Description

Various drive types are constantly being tested with the goal of creating modern re-engineered interpretations based on a few hand selected classic designs, which have already stood the test of time with flying colors. Blending of Art and Engineering takes time, skill and patience. We continue working to improve each model's existing performance potential as time permits. Although analog is my primary playback source, I do enjoy digital based music at times from which I play through a hard drive based front end.
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Components Toggle details

    • David Berning Co MicroZ custom OTL preamp
    (2) 6SN7
    (2) 12AT7
    OTL Vacuum Tube preamp and headphone amplifier
    TKD Volume pot
    NOS Tubes
    • Tron Comet
    Tube preamp Designed by Graham Tricker in the UK. NOS matched tubes various from Vintage Tube Services.
    • Van den Hul Colibri XGM
    Hand built Low Output Moving Coil cartridge 0.28mv output, Gold Coils, metal body
    • LaHave Avaaza
    Accurate phase and time aligned floor standing loudspeaker using RAAL ribbon tweeter seamlessly mated to Seas 8" Full Range Papyrus cone driver below. LaHave audio have been quietly designing loudspeakers for the recording industry and audiophiles for over 20 years in Nova Scotia.
    • Durand Talea II
    Uni Pivot based wood tonearm from Joel Durand in Washington state. Open, airy and musical. Build quality & fit/finish superb.
    • Air Tight PC-1 Supreme
    Low output moving coil cartridge. Open, musical, resolving overall a top notch cartridge.
    • SoundSmith Sussuro Paua
    Low output moving iron phono cartridge. Loads best here at 2.1k ohms. Superb vocals, midrange and dynamics.
    • David Berning Co ZH2100 OTL Mono Blocks
    Custom made David Berning ZH2100 mono block ZOTL vacuum tube amplifiers. Featuring 1,000,000 microfarad capacitance power supplies. Power, finesse, speed and resonant switching power supply.
    • David Berning Co TF-12
    Highly Modified Berning TF12 with Jensen Step Transformers, NOS Tubes and Caps.
    • David Berning ZH-270 Modifed
    Berning ZH270 OTL push pull amplifier with resonant switching power supply and NOS tubes. Coupling cap and Ceramic fuse upgraded. Tonally correct + clear clean accurate sound. Giant performance in a small efficient package. The little engine that could and did, if you will.
    • Artisan Fidelity Achates
    Lenco motor based mega modified idler drive with our reference bearing, platter, chassis plates and linkage. Huge soundstage, dynamics and bass to die for. A reference for most. (My personal Achates is actually Black, this Audi Pearlescent White model belongs to a customer)
    • Artisan Fidelity Technics Sp10Mk2 Next Generation
    Highly modified Technics Sp10Mk2 direct coupled Panzerholz CLD plinth, bearing drain, Stillpoints isolation integrated. Rock solid speed accuracy, pitch and steadiness.
    • Zesto Audio Andros PS-1
    Vacuum Tube phono stage made in the USA. Plenty of gain and load settings for mm and mc cartridges.
    • Whest PS.30RDT
    Solid State phono stage from Whest in England. Clean, clear, punchy sound with outstanding channel separation and many loading options.
    • Numerous Stereovox
    Stereovox, Morrow, Stage III.
    • Technics Sp10Mk2 Control and Logic
    Outboard Technics Sp10Mk2 control and logic circuitry housed in our custom Aluminum chassis.
    • Artisan Fidelity CNC Record Clamp
    Billet Aluminum precision record clamp. 13oz. with bubble level.
    • Kuzma 4 Point
    My current reference, the Kuzma 4 point is a brilliant piece of modern tonearm engineering. Rivals the very best with ease.
    • Durand Telos
    Top of the line uni pivot based design from Joel Durand. Once setup properly is an over achiever.
    • Lyra Delos
