Sold my Jeff Rowland Concentra II integrated amp and Wilson Duette speakers last Fall as I changed direction into the land of tubes. Now looking for Turntable (likely a Rega P9 with 47labs MCbee) and speakers (Devore,Shindo,Rondo, Verity,Ocellia, others?). I am struggling with the speaker choice. Devore would work well, but would I be fully satisfied with the Devore Nines or new 3XL?
Charles1dad - The Silverback was not really under consideration. I was really holding out for a true high efficiency design. Then I found out John Devore was developing a pair and waited for the O96 to appear. Also, cost wise the Silverbacks weren't substantially less than the entry level Shindo Petite Latours (at the time anyway). I do like the simple, 2 way, wide baffle design of the O/96's. I say simple, but not inexpensive as there are apparently very high quality parts in the O/96, which are also very nicely made visually. And by the way, with good reception my FM tuner can come close to the sonics of my YBA cd player, it really can be that good! Tuners maybe somewhat forgotten these days, but I still love mine and use it all the time.
Lapierre - no i didnt audition the Ociellas or the Shindo Speakers. None of them are represented anywhere near Vancouver. I auditioned the Devore Super 8's in Seatle and liked them a lot.
I only have a few hours on the O96's but last night I was casually listening to the O/96's using my Magnum dynalab tube tuner as an input, which was set to a classical station. On came a string symphony from Bach. The music emanating from the O96's was hard to ignore, as it was reproduced with stunning realism.No disrespect to AudioNote, but other than somewhat similar looks the O96's are lights years ahead in fit, finish and sonics.
Thanks, I am really looking forward to a long term commitment with the Devore/Shindo combo. Its been a long time coming and one that I have given a lot of thought to. Both Shindo and Devore are out to build the very best they can and really, really know what works. I also like small size companies where you can actually talk to the designer. The O/96 will be with me for some time....
Charles1dad - no, as I just received them yesterday. Only had time to listen very casually, but they seemed very nice,easy flowing, dynamic, effortless but perhaps a bit closed in. John says they need at least 200 hours of break in time.
System edited: TW Ravin .5 with Ortofon RS212-D and Ortofon SPU 90 Anniversary cartridge, Furutech phono cable TW Raven .5 description: outstanding build quality, the pictures dont do it justice. The table has a simple, contemporary look to it that will hold up over time. It's a nice compact design that does in fact look like Micky Mouse ears. I have noticed that the tables finish does mar easily and that a few scuff marks were already present when the table was shipped. I had Jeffrey at HighWater Sound install the ortofon tonearm. Table is easy to balance as it comes with adjustable feet. I have the standard built in speed controller, with wall wort. A Raven One motor controller is an option at $500 more Table is very silient and gets upto speed quickly. Tables seems immune to footfalls when placed on my custom, hardwood & plywood mix walnut cabinet Speed stability is excellent. background: I have not owned a turntable since the 1980's and therefore have limited knowledge concerning current tables. I am therefore comparing the TW to my digital rigs, namely: YBA CD player, about 8 years old) or Wadia dock into a magnum dynalab dac. (purchased last year) I was originally going to buy a Rega 9, but changed my mind when the Raven .5 was announced. I have always felt it is better to buy an entry level component from a top notch manufacturer, rather than a top model from a good, but not exceptional manufacturer. Other notes: I am using a pair of inexpensive JM lab bookshelf speakers, that are ok, but obviously far below the quality of my other components. Now that I have the new table I will finish off my system by obtaining speakers that match or exceed the level of my other components. I originally installed a 47 labs McBee cartridge, but early on noticed it was a poor match for the high mass tonearm, as the counterweight had to be pushed as far forward as possible. On top of that the cartridge seemed damaged as the base of it would bottom out on the record. The sound was ok but certainly not what I was expecting and lacked depth, clarity and atmosphere. Purchased and installed a new Ortofon SPU 90th Anniversary cartridge (a much better match for the tonearm!), adjusted VTA and placed a record on the new deck. observations: Musically the table,arm,cartridge, is very very good. The sense of air and texture is there along with plenty of detail, yet with then 90th Anniversary was completely lacking in grain. Overall I thought the new TT far out performed my digital set up's The TW Raven .5/SPU 90th Anniversary had such a good combination of resolution and ease, it made for some very fatigue-free extended listening sessions Midrange bloom, especially apparent within LPs featuring the likes of Diana Krall was so highly resolved as to easily sniff out the difference between room acoustics and that ol' studio reverb sound. No matter the case, the soul of the music came through. Great rhythmically and dynamically, bass was also good, but limited given my inexpensive bookshelf speakers. At times I found myself completely immersed and transposed - not to some faraway recording venue, but to an immediate musical experience All in all I am very impressed and look forward to many happy years with this combination.
Yes I will be using the ortofon arm and Mcbee cartridge straight into the MC input of the Masseto preamp. I was told by a Shindo dealer that the loading of the Mcbee works very well with the Masseto. My original plans were to buy a Rega 9 TT, but changed my mind and bought the Ravin .50 As it turns out the Mcbee is not the ideal match with the ortofon arm, as the Mcbee is light weight and therefore requires the counterweight on the arm to be all the way forward.
I am using an old cartridge right now in order to familarize myself with the arm/table, and VTA setting.
Jimc555 tell me more concerning your experience with Samuel. It's more likely that I will purchase the Devore 9 or 3XL, however it would be interesting to hear how he treated you after the sale. Customer service is a real concern to me, especially if I am not purchasing locally.
