for almost 3 years I've been without my 1/2 inch Studer A-820 deck. the summer before I got my new MM7 speakers and 458 amps I figured that would be a good time to do some maintenance on the 1/2 Studer A-820. due to mostly my innocent incompetence, and some help from pathetic UPS shipping, I made such a mess of this deck that it's taken my friend and RTR tape deck puba Ki Choi a couple of years and untold aggravation......but today it's in my room playing beautiful music.....better than ever. Ki has been a man among men, and a great and understanding friend to see this process thru. I suppose if you were to supply the right amount of good cheer and high quality adult beverage to Ki he might share with you all the stuff he went thru with my beast. personally I don't even want to think about it anymore. in any case, many, many, thank you's to Ki.

recently I rediscovered my 1/4" Studer and just how amazing tape is sounding thru the 458's, tweaked by designer MM7's, and the recent addition of the Entreq grounding box.

and now the 1/2 Studer is, for the very first time, showing just what the all time best possible audio media can sound like thru the system. there is nothing like 15ips 1/2 inch tape. unless maybe it's 30ips 1/2 inch tape, or 1" 15ips or 30ips tape. however; since 1 inch 2-track is not really real world, and 12" reels are not something I want to deal with, and there are different EQ's for 30ips (the King Cello does not use)........I'm going to crown 1/2 inch 15ips as the bomb. and I'm of the mind that a fully right A-820, A-80 or ATR-102 are the best transports to ever come down the pike (my preference of the three is the A-820). output electronics remain a matter of taste. so 1/2" 15ips, thru the A-820-King Cello is my personal tip top source for reproduced music in my experience.

I do have a couple dozen or so 1/2 tape titles I can play, including 4 tape project titles I can actually post about...which I will in due time. I also have 15-20 unused 1/2 reels of new tape waiting to receive some great content.

I'm listening to 1/2 inch, 15 ips tape right now and it is awesome sounding. superb! I am so happy to have this deck back and sounding so good.

if you want to have a music reproduction reference to chase, this would be that.

mikelavigne January 09, 2015 23:24

hi Larry,

thanks for the kind comments.

my listening room is in a barn. the barn is 75 feet from my house. I have a 75 amp service to my Equi=tech panel from the meter in my garage in my house which runs on a dedicated line to the panel. there is a dedicated ground rod right outside the wall which serves this panel.

the panel is mounted on an outside wall across the hallway from the door to my listening room (see pictures). there are 10 circuits from the panel using 10 gauge Romex running into the room to Furutech GTX-D Rhodium duplex outlets.

Equi=tech open

Equi=tech on the wall across from the door to my room

you have to get within 3 feet of the panel to hear any noise at all from the panel. and the isolation transformer is powerful enough at 10 kilowatts that it has lots of headroom to easily power my whole system without any effect on dynamics. in fact; the system is much more dynamic with the Equi=tech than before it.

there is a separate 100 amp service for the barn to a different sub panel for HVAC and lights and service to the 'dirty' circuits in my room.

mikelavigne December 31, 2014 17:35

Mike,
Awesome system and room!
How far away is your Equi=tech 10WQ located from your outlets?
Best regards,

lak December 31, 2014 09:02

Dan,

it has been awhile since we got together; I think it was actually the Von Schweikert VR9SE's I had in early 2006....when I first got the darTZeel preamp....8 years ago. even in dog years that is awhile. :-)

and I have noticed your system evolution and continued musical enjoyment too. I noticed you recently upgraded your 401 plinth and added the Crown 1600 watt amplifier.

as far as my system sounding better, I did recently add the Entreq Silver Tellus grounding box with -4- of the Entreq signal gounding cables. they did push things to just a little higher level of refinement I think. the music sucks me in and involves me more. a good tweak to my ears.

but I also agree that sometimes we, as listeners, are just more ready to connect with our systems....we are in the right 'mood' as you say. I will add that since you visited, my wife and I have spent quite a bit of time on Whidbey Island and the San Juans exploring....what a wonderful place you have there.

I agree wholeheartedly on Martha Argerich and i have 25-30 of her Lps and maybe 10-15 of her CD's. one of my favorite artists.

