I now feel that after 30 years I'm hearing my music the way I've always dreamt of.. Fluent, effortless, high bandwidth,image placement is very precise, low level detail and ambient sounds are so clear,the sense of the acoustic space of the recording is now very apparent. Sheer joy!
Balanced Output power supply. Replaced a PS Audio P10, self designed and built to order; 3 individually isolated supply circuits, one for digital (game changer), one for analogue source, and finally a 1.5Kva for amplification. Full DC elimination filter circuit, safety protection fuses on each line, 10 Furutech outputs sockets (gold). Neutrik input socket, selectable voltage display, current displays for each circuit, diplay off switch, non magnetic casework, all silver plated pure copper internal wiring. Led status display for each outlet.
This literally transforms the sound of the system beyond any other upgrade; the P10 did nothing in comparison. The improvement to already good digital is the big shock, just using 16 bit, tonality, space, air, depth, frequency extremes are all transformed. This is how to use digital; isolated power, seperate form all else, very simple! More to follow!
Concert Fidelity Reference DAC 040
Valve NOS DAC, very Natural!
Concert Fidelity LSX2
Hybrid minimalist pre-amplifier of extreme purity, this is Japanese perfection.
Concert Fidelity ZL-120V2SE
120w Mono power amplifiers, solid state purist perfection.
Concert Fidelity ZL-200
The ZL-200 is Designer Masataka's masterpiece, and adheres to his philosophy of less components in the signal path equal better sonics, IF you have the deep understanding required to acheive this, and Masa does, evidently when you hear his work. The ZL-200 is very very special.
Z:axis Audio Components 'Mirage'
Designed with two goals, sonic isolation and energy damping, and sculptural aesthetics that display British craftsmanship at it's very best. The 98.8 here is the result of an 18 month journey through material selection and combination, and it allows the system to breathe life into recording..
Z:axis Audio Components Livewire
Solid, clean, transparent, and ultra dynamic, they have proved to be a revelation, far beyond expectation..
Single ended RCA interconnect. Duelund silver foil/Bocchino B2/damping medea.
Martin Logan Spire
Hybrid Panel and powered 10" Bass Driver, modified with new external crossovers, rewired direct to panel, bass cabinet clad in granite & ceasarstone, Finite Elemente Cerabase feet. Custom crossover's built to original ML spec using Clarity Caps MR's, Duelund resistors & Mundorf copper foil inductors. All SPC wired.
z:axis Audio Components Infinity Digital Interconnect
75ohm Digital, sounds clean as a bell.
Z:axis Audio Components Reference Power Leads
I have 7 of these in the system, and the difference from a budget power lead is significant! These are my own make, good quality parts only, time consuming to produce but with the whole system on them the sum is greater than the parts..
PS Audio left the system earlier this year after I had to question it's contribution in the end. It sold very quickly and the new owner is delighted with it which is great. So, the design for a replacement power supply began last Xmas, and the finished (well, almost) in in use now, and the sonic difference between mains wall outlet, and P10, is an eye opener. I will add more detail about it, but this afternoon a colleague will bring a Kemp conditioner that he uses for comparison, (i don't think there will be any btw). See my system details and pics for more info on what I built. All i can say is it is by far the biggest single jump in sonic ability I have ever heard in my system here, and my wife agrees for once, which means something!
Thanks Peter, and yes I did and replied just this week..
Kevin, I wouldn't be able to judge any arm on an LP12, except Linn's own of course ;-). The two TT's using a SEAC that I have heard have been outstanding, but of course, it is the whole package that makes music, or not!
The MY Ultra Eminent BC will arrive here in the UK in August probably, so I aim for late september to have the turntable plinth built and installed, and this will be run into the new Concert Fidelity TUBE phono stage, SPB040. This piece is not intended to improve upon the original SPA4-c JFET stage, that would be difficult. It is being introduced as the JFET's are now in very short supply, and CF need to hold their remaining stock as service parts. The new design I've not yet heard, but includes MC & MM input, along with a TAPE head input. Gain is by 12AT7 & 12AU7 at output stage. More valve fun ahead then ;-) Rgds, Paul.
