Nifty Sound Lab G7-3C speakers in black Majestic trim with cool red grills. Here until CAF at special demo pricing!
Benchmark LA4 and a pair of ABH-2 running bridged mono. Don’t let the naysayers scare you off these amps—dead quiet and revealing but also eminently musical with excellent timing and tonal accuracy!
Pure Fidelity Harmony + Origin Live Illustrious + Charisma Signature One. (Truly high end performance in a rig that is as pretty to see as it is to hear).
AMA listening rooms are probably just like yours—no exotic room treatments or snake oil in the house. Just well curated components from reputable manufacturers put together to enhance the enjoyment of music!
Pure Fidelity Harmony turntable in custom satin black finish. Very well designed, engineered, and built with quality components throughout--ruby ball and bronze bearing, Delrin platter, compact design with excellent packing--a class product all around. Recent release of the Conductor speed control unit is a major upgrade over the Maestro, which was not on the same level of fit and finish as the table itself.
Origin Live Conqueror MK4
Extraordinary arm in design and execution. Ordered with 2M run of Silver Hybrid IC from the cartridge tags to the RCAs. Pure Fidelity Harmony comes with specified mount for OL arms making set up a breeze. The Conqueror MK4 has a great feel, with form following function without the fiddly downsides often present in other "super arms". The sound is exceptionally transparent and fluid, with ease and detail off the charts. Plays really well with the PF Harmony!
Charisma Audio Signature One
New, top of the line MC cartridge from Canadian designer, manufacturer Bernard Li.
Herron Audio VTPH-2A
The Herron VTPH-2A has been the most satisfying upgrade to my entirely revamped analogue playback system. Quiet, spacious, dynamic with tremendous inner detail. I doubt I'll need or own another phonostage. Stock feet replaced with Stillpoint Ultra Mini's to enhance isolation.
Herron Audio VTSP-360 Reference
Keith Herron's latest linestage is astonishingly good. It has all the features you need and none that you don't and sounds exceptional--super quiet, detailed, natural, with great timing and drive. Improvement over the VTSP-3A (R03) is across the board but particularly in the areas of dynamic agility and soundstaging, Stock feet replaced with Stillpoint Ultra Mini's to enhance isolation. This is the latest "Reference" version of the VTSP-360 circa 2021.
Benchmark ABH-2 (Monoblocks)
One of the few solid state amplifiers that can drive the Sound Labs without distortion. Bulletproof design, effortlessly neutral, and yes musically engaging when pair with the right ancillary equipment.
Sound Lab G7-3C
The 3Cs represent uncompromising Sound Lab sonics in a smaller package for those with smaller rooms or other domestic space considerations. These will be on display at attractive demo pricing for a short time only. The red grills offset by the black frames must be seen to be appreciated. Of course, the sound is all you would expect from the leader in electrostatic speaker technology.
Empirical Design ED-422
Superior to many cables I've tried at less cost. I ran these against Audience Au-24, Soundstring, Fusion Audio Romance, Dynamic Design and JPS Labs SC-3 and found them to be the best value. The JPS and Fusion Audio sounded slightly more detailed, spacious and natural but are harder to work with and considerably more money. Using between my Esoteric K-03xs and Herron VTPH-2A and linestage.
Empirical Design ED-416
Excellent performance but stiff like their speaker cable. I would not recommend these in tight spaces where multiple turns are required. Using to connect my Ayre L-5xe power conditioner to the wall outlet.
Empirical Design ED-316
The ED-316 has fewer conductors than the ED-416 and is thus thinner and more flexible. Great product for low power sources, easily besting my original version Audience Powerchord. Using with my Esoteric K-03xs, Herron VTSP-360 (ESP), and Herron VTPH-2A.
WyWires, LLC Platinum Series
Speaker cables, ICs, and power cords round out cabling of the large demo room system. Musically engaging with maximum detail retrieval.
Esoteric K-03xs
Recently upgraded to the new K-03xs after many happy years with my trusty X-03se. Still waiting to connect up and see how it sounds!
Ayre Acoustics L-5xe
Power conditioner used with my front end components. Connected to wall with WyWires Platinum series power cord.
