MY Place sbayne

by sbayne on Ever Evolving

Description

High priority on tone, soundstage and overall balance of sound.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Tekton Design MOAB
    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.
    • Synergistic Research: Atmosphere XL-4, Atmosphere, Mini-Atmosphere, FEQ X4 (2), UEF Dots, UEF Panels, Risers, ECT and GCT
    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.
    • Perfect Path Technologies Total Contact, RCA caps, Stop-It duplex plugs, E-Mats & E-Cards
    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.

Comments 577

Sign in to comment
Owner

I just want to clarify my comments on how the Synergistic Research (SR) Atmosphere/FEQ work. I still believe SR is manipulating the Schumann Resonance based on my previous experience with the Acoustic Revive and my own using/listening to their products. However, it should be made clear SR says they are using a multi-wave radio frequency (RF) generator not a Schumann Resonance generator. Whatever the case may be, I think these processes go in-hand which SR seems to allude to with this comment in their explanation of what's going on:

"In a nutshell, we discovered that during the day ambient RF is stronger while the Earth’s Schumann Resonance is weaker in relation to overpowering solar and man-made radio frequencies."

I've received emails from a fellow Audiogoner who wanted more and more details. At this point, I should bow-out and simply refer people to SR for further explanation.  Thanks!

 


sbayne

Owner
Thanks Dan. Best regards!

sbayne

Sbayne,

Thanks for your explanation regarding the SR gear. I doubt that, at my age (70), and the state of my hearing, that what the investment for these tweaks would be, I may not reap the full benefit that someone with younger ears might receive.

I love how the system sounds with the SET amp, but I'm trying to keep the hours down on the pricey EML XLS 300B tubes. The Class D is also a result of my old five channel amp going on the fritz, and a healthy curiosity about these amps, led to my purchase of the first kit. I was so surprised at how good they made the Tannoys sound, I made a three channel amp for the center and surrounds, and made a 500 Wpc Class D amp for the Tannoys.

They sound amazing, at a ridiculously low price, so they are here for the long haul. Being a retired old blue-collar audio guy, this has worked out well for my situation.

Enjoy, and regards,
Dan 

islandmandan

Owner
Hi Dan (islandmandan) - I've used solid silver cabling over the years and I certainly understand why you like them. Switching between a SET 300B and Class D amp? Sounds crazy but I understand that as well! Sometimes our moods change! Haha. 

The Synergistic Research (SR) stuff seems like snake oil but I can tell you it's worked wonders in my system.  The Atmosphere and FEQ are based on the Schumann Resonance which is real and well documented. The resonance is generated at 7.83Hz. I used a resonator generator that was built by Acoustic Revive.  What I think SR has done is understand how to manipulate the resonance slightly both in frequency and time delay. They also use various sizes of generators with the FEQ being the smallest and the Atmosphere Xl being the largest.  The BlackBox, Acoustic Panels, ATM, HFT etc that SR sells at built to resonate the Schumann Resonance in various ways. They all work without an Atmosphere or FEQ but not nearly as well. SR's website discusses all of this more thoroughly but this my basic understanding of what's going on. 

There are a lot of skeptics out there but, for me, the proof is in the listening. With the SR products the soundstage is increased dramatically and each "section" of music (treble, midrange & bass) are all made more realistic. 
If you have a chance check them out!

sbayne

Hello Sbayne,

I've admired your system for awhile now, and I know it has to sound incredible. I use mostly Synergistic Research cabling in my system, but the Galileo is out of my reach. I've found the Tempo Electric Big Twist 12 gauge solid silver speaker cables with simple PTFE tubing work very well for me. I was able to buy two sets, one for the SET 300B, and one for my kit-built Class D Audio amp. Makes it very quick to change amps that way, also having interconnects for each helps in that regard as well.

How much effect does your Atmosphere and Black Box (and your other tweaks) have on how your system sounds? I've been curious about what they do.

Thanks, and regards,
Dan 

islandmandan

Owner
Just added a picture of the FEQ on footers and a stand. This increased height helped its performance much like it helped the Atmosphere's performance I referred to in an earlier post.

sbayne

Owner
Ha,ha. Funny you say that - I had the exact SAME experience so I took the red ATM out completely and went back to the smaller ETFs. But there is no denying it works!

sbayne

I did try the red ATM in one of my slots where a single HFT (or 2 or X!) sits at present but found it WAY TOO MUCH -- it drew attention to itself in a way that didn't seem natural. Albeit this is in the context of a system with a lot of HFTs 
😋

folkfreak

Owner
Thanks FolkFreak! I do use the green ATM. I agree its a significant improvement over the red. I was emailing Ted Denney and suggested he make a big ass ETF to use on top of components in place of using a bunch of smaller ones. He told me to use the red ATM in place of smaller ETFs since they work in a similar way. Just a little FYI if you still have the red ATM.

