Fantastic video Mike. I am not even a classical guy but even I have to say that sounded out of this world. And that's through my little dell computer speakers :).

mikeduke February 18, 2013 09:36

Thanks Mike. No matter what, I do find it interesting that the smaller, less powerful amp became warmer. The XV-1s would be way way way down the line. After my media server I am going to get the Wave Kinetic speaker feet and the DPS(dedicated power supply) for my Amadeus. It is supposed to give you even more of what the Amadeus already does and at its price point, I see no reason not to get it. You views on the fuses are interesting. Pretty neat that something you really don't think about can make a big difference like that.

mikeduke February 14, 2013 09:35

Yes. It is a pretty cool experience. I am pretty satisfied with my analog system right now. I really only listen once in a while when I have time but I still might try and get a "better" phono preamp and maybe a higher end cart like the
XV-1s one day. Probably the preamp first. I wonder what a better preamp does for a system. But that won't be for a while. In the mean time I will just enjoy the music I get know as I am sure you are enjoying the music you get as well. Do those amps give off a lot of heat? Your room is big enough to where it probably would not matter. I was just curious.

mikeduke February 06, 2013 08:54

Mike, I do have a question for you. It deals with music. I know your system is probably revealing as hell right now. I have never heard a Reel to Reel setup so I don't know if that is "better" or equal to your digital and analog front end.

Here is my question. Have you ever played some music, doesn't matter the genre, but one that you thought you knew well only to find out you were really missing a lot and did not know it all until you played it on your newer system?

I recently had this experience in my own system. Sometimes, when I listen to records I listen to one side and that’s it. Either time dictates it or it’s just what I am in the mood for. Well, I have this SRV album. I have had it for a while. Lately I have been listening to Tin Pan Alley. This is the full version not the chopped version. Anyway , it sounds great. So does Come on Baby part III. But this is a double album so I never really even listened to much of the other record. Now I am a huge SRV fan. So I have heard his songs a number of times. Of course I have heard his version of Voodoo Child and I know it backwards and forwards. Or, at least I thought I did. A few nights ago, I played that song on my TT. Holy crap. Not to be overboard, but it was like I heard it for the first time. A lot of it had to do with his singing. What I thought was the end of his singing really was not. On the record I could hear that he was extending his voice and the lyrics lasted longer than I have heard before. It’s hard to explain but everything was more extended and lasted longer. I have read in a few TT reviews that they say that, but last night was one of the first times that I really heard it. It was really cool. His guitar did the same thing. Notes that I thought I knew just lasted longer.

Has that ever happened to you? For me it was a really big moment that I was not ready for. It was, as you say, a holy sh!t moment. I am just wondering if you have a moment like that and do you still have them now that you are probably listening to music with your new(er) setup that maybe you have not listened to for a while.

mikeduke February 01, 2013 13:31

Thanks for the write up. I am not down on my system. That's why I put the :) in there. How about the Mono's. Are they light years ahead of the 2ch one? I would love to have the 108 in my system, but alas, that probably won't happen. Getting back to the speakers, the only MM series I have heard have been the MM2's at Barry's place a long time ago. They sounded really good. So I can just imagine more of that and get a feeling for what the MM7's are like.

For me, again I am not slamming my own system. I have listened to some music lately(SRV on vinyl). Tin Pan Alley just sounds insane to me. It is really good. I also listened to some harder stuff that you probably would not be into. It's really heavy but it sounded awesome. Plus, another band named TOOL just sounds so good when I play it along with the Allman Brothers. So trust me, I am not down on my system. Especially when I think about what I paid for my speakers ;).

Now am I done? Nope. I am still trying to get more out of what I have. I plan on getting the Wave Kinetic speaker feet and the external motor control for my Well Tempered table. I am also going to get a matching Live Live speaker cable for my center and a matching Live Live balanced cable for my amp that goes to my center on my Integra. I also want to get the Wave Kinetic component feet for my OPPO BR player and I want to change out the power cords for my Bryston amps. I realize that my amps are the week link but I am limited in space so I am trying to get them to sound as good as they can.

