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.
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.
There have been some major developments on the amplifier side. For a number of reasons I won't go into publicly I have to go in a different direction. I am staying with tubes, however. I also un-expectantly (didn't think I'd do it) sold the Thorens TD-124. So I'm back to my Pro-Ject Extension 10 with Sumiko Blackbird cartridge which is also an excellent performer.
Audiogon just gave me an Application Error and duplicated the post below. As you can see two posts were placed in the log on the exact same date and time. Weird. (I've now edited it)
The Erhard Basie arrives tomorrow! I've gotten updates and pictures from Holger throughout the process. I'll need to break-in the Lundahl OPT’s and Mundorf EVO Oil caps. I also have a quad of Sophia Electric blue EL-34s that will need some time to settle. The Thorens TD-124 is ready and I've picked-up a Bluesound Node 2i for streaming with a Sophia Electric Magik which is now fully broken-in (the transformation of that thing over the last few days has been staggering) Can't wait.........
I recently purchased a used piece of gear that has some very high quality transformers in it. Its gotten rave reviews but each reviewer said it needs at least 100 hours of break-in time to sound its best. I am now the third owner of this item and its very evident it has not been broken-in! It's a little rough around the edges and spitty. I've been playing it for 24 hours straight and it already sounds much better. I've mentioned this before but many people seem to ignore the advice of breaking-in a piece of high end stereo equipment. Even if you think the whole idea of break-in is hogwash wouldn't you let it play for awhile before deciding to sell it? It's like they listen to it for a few hours (or minutes), don't like it and then sell it. Amazing.
While I've been waiting for my Erhard Basie to be built I've been messing with my analog rig. I have a number of different SUTs left over from my Shindo days. Even though the Ortofon Blue is a MM I really like the sound with a SUT before the phono stage. You would think there would be way too much gain but there really isn't. I'm truly surprised by this. It even sounds good going directly into the Yamaha's phono stage with a SUT. The Ed Padden tube phono stage I've been using is just a little smoother but also likes a SUT. I'll have to check this all out again once the Basie gets here since it also has its own phono stage. Plus, I've placed some PPT mats under the Thorens, which I thought would be a big no,no, but that also seems to be ok. Hmmm.....
The Thorens TD-124 is obviously idler based and when it's coupled with Wayne's Outer Ring/Mat it makes for a very solid sound. The instruments and voices come from a completely black background and the sound is formed throughout the room. It's something digital still can't do as well. Listening to records is sort of a hassle but it does make you slow down - to enjoy the process and the music.
I got the Ortofon Blue mounted and calibrated on the Thorens TD-124. It's sounding extremely good. I've been trying an outer ring by Wayne's Audio and have been communicating with Wayne. He is sending me a mat to try as well. The Audio Sensibility cable shipped yesterday after being broken-in on their Cable Cooker. It's really hard to break-in phono cables since you can't put records on a continuous loop! The Basie integrated should be here in a few weeks. And I've reorganized my stereo stands. This is exciting for me!!
millercarbon, thanks! Yeah, I need to do some more work with the E-Mats. I'll probably do what you suggest by wrapping the wires. I already have E-Cards inside the cabinets on the center tweeter (the one thats actually being used as a tweeter). I am getting very deep, liquid sound as you say. I've been listening to a lot more analog recently and its spooky good.
sbayne, congrats on the Moabs. Mine rock plenty loud with 50 tube watts, you do not need more! Mats on the back are effective. Even better, cut them up and wrap them around internal wire like I did. The crossover is directly behind the lower woofer, remove it and you can easily tweak with Mats, TC, etc. Or if you don't want to do that, look in the upper port you will see internal wires running within reach. Cut some Mats and tape around the wires. Way more effective than on the back of the cabinet.
Man I bet your system is deep and liquid with all those tweaks going on!
I've been doing a lot of reading about cartridges and phono cables looking for the best values out there. I'll be placing orders for an Ortofon Blue cartridge and Audio Sensibility copper phono cable. Sometimes you just have to take a chance especially when it comes to cartridges since getting one, setting it up properly and going through listening sessions before purchase really isn't possible or practical. That is one area where reviews really help. As to phono cables, I've never had grounding problems in my system so I've been able to use any interconnect I want with my turntables, even unshielded ones. But I think its time to get a proper phono cable especially since I'm switching cartridges and going to a different turntable.
