Auditioned in home against ARC phono ref3 and preferred the resolving power of the PS Audio Stellar. Soundstage not as wide, but the detail won the day. Will audition the ref3se sometime.
DCS Rossini
Obvious sonic upgrade. Bigger soundstage and more organic presentation.
Audio Research Reference 160s
Audio Research Reference 6se
Wilson Audio Yvette
Mahogany finish
HRS RXR
Appropriate shelves in rack combine to give a more stable sonic presentation with all gear. Wildly expensive, but worth it.
Made revolutionary change to main system. Added new speakers after 15 years and transitioned to separates. Best of Britain (Rega, Monitor Audio) and US (PS Audio, Manley, OPPO).
System edited: Starting pc audio journey. Beginning with mac mini into Mf 1008 dac via USB. Rick Walker mods have vastly improved dac and am surprised at the quality of rebook cd. Next step is to compare higher Rez through firewie to spdif.
System edited: Changed out the Cary SLP89p & Cary CAD-500mb with a Musical Fidelity a1008 integrated with built in DAC. Also changed Acoustic Zen cabling with Synergistic Research.
Jim, Nope, the Audio Physic Spark III's became very bright to my ear after a year or so, so I sold them. The Moon I-5 was so desired by others that I let it go as well. I have happily settled into a set up of Dynaudio Special 25's and a Musical Fidelity Tri Vista 300 amp. Still spinning 'em on the Nottingham Interspace with Interspace arm and Dynavector 20x5. I think the Dyns are holding up so well because of the softdome tweeter, warn and smooth to my ear with a HUGH sound stage like the Audio Physic Spark III's had. I have also done some major acoustic treatments to the room. I got rid of the echo and the first reflection, give the listening experience a big boost. Keep in touch let me know if you have anything on your short list vinyl wise, I will be out on the garage/estate sale circuit this summer I will be happy to keep my eye out for you. Martin
I remember the records, thanks. Do you still have the Audio Physic's in your living room. I did enjoy listening to them with the Moon. Keep it loud in Kirkland.
Yo Revdeg, We traded some albums a year or so ago, got to like those vinyl sounds with that system, it looks great. I'm still spinning vinyl in Kirkland.
Good to hear from you. I think we talked about the EAR phono pres last year. It looks like you got one . . . what do you think? Yet another great day/night to stay inside and listen to . . . Cat Power right now. Treat your ears well- peace.