Vinyl playback is not too far away now, the motor unit is the Denon DP 3000, modified and rebuilt by Concert Fidelity owner, Masa Tsuda. He replaces all the circuit boards, makes external power supply, rebuild motor, replaces bearings with Sapphire and Ruby bearing, plus some other things i'm not clued up on. We used one of these at T.H.E Show, Newport Beach, and it is staggeringly good. I have sourced a 1978 mint condition SAEC 506/30 tonearm, complete with the ULS-3x Ceramic headshell, and the AS-600E stabiliser weight. It is on my desk as I write, the bearing seem to exhibit seriously low friction, it just dances freely when prompted, wonderful Japanese engineering indeed. Cartridge choice is the MY Sonic Labs Ultra Eminent BC, a decision made after using the Eminent BC at T.H.E show. It seems to be a very special maker indeed, held in very high esteem in Japan. The plinth design is also complete, image above hopefully. Most likely COCOBOLO main plinth, acrylic top plate, solid EBONY tonearm pod, silicone gel isolators in the underside. We will produce two plinth to begin with, one will be for a Sony TT-s 8000 motor unit, the other for the Denon DP 3000. This should be fun!
Very exciting Dan, I'd like to hear your thoughts, i'll give you a call soon. I have not heard a system using the Tripoint but a friend uses the Entreq with fantastic results, so it is something I'm keeping an eye on for future inclusion here perhaps..
Hey Defride sorry I missed your input here, and yep, i did try to convince myself otherwise (i'm told) to avoid the long round trip to pick up a set of speaker platforms but the difference was all too obvious wasn't it?
Domestically, the system is at an all time high, what with the new digital Infinity IC and a rewire to the ML's, it's pretty convincing now, and i'm sure you'd notice on a future visit.. (Always welcome of course)..
A development to the Infinity digital IC has provided an improvement in terms of low level articulation, finer details are standing out better now, coherence across the frequency band has real even-ness whereas before, with all other digital IC's used, there was evidence of a slight muddying only apparent after we have installed this one: so worthy of inclusion in the system without doubt.
Next year will see the system re-gain a Vinyl source, more of a personal project for me as I probably only have 80-100 lps that I would choose to play out of the 500 or so that I have, taste moves on, and my focus on CD and maximising the sq from it has reached a very happy, thrilling and therefore satisfying point now. I have been working on designing a skeletal plinth for a Denon DP3000 that Mr Tsuda has been working his in depth magic on, and will pair this with his wonderful SPA 4c phonostage, a SAEC 506/30 tonearm, but cartridge is to be selected once all up and running, so open to suggestions!
Knghifi, you're welcome, do let me know how you get on, I think ZL120V2SE will be used with CR1 at CES next January in CF room..
Metralla, the bases are a product I have developed along with the rack support, well spotted!! They do help the CR1, each time I have used them, I had to have them placed on the bases, which incidentally I produced for my own ML's. They do raise the speaker more than I would live with personally, but they tighten up the LF and mid range adding better definition and imaging. We initially didn't expect to use them at the show, and left them behind when we set off but after set up and testing, we tried the CR1 on two of the spare shelves for the rack which are of similar construction, and it was clear that we had to use them, so thankfully a colleague drove the 5 hour round trip to collect my pair for when the show opened..
I am not keen on using forums etc to promote my supports etc, but they may be available worldwide next year, and in use at CES 14 in several rooms.
Apologies, I was away and missed your post; back now to catch up..
