Description

39 tubes/triode (15 are doubles). All are NOS.

A few transistors thrown in for good measure. (Phase 1000 in Sunfire tube's processor loop, and H-CAT pre between Tube DAC, and Tube Sunfire)

Four way speaker system, ribbons,stats,and dynamics, with D class amplified active subs.

Digital and vinyl. :-)
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • HP IQ506
    This all in one works great for me. It has a 500 gig hard drive and a coax S/PDIF out, which I used for quite a while, until I got my Off-Ramp USB working again. I use cMP2 playback software. It is sonically far superior to Foobar2000, and Media Player 15 on my system. < I have about 500 CD's ripped full bandwidth to the hard drive.
    • Empirical Audio Off-Ramp Turbo USB to S/DIF
    This is the original Turbo, not Turbo 2. I finally got it working with my music server which is running Windows 7, 64 bit.
    • Musical Fidelity TriVista 21
    Stock TriVista 21 tubed output DAC with DIY 6 awg power cord. I upsample the 24/96 input to 24/192.
    • North American Products P-12R (X8) - H-CAT (update 8-09)
    H-CAT (Holographic Cloning Amplifier Technology). {currently used as a single ended level matching section between TriVista21 DAC output and Sunfire tube pre input. Allows Sunfire volume control to be in the more linear tracking last bit of the pot} Totally analog, no contacts input to output. Remote switched, mute, display brightness level, inputs, WTC adjustment, and volume. True balanced and single ended outputs, single ended inputs only. You can see my DIY interface and Absolute Phase (as used to be available in most gear decades ago, but now is mostly found on only the most esoteric) switch box just behind the H-CAT. The H-CAT has been updated to version X8. I now use the H-CAT for its WFT aspect and as a signal attenuator. This keeps the potentially very large signal for the DAC from overloading the tube line amp and allows more transient headroom. Lots of fun.
    • Koetsu Rosewood Sig
    Koetsu NOS Rosewood, early signature. It doesn't get better.
    • Audiocraft AC300
    Older Japaneese made damped unipivot. Probably the oldest piece in my system, with the exception of some of my NOS tubes. Manufactured in the late 70's. It is mounted with a Pete Riggle VTAF (Vertical Tracking Angle change on the Fly - while playing).
    • Pete Riggle VTAF
    Pete Riggle VTAF™, pronounced 'vee-taff' for 'Vertical Tracking Angle on the Fly'. The VTAF allows smooth and easy VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) adjustment on the fly and other benefits; • Improved nuance, inner detail, air, sound staging, dynamics, pace and rhythm compared with the original mounting system! This is above and beyond the VTA adjustment benefit! • Raises performance of tone arms to the highest level! • Smooth and easy adjustment of VTA on the fly! • Continuously variable VTA adjustment... infinite resolution! • High resolution: Each full turn of the adjuster wheel results in only .025 inch (0.635mm) height change • VTA is easy to measure, record, and reset! • After VTAF installation, the arm can be removed from and restored to the turntable in just moments! Easily remove tone arm for transport, for cartridge maintenance and cleaning, or for cartridge replacement. • OTHER VTA ADJUSTERS, ORIGINAL OR AFTER-MARKET, DO NOT CLAIM OR PROVIDE THE ADVANTAGES LISTED ABOVE. http://www.vtaf.com/
    • Linn LP-12 Sondek Ittok
    Linn Sondek Ittok. I originally bought it with Ittok mounted in 1984 from Gene Rueben. There have been a few mods like the three cone feet, damping and a second layer of acoustic isolation, a bike inner tube.
    • Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube Control Center
    Sunfire Classic Vacuum Tube Control Center, with phonoboard, and remote options. It is so nice to be back to a full function preamp with balance and tone/contour controls. This preamp tends to be rare, when fully optioned. The six (6) tube phono board was an option. It will soon be updated to an eight (8) tube board. It could be user installed. It has provisions for MM, MC (the additional two tubes will be added to the MC pre-preamp), and a reverse RIAA input for CD that can then be run through the MM section to tame bright/hard sounding CD players. Remote control became available later in the production run, as an additional option. It was only available factory install. Other than a pair of 12AX7 (Amperex Bugle Boys) in the phono section, the other 7 tubes should be 6922/6DJ8s. Four (4) of the tubes are 6DJ8/6922 (on the phonoboard), with three additional 6H30pi-DR in the line section. The preamp is very flexible and pretty much bullet proof. It is a tube roller's dream. I have currently rolled NOS from the late 50’s to the late 70’s into all positions. . I am still playing with the tube complement in the MC section and the final position on the phonoboard. The MM section uses the pair of Bugle Boy 12AX7’s. The line section has three (3) NOS 6H30pi-DP for the singled ended and balanced output. It is a really sleeper. Much better than many would guess and most even know.
    • Van den Hul The First - etc.
    1 pr of the orignial THE FIRST. 4 pr of THE FIRST Ultimate Mk II. 3 pr THE FIRST ULTIMATE. (The First Ultimate original, best of the lot in my system YMMV). Carbon fiber, the only metal is in the RCA connectors. I had tried some of both the copper, the alloy, and the silver expensive spread. I ALWAYS return to my VdH with great joy and aural relief.
    • Manley Laboratories Neo-Classic
    Dual mono, all tube amps. 10 EL34's per side! Neo-Classic Design for 2000! (this pair was built in May of 2003) Same great ballsy sound, new chassis design to fit in those HUGE new transformers! 250 watts per channel in tetrode/100 watts per channel triode. NOS GE JAN 12AT7WA (1965), NOS Sylvania 12BH7A's, and NOS RFT (1981) EL34's.
    • Manley Laboratories Neo-Classic 250
    What I see as I listen in a darkened room, in triode mode. The price is per pair. They look amazing in the dark.
    • Audioquest Volcano 144v
    Four foot pair Volcano, upgraded to 144v dbs
    • Zero Impedance/Anti-Cable Zero Box
    I am back to the Zeros. I had two pair of the naked zeros a couple of years back. As I upgraded the system it was less revealing with the zeros in and I sold them.

