This is my latest system.(again!) It plays all types of music with equal enthusiasm. I've just upgraded the preamp with the KSL Silver M7. SWEEEET!!! Well, I've sold the horns and now am using the full range Sonatines with Phy drivers. Really special!!
Triumph, I apologize for the (very)tardy reply. I've been away from the hobby for a bit. I am truly lucky to own and listen to such wonderful gear. I get great and consistent pleasure every time I listen.
Exlebris, I'm sorry for not answering sooner. I've been away from the hobby. The KSL M7 2 is similar in every way to the M77 but the 77 is just that elusive bit more real. Since I can't afford it, I don;t think about it. The KSL M7 is Awesome
Congratulations on building such a great system. Can you tell me about the sound of the M7 mkII? For instance, how it compares to: -the KSL-M77 -other linestages that you have had in your system -other linestages that you auditioned prior to purchasing the M7 mkII
I see you have the PurePower battery supply for the 47 Lab components. I have the 47 Lab Flatfish transport and have been wanting to try the PurePower battery power supply but I can't seem to find a website or how to contact the manufacturer. Could you help me with info on how to contact PurePower? Thanks. I really like your system. Seems you have given a lot of thought and care in putting it together. You have my fave products - 47 Lab, Kondo and Phy-Hp drivers.
Drubin-- I'm an "Audio Note" guy... and I have to say that yes, Audio Note equipment can sound wonderful in systems that are not comprised of all-AN gear.
Amp and speakers are most important. In my opinion, you should get the very best speakers you can first. If you don't have fine speakers, you will never experience what the rest of your system can do and, thus, will not have ever truly 'heard' the rest of your gear. (This comment is not brand-specific.)
Next, it is important to have an amplifier that mates quite well with your speakers.
Only then, in my opinion, should you worry about the components upstream. it may very well be that you like how they sound.
If you go the other way (DAC first), you won't experience it's true magic/you won't realize everything it can offer. Rather than attempt to swap many components at once, put all your money into speakers you will keep for a long time. Then, as money permits, invest in a second piece that will also keep for the long-haul.
As a friend and a fellow member of the Richmond Audio Society, I can't wait to hear your PHY speakers. I'd see them advertised in Speaker Builder, and after checking out the price, I realized they are probably the most expensive full range 12 inch speaker available. You don't command and get, that type of price, unless there is also magic included with the product. Maybe we can convince you to host another meeting.
I had a pretty powerful experience in the Audio Note room at RMAF last weekend. Real, honest-to-god goosebumps. Now this systtem probably regtails for more than $100K, since whichever model of AN speakers these were are $40K alone. So that's out of my league. But for all you AN enthusiasts, is it possible to get good results with one or two pieces of AN gear in a system? If so, where would you recommend to start? DAC? Amp? Speakers?
Art, You are welcome anytime. The speakers are all aobut refinement and tone and emotion. They are not barnstormers, but what they do, they do better than I've heard. I wouldn't expect some of your favorites to sound their bestm though.
Chris, congratulations to your new speakers. Is this the same driver as in the Auditorium Solo Vox? I would love to give them a listen. What part of this world are you in?
Also, just curious: I see an original Planet in your new system pictures. I have been always partial to the original Planet and I am curious how it stacks up against the Flatfish + DAC.
System edited: I've changed my speakers. I've gone to a single driver, folded baffle speaker with PHY drivers. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but I'm in heaven.
Great system! Congrats! I just have KSL-VZ interconnect on loan - surprisingly good (ways better than my previous Acoustic Zen Silver reference MK II).. a keeper!
Chris, nice to see a post to your system. And there I was wondering what you traded your Fi amp in for...very nice system. I have always liked the Unos and Duos, that is with the right amplification they can be brilliant.
One comment: I used a same Ikea table to support my gear at some point, but found that the sound on spiked Ikea Lack tables is actually much better (see earlier system vs. newest one). Overall the Lack is surprisingly good as far as the light and rigid stand approach goes.
