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.
Line Magnetic LM-845 Premium
The LM-845 Premium is a SET integrated amp uses massive output transformers and a massive separate power supply. The driver tubes are 300B and output tubes are 845. I've upgraded the driver tubes to Western Electric. The authority, richness and soundstage this amp provides is outstanding!
Eversolo DMP-A10
This is Eversolo's top-of-the-line digital preamp, DAC, streamer and DSP component. Its designed to keep all electronic noise to a minimum. The A10 uses dual power supplies - one for analog and one for digital. Its volume control is a stepped-ladder R2R. And, it has a built-in proprietary clocking system. The signal-to-noise ratio is over 130Db!
With the Aerial 20T V2 speakers it presents 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.
AR-ES1 and Decware custom turntable and Zen Triode phono preamp
Heavy modified custom AR-ES1 with Origin Live speed box and SME 309 tonearm. Phono preamp is a Zen Triode. Very high value analog system.
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.
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.
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.
milpai - Yep, I had the same problem. If you look closely at the picture I have the power cord in the top outlet into the wall and the 3 prong in the bottom plug so there is no space issues. However, I did find one on Amazon which would probably work well because of its a 3 sided design. I tried posting the link but Audiogon wouldn't let me. Try searching
@sbayne , what is that connector you are using to connect the 2 Purons together? I had the same idea. But it did not work, because the connector from the power cord is pretty big and the square 3-way adapter does not fit in the space.
I've been asked if I still use subs with my Moabs. Previously, I used a distributed sub array with 4 subs. After a lot of listening with my new Aria amp I decided to take the sub array out for a while. My system may not play quite as low but its a little faster now in the bass. Not that it was slugging along before just a slightly more coherent realistic sound. I still think sub arrays are worthwhile but I'm learning it probably depends on your speakers and especially your amp. You really NEED an amp that can deliver large amounts of CURRENT in order to get the bass right. The verdict is still out though - I may start using the sub array again.
The latest change I've made is to incorporate a Tombo Audio resonator into my system. I use LOTS of resonators. Some of them I've made myself and some from Synergistic Research. The Tombo Audio works very well in the midrange region especially on vocals. Vocals are slightly more rounded yet direct sounding. Like you would hear in real life.
I'm now using a Border Patrol DAC that is R2R non-oversampling. It has a tube rectified power supply, choke input and Jupiter caps. The sound is very natural and pure with a very large sound stage.
Here is the review I sent to Aria Audio regarding their amazing Signature MK2 amp:
"The Aria Signature MK2 power amp is gorgeous! The contrast of the large blue meters with the slight gold finish is very classy. The build quality is obviously top-notch. Even though its capable of 100 watts into Class A its amazing this amp never gets too hot-to-touch. I let it play for a couple of weeks and checked the sound quality everyday, It immediately sounded very nice but as time went on the bass extended deeper and the highs opened-up a little more. Now with over 200 hours on the amp the bass is truly authoritative and the midrange/treble smooth as silk. Details in the music are excellent but never edgy or analytical. The area the amp really excels in, however, is soundstaging. The layering of sound is eerie. There are sound images playing in-front, between, behind and to the side of the speakers. My 6 feet tall speakers literally disappear with this amp! I have no idea how you can sell it for $1,450. Wow!!"
The Townshend Audio Allegri passive preamp is autoformer based. It gives you vivid transparency but with excellent dynamics and not a hint of harshness. I've used passives in the past but nothing as good as this.
I've been messing with the location of resonators in my system. Ted Denney recently suggested I lower the Vibratron from where I had it higher up on the wall. I finally settled with it on top of my preamp! It's really brought a lushness to the lower midrange and upper bass region. Amazing what resonators can do!
Audio reviewer Steven Lefkowicz suggested I use a laser ruler to get my chair placement, speaker distance and toe-in exactly symmetrical. I'm now at 35 degrees toe-in, my listening chair is 10.5 feet from the speakers, the speakers are 10.5 feet a part, the front wall is 4 feet behind the speakers and my listening chair is 4 feet from the back wall. This is moved the soundstage slightly to the right so it is exactly centered (it seemed like it was before but now its clearly spot-on) and added these precise measurements added more depth to the sound. This is a cheap and very easy tweek that I'm sure will help many systems.
I've been messing with speaker toe-in and listening chair placement. I did this when I originally set-up my system but thought I'd check it again. I'm now a little farther from the speakers and have them just slightly toed-in. Splitting hairs but just a little more natural sound. I'm going to live with it for a while and then check it again.
I've been in watts v. current wars with a number of people on other forums. They literally have no idea how a speaker is powered. It's current that drives the cones not watts!! Loudness has very little do with sound quality! It seems audiophiles are kind of stupid...sorry to say that...but....
I had some time so I made some interconnects for my subs so they would match the rest of my system. I use GR Research's ideas on cable design (multi-strand, open air with cotton). I was a little surprised but it added more texture and refinement to the lower mids and bass.
