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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Owner
I was advised today what I plan to do “won’t work”.  Hmmm, we shall see.

sbayne

Owner
I've now heard a pair of Encores. To be honest, its what I expected which is sound very much like my Impact Monitors/Servo Subs but with a larger presentation. I found them to be a little more forward sounding in the upper midrange and treble than my speakers which I attribute to the upgraded crossover parts/wire in my speakers. The lower midrange is where I found the Encores to clearly best my set-up. I'm not totally sure, but I think that comes from the additional array the Encores have that the Impact Monitors do not. So.....I have a few thoughts on how to alleviate this "problem" which I will be putting together in the next few weeks.

sbayne

Owner
I've been contacted about a pair of Moabs in the area I can audition. So, hopefully, I'll hear both the Encores and the Moabs before the end of the year.

sbayne

Owner
I'm in North Carolina. I know of 2 pairs of Encores in the State which I hope to audition. If anyone has the Ulfs or Moabs in North Carolina or South Carolina and wouldn't mind if I stopped-by for a listen please let me know! Thanks.

sbayne

Owner
In the past month I've been asked how Impact Monitors sound versus the bigger speakers in Tekton's line. I've answered those folks but I thought I'd post it here: 

"Hi -I've spent considerable time with the Double Impacts. Most of it when I helped another audiophile set a pair up. I can confidently say my upgraded Impact Monitors with stereo servo subs are better than a stock pair of Double Impacts. The biggest difference is in the lower midrange and bass. With the lower notes being handled by very quick powered subs, that (obviously) are in a different enclosure from the monitors, you get a very musical and slightly more powerful sound.

Up top, my monitors have more air, have a larger soundstage and simply sound more natural than the Double Impacts. I'm sure thats because of the massive parts upgrades to the crossover and internal wiring. 

So, would I sell my monitors to get a pair of Double Impacts? No way. The bigger question for me is how my speakers/subs sound as compared to the Ulf, Encore and especially the Moab. They are all much bigger speakers that use two 7-arrays per speaker with a tweeter sandwiched between the two arrays. The main difference in them is the number and location of the midrange drivers used. All the reviews I've read have been very positive except for the occasional qualm about them being too big for many rooms. Eric doesn't agree with that assessment and has even released a video on the subject. I'll attempt to hear these larger Tekton speakers in the next couple months. Thanks for asking. I'll get back to you." 

sbayne

Owner
More exciting research on graphene and quantum physics.  The next 10 years are going to be very interesting!

sbayne

Owner
Nordstrom Qpoint.  An electromagnetic resonance generator.  Hmmm...another company realizing the benefits of these devices.

sbayne

Owner
I was out of the country for a few weeks and was finally able to sit-down last night for a listen to my system. I'm still very impressed with this fully optimized Tekton/Yamaha combo. Very musical with a palatable soundstage. Very relaxing.

sbayne

Owner
I recently heard some very expensive systems. These folks gave hi-end dealers a budget and let them do their thing. I'm pretty sure none of the owners frequent Audiogon so I'm going to comment here.  Frankly, they were sold audio jewelry with little concern for sound quality. The owners obviously wanted me to gush over their systems. I was kind, but not enthusiastic.  One guy told me he has about $100k in his system - I just smiled.  I guess audio dealers are like most other salespeople. They sell the customer whatever they carry and is best for the store's bottom-line. Such is life.

sbayne

Owner
I've put Perfect Path E-Mats underneath the Yamaha and covered all the open RCA connections with Perfect Path caps. The receiver is now completely engulfed with this technology and the sound I'm getting is really quite amazing.

sbayne

Owner
Thanks David. People say things online to each other they would never say to a person's face because they know its not appropriate. Makes no sense other than for self-edification.

sbayne

Scott, understandable and many have done the same. Hopefully you will reconsider.  - David.

david_ten

Owner
I'm going to stay off the forums for a while. Seems like most people there just want to show they are better than someone else. There is no real discussion going on. Not worth my time.

sbayne

Owner
I've come to the conclusion that to get truly high-end sound you must treat the signal, power and acoustics. The components are not nearly as important. Companies like PerfectPath, Synergistic Research, AudioMagic, Tice, Bybee, Kemp and Akiko all seem to be "snake oil" but in reality they are simply using fairly well known technology to get better sound quality.