Last night, I switched out the Pro-Ject Xtension 10 for the Thorens TD-124 I also have. Based on reputation alone the Thorens should walk all over the Pro-Ject. I've been using the Pro-Ject because of the excellent Sumiko Blackbird cartridge it has. Swapping turntables and cartridges is a major hassle and not something I enjoy. It's probably because of my OCD - if everything isn't just right it drives me crazy. Anyway, I'm going to leave the Thorens in the system for awhile. The bass is more defined (especially with the Moabs) than with the Pro-ject. I'm going to be looking for a better cartridge for the Thorens to help with the upper midrange and lower treble.
After much discussion and going back/forth about tube amps I placed an order for a Basie integrated in natural cherry by Erhard Audio. I upgraded it with Lundahl OPTs wound specifically for 4 ohm speakers, Rhodium speaker binding posts and Mundorf EVO oil caps. We discussed other caps but they wouldn't fit in the case that Holger uses for this integrated. Build time is about 4 weeks.
My only qualm is the Basie only puts out 40 watts/channel. I think that will be sufficient for the Moab's bottom-end. If it doesn't work-out I can always sell it. It's one of the highest value custom-made tube amps on the market. Fingers crossed.
I've sold a lot of equipment lately. I hooked my Fisher 800c up to the Moabs and really liked the sound! Over a month ago, I agreed to sell the Fisher to someone I've known for awhile but I think I may get back into tubes. Not flea-watt but something with balls. The Fisher puts out 35w/ch. I'm thinking the Moabs would really like 60-80 tube watts/ch. A big ass amp for big ass speakers! Possibly KT-120s......not sure yet.
I added another set of clarifiers, this time to the amp end, so now there is a set at the amp and the speakers. The Moabs took a jump sonically when I did that. I had tried it with the Impact Monitors as well and I felt it degraded the sound slightly. I'm guessing it has something to do with the impedance changes of using 2 pairs of 4 ohm speakers (when I had the Impact Monitors) v. this one large pair of Moab 4 ohm speakers. This Yamaha amp is really quite amazing. It takes whatever I throw at it without a hiccup and is sonically able to tell me every little change I make.
Even though the Moabs I purchased were used at an audio show and by a previous owner I decided to run them in for awhile. I'm glad I did. At the 72 hour point they really opened up! I'm going to let them go a few days more. Amazing these weren't broken-in. I'm kind of shocked!
Hi - I've been reading about your cabling method for years but I don't think we have ever talked! I was using your method on both my CD player and Phono but I ended up selling the extra sets of cables that are required - so it's on my to do list - to wire-up your method again. I may get some of grannyring's offerings. Bill has helped me with some other stuff in the past.
The black boxes on the Moabs cause a whole lot of angst among audiophiles. Believe me, I've learned the hard way! It's a Pulse Electron Alignment generator by Audio Magic. (Yes, I know, any time "magic" is in a company or product name it gets the "snake oil" comments started) I also have a medium size copper bowl on top of each speaker that I use as resonators. So, yes, I'm a little "different" haha
Sounding very nice. The Moabs throw a big soundstage behind, in-front and to the sides of the speakers. Center-fill is excellent. They seem to sound better decoupled v. coupled. Bass is excellent, of course. Need to do an extended listening session though.
Picked-up and got the MOABs hooked-up today. Similar to the pair of Impact Monitors with stereo subs I had. A little more coherent. Overall, very nice and excellent value!
In a matter of 24 hours, I bought a pair Tekton MOABs and sold both pairs of my Impact Monitors. It was a deal I knew I had to make a quick decision on - so I went for it.
So, a couple hours after I posted my last comment, I get an ad from Audio Advisor about the AudioLab integrated and matching DAC/streamer. They want $1,650 for the pair which they claim is huge value. Looking at the specs the streamer uses the same DAC as my Yamaha but the integrated is only rated at 50/watts per channel! I don't know if the control app is any good but even if its stable thats still $900 more than the Yamaha plus you need to add decent power cords and a pair of interconnects!
Read another review this weekend of a "high end" AIO (all-in-one) having problems. This one retails for $8K and had hiss coming from the speakers but, of course, the reviewer said you couldn't hear it while playing music! My Yamaha has no hiss even with the volume fully open and no music playing. A review I read a couple of weeks ago talked about how much he liked a company's AIO he was reviewing but the control app/software was not stable! Yamaha's MusicCast app has never crashed or locked-up on me. I would strongly suggest before you pay big bucks for an AIO make sure there are NO operating problems! Don't assume expensive is better!