    As I have continued to upgrade the system Zeros have made their way back in with GREAT sonic improvements and none of the veiling I heard before.

    You can see them to each side of the amp. Usually there is one on each amp, but one is out for repair.
    • Cardas Helink Golden 5-C
    Very old 1 meter pair of top of the line. Thick as a snake.
    • Sequerra HF-1
    Ribbon super tweeters. At $300 ea. in 1980 they were 1/2 the price of the T1's at the time. After seeing a later generation 180 degree Sequerra design with 3 horizontal ribbons, I decided to try mine on their sides. Much better!! You can see one here sitting on the custom solid Oak tweeter perch I built for it. Martin Logan to the right. Van den Hul hanging off the self below and to the left. Nitty Gritty to the left, and DIY tube trap behind.
    • Martin Logan Prodigy
    Martin Logan Prodigy. Bought dealer demos shortly after they were discontinued. What a buy. What a sound.
    • Martin Logan Depth
    This is a pair of depths, bought from a dealer on the web after the depth i superceded it. Amazing subs!
    • DIY Acoustic Flags
    A very inexpensive copy of ASC's acoustic flags. These flags are simply in-wall fiber glass insulation from Home Depot with the paper backing removed and then sewn between two pieces of fabric. Very inexpensive and works great! If you can't sew just cut out a rectangle, fold it diagonally, put the fiber glass triangle inside the fabric, and staple together the two edges. Use two push pins to secure them to the ceiling.
    • DIY Tube Traps
    Another ASC DIY copy for a small fraction of the retail price. You can see one of my low noise bathroom fans on the ceiling for removing tube system generated heat. I built a lot of these tube traps but only have a few in the room right now. Top cap and end cap is MDF, a layer of wall fiber glass rolled around the inside of a cage of hardware cloth. One half of the circumference is covered with mylar used for window sun block. Avery good friend with a great deal of "real" tube trap experience, made a couple of simple repositions and the differences were jaw dropping. You absolutely should either buy, or build some!
    • Home Depot Squard D
    Square D surface mount box with one 30 amp breaker. 10/3 AWG solid core wire.
    • Tice Audio Power Blocks & Titans
    Four of the Power Blocks with three Titans, wired in parallel on a dedicated 30 amp circuit. Huge, heavy, isolation tranformers. Almost 500 pounds of square cross section 12 AWG single strand wire, and iron. About 10,000 watts of reserve for transient peaks and music foundation. Transient current delivery of a 75 amp circuit! Probably $15,000 worth in todays dollars.
    • Weiland/Tice Power Station
    Here is a picture of my four Tice power blocks, and three Tice Titans (off to the left, under the Linn garage system speaker). There are four (two duplex) outlets supplying the power blocks from the 30 amp dedicated circuit. The wire from the secondary (isolation filtered) side of the transformers is 6 AWG going through the wall to 14 duplex outlets of the other side for the audio system. This power station has the short term transient current delivery ability of a 75 amp line!!!!! Originally, the Power Block/Titan combinations were $2,250 per pair. Of course they can be found for less now. The $15,000 is a pie in the sky number based on 1988 dollars, and currently available audio power conditioners/filters.
    • Hubble 20 amp hospital grade
    I have mounted 14 hubble hospital grade 20 amp duplex outlets in my audio room, in two banks of four and two banks of 3. A run of 6 AWG solid core wire supplies the first bank and the other three are connected with 8 AWG.
    • Blue Circle Audio BC68
    The BC68 is essentially a BC62 power cord with a built in line-conditioner equivalent to two BC86 MKII noisehounds. It was developed for use with electrostatic loudspeakers. The background low level noise just went away. BLACK, BLACK, BLACK background. Worth every penny.
    • Virtual Dynamics - Kinda David 2.0 Series - Kinda
    I have built 6 VD type cords, so far. (I need to build at least 5 more.) The first after watching their video on how to build a power 3, but instead of 14 awg I used 10 awg. I built a 12 awg version, then moved on to this 10 awg. I now use only 6 awg. Here is a link to the DIY power cord http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1242155869&read&keyw&zzdiy=power
    • Virtual Dynamics - DIY Master Series w/ 6 awg copper
    This picture of my 3 foot 6 awg DIY power cord dwarfing my 10 awg Element Basic cable. Well worth the effort, both in improved sound and thousands of dollars saved. Link to DIY power cord project http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?htech&1242155869&read&keyw&zzdiy=power

