Speakers are Focal Grande Utopia EM in black finish
Analog music sources,
Technics SP10 MK3 with two Kuzma 4 Point 14" arms. Koetsu Blue Lace on one and Air Tight Opus One in the other. Studer A820 half track tape machine with three sets of cards, each rebuilt by Studer electronics experts so I can compare upgrade performance.
Digital
music source is Aurender W20 Special Edition into Soulution 760 LEEDH. THe best input for music so far is Purist new USB cable and AES/EBU close second place.
Soulution 725 preamp, Soulution 755 phono stage Soulution 760 LEEDH and Soulution 701 mono block amps for electronics. See image posted Nov 18, 2022 to see how it looks.
Cable is 100% top tier Purist Audio design. All latest 35th Anniversary, all ten AC cords are the new Purist 35th Anniversary AC.
My space is 18 X 31 and
acoustically treated with RPG panels, tube traps and fiberglass acoustic treatment
over triple reinforced walls and ceiling. The floor is lamination beams
over steel plates to concrete pier and beam. Two sheets of 5/8 epoxy
lamination sheets make up the floor with two inches of
concrete topped with India multi color slate.
Whisper Wall
rail system and fine textured acoustic cloth covers the work, making everything appear as a normal room of
painted sheet rock or decorative cloth covering.
The room acoustics were conceived by RBDG
and the entire space was torn out to bare dirt under the foundation and
bare studs in the walls. The combo of all new electrical and acoustical treatment resulting in best sound I’ve ever had.
The best offering from Focal, shown with Stillpoints Ultra 5. Ultra 5 was an amazing upgrade for the speakers !
RPG Acoustics QRD 734 (variation)
On front wall, now obscured by acoustically transparent cloth, is floor to ceiling RPG (similar to QRD® 734) in foam, so it's partially absorptive.
Studer Studer A820
Found a near mint A820 at a production studio in Illinois. I was so excited about it's condition I had it driven here in the back of an SUV, covered with moving blankets.
Head block sent to John French and all cards at Soren Wittrup who worked for Studer. This is the machine I spent more than a decade searching for.
Technics SP10 MK3 Rosewood with Stillpoints Ultra 5
Technics SP10 MK3 Panzerholz with African Ebony lumber (no Veneer). This is the original design by John Semrad and myself, copied to death now.
TTM Stainless Mat and Oil Damp Weight
Japan, TTM Stainless mat (6.61 pounds) plus TTM oil filled record weight.
TTM record stabilizer TTM three piece set
Very hard to find, grateful I was able to purchase this last week. Three piece TTM record stabilizer replaces my previous single piece unit.
Air Tight Opus
Air Tight top of the line phono cartridge
Mutech Hayabusa
Excellent MC cartridge, retail about $4500.00
Koetsu Blue Lace Platinum
Top tier stone body Koetsu, perfect alternate to Air Tight Opus One
Soulution 725 preamp
725, Soulution best preamp, shown in system
Soulution 755 phono
Soulution best phono stage, unbelievable amount of adjustment for cartridge including channel balance to 1 DB
Soulution Soulution 760 LEEDH
Soulution top tier DAC, really pleased with performance of this DAC.
I still prefer analog but many recordings that were digital to begin with (and vinyl cut from CD master) are better on Soulution than on turntable.
Soulution 701 Mono Block Amplifiers
Soulution top tier 2KW solid state amps from Switzerland
ORB-DF03 USA version DF03
Excellent LP flattener, simple to use and so far perfect result
Aurender W20 Special Edition
Aurender music server, model W20 SE with 16TB solid state storage on board.
Vibraplane 2212-01
Under my Technics MK3, powered by Silentaire DR-150
Degritter MK2 Ultrasonic LP cleaning machine
From Estonia, very powerful ultrasonic LP cleaning machine. The MK2 version is better than the original which was already the best I’ve heard
Degritter and ORB LP flattner Degritter and ORB LP flattner
View of two important pieces to maintain LP collection
Milbank Transocket three phase 750 amp
750 amp meter base. Pass through design, three phase power is a huge benefit in conjunction with our dedicated transformer.
Porter Port Cryo outlets 20 Amp
14 of these in my system, each to a dedicated breaker in copper based electrical box
Furutech NCF Booster
New NCF Booster added to majority of AC cords in system. Easy to see against light colored wall, arrow points to NCF Booster to my (previous) owned Allnic M-5000 amp.
Purist Audio Design Focal EM Supply cable
New four conductor cord, replaces stock Focal supply cord from EM drive box to back of speaker. Amazing upgrade
(1) Soulution 725 preamp to Soulution 701 mono blocks
(1) Soulution 760 LEEDH DAC to Soulution 725 preamp
(1) Studer A820 to Soulution 725 preamp
Purist Audio Design 35th Anniversary Bi-Wire
1.5 meter Bi-Wire, Soulution 701 mono blocks to Focal Grande EM
Purist Audio Design 35th Anniversary AC Cables
New STUNNING cable from Purist Audio, silver and seven stage network box. This cable brought so much dynamics, resolution and transparency to my system it qualifies as a main component.