Does that mean I am done? Again, who knows. Depending on what the external motor does for my TT I may think about a better phono preamp. The only other thing to do would be to change speakers. That would require some effort and thought on my part. But if that does happen, it would not be for a while. Again, thanks for that great explanation. Did you need to do anything else with room treatments with these new speakers? Or even though they are different, the room is still friendly to them. Plus, it's pretty cool that the designer will be coming out to the final tweaking.

For me, I think I have had good advice from many people and it has helped me get my system to where it is. Enjoy the Monoliths. I am sure it was quite the adventure setting everything up.

mikeduke January 14, 2013 14:38

Hey Mike. I haven't been in here in a bit. What can I say. MM7's and the 458's? I am speechless. Plus that TT and all the other gear. I really don't know what to say. I usually say "man, I can imagine that sounds awesome." But I can't say that now. I can't even begin to fathom what that may sound like. Congrats on putting together a fantastic system. I still have the 1027's and Well Tempered table. I almost feel like I shouldn't be allowed to type here :). Anyway, again, congrats on a simply fantastic system.

I may go back and try to find what you wrote but if you could give a quick run down on the main differences between the MM3 and MM7. I assuming it's just more then greater bass response. Enjoy that setup.

mikeduke January 08, 2013 08:29

Hey there. What the.... You are getting the 7's? Damn. I don't know what to say to that. So those have two bass towers and two towers for the mid's and high's right? I have seen other companies that do similar things. Martin Logan had that. Those should be freakin sweet when you get them. I will be checking back for pics.

And yep, I do enjoy the music on my system. I think I will for some time to come.

mikeduke April 26, 2012 07:20

Hey Mike. Long time no speak. Yep, the room still looks fantastic. Even though I will most likely never have a system like that, it's OK :). I really like what I have and I am doing my best to maximize what I have. Now I am in the "tweaking" phase mostly. I have heard the WK feet on my 1027be speakers and they really did make a difference that was easy to hear. People can either believe certain things make a difference or they can choose not to. For me, they made a difference because my speakers are ported on the bottom and even though they are spiked now, they could probably stand to be a little bit more of my carpet. Plus, I have a few other things I would to do. But, audio will have to be put on hold. I need to save for a new car. Mine is getting kind of long in the tooth. But, I am very happy with my system so I really don't have any longing to change anything. I know your system has to be one of the best sounding since I have heard some of the gear you are using. Even though I may never reach that level, that's OK. I just want to reach my peak level. My room really sounds great now and I did enjoy our few discussions way back when. So enjoy your setup. I know I am enjoying mine :).

mikeduke April 25, 2012 11:17

Cool. No offence at all :). I think part of is that I am impressed with all of the gear you try. I am unable to do that. I just can't try new things because I can't work on my system myself. So I am just impressed that you, along with others interchange parts in your system like you are making a sandwich. don't mean the cost. I simply mean the act of physically changing cables, amps, and pre amps etc... That's all. I have heard Barry's system which is the MM2's with the Dart gear so I have a feeling for what kind of sound you have.

I am happy with the progression of my system and I am curious to see how far I can take it. I am pretty sure though that I am "stuck" with these amps. The height of smaller GP shelves sort of dictate that. I don't know the height of the small shelves, i.e, how much space I have in between them, but my Bryston amps are 5 1/4in high and I don't think I can go much higher then that. Plus, it's hard to find a company that has 2 and 3 channel amps if I wanted to go that way or a 5 channel amp that would fit my power wants. Most of the amps I have access to are either too big or don't fit my needs. So, I have to make them sound as good as they can.

Bryston still fits my needs though if I wanted to up grade. the 4bSST and the 9bSST would fit my needs if I wanted to upgrade. I think they are much better then the ST versions I have now. But, they probably run even hotter then then my current amps which is not a good thing. As I said, most other amps have a height that is simply to high I think. So, for the time being I will just do what I can in making what I have sound the best it can. And I will still look at your system for inspiration :).

mikeduke December 20, 2011 08:18

Not blaming you Mike :). You are not putting your hand in my wallet and making me buy anything. I am close to the end of my system. I can see the light. I am sort of constrained amp wise because of the rack so I don't see many options there.

