SET with Zu...

by iramirez on Done For Now
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Description

This system is nine years in the making. It used to be a combined home theater and stereo system. Four years ago I eliminated the home theater and refined the two channel stereo. The most recent changes have been the addition of a Metrum Octave Mk.II DAC, to replace a Peachtree iDecco and upgraded drivers to my Zu Audio Essence speakers. While the new Metrum DAC resulted in a startling improvement in the system's digital audio presentation, it was the new Zu Audio nanotech drivers that have made the most dramatic improvement to the system as a whole.
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Components Toggle details

    • Manley Laboratories Shrimp
    Beautifully clean line stage.
    • Manley Laboratories Neo-Classic SE/PP 300b
    Amazing mono block amplifiers. Speed, clarity, detail, I'll never part with these...
    • VPI Industries Scout
    Upgraded Scout: Vpi scoutmaster acrylic platter, Vpi ring and record clamp, Vpi super feet.
    • Vpi Industries Synchronous Drive
    Sets speed stability on the turntable motor.
    • Zu Audio Essence Mk. 1-b
    My latest acquisition. Much maligned, unfairly. Amazing detail, great dynamics, wonderful soundstage, great lower midrange onto the bass. A bit shy on the last octave, but great all around performer. Shockingly good match to my amps, spooky realism.
    • Zu Audio Mini-Method
    Sealed cabinet, 2 10" drivers.
    • Zu Audio Bok
    Significantly reduced my noise floor. The last bit of sonic holography is due to these marvels...
    • Zu Audio Mission
    All my RCA interconnects are Zu Audio Missions.
    • Zu Audio Libtec
    Short run speaker cables. They are reputed to be the most appropriate to power the Zu Essence speakers.
    • Linn Linto
    This is a very nice, accurate, detailed phono stage.
    • Benz Micro L2 MC
    Glorious wood bodied moving coil cartridge. Very detailed, yet smooth and dynamic without getting harsh at the top end except with the hottest recordings...
    • Metrum Acoustics Octave Mk. II
    Beautifully clear sounding non-oversampling DAC.
    • iFi Audio iUSB
    Power isolator for USB transport
    • iFi Audio Gemini
    Dual USB cable.
    • Furman Elite 20 PF
    Line cleaner, hooks up my front end, clean unadulterated sound.
    • Denon 2910
    Universal player.
    • Salamander Archetype 5.0
    Solid and adjustable audiophile rack.
    • Apple Computer 2012 Mac Mini
    16 GB RAM, alternately running Pure Music and Amarra.

Comments 15

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Hi Iramirez, I also own a VPI scout with a Micro Benz Wood L2 cartridge. What tracking weight do you use? Mine is set to 1.8 gramms which is recommandation. But I experience the cartridge is very sensitive, so raising the weight might be better. What weight do you use?

Ronald

vergeerr

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