My system really has been a journey. Over the past two years, I have re-focused my time and energy after a few years hiatus due to very young children and other large time commitments. With a tad more time to spend with and on the hobby and a commitment to vinyl and tubes, I have tried to create something that lets me enjoy acoustic jazz, jazz fusion, small jazz combos and a little bit of rock 'n roll occasionally.
My listening space is a dedicated 12' x 18' section of our finished basement that I share with the rest of the family. Wall behind the equipment of 1/4" drywall on studs over a poured concrete foundation. Space behind listening position is open to children's toys and stuff.
I will post pics soon.
Any comments would be not only appreciated, but welcome.
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April 2012
I have made a number of changes to my system recently. Most notably I sold my CD-t as I have moved to computer-based music for my digital - I rip all CDs to my hard drive. I moved my DAC up to my home office and am using the DAC internal to the Logitech SB Touch currently as I explore my DAC options.
Fully upgraded from a TNT, Jr with single motor fly sheel, SDS, super platter, ring clamp and BDR The Clamp. Sits upon a custom-made Gingko 12A isolation platform.
Graham Engineering Phantom Mk ii
With 10" titanium tone arm to mate well with the TNT super platter and ring clamp. Use with a Bob Graham custom arm board.
Clearaudio Stradivari
0.7mV MC - a wonderful match with the Phantom Mk ii and the TNT.
EAR MC-4
Moving coil step-up transformer allows me to by-pass the MC stage (and therefore JFET) in phono stage. Extraordinarily flexible, eerily silent and built like a tank, the MC-4 not only addresses the gain needs my rig has, but also provides a much more musically satisfying experience.
Logitech and Stello SqueezeBox Touch and U2
SB Touch feeds U2 via USB out using a SW mod for the SB Touch. Added this to unlock the music stored on my hard drive...why did I wait so long?
Stello DA-100 Signature
Fed from U2 via I2S cable. Modestly priced D/A that meets my needs.
Sonic Frontiers Line 3
Chris Johnson's two unit statement line stage heavily modded by Chris.
Sonic Frontiers SFP-1
The original Sonic Frontiers phono stage sent to Bill Thalmann (former lead engineer/designer at Conrad-Johnson) for a comprehensive mod. The end product is beyond anything I could have expected. Run in MM mode using uber quiet, vintage NOS tubes from Bill's private stash. Mates very well with the EAR MC-4 SUT for the MC gain.
Sonic Frontiers SFM-160
My first experience with modding equipment. Chris Johnson did a wonderful job. Using the Tung Sol KT-120s is mandatory to me.
Genesis Technologies IM-8300
From Arnie Nudell and Paul McGowan's original Genesis. These three way speakers were recently rebuilt by Audio Ventures in Wisconsin, e.g., new drivers, rebuilt crossover, re-wired, etc. These guys are magicians - the rebuild really let the IM-8300s grow with the rest of the equipment upgrades/mods.
Genesis Technologies Servo 12
I run one pair of these subs, each with their own 400w amp/crossover unit. After many years, they recently had to go to a local shop for some repair and a little upgrade work. Nice complement to the IM-8300s and easy to integrate, providing an almost full range speaker.
Silver Audio Silver Breeze
SE phono cable from Max Kreifeldt. I run two pair: one from the Phantom Mk ii to the EAR MC-4 SUT and one from the EAR MC-4 to the phono stage. A reference tone arm cable - it replaced my Hovland MG2.
Purist Audio Design Venustas Praesto Revision
Moved to this IC and have never looked back.
Shunyata Research Andromeda
Bi-wire version of this very neutral, very revealing speaker cable.
VH Audio AirSine
Reference PC from Chris VenHaus. Constructed with the new Furutech FI-50 carbon fiber plugs. I run three, one for the tube monoblocks and one for the phono stage.
VH Audio Trans
This is a PC Chris VenHaus made as a cost-no-object PC to sit above the venerable AirSine. I beta tested it for him and bought the review sample. It sits in my line stage and will never leave - wow did he get this one right. You have to make a special request of Chris for this one, though.
Shunyata Research Two Hydra 2 and one Hydra 6
Three PLCs keep the power clean. The Hydra 2s handle the monoblocks and the sub amp/crossovers. The Hydra 6 handles the source components. All three Hydras are fed by 20A VH Audio Flavor 4 PCs each from there own dedicated 20A Oyaide R-1 outlet.
Billy Bags 5505, 5504 and one pair of 2020
The 5500's are the equipment racks and the 2020's are the amp stands.
Grandetech, sorry for the delay. Work has been a bit "demanding" so I just had some time late this week to pull an answer together for you.
When I turned to auditioning better PCs for my system, I had already built Flavor 4 and Oyaide Tunami PCs with Chris VenHaus supplies and advice for all of my components. Chris had been spot on with his advice and suggestions, so when I read the rave reviews of the AirSine, I had to include it in my audition.
The other PCs I auditioned were all on loan from The Cable Company: Shunyata Anaconda and Python (not CX of these PCs, but prior versions), Synergistic Research Telsa T3 and JPS Labs' The Kaptovator.
In my system to my ears, the Anaconda was the winner, but by a thin edge over the AirSine. I valued the AirSines attributes and can live with its limitations when compared to the Anaconda. The main difference between the cords seems to be that the AirSine is darker with a bigger bottom end, but is also a little more mechanical/detail sounding. The Anaconda is a lighter-sounding cable with what I'd characterize as "airy" highs; it has a more lit soundstage as a result, which seems both deeper and wider.
I do need to mention that about a month ago Chris asked if I would audition his latest PC, one that will sit above the AirSine in his product line-up. He calls it Trans. The Trans product had been through quite a bit of testing already to get to a market ready product so I would be auditioning a ready for market PC. I have auditioned other of Chris ready to launch products for him and I jumped at the chance to do it again. I used the Trans in my line stage.
In short, I felt that the Trans retained all the positives of the AirSine and addressed the weaknesses.
Here are a few excerpts from my notes to Chris, with Chris OK to repeat:
I was moved back a few rows in the listening hall - I am in the front of the middle of the hall; it is a relaxed, natural presentation;
All the benefits of AirSines are there, such as tight, extended bass; very black background; clear, neutral presentation; warm mids; and detail, detail, detail;
The Trans takes all these benefits up a notch there is a noticeable improvement in all the areas for which the AirSine has been noted;
The Trans significantly bested the AirSine in several areas in my system: o A bigger, wider & deeper soundstage o A sense of air around all the instruments its big, powerful music o Unbelievable PRAT very involving o Clear, lite and airy trebles nothing dark or harsh
The detail on the AirSine could be a tiche clinical the Trans settled that one right down the slide guitar on Allison Krauss and the acoustic on some of Claptons unplugged songs were insanely detailed, positioned and musical;
The vocals are eerie I am listening to Allison Kraus right now and all I can say is wow, just wow;
I bought the review sample.
The Trans should be available for audition around RMF 11.
I have no financial or other interest in VH Audio the PCs just work for my ears in my system.
Thanks, Dan. I do like the Sonic Frontiers house sound and if you give Bill Thalmann a green light, things get pretty interesting. This approach fits better with my budget than trying to acquire new or used equipment at the same sonic/music quality.
I need to update both the pics and the descriptions - I have made a few updates.
Very nice system you have there. Your entire front end is first-rate, along with preamps and amps. Yor choice of cables also must make for some very good listening, as well as the Genesis. Well done!
Really interesting units. Try to make some pics, the Audiophile world is waiting :-). Sonic Frontiers had some very remarkable Designs. Great Frontend. Happy Listening.
