Good to see another focal fan my old utopia's just seem to get better with age I know it sounds funny but it's true.

cylinderking_1 March 04, 2017 20:59

After considerable reflection and R & R, I have decided to forego my analog experience at this time.  Instead, I plan to upgrade my existing digital system as much as is sensible and  leave it at that.

I know that after the shiny newness wore off, I would not be happy with the effort (and money) required to both play and maintain a quality analog system.  At that point, I would probably sell it and take a loss on my purchases.  By arriving at this decision now, I am able to return most of my purchases to Music Direct and come out almost whole again.  I do still need to find a home for my Allnic phono stage that is new in the box - I am currently selling it through Albert Porter at a great price on this site - ask him about it....

For me, the above decision makes the most sense at this point.  I may change my mind later, but I doubt it.  When I can get my digital system to approach, equal and in some cases even better expensive analog systems, at least to my ears, I feel no need to explore the bottomless money pit that is called "analog".  (Probably one of my more intelligent decisions in a while) :-)

fplanner2000 November 30, 2015 17:43

Decided to wait until January to make analog additions. Turntable still isn't here yet and my busy season at work is at hand.

In addition, VAC is now working on a new high end phono stage that should be ready around CES, maybe. That is the piece I want to add to my all-VAC system, so the Allnic phono stage is now for sale, unopened. What I really want is the Statement Phono Stage, but its beyond my budget.(Plus I already have the Statement Line Stage in the circuit)

The timing on this will work much better for me now and things will be simplified, which I like.

fplanner2000 October 09, 2015 23:51

I've currently gotten the Allnic and phono cables in. Hope to receive the VPI and Ortofon cartridge within the next week or so. :-) Already started accumulating great lp's based on suggestions from other A'gon members to a thread on the subject I put up several weeks ago. Thanks for all your responses!!

fplanner2000 September 08, 2015 22:21

Lak-
Thanks for the positive comments - I hope you're right.:-)

I might have everything in 3-4 weeks if I'm lucky; if not, 5-7 weeks. I'll also need to find someone in town to help me put it all together who really knows their way around analog gear.....

fplanner2000 August 17, 2015 08:07

Fplanner2000,
Glad to hear you like what you are hearing with the High Fidelity URR PC.
The VPI Classic Signature Turntable complete with a 10" JMW 3d printed tonearm, and the Ortofon Windfeld MC phono cartridge should sound awesome ;-)!
And the H3000 LCR Mk2 is definitely a stand out from Albert. I had purchased the Allnic H-2101 from Albert and am enjoying it!
When do you expect to have the goodies?

lak August 17, 2015 06:57

After considerable thought, I came to the conclusion that if analog didn't sound any good in my system, there would be something wrong with my ears. Given that, I decided to take advantage of a few opportunities that came my way.

I will be getting a VPI Classic Signature Turntable complete with a 10" JMW 3d printed tonearm, as well as an Ortofon Windfeld MC phono cartridge. Both have won a number of awards and have been recommended by several highly-experienced analog friends, notably Kevin Hayes of VAC, so I am totally comfortable with these purchases.

I also came across an interesting opportunity on a demo Allnic phono-stage, namely the H3000 LCR Mk2, and so will be getting that as well. This will be thanks to the efforts of Albert Porter in Dallas, another audiophile buddy.

Don't see how I can go wring with these choices, especially to start. They may or may not ever be upgraded, depending upon my experience with them in my system. I am satisfied that they are of high enough quality to sound great in my system and provide some of that "analog magic" that purely digital systems, including my own, seem to lack. I can't wait!! :-) (

Again, this seems more like a foregone conclusion than a real "experiment", which is why these purchases make sense to me...)

