I'd love to get back there soon.  And hear that cartridge...my Allaerts has the speed of the Atlas, better tone and textures, and imaging...but misses the resolution and some of the dynamics.  So yes has me wondering :-)...I always loved your Air Tight Supreme and remember hearing it vs the Atlas in your 2nd arm...I'll let you know when I can get there next...

jfrech January 08, 2016 13:12

Wow...sounds like a wonderful new cartridge you have!  I always loved your Air Tight Supreme...Hope the holidays were great for you and your family !

jfrech January 07, 2016 13:07

That is a cool camera. Love the fresh idea. How much is it? Couldn't find it in the website...

jfrech October 22, 2015 12:17

Hi Richard,

I have experimented...first I like these Hi Fi tuning fuses. I had all gold...now moving my way to all sliver. I can hear a difference in directionality. I can't really always tell which way I like however...

jfrech July 08, 2015 01:22

Hey !! It's been awhile. Hope all is going great. Alli graduated from high school friday. I still remember her watching cartoons and eating chocolates on your sofa as we talked.

A few posts above you're contemplating the new hi fi tuning black (mostly silver) fuses. I have 4, replacing the hi fi tuning gold fuses in my phono stage, dac, clock and transport. I have to say I'm impressed. Nearly like upgrading a power cord. And they breakin and get better over a month or so.

For me, nothing went backwards-just lower noise allowing more music.

Wasn't even a need to a-b. The hi fi tuning gold fuses are now spares...

jfrech June 14, 2015 20:28

I was really trying to make it into Dallas tonight...just couldn't get the flights arranged right (on east coast now). Would love to hear the new KT150 tubes and the breakin I guess is complete now? How were the 6h30's? help in any way?

jfrech November 11, 2014 13:52

Hi Peter, interesting post. My wife always says I can hear a gnat 100 feet away. I think we train ourselves to listen. And the more we can reference real instruments, the better we can tune our systems via placement, dialing in a cartridge or selecting recording. I know you and Albert are very careful listeners ... And this is a key to the outstanding sound you get from your stereos...

jfrech November 11, 2014 00:18

Sounds_real_audio ... feels like you just took a cheap shot at a good guy.

jfrech September 28, 2014 12:23

Hi Albert for movies, do you find your oppo to have a better picture and sound when playing a blu ray disc than the Fire or Apple TV does on a HD movie? I am assuming both sources are via your Allnic DAC....

jfrech September 17, 2014 12:30

Really great seeing you ... And hearing the system with the new arc amps. I know they are still breaking in...but you're already getting better sound. Especially the speed and resolution!

Will try to get back in a few weeks as breakin completes...

jfrech September 03, 2014 13:59

Bummer on the other tubes, hope you got your money back. I'll bring 4 on tues for you ...

jfrech August 31, 2014 13:03

Looking forward to hearing your system on Tues night !

jfrech August 30, 2014 12:04

Hi...Congratulations on the ARC Ref 250's...can't wait to read your opinion after some time of the clock!

jfrech July 18, 2014 00:40

wow...that does look so very nice! congrats!

jfrech June 18, 2014 11:05

Hi Albert ! Curious on the Etna...I know you're thrilled with the Lyra Atlas...but I've read the Etna is a bit better maybe of a few things vs the Atlas...

jfrech June 11, 2014 20:43

Oh man...I wish I could get there tonight to listen...I promise to get to Dallas soon !

jfrech March 19, 2014 02:03

Hi Peter, I thought Albert captured it well on the more dramatic differences between the Atlas and Airtight Supreme via his Allnic H5000 DHT phono. I might add, if it was me, my preference would to vary by recording...and mood. And one cartridge wouldn't be right and the other wrong...they offer different perspectives.

I do think if I had a state state phono...the Air Tight is a must listen...tube phono the Atlas...but this isn't a hard and fast rule as Albert's set up proves...

