Description

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

Owner
I added a tube preamp back into the system (was going direct from the Mytek Brooklyn) and, yep, there is a little more "bloom" to the music. Also, I've been messing around with my Thorens 124 turntable which likes a little more gain than the Mytek could provide........more to come........

sbayne

Owner
Tidal finally launched TidalMasters today to showcase their MQA titles. I just finished listening to some Emmylou Harris and Led Zeppelin. Sound staging is top-notch with a very smooth presentation. They sounded a little thin, however, as compared to my 16bit/44.1 khz of the same recordings through the same DAC - a Mytek Brooklyn. This was just a short listening session so not going to draw too much from this. Good to see Tidal follow through with, at least, some commitment to MQA.

sbayne

Owner
I added the "green" version of the Synergistic Research ATM for the Atmosphere. It's pricey but "WOW" the soundstage explodes even more but with refinement. They are really on to something here!!

sbayne

Owner
Ha,ha. It's tempting.

sbayne

My offer would now be $2000.

bubba12

Owner
A follow-up to my story below. The dealer now has the item at $2,450 which is $250 less than what I offered him over a month ago!  All because he wouldn't negotiate!

sbayne

Owner
Yep, I agree its a buyers market right now. Be interesting to see where we are at 6 months from now. Since the election is over, its a new year, etc.

sbayne

I did get a return email for my offer finally. It went to the wrong email he said. He countered. I really can't budge. It is a buyers market I think.

bubba12

i would also counter any offer.

bubba12

I watch items on here all the time and stuff IS NOT SELLING. I wonder how the industry survives. Oh yeah, the craziest markups this side of jewelry.

bubba12

Owner
Just to relate another story on this topic. About a month ago a DEALER had an item for sale at $3,000 or Best Offer. I offered him $2,700 (10% off asking price). He didn't counter the offer. Instead, he sent me an email explaining he can't go any lower and the retail on the item was thousands more. I thanked him for the email and said I understood. Well....2 weeks later he lowered the price to $2,800 and it didn't sell. 2 weeks after that he lowered the price to $2,700 (my original offer) and it sat there unsold. He recently renewed the ad with an asking price of $2,600 or best offer.  If he had only used common sense and countered my original offer he would have sold the item and made more money! Really stupid in my opinion.

sbayne

Owner
Bubba12 - A $10,000 offer on a $11,500 item is fair and should at least get the negotiation started! I really don't understand the mentality. I've heard the JC-1s a number of times and they are excellent - just let them "cook" for awhile! 
Best regards, Scott

sbayne

I agree with your last post completely. I recently offered $10,000 for something listed at $11,500. No response. The item has been listed for quite awhile.  Oh well.

 Congrats on the Kismets and Mytek. I almost ordered Kismets but i was impatient and bought Parasound JC-1's. I like them very much but still might go Odyssey someday.
    

bubba12

Owner
Since I'm using this as my personal blog I'm going to discuss another little pet peeve of mine. The people that put "Best Offer" in their ads and then say in the ad (this is from an actual recent ad): "all requests for discounts or low-ballers will be ignored".  Does this make sense? Getting the negotiation started is the key to any sale! Even if someone lowballs you - your response should be respectful and come back with a reasonable counteroffer. More often than not you will reach an agreeable middle point. Also, what IS a low-ball offer? I've made offers within 90% of the asking price and have been told-off or ignored. To me, thats crazy if you are truly trying to sell something!

sbayne

Owner
I've purchased lots of used gear over the years and I'm dismayed at the amount of equipment that wasn't even broken-in when I received it. Many times they have sold it looking for a different sound or to try something else. To me, that means they didn't like what they heard. Well, without playing it for at least 50 hours or more, they simply had no idea what they had. I don't understand the the apparent lack of use of our expensive stereo systems. I guess people buy things just to buy things.


sbayne

Owner
Just wanted to put in a plug for Klaus Bunge who owns Odyssey Audio. I'd heard his equipment and talked to him briefly at shows but really didn't have a chance to have direct conversations until recently. Very interesting guy who certainly knows how to build high-quality amps. As he would say "......that's no bullshit!!"

sbayne

Owner
I also added pictures of the recent changes. Thanks for looking!!

sbayne

Owner
Well after a week of break-in and cable changes I can say this is some of the best sound I've ever had. Adding two major component upgrades at the same time is not good for determining the reason for a change in sound quality. But I can say both the Odyssey and Mytek certainly did not take me a step backwards. Good stuff.

sbayne

Owner
I've also moved to a Odyssey Kismet amp. I'm breaking the amp in along side the Mytek Brooklyn DAC. I've got about 40 hours on them and they are sounding very nice but I think I can squeeze even more performance out of them with some cable changes and some SR Black fuses. Will report back....

sbayne

Owner
Thanks.  My typical day is get home from the office.  Eat a light supper then relax in my stereo room (with a nice pour of something) for about a hour or so.  I'm partial to analog but I had chance to hear a Brooklyn recently and decided to pick one up.  I'm going to check out MQA recordings if I can find them.

sbayne

Congratulation Scott. Will be interested to know how you like it and how it enhanced your listening experience. Room looks nice. I am sure you enjoy in that cozy place :-)

milpai

Owner
Just purchased a Mytek Brooklyn. Should be interesting......

sbayne

Owner
I've purchased a lot of Synergistic Research (SR) gear over the years. Alfred at High-End Electronics stands out as the best SR dealer I've dealt with. He is no nonsense and reasonable. He will give you his best price with shipping right away. There is one SR dealer who advertises a lot on the internet who will not give you a price for shipping until after the sale. The reason? His shipping prices are extremely high! Alfred communicates fast and efficiently. So many times I've had convoluted communications with SR dealers either because they were slow in responding or seemed to "not sweat" the details of the transaction. Stuff like not sending tracking numbers or not explaining they had to order the product from SR because they didn't have it in stock. Bottom line: just avoid the hassle and use Alfred!

sbayne

Owner
I recently had surgery on my foot so I've been listening to my stereo literally throughout this entire Labor Day weekend. I'm, obviously, using this forum as my "stereo blog" - putting down my thoughts about my system. Today, I just want to say a little more about the VR-7 HSE. I was very fortunate to find these locally for a very reasonable price. I heard these exact speakers a number of years ago and was very impressed. So, when they came up for sale I bought them even though I wasn't in the market for a new pair of speakers. The VR-7 HSE were built to a very high level. In today's market, I'm sure these would cost well over $20k. I've thoroughly broken them in and further tweeked them with Synergistic Research HFTs. At this point, the sound quality is very hard to fault. They are big speakers that simply disappear yet explode and fill the room when the music calls for it. They throw a 3D soundstage with music presenting well past the sides, behind and to the front of the speakers. Yet, when its an individual with a guitar and mic the soundstage "smalls" down and its like he/she is sitting right in front of you.  You can hear when the musician moves away from the mic or changes head position. The bass literally shakes the room on some tracks but isn't boomy.  I may experiment with some big ass tube amp at some point but even being driven with a "modest" solid-state integrated the VR- 7 HSE are a joy to listen to!

sbayne

Owner
Will do. Thanks.

sbayne

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