Comments 120

Showing all comments by bruce_weiland.

View all comments

Owner
Go here for current system.  

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/4760

bruce_weiland

Owner
This one is not available to me for edit. And may never be, but the newer Vsystem seems to be working. :-)

bruce_weiland

Owner
After bombarding Audiogon with email after email about "broken" virtual systems, I finally got a reply that was not an autoresponder.

"..We are still working on virtual systems. To be honest this is not a top priority......"

I guess that pretty much sums it up.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Yea, and I am in So. Cal.

These ARE headphones with bass response. :-)

bruce_weiland

Owner
Well CRAP AGAIN and AGAIN!!!!

Just built a virtual system for the third time. This time in the NEW Audiogon.

Still no link in my page and no way to edit or change it. Damn, damn, damn!!!!!!!!!! Extremely frustrating.

And still no reply to multiple emails to Audiogon support.

They must too busy putting out all the "fires" they have caused with their "new and improved" site.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Not quite as frustrated. Tried an older password and after the second time I entered it I got in. Of course none of my virtual systems are connected to me as a user. And.... NO responses from Audiogon support, to my emails to them.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Can't get anyone to respond to my emails. I am logged in but when I go to MyPage, I no virtual system. When I try to create one, I am instructed to log in. However, it will not accept my log in. DAM*!!!!!!!!!!!!

bruce_weiland

Owner
Well crap!!!!! I have made some system changes. I went to "MyPage" to update the virtual system I had to create after this link was no longer anywhere on "MyPage" and the new virtual system is no where to be found! 10/2011 all over again. Damn!!!

bruce_weiland

Owner
I thought I was done. NOT! Well it is a good thing this is in this area.

The Sunfire has been sold and will be off to its new home soon.

I have an all tube line section, and an all tube phono section, both with tube regulation. Details and pictures to follow.

It looks like I am going to have to build a new virtual system.

It has been over a month and audiogon has still not re-established the links to my individual pictures or the link on "my page" that knows a virtual system exists. :-(

bruce_weiland

Owner
Enter to move broken virtual system to the top. Still no picture links or link on my page

bruce_weiland

Owner
This system keeps disappearing, not audible, the link.

This edit is to get it to show back up in the virtual systems.

It still is not linked to my page.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Moved H-CAT up and added to description for current use.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Yea!!! They fixed it and all picture links work again!!!

