MY Place sbayne

by sbayne on Ever Evolving

Description

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

Components Toggle details

    • Aerial Acoustics 20T V2
    These speakers are version 2 of Aerial Acoustics' pinnacle speaker design. The workmanship is outstanding. They have 2" thick cabinet walls with heavy cherry veneer. The wiring and components are all premium grade. They use a 4" ribbon tweeter and proprietary Scan-Speak drivers. A true 20HZ to 20,000HZ speaker that is very musical.
    • Eversolo DMP-A10 and AMP-F10
    These are Eversolo's top-of-the-line power and digital preamp, DAC, streamer and DSP components. They are designed to work together and to keep all electronic noise to an absolute minimum. The A10 uses dual power supplies - one for analog and one for digital. Its volume control is a stepped-ladder R2R. And, has a built-in proprietary clocking system. The signal-to-noise ratio is over 130Db!

    The F10 power amplifier uses dual differential power modules, dual power supplies and a proprietary DC filtering system. I run two of them as monoblocks for an incredible 950 w/ch  and 70dB of current

    With the Aerial 20T V2 speakers these  components present a huge soundstage that is silky smooth and powerful.
    • ModWright Signature Truth SCD XA5400ES
    ModWright Signature Truth SCD XA5400ES with external tube rectified power supply. I've added Sophia Electric blue 6SN7 tubes to the output stage. I still have a significant CD collection. Overall, great analog type sound.
    • Audioquest Dragon Interconnects, Power Cables and Speaker Cables
    Expensive but worth it if you want the absolute best out of your system.
    • 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!
    • Synergistic Research Tranquility Pod
    The Tranquility Pod hasowered UEF and grounding technology.  It works with the SR Atmospheres that I have distributed around the room. Very effective with digital sources.
    • Electric Bamboo, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
    The Electric Bamboo is an excellent but very rare line conditioner. All hand-built around a massive transformer wired and grounded in the classic star configuration.  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.
    • Vera-Fi Audio MainStream, SnubWay and Puron AC Line Conditioners
    I use these conditioners as additives to my power conditioner. They give a more realistic presentation/soundstage and reveal more texture and impact to the overall sound especially in 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 on 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.
    • Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
    The Akiko Audio tuning stick is another grounding product that works with internal crystals.  The Kemp and Zero One products keep  the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible and add a more standard frequency Schumann Resonance as compared to the Synergistic Research products which variable frequencies. .
    • Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
    The PEAs are battery powered and affect Spintronics have 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.
    • StillPoint footers with risers
    I use original Stillpoints (with risers) under my amp, amp's power supply, streamer and DAC. These are still some of the best footers available in my opinion.
    • 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 components.
    • Timbernation Stand and Platforms
    Solid maple platforms stained cherry.

Comments 589

Sign in to comment
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

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

Displaying posts 426 - 450 of 589 in total
  • 215.4 Thousand
  • 589
  •  5
© 2025 Audiogon.com