Apogee Duetta Signature and Classe Audio Magic

by dasign on Ever Evolving
Apogee Duetta Signature and Classé Audio System
Sonore Optical Rendu and Linear Power Supply (front view)
Sonore Optical Rendu and Linear Power Supply (back view)
Sonore OpticalModule and Uptone Audio LPS-1.2 linear power supply
Denafrips Hermes DDC
Denafrips Terminator Plus DAC
Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier
Rebuilt Apogee Duetta Signature
'Hard-Top' External crossover.
New Mid/Tweeter section with Mundorf SGO caps.
New Path Audio and Duelund Cast Graphite resistors
Shunyata Research V-Ray II Power Conditionner
Duelund DIY Power cords

Description

This is the latest edition of my audio system.

In 2021, I sold my Benchmark DAC3 HGC DAC and purchased a Denafrips Terminator Plus R2R ladder DAC.  After reading positive comments from Terminator Plus owners, I purchased the Denafrips Hermes Digital-to-Digital converter for another increase in sound quality. Sold all of my Shunyata Anaconda CX power cords and built DIY power cords, using Duelund 12awg (DCA12GA600V) Tin Plate Copper Hookup Wire. 

In 2020, I added a Benchmark LA4 line amplifier to my system. I replaced all my Acoustic Zen cables (Interconnects and speaker) and built my own interconnect/speaker cables with Duelund Coherent Audio Silver silk in oil wire for a significant improvement in all aspects of sound reproduction. I replaced all internal wiring of my Apogee speakers with Duelund Coherent Audio Silver silk in oil wire. I rebuilt my crossovers for the second time, using Mundorf Supreme EVO silver/gold/oil capacitors for the mid/tweeter section. Also replaced Duelund Standard graphite resistors by Duelund Cast Graphite and Audio PAth resistors. My system has now reached a peak in system resolution and palpability. It is now scary good!

In 2019, I improved my digital front end moving from the Benchmark DAC2-HGC to the DAC3-HGC DAC. 

Also improved the streamer technology, moving from an Sonore UltraRendu to the OpticalRendu fed via an Ethernet-fiber cable coming from Sonore OpticalModule. All DAC upstream active devices are fed via separate linear PS (OpticalRendu/Optical Module). Feeding my DAC via the Sonore optical gear really drastically reduced upstream noise.

During same year, I replaced my Krell FPB-350 MCX monoblocks by the Classé Audio CA-M600 monoblocks driving my Apogge Duetta Signature ribbon panel speakers. 

In 2014, I started fiddling with Shunyata power cords and ended up replacing all cords by Anaconda CX power cords. Later during same year, I got me a Shunyata V-Ray II power conditioner which helped cleaning up residual noise.

Started fiddling with Bybee quantum purifiers which are the cheapest tweaks available for audiophiles. Tried them out in the AC circuit of my Benchmark DAC. This provided an increase in micro-details better 3D imaging and less residual noise. Like that so much that I installed internal Bybee Speaker Bullit Kit in my external rebuilt Xover. Getting closer to the live musical experience with all of these modifications.

I also added Synergistics Research FEQ and HFT devices. Wow, these really blew my mind. Bass under control, huge soundstage, (no walls Ma!) and minor room echo gone!

In 2013, I purchased a pair of Mye Sound speaker stands which were the first Mye Sound design for an Apogee speaker. This has increased fine detail resolution and bass solidity. 

In 2010, I sent my pair of Apogee to be rebuilt by Rich Murry from True Sound Works who did a magnificent job in replacing the ribbons and strengthening the speaker chassis. This got rid of the famous Apogee buzz when ribbons start to get too old. 

In 2008, I have completely rebuilt the Apogee Xover using latest audiophile grade components (Mundorf Supreme caps, Duelund resistors, Alphacore foil inductors, Neotech pure silver wiring, Cardas solder, etc.) which provided a tremendous increase in frequency extension and resolution. 
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Sonore OpticalModule
    The Sonore opticalModule is a bi-directional fiber media converter or FMC. The opticalModule has an SFP fiber optic transceiver on one side and an RJ45 connector on the other side. The unit can be used to add fiber-optic networking to your existing wired network or convert your existing fiber optic network to a wired network. The unit can be used with a microRendu, ultraRendu, opticalRendu, Signature Rendu, or any other network endpoint
    • Sonore OpticalRendu
    The Sonore OpticalRendu is a Fiber-Ethernet input to USB output network streamer. I am using it in conjunction with Roon/Tidal streaming application.
    • Denafrips Hermes DDC

    The Hermes is a Digital To Digital Converter. It took 3 years for Denafrips to perfect its development. It leveraged the technologies found in their award-winning DAC, namely,  their proprietary FPGA DSP processing, FIFO buffer & reclocking, industry leading USB audio interface solution via STM32F466 Advanced AMR based MCU. I am feeding the Hermes with the USB output from my OpticalRendu. The Hermes I2S output feeds the I2S via HDMI cable to the Denafrips DAC. I am also using the OCXO clock output of the DAC to synchronise the Hermes. The Hermes/T-Plus combo are achieving the best sound I ever had in my system.

    • Denafrips Terminator Plus

    The Denafrips Terminator plus is a reference-grade DAC with proprietary R2R + DSD Architecture. The Terminator Plus is easy to use and can play both PCM and DSD files. It is seriously well made with a very sturdy/heavy construction. It offers native I²S transmission using several types of cabling. It offer superb sound at a reasonable price.