:-)

bruce_weiland

Owner
Currently all the picture links are broken. :-(

bruce_weiland

Owner
Some how this system got deleted accidentally by Audiogon. Fortunately, for me, they were able to recover everything.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Removed the three Titans from the power conditioning setup. Now just FOUR Power Blocks, Series I and II, in parallel on my 30 amp dedicated line.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: My description just above this post has been haggin' around since 06. System has changed immensely since then.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: The original intro for the system I started listening to vinyl 60 years ago, when I would sit in my little red rocker and put records on my record player and sign along, at age two. Worked my way through 9 years of college, mostly in audio. Got the 1st issue of the Absolute sound when it was published. It wasn't too long before I had some Phase Linear electronics and Magnepans. It has taken me years to reach audio heaven. The oldest piece in my system was manufactured in 1984. It is all about the synergy. I have listened to many $200,000+ systems that don't approach the musical enjoyment I get from this hodgepodge. As we all know, it is hard to describe sound, or the sound of a system without having similar experiences. I will try to give you some insight into what I listen for, so that you might get some sense of what this system sounds like, and if this is the kind of sound you would like. From age 10 to my mid thirties I played in marching bands, concert bands, dance bands, pep bands and sang in large choirs, smaller traveling vocal groups, folk groups, and some pop rock groups. I played trumpet, guitar, electric bass, and played at piano. Because of these experiences I like hearing instruments and voices up close. Either in the group or front row. The percussions were generally on the riser right behind me, and I am used to having a voice almost next to my ear on either side. As one moves away from the instruments or a human voice a number of the upper overtones become attenuated very quickly. My best audio friend of over 35 years and I can sit down to evaluate a piece of equipment and very quickly describe to each other what we are hearing. We always agree on what we are hearing, but we don’t always agree on what we like. He really enjoys sitting way back in the hall at a concert or opera. While his system sounds wonderful, his further back perspective is not what I prefer. While I love the close perspective, I don’t love harsh and brittle and have tuned my system such that some marginal recordings can still be enjoyed. The system it is a mixed of tubes and solid state. This system has amazing depth, width and height. It resolves very low level detail. Is extremely dynamic with very fast transients, and yet sweet and delicate. It sounds wonderful at high volume and at low. Although I seldom listen at low levels. Since I listen nearfield there is tremendous headroom. Another advantage of nearfield listening is much less room interaction. One still needs room treatment, as you can see in the pictures. This is some of my room treatments. I am really pleased. Voices/vocals are to die for. But, I keep tweaking. That is why it belongs in this category.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Build some custom stands for the gear. My old Sound Organizer table for the Linn, cut in half and made into two tripod stands. Spikes to the floor, and weight plates on the equipment. DIY equipment clamps to come. New position of new amps. Subs to get relocated next

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I loved the VTL MB-225t so much that I had to get "an updated" version. Now the Manley Neo-Classic 250's are really a distillation of the 240/100 and the Reference 500 with better passive parts, transformers, and some subtle circuit updates, but all the older VTL and the older, and newer Manley stuff is built on the same underlying philosophy.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: After a several years hiatus, a Sonic Euphoria PLC (passive line controller) has come back into my system not as a preamp, but as a line level matching device.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Sold VTL preamp to simplify system some.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: VTL pictures added

bruce_weiland

Owner
Frank,

Additionally, this out of phase is difficult to do, except for phono chartidges, or if one can change absolute polarity for on channel only somewhere in the chain, most can't.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Frank,

Yep, you are absolutely correct, with one refinement. For transcendent peaks, assuming one channel involved, while that channel is draining the positive PS cap the other is using the negative cap.

This approach was touted by Frank Van Alstine,and J. Peter Moncrief back in the late 70's. As I understand it, Bob Carver wired some of his amps with this scheme, internally so the user was not aware and did not have to think about it.

I may also have stated it incorrectly. The purpose was to decrease channel interaction through the power supply. It certainly makes an audible difference with stereo amps. I was amazed how a huge Sunfire Signature Stereo responded to this wiring scheme.

With the larger caps of today, with lower ESR, the point may be moot. It certainly is for mono-block

Thanks for the compliment on my system.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Replaced the Grounded Grid with a VTL TL-5, with variable feedback, and tube regulation. Pictures to come.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: My two beloved (I have owned them for over 23 years) very highly modified Moscode 600's have moved on to two new homes were they will continue to be loved. One will drive 1.6 Maggies, and the other will be communicating with a pair of InnnerSounds Eros Mk III.5, not too different from the Martin Logan Prodigy that the amps were driving as bridged mono blocks.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Deleted old Tice pictures

bruce_weiland

Owner
Jedinite,

If I could figure out how to build a PC with 2 awg that was useable, I would probably try it.