I have to say those tube amps look interesting. They are single ended right? You have so much gear listed I can't keep it strait. Are you using the Dart preamp with that amp or do you have another preamp setup for when you use those tube amps.

mikeduke December 14, 2011 10:10

Hey Mike, I have been still dealing with Barry and he has been very helpful. I have a schedule of upgrades and the wave kinetics speaker feet are on the list for sure. When Barry brought them over I was really impressed with what they did for my JM Labs speakers. Your system still serves as a model for me :).

mikeduke December 12, 2011 09:24

I just don't think I have ever seen an amp that low before. I have seen 7, 10, 12 watts but not too many three. I did not mean to say that I thought it was low quality. I have no doubts it is a great amp. It just makes me smile that's all.

mikeduke November 23, 2011 21:54

I know the MM3's have self powered woofers but damn. The specs say the min is 5 watts so that amp is right there. Very interesting choice. Do you switch back and forth between te Dart and those?

mikeduke November 23, 2011 11:00

Great new pics of the room. It looks fantastic. You certainly have some might fine gear to listen to. So those tube amps are three watts? did I read that right? Congrats and I am sure you enjoy your system very much.

mikeduke November 22, 2011 09:33

Thanks for the info Mike. Those look like great arms and carts. Having a mono and stereo cart at the ready has to be very easy. Since I have only one arm my table I will just stick with the stereo carts and see if I can't upgrade to a higher level when the time comes.

mikeduke September 09, 2011 23:39

Hey Mike. I will go check it out for sure. It seems to be a very nice table. Plus it does look cool. Because I am lazy and I really don't want to try and search this thread, what and how many arms are you using. Also, what Carts are you using.

As for me, Well Tempered just came out with a separate power supply for the Amadeus. I contacted Mike Pranka and he was very impressed with what it did. Plus one of his close friends is also impressed with the results. So I will probably pic that up at some point. Anything I can do to get my system better is something that I will consider.

mikeduke September 08, 2011 11:40

That table looks sweet. I hope to get up to Barry's when gets his all setup.

mikeduke August 17, 2011 09:14

Thanks Mike. Maybe when I get the Audience I will see if Barry can bring over the A10's for me to try. But I am happy with the progression of my system. I would guess that they would be a benefit to the OPPO though. Since they are on a basic rack. But to be honest, I am going to just sit back and enjoy what I have. I know you are enjoying yours. When Barry gets the table setup I will make a trip out to his place to check it out.

mikeduke July 28, 2011 14:23

Thanks for the reply. On good clean records it can sound very impressive. Barry brought over the Wave Kinetic speaker feet when he installed the cables. On my 1027's We both clearly heard the improvements. My next purchase will be the Audience conditioner but those speaker feet are on the to do list for sure.

Can I ask a question about the A10-U8? First, I am using a GP rack with standard shelves and feet. I have my Turn Table, two amps and my HT preamp on it. On another rack I have my OPPO BR player that I am using. The speaker feet are a given. The OPPO is on a basic rack that I bought from Macy's. Would the A10-U8 be of use to any components that are on the GP rack? Would the TT benefit from it? Also, IYO, would my OPPO player benefit from them since it is on a run of the mill rack? It sounds like you are saying on the GP rack the difference may not be as great or beneficial, but what about my OPPO on the "regular" rack.
Thanks.

mikeduke July 28, 2011 12:19

Whoops, Just noticed a typo. That should be "Live Line" cables not Live Live. They really are an improvement over my older Transparent Audio cables. Like I mentioned before, with good records, The Amadeus sounds very nice. When Barry K has his system and table I will go back to his place and check it out

mikeduke July 25, 2011 11:02

Hey Mike. That is a Great looking and I am sure fantastic sounding table. Congrats on it. Your system just seems to get better and better. Is that "new" rack that I see a replacement for, or in addition to the GP rack. My little system is chugging along and although I could not really afford Evolution Acoustic cables I did upgrade to Live Live cables. They have been fantastic and I can honestly say that I am hearing music through my speakers better then before I am still using the Amadeus GTA for my table. I think that will have to suit me for a while :). Anyway, congrats on the new table.

mikeduke July 25, 2011 08:19

Mike,
it may be buried in here some place, but what are those plinths made of.

