The equipment speaks for itself. It's musical and very enjoyable and that's what matters to me. I do prefer it with a tube preamp and have used a Supratek Syrah to great benefit. That preamp is now off for repair but I've recently purchased a Wright WPL 10 V here at Audiogon and eagerly await its arrival. If and when the Syrah returns fixed I'll put it back in. Using it is like putting a turbo charger on this system. It kicks it up several notches.
The room, Purple Haze, was remodeled by Steve Dobbins (Vetterone) as a surprise gift to me while my wife and I were out of town for a few days. This room was so ugly that I was ashamed to be in it alone with the lights out. The worlds ugliest paneling adorned the walls and the smoke stained ceiling was fitted with a cheesy ceiling fan and an offset flourescent light. Not only did Steve wallpaper, paint and install new light fixtures, he cleaned my carpet and furniture too. He's a very special and caring guy. Oh yeah, he named the room and the name is going to stay.
I don't want to be too long winded here about the system since it's not exotic at all. Other than saying again how much the Linn gear responds to a reasonable tube preamp I'd also like to mention how much my system has benefitted from interconnects and cones. The Ridge Street line of cabling is incredible! As my system is now configured and being all solid state the conventional wisdom is that silver would be a harsh material to use. Not so. It's a smooth as silk and lets the details come through better than anything I've ever auditioned. The Audio Points cones are used at the speakers and the amps. In each case the overall sound tightened up and imaging much improved. The bass detail improvements were much more than I expected.
This is a fun and relaxed room that I spend a lot of time in. Although some acoustic treatments are forthcoming it is very musical as is.
I would like to once again express my deepest gratitude to all of the folks that have been so generous in helping me take this system and room to completion. Many of you know what I'm talking about and the contributors know who they are. Thank you all
Purchased in 1984 with the Vahalla. Upgraded to the Cirkus bearing and replaced the Valhalla once due to failure. Regardless of the criticisms heaped on this table it is a solid performer and the best "bang for the buck" piece I've ever bought. I have no compelling reason to replace it.
Linn Wakonda phono
I love the features this preamp provides but much prefer my system with a tube preamp. I recently purchased a Wright WPL 10 V but it is yet to arrive.
Linn LK-100
Aktiv internal stero crossover for treble.
Linn LK-100
Aktiv internal stereo crossover for mid/bass.
Linn Keilidh
Bi-amped Aktiv.
Ridge Street Audio Design MSE Gen.II
Used for preamp to mid/bass Aktiv amp.
Ridge Street Audio Design Poiema!!
Used from preamp to Aktiv treble amp.
Ridge Street Audio Design Poiema!!
Eight foot pair to tweeters.
Ridge Street Audio Designs Poiema!!
Eight foot pair to mid/bass.
Lugnut made LP-12 Friendly
Made by yours truly to accomodate my LP-12 and a couple of electronics.
Lugnut made Amp stands
Layered 3/4" MDF lead filled.
Porter Ports Wall outlets
Cryo'd. Three of them
Audio Points Various
I use Still Points on my speakers and both amplifiers.
Sumiko Bluepoint Special
I have liked this cartridge a lot. I'm either going to install a Shelter 901 or a Sumiko Blackbird in the near future.
Pat,Actually you convinced me to try the RS20 when you said how ZYX just sounds right,as that is high on my list,id rather have a well balanced sound ,than a sound thats great in some areas but lacking in others,you were right on the money! Also your comment on how quiet they are in the grooves sealed the deal!Since i bought my RS20 ive been moved by my LPs on a much deeper level than ever! Thanks,Ray
Hello Pat,Yep,you were right,ZYXs do sound right!Ive been on an LP buying spree this last week,,just got Neil Youngs Greatest Hits on 180 gr!You just havent heard Neil until youve heard him on good vinyl! Glad to hear you were able to get the Syrah fixed!Believe me if i win the lotto im getting two UNIverses,,one for me and one for you!Peace,Ray
Hello Pat,Glad to hear you guys had a great time on your trip!Hope your feeling well,,,,i should have a ZYX R20 Thur.,really looking forward to hearing it!Should be a treat,as i have not played an LP in a couple months! Ill let you know how it goes,Ray
Hello Pat,Thanks!The ZYX sounds like what im looking for,the lack of groove noise is also a big plus!Iwill be getting a R30 hopefully soon!Sorry to here you had problems with your Syrah!Im wondering how much of an improvement a much better quality umbilical cord would be? It sounds like it was meant for you to have a ZYX AIRY,that camara sure came in handy!Those Radioshack tubes sound interesting!Ray