(Albert will contact you off line on the demo...I need to be in a position to buy given what I heard in your and Arnie's system...)

jfrech January 17, 2014 12:06

Albert, GREAT seeing you last night. Your system SOUNDS amazing...especially the addition of the Allnic H5000 DHT phono. I have now heard phono stage in 2 systems, Arnie's and yours...it's spectacular.

Since your Focals showed up...I was always hearing the potential, they were already in top tier category...but now the break in is done...the new cables on the powered magnets, and the new Allnic Phono...this system completely eclipses your past system.

The warmth with resolution brings a emotional engagement few systems can match. I am envious.

I also think the Allnic H5000 separates the Lyra Atlas and the Airtight Supreme further...Same triaghts as before...just highlights the strengths of each to a larger degree.

Congratulations...truly world class !

jfrech January 15, 2014 13:26

Albert, another reason you may need to come to Austin some too ;-)...

Wonderful comments on the Allnic H5000...guess I need to get to dallas soon! On my way back to the USA soon...will try and call you over the weekend...

jfrech September 07, 2013 04:47

Wow, wish i could make it this tuesday...will be curious to read your thoughts soon !

jfrech September 01, 2013 02:54

Albert is very gracious....I'll also add while the Ypsilon is excellent it wasn't better than the Allnic...it was different here and there...so one was better for this or that type of music and the other better for that and a diff type of music.

The Allnic is about a 1/3 of the price...and doesn't need a extra set of interconnects for the outboard transformer...so that counts for something !

jfrech August 28, 2013 21:37

Albert, I remember listening to the Stahl Tek a few years ago with you. It was pretty darn special, one of those listening sessions that you definitely don't forget...and you and I are both really analog guys...so that's saying something about a digital piece.

I have not compared my dCS Scarlatti stack vs others in my home. I have heard the MSB set up at Arnie's (and at Andy Payor's shop) and heard Arnies Esoteric set up before that. I used to have a Esoteric DV50S (a fantastic DVD player...) and always felt like it was a touch rough on top...I heard that similar signature on Arnie's more expensive Esoteric DAC and Trans...however the MSB is very liquid and smooth-it's quite good. Going out on a limb here, I suspect it maybe better than my dCS on redbook. The dCS really shines on SACD, especially with a dCS clock and the Purist Proteous Provectus Praesto clock cables really help it on SACD. But again, I haven't compared em toe to toe...

I've read several folks discuss dCS Scarlatti and that word "musicality" with that word missing just a bit via dCS...however liking the dCS Scarlatti strengths in resolution and timbre and timing. I have found with careful cable choices, the best power conditioning and really really good isolation the dCS can swing with the best of em...and on SACD I think it's hard to beat.

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong with any of these...I have not heard the dCS Vivaldi yet...it maybe the leap frog currently in digital sources...until a new frog appears from someone else...

I am very happy with SACD, the software is pretty cheap if you can find a sale, and is really what I listen to on classical...

jfrech August 17, 2013 23:56

Albert...wow your Focal's are sounding awesome. I am so glad I got to spend about 2.5 hours tonight. Frankly, I wasn't ready to leave!

I have to say, the demo of the Purist 25th Anniversary power cords just floored me. (and really all 4 of us listening with you). It wasn't like a new amp...it was like a new preamp amp...seriously !! Makes me wonder if I need to try a pair on my monoblocks...

Thank you again for a great evening !

jfrech August 14, 2013 04:18

Albert, even your photography of your photography is outstanding...I can never get the clarity you always seem to achieve!

jfrech July 05, 2013 00:55

Hi Peter...not this time...but I've heard them before in Albert's system. Atlas and Airtight are BOTH outstanding...I'd say the airtight has more beauty in the mids...maybe better bass. The Atlas more transparent, faster...more energy on top. But these are very small things...not large. And I found myself liking the Air Tight on one record and the Atlas on another. Albert's lucky to have both in the same SME V-12 arms !

jfrech June 12, 2013 16:01

Albert, thanks for letting my mom/dad and myself listen last night ! The new speakers sound awesome! Especially on the Allnic with the Lyra Atlas !

jfrech June 12, 2013 11:13

Albert, I know I just had a few minutes...but I can already tell your new speakers are going to be special. The resolution in the mids and top end ... and I know you you're just starting breakin + your bi wire cables come soon!

