Description

My "All Out Assault" on two channel system as of 2024.




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Components Toggle details

    • American Sound AS-2000 Turntable
    Belt driven (Pabst Capstan) super high mass turtable. It is the absolute state of the art in vinyl spinners. Using NOS SME 3012R’s as primary arms. Knife edge bearing from the early1970’s. Original NOS cables for the arms too. Total weight...approximately 500lbs. Air platter, no bearing.
    • TechDAS Air Force One
    Ripple free air bearing, air suspension and vacuum hold down. Running 12" Graham Supreme rear slot and Phantom Elite (Not here yet) with Nordost Odin wiring and tone arm cable. (DIN->RCA)
    • Clearaudio Master Innovation
    Belt-driven magnetic drive. Ceramic Magnetic bearing.
    • Technics RS 1500
    Nortronics Pro 1/2 tack, head wired out to external tape preamp (King/Cello NAB/IEC, 15 ips). All inferior Technics electronics are bypassed.
    • Otari MTR-10 RTR Tape Deck
    2 Channel, 1/4" tape, head wired out for use with King/Cello tape preamp.
    • King/Cello Tape Pre IEC/NAB
    adjustible Hi Freq. EQ
    • Studer A810
    2 units...one fully stock, the other with a JRF Magnetics repro head upgrade.
    • Otari MX 5050 Bll-2
    1/4" two track RTR player/recorder
    • Lamm Industries LP-1 Signature Phono
    The LP1 Signature is a vacuum tube preamplifier that employs a high current pure class A operation from input to output.  No loop feedback is employed.  Other features include:
    • Audibly neutral power supplies (one for each channel) featuring full-wave vacuum rectifiers, choke contained filters, vacuum tube high-voltage regulators, and solid-state low-voltage analogue non-switching regulators used as the heater supplies
    • Three separate inputs for MM and MC (two inputs) cartridges
    • All amplification stages utilize high transconductance super low noise high-current vacuum triodes
    • Very accurate RIAA EQ network

    Each preamplifier is carefully handcrafted of the finest materials and hand selected top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, RCD wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers; ELECTROCUBE, CORNELL DUBILIER and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors; HAMMOND chokes; gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors; and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes.

    A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction.
    The LP1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer.

    • Allnic H-5000 DHT Phono
    LCR. Adjustable EQ, direct heated triode phono stage. 1950-1960 RCA Miltary spec 5U4G tubes used for rectification. Voltage regulation via Takatsuki 300B tubes.
    • Allnic HA-3000 Head Amp
    Nuvistor tube based moving coil head amp.
    • SME 3012R Phono pick up arm
    1970’s NOS with knife edge bearing...not the shit gimbal bearing design that came out later.
    • Graham Engineering Phantom Elite 10 inch
    Grahams new reference arm with improved bearing, wiring, bearing house, arm tube
    • Graham Engineering Phantom II Supreme
    Fluid damped, uni-pivot design. 10 & 12 inch arm wand x 2.
    • Clearaudio Universal Tone Arm with VTA Lifter
    • Nordost Odin Supreme Reference Cabling
    2-1.25 meter DIN to RCA phono cables. 1-1.5 meter XLR for phono stage to main pre. 1-5 meter XLR for main pre to amps. 1.5 meter RCA, 4-2.5 meter Power Cords. 4 meter speaker cable.
    • Nordost Valhalla Reference DIN phono
    Used with Graham arm.
    • Koetsu Coralstone Platinum
    understated beauty of the petrified coral bodes…so rare is the material that cartridges in this guise will only be available in the US, priced at $15000 with production unlikely to exceed a couple of dozen…stunning naturalness and presence…a sense of substance and stability to the image…big and rich and vibrant…There's a rightness, an immediately convincing quality to its presentation that draws you into the music. Specifications: Body: Coral Stone Type: Moving Coil Coil Wiring: Silverplated Copper Magnet: Platinum Magnet Cantilever: Boron Cantilever Output Volts: 0.3mV Frequency Range: 20Hz to 100kHz Channel Seperation: 25db/1kHz Inner Impedance: 5 Ohm Channel Balance: 0.5db/1kHz Recommended Impednace: 30 Ohm Weight: 12g Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 hz
    • Koetsu Tiger Eye Platinum
    Koetsu Tigereye Technical Data •Body: Tigereye •Type: moving coil •Coil wiring: silver-plated copper •Magnet: platinum •Cantilever: boron •Output: .3mV •Frequency range: 20Hz-100kHz •Channel separation: 25dB/1kHz •Inner impedance: 5 ohms •Channel balance: .5dB/1kHz •Recommended impedance: 30 ohms •Weight: 12.5 •Compliance: 5x10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
    • Dynavector DRT XV-1t
    Urushi bamboo body. Dynavectors statement cartridge.
    • Ortofon MC A90
    Two units...One still Sealed for the future.
    • Shelter Harmony
    Shelter Phono Cartridge
    Output Voltage: 0.5 mV at 1Khz 5 cm/sec.
    Weight: 8.5 grams
    Channel Balance: within 0.8 dB at 1Khz
    Tracking Force: 1.4 to 2.2 grams
    Stylus Tip: 1.6 X 0.3 mil Line Contact Nude Diamond
    DC Resistance: 15 Ohm
    Recommended Load Impedance:
    Step Up Transformer - 10 to 30 Ohms
    Head Amplifier - within 100 Ohms
    High Gain EQ-amp - within 47K Ohms
    Compliance - 9 ìm/mN
    • Benz Micro Gullwing SLR
    MOMC
    • Lyra Olympos - Mono Phono Cartridge