mikeduke May 13, 2009 09:58

10,000 Lps. Wow. You make me feel like such a novice :). I have about 130. But I am slowly building a list of some that I would like to get. I also took a look at the prices you posted. I thought for some reason that a MKII would have been more than that. Again, congrats because they look fantastic. So is the TT trip over now? Or is there something else that is hiding in the background :).

mikeduke May 13, 2009 08:05

BTW,
Those RTR's look great as well. Any comparisons between those machines and the MKIII? I know it is still in the early stages for you but it might be interesting.

mikeduke May 12, 2009 13:31

Mike,
First no need to apologize. I know that you are a busy guy.
Those new pictures look great. That was a great update about getting the MKIII back. I am glad that it is what you were hoping for. It looks great and it sounds like it is a real winner. Are any of your tables setup for dual arms? I am about three months away from getting into analog :). I think my choice will make me a happy camper just like yours does.

mikeduke May 12, 2009 12:53

Sounds like a plan to me. I have never heard of that preamp. But then again, I am sure there is a lot of highend gear I am not aware of :). I was wondering if you were going to try and use the phono stage in the dart for one table. The Dart intigrtaed that I am eyeing looks like it has two phono inputs. One for a MM and the other for a MC. I know that one means moving magnet and the other means moving coil but beyond that I really don't know the difference. I will be anxiously awaiting your updates.

mikeduke April 25, 2009 12:13

One more quick thing. Do you plan on sticking with the three carts you have now or will you be getting a new one(s).

mikeduke April 24, 2009 13:37

That table looks fantastic Mike. I am sure you are excited. Can't wait to hear thoughts on it. I read that it will have a place for two arm boards right. I see you say arm selection pending. Will one be mono and one stereo?
I am excited in my own right. In a few months I will be getting the Well Tempered Amadeus with a Dynavector XX2mkII cart. I am looking forward to spinning some records again. Maybe not a Rockport or SP10mkII but it should be nice. Everything I have read about it has been very positive.
Again, can't wait to read your thoughts on it.

mikeduke April 24, 2009 10:13

The mono's were not connected when I was in the room. But I was very impressed with the integrated. After my TT and treatments, the long saving process will begin :).

mikeduke January 26, 2009 09:00

Mike,
I am not sure if you have the following, but I was listening to John Mayall, "The Turning Point". It is a great live cd. It sort of has a jazzy feel to it. It sounds great IMHO on my setup :). I would love to hear it on yours. I am sure that it would be freakin fantastic. I really think you should try to find a good pressing of it or even try to get a RTR copy. I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on it.

mikeduke October 15, 2008 07:20

Thanks Mike. Yea. That answered my questions. If I get serious with this stuff I will try and do what I always do. That is I learn as much as I can on my own. Then, I would probably try and find someone who has had some experience with this. For instance, there are quite a few players on eBay
Technics, Tascam, Nagra, Teac, Pioneer. I would not know what direction to go in. I would have to hope that I could get some solid advice if I one day choose to do this. I see two Studer decks on there as well. But I don't know if I would go that high for my first one.

mikeduke October 09, 2008 12:47

Thanks Mike. This does seem like a "neat" niche to look at. I was wandering on eBay and I happen to find a few tapes that I would jump all over if I had a player. "Record" off of otther media" Would that mean that if I recorded a cd to tape, then played it back through the tape, that it would outperform the cd source.

Are there places other then eBay where you can get a quality inexpensive RTR player? Can I ask how it is connected to your system? I am assuming it is going into the Dart pre? I think I also came across different sizes? Can any player accommodate any "size" tape?
Thanks again.

mikeduke October 09, 2008 11:41

edit:
before my post was posted I saw that you posted another one. I am pretty much jaw on the floor mode when you went into how much it would cost to rebuild one of those. I guess that is one avenue I don't have to go down :).

mikeduke October 09, 2008 11:00

Pretty interesting on the RTR. What about media. Are there places that sell tapes for them?
"and let's say i don't expect my Rockport on Lps to be able to compete.....and possibly it won't be close."
Also interesting :). So I guess it is safe to say that the RTR sounds "better" then the Playback? Are you using it on the floor or will you get a stand to put it on. Not sure if you mentioned it, or if you want to, but what was the final damage for your tape player.
Thanks

mikeduke October 09, 2008 10:29

Hey Mike,
I got the Grand Prix installed this past SAT. OMFG. I can not believe the change. It is like I am hearing my system for the first time. There is a song that is strait up acoustic. Just two guitars and vocals for most of the song. When I listened to it with my gear on the GP I heard things I never heard before. But also, notes seem longer. Vocals don't just die. And that is with my Bryston amp and Esoteric DV50s :).
If you can, email me your number again. I must have lost it. You can do it here by going to my profile.