    • Benchmark LA4 line amplifier
    I read so many positive reviews on this line amp, that I had to purchase it. I was hesitant on this purchase, since I already had the Benchmark DAC3 HGC, which is already equipped with a preamp section. 

    Also read many Gon forum posting on DACs with preamplifier section, which were not totally satisfactory from a musical standpoint. Many audiophiles have reported sonic benefits by adding a preamp to a DAC already equipped with a preamp section.

    What really convinced me was a YouTube video from Jay’s audio lab demonstrating the addition of an Audio Research preamp (Ref6 SE) to a DCS Rossini DAC equipped with a preamp section.

    The addition of the LA4 to my DAC3 HGC was a major increase in sound quality. It kind of diminished some of the digital glare of the DAC making it sound more analog. Also, the soundstage width/depth expanded a few feet’s into my listening room.
    • Classé Audio CA-M600
    Classé Audio monoblocs employs differential circuitry in class AB mode. Power output is 600/1220 watts in 8/4 ohms load. S/N -120 db at peak power in 8 ohms.
    • Apogee Duetta Signature (100% rebuilt)
    Planar dual-ribbon speaker. 86 dB efficiency. Frequency response of 30 Hz to 20 kHz. Operated in bi-wired mode.
    • Duelund Coherent Audio Silver Foil Silk/Oil impregnated
    2 meter XLR pure silver interconnect.
    • Duelund Coherent Audio Silver Foil Silk/Oil biwired
    6 feet pure silver shotgun cable for bi-wiring purposes.
    • Shunyata Research Hydra V-Ray II
    The Shunyata V-Ray v2 is one of the world's most respected passive power conditioner. The fully upgraded V-Ray v2 actually delivers a smoother, more resolved, and more dynamic performance.

Comments 17

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Owner
Thank you John…

dasign

WOW congratulations on such a beautiful system I can only imagine how magical it sounds.

townshend-audio

Owner
@fitcape 

Sorry for the late reply. I no longer have the wooden crates. I really thought there was no aftermarket for these and dismantled them.

dasign

Hello, do you have the wooden crates for these ?

fitcape

Nice room and system!
Happy Listening!

jafant

Hello Dasign,

Congrats on your system and mods! I am sure it sounds wonderful.

I will try some of the changes/tweeks/cables you mentioned!

Cheers,

VPN

vn101606

Owner
Thanks michaelspallone. The Xover rebuild was such a learning experience. The new ribbon coils just provided solid and defined bass compared to the originail wirewound coils. The Mundorf Supreme capacitors which took a few months to breakup provided a 3D stage and overall increase in resolution that was missing with the original capacitors. 

Also replaced speaker connectors with top of the line WBT. I'm still thinking what the Apogees would have sounded like with the Mundorf Silver/Gold in oil. The final touch was when I had my DS rebuilt by Rich Murry to replace all ribbons, rubber foam and structure strengthened. What is fun with rebuilt Apogee is that you can easily hear the immediate impact when substituting audio components.

I have upgraded my digital music source using a Sonore Microrendu and different power supplies feeding my PC and router. I will post new picture shortly on my system updates.

dasign

I love your entire system. I however especially love your modified Apogee crossover. It reminds me of the complete crossover modification I did to my Meadowlark Blue Herons, Mundorf Silver Gold in Oil caps, along with Mundorf ribbon foil copper coils. What a difference! I'm sure you're hearing the same improvement.

michaelspallone

I had a pair of the Duettas but  sold them as I was getting ready to move and as I didn't have the boxes, Was moving into a smaller room also. Really smaller now, a two bedroom apt. My wife decided she didn't need an old man in bad health. I have moved back to Indiana. Have what I consider a good system set up.

stanwal

Owner
Hi Gervit,

Sorry for the late reply, I have surfed sporadically on th Gon sitev, since I'm pretty happy with the sound of my system. Do not rely on the value put on masking tape on the coils by Apogee. I would recommend that you use a inductance meter to validate the value of your coils. Apparently no coils are the same with the DS.

dasign

Beautiful set up! These Krells sound great, congrats.
I´ve ADS too, and I love it. I rebuilt all ribbons, but still don´t xover, because I've a few doubt about inductors value.
I hope don't be offend, but can you tell me what values alpha core Goertz? Thanks

gervit

Owner
I am directly feeding my Krell monoblocks via my Benchmark balanced outputs. The Benchmark preamp is really clean with no audible noise when I crank it up at maximum volume with no audio.

dasign

Hello, can you tell me if you are using solid state pre amp or tube LS ?
thx

lucajames

Owner
System edited: Added FEQ and HFT from Synergistics Research!

dasign

Love your system you can really see the work you have put into it. Thanks for posting.

needfreestuff

Owner
Roccl007,

Thanks for your comments. The back diffusors have helped in deploying a more realistic soundstage and minimize some reflections. The imaging of the DS is really fabulous and I don't need any subs for bass content. The room size is 18'L x 12'W x 8'H and sounds great.

I can play them at ear shattering volume without too much room resonances. I have Volcano fiberglass in ceilings and Gypse walls. Two of the walls (left /back) are made of concrete covered with gypse as well as basement floor (covered with vinyl planks). I am also using HFT's from Synergistics Research which have minimized high frequency echo.

I'm pretty much done on room acoustics which were an eye opener (or ear opener :-))

dasign

Congratulations Dan for a really nice set up a good thing in the back about your sky liner trap on the back wall. You must feel high sound pressure when crancked up. I think the duetta must image very well + a deep bass. What is about he room size ? From the pics it seem a bit small. Really nice effort you put in this set up. !!!!!

roccl007

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