System edited: I introduced an Olive4 cd-ripper/server with 1TB hard disc storage in the bedroom system; added advantage: the Olive4 has timer modes to let the music carry you into Morpheus's arms as well as tear you back out of them in the morning. I chose not to go for the HD version since 1) I will not use the drive as a cdp anyway but play only from the hard disc and 2) will use the Pink Faun as separate DAC.

Unfortunately, about half of the CDs I tried to rip so far were not in the machine's library. Fair enough in respect of special editions, obscure works and, of course, newer releases but I was not aware that one cannot enter data of such discs manually when the server is used stand-alone. Not really my intention but I will have to build an internet connected home network just to retrieve and store data, I'm afraid. Btw, the automatic classification into genres and sub-genres which, in itself, seems like a good idea for an easy search is sometimes really weird, another reason for looping it into a network with a computer and edit that.

Enough bickering, the sound is remarkably good. Then again, call me a dinosaur if you want, but I cannot really imagine a machine such as this to be the only source in my system.

For that it would need to be an AudioNec, aaah the sublime AudioNec... now we're talking!

karelfd June 26, 2010 12:29

System edited: Ever since I have been in contact with Mattijs De Vries of Machmat Tubes I've been intrigued by his second venture, the Pink Faun product line. Very restricted in terms of units produced but uncompromising quality handmade in the Netherlands.

Looking for reasonably priced possibilities to enhance this system with the old Jadis CD3 still at the heart, the DAC section appeared a good place for experiment. And so, after rejecting a few others that were either too expensive for this system or couldn't deliver the goods, I took a gut decision and ordered a Pink Faun DAC3. Very sober in terms of features (2 digital IN - normally 1 rca coax and 1 optical that I had changed into 2 rca coax - 1 pair of unbalanced rca OUT) and with Pink Faun cables to match (yes, they come in dayglo pink plastic bags; honi soit qui mal y pense...).

I have not experimented with truly expensive separate DACs that I could compare with, but in this particular system at EUR 1.2k this machine works wonders. After about three weeks in regular (but not continuous) action, the JD3 sounds rejuvenated, freed from the constraints from the player's integrated DAC there is now more air as well as detail yet all wonderfully coherent and smoothly flowing, even at very low sound level which bears importance for a bedroom system. The cables, pre-cooked by Pink Faun, perform as they should: neutral but firm (no place for "warmish" cables in a system with Jadis gear and 300Bs), but still seem in the process of opening up further. One thing to take care of: the upper part of the casing showed a metallic reverberation when subjected to the knuckle test. Easily and cheaply remedied with a couple of edenSound massive brass damping discs, though.

I will update the system pictures as soon as I found a new stand to substitute what is in place now (still looking for a demo Finite Elemente Levelplus, perhaps now they've changed the product line...)

karelfd May 26, 2010 11:16

System edited: A swap here and a tweak there and this is now becoming a serious system, hence I rebaptized it.

As had been announced, then, here comes WLM Diva Monitor. With the WLM Diva Control, the system is ideally suited for a difficult room such as this one. Let's be honest, though, the Diva doesn't "smoke" the Lua con Fuoco, but also because of its versatility it definitely plays at least a league higher.

Meanwhile, Francis of the Technology Factory cleared stock and offered EAT 300B's at an achievable price for mere mortals. Together with Tesla NOS tubes, EAT had proved a winning combination in my former Unison amp, so when I stumbled across some rare gold grid Tesla E88CC in Jacmusic's catalogue, I took the plunge. Worth it? Yes, not one doubt about that.

Hmmm, now I should probably get rid of that strange combination of stands. A Finite Elemente Levelplus would look nice, I guess...

karelfd August 10, 2009 14:35

System edited: Starts with a hybrid and before you know it you're hooked on a 300B SET amp!

It's swapping time again. I substituted a rarely offered Audion by Fischer (not related in any way to Audion from the UK) for my Unison S2K that I liked so much with its tubes (KT88 / ECC802S) tweaked. What shall I say - after I latched my jaw back -, even with the original set of EH 300B's and JJ 6922's this machine leaves the Unison at a very respectable distance. With 2x8W, there suddenly seem to be, erm, more notes in between, an uncanny plasticity in the performance, more life really! This is with the Lua con Fuoco at a "mere" 89db sensitivity, mind you. In a couple of weeks that will be replaced by a pair of WLM Diva monitors with Control box that I finally found used. (Hope I won't regret parting with the Lua's, they sound so good with the Audion and the old Jadis!)

Thanks to Jens and Rita at Hifi Alt for this wonderful gem. It was well worth 3 hours on the motorway ;^)

The journey continues.

karelfd June 13, 2009 14:28