I don't think I can do as well with ICs (interconnects) and speaker cables/wires. I did try a pair of 6 awg speaker cables. There were some things I liked about them, like bass, but they were not "refined" enough.

I just bought an older pair of Audioquest Volcano. I tried some Volcano a year or so ago and liked it a lot. But it was not in the budget then.

I found a good deal on a four foot pair and have recently upgraded the DBS battery supply to 144v.

I am also auditioning a pair of Sky again. The last time I tried Sky it did not perform as well as my VdH carbon. However, the system has changed a lot since then.

So far the results are very promising.

So, there will be a report on the "new" wire, but it is not a DIY project. :-)

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Better description of Sunfire Classic Tube Control Center/preamp,the line section of which is now totally NOS 6H30pi-DR, with no modifications to the preamp necessary. Whether this tube compliment will work in all Sunfire Classics is unknown. This is a 2002 pre, there were power supply changes along the way. Bob Carver says "If the pins match try it. It will either work, or it won't. You can't hurt the preamp by trying." Now remember, those are his words, not mine. But I am sure happy with the results. :-)

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Better description of how the Grounded Grid preamp is used.

bruce_weiland

Owner
new speaker wire report coming!

bruce_weiland

Owner
Thanks Jedinite.

I just answered your Tice question on your thread about Power Block fuses.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have finished construction of my Weiland/Tice Power Station, which is supplied by my 30 amp dedicated line. It has the reserve, short term, transient current delivery ability of a 75 amp circuit. My system draws just about 9 amps at idle (4.5 amp lost, used up by the isolation transformers) and around 15 amps when it is really cranking. :-)

bruce_weiland

Owner
Have tremendously upgraded my AC conditioning.

Dedicated 30 amp circuit.

Four Tice Power Blocks, with three Titans, all wired in parallel. Huge, huge, current reserve.

8 awg and 6 awg wire, solid core.

Pictures to follow, next week.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Details of the isolation transformers to follow, in the next week or so.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have moved along my Scott Nixon TubeDAC+ with upgraded power supply. My TriVista is working fine, and as good as the TubeDAC+ is, it is no TriVista. I have moved along my two ElementCords. At a retail of $60 ea. they were a huge bang for the buck. My DIY power cords that cost less than $75, eat up and spit out the Element. But they take several hours to build. I have moved along a pair of anti-cables. Another great bang for the buck product. But, in my system the Van den Hul carbon has beat all comers, so far. That includes Audioquest Sky. I have moved along 4 PS Audio Noise Harvesters. They worked great, when I needed them. I have put together a really good isolation transformer based AC supply for my system. Once I did that the Noise Harvesters were of no value to me.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Edited several descriptions, made some additions and deletions. Click on the 1st item in the list, then click on the show all on the right and you can quickly look through the comments about each piece of gear that interests you. Have fun. Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: More comments to come later today.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid, with stepped attenuator and tube rolled with Mullards. Please don't revoke my Audiofool/phile card. But tell me how adding three more tubes, an additional power supply, and an extra set of ICs or two, can be more revealing of ambience, depth, width, midrange texture, vocal and instrument differences, and additional hidden nuances in the recordings? Oh, and image more solidly too?

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Opening pictures updated to reflect most recent changes

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Description of NOS tubes in Sunfire

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Nice picture of Joule meter on the Sunfire Signature 600-two

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: pictures added. Big A** 6 awg wire on back of Sunfire

bruce_weiland

Owner
Oh, and some DIY speaker wires too. Not unlike the power cords. Pictures to come.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: One piece taken out and three pieces added. Pictures to come. Along with 3 other pieces.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Took out things I am not using. Updated some of the DIY listed stuff to make it easier for others to copy the work.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: New one touch HP with coax S/PDIF output, picture added. Six system pictures updated.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I removed the monitor and the computer. They have been updated, pictures to follow. I also had my H-CAT updated to the X8 version. I edited some text in a couple of the descriptions.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Sthomas,

I actually started near field listening years ago after reading some articles about it written by electrostatic builders. At that time I had some Mini monitors that were not electrostatic.

