MY Place sbayne

by sbayne on Ever Evolving

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

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Scott, 
I have enjoyed battery psu with Macs in the past, and have read details about Vinny's dongle for the mR, but thought that is only targeted towards LIO owners. For the best sound from mR, a top quality linear PSU is what to shoot for. I am fortunate that I have a friend who is an accomplished builder who made a custom LPSU for the cost of parts which rival those in very expensive PSUs. So I won't go down the battery road with it.
Yes, you are correct that mR is ethernet input / USB output. I've read about a good ethernet power line adapter kit on the CA site, if you need that. My past has been mostly analog, but everyday I am liking & listening to the digital more and more for first time ever.  PM me if I can ever be of assistance. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

Owner
Spencer - I've been running the MacBook off battery power and removing the power leg of the USB connection during playback since my DAC is self-powered and doesn't need the power running through the USB connection. Both of which adds considerably to the sound in my opinion. Vinnie Rossi has a power option coming off his DHT for the microRendu which folks over on AudioCircle claim helps the microRendu because its no longer on the grid. Have you tried your microRendu with any type of battery power? Also you need a Ethernet connection for the microRendu correct? I could use a wireless extension I suppose and run an Ethernet connection from there. I play mostly analog but I will continue to check the microRendu out.  Scott

sbayne

Owner
Thanks Spencer. I will check it out.

sbayne

Glad to hear the improvements. 
One more suggestion for you, when you are ready to improve your digital further, check out the Sonore microRendu as a replacement option for your Mac. It works with Roon/Tidal, iPad remote too, but will give you better sound quality and is great with your library stored on a NAS. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

Owner
I had an inquiry about the performance of the Pro-Ject Xtension 10 and (what he believed) was a Shun Mook record clamp. First, let me say the Xtension 10 is a very high value turntable. Its well designed and gets most things right. It almost seems made for the Sumiko Blackbird cartridge. However, its performance was significantly increased when I added the Cardas phono box. The ability to use your own interconnect cables was big for me and it also seemed to lower the noise floor. As to the record clamp, it is not a Shun Mook but its very similar. Its made out of Ebony Root from Africa and is very dense. I've not had a Shun Mook in my system but I do know this record clamp outperforms the stock clamp and a number of others I have tried.

sbayne

Owner
The Parasound Halo really benefited from the Synergistic Research Basik, ECTs, a Black fuse and UEF power cord.

sbayne

Owner
The music server is based on Roon & Tidal. I'm using an IPad as my remote. Very highly recommended combo!

sbayne

Owner
Currently using the excellent Parasound Halo integrated with built-in DAC and phono stage. I've also incorporated a music server based on a MacBook Pro. Getting excellent sound.

sbayne

Owner
Based on Spencer's comments below I've removed the coffee table and a number of pictures from my listening room. I've also followed the placement guidelines for my Synergistic Research UEF Acoustic Panels more closely. Overall, its made a tremendous difference!

sbayne

Owner
!!!!!Crazy changes to my system.......!!!!!! More to come......

sbayne

Owner
I was looking at Synergistic Research's Facebook page today and saw they commonly have the Black Box in front of the speakers. Sent a brief message to them and they said sometimes that location works best. Since I took Spencer's suggestion and moved the large coffee table out of my listening room I was now able to experiment more with the location of the Black Box. And...I've now moved the Black Box out in front of the speakers and very close to my listening position. It has made the entire presentation a little more smoother and cohesive.

sbayne

Owner
Roon is the best library management available - no doubt. It organized my music and combined it with content from Tidal to make categorizes which now make a "complete" library. Very impressive. The user interface is beautiful and easy. If you have more than just a passing fancy with digital music I don't know of a better choice!

sbayne

Owner
 Going to try a Roon/Tidal music server. Doubt it can compete against analog but we shall see!!

sbayne

Owner
Spencer - Great idea! Thanks.

sbayne

When I found the same, I replaced the coffee table with a small table that could go on either side of the seating position. In practice, I basically just needed a spot for a beverage and a remote. If you "need" something in front of you there, an absorptive fabric ottoman would still give you much of the improvement over the hard surface table. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

Owner
Spencer - you're right the coffee table does change the soundstage slightly.  Now I've got to figure out what to do with it or just live with it!

sbayne

Owner
Agreed.  I've messed with the location of the pictures and finally got them in the least obtrusive places. However, the coffee table I have not experimented very much with. I will report back on if moving it makes a difference. Thanks.

sbayne

Very cool system. Love how you made a wide variety of brands all visually blend by emphasizing the wood finishes.
Here's a dumb question: Since you mention soundstage etc. being important to you have you ever tried removing the large wooden coffee table from between speakers and seating position? Also if those picture frames on the front wall include glass, they might have a noticeable impact if moved elsewhere in the room. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

Owner
I've now thoroughly broken-in the VR-7 HSEs (yep, had to break-in a 10 year old pair of speakers!). These are truly excellent speakers. Very smooth yet explosive.  If you can get your hands on a good pair of VR-7 HSE or even VR-5 HSE - I would highly recommend it!

sbayne

Owner
I've been asked what happened to the resonators I had been using and selling.  The answer is simple: UEF Panels/Dots by Synergistic Research. Using resonators to expand the soundstage yet focus the image works very well and may still be preferred in some rooms and systems. With the size of my new room the UEF panels make more sense. In this larger room I had been using 40 small resonators along with 3 bowl resonators!

sbayne

Owner
I've recently received inquires about the Fisher 800 receiver and the Thorens 124 turntable (with roll-top plinth) shown in one of my pics. I'm not planning on selling them but, of course, if you REALLY want one of those items shoot me a reasonable offer and maybe we can work something out. Thanks

sbayne

Owner
I've also added Synergistic Research UEF Panels, UEF Dots and an Atmosphere. These are ground-breaking products in my opinion and are highly recommended!

sbayne

Owner
I replaced my Philharmonic Audio 3s with Von Schweikert Audio VR-7 HSE speakers. They are very high quality and represent some of the best Albert has ever offered.

sbayne

Owner
I finally added some photos of my new system. This is a much larger room than I had before. The additional space has made the soundstage blossom. The front-back layering is much deeper - the speakers simply disappear. The SR Black Box and VH Audio Plasmatron 3 have refined the sound to a point I didn't know was possible. This hobby is amazing!

sbayne

Owner
Just got a VH Audio Plasmatron 3 for my sources. All I can say is Holy $hit.....really, really nice...!

sbayne

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