mikeduke August 12, 2008 12:49

That sounds great Mike. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on those two tables. I will keep you updated on my quest and I will let you know when the GP gets installed :).

mikeduke July 23, 2008 10:51

Mike, are you familiar with Well Tempered tables? I am pretty sure that their is a new model coming out in the future. Should I consider that as a possibility as well? I am in no hurry to get a TT. I need to do other things first then I will focus on that aspect.

mikeduke July 22, 2008 10:56

Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Technics. I am sure that you can get it sounding great. As I said, I am just not that level of comfort yet. But I am pretty sure that the level I am thinking about will take my system above my current cd player. I think I have seen that also about changing those rings. That is another reason I like to have a dealer like Barry. I know that he could and would do this for me.
And yea, the Playback is simply fantastic.

mikeduke July 22, 2008 09:50

Mike,
I just got back from Barry's and I ordered the Grand Prix rack. I also had a chance to hear the PlayBack. All I can say is wow. It is the most natural and best sounding player I have ever heard. Plus those speakers, Barry has the MM2's, are just fantastic. Can't wait to get my new rack :).

mikeduke June 28, 2008 17:27

Mike,
I just thought I would let you know that on on Sat, I am going up to Barry's place to order the Monaco rack. Can't wait. Of course I will then have a chance to listen to his system. I have my upgrades all lined up in the order I want to do them. It will be a while, but in the end, the result will be worth the wait. Did I read right that you are getting another TT?
If so, can I ask which one? That is one of my future upgrades as well.

mikeduke June 25, 2008 09:56

That was a very nice right up. Is this just a cd sacd player or does it play DVD's as well. I have the DV50s. I know, I wont even begin to compare but for me, it sounds nice. I am hoping that the GP rack will maybe allow me to get a bit more out of it.

mikeduke June 02, 2008 08:16

Wow. Sounds like a real winner there. I know I am going to get it :), are we approaching Rockport level?(duck).

mikeduke June 01, 2008 17:47

Thanks Mike. I am looking forward to getting it in my syetem. Your views on the Playback sound very good. I also think it's cool that you can use it as a DAC for a server. I was looking for something like that myself. But not for a long time. I will of course give my views on Barry's system. I am very much looking forward to hearing his setup with the MM2's.

mikeduke May 31, 2008 20:26

Hey Mike,
I just thought I would let you know that I am going to get up to Barry's place(Transparent Music Systems) and put a down payment on the GP at the end of the month. Of course I will check out his system. I am looking forward to that very much. I think he has the MM2's.

mikeduke May 29, 2008 12:12

Yea, I am excited. It will probably happen after June. Then I will have all my ducks in a row. Also, I should be able to make it up to Barry's place and check out his system. But I will let you know my thoughts on the Grand Prix when I get it. Then, the next step is room treatments. Damn, does the madness ever end? :).

mikeduke May 02, 2008 08:08

Good to see you again Mike :). Barry mentioned the Playback system to me. It sounds like it should be a great player.

mikeduke May 01, 2008 11:14

Great job on the subs Mike. It does seem like they are the real deal. Like I said in my email, I have a Seaton Sound SubMersive1 and I love it for movies and MC music. I really have not used it for 2ch yet because my speakers now have outstanding bass on their own in my room. I also really appreciate the chance to talk to you own the phone. Your thoughts and insight were a very big help. Your ideas helped me to refocus on what my end goal is.
Thanks again
Mike

mikeduke June 15, 2007 08:42

Thanks for the reply Mike. I know Barry wants me to take care of the wall unit first. When I make it out to his store, I am sure we can have a nice and thorough discussion about what I should do. For ease of install,there is no question about it. The amp would be easier. We shall see.
Thanks again