TAD CR1 is a wonderful speaker, and benefits from power being slightly inefficient at around 86db, but, I would not say there is a huge difference between the two Concert Fidelity amplifiers unless you crave concert hall volume. In a normal domestic setting, both are superb & very synergistic with the TAD's. All pieces have incredible transparency, and although I have not personally heard the E1, I do know that Mr Tsuda has used them very successfully with both ZL-120V2SE and ZL-200. The ZL-200 is very special, but the 120V2SE is in no way a slouch, I happily live with both!
System edited: A development to the shelf providing total isolation form the support has been implemented and will form the basis of the final model. The O2 shelf allows such ease and natural flow of music to an already solid foundation. We showed this system at the UK National Audio Show recently using the TAD CR1's, many visitors suggesting that it topped the best of show sound list.. Immensely pleased indeed..
Yes, I designed it to achieve isolation and damping, and also look like a piece of fine furniture, which has been my profession for all of my working life. I have built up a small company mainly making one-off pieces for client's all around the world. My aim was to market a high end support, one which works exceptionally well on the audio technical side, but also fits well into the home and is more acceptable than the competition from an aesthetic point. The photo's above will be updated soon, these are just iphone shots, but they don't do it justice, it is far better in the flesh.
As far as sonics go, the whole isolation/damping concept has a profound effect, the idea not probably original as it is quite simple, but each shelf has a 12mm layer of ultrafine carbon steel bead (20 micron) that the 23mm CNC machined acrylic floats on and grips into. The carbon steel layer is isolated from the shelf frame and base by a tray of shock absorbent material and the whole shelf sits on 6 silicone gel pads which block all frequencies above 9hz. Incidentally, the layer of carbon steel also serves to isolate each component from RFI/EMI from adjacent pieces. The shelves are very dense too, they weigh 25kgs each, this whole rack weigh's 235kg's. The hardwood frame on this one is Wenge, but we are making a clear Maple and black high gloss on Maple version with four & six shelves. Configurations options are from 3 to 9 shelves. There is some more info on my website, zaxisaudio.com. KR,
System edited: The new rack, after 18 months of design development has finally been installed, and the sonic result is highly encouraging, by far the best this system has ever sounded.
System edited: Livewire speaker cables have been in the system now for 5 month's, this system has to be heard to understand how good it now sounds, truly enlightening..
Yes, i now run the whole system from the P10. It has enough supply for the ASR PSU's, i was not sure at first so tried it and there is an improvement, bass is as clean and articulated/detailed as ive heard ever. The P10 is a re-generator as opposed to a conditioner. I have used several types of mains devices, but only this as a regen. It supplies the voltage to .3 of a volt to what i set it to. To me it has made a definite improvement across the board, even my wife commented..
Dallas,
It should fit, i thought it wouldnt at first, so i know what you are thinking. I was ok with gently pushing the cap back, only a few mm, 1/4 inch over there.. I can email some photos of mine fitted, i'll do this shortly.. Don't panic!
System edited: PS Audio P10 has replaced the two balanced mains transformers to very good effect, this is an excellent piece without a doubt. MBL now used as a transport only, the Concert Fidelity Reference DAC 040 has taken over digital to analogue conversion duties, and is clearly showing it's total mastery of 16 bit RBCD. Interconnects are now the new dc biased Z:Axis Audio RCA's, with the digital version from the MBL to the DAC 040. Biasing the dielectric is the key to good interconnects, it is a significant improvement across the whole spectrum. Rgds, Ps
Good to hear that, it is a straightforward swap, you may need to gently tease a Mundorf cap backwards slightly if you don't use the extenders, let us know how it goes too!
Burson Op-amps have been fitted for 3 weeks and have around 200 hrs on them, and as Tony reports, the results are exceptional. More space, depth, separation and individual instrumental tone. For less than £50, this is an upgrade way beyond what you would get for 10/20 times that in other areas, though results may different if the rest of your system is not as capable.
So, a big thank you to Tony (mantis007), and also Carlos (casouza), for putting me onto the Burson's, and for their valuable info in implementing them.
