Components Toggle details

    • Micro Seiki SX-5000 Turntable & RY-5500 II Motor Drive Unit & HS-80 Flywheel
    Wonderful turntable when fitted with the Acoustical Systems Decoupled Acrylic Platter to damp the ringing in the 16kg gunmetal platter, and giving it isolation by sitting it on a Benchmate.
    • Acoustical Systems Palladian & Aiwon Cartridges & Axiom Arm
    A magical combination. The Palladian and Aiwon cartridges bringing all the aliveness of a FR7f 6 digit but with great refinement.
    • Fidelity Research & Acoustical Systems UNI-Protractor FR-64s Arm (silver wired) & FR-7f Silver Coil "6 Digits" Cartridge
    What a wonderful combination at an unbeatable price, especially when aligned using the brilliant Acoustical Systems UNI-Protractor, which IMHO is the best alignment tool. I would describe this cartridge's sound as:

    *Integrated top to bottom.

    *Tonally neutral.

    *Superior ambient detail retrieval.

    *The music "breathes".  It has an exceptional ability to capture the increase and decrease of the sound pressure of the human voice.

    *Excellent transient response.

    *All the above produces a very realistic and open presentation.

    • Acoustical Systems Omnigon Phono Preamplifier
    This is a remarkable beast, number 10 out of 13, that I was most fortunate to buy of an Audiogoner who changed his mind about using it.
    • Kinoshita HQS2500UPM Power Amplifier
    To my ears I have not heard a better power amplifier. My experience is of course limited. The best I had heard prior to this were a pair of custom Audion single-ended mono blocks built specifically for the Vaic VV 52B tube with silver wire transformers etc etc (only 2 sets were ever made) and a recording studio line stereo FM Acoustics power amp. The Kinoshita has all the finesse of the best single-ended tube design and the drive of the transistor amp - a perfect match for the TAD 2404s.
    • TAD 2404 Speakers
    I love these speakers. I built my system around them. I was very lucky to by these NOS. They were one of the last pairs of 2404's TAD made. They are true studio monitors revealing all that goes before. The quality of the two drivers is to my understanding way above what is normally found in most commercial speakers. The horn tweeter gives these speakers a freedom from box resonance which reminds me of electrostatics. Given their revealing nature and that they were designed for a damped studio environment, they have proved difficult for me to get a satisfying sound. They will ruthlessly let you hear any shortcomings before them. They have a highly adjustable crossover with many linkages. I am having some custom crossovers made.

Comments 15

Owner
@sbank 
Many thanks Spencer for the great suggestion to get a fabric cover for my TV screen. I had one made out of a nice heavy cotton and double cotton lining and it makes a very nice difference.
All the best,

bluewolf

Owner
You are most welcome Marco, It is always a pleasure to a visitor with an open mind. I am looking forward to our next meeting.

bluewolf

Owner
Thank you for your kind words and a great suggestion Spencer. I need to give the fabric cover for the tv some significant thought.

bluewolf

Amazing setup. Thanks again to you and your family for your hospitality. Best, Marco

heradot

Very beautiful and synergistic combination. Would love to hear it.

One suggestion: Ever consider a rollup type tapestry or other fabric that you could easily cover the tv screen with while doing your serious listening? Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

Owner
Thanks halcro for your kind words. I wish it was a 66s. No I can confirm that it is a 64s. I love the arm and the FR-7f to be able to demonstrate that all things new are not necessarily better, and what amazing value this combination is with today's often ridiculous pricing.
All the best

bluewolf

Love your system......but it sure looks like an FR-66s rather than an FR-64s?
Don't sell yourself short..👅
Regards

halcro

Owner
hcalland, tooblue and shadorne, Thank you for your very nice comments. It is very kind of you all.  I love the hobby and so enjoy sharing with others. Yes, I am very respectful of the power amp with it large capacitor reservoir. I really am lucky to have got to this spot. The sound is really coming together.  I am getting very close to being done, although I think I have said that once or twice before in the last few decades. I hope to complete some time in 2017.

bluewolf

Is that 4 x 47,000 uf caps - if so then that power supplier has the biggest cojones I know of!!!!

Be careful taking the cover off that big bad boy - it could give you one almighty bolt of electricity and blow your lovely ladies and Buddha to kingdom come!

shadorne

Love your setup! World class speakers!! I bet you feel like the band is in your room!!!

shadorne

What an excellent system you build ! Enjoy it in good health !

bluejazz

Wow, awesome system, have to say not familiar with any of your pieces but it just begs to be heard.

tooblue

Very nice.

hcalland

Owner
Many thanks Jeff. I am sorry but it is taking me a little time get my system up but I am getting there slowly.

bluewolf

Beautiful speakers. I'd love to see the components that you are using to drive these.

jeff1225

Showing all 15 posts