Symposium Acoustics Svelte Shelves
Used under all our source components to reduce vibration.
WyWires Platinum Series Power Cord
Currently used to power the Pure Fidelity motor controller. Overkill!
Fern & Roby Equipment Rack, Custom
Open tiered rack systems. Incredibly well made and easy to assemble. Custom sizes are an option, as with our four tier rack.
Music Collection Custom Racks
My collection of vinyl, CD and SACD titles
Ortofon ST-80 SE Moving Coil Step-up Transformer
Perfect partner for the SPU Royal G MK 2. The ST-80se feeds the MM input on the Herron.
Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
Got this and love it. I clean all my new and used LPs and experience less surface noise.
Dr. Feickert Analogue Woodpecker
Fantastic example of fine German engineering. High torque motor, excellent vibration control, and tight manufacturing tolerances. The Linear Power Supply and inertia platter take this to an even higher performance level.
Audio Creative GrooveMaster 4
The latest high mass arm from our Dutch partners at Audio Creative. Excellent fit and finish and a super platform for the SPU-type cartridges we carry.
Ortofon SPU Royal GM mkII
Top of the line SPU. Traces modern and vintage records brilliantly with plenty of meat on the bone for those who like a slightly vintage sound.
After a lifetime in NJ I have moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia to establish Afton Mountain Audio, a by appointment only high end audio salon featuring some of the finest sounding equipment available. Come hear your music the way it was meant to be heard and stay for a weekend of food, drink, and fun in one of the most beautiful places on earth!
Just posted some photo updates featuring new Track Audio Isolation Footers supporting my Daedalus Apollo's. These are excellent--great build quality, adjustable for leveling, and raise the Apollo's to the proper height. Initial impressions are very positive!
Hey All: Just posting an update featuring my new analogue front end. Recently took delivery on a Pure Fidelity Harmony turntable with an Origin Live Conqueror MK4 tonearm. Cartridge remains the same from my prior setup (Charisma Audio Signature One). Only a few hours in but sounding excellent! The table and arm were a breeze to set up and both are extremely well designed/engineered products! I'll post comments once things are broken in and I have finished any tweaking of the set up.
That is a pretty nice sized room. I have experienced what large rooms can do to the music. Everything sounds so spacious and the imaging is expansive and the "height of vocals" is amazing in such rooms! Especially with the high ceiling. Enjoy your music.
The new room is 26 L X 15 W X 9 H (Going up to 16 feet at the peak of the vaulted ceiling). Not a huge room but the vaulted ceilings really increase the volume of the space and the lack of ceiling reflections created by the height and multiple angles transforms the sound. I've never had my system in a room like this and it is really eye opening!
Congratulation on the move into a larger room! It does look huge. What are the dimensions of this new room. It is looking beautiful. I am sure the music is sounding phenomenal in this room.
Hey guys--updated my system profile following a move to a new, larger listening room and the addition of some new components--an outstanding Herron VTSP-360 ESP. Really getting some nice sound and appreciating the fine designers/manufacturers who have helped me greatly along the way. Happy listening!
I just recently discovered Revopods after doing some research to find replacement feet for those that came on my Sempersonus TE-2. While the stock feet work fine, I wanted something more attractive that would also offer potential performance gains. I just installed the Revopods this week and have only had a few moments to audition them (A-B comparison) in my system. So far so good. They are really well designed and made. I'll post more later and may try a set on my speakers and compare them with the Stillpoints Ultra SS currently in use.
Hey There--just updated my system with pics of the new room. Recent upgrades include the Sempersonus TE-2 turntable with TW Acustic Raven 12" tonearm and Charisma Audio Signature One cartridge. Breaking in now are a pair of WyWires Platinum series phono cables (DIN > RCA). While the new room is slightly narrower than the previous one it is a bit longer and since I am setting up on the short wall this time I have been able to move the Apollo's out away from the back wall a little further (maybe 26" compared to 18" in the old space). This is providing a deeper soundstage and more three dimensional sound. I was also able to move the rack to the sidewall instead of between the speakers so that may be helping a bit as well. While the room is small and very basic I'm getting some really good sound. Would love to hear your thoughts!
