Music for the Soul

by bullot on
Current
Previous setup with APL Digital
NIght shot, had to turn the lights up for this one.
Tannoy and Zanden
Tannoy and Manley
Previous system with Manley
D'Agostino Momentum and Tannoy.
Genesis with Vitus Mono and Pre
Previous Setup with Vitus/MSB/Tripoint

Description

I have been in this hobby over 30 years and in that time have had the pleasure and good fortune to own many many high end components and gear.  My goal in the past 6 years was to progress to a smaller footprint than my big Genesis speakers with Vitus monos, and still have great sound.  I just didn't have the room in my new home for the big system AND all the boxes and crates!  LOL.  

 I tried a number of fantastic products over those 6 years......Manley, Zanden, the amazing D'Agostino, Coincident, Backert Labs, Vitus, APL, Jeff Rowland, Emm Labs.  I'm finally settled on my MSB/ EMM DV2 combo, with Absolare Stereo amp and Tannoy Speakers.........bit of a mix for cables, with Echole Omnia, TEO, Stage III Gorgon and Musica Bella Kuala2 power cables.  Pics to come.

Final setup:  EMM Labs MTRS Amp with all Hemingway Sigma cable.  I feel the system is done.
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 20’ × 14’  Medium
Ceiling: 17’

Components Toggle details

    • Tannoy Canterbury GR
    The newest and greatest from Tannoy, the Gold Reference series. Still breaking in the system but loving it!

    Six years later, very very happy with these speakers.  They gave me exactly what I was looking for stepping down from my 4 tower Genesis speakers.  Still wanted great sound, emotion and soul and a much smaller footprint.  On top of that they can pound out some unbelievable bass, and drums, when I kick things up.  I've tried many different amps with these speakers, to get what I feel is right.  I finally feel like I've hit a home run with the EMM Labs MTRS and Tannoy combo....just unbelievable.  Had some issues with Absolare and the Distributor which ended up being a blessing, because the MTRS is next level, without doubt.
    • MSB UMT Plus
    Plays and Spins everything digital, including 3D BluRay.  Awesome.
    • MSB Technology Dual Signature Power Base
    I was using a desktop power supply for my MSB UMT Plus.  Switched to a new Dual signature power base from MSB.  Love the improved performance.
    • EMM Labs DV2i
    Latest and greatest from EMM.  Without a doubt my last DAC.  Very surprised EMM Labs was able to get this much “upgrade” on the DV2.  To me this was a 2 generation jump in performance.  Love that the streamer is built-in.  I was able to free up shelf space and sell a high end power cable, that was used to run my streamer.
    • EMM Labs MTRS Amplifier
    Latest and greatest from EMM Labs.  My last Amplifier.
    • Tripoint Troy Signature NG
    This is the third Troy I’ve owned, amazing gear.
    • PS Audio P15
    Added the PS Audio P15 power regenerator.  Upgrade from the P12.  Very very happy with the performance of PS Audio Regenerators.  I have everything plugged into it.
    • Hemingway Z-core Sigma Speaker Cable
    One of the best speaker cables in the world.
    • Hemingway Z-core Sigma Power Cable
    Spectacular cable.  This one convinced me to go full loom Sigma.
    • Hemingway Z-core Sigma Interconnect
    Best ic I’ve owned or heard.
    • Hemingway Audio zcore jumpers.
    • Stand: Home made
    I made my stand using a double layer of Maple, so it's 3.5" thick on the shelves.  Weight is easily 300lbs.  This made a serious improvement in the sound.  Really seemed to literally anchor the music in place.  Was a lot of work and it's not perfect by any means, but I'm very very happy with the results.
    Revised: built a new smaller stand.  Love the size and accessibility.
    • IsoAcoustics GAIA
    Put these footers on my Tannoy and the results are fabulous.  The speakers now sound like they weight 1000lbs.
    • Walker Valid points
    These were laying around doing nothing so put them under the digital gear.  Not sure if they made much difference as I've had lots going on in the system lately, but I do love the look and extra height they give the gear for airflow.
    • QSA Black/Red Receptacle
    Wow, love these!  Thought I would try the Red Receptacle first, loved it so much I immediately upgraded to the black/red!!
    • HRS S3 Platforms
    A couple of HRS Platforms for the EMM Labs gear.
    • HighEnd Novum PA MkII

Comments 135

Showing all comments by lalitk.

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 @bullot ~ Shane, hope you’re doing well. I wanted to share my recent experience on grounding the Tannoy’s. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much but this was one of those things on my wish list ever since I bought my Canterbury’s. I picked up a pair of Entreq Silver Minimus Infinity ground boxes with Argo grounding cables. An hour into listening with Entreq revealed this next level of detail retrieval and clarity. I heard more air, separation and deeper blacks…all I can say, wish I jumped on this tweak sooner than waiting for 2+ years! If you haven’t tried grounding the Canterbury’s my friend, you’re in for a nice treat!

lalitk

@bullot, TAS latest issue featured a glowing review of Absolare Hybrid Stereo amp. And I immediately thought of you :-) I am hoping to get my hands on the Hybrid Stereo amp in very near future.

lalitk

Shane, update on darTZeel. Sadly, it wasn’t a good match for Canterbury’s. The CTH-8550 sounded contrived and thus unpleasant. While CTH had more speed and conveyed transients slightly better but it just didn’t sound as relaxed, musical and organic as my E-650. With E-650, music just floats! At the end of the day, it’s all comes down to SYNERGY.

lalitk

Shane, three of the four ground posts can be used to ground Tannoy’s. I will share my impressions once Entreq and darTZeel are here. Cheers!

lalitk

Hey Shane, thanks for sharing your in-depth feedback on amps. Both Zanden and Absolare been on my list to try with Canterbury’s. I recently went through the similar transformation on my digital front end when I switched from EMM Labs DA2 / Aurender N20 to Merging Technologies Trio :-) Once I heard the +player, +power and +clock trio, there was no going back!  

What’s next, I have darTZeel CTH-8550 on the way. Should be interesting to find out how darTZeel pairs with my Tannoy’s and betters my current reference - Accuphase. I also have Entreq Tellus II on the list to try next in my system. Does it ever end..LOL! 

Enjoy music and the journey my friend! 

lalitk

Shane, how do you like GAIA’s underneath Tannoy’s. I am switching to wood flooring and looking at feet options. Hope you’re still enjoying Absolare paring with Canterbury’s.

lalitk

That's great to hear! Very few amps out there that can convey mid-range 'magic' with enough grunt in the low end. I know Canterbury's loves power, they may not demand it but nevertheless loves the extra juice. I went from 8W SET to 30W, class A and the difference was day n night. I have added Absolare Hybrid to my wish list, thanks for your feedback. Enjoy!

lalitk

Shane, how do like Absolare Passion Amp with Canterbury’s?

lalitk

Congrats Shane! Based on my experience I think you’re going to love the DV2. The DAC in DV2 is absolutely one of the best digital converter on the market.

lalitk

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