    One of 4 mono versions ever made. SL single coil design. Output: .15mV

    Truly the Holy Grail for mono record playback.

    • Ikeda 9TT - Mono
    LOMC
    • PS Audio PerfectWave PWT
    Buffered Memory player. 24/192 capable
    • Pass Labs XS Preamp - Dual Chassis
    It is a large two chassis preamp built in a true dual mono arrangement. The circuit board materials are optimized for performance in each area, a power supply circuit board has different requirements
    • Pass Labs XS-150 Dual Chassis Monoblocks
    Class A solid state dual chassis mono-blocks Xs These are Pass Laboratories ultimate expression of Power Amplifiers the perfect blend of science and visceral emotion. The successor to our already lavishly praised and well regarded Supersymmetry patent. Every technical effort has been made to assure exceptional specifications, among these: Separate chassis for lower electromagnetic noise Power supplies with greatly enhanced storage capacitance Banks of redundantly parallel high speed / soft recovery rectifiers Improved high frequency noise filters Larger / quieter transformers Improved passive decoupling Lower power standby Input impedances of 200 k-ohm balanced with negligible capacitance These amplifiers will drive any load, while being driven from any source. If there’s a more emotionally satisfying amplifier anywhere, we’re not aware of it. Xs 150 / Specifications Gain (db)26 Power Output /ch (8 ohm)150 Power Output /ch (4 ohm)300 Maximum Output (Amps)30 Input Impedance,(Kohms)200k Balanced, 100k single-ended Power Consumption (W)500 Number of Chassis2 Dimensions (W x H x D)19 x 11.5 x 21.5 (each) Unit Weight (LBS)130 + 100
    • Wilson Audio Alexandria X2.2
    almandine black metallic with Black Grills
    • Table Stable TS-140
    Active Isolation table
    • Millennia Media NSEQ-4
    Profesional Level Parametric Utilized via tape loop on main pre when needed. EQ World’s first all-discrete, true differential Class-A input buffer/amplifier Selectable balanced or unbalanced input Greatly improved 3rd generation FSA-03 all-discrete EQ amplifier Improved output stage, no muting required (as with Twin Topology) True hard-wire bypass when EQ not selected Upgraded power supply leading to improved sonic performance
    • PS Audio P5 Power Plant
    Clean AC power Regenerator for source components only. Amps plugged directly into wall.
    • Stillpoints Ultra 5
    Used under Pass XS 150 amps, Wilson X-2.2 speakers and Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Stillpoints LP1
    Used on top of all music chain components and as record weights for both turntables.
    • Stillpoints Ultra SS
    Isolation/Vibration control component footers
    • KL Audio Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    The best ultrasonic record cleaner. Uses only distilled water.
    • Entreq Silver Tellus
    Signal grounding box. I use two...one dedicated to main preamp and the other dedicated to the phono preamp.
    • Entreq Atlantis Grounding Cables
    Two pairs for main preamp, one pair for phono stage
    • Clearaudio ACCUDRIVE
    Battery power supply for Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Western Electric 422A Rectifiers
    Purchased NOS (1960 MFG Date)Used for rectification in the Allnic H5000 DHT phono preamp
    • Takatsuki 300B Tubes
    Hi-End 300B tube made in Japan. Used for voltage regulation in the Allnic H5000 DHT Phono preamp. These make a big difference on the performance of the tubes in the gain stage.
    • Torus Power RM-15 Plus Isolation Transformer
    2 units....one for each power amp channel.
    • Aurender A30
    Ripper, Server, Streamer, DAC. 480 Gig SSD cache for playback, 10TB HHD storage