    Low output moving coil with Lyra's 6th generation magnetic coil alignment geometry. High value and one of the most musically satisfying Lyra's I've heard. They finally got the midrange right on this one.
    • Reed 3P Pernambuco
    Neutrality, resolution and musicality are key traits. Cryo C37 Copper wire, Eichmann rca, 9.5" eff. length
    • Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    Ebony and Carbon based dual pivot tonearm from Origin Live in England. Great musicality and balance all the way around, the resident workhorse.
    • Lyra Atlas
    Low output moving coil cartridge. Articulate, spacious and resolving with outstanding channel separation.
    • Miyajima, Ortofon A90, Air Tight Various moving coil, moving iron
    Various moving coil and moving iron cartridges - Ortofon A90 Clearaudio, Miyajima, Air Tight, Van den Hul and SoundSmith.
    • Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement
    (Tonearm not shown) Transcription Garrard 301 based idler drive, reference large bore Sapphire bearing and balanced ss platter. Ground up motor rebuild. Huge sound, open with superb bass and slam. World class all the way around over a year spent in the development and prototyping phases.
    • Artisan Fidelity Garrard 401
    Highly modified vintage idler drive originally made in England using our precision reference bearing and plinth. Dynamics, drive and musicality.
    • Artisan Fidelity Prototype
    Michigan Maple cable risers (solid). Testing and prototyping currently.
    • Steve Blinn Designs Custom
    Custom Maple and Aluminum modular equipment rack with Brass feet.
    • Artisan Fidelity Precision CNC Record Mat
    Precision CNC Aluminum Record Mat to be announced shorty. Specifications: Material - 6061 Aircraft Aluminum Thickness - 4.5 mm Weight - 28oz. Outside Diameter - 298mm Machined Surface Tolerance - .0004
    • Artisan Fidelity Technics Sp10Mk2 Copper Gunmetal / Aluminum Platter
    Precision machined Copper Gunmetal / Aircraft Aluminum platter upgrade for Technics Sp10Mk2. Benefits in aiding a lower noise floor with increased inner resolution and focus.
    • Technics SP-10 mkIII
    Direct Coupled Constrained Layer damped Panzerholz high mass plinth with integrated Quiet Core active bearing drain system. One of the greatest analog playback instruments every designed.
    • Miyajima Kansui
    Low Output cross ring moving coil with lowish compliance. Musical, resolving, not your typical moving coil. A keeper for sure.
    • SMARTractor Universal Alignment Protractor
    Loefgren A / Baerwald DIN/Loefgren A Baerwald IEC Loefgren B DIN / Loefgren B IEC/UNI-DIN Alignment Geometry
    • Artisan Fidelity Garrard 301 Statement Inverted Modular Sapphire Bearing design
    Latest version Garrard 301 Statement by Artisan Fidelity featuring the world's first inverted bearing modular platter design.
    • Artisan Fidelity CNC Isolation Spikes
    CNC Machined Stainless Steel and Tungsten Carbide Isolation spikes.
    • Schroder TA-1
    Ceramic Bearing Snakewood wand. Energetic, musical and resolving.
    • Artisan Fidelity Technics Sp10Mk3NGS
    The ultimate expression of a direct drive, based on the drive system of the venerable Technics Sp10Mk3 platform.
    • Kuzma XL DC
    Kuzma's flagship belt drive turntable paired with Kuzma 4Point tonearms.
    • Ypsilon Electronics MC-10 SUT
    Step Up Transformer for Moving Coil Cartridges
    • Ikeda IST-201
    Low Output Moving Coil Step Up Transformer
    • Hashimoto HM-7
    Low Output Moving Coil Step Up Transformer
    • Miyabi Labs Fuuga
    Low Output 0.35mv Moving Coil cartridge  - in a word, breathtaking...
    • David Berning Co. Octal Preamp Custom Hand Made 6SN7 based Pure Vacuum Tube
    David Berning Co. Octal Preamp Custom Hand Made 6SN7 based Pure Vacuum Tube Resonant Outboard Switching Power Supply

