Apogee Duetta Signature and Classe Audio Magic

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

New Mid/Tweeter section with Mundorf SGO caps.

New Path Audio and Duelund Cast Graphite resistors

Shunyata Research V-Ray II Power Conditionner

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.

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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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 August 03, 2016 07:32

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