Comments 277

Owner
I am using the 12 " Graham Supreme in the rear slot connected via Nordost Odin phono cable and Koetsu Coralstone cart. I won't have the Graham Elite 10" in the main slot until late Novemeber most likely. This turntable is blowing my Clearaudio away in every possible category. I did not think the improvement with the TechDas would be so dramatic. It's sounds more like a SOTA reel to reel machine versus a vinyl spinner. The way music erupts from a completely black and silent background is breathtaking.

rockitman

Just checked out the techdas link and noted the SME V-12 arm in the rear 12" position. Do the owners of this table have a preferred arm? I've also seen the Durand Telos on the Techdas. I would presume that in the US that there would be a lot of Graham arms as Bob is the distributor over here.

peterayer

Owner
Hi Dev,

I have the 7075 duraluminum platter. I may try the stainless one down the road, but they are quite costly for the experiment.
http://www.techdas.jp/analog_01.html

As far as Lamm goes, I know they are beautiful sounding...so to are my Pass XS 150's. They will leave the Lamm's in the dust when you comes to low end dynamic impact and grunt which I like for rock material. The new Lamm's are almost double the cost of the XS amps. I am truly happy with the Pass. Next up is the new phono stage on order...the Allnic h5000 DHT. I should receive it in the next couple of weeks.

rockitman

Congrats! Very positive initial thoughts :)

Did you happen to purchase all of the different platters to experiment to hear what they have to offer sonic wise

Is there a reason why you don't have Lamm amps paired up with your speakers - other Wilson owners feel such is a great match.

Look forward to reading further thoughts - enjoy!

dev

Owner
The TechDas was finally setup today. Bob Graham was over to deliver my Graham Supreme 12" arm and verify my setup. All went smooth. My first impression was the dramatic drop in record surface noise, damping of pops, ticks to a far greater degree than with my Clearaudio. What followed next was an explosion of dynamic content. Music erupted...jumping off the groove like I have never heard before ...much more noticeable compared to my other table. The bass is far more articulated and extended. The density of the music fills and pressurizes the room significantly more than my other table. It really sounds much closer to tape than I would ever have imagined. This table is in another league. I will be updating my photos in the near future.

rockitman

Christian, I look forward to reading your thoughts about how the Pass XP 25 compares to your new H5000. Do you plan to do a direct comparison using the same table/arm/cartridge/cable?

peterayer

Owner
I will be ordering the H5000 Monday. It should complement the TechDas nicely.

rockitman

Well, that seems like a incredible TT from what i've read...congratulations!

Did you go ahead and order the Allnic H5000 phono to? I am itching to go hear this at Albert's home soon...

jfrech

Owner
System edited: Added TechDAS Air Force One turntable. Still waiting for my Graham arms, so no opinions on playback yet.

rockitman

Hi Peter
Yes you are 100% correct Pass Labs XS 150, there is no .5 version.
I am so used to writing about the wonderful Pass Labs XA series I continued to use their series numbers.
Thanks Jason.

jasonparmenter

Ok, cool. That sounds excellent. I see what you mean. Yeah, sure, try others. That's part of the fun of this hobby! Thanks again!

dave_72

Owner
Thanks Rockitman, I like what you wrote, and it sounds like more than a safe buy and worth the price, true? Does it compete with higher priced phono pre's?