mikeduke March 01, 2007 14:49

Regarding my wall unit Mike, I am very interested and will more then likely get the dart amp. Do you think that I will seriously compromise its performance if I put it in the same place as have my amps now?
Thanks

mikeduke March 01, 2007 08:53

Thanks Mike.
I will see what happens. First I need to get my new sub installed next week. Then some time after that go up to Barry and have a talk with him. The one reason I am hesitant is that my room is on the second floor. Barry said that he could do it with out a problem, but still, it would be a major event I think. I think I will just get the sub and get my system 100% again, which it is not at this point, and see what happens from there.
Thanks again.
P.S
I am looking to broaden my listen range. If you have some artists/titles in the Blues\Jazz area could you email them to me? Plus I think I might try a little classical but I don't know where to start. Maybe some beginner titles?
Mike

mikeduke March 01, 2007 08:12

Thanks Mike. Your comments are very helpful. No. My amps are not on the floor. I have monster power conditioners. The SRA platforms sit on those and my amps sit on top of the platforms. It is just a big o'll book case style wooden wall unit that I have had for about 10 years. I really have no space to put my amps on the floor or I would do that. So basically this wall unit is limiting the potential that I may have lurking in my system? If so, then that is something I will have to take care of.
Thanks again

mikeduke February 28, 2007 09:07

OK.
Thanks for the explanation. So in reality, isolation is the way to go. I guess at this point I am using grounding methods. Now for sure I am going to look into changing my wall unit. I don't know if you have, but you can look at my system and see what I am talking about and see what kind of wall unit I am using. The picture was taken before the SRA platforms were in place. They are under my amps now.
Thanks again.

mikeduke February 28, 2007 07:35

No need to apologize. I like that little film. You should have an "international" meet. That might be cool.
P.S
I am slowly trying to work my way into convincing myself that I should get the Grand Prix audio rack. Barry made an interesting point. This is what he said
"Stability of anything is not an issue for sound. For example, my music room is in the basement with poured concrete floors. Solid as a rock. But if I place the amp on the floor compared to the Grand Prix amp stand, NIGHT and DAY difference!!!!"

I find it interesting that it could make a difference with Solid State gear. Iguess I need to think of the rack as an active part of the system.

mikeduke February 27, 2007 15:06

Mike, I saw that already.
The really funny part?
I am 100% Greek :)
So I guess I have a reason for my madness.
What excuses do the rest of you have.

mikeduke February 27, 2007 09:56

Very nice pictures indeed. They look quite cozy in that room. I would be willing to bet that they sound fantastic.

mikeduke February 26, 2007 08:48

Thanks again Mike.
I have looked at getting dedicated lines, but for my room, it would be a pain. I have to make due with what I have at my disposal. The rack is a good first step I think. Then I will get rid of the monster stuff and get something that may be a bit less of a hinderense to my system. Who knew the rack was so important.

mikeduke February 21, 2007 12:24

The dealer who sells the Dart also sells Grand Prix. When I showed him a picture of my equipment I thought he was going to send over the audio police :). He said that I may want to check out the LeMans rack. I would need 8 shelves so that would be more cost effective for me. He indicated that the difference would NOT be subtle. I admit, I have only thought about it a little. I got SRA platforms to go under my amps because my amps were sitting on my monster power conditioners. Since that seems to be a weak link as well, I should probably consider doing that before the pre. That way when I get the preamp I will be good to go.
Thanks for the reply Mike.

mikeduke February 21, 2007 11:45

Mike,
Can you share your experiences with equipment racks that you have had. Do they really make a difference? I am just wondering if it is worth it for my system.

mikeduke February 20, 2007 15:24

Thanks Mike
Yes my trip is still on going.

If we stick to just the 2ch portion this is my setup
A halo C2 processor
an Esoteric DV50S
A bryston 4b-ST
and JM labs 1027Be's
My next step is to replace the monster stuff I have with
Shunyata. And then to get an Ayre K-1xe pre for 2ch only.
But again, your system is just fantasic. I have heard VR4jr's before at the HE2004 show. I was just floored. They were some of the best sounding speakers I have heard. And I heard the VR9's but I trully think the room was too small for me to really enjoy them.
But I left there thinking that VR should stay on my radar. And it has.
Mike

mikeduke July 17, 2006 10:27