Sorry I meant to give you a few bucks for shipping...but we got distracted by your neighbor and the doc ;-). Will make it back up to you soon...

Good seeing you, Alli says hi !

jfrech May 25, 2013 00:42

Oh this topic can deteriorate very fast....

#1 Albert happy they arrived ! Hope you beat the rain !!
#2 Peter, no telling what's really in those boxes ;-)
#3 How do they sound? first impressions?

jfrech May 10, 2013 12:45

Congrats to your friend, I know he is getting a fantastic speaker system! Now so are you ;-) !!

jfrech April 30, 2013 10:57

When does the Tri Planar 12 arrive? I now you must be about to go nuts with all these arm/cartridge combo's...but we really appreciate you posting your thoughts and experiences !!

jfrech February 14, 2013 23:01

Lawrence, I've heard Albert's system...he has a lot of silver cable...maybe nearly all...It's a VERY warm and engaging system...but no loss of resolution...Maybe you should try some of those Purist Cables soon and see for your self !

Just my 2 cents for what that's worth

jfrech January 16, 2013 22:16

Hi Albert...just curious...is the arm wired with Purist internally or some other brand...just peaked my curiousity based on the RCA jacks...

jfrech January 16, 2013 11:42

Wow, is your system sounding AMAZNG !! So glad I stopped by last night. The addition on the SME V-12 arm to your Technics SP10 MK3 really took the resolution went up or the distortion went down...or both!

Really the best vinyl based system I've heard.

I know late into the night we changed Allnic preamps to the new Direct Heated Triode version. I am going to want to come back and hear this one soon after it settles in...however just in the time I heard it...it's pretty special

Happy New Year-hope CES is a blast!

jfrech January 02, 2013 12:09

Albert for these shots is your camera on a tripod? The resolution is incredible...

Some of the ads that pop up with those photo's might be the source of a new thread soon.... :)

jfrech December 08, 2012 12:17

Hi Albert, any comments you can share on the Graham Phantom Supreme? How does it compare with your other arms? Which cartridge did you try on it? Thanks in advance

jfrech July 28, 2012 18:54

Hi Whart...actually no...I was trying to say which ever one you listened to sounded great...no "desire" to switch to the other. But when you got to the other...it was pretty damn nice to. Ever test drive a bmw then a mercedes? When you're driving one it's great. No need to try the other...then you try the other...hmm it's pretty nice to.

PS, don't try this with your significant other...better stick with what you have ;-)

jfrech July 17, 2012 04:49

Hi Albert, I traded notes with Peter, here is a partial copy and paste...

"Hi . Good to hear from you. I bet your digging your new sme still !

The atlas was in a micro seiki arm, the supreme in his 312s. Same arm cables. It was very easy to hear the differences, the lyra was much faster, somewhat higher in resolution, more energy on top (not bright, just more). Listening to it you had no desire to hear anything else.

Then the supreme, better foundation in the mid bass (the way it portrayed the cello strings) more beauty in the mids (voices), more relaxed on top. Listening to it you wondered why u had no desire to start listening to the supreme.

And that's really it. One isn't better, just a diff presentation. If your system is already fast, hi rez, etc, I'd go for the supreme (like with my wilsons/triplanar), if you'd like a little more something....the lyra will do it.

Now the curious thing is my allaerts mc2 finish may split the diff here, but that is pure conjecture..."

They are really both top flight cartridges...and of course Albert's system is amazing along with his company !

jfrech July 17, 2012 01:02

Hi Albert, have you had time to set up your Graham 12 inch yet? Are you planning to mount it to rear, leaving your SME 312s for comparison?

Curios on your thoughts on this arm ...Thanks

jfrech July 16, 2012 20:14

Sounds like I need to get to Dallas soon and hear this ! What this is telling me is we've all yet heard the limits of what LP's an truly do...

