Wind up here after 5 years of running around the block, spending and swapping equipment. I have reached the limit, space and budget wise, I doubt that I can get better sound unless I drastically can change my sources, maybe a PC based system is on call, but the reliability issue of physical HDs have me thinking otherwise.
The three key components in my system are the First Sound Preamp, the FTA-2000s and the Scheu. Boy does Vinyl sound fabulous on this deck.
Sorry for the mess, but there is only so much space in a NYC 1947 apartment living room.
Got into this transport, first for the said fluidity and naturalness of attack. Secondarily for its aesthetics...nevertheless, it never ever fails to elicit some sort of comment on its looks from people.
Forty Seven Labs 4715 Shigaraki
Value and naturalness, excellent pairing with its natural brother, the Shigaraki transport
Moerch Up-6? Yellow dot
with many option arms, ideal for the Eurolabs. The sound, refined, quick and weighty when the recording calls for it. A beautiful, almost surgically precise piece
Denon DL-103
A Japanese model, in continous production since 1968.
First Sound Paramount HotRod MKII
a beast of a preamp. In Emmanuel's words,
Forte Model 4
full featured SS preamp with separate power supply on phono amp duties. Extremely flexible dipping switches for all sort of cartridges. Sounds excellent, dynamic
Scott Nixon 40 watt monoblocks
modified by Parts Connexion, Canada
Bob Brines FTA-2000
a mass loaded design, with a Fostex F200A alnico mid sensitivity fullrange driver. Large cabinet, definetly not wife friendly, but the sound, beats ALL other speakers I have had the pleasure of owning and still own. Bass that is tight, fast and with plenty of slam.
Unknown flat copper ribbon power cords
An experimental cord that I purchased from someone in Audiogon. Supposedly, a model that was to be made into a commercial product. Never was released. Gives the First Sound plenty of power.
BPT 2.5 signature
Bybee option, plus other items
McIntosh MR-78
From Ebay, from the back of a truck. A mint 1978 piece. Unbelievable sound from the local WNYC station
IKEA Lack plant stand
the best $17.99 one can ever spend. Added as base to the transport and the amplifier, it add speed and dissipation of vibrations as the best out there
Hi Ray, thanks for the compliment of the preamp. I will attempt to describe how it sounds.
The system has a "robust" signature. I mean, hearty sound, taut, slamming bass that it has got to be heard to be believed, especially from an 8" driver. I believe that the robust signature comes from the alnico factor of the driver. If you have heard Tannoy coaxials...the Turnberry, it sounds close like it, but the FTAs are more seamless, more transparent when the source calls.
FM via the system, especially due to the Mcintosh, it sounds very organic, once again, with gobs of presence.
The FTAs do not sound midrangey, as some single fullrange drivers, if not the vast majority of them sound like.
When I put some vinyl, you can hear more of the slam and also harshness, if the vinyl recording was badly made.
Depending of the CD track, it can sound bloody awesome, or simple pedestrian. It depends of the recording.
What is most amazing about the system is the idiocyncratic mix of really expensive components with things are are plainly DIY oriented, such as the Scott Nixon sound better than it should ever be.
I have tried something interesting, an idea I got from people who have a single source system, that is I ran the Shigaraki transport, DAC into EVS Ultimate Attenuators and then, into the monoblocks. From there, it all went to 47 Labs OTA and into the FTAs.
There was a difference in signature, but it was about 90% of what I have heard with the preamp.
Of course, that 10% meant more distinct nuances of complex tracks. Passive attenuation did have problems separating complex notes and passages. Nevertheless, if I did not have the preamp, then, I might not have missed it, but as always, audio is like a drug, incremental rush with different sorts of equipment WILL make you an audiojunky. No doubt.
Your system is no slaker either. If you are close to NYC, drop me a line.
Hello Paul,Looks like a great system,,That First Sound preamp made my eyes bulge out!!!Thats one heck of a preamp!Could you describe how your system sounds?Ray
Very interesting setup. I have always appreciated the simplicity of a full range driver but have not had the opportunity to listen. Does the maker of the FTA-2000 have a web site? Based on your choice of components, it looks like you have invested many hours if not years to attain your perception of the absolute sound as well. Best, mt
Thanks for the reply Ghm, the FTAs are the best speakers I have heard to date. The only unfortunate part of it is that it is not well known to most, as it should be the case with speakers built by a one man company.
I guarantee to you that tubes are key for fleshing out the sound of op chip amplification. It adds the palpability factor that seems to be missing with passive volume control. To some, passive "sound" are the standard, but for me, passive signature or unsignature is almost like having musicians play under a clinical fluoroscent lights, clear yes, but too etched and bleached out sonically!
Little Marcus, being the family component actually allows me to delve into my system more, as my listening time has decreased, but with what little time I have, I have become really careful with listening to things I like.
Glad to see you post the current system Paul including new family component LOL.You had your Brines before me. I agree on the speakers and the NOS Dac combo .This is good stuff..real good stuff! Hopefully this Friday I'll have the Octal tubes in the system. Hoping for a magical combination of tonal balance. The speakers convey voices and live instruments like nothing I've heard. Our speakers look similar...right down to the color.