I am enjoying the music on my system....it brings me great joy and satisfaction. that is what it's all about. you are always welcome to visit again. the system is in a whole different place than it was 8 years ago....and looking at your system from what I recall....it has evolved too.

have a Happy New Year,

best regards,

mikelavigne December 30, 2014 19:44

Mike,

I appreciate your enjoyment of your system, and understand how, for some reason, a system just sounds better for no other reason than your mood tunes you in the music more on that particular night.

A common occurrance, but that doesn't mean the system isn't sounding great all the time, it's our appreciation that changes from time to time.

I have also lately developed a great affinity for Martha Argerich, and highly recommend her DG retrospective, "The Art Of Martha Argerich", three CD's and text with many photos to enjoy. It certainly doesn't hurt that she's a vary beautiful woman as well as a world-class musician.

I have not forgotten how you so graciously welcomed me in your home, and listening room, over ten years or so ago now (you still had your VR-7's, I believe they were, and hadn't had your darTZeel preamp very long. Been a long time.

Anyway, thanks for that, and I'm glad to see you're still enjoying your system. Mine has also evolved greatly, as has my enjoyment, on a necessarily smaller financial scale, but still highly enjoyable.

I wish you a Happy New Year, and many more to come.

Best regards,
Dan Thomason,
Whidbey Island

islandmandan December 30, 2014 15:52

the system has been really sounding fine lately so tonight I grabbed a couple of superb sounding Classical Lps I have not listened to in a long time (one maybe never) and I was transported to another place and time. One is solo piano, the other large Orchestral.

first; a DG 1980 pressing and 1980 performance (DG 2531 088 tulip) of Martha Argerich, Bach, Toccata BWV911, Parita BWV826, and English Suite No.2 BWV807. wonderful full range piano recording just right to my sensibilities. intimate, super quiet pressing, great sparkle and energy, not strident at all.....full bodied and nicely balanced. looking for a solo piano recording to show off the system? here is one to have. I dimmed the lights and let it flow........

second; a late 90's Decca 'Super Analog' reissue of a 1967 Decca, (KIJC 9238) of Falla:El Amor Brujo-Ballet, Granados:"Goyescas"-intermezzo, Ravel: Pavane Pour Infante Defunte. a 1966 Kenneth Wilkinson recording in Kingsway Hall, London.....and it is superb! amazing sonics and musical flow, space and detail. great tension and sucked me into the vibe of it. very interesting recording and I loved the music. Wow! I've had this record since the late 90's and I'm not sure I've ever played it before. or maybe it simply never touched me like this.

caution; I'm no classical expert......I just like great music and appreciate great sonics too.

just strap these on and enjoy the ride!

mikelavigne December 30, 2014 02:21

hi Harvey,

thank you again for the nice comments. i'm happy that you appreciated my efforts to optimize things in my room and system. it's been a labor of love.

when you have a great source like 'reel 2' of 'Abbey Road' what is great is that as you go down the road of system and room improvement you will hear more and more of the reality of a source like that. don't knock where you are at on the path, just enjoy the journey.

we are all on that same path of trying to get closer to the real music.....and it's fun getting together to enjoy that path.

cheers,

mikelavigne December 23, 2014 18:35

To my own system, in a small non dedicated room. Owing to lack of eq and room treatment, plus proximity to my speakers, I now reali the softening of resolution and immediacy I perceived that day was really just a lack of defects and imbalance in my own setup.
The benefit of a proper room and true world class equipment led to an audio experience that will not be forgotten.
A 3 hr drive and bad car stereo left me a bit frazzled. Ear plugs on the drive out next time!
Haha

hxt1 December 21, 2014 20:07

hello Phil,

sorry for the delay in my response; I'm not always paying attention to my Audiogon page.