I keep hoping a modern motor, with today's machining technology and electronics will find a way to better things...but as usual in life, we forgot what we already knew in the past...

Albert, I am know officially kicking myself I didn't get on the Mk3 train early on !

jfrech April 08, 2012 12:22

So Albert, sounds like your soon to be "screwed" on your new mat :)

T_bone, that's interesting and I don't doubt you for minute. I always liked my previous SME and now my Grandprix with how they slightly raise the record in the center (SME used a washer, Grand Prix sorbothane about the size of a washer). I guess it makes the clamping action more effective.

jfrech September 11, 2011 11:15

Hi Albert. Your system is sounding fantastic. Even more fantastic with the new Purist 25th Anniv wire and the NVS table. I wish I could have heard the wire alone, if you ever get your Technics spinning again, I'll try to come by.

I was a little surprised on the arm board arrangement for the NVS. Given it's price and seemingly top tier status, not allowing room for SME 12' arm (which is a common arrangement) seems like a oversight.

Congratulations again! Even better sound! I'll be curious on your comments regarding the NVS vs Technics after you get some good quality time with the NVS.

Thanks again for a great evening.

jfrech August 25, 2011 12:57

Hi, I just wanted to thank you for a wonderful night of music. Your system is really progressing from best on earth to best in solar system :).

The subs are a great addition down low. It was also interesting to hear the Koetsu vs the Airtight. Both killer-just different. You really do need both - i'll see if that works on my wife :)

Finally, that new Purist wiring is amazing. Shockingly transparent, but beautiful at the same time...

jfrech February 16, 2011 14:59

Hi Albert, are you ready to share any comments on the new 25th Anniversary Purist cable yet? Hope all is going great for you!

jfrech January 30, 2011 23:49

Hi, Have that A 90 spinning yet? Very curious as to your thoughts...Thanks, hope all is well !

I can't wait to visit, I know I need to get up to Dallas soon

jfrech May 20, 2010 11:52

Slipknot: I got to listen to the Ypsilon at Albert's house. I think his description is spot on. Very nice, very expensive. The preamp had a passive and active mode. both were good, the passive giving a lil more transparency the active more bass control and dynamics.

Albert: thanks for another fun evening. Your mk3 is sounding fabulous! As is the rest of your system!

jfrech August 09, 2009 12:14

Albert:

It was great seeing you last night! As well as the Tuesday night group !

Your system sounds AMAZING. It's been a year since I have heard it. With the changes being your new Allnic Phono and Preamp + your Technics mk III. Maybe you also just had the Air Tight PC1 vs the newer supreme. Last time you still had the walker and the mk ii.

The differences I kept hearing, LP after LP, were ease with power. Every note has a "punch" but with complete resolution, decay, naturalness and warmth. With just a wonderful presentation of each image, front to back, side to side. The bottom end clarity, extension, depth of image, power, and resolution are really the best I've heard.

I am very impressed with the Allnic phono and preamp and your new Technics SP 10 mk iii.

Wow, sincerely congratulations !!

jfrech May 13, 2009 20:46

Hi Albert, I know I need to get up to Dallas soon and you certainly down to Austin!

You comment on your 312s arm above. About the micro adjustment the SME arms allow for on cartridge alignment. Do you dail this parameter in as closely as visually possible with your Wally mirror? And then by ear??? I am curious on the second step.

I set VTA, VTF (by scale first then micro changes by ear), and antiskate by ear after I used the SME alignment gauge. I am wondering if I have a little more tweaking to do on alignment...Thanks

jfrech February 23, 2009 00:04

ADD? Who knows ...???

Digital...maybe ...

Poor Albert. Maybe he'll sell me his LP collection on the cheap...I'll take that black plastic off your hands for a few bucks and I'll pick it up this weekend...might take a few trips !

We ought to start a pool here. $10 a person. See where Albert ends up? Whole pot goes to the winner?

BTW, Albert, wow and most importantly, best I have ever heard your system last night. Seriously, best system I have EVER heard...sincerely impressed.

The company was even better !

jfrech April 24, 2008 01:01