It's always nice to hear when a fellow A'gon member has a nice uptick in sound quality, especially when it's in a new room. Many folks lament about their room-associated problems, it's refreshing to hear when the opposite happens.
Hey guys--just updated my system with some recent changes. Added a K-03xs which I think will be my last disc spinner. LTA transferred my "shoebox" Ultralinear to the new Fern and Roby case and I upgraded the 12AU7 and 12AX7 input tubes to Amperex "Bugle Boys" as well as replaced the four 17JN6 power tubes. Also added an Ayre LX-5se power conditioner for my low level components--my new listening room does not have a dedicated line with multiple outlets so on a very knowledgeable friend's recommendation I decided to go with the Ayre. I also upgraded the cables between my amp and preamp with WyWires Platinum series. Looking forward to getting everything hooked up in my new space and seeing how it all sounds!
Hey Folks--Over the holidays I took delivery on a new pair of Daedalus Audio Apollo speakers. These are handcrafted from quartersawn white oak stained to match our furnishings with a lovely inlay pattern. I have been breaking them in over the past few weeks and will report on the sound once I have enough hours on them. At this stage the sound is very promising--retaining the natural, organic tonality of all Lou's designs with higher resolution and more precise staging than my previous pair of DA-1.1s. A full report to follow!
Thanks Dan--I've had several of the VPI unipivots and enjoyed them but the opportunity to try their 3D Gimbaled arm was too good to pass up. I really like the solid feel and the bearings are just perfect--taught yet effortless. Combined with the 3D arm tube it just makes great music. Really looking forward to the new Apollo's--hopefully not too much longer as I've been without music now for a while and I'm going crazy! Best to you and thanks for chiming in!
I owned a Scout signature for several years, and enjoyed it. I did, though, tire of the JMW "wobble". I see your new table has the Levinson arm, so it makes for a more stable platform.
I went a very different direction, by restoring a Garrard 401, DIY plinth, and Dynavector 501 arm. It would seem we are both happy, so congrats on your unique VPI table and arm, it is great that Harry and Matt worked with you like they did. The rest of your system is very special, and must reflect that in how it sounds.
You've come a long way since you first posted a Virtual System (I think we both started here about the same time). Getting your new speakers must have you on pins and needles, like a kid waiting for Christmas. I know that's how I would be.
Just posted a few updates to my system. New speakers on the way (Daedalus Apollo) and finally put up some pictures of the awesome LTA Ultralinear that will provide amplification. I am expecting delivery of the Apollo's sometime this fall and will post actual photos when they are positioned in my listening room. Can't wait!!
Just received my VTSP-3A back from Keith who updated the unit to R03 status. Keith Herron is such a joy to work with--I have such high regard for his integrity and client support. I will post a review on the updated unit once it breaks in and provide some illustrations of how great it is to own Herron Audio products.
Thanks, Ptss. The openings forced me to set up on the long wall of the room but it worked out in the end in terms of releasing any bass energy that might build in the corners thru the openings into the hallway. Overall, a pretty good room though I wish it was a little larger.....I have thought about treating the wall with some artistic absorption panels I've seen online but have not gotten around to it....thanks for inspiring me to look into this again.
System edited: System updated with new photos of speakers with latest woofer trim rings added. These add to the visual beauty of the speaker and subtly enhance the performance in the bass and lower midrange. Well worth the investment!
I had the same reaction to the news of the V2 upgrades because I was extremely happy with my DA-1.1APs. But a number of positive posts by people who did the V2 upgrades over on the AC and speaking with Lou convinced me to box up my speakers and send them out. I was nervous about potential damage and hoping it was going to be worth the system downtime and expense--for sure, it was.
In recent weeks, I've made some changes upstream, in my digital front end.
I've been thoroughly enjoying each listening session, and prior to reading this, I have wondered how the newer models can actually sound "better." ...and along comes an upgrade that surpasses the AP XO.
Thanks for posting your comments on the V2 upgrade.