I have to say that sonically, this system is becoming startlingly resolute, balanced throughout the frequency range, and is proving very hard to drag myself away from to do 'other' things one has to do in life, such as work..!
Hiya Tony, i was going to email you anyway, i had the OP551 as standard so temporarily ordered some AD843's, and added some bypass caps to the V+ and V- pins, (4&7), that went to gnd. Better than the 551's.. Bypass caps helped with the ic, but will be keen to hear the Burson when they arrive this week. They may benefit from bypass caps, will let you know! Thanks for putting me on to this Tony, together with all the other mods, the system is amazing now.
I agree, find speakers that work well for you and your system, then consider rebuild, that will take them up several steps and beyond if you go the whole hog with parts. Even the CLX would benefit though, some have done this internally, but really complete removal makes it so much easier to plan and build.
I am tweaking the ASR op amps as per discussions with Mantis007 and Casouza, and finding that even just adding a bypass circuit to GND is very worthwhile, waiting on some Burson's to test so currently have the AD843 parallel bypassed & grounded, sounds damn good to me!
Ha, :-)) Yes, we are sharing many experiences with these upgrades, and doing it ourselves makes it all the more enjoyable, not to mention the sound per pound/dollar equation.. I have Clapton unplugged/'Old Love' playing right now, and I'm getting a very charged performance from Eric and Chuck, more than ever by a considerable degree, and ive been playing this for 11 years now, a long-standing favourite recording.. I don't think the parts are fully settled yet either, 60 hrs ish.. Have you been enjoying yours over the xmas break?
I forgot to add that a detailed report is on the Martin Logan Owners forum. http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/showthread.php?9600-Spire-with-External-Crossovers-amp-Electronics.&p=143600#post143600 Regards, Paul.
System edited: New Crossover boards have been built and fitted for 6 days now. The result? at first, there was an obvious clarity, definition improved, and detail was better. BUT, these are hifi attributes that while being fascinating and good to hear, they are not what music is made for. After 6 days of playing approx (50 hrs) that emotion and connection to the soul of the music has arrived, big time.. What i'm experiencing now is nothing short of stunning, strong and powerful, realistic soundstage that places musicians in a believable place on the stage, a transparency that is simply put - startling. The flow and emotion, you cant just be in the room without being drawn in to just sit and listen, truly wonderful. Not cheap, but i would put the change in the order of a budget to top flight amp, and it is still improving. All components were on my Audiodharma for 150 hrs before build with the exception of the resistors, which had 15 hrs, i simply couldn't wait any longer.. I recommend xover work..
System update: Interconnects have been developed, utilising a dielectric bias, and Mundorf 24awg Silver/Gold conductors. This is a very good move, crisper, more definition and precision. Now sounding really very nice, my ML dealer has been over with his colleague who hadn't seen or heard this system before, both were highly enthusiastic over what they heard in comparison with the standard Spire, and also with the Summit x.
Next implementation is the crossover rebuild using Clarity Caps MR caps, Mundorf foil inductors, and Duelund Cast resistors, build is under way, and should be installed by Xmas. This is a complete replacement board, and I'm expecting big things from this, so will soon see.
That's always good to hear, Alan has good ears, so a positive comment from him is very pleasing.. He was very complimentary when he heard them in his system. I haven't seen him for a while but hope too soon. We did plenty of comparisons at the Reading event, both mains and interconnects, and i was more than pleased with my leads, even in quite big ticket company they got the thumbs up from a majority of listeners.
Have we met? The thing about user-names is you are never sure who each other really is, i usually go by whether i know the system, then put the owner to that! If you're ever in Sussex with time to spare, you are welcome to visit, bring some cd's too..
System edited: Recently i have been working on the speakers, adding weight to stabilise the panels and to dampen the bass enclosure, this worked better than i imagined, they are simply better.