IMO it does, save for the very best that cost 2 to 3 times as much. If I thought it was lacking in any real way, I would be using something else. That does not mean that I won't try the ARC ref 10 or the Ypsilon down the road...maybe even Lamm's new reference.

rockitman

Thanks Rockitman, I like what you wrote, and it sounds like more than a safe buy and worth the price, true? Does it compete with higher priced phono pre's?

dave_72

Jason, You must mean the XS 150 and not the XS 150.5. I'm not yet aware of any ".5" update to this model.

Christian, I had the pleasure of hearing my XA160.5 with a pair of Sasha and can say the Wilsons really appreciated the control of the large Pass amps. Wilson and Pass is a popular combination in Europe, for good reason, IMO. Your system must sound great.

peterayer

Owner
Hi Jason,

I think you will really like the XS amps. Give them a few hundred hours breakin before they are at their best. I no longer think about amps since acquiring them. They are here for the long haul.

rockitman

Owner
Hi Dave_72,

The XP-25 is an excellent phono stage that has the most loading flexibility with convenience. The front dial adjustments make it very easy to change loads on the fly. There is an auto mute circuit when making the change so you can leave the volume up a bit when changing load values. The sound is excellent. Top line tube phono pre's may give you a bit more sweetness if that is your desire.

rockitman

Hi Rockitman, I am saving for a pair of the Pass Labs XS 150.5 to have here for my Pass Labs audio demonstrations in New Zealand. I am really pleased to read your very positive feedback on the wonderful statement Pass Labs XS series amplifiers, well done. Thanks Jason.

jasonparmenter

How is that XP-25 phono preamp. I'm thinking about getting one. :D Thanks.

dave_72

Owner
Hi Peter. The all out assault is almost over. :-) I'm keeping my X-2.2's for years to come. The pre (XS) is also on the target list but probably not till next winter. I don't want an early production unit. I will be able to run the TechDas into my same XP-25, so I may do nothing with that unless Pass develops a XS Phono.

rockitman

Rockitman, You are flying to the moon. I've rarely, maybe never in fact, seen a system catapulted so quickly to the upper reaches of the hobby. Congratulations. It must sound amazing now. The TechDas should be another wonderful addition. Have you heard the AF1 yet?

I struggle to imagine what could be next - the XLF, the Pass XS Pre and Phono? Very exciting.

peterayer

Owner
Latest addition to the System is a Table Stable TS 140 active isolation table. I am using it under my Clearaudio Master Innovation. The improvement in sound has been nothing short of stunning.

In addition to my latest Stillpoints binge, I bought 7 LP 1's for the tops of all components and amps. I placed Ultra 5's as my new feet for my Modded Technics 1500 RTR deck. The bass became tighter and better delineated. Overall a very solid improvement for a RTR machine.

Next up, a second turntable. the TechDas AF 1. It will be a couple months before that arrives.

rockitman

Owner
Rockitman,

It's hard to aim at perfection when the target is constantly moving but I would say you have been tracking it with a laser like quality. Nicely done.
Onemug

Thanks Onemug. The latest addition are Stillpoint Ultra ss isolation footers under all my main components. I need to upgrade my pics as the stereo is configured somewhat differently than pictured.

I am considering a "Table Stable" active servo controlled isolation platform for my turntable. Probably costs $11k USD so I am still chewing on the concept.

http://www.herzan.com/products/active-vibration-control/ts-series.html#STANDARD FEATURES

rockitman

You always need to work with mm precision. But at the end the feeling in sound will make the biggest difference.

bo1972

Rockitman,

It's hard to aim at perfection when the target is constantly moving but I would say you have been tracking it with a laser like quality. Nicely done.

onemug

Thanks for comments on the harmony I can get one for around £2300 which is a good price. The coralstone is outside my price range unfortunately! at around £7500 here in the UK. I would like to hear one some time though.

dctom

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