I am using spikes for the feet as I have carpet over concrete and I wanted to make sure the feet got down to the concrete for the best connection. as far as the shelves I am using the flat leveling dampers; however, I'm also using two Herzan active isolation platforms with the Adona, one under my tt and one under my pre and digital player. so my Adona is supercharged. the two Herzan platforms are $12k and $10k each.

the Adona is ideal as a grounded rack for active isolation.

mikelavigne December 20, 2014 01:49

hello Lohan,

sorry for the delay in my response; I'm not looking at my Audiogon page often enough. as far as answering your questions;

the Wave Kinetic NVS compared to the Rockport; it's been 3 years now that the Rockport Sirius III has been gone from my system. i'd say that the NVS does do a little more of what I like than the Rockport; quieter backgrounds (when on the Herzan active isolation in my room), more space, a bit more pace; but these preferences are not large differences, they are quite subtle. more significant is that the NVS allows for other tone arms which is where the more significant performance differences are that allow the NVS to have higher ultimate performance than the Rockport. but again; both these tt's are at such a rarified level that both are top top level choices. and my own tastes and preferences are involved here. I know some simply prefer the sound of the linear tracking arms. so it's not a black and white issue of superiority.

I still miss the Rockport and wish I still could afford to own it and the NVS. the Rockport has an iconic position among tt's that is unique.

as far as the EMT948 it is a wonderful tt, but it's arm and cartridge are only very good, not top level. so as it sits in my room it is not in the same class as the NVS. if someone were to mount a great tonearm, such as the Durand Kairos you would have a world class vinyl front end.

mikelavigne December 20, 2014 01:09

You know, I'm sitting here listening to reel 2 of Abbey Rd, it is a 'reference' piece for me as well, and I'm finally able to appreciate the level of repro in your space... My space is much smaller and very 'live'. Naturally, I noticed only what was 'missing' in comparison t

hxt1 December 20, 2014 00:14

hi Harvey,

it was a pleasure to meet you, and thank you for the kind words. it was a fun session, and I hope you can visit again with some of your B.C. audio friends. let me know when and we will work out the details.

and no; other than at audio shows I don't have personal experience with the Strain Gauge cartridges, but really admire what Peter does.....sorry I cannot be more help.

best regards,

mikelavigne December 19, 2014 23:51

Wow! Thanks for hosting such a fantastic music 'experience'
You've put together an amazing system... And set it in a little corner of heaven!
What a treat, after seeing your system evolve and (revolve) on audiogon, to finally witness it!
I really admire your dedication to vinyl, and your dedication to 'the best'
Cheers!
If I'm fortunate enough to visit again I know just the record to bring!
The Anna and Durand- sublime.
Have you played with any of the strain gauge carts?
Thanks again!
Harvey

hxt1 December 14, 2014 23:47

Hi Mike - I am really curious about 2 things in ur system?:

1. the Wave Kinetics Turntable - is it better than the Rockport you had?
2. How come you have am emt 948 - how does it stack up in ur pantheon of turntables - u've perhaps had the most dream decks I can ever think of so I guess you should know

thanks

lohanimal December 07, 2014 16:32

How did you find that the Adona Rack improved your system? Did you use spikes to support the rack or the flat feet that Paul recommends?

ON your supports did you stay with the leveling dampers or did you go with spikes facing up under each of the shelf's.

phillyb November 29, 2014 15:07

It's been over TEN YEAR'S since I inadvertainly named "the barn"?.
Wow... How time flies!
It is most admirable that even at the lofty heights you and your systems have attained you admit that there are always imperfections though you have always remained truly supportive and a consummate gentlemen!

Happy Listening rolls on...
Azjake

azjake October 31, 2014 22:15

Hi Mike,

What's your opinion on Zanden 9600 monoblocks, 2000 premium cd, 5000 Dac, 3000 preamplifier, 1200 phono stage?

Michael Moncrief

jehovahjira October 11, 2014 09:21

Hey Mike
Thanks for the great visit last week. The music sure sounds good at the barn. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better..... it did get better.
Take care and thanks for the great time.

rugyboogie August 25, 2014 09:43

Mike,

I need to hear your system again, it's been too long. Maybe the blonde is still serving Pizza at that place under the bridge ?