sbayne

Nice system. Have you tried the new SR green Atmosphere tuning module? Compared with the red it seems much more open and natural. Kind of expensive but may make sense in the context of your system

folkfreak

Owner
I added a tube based 7.83 HZ Schumann Resonator which augments the Synergistic Research FEQ and Atmosphere. I also raised the Atmosphere about 8 inches higher off the floor which added even more "bloom" and bigger soundstage to the sound.

sbayne

Owner
I added a Doge 8 (2017 Clarity edition) tube preamp to my system and updated pics. I've got about 200 hours on the preamp and it's really starting to open-up!

sbayne

Owner
I've been messing with the location of the Synergistic Research Black Box. Long story short, directly between the center of the speakers is by far the best location. Duh!! I'm now getting the most refined sound in the bass I've ever had. It even has caused me to swap-in some different components into my system - such as a tube preamp.

sbayne

Owner
More updated pics. Also moved the mono amps to the sides instead of the rack to let them breath a little better.

sbayne

Owner
I recently have been using Burson Audio cables. They sent me the Cable+ for audition which I thought were excellent. So at my expense, I ordered their Cable+ Pro cables that have upgraded wire and connectors. These cables use a powered buffer to match the impedance of your components. Overall conclusion is they are excellent on sources and are a very high value cable!

sbayne

Owner
Updated pics. I've added an Auralic Altair music server and the Dared DV-200s amps. I put a picture at the end showing the system in the dark - glowing toobies!

sbayne

Owner
200 hours and counting on these BIG tube amps. Holy crap!! I'm totally on board with big tube power! (I reserve the right to change my preferences for power amps at my whim! - this is MY blog after all! Ha,ha...) Seriously, I had no idea. i've gone low power SET, medium power Class A solid state, high power solid state and super heat Class pure A. As of today, big tube power rules!

sbayne

Owner
Here we go again. I recently purchased a pair of mono tube amps. Each amp weighs 60lbs. The transformers are HUGE. There are 6 KT-88s on each amp. The seller obviously didn't like the sound because he told me he listened to a bunch of different 6SN7s and ECC88. He also upgraded all the KT-88s to Gold Lion remakes. The tubes alone are worth what I paid for these amps! He purchased the amps new and said he listened to them less than 20 hours. I believe it. The tubes look brand new. No heat residue on the KT-88s, for instance. 

If you read my posts you know I'm a big believer in break-in. You simply have to let the transformers and circuits heat-up for an extended period of time. Yes, the first day I used them the amps sounded harsh and constricted (which the seller obviously heard and didn't like). But over 100 hours later, they throw a smooth, huge soundstage. The bass has all kinds of texture and is rock solid. 

The guy simply didn't give these amps a chance and lost a lot of money for his impatience.  Oh well, his loss my gain. 

sbayne

Owner
Based on numerous testimonials I purchased a Signal Cable REL Speakon cable to replace the stock REL cable. Well.....they are right! All aspects of this sub's performance is enhanced. Highly recommended.

sbayne

Owner
This Odyssey preamp is WAY overbuilt. It weighs close to 50 lbs! The transformer is as big as most power amp transformers. Its dead quiet - even with the volume fully open. It also has an excellent MM/MC phono section. I haven't talked to Klaus about it but I assume this is what you get when you ask for his Tempest preamp on STEROIDS!

sbayne

Owner
I really didn't "need" a subwoofer because the Von Schweikert VR-7 HSE have excellent bass. However, I saw this REL Strata III for sale in my local Craigslist at a crazy low price (they were moving and had purchased a "surround system", etc) so I bought it and hooked it up. I must say, its a very nice addition to my system. Adds just a touch of solidity to the music which probably doesn't make sense but if you could hear it you would know what I mean. After I bought it I read the reviews of the Strata III and it turns out this is one of the more reasonably priced "musical" subs out there (whatever that means).

sbayne

Owner
Some major changes coming to my system.  This hobby is crazy!!

sbayne

Owner
I've had inquires regarding the horn speakers and various amps/preamps I have "stored" in my listening room. The short answer is: "Yes, they are for sale". The horns are Frazier Dixelanders. I stained them, added legs and rewired the horn drivers. The amps are low wattage Class A or SET tube. The preamps are all solid state. The receiver is a Fisher 800. The Thorens 124 is not for sale. If you are truly interested perhaps we can workout an audition if you are in the Charlotte, NC area.  Thanks.

sbayne

Owner
Updated my system pics. Been going back and forth between the Thorens 124 and Pro-Ject Xtension 10. Both are excellent - will probably keep both!

sbayne

Owner
The other day I thought I purchased an item with Buy it Now. I was in the process of paying and when I clicked the final button to make payment  - it came back and said the item had already been sold! I've never had this happen before. I assume someone was in the process of making payment when I hit Buy it Now and finished before I did. Really strange and a little aggravating!

sbayne

Showing 401 - 425 of 577 posts
  • 206.6K
  • 577
  •  5
© 2024 Audiogon.com