These speakers use a double tweeter array to produce the midrange. The Be tweeter between the arrays is used as the actual tweeter. Then two big ass woofers are added. Extremely well reviewed and high value speakers!
Mr K Passive Preamplifier PPA01
This is an extremely high quality autoformer based passive preamp. There is absolutely no noise but with with excellent soundstaging and dynamics.
Aria Audio Aria Signature MK2
This is a beautiful hand-built amplifier that puts out100 watts of Class A power with very high current capability. A extremely seductive yet authoritative sound with the Moabs.
MHDT Orchid
The Orchid DACs are legendary. They use the TDA 1541A R2R chip for a a realistic and natural sound. This Orchid was Bill Dion's (grannyring) personal DAC which he highly modified by doing the following:
- Upgraded the output capacitors to a custom made set of 2.2uf copper foil in beeswax, flat stacked design caps from Jupiter Condenser. Chris of Jupiter does not offer these out as they cost too much to build and takes too much time to manufacture. They are a sonic cut above the fantastic round Jupiter copper foil caps. - 4 Miflex KPCU-02 0.1 micro farad copper foil caps in other key positions. - 10 carefully selected resistor types located though-out the DAC
Innuos PULSE
Network Streamer internal with a RECAP2 power supply by Dr. Sean Jacobs built-in. Uses the innuOS 2.0 and Sense software. It's the best sounding streamer, OS and control software I've ever used. Here is more info:
⦿ Medical-grade filtered IEC
⦿ Audio-grade toroidal transformer with an epoxy-filled center for dampening vibration, magnetic screening with coated SYN-SHIELD copper tape between windings and wrapped in black Mylar Tape
⦿ Over 40000 µF of high-end Mundorf Capacitors
⦿ Coilcraft Inductor
Inakustik Referenz LS-2404 Air Interconnects and Speaker Cables
Inakustik Referenz LS-2404 Air Interconnects and Speaker Cables. These are meticulously made open-weave copper cables. Each strand is separated to insure an air insulation between the strands. It makes for an open very natural sound with the best bass I've had in my listening room. Expensive but worth it.
Network Acoustics Muon System
This is a complete digital cable system (filter, LAN cable, USB cable). This at a higher level than the famed EVO system.
Cayin Audio Mini-CD MK2
This is an excellent little CD player. I mostly stream but I still have hundreds of CDs.
DIY Power cables
DIY power cables. They use multi-strand copper, an open weave, cotton cord in the center and ERS cloth at both ends. It's the formula Danny Richie uses for his power cables. They have an open, airy yet very solid sound. The key is to break them in for hundreds of hours.
Synergistic Research Powercell 12 UEF
This is a classic power conditioner. It's UEF/EM based and compliments every component plugged in to it!
Synergistic Research Galileo SX Grounding Block
The Galileo SX Grounding Block makes the system absolutely silent at idle and creates very black backgrounds for music. I made my own "high definition" grounding cables.
Synergistic Research Black Box
The Black Box is a Low Frequency Resonator Array that works in conjunction with the Subwoofers, Atmospheres and FEQ X4 to solve bass node issues.
Synergistic Research ART System
This is Synergistic Research's older acoustic system that's based on resonators. It works very well with their current UEF system and provides excellent results. Complete ART systems are getting hard to find.
The UEF Panels, UEF Dots, Black Box, Risers, ECT and GCT are all types of sound resonators. I use an Atmosphere XL-4 (green ATM), Atmosphere (red ATM), FEQ X4 (2) (red ATMs) and Mini-Atmosphere (green ATM) - when used with the Synergistic Research control software they generate various frequencies of Schumann Resonances around the room. Bottom line they work: create a huge/realistic listening experience!
Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums
These decouple and "float" your speakers on a spring-loaded metal base. It opens-up the sound and adds solidity to the bass but doesn't make the sound harsh like most metal speaker bases.
Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
The Akiko Audio, Kemp and Zero One products treat the signal and power in my system keeping the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible or by adding more standard frequency Schumann Resonances. These products are excellent at making your system sound more "natural".
Synergistic Research Tranquility Bases and Tranquility Pod
I use original MIGs under the Tranquility Bases.
Puritan 156, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
The Puritan is an excellent line conditioner. The ADD-Powr and ElectraClear devices actually add electromagnetics (EM) to the AC line using an active circuit and algorithm. Contrary to popular belief not all EM is bad for sound quality in stereo systems. The proof is in the listening.
Puron AC Line Conditioner
I use this in the first outlet of my Synergistic Research power conditioner. It gives a more realistic presentation of vocals and reveals a little more texture and impact to the bass.
Stein H2 Harmonizer system
I have 4 Stein H2s in my system.I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They add layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument being in their own separate but integrated spaces.