Comments 23

Nice stuff

tzh21y

I see your nice collection of SUT's any comments on the Ypsilon vrs the rest of them?

pcosta

Owner
Grannyring, My apologies for the delay in responding, busy here developing and improving various turntable enhancements and designs which often leaves little time to follow up on forum threads. In fact, my system above needs some updating as well.

The LaHave model I am using currently is called the AVaaZa and I did also have the pleasure of evaluating the Khara model prior to purchasing, which I did find a lovely design, a bit more transparent and open than the Thermopylae. The AVaaZa are a fairly large floor standing, ported, 2-way design which use a RAAL ribbon in conjunction with SEAS Full Range Prestige FA22RCZ (paper and Papyrus Cone) driver and are time and phase aligned, crossover point is high, but the specifications you would need to check with the LaHave designer (Jim M.) about. The speaker possesses an open, airy 3D like quality with a midrange presence rarely found in anything close to their respective price point. My cabinets were ordered in raw form and are unfinished at the moment, but we will be finishing them before long. Once they are back in the system, I will post pictures. The real quandary now is what automotive paint color or hardwood finish to choose? :)

chris74

Gotcha. Thanks.

roxy54

I know. Just helping out as he is quiet and I spoke to the builder.

grannyring

Grannyring,
Sorry for the misunderstanding, I was actually addressing the remark to Chris74.

roxy54

No the website does not show my speaker which is also a step above. They are in the process of updating it I am told.

grannyring

I wonder if their website is up to date, because your ad says that you are selling them to move up the LeHave line, but on the website, your speakers are the top of the line.

roxy54

What speaker are you now using as I see your fine Lahave speakers are for sale? I own the khara which are much like yours only with the Raal ribbon tweeter and a base platform on the bottom of the cab.

grannyring

Love to hear more about your Lahave speakers and your enjoyment of them. They look stunning!

grannyring

Owner
System edited: Ikeda IT 407CR1 tonearm heading in for evaluation next.

chris74

Owner
System edited: Reed 3P tonearms added to the mix. One of the most neutral and honest sounding designs I've experienced to date. Listening to the 9.5" and 12" 3P models with azimuth on the fly capability.

chris74

Owner
Cousinbillyl, My apologies for the delayed response, been busy designing and prototyping as of late and therefore neglecting to pay attention to forums. To answer your question regarding the Kuzma 4Point, yes, in my opinion it is a worthy consideration. The 4Point has delivered in spades here and its quite different than the Talea II in terms of presentation and interaction. (Dealer disclaimer)

chris74

Owner
System edited: Technics Sp10Mk2 Copper Gunmetal / Aircraft Aluminum platter added to accessories.

chris74

Hello Chris

If I may bother you for a moment.

I have the Talea ll. I am thinking of adding another arm/cartridge (Universe ll), to my TT.

If I told you the Kuzma 4 point was at the top of my list, what would you say.

The Telos is a bit out of my price range.

Bill

cousinbillyl

Owner
Franks, the Sussuro Paua in my experience is a worthy contender to moving coils, and depending upon your tastes, may be something to consider settling into for the long term. The only caveat perhaps is the loading, which for this cartridge (in my system) is optimal in the 2k-2.2k range. This factor will undoubtedly limit phono stage compatibility to a degree. Certain users seem able to settle on a 1k load, however, if running the Paua you owe it to yourself to hear what it is truly capable of, which requires experimenting with loads between 1k and 2.5k or slightly higher.

Characteristics of the Paua are a slightly upfront presentation, great "bite" on saxophone and brass instruments (esp. jazz recordings), bass weight on the lowest octaves just a touch light but pleasing nonetheless, midrange clarity may be its forte and where its greatest strength lies. Dynamics macro and micro, not explosive per se akin to the VDH Colibri or Hyperion but quite fast still.

chris74

Gorgeous turntables and system. Could you comment how the Soundsmith Paua compares to your moving coils.
Thanks

franks

Your system is indeed a work of art. Must be very enjoyable to experience. Well done!

glenfihi

Owner
Looks aside, the LaHave's are standouts in a world full of "hifi" sound. Should you ever find yourself in the Chicagoland area be sure to stop in for a listen.

chris74

Owner
Dan, thanks for your remarks and congratulations on completion of your Garrard 401 project. Were you able to successfully service and check the motor bushings and bearing internals? Everything must be taken into account with the vintage Garrards, as their mechanical condition may range drastically from unit to unit. Other key factors also play vital roles in proper functioning but this topic may be best to discuss directly, as so many variables exist. Potential is something the stock Garrard 401 truly has, so should your ambitions ever take you in the direction of an upgrade path, you are in for a treat.

chris74

Hello Chris,

I have been admiring your turntable builds for some time now, and while I couldn't afford one of your beautiful creations, I managed to self-restore a Garrard 401, which I stripped down and had powder-coated gloss black.

A Dynavector 501 arm has been mounted on it, and I have found a large slice of what the best of what analog has to offer, on a budget I could afford.

By no means as elegant as the beauties you create, and somewhat crude in comparison, it just shows how well engineered these old tables are.

Your LeHave speakers are stunning, and with all the great gear you have to provide the necessary support functions, music listening has to be a something very special.

The fact you are able to test your own efforts in such a system would keep things interesting, and involving. Very impressive system, one that would be joy to listen to.

Congratulations, and keep up the great work.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Metralla, Thank you for the kind words. There is always more to learn and subtle ways of improving upon our existing designs but after several years of design work, I am proud to state that our top tier offerings such as the Achates and Technics Sp10 based models are mature designs capable of running along side some of the very finest analog front ends currently available.

chris74

Those are two very beautiful turntables - nice work and thanks for posting your system. You have some very interesting pieces.

Regards,

metralla

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