For decades I've been involved with the hobby and the industry in one way or another. Depending on your point of view I had the good fortune or the misfortune of owning many high end, high performance sound systems from all around the world. All different in approach and philosophy but I only reached true contentment about 12 years ago. This is when all the accumulated knowledge and experience fell into place and the system evolved from high end and high performance to a musical instrument. I realized that an impressive system is just that. It will impress you with aspects of IT's performance while a musical instrument becomes a tool for the musician and his/her art.
The space in these pictures is one of our showrooms which also doubles as my personal listening room. The equipment and setups follows our philosophy of the system as a musical instrument...
** Click the System link and checkout my other systems.
Phono- The dual monaural phono preamplifier model LP1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High End audio.
Lamm Industries LL 1 Signature
The monaural line level preamplifier model LL1 Signature is the ultimate statement of perfection in High-End audio.
Lamm Industries ML 3 Signature
The ML3 is a single-ended (SE) tube amplifier utilizing a very powerful direct-heated triode GM-70 (125W plate dissipation) and a separate power supply. Combining the most sophisticated technologies and electronic design with graceful looks reminiscent of the classic era of tubes, the ML3 is our top-of-the-line, no-compromise product.
Lamm Industries ML-1
Reference tube amplifier 90 watts/channel
CEC TL-0
Still the one to beat
Weiss Medea Plus
MEDEA is a stereo 24 Bit/192 kHz Digital to Analog Converter designed with the aim of keeping an absolutely uncompromising audio signal path
Yes I agree with your statement in regards to the MS, been there and done that owning a few tables.
I'm aware of the background design of the AF1 and one of the reasons why I was so intrigued when I first found out about it.
My understanding is they have been working on a table which will be their no-holds-barred above this design - will be very interesting indeed.
Carts, ya you have a substantial impressive collection - I saw that pic when you posted on WBF some time ago. Using the SME 3012 provides the usage a interchangeable head with your cart already attached - very nice feature.
Are there any drawbacks in this design - the connection. I suppose I could do the same with my Elite as others do and just have additional wands with carts installed.
Currently I only have two carts - My Sonic Lab Ultra Eminent BC which I have been told is in the same family sonic wise as the TechDas TDC01, I really like this cart. My other cart is a A90, great cart and works nicely on the AF1. I have limited experience, arm wise and cartridge usage on this table but do have a 12" REED arm just sitting around so I might look at using this for the rear location, just not sure as of yet. To be honest I find myself content using the Elite, just listening to music and not fussing as I use to in the past. This table set-up has really changed all of this for me but I do have that empty slot still.
I found it to be a challenge finding in the condition I was after, due to the age of MS I found that the condition would usually be 6-7 at best but sellers would still refer to their condition as being "Mint" which was disturbing with ridiculous high prices. In my audio journey this is the only manufacture that I have come across that their original tables and Intera unit listed for ... but now sell for 2-3-4 times of such if one is even lucky enough to even find.
That's all in my past - I'm truly enjoying my AF-1, it came with the Duralumin platter which is supposedly sonically neutral, stainless is suppose to provide a bit more punch in bass and attack. I'm using Bob's Elite arm in the main slot and have it paired up with a Burmester PH100 phono.
What arms and carts are you preferring, have you found any that are just magical, which platter are you using. I know of a few other AF1 owners but only one who is actually using the stainless. The owner has not commented saying using it offers ant substantial differences.
Very nice collection indeed, curious you are one of the same also know as "Damoka LLC" correct?
We crossed paths a few years ago when I was in search for a "Mint" MS which in due time I was able to locate elsewhere - I had two platters, gum metal and SSteel which I preferred. I also located a "MINT" HS-80 with stainless fly wheel - gorgeous combo set-up. I also have a AF1 table, great table and really enjoying!
