Really nice system, and it caught my attention because of your integration of your subs with analog. I have just added DIY subs, and my subs are also inside of my speakers. I only have two subs, but I have a problem with low level oscillation under certain conditions. Everyone is pointing to mechanical or airborne feedback through my turntable. So, I can reproduce the oscillation by just sitting my stylus on the record surface with the turntable off. My main mono blocks are also off, so my turntable is providing the source only to the sub plate amps through my preamplifier. As, I turn up the volume of my sub amps, the subs will start oscillating at about half volume. Have you ever experienced an oscillation problem with your setup?

kennythekey March 09, 2017 23:51

System edited: System update: Added clearaudio maestro wood and moved the sutherland 20/20 from my main system to this system. This clearaudio MM rivals my DV20x2L in detail and dynamics. Of all the carts I have owned, only the DV XX2MK2 MC beats this clearaudio.

rohitdev June 30, 2014 20:41

System edited: Added the NAD C326BEE integrated amp. I wasn't unhappy the marantz quality. Just that it had only one aux input and a phono. So it would require me to disconnect interconnects to switch between other inputs. Great convenience with the NAD's multiple inputs.

rohitdev April 25, 2014 18:23

Mostly, the Cornscala Type D will be less colored and more coherent. The dynamics of the pi speakers are probably compromised by the heavier woofer and more complex crossover. Mass loaded (i.e. all direct radiating cones and domes) have a direct relationship between mass, suspension compliance, and resonant frequency, so there is basically a trade off between speed and low frequency extension. Subs make poor upper bass drivers; mid-woofers will have poor extension. If the woofer in the mains is augmented with subwoofers (plural), then only extending to 50-80hz is OK.

hornblower April 12, 2014 03:35

Also would be interested in a further description of the sound differences between cornscala and the Cornwall. Is there improved resolution, coherence and dynamics?

rohitdev April 11, 2014 05:04

Thanks David. I did initially consider the Cornscala type D but built myself Wayne Parham's 4 pi speakers. I know I am a speaker hoarder! The 4 pis do sound smoother than Cornwalls, but dynamics from the Cornwalls can scare the crap out of someone! It really sounds like live music. So depending on the mood I switch between the Cornwalls and 4 pis.

I did try tubes viz, the Jolida 302CRC with SED Winged C EL34s, KT77s and even KT 150s. Pre tubes were NOS Mullard CV4004s and Cv4024s. They only sounded a smidgen better in the highs than the vintage Marantz and my main system's Arcam A28. I sold my Primaluna Prologue 2 to try the Jolida 302CRC. Wish I hadn't done that. But I sold all my tube gear now. If only the lower end Primalunas came with pre outs to run subs.

For the phono pre I am thinking about trying the Musical Sounding Phonomena II. I have also tried the Sutherland PH3D from my main system (take a look at that one too) and found it to be so much cleaner sounding. Also I am tying a Grado Reference Platinum which should be arriving this weekend.

BTW you have two very nice setups too. Love seeing that Steinway!

rohitdev April 10, 2014 20:06

Great system; more thought, less money. Multiple subwoofers are the way to go!

You might try:

Crites Spekers Cornscala Type D Cornwall derivative.

Better, cleaner amplification; possibly tubes, but watch impedance interaction. Low output impedance, high input impedance, i.e. a bridging interface. And cathode followers are not to be trusted.

What phono gear are you contemplating?

Best,
David

hornblower April 06, 2014 23:25