Tombo Audio Lotus Harmonic Enhancer
The bell on the top gives high resonance frequency while the tip on the top of the bell performs as a wave guide streaming high frequency up to the ceiling.
Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes
The Swiss Digital Fuse Box replaces the fuse in your component with a pure copper "sluggo". The "sluggo" comes in various types depending on what coating, if any, is applied to it. The bottom line it allows much more current to flow into the electronics which is especially important with high current power amps. Every part of the sonic presentation is enhanced. I now use one on my power amp, DAC and streamer.
This company has now closed because the owner has passed away. These products work to achieve a uniform and consistent RF/EMI and electron treatment around my components which greatly helps the sonics.
Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
The PEAs are battery powered. Spintronics is the ability to control or manipulate how electrons spin. Electrons spinning around electronic signals carry audio information. The goal of the PEA devices its to get the electrons spinning as uniformly as possible. It opens up the sound and makes subtle cues in the music even more real.
Timbernation and Bright Star Audio Platforms
Solid maple platforms stained cherry for electronics and Bright Star platforms for the subs.
Scott, it's a pleasure to read your updates and follow the evolution and progress of your system. Very cool!
On another note, I installed a Synergistic Black duplex and have the Corelli direct into it and have placed it in the audio console alongside my other components. Can't report on differences because the SR Black duplex is still breaking in...but the system sounds terrific. : )
Thanks for your suggestions regarding the Corelli.
Looking forward to learning about how the graphene oxide solution keeps working and if / when you decide to apply the TC.
I've been trying to find out over on the Total Contact thread (which unfortunately has deteriorated into a bunch of name calling) exactly what is in Total Contact. I posted that I was using graphene oxide. I was taken to task by longtime Audiogoner, geoffkait, who stated graphene oxide isn't conductive. I pointed out research shows it is conductive if mixed with distilled water. He said when the water dries it won't be conductive anymore. That's a good point but I have found what really happens the distilled water washes the graphene. The remaining residue contains small particles of graphene and remains conductive. That's why graphene oxide is used in batteries, solar cells and even nano-circuits. Its much cheaper than pure graphene and can be used for many more applications. I highly doubt Total Contact is pure graphene. Just a little bit of it in the wrong place and you would short the circuit. Guys have reported painting the entire surface of capacitors and wires. If it is pure graphene that whole surface would become conductive which is a big problem. Total Contact must be some type of graphene solution - most likely graphene oxide. I use this system page as a blog to record my thoughts about my audio system. I've decided not to post on the Total Contact thread anymore because both sides are acting like a bunch of middle-schoolers. If my system starts to sound worse and worse as the weeks go on (the grapheme oxide I've used continues to dry - becoming less and less conductive) then I will get some Total Contact and go to town.
I now use four High Fidelity MC-0.5s in my system. I fully coated them with graphene oxide and let them cook. They add even more "finesse" to the system. As I said before, they definitely need to be upstream of the Corelli to sound their best. Pics updated.
Well I went nuts with the graphene oxide. After reading what people have been doing with this stuff I decided to apply it throughout my system including places that don't seem to make sense. The biggest improvement came when I did all the connections on my grounding box. Crazy. I also did the two switch plates that feed my system. Double Crazy. I finally popped the top of my Corelli and did the entire interior including the carbon cylinders. Triple Crazy. Well the proof is in the listening. My system is sounding very, very real. Really no other way to describe it.
I recently purchased 250ML of graphene oxide 5mg/ml solution. I've been using it through out my system. Really remarkable stuff. I know that Total Contact has got glowing feedback so I had to try a graphene solution in my system. What I'm using is much cheaper but also seems to be very effective.
Hi David - Final placement for the Corelli is with it plugged into the wall outlet that my power conditioner is also plugged into. The MC-0.5, Electraclear and another Akiko Audio Tuning Stick are plugged into a power strip that is also on the same line but is upstream of the wall outlet the Corelli is plugged into. Bottom line is these things all work but you have to be careful what sequence you put them in because they all effect the power in a slightly different way. Scott
I've had the MC-0.5 in my system for a few days now. It definitely matters where you place this thing in relation to the Corelli. It needs to be upstream. If the Corelli comes before it the sound is messed-up for some reason. I have no idea why. But if the magnetized power is fed into the Corelli you get beautiful music. I'll keep messing with it.
Based on discussions in various threads, I went ahead and purchased a High Fidelity MC-05 to try with my Akiiko products. The High Fidelity products use magnets to manipulate the electrons in the electrical current. Many people have claimed it helps sound quality. Well known Audiogon member, @Ozzy, apparently has 20 MC-05s in his system! He is curious about the Corelli and has ordered one. The Akiko distributor recommends using the Corelli with a passive power strip and then plugging everything into that. So, that's what I'm going to try along with the MC-05. I have found individually grounding the Corelli also helps with its effectiveness so I'm going to use a separate ground on the power strip as well. This is all very interesting to me. I have a lot experimenting to do!