System edited: System now powered with full set of my leads, from a dedicated 10 mm spur. All fuses are either Furutech or Hi Fi Tuning, including internals. This did surprise me but really it shouldn't have...In Complete truth i have yet to hear a system i'd rather live with.
The plinth is Limestone, which i use for several reasons. Firstly i have fitted Finite Elemente Cerabases to my spires as i prefer these to spikes, they definately improve detail and focus of the image. So the bases are needed to adjust the rake, forward/backward tilt of the panel. Secondly the do act in conjunction with the feet as a drain for vibration in the cabinet box and panel frame, thus improving the sound further.
I can thoroughly recommend the Spire, although i have modified mine from new, i have absolutely no desire to try anything else..
Yes, technically, and no. They are isolating, so disconnecting the cdp and Esl panels from the mains, with it's inherent noise. You don't realise it's there til it's gone, and when it's gone you sure won't want it back. The current draw is low, the supply is well above what's needed so there's no risk of components being starved of current. The ASR is still direct to the spur, as they have their own isolating transformers built in already, hence their well documented quietness.
One area of improvement is of backing vocals being far more pronounced, clearer, and legible.
System edited: I have added two isolating balanced power transformers, one supplying the MBL, the second supplying the Martin Logan Spires. The cost was low as these are not made by a 'hifi' company, but the improvement in clarity and detail, is very obvious. There is now a real sense of being there, and this system now is among the best ive ever heard, i will become very antisocial now, i just want to stay home and hear music..
System edited: New Interconnect is fitted, it has shown that the Valhalla is quite light in the real low frequencies, this has more body and depth,but still very open and three dimensional..
Many thanks for the comments, i'll get some better photo's up soon. Karel, Yes, i have a 1.4 meter balanced UIC88, and a 1 meter Single ended Valhalla, as such i cant offer a direct comparison, though i will do my best here. I'll start with how i came across Audioplan cable which was around 5 years ago. A very good friend is a hi fi dealer here in the uk, a well known one. I bought some good ARC amps from him, and needed a good RCA IC between pre and power. We spent hrs trying a big boxful of new and used cables, all sounding different from one another. To our ears nothing quite clicked until he dug out a pair of pretty stiff and thick cables and put them in, voila, there it was, we both agreed that they were the ones to use. They were the Audioplan Super AF. At the time i didnt know of Audioplan but hey, this cable literally beat the pants off all the others. My dealer friend took them in secondhand in exchange for something else so i got them for about £200. Jump forward 4 years now. The amps have changed from Arc to ASR (no, i'm not working my way through all amp makers alphabetically!) I thought maybe i could do with a balanced cable that would be better than my XLR HT Magic Link(1), from cd to ASR, got the UIC88 as that is the top AP cable. In comparison to the HT, the difference was clear, it is a very smooth and sweet sounding IC, but with very positive definition and placement of musicians in front of me. This is what AP seem to get right. The ASR is equipped with a direct input, which bypasses all the input selector relays, so is a purer signal path, and as i have moved my turntable out of the system i could try this from the MBL cdp. This is RCA only though, so i couldn't use the UIC88. I then got the Super AF out and tried this, very good, in fact it was great. Ok, so lets see what else compares.. Back to my mate and another boxful of very pricey cords. The AP came out very near the top of the pile, Valhalla being at the top, so i kept it. To compare them as best i can, i would say that they are both very natural, with the Valhalla having more presence, openness, and more extended highs. If the intended system is a little bit toppy, then the UIC88 may suit, though if not, and maybe a valve system then to my ears the Valhalla's still have it.
That being said though, the Valhalla's are being used as a comparison reference, for my own experimental cables, which again to my ears, in my system, i am preferring, though the project is far from finished as i have a new connector flying in from Aus as i write. Once i have this built and run and tested i'll update.
I see you have various Audioplan parts, how do you find them?
Nice system too, it looks like a lifelong interest for you too.. Best Regards, Paul.
