chuckle at your irreverent approach to audio. Kinda reminds me of AD himself!
Well, I finally got my 401 project done, had the wiring in the Dyna 501 changed out to silver, and just recently, bought a Zu Denon 103R, which has relegated the XX2MKII to its box. The 401 has been quite a change from the VPI Scout, I'm learning all over again just how good vinyl can sound, so it's been a more than worthwhile project.
I don't have the balls to try running my Modwright phono stage directly into my amp, the Modwright has way too much gain to try that, I think, but my passive line stage seems to do no harm.
I had my old VAC upgraded at the factory, and with Genelex KT 77's, instead of EL 34's, it's making me very happy.
Love your minimalist approach, enjoy, and stay irreverent!
I couldn't agree more with your statement above. That feeling led me back to vintage Tannoys, and an old VAC PA 35.35 amp that works wonder with them. I've sent this amp to Kevin at VAC for upgrades, it's bound to stay with me for the duration.
Hello RC (I didn't want to call you Rotten), What I really wanted in a tonearm was either a Grahm Phantom or the Tri-Planer, but they are beyond my reach. I've always admired the design of the Dyna arms, and they are much more affordable bought used, other than the current model.
Table is coming along, waiting on parts, but disassembly is complete, looking for a place for powder coat in my area. Have a Happy New Year!
Lovely system, and I especially love your Garrard 301 with Dobbins plinth and Tri-Planer arm. I am expecting my Garrard 401 to be delivered today, I'm making a project of it, with Dynavector DV 501 arm, XX2 MKII, and custom plinth.
I wanted a 301, but the price for them became too dear. Congratulations on your fine system.