Thanks, Scott. Keep me posted on any additional findings. I'll follow that thread, also. If I can get it in rack and it performs the same as where I have it currently, it will be a win aesthetically, also!
Ok David. I've currently got a conversation going (in an Audiogon thread) with the Akiko distributor. He likes the Corelli in his rack by his components! He has indicated it will affect dedicated power lines even though the Corelli is not plugged in to those lines! ha,ha. Oh well, I'll use it where it sounds best to me which is always the best way to go. Let me know where things "settle" for you.
Scott, if you tried and did not hear any difference then that's good. The advice I was given was to keep it as far away from the main components as the power cord allows. Once my system settles I will try other placement options and drop you a note if I find anything of significance.
Dave - I've moved the Coreilli around as far as its cord will let me (I have to plug it into that outlet). I didn't hear a change in sound. My amp is about 5 feet away and my preamp and music server are about 4 feet away. Have you found it somehow affects equipment itself and not just the power going in to it? Scott
Keep us apprised David. I heard back from my friend. He doesn't want to be in in the Tekton Wars as he put it. He did move things around by moving the speakers about a foot closer to the front wall but not toed-in. He's also not sure about his cables. I told him wait for the WE cable to arrive (he ordered them when I was there) and let them burn-in. Also, he says the Ayre DAC is much better than the DAC in the Halo. I'm going to bow-out now on this subject. It was still a fun day.
You are welcome, Scott. Hopefully your friend follows your advice and goes with the changes you suggested and made.
I'm waiting for two components to be shipped to me. Once they are run in and settled, I will start fine (hyper) tuning speaker placement and working on peripheral adjustments/changes. I'm curious as to what (and the degree of) additional improvements are waiting to be discovered and realized.
Thanks David. Always a gentleman. I really mixed things up for him. I’m going to let the dust settle and see where he ends-up. Who knows maybe he was just being polite and moved everything back after I left!!
Awesome setup results and writeup! Your findings would be really helpful to others on the Tekton thread. Hope you can get your friend's permission to post there or for him/her to post directly.
Positioning, Placement, Cabling, Amplifier related improvements across the board. You hit gold! : )
I recently was asked to help an online friend dial-in a pair of Double Impacts. It was a 1.5 hour drive for me each way but I agreed since it would give me a chance to listen to them for most of a day and get a much better understanding of that speaker. Whether good or bad, he agreed I could post my thoughts on this system page.
My first impression was those things are big! I was certainly glad he had them in his listening room before I arrived. He was running them with a Cary 300SE integrated which is a 300B tube based SET. We listened for about 10 minutes. The sound was nice but not that coherent and a little muddy.
The first thing I recommended is pull them farther into the room. He had them about 18" from the front wall. When we got them about 3' from the front wall the sound changed drastically. The soundstage was much more present and the bass started to tighten-up. Next we pointed them straight ahead instead of toe-ing them in. Again, this helped the soundstage and especially the coherency of the sound. It also help tame a slight treble zing we both were hearing.
We listened for a while, ate a great lunch and started our afternoon session. I had brought with me a fully broken-in pair of Western Electric 10 ga speaker cables and my Synergistic Research XOT Carbons. He was a little hesitant in replacing his speaker cables (I'm not going to name them but I will say they have gotten a lot of talk on these boards and many people claim they are the best they have heard) - it was immediately obvious the Western Electric cable was much better sounding top to bottom. The whole presentation sounded more natural. My friend was astounded. He has a set on order.
Next, we added the XOT Carbons. The sound was even more natural and the soundstage expanded even more. He said he "might" get a pair of the Carbons (I think he should. He is going to be way ahead financially once he sells his current cables and, as discussed below, possibly his amp)
Finally, I convinced him to try his Parasound Halo integrated with the Double Impacts. He was planning on selling the Halo since he always wanted to try a SET tube amp and that is one of the reasons he bought the high-efficency Tektons. Well, let me say, the Parasound blew the Cary out of the water! The bass firmed-up, the midrange opened-up and the treble just floated on top. We were both amazed. Many people have reported using their Double Impacts with low power amps with great success which I understand - the sound with the Cary was excellent. I don't know if it was the Parasound in-and-of-itself or just the additional solid-state power but there was no doubt which amp sounded better.
We listened for a good while more and I had to take-off. The next step I suggested is try using the DAC in the Halo instead of his Ayre QB-9. I don't know how it turned-out but it would eliminate a step in his digital chain which is always helpful.
Overall, it was a great day. The Double Impacts are definitely great speakers and deserve as much attention to setup and equipment selection as possible!