fplanner2000 August 16, 2015 22:19

I am currently contemplating a possible foray into the analog realm of our hobby. I have heard incredible analog performances out of gear very similar to mine at various shows over the past several years. This makes me curious as to what my system might sound like with an analog front end. On the other hand, I don't have the time nor patience for the brain damage many incur when they enter the analog world. As a result, I have decided to do a bit of experimenting with some different entry-level-type analog front ends. I realize that the rest of my system is very far from "entry-level" - at this point, I just want to get a feel for whether my room and system will like analog. I'm aware the sound will be different - after allowances for the lower quality of the analog gear, if I hear indications that its at best a lateral move, the experiment is over. On the other hand, if it shows promise, I will probably switch out some of the analog gear and then re-listen. At this point, I have nothing to lose and an opportunity to "plug-and-play" an analog front end into a really good high-end system to see what happens. I'm excited by the potential, but also leery of the brain damage.... :-) Plan to start this within a month or so, depending upon gear and my availability...

fplanner2000 August 13, 2015 22:47

Maybe u should try Stillpoints mini on focal psu if u have not .

audioblazer June 17, 2015 10:31

Fantastic news...always great when you already own them...nothing wasted, everything gained!

lloydelee21 June 13, 2015 05:52

Threaded Stillpoint Ultra 5s into bottoms of Focals - bass instantly got tighter and entire presentation got more realistic. I can't believe I waited this long to do this! Ultras were left over from my prior speakers.

fplanner2000 June 10, 2015 13:56

The HF URR pcs between wall and p-10 regenerators continue to impress. They are about even as far as break-in is concerned and if I had to guess, would estimate they are probably only about 30% broken in, if that. Noticeable changes are still happening pretty regularly, as I get surprised by an added detail or nuance, or a bass line that just reveals itself out of nowhere. Separation and detail keep improving as well - Holst's Planets has become startlingly REAL, for example. The system has also gotten noticeably quieter - the blackness has gotten blacker, so to speak. Very happy at this point. :-)

fplanner2000 March 23, 2015 18:47

System edited: Added a High Fidelity Ultimate Reference Rhodium power cable last weekend between wall and one of the 2 P-10 power regenerators. Results were outstanding - even better than I expected and break-in has barely started. Added another today for the other 1/2 of my system. Full break-in will probably take months, but I am already noticing positive changes - tighter, faster bass, better separation, more information in the presentation and even better musicality. Everything is coming together to sound pretty remarkable, at least to my ears. Fortunately, there is still more break-in to go with my preamp and its newly upgraded CCA tubes, as well as the rack and Rhodium power cables. Every time I turn on the system now, there is something new that I hadn't heard before to greet me. Its really quite amazing to hear different background noises I've never heard before, or buried bass lines, etc. I don't see tinkering with this system any more for YEARS!! YAAAAYY!!

fplanner2000 February 20, 2015 18:50

Larry-
As your comment points out, this is a very subjective area. My system also has mostly HF UR interconnects, so already has a fairly high degree of magnetic properties. Another suggestion might be to try the ICs if you haven't already in connection with a HF pc. What others have found is that using several of the HF power cords, regardless of level, creates a presentation unlike anything they've heard before. You might also give Rick a call, tell him what you've done and the results, and see what he suggests. I have found him to be very helpful and responsive. He will help you figure out a solution within your budget.

fplanner2000 February 14, 2015 11:37

Fplanner2000,
The first place I put my U power cord was my CDP (for 1 1/2 weeks), then I moved it to my preamp (for 1 1/2 weeks) and then my amp (for 1 1/2 weeks). Each time I tried the U power cord in each component I thought I heard improvement, but when I put the the original power cord back in it sounded just as good. I came to the conclussion (after reading your comment above) that maybe I need to try a UR power cord (which I can't afford...LOL!).

lak February 14, 2015 08:44

Larry-
Will do. I have already compared P-4 to HF UR pc on my transport. It wasn't even close, with the HF winning. More clarity, detail, musicality, etc. Needless to say, if possible, I would try a HF pc on your CDP to see if you duplicate my results.

