I wanted to build a tube system around the highly sensitive Focus HD's, which present a very stable 4 ohm load. With the NEO250's optimized for a 5 ohm load, I thought it would be a good match. The HD's havent hit the 300 hour mark yet, so the transformation hasnt started yet. The amps currently have less than 50 hours on them as well. However they are starting to mesh well. Thinking about upgrading into the new Fosgate Signature tube phono stage, which is dual mono. Some tweeks here and there left, such as room treatments, that should keep me busy for awhile.Oh, and chasing those ground loops...
Each powered by dedicated PS Audio Premier.These sound better everyday
PS Audio Power Plant Premier
powers NEO250's, one each channel
PS Audio P-500
powers all sources
Signal Cable Silver Resolution
good budget cables
Legacy Audio Focus HD
Focus HD's. The long road to break in.
Signal Cable Ultra
biwired
PS Audio Soloist
Wall outlets
PS Audio Juice Bars
Model 1 & 2
May-Tec Aluminum
Custom fabrication, Formica wrapped MDF shelves, Timbernation Maple TT platform
Ground Zero Star Grounding System
Helped somewhat, I think, however could never get rid of the ground loop hum between the NEO's and the Premiers, had to lift grounding plugs on PS audio AC cords.
Walker Audio Precision Motor Controller
Decided on this over the VPI SDS-never looked back.
Richard Gray 600S
Parallel inductors, paralleled with each wall outlet duplex on each channel. Next step RGPC 4000W Substation Pro.
No room treatments yet. I'm waiting to get some 2 X 4 foot foam backed boards from a club I belong to- they purchased them for the hall treatment to bring down the harshness of the crowd, but they didnt like the way they looked so they are giving them to me for free. So this will be a little DIY project to maybe cover them with some fabric. If they dont help, I have my eye on RealTraps products, as they are made one town over from me and I can pick them up direct. I'm really not suffering from any resonances but could surely tone things down a bit.
Thanks for the comments! It took a lot of sweat to build this. I believe Legacy products to be some of the most underated speakers on the planet. And they are fairly priced. Oh, and made in the USA!
Keep in mind the highly sensitive Focus HD's, although they are rated at 4 ohms, this is a very stable 4 ohms across the bandwidth. I forgot the lowest dip/frequency Legacy had quoted when I bought these, but these stay pretty consistent and therefore provide adequate amplifier "control". But lets face it, although at almost 95 db/Watt, you still have to move the massive 12 inch drivers, which can handle about 1 inch of excursion. I originally was driving these with the Snappers, and although for most listening it was adequate, I wanted more head room and the NEO's provide plenty (also have a 20 X 40 room so there's a lot of volume to fill).
Regarding the Shrimp vs Jumbo, I'm not sure I can make a claim about the difference in sonics, I never really used the Shrimp enough to tell. I traded up into the Jumbo rather quickly, before the Shrimp was even broken in (and driving Snappers). I pretty much upgraded to the Jumbo for the remote. Getting lazy.
Hi Zephyr, the HD's are starting to really come alive (most of the points you covered)! I think I'm close to the 300 hr mark. Amps are also finally settling down. What did Legacy give you for trade in?
Sorry, no high res shots of the racks. However, the material is aluminum shape extrusion made by a company by the name of MayTec. There is also a company called 80-20 which makes a similar product. You can Google these for more info. This material is generally used in the automation industry, it's the high tech erector set that forms the basis for frames used to house any type of assembly equipment, used to fabricate benches, test stands, etc. I'm in the manufacturing industry and have access to some of the smaller automation houses. A small company in MA cut the pieces to my specs, and I had a local cabinet maker fabricate the 3/4 MDF shelves wrapped in Formica. I used rope caulk for dampening between the racks and shelves and cork/rubber mat between the TT shelf. The TT shelf is made out of 2 inch laminated maple and was made by a guy down in PA. I assembled it. One of these days I'm going to add more damping to it, however as it sits today its pretty inert. It was a fun project but pricey.
Doug, good to hear from you again. Yes I remember your SE review. Regarding the Triode/Tetrode switch, I like both and frequently switch between them (not powered on of course!). When listening to laid back easy listening acoustic, jazz, female voice, when I'm not looking for full power, I prefer the triode. Boy does Anita Baker really shine thru the Focus HD. Tetrode usually when no one is home (wifey and three kids but not often!) for bombastic prog and guitar rock. The NEO's are finally settling in. I think I have the speaker placement almost there, the soundstage is almost dead on. Its fun listening to Roger Waters Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, that barking dog sounds like its right outside the basement window. Yes, always futzing with -DB switches on the back. Power cords are next on my list, I'm going to stick with the PS Audio lineup. VPI SDS as well. Damn ground loop between the NEO's & the PPP's, even Ground Zero couldnt solve. So I'm still tinkering with this. When I have a little more time, yes, I'm going to play around with more carpeting (on wall behind system and wherever needed), room treatments, etc. I'm also going to try out some of Alan Maher's EMI/RFI killers, I talked to a couple people who swear by them. Cheap enough to give a try. I think I'm with this system for the long haul. Maybe some minor changes, I've already got my eye on the new Fosgate Signature Phono Stage, why dont you give a whirl and do a review on it?
Thanks Zephyr. I'll check out the holographs. I was also looking into RealTraps, made one town over. What was the biggest 300+ change- bass response? Ribbon smooths out?