I have always like Legacy speakers, but I think, because of which drivers handle which frequencies, that as close as I sit would be too close for the 20/20's.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Unoear,

Thanks.

Even sitting this close the room does have its influence, thus the tube trap copies and flags.

When friends are over they get the seat of honor with the sweet spot and I sit in the sofa behind.

I am in the LA area. If you are ever out California way get in touch with me. Love to let you listen.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Sthomas12321,

I can certainly see why you would think it was silly.

I guess there are several reasons.

1) Really big difference between first wave off the speaker and the reflected surface waves. In fact the first wave really swamps the reflections. You can hear further into the recording.

2) Big change in dynamic range headroom. One certainly does not have to crank the volume to "11" when sitting so close to the diaphragms. And therefore much less instantaneous clipping distortion.

3) Headphones are just on one's ears and do not give the body experience of being at a concert or sitting-in' with a group. Having played and sang in may groups, headphones just don't do it for me. Plus the perspective tends to be "in the head" with most headphones.

We have compared this system's sound and experience with both some very good electrostatic and very dynamic headphones. There really is no comparison.

I guess you would just have to sit in MY chair to understand that it really isn't silly at all. It is audio nirvana.

Bruce

PS Good thing I am not easily offended by words like "silly".

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Uploaded the switch box pictue

bruce_weiland

Owner
Butcherboy,

I bought some relatively cheap parts to prove the concept that bridging of my amps would be an improvement in sound. Two earlier attempts were interesting but generally sonic failures. Vertical by amping sounded better.

Once it was apparent that using the H-CAT balanced outs worked REALLY well, then I went for absolute polarity switching.

I did not use expensive parts but fell into, lucked into a, great sound.

I need to up load a picture of the box. I bought two XLR connectors, a plastic box, two big double pole, double throw toggle switches and four female chassis mount RCA's from Radio Shack. I reasoned that if it sounded pretty good I would build a remote control version.

Well it sounds so good I have not progressed to the remote version.

Yes, it is dual mono. Switching polartiy is absolutely silent. No pops.

If you don't want to bridge you still can use the box I built for absolute polarity switching for an amp with single ended input.

You could also wire the output for XLR and have absolute polarity switching for a balanced amp.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Greg,

And I thought no one would notice.

I just changed out the computer and the system made a leap up in realism. I am not sure why this is. I will report more once I figure out what is happening. Oh, and add some new pictures of the computer.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Click on the DIY power cord for more info

bruce_weiland

Owner
Greg,

George is a great guy with a wonderful sounding product. I how you get a pair of 402Au and he sells a bunch more of them.

We need people like him making flexible bang for the buck music lover's/audiophile equipment.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Yes, when I say near, I mean NEAR.

James are you still playing with the RS-3 head shell?

How do you like it, now that you have had it quite awhile?

bruce_weiland

Owner
Spencer,

I think you would have no problem doing at least a 10 awg and possibly large. The only heat involved with a 10 awg (with the right ends) is the hot glue gun.

With the 6 awg either a hot air gun, or a flame for heat shrink. May be a little more danger there.

Unless you have some really pricy power cords, this project is definitely worth the effort.

If you would like some suggestions on how to do it, email me [email protected]

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Actually, as I look at VD my 6 awg is closer to their Master Series, but with 6 awg instead of 8 awg. And of course no cryo or cable cooking.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Added a picture of my new DIY Virtual Dynamics like Genesis 6 awg power cord for my DAC.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Spencer,

You asked earlier, about the most expensive power cord, which I responded to, but... above you can see I have been experimenting with some Virtual Dynamics type DIY cords.

I just finished the 1st Genesis($2,600)like 6 awg power cord (under $75). I will be listening tonight to see how it compares to the David Series like 10 awg I built last week and have been using since then.

Thanks for the info on the acoustic material.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have added three Virtual Dynamics like power cords. I followed their online Power 3 formula, except for the 10 awg and 12 awg I used. Then I went on to a "David Series 2.0" like, three leg 10 awg. I am now getting together the parts to build, as close as I can come, their Genesis. The differences in system background silence/blackness and system purity/sweetness are truly amazing. It is difficult to fathom what $30 or so worth of parts per cord and a few hours each of fabricating can do.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: New arrangement of system in bridged configuration.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: New H-CAT preamp and one picture. More to come.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: System edit. Phase Linear 1000, Carver DTL, Behringer Tube Ultra T1953, and Sonic Euphoria PLC all replaced with a new $5k active preamp. Details and pictures to come. C Currently also using Audioquest Volcano speaker wire.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Hi Shadorne,

I don't listen to any cans. I do have some old AKG. Last year at a good friend's house we listened to his older Stax.