fplanner2000 February 13, 2015 09:58

Fplanner2000;
Let us know your thoughts regarding the High Fidelity URR PC from the wall to 1 of my P-10's, in the place of a High Diamond P-4.
Recently I slid my P-4 (from my Integrated amp) over to my CDP and put my HF Ultimate power cord onto my Allnic T-1500 Integrated 300b amp.

lak February 13, 2015 08:17

Will be trying a High Fidelity URR PC from the wall to 1 of my P-10's this weekend, in the place of a High Diamond P-4. This could prove quite interesting. :-)

fplanner2000 February 12, 2015 22:51

Mark-
Hard to go wrong with VAC, if that's the direction you take.

fplanner2000 February 10, 2015 11:28

Thank you very much...all you tube guys got me thinking.....uh, oh, danger ahead!!! I am definitely going to seek out some VAC gear soon!

zephyr24069 February 09, 2015 03:49

Thanks Mark. As we say, "my system doesn't suck" at this point. :-)

I'm glad you've gotten to experience the P-02/D-02 combination for yourself. There are many setting options that allow you to tailor the sound to your system, room and preferences. I'm really enjoying mine as well, and have for several years.

As far as my amps are concerned, I love 'em. I have been a "tube" guy for about 10 years now and it is the sound I prefer. I've had very good luck with the VAC gear over the years and the company is a pleasure to work with. Everything is built to extremely high standards and they last for many years. Once I heard the "VAC sound", I was hooked and still am. All the good things you read about VAC are very true. I know a number of people across the world who won't use anything BUT VAC, regardless of system level. The biggest surprise I had early on, in addition to the incredible midrange, is how fast, deep and tight the bass is. Outperforms many very good solid-state amps. Kevin told me this many years ago and of course I didn't believe him. Turns out he was 1000% correct.

In addition, there is great synergy between VAC and Esoteric products - they are frequently the digital source for VAC show displays like CES, RMAF, etc.

Depending upon your power needs, I would either look at monos or maybe the 160i integrated with the SE upgrade. The 160SE is probably the best bang for the buck currently in the VAC lineup, especially if you spin vinyl.

You have a very nice system and some VAC gear will make it that much better, in my opinion. Good luck and let me know what you decide.

fplanner2000 February 07, 2015 13:55

Lloyd....boy were you right on the P-02/D-02,....I've completed breakin on the various options I will utilize for RB playback and have the P-02 slaved to the D-02 in 22.xx master clock mode with phenomenal results.

Currently burning in SACD playback then we are onto USB from there.....lots of combinations to burn-in with these units!

The 02s dig into recordings as I've never heard before showing me even more detail, dynamics, more bass to die for and adding even more musicality and an even more massive and precise soundstage. The 03s were fantastic; the 02s are simply better!

See my system/other threads for the combo of filters and options that will be my go-to options for all RBCD playback....

How do you like the VAC tube amps? I've been doing tons of reading and off on many tangents around tubes; a trusted friend has recently strongly suggested the VAC PHI or above for amplification. I still love my NL12.1 and am thinking about the Maker Audio NL14 stereo with balanced output transformers and all the latest frills but his tube question is nagging at me......

Your system has grown and matured by leaps and bounds; it must sound fantastic!!!

zephyr24069 February 07, 2015 07:47

Finally got my system to the point where I easily get immersed in the great soundstage it creates. From the most delicate passages to the loudest crescendos, the presentation is as true to the source as any I've ever experienced. Several key parts of the system are still breaking in, so every day it gets a little better sounding than the day before. This is obviously very subjective on my part, which is FINE, considering I'm the person that has to go through the torture of listening to it.... :-).

fplanner2000 February 04, 2015 22:45

System edited: pics added

fplanner2000 January 03, 2015 13:34

Thanks Larry - I love them!! Will be posting some pics of my updated room as soon as I get the chance with new Critical Mass pieces, etc.

fplanner2000 December 30, 2014 08:17