sbayne

Owner
I added Audio Magic silencers/clarifiers and placed on E-Card on top of them. They have only been cooking for a couple days but they sound spectacular together! I admit, I've officially gone tweek crazy!

sbayne

Owner

I haven't touched my system for over a week now but did do some extended listening last night. The E-Cards and Total Contact are the real deal. Using just a modest (but well engineered) Yamaha receiver I'm getting really, really good sound. But, of course, I can't leave well enough alone so I've been looking at the Audio Magic line of products and have exchanged brief emails with the owner Jerry Ramsey. Here is a quote from his website which is VERY interesting:

"The theory about Pulsed Electron Alignment is based on how electrons spin. They spin either up or down in a phenomenon called spintronics. When there are billions of electrons all spinning their own way, it can create chaos in and around components. By aligning the electrons, you create a more efficient space and eliminate noise. This means that your listening experience is more realistic, with a more musical presentation featuring tighter, more dynamic bass, highs that are delicate and more natural and beautiful midranges."

sbayne

Owner
I placed an E-Card on top of the Kemp QA, the end of my Ethernet cable where it enters the Yamaha and over the speaker binding posts. Its now a couple of days later, and holy crap, the sound has opened-up even more. Problem is I don't know which placement added the most bang-for-the-buck. I'll probably end-up just leaving them there. There is also the additional settling of the Total Contact on the Ethernet cable and the E-Cards on the transformers. Just too many variables too quantify everything.

sbayne

Owner
As a number of you have pointed-out, I've been calling PerfectPath Technologies....... Perpetual Technologies. 

Brain fart, mistake, and apologizes all-around! 

sbayne

Owner
Wow, I posted some reading material over on the Perpetual Technologies thread regarding spintronics (the direction electrons spin around the atom i.e. quantum physics), how it can effect electronic signals in circuits/wire and be manipulated by magnets and graphene. It quickly went to middle-school name calling. I guess we can't have civilized discussion anymore. As a person said on that thread - its "sad".

sbayne

Owner
Last night, I removed a couple of the E-Cards from on top of the Yamaha and placed them directly on the transformer inside. I also applied Total Contact to the ends of the Ethernet cable feeding the Yamaha. Heard an immediate improvement so I'm looking forward to once they settle-in.  Tweaks like this continue to amaze me!

sbayne

Owner
I've done a massive update of MY Place system page with current pictures and explanations. (Frankly, I wish more people would have a system page and keep it current. Many times I see people discussing equipment they supposedly own but they don't have a system page or, if they do, it shows different equipment from what they are talking about)

sbayne

Owner
I got home fairly late last night but still got about 45 minutes of listening in (with an aged tequila in hand!) The sound is even more warm with lots of texture. Not sure if its the magnets I added back or the E-Cards/Total Contact settling-in even more. I used a stack of 5 magnet mats folded over to make a 10 layer bundle. I'm leaving the magnets in for now since I'm liking the sound.

sbayne

Owner
My current thinking is you want to get the electrons spinning as uniformly as possible in the signal passing through your components, cables and speakers.  This is explained through quantum physics which is way above me but many audio companies are now using it to improve sound.  Going to a receiver really simplifies the process because the amp, DAC, preamp, streamer and control functions are all “treated” at the same time and you eliminate the various cables which you normally have to get spinning uniformly as well.  At some point, I’ll probably get more E-Cards and put them along my speaker cables and crossovers just to keep that spintronic effect uniform all the way to the drivers.  For now, I want to see if the magnets help or hurt the signal passing through the Yamaha.  (By the way I’ve heard some great Klipsch setups over the years!)

sbayne

Very nice. I just picked up some klipsch speakers and have heard guys liking Yamaha amps with them. Something for me to keep in mind. Safe travels!

t_ramey

Owner
Sorry Tom, that was definitely a stream of consciousness post. I've moved to a Yamaha R-N803 receiver that I've tricked-out with Total Contact, Synergistic Research Blue fuse, GCTs/ECTs and a double stack of E-Cards on top. I'm getting phenomenal sound. The Yamaha has a built-in streamer (Tidal support), decent phono stage, room correction, sub output, IPad control, etc. I'm back to traveling this weekend but before I leave I'm going to put a stack of magnets underneath the Yamaha and see how it sounds when I get back next week. I'll update pics at some point.

sbayne

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