They sure were not as good as either of us remembered. He has ARC and Martin Logan and a really, really good vinyl setup.

So, I have my huge four way "body" (as opposed to head) phones and really love them.

In the very near future my speaker wire will be Audioquest Volcano. I have some in the system right now. Very, very nice.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Spencer,

I forgot my most expensive power cords. The Blue Circle BC68 Power Cord with In-Line Filter. They are $465 Canadian. Because of the exchange rate they are currently 20% less than they were 6 months ago.

Designed specifically for electrostatic speakers. I did try putting them on the amps and the Elements on the speakers. The result was decidedly worse.

My system setup has changed quite a bit since then. I may try that switch again.

On my ML Prodigy, the effect of the BC cords was exactly as intended. They make a sizable improvement to the sound.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Spencer,

Here is my review from the Element website.

http://www.elementcable.com/catalog/customer_testimonials.php

I ordered a pair of power cords that all offered a 30 day money back guarantee for four different suppliers on November 19th. Your cords arrived a week before any of the others.

I had two pieces of equipment that would accept IEC, a DAC and a power amp (highly modified Moscode 600 tube hybrid). I only had one rather high quality power cord, an Eichmann eXpress ($300 retail). It was on the DAC. I pulled it and plugged in the Element Cord. The improvement (right out of the box) was not subtle. Much, much quieter back ground, blacker. Wider, deeper, more ambient sound stage. More fleshed out image. More intricate middle range texture. More dynamic. Bass to die for. But just a little dull on the top, less air.

So, I decided to give the power cord 5 days to break in. By the way, I left the 1st Element in place on the DAC and put the Eichmann on the amp. After some listening I pulled the Eichmann and put the second Element on the amp. To my amazement, the differences I had heard on the DAC were the same on the amp, but even bigger!!

By the ended of the first 24 hours of break in more highs had appeared, in fact too many. The system sounded too bright, but I figured another 4 days of break in just might tame those highs. Well I was right. By the next day the "brightness" was gone and the system sounded that best I have heard it. I really did not see how any of the other three brands that were coming could unseat the Element.

When the next two sets of power cords arrived, I did a quick comparison. The Signal Cable Company's Magic sounded like it could be a real contender (I liked the heat shrink on the Magic and thought it would make the Element look better). The GTT Group Absolute would have to change a lot during break in to come close to the Element. I pulled both Elements and gave the Magic a full 5 days of break in. While the Magic was very good and comes in a close second, it is not as quiet, have as deep bass, ambient, dynamic or harmonically richness. It was sweeter, but not enough to unseat the Element.

The Absolute has much less bottom and top, smaller sound stage with a bloated center image, very midrangey without the harmonic texture.

Finally the Black Mountain Peak Gold arrived. While it was more dynamic, like the Element, it was a bit too bright and without the bottom of the Element or the Magic.

All the other cords will be going back. Once I have received my refunds I will be ordering more Elements, at least four more, possibly five.

Spencer I did later order the Red Storm which is specifically designed for digital equipment. But..... in my system the TriVista sounded much better with the Element Basic cable.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Spencer,

I just took a look at your system. Really nice. Of course the most impressive piece to me was the "woofer" on the sofa. I really love dogs.

I like what you have put together. I need to cover my tube traps with something nice. Where did you get the acoustic fabric?

To answer your question on power cords, the most expensive PC I have had was only $300 retail/Eichmann Express which was reviewed against more expensive cords and did well, but ultimately was easily unseated by the Element in my system.

I did compare three other cords against the Element basic cord. I will copy my review into the next response for your to read.

The bottom line IS you HAVE to hear them in your system to see what is synergistic with your equipment. THERE IS NO BEST. Only a best for you.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Picture updates

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Edits to the system description.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have 2BH7 NOS tubes, but the biggest change has been the Mundorfs Silver in Oil that were put in my amps.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: The system description did not save last edit. Here it is, but some updated pictures to follow.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Updated pictures to come. New caps in amps and Phase 1000. New mod to phono.

bruce_weiland

Owner
That was, I just "sent" you an.....

bruce_weiland

Owner
Jim.

