System edited: Took the plunge and forked out for an upgrade to the preamp, and moved from the Aidio Note M-3 to the M-6. I was expecting more of the same engaging musical experiences, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The move from AN's level 3 to level 4 preamps hit the spot for me. I am where I want to be in terms of playback enjoyment and magic!

lesliepillay January 02, 2011 01:16

System edited: Just upgraded the tonearm to VPi's latest, the JMW 12.7 which came with a custom armboard to fit the TNT 4. Easy install, instant upgrade in sound. Amazing. Also added some small tweaks like RCA "stoppers" to plug the unused RCA sockets on the preamp. Got a pair for the unused XLR connectors on the CD player too. Final tweak is a Furutech De-Stat, a portable anti static device. This really does work on just about everything with moving parts. Audible improvement just by cleaning CDs, LPs, the platter etc. Nice.

lesliepillay August 22, 2009 09:37

Hi Vx700, I heard about the AMR CD 77 from my regular audio shop guy, the agents for AMR (and other brands) in Singapore. Actually, he's really a vinyl person but he talked so much about this particular CD player, I just knew it would be worth it. I ordered one without audition. Honestly? No regrets.

The player sounded so good straight out of the box I was floored. You're right about burn in tho, coz it just keeps getting better and better, really. I use iTunes via the AMR's USB input for regualr listening and burn in purposes, clocking about 5 to 6 hours daily. It's been about 6 months now and I gotta say, I'm not going to change players anytime soon.

Funny thing about the studio, I've never taken any photos. I mean... it's the studio. Usual industry standard stuff, Belden and Canary cables, off the shelf power conditioner, ProTools, tube mic preamp, Neumann mic, Yamaha digital board etc. Never really tweaked it. Interesting... coz I have some spare cables and footers and power chords...

lesliepillay June 28, 2009 00:05

What changes did I see? Well visually it's impressive in an "over-the-top" sort of way. More importantly, the audible improvement was quite dramatic, a little like what I experienced when using a P/C on my CD player. All round more revealing, quiet. It does make a difference. The isolation footers did nothing for the iMac. I've since moved them to the preamp.

lesliepillay April 29, 2009 07:40

System edited: Just added some new pictures. No upgrades or changes to the gear - 5 months now.

lesliepillay April 21, 2009 19:43

Re the stands, don't think the stand has a brand name at all. Some of the local audiophile shops seem to carry it tho and it did look good, so I bought several. I know they are made in Southern China.

The build quality is good, it is very heavy - each shelf weighs something like 15kgs (estimate from memory), I know this coz I had to assemble it, so total weight for the 4 shelf unit is around 70kgs? Plus it does look good :)

To be honest, I don't think this manufacturer has put alot of vibration control or damping science into the design, unlike HRS or Solid Tech racks which can cost $thousands. However it is built like a tank and I've been happy with it the past 4 years, I'm also sure Chinese speaking vibration waves will stay away ;)

Leslie
like built

lesliepillay March 03, 2009 19:12

System edited: Just traded up the Audio Note CD player for the AMR CD 77. This amazing player also has a USB port for external digital devices to make use of the onboard DAC. iTunes never ever sounded so good!

lesliepillay February 11, 2009 07:38

System edited: Just added an Audio Note tube line stage as my main front end. For those who think tubes muddy music, you've got to listen to a high quality tube preamp. Layers are all there. Warmer? Not really but richer timbre from musical instruments all round. I'd describe the move from SS to tubes in this way: even the same orchestra will sound slightly different with each concert they perform, but there are special days when everything comes together, the audience, the hall, the acoustics, the recording engineer, when this happens you smile, it's magical. This tube preamp has put a smile on my face each piece I play, every concert is perpetually experiencing such a day.

lesliepillay December 07, 2008 22:46

Have recently upgraded the cartridge from the Ortofon Samba to the Jubilee. Both moving coil carts but the Jubilee is something a little special. Manufactured by Ortofon to commemorate their 75th Anniversary, they've put something special into this cart - and it's obvious from first listen. Now only 3 days on the arm, this is scheduled to get even better :)

lesliepillay November 15, 2008 09:11

Hi Gelmhirst, my reason for the ATC preamp is because of the good comments I've read about how well it mates with the active 50s. I'm not sure if this will be my last preamp though, but for me this was the best starting point before I try out other front ends (EAR 864, Audio Note Line 3 etc). I guess you could say I'm using the ATC pre as a reference point, a good "matched" base to start from i.e. pre-amp, amp and speakers all from the same manufacturer and same design philosophy. I'll probably let the system run for about 4 to 6 months, then begin to look at some tube pre's.

Leslie

lesliepillay September 22, 2008 00:12

System edited: My recent change to active tower speakers has been a good move. The control the ATC amps have over the drivers is simply astounding. The ultimate test CD by a group called "The Bass Gang" now sounds "real". You should check out this group of 4 double bass players playing together. Your amp will really need vice like control and damping of the speakers for this to sound remotely realistic. While the music is pleasant enough, this disc for me is a true acid test of a system's ability to resolve details in a lifelike manner. So far the results are excellent.

lesliepillay September 13, 2008 23:02

System edited: Big changes in the last week.

lesliepillay September 13, 2008 05:02