Based on the strong recommendation from the talk in the Forums I've added 2 Puron AC line conditioners to my system. They are in the same outlet as my Puritan 156. They are rather remarkable. They've opened the soundstage, made vocals more real and revealed more texture plus impact to the bass. Very high value products!
I've added a Stein H2 harmonizer 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 work exactly like advertised and as described in the reviews. Layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument in their own separate but integrated spaces.
I've revamped my digital front end by going to an Innuos PULSE streamer and Network Acoustics Muon system directly to my DAC. Previously, I was running a ZENmini MK3 into an Audio-GD DI-20HE digital interface and an XLR digital cable to the DAC. After getting the PULSE, and doing extensive listening, the sound is slightly better without the DI-20HE and with the Muon system feeding the DAC directly with its included Muon USB cable.
I've added a couple more Synergistic Research FEQ X4 and and Atmosphere XL4 to my system. People are selling them to move up to the carbon series. Interestingly, the soundstage really hasn't changed that much but the overall presentation of the music has relaxed yet the detail and very low bass information has increased.
I'd been reading that the Puritan PSM156 Studio Master power conditioner is very susceptible to power cord upgrades. I knew that Puritan offered different grades of power cords but I guess it slipped my mind. So, I made a 20 amp cord based on the GR Research formula I've been using. I've never heard my system go through so many gyrations in sound! It sounded terrible for a couple days (I almost took it out), then very good, took a couple steps back and then slowly started to open-up and solidify. At about 150 hours its fully bloomed. I can't under state how important good AC power is to the sound quality your your system.
I had a good audiophile friend over last night and we listened to the Audio-GD R-7HE for about an hour. He is a BIG analog guy - his analog rig is over $50K. He has chastised me for getting rid of my analog system and albums. He said the Audio-GD is at least "listenable" Haha, thats pretty high praise coming from him!
I've now been running the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 DAC 24/7 for a week. I've listened to it everyday along the way. Like in all audio equipment good power supplies need a lot of run time to sound their best. It was great straight out the box but its now over-the-top good. It's also very susceptible to different power cords. Every change being easily heard.
Thank You for the details and sharing your experience sbayne.
Good to know that you have finally found a DAC that suits your listening preference. While 5-6 years is huge in "digital life" terms, it is still a valid experience and it helps others understand what the reviewer's preference is. I am not surprised because I have read a few user discussions that stated that mega $$$$ DACs not necessarily impressed them. It also probably, depends on system matching.
And like you said - far too many choices in DACs with new ones coming either monthly or weekly. But I think you landed with a long term keeper. Have fun listening to your music!
Thanks milpai! I use this as my personal blog to document the changes I've made in my system over the years. I've gone through a lot of gear and I haven't put every step of the way in here. As to DACs, I've found my strong previous is for non-oversampling (NOS) R2R ladder DACs. And, like most gear, that have robust power supplies.
Back 5 or 6 years ago, I had a friend (who as now dropped out of high-end audio) who owned a very expensive DCS stack and I listened to it fairly extensively. It was excellent but its just not as natural sounding as a good NOS in my opinion. Same with PS Audio but I have not heard their latest offerings/software upgrades. I've owned older models of Esoteric and Wavelength DACs and, at the time, my analog rig walked all over them. As to analog, I was really into idler turntables for many years having owned various Garrard 301 and Thorens TD-124.
I've owned a number of cheaper NOS and TDA1541A DACs from Chinese companies including a couple from MHDT Labs. They are excellent for the money. I've heard the Denafrip Ares II and it also seemed to be very good for the money. I had an Auralic for awhile and it sounded great but eventually got fatiguing sound-wise. So, I bought an Audio GD R8 NOS DAC, without hearing it first, and it was the best DAC I'd ever had in my system. Next, I made the mistake of buying a Denafrip Pontus II thinking it would be better than the R8 - I was wrong. The Pontus II sounded very analytical and dry to me (I realize its gotten great reviews). I bought it used and the seller very graciously let me return it to him.
I recently got a great deal on the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 otherwise I would have stayed with the R8. I have not heard the most recent Denafrips Terminator II or the HoloAudio DACs - its rather "hard keeping up with the Jones" - I assume the Stereophile review is correct.
So, thats my digital journey so far - thanks for checking in.
Congratulations on the Audio-GD. This is one DAC that caught my eye because of 2 things - it is a pure DAC, meaning that there is no volume control. Second reason is the review from Stereophile. But the strange thing is - I have not seen much discussion on any other forums. The likes og Holo May and Terminator are discussed to death. But if this one tops those 2, I have not seen any discussion. But since you experienced other DACs and then compared this one, it would be pretty helpful to expand on what you liked in this one compared to the others, when you get a chance.
BTW, your system has evolved nicely over the years. Keep it up!