I'm pleased you are enjoying your system, miss reading your posts about music and updates here as well.

albertporter July 28, 2014 14:38

hi David,

great to hear from you, i sure enjoyed your visit. i am well and trust you are too. sorry for the delay in response, i don't check on Audiogon every day to see what's happening.

glad you like the pictures. those Auralex T-Fusors were in those recesses when you visited last year......they have been there since 2011.....since before i got the MM7's. i have to admit that i've never specifically A/B'd those T-Fusors in those recesses so i cannot say with conviction excatly how much they do. the ones on the side wall definitly tame slap echo without changing the tonality or reducing energy. and they are cheap at $59 retail each.

the Herzan units (the TS-140 under the tt and the TS-150 under the dart pre and the Playback digital) really do the job in my system by lowering the noise floor and virtually eliminating any feedback from the speakers. with 7 foot tall, 750 pound, bass towers 8 feet away from my sources my system does benefit from the ultimate in isolation. the Herzan units replaced the Wave Kinetics passive isolation base for the tt, and the Wave Kinetics A10 U8 footers i was using under the pre and digital.

as far as characterzing the performance improvements it's a few things, all of which become more significant as the SPL's rise and the bass dynamics get crazyier. a level of ease and naturalness gets added, like any lowering of the noise floor you get an expension of the sound stage and ambient clues and get an increase in dynamic contrasts.. instruments and voices get a bit more real. lots of textures immerge previously lost in the noise floor. things like Cello growl, kettle drum texture, and piano note decay go to a whole different level. at low volumes these changes are more subtle although since you have essentially filtered out the ground noise effect there are real benefits at low volume. but the heavy lifting is the ease on musical peaks particulartly with heavy bass involved. the cartridge simply tracks those peaks better. some very husky voices which had caused slight distortion are now crystal clear.

i hope that answers those questions.

take care,

mikelavigne July 25, 2014 20:11

Hi Mike,

Nice to see updated photos of your room. Is it right to think you reintroduced the sound treatment panels in the recesses of the ceiling? When I was there you had removed them. Did you do that when the manufacturer came to voice the MM7s to the room?

Wondering how much improvement you've found with the new vibration isolation units. Would you characterize this just a bit? I don't recall what you previously had for this function.

Hope this finds you well.

Very Best,

David Kellogg

cdk84 July 22, 2014 00:33

I've owned 4 Ekones Stressless chairs, and own one now. I also currently have a great Ekones sofa. the Stressless chair I own now I use in my rec room upstairs for watching sports. and for laying back and putting your feet up and watching TV it's great.

unfortunately for listening, the Stressless 'cups' the sound around the head so does mess with the sound in bad ways. also, when sitting at listening height it is about a '2-hour' chair.....meaning my back can handle about 90 minutes to 2 hours sitting up before it starts to get stiff and sore. at that point I need to constantly move my position around to stay comfortable. which is fine for TV but not for serious listening.

for my listening room I use a zero-gravity chair from The-Relax-The-Back store. the linked picture is from my old room. I've had this chair for 15 years and love it. if you want your feet supported then the challenge is to properly support your back. to do that requires a particular angle of your legs and back to distribute the weight and keep it off your tailbone. the 'zero-gravity' concept was developed by NASA for rocket launches. just google 'zero-gravity'.

if you don't need to support your feet and are sitting up I recommend the Aeron Side Chair. very comfortable with your feet on the floor. I have 2 of these.

since the 'zero-gravity' chair has a high back I move it out of the way when I have visitors and bring in the Cassina K10 Dodo which is very comfortable, and has a headrest and footrest which both retract. unfortunately it is also very expensive.

mikelavigne July 20, 2014 16:18

Stressless.

branislav July 20, 2014 14:29

I'm looking for a small and comfortable chair that can also support your feet any ideas.

jwm July 20, 2014 12:03

pictures of the one-in-the-world pre-production darTZeel NHB-18NS preamp.

front 1
front 2

this pic show the new phono adjustments, with the LED's off.
new cartridge gain and loading LED adjustments-1

here the LED's are on. you move the toggle back and forth to turn on the LED's and then adjust the gain and loading separately. it is quick and easy to do and can be done on-the-fly while listening.
new cartridge gain and loading LED adjustments-2

mikelavigne June 13, 2014 10:01