Similar musical tastes. So, yes absolutely. However, ML and Lowthers are quit different and as you indicate a SET is not going to work for the ML because you will not have the dynamic headroom.

I am assuming you are no where close to the LA area. If you were, you could come over for a listen with some of your favorite recording and get a sense of what you would be creating in your location.

I just send you an email for longer discussions outside this listing, if you are interested.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
JimB

It all depends on how you like to listen. But probably, YES.

Please give me some details of your systm, room, and listening habits.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Jloveys,

Well you have quite an impressive vinyl setup.

I find your ML maggie combo very interesting. I would love to hear how they sound.

My email is in my last post above.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Hey Scott. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. I had not been checking the site and there was no notice in my email.

My room is an "L". The picture you see it the top of the L. The room is 10.5 feet wide and 21 feet long. The leg of the L goes off to the right behind me and extends about 5 feet. That area is 7x5. The ceiling is 7'10". Wood stud and drywall construction. The floor is travertine over cement slab.

The bottom end is tight, full, articulate, and deep. There is no bloat or overhang.

I took a quick look at your system. We can discuss what might work for you. My email is [email protected].

Are both your subs to the left because of convenient placement?

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
Joey,

I briefly considered Quads. I have not had a chance to hear them properly set up, but the 6moons review certainly speaks highly of them coupled with an amp very similar to the ones I use.

I believe there is a potential problem with the Quads in my setup because of my proximity to the panels. If I understand their concentric ring principle, the very center of the speaker acts to produce the highest frequencies. While this may tend to give greater dispersion to the highs while sitting well away from the panels, I believe my near field position would put me too far off axis for the highs. I think the correction for this would be to raise the speakers almost two feet off the ground to get the “tweeters” on line with my ears. This is not workable for me.

While the Prodigy do have their crossover point at 450 and therefore sounds from the woofers do venture up into the midrange, albeit attenuated by the crossover. The stats also extend down below 450 with some usable output. That combined with a stereo pair of Depths makes for some very fast, tight, extended base.

One truly has to hear my “four-way” system to really get a handle on what I am listening to. More than one audiophile has been less than prepared for what they experienced in my latest incarnation of this system.
Joey, I always appreciate your comments and suggestions.

Do you have a virtual system listed here?

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Moerch UP4 sold. Audiocraft repaired and mounted for use. Phone preamp out for repair.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Thanks Bill.

The Caver DTL really made a big improvement in an already great digital playback system.

Bruce

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have had the VTAF mounted from day one of mounting the Moerch. I had forgotten to included it.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Yes very agressive. I listen extremely nearfield for critical listening. I can touch each panel from my chair without leaning forward.

Although some of my DIY room treatment can be seen in the pictures above, nearfield gets around a lot of room interaction problems.

I have a sound field that extends past the side walls acoustically by 10 to 15 feet on each side and wraps around so that sounds can occur on a about a 220 degree arch. In other words, when it is in the recording sounds can appear to come from a few feet behind me out to the left or right.

The image extends forward (through the front wall) acoustically about 30 feet. And yet small groups are up close and intimate. Pin point image with life size voices and instruments, unless the rocording is bloated.

The BC68 have created a much, much blacker backgournd, richer midrange harmonics and voices are to die for.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: New/used BC68 made a big difference!

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Have added some ribbon super tweeters that I have in my video system and changed the speaker wire.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: Some how forgot the system pictures - now here

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I finally realized that this IS an ever evolving system. I am always making little and sometime big changes. Constantly tinkering. Like a race team trying to get the absolute most out of their car.

bruce_weiland

Owner
System edited: I have returned to biamping and returned my 6FQ7 drivers to Ediswan NOS ECC 88 tubes. I also added an articulated arm for the 19" LCD that displays the 350+ uncompressed CD's.

bruce_weiland

Owner
The pictures are here.

bruce_weiland

Owner
I have to figure out how to get back into this vertual system so I can add the rest of the picutes.

bruce_weiland

Owner
Joey. Can't think of a better description, except maybe bodyphones. One is enveloped in sound and can feel the bass, which headphones can do.

bruce_weiland