Great system. I noticed we both have the same speakers, cart and Baetis Revelation II. How are you finding the speakers. How far apart do you have them and how far are you from listening position? Have you spiked them?
I am very happy with them but would eventually like to add the top module to move to MMthrees. I was just listening to the Sessions from the 17th Ward - a Chesky recording which I downloaded to the Baetis from HD Tracks. Sounds wonderful.

vicks7 February 16, 2015 00:00

Truemaineiac, I did own an Audio Research PH-7 and an EAR 324 solid state phono stages prior to buying the Signature 2a. I know Kevin favors analog sources and knew his phono was well designed and great sounding by listening to a friend's, so I sold the PH-7. If I ever hit the lottery I will buy his separate, Statement Phono stage. I had the pleasure of listening to it at a recent audio show and can attest it is truly special. I'd also like to own his Statement Pre amp; it is the Signature 2a on steroids with such a density of musicality, information and nuance like nothing I have ever heard before. Kevin is truly a genius in the audio world, but is so humble, few know it unless they listen to his designs.

hifimaniac May 04, 2014 22:45

Very nice system. I am a big fan of Kevin Hayes and the VAC products and of course, can't agree with you more that tubes, although a hassle, are the way to go. I was curious if you are using the VAC pre-amp phono and if you have compared it with any stand-alone phono stage?

truemaineiac May 01, 2014 17:34

Glenhifi, thank you for your compliment. I have enjoyed the latest system the most. The convenience of a computer server with JRivers is addictive and very convenient.

hifimaniac April 09, 2014 00:26

Folker, I owned the VAC 220's and loved them but then went back to solid state. Then, after listening to solid state I went back to my beloved VAC equipment. The 220's are one of these most beautiful looking amps Kevin has ever built and they sound fantastic. I would expect you to enjoy a significant improvement in sound, control, extension. Let me know, please. Enjoy them. Sorry for the slow response, I am trying to break my Audiogon habit!

hifimaniac April 09, 2014 00:19

Love your system.

glenfihi March 30, 2014 23:57

Hi maniac,

Nice setup you have!

I am contemplating an upgrade from VAC Auricle Musicbloc's (80) to VAC PHI 220. From your experience, do you expect a huge jump in performance? How do the 220's compare to the newer (200 or 300.1) models?

Any input appreciated,

Cheers

folker March 22, 2014 07:47

Thanks Dev! I am loving the Evolution Acoustic MM2's; wish I could have the MM3's but another 10k for the extra woofer is too much right now. I wish I could own any of Kevin's Statement pieces; they are incredible and hard to beat at any price. I envy you for owning the 450's. That would be a lot of amplifier for the EA speaker. The 200 monos are working very well due to the efficiency of the MM2's. I think the 300.2 monos would be even better, but so far I am happy with what I have and will have to enjoy it for now. The Continuum is a marvelous table and I hope it will provide many years of service. There is a guy that can fix it if it breaks as long as what breaks is easy to get! Will check your table as I am not familiar with it or the phono pre. Thanks for the audioshark.org site; never knew of it. Mark

hifimaniac January 28, 2014 20:18

Hi Mark,

how's it going - I haven't visited your system for a while and look at what has happened.

You now have the same pre-amp as me - great pre-amp isn't it. I have my eye on the Statement

I see you are now using EA MM2's, I have a pair of MM3's sitting in their crates. Currently up for sale so if you know anyone please send them my way.

I see you are using Vac's 200 mono blocks, how are you liking those paired up with your MM2's.

I have Vac's Statement 450 mono's - sweet :)

Nice table you have there, too bad they're already out of business.

I recently purchased a TechDAS Air Force One, absolutely marvelous table.

I am also using a Burmester 100 phono, marvelous pce and mates well with my Vac gear.

The a web site called audioshark.org you should check it out, you will see allot of familiar faces and it's a friendly site to share and discuss.

Your system is looking great!

dev January 28, 2014 03:48

I am using the Baetis Revelation II for my music server. www.baetisaudio.com. Excellent server with well thought out approach to high quality sound.

hifimaniac November 20, 2013 05:34

Curious what do you use for your PC music server? Did you end up buying/making a CAPS?

tboooe November 20, 2013 05:04

System edited: Finally switched to the convenience of a computer based music system and so glad I did. The flexibility and convenience is outstanding and sound superb.

hifimaniac November 20, 2013 01:58

When did you own the Caravelles? Why did you move on?

agear July 18, 2013 02:25

Thanks,
This cable and the Sablon Panatela digital cable seem like good products.

charles1dad February 13, 2013 18:35

Charles1dad; Jonny has an introductory price for a short period before he launches at the full list. I think right now you can call him direct and get a 1.37M (minimum length for proper jitter control) for $599. I can't remember pricing on longer lengths. This cable isn't analytical; it is very musical. It passes all the information but not with hyper detail sound; it walks the tight rope perfectly between detail and musicality. I am a believer. I think Jonny has a 30 day money back guarantee; you can ask him. I purchased all his cabling after hearing it in a system I had heard at several different shows and the show this room used his cabling sounded the best I had ever heard it and the manufacturers gave the credit to the SRA cables.

hifimaniac February 13, 2013 14:41

What is the cost of this digital cable and is it organic in nature or is it more the ultra detail-resolution perspective? I prefer musicality rather than the hifi sound.
Regards,

charles1dad February 12, 2013 19:40

System edited: For kicks and giggles I tried Jonny Wilson of Snake River Audio's Boomslang digital cable compared to the highly regarded Wire World Platinum Starlight cable I own. Right out of the box without a break in it dramitcally passed more information and musicality than the WW and at a fraction of the cost. Someone commented that Snake River Audio's website is so "simple" but I responded some people are designers, some marketers. Anyone who is swayed by flash is being controlled by the reviewers. Anyone reading this; please listen to SRA stuff; it is awesome. The WW will go up for sales once I have time to post it.

hifimaniac February 12, 2013 13:55

hifimaniac,
Thanks for the explanation and your description of the character of the two systems. You made a move in the right direction.I`ll choose the system that sounds"real" over any other alternative presentation.
Regards,

charles1dad December 10, 2012 13:59

Hi Charles, I gave up a detailed, perfect reproduction of the recording for a "real, in the room" sound that just is easier to listen to and more musical. I especially like the musicality of the Snake River Audio cables. I don't know what Jonny Wilson is doing but I was lead to them after hearing them in a system I had heard at shows on 3 different occasions and the manufacturers showing both gave credit to the SRA cabling and said they would not show with anyone else. Those comments made me try them and so far I can't agree more!

hifimaniac December 10, 2012 03:17

The new system is beautiful and must sound excellent, congratulations.
Are there any particular attributes(or trade offs) you miss from the prior system?
Regards,

charles1dad December 09, 2012 15:43

System edited: New System pictures versus old Wilson/Jeff Rowland Model 9HC mono blocks with MAXX 2's. Love the Evolution Acoustics MM2; Snake River Audio cabling (musical cable, best ever).

hifimaniac December 09, 2012 02:37

The turntable stand is a Billy Bags Pro stand, but not sure of the model number.

hifimaniac December 06, 2012 15:05

What stand are you using with your turntable?
Thanks.

bank738 December 06, 2012 01:13

System edited: Complete revamping of system. Pictures to follow later when I am not enjoying music.

hifimaniac December 05, 2012 04:57

Milpai; send me an email: [email protected] and I will send a pix of Evolutions from my phone.

hifimaniac April 02, 2012 21:16