Leica Disto D2
Super laser measuring tool. Indispensable for setting distance and alignment of your speakers
Received new Allnic M5000 Mono Blocks, short description is they are the best amps I’ve ever heard. Lots of drive, contrast, very quiet, bass equal to my VTL 750 and resolution like ARC Ref 250 but with warmth.
I’ll take a photo soon, meanwhile I‘ll post a cell phone shot provided by the factory. It’s a very nice design with attractive cosmetics (in my opinion).
I found the two Eico about three months apart, both at Ebay. Price was about $650.00 ea. making them more expensive than Dynaco or other popular amps of the day.
Mind you, I have not heard these yet, just going on faith, but at that price it's not a lot of risk and I can sell if I decide I have too many amp options.
My new "super" Allnic mono block amps will arrive next week, I am so excited I can hardly contain myself. These are the first and only pair of the new design, I'll post images for everyone to see, once they arrive.
Albert, I looked into, and was very interested in, Eico amps. However, it just wasn't in the cards for me, I didn't have the resources to spare to get into it (I most always have to sell something first to make a purchase) so I had to let the idea go, though it still interests me.
Due to the popularity of certain Eico models, the price of usable units to rebuild got very high, as do things like Garrard 301 chassis', and other vintage equipment. That's the price of doing business, as they say.
I have great respect for Tannoy, they are a company that takes the approach to music reproduction in their own way. They do not copy anyone nor do they worry about other designs.
Years ago when Ronnie was importer for Koetsu and I was covering one of the audio shows I stopped in to visit with him. He had a nice analog rig playing along with an upper end Koetsu.
My impression right off was, OK, this is fine. I sat down and talked with him about one thing and other and when I finally looked at my watch 45 minutes had passed. The Speakers were Tannoy and in spite of other rooms being “spectacular,” most did not tug at your heart or cause you to loose track of time like his rig.
Each of us has to decide what direction to take our system. Some want ultimate resolution and some just want music to be enjoyable.
Me, I’m all about getting the gear right but not if a decision keeps me from playing a mix of material, much of which is far from perfect.
The Class D amps are interesting. Mine are very clean, very lightweight and very powerful. They don’t have textures and colors like tubes, tend to lead a bit in the bass and midrange and upper frequency notes sometimes seem cut off before they can say all they had to say. It’s part of the experience to listen to all this, great learning tools.
Still looking forward to the rebuilt Eico HF60s. This will be the polar opposite of the class D. Again, a learning curve you can only understand by being there with it.
Yes, Albert, you have had many great amps over the years. I too, have tried many different types and approaches with the two speaker systems I've had over the last 15 years or so, Dynaudio Contour 5.4, and current, and last, my very custom Tannoy HPD 315's.
Modified Aragon 3002, factory upgraded VAC PA 35.35, First Watt M2, now a factory-upgraded Assemblage Audio SET 300B (from Sonic Frontiers), with (EML 300B XLM tubes), a great sounding but modestly priced intro into SET tubed amps.
I gave Class D Audio amps a try, with a CDA 254 amp with two amp modules bridged into mono @ 500 Wpc into 8 ohms. I also built a three channel amp using the same two modules, bridging one amp to mono for 500 Watts into my center channel. They were a very enjoyable build for me, and provide amazingly good sound for the paltry amount I've had to invest in them.
We each in our own way, do our best to make our enjoyment of audio, and music, of course, the most we can with our given circumstances.
I know we are each enjoying ourselves immensely, which is the whole point of it all.
Thank you Dan, your kind words greatly appreciated.
I've owned some amazing amps over the years. VTL 750, Tube Research GT400, Audio Research REF 250, Atma-Sphere MA2, Air Tight ATM-3, P280 M Wolcotts and Allnic M3000 to name but a few.
Each have a signature, some of these do things better than the others and some have special traits that endear to listener (depending on taste). It’s amazing how many tube designs are available.
I love my Allnic M3000 and hope the new M5000 will have more contrast and push due to large power supply, increased output power and new design output transformer.
On similar topic, my personal gear sometimes has to travel to customer or an audio show, leaving me begging guys in my group for a loaner.
I have a solution coming soon and very excited to hear what it can do. I bought two vintage 1950s Eico mono amps and having them rebuilt by Stu Remington. He basically scrapes all the old parts and saves the (excellent) output transformer and rebuilds to new condition.
There are guys the absolutely love this amp, it only puts out 60 watts but for a fill in it will be a tube alternative to my Bel Canto e.One 600 class D amps.
This started when I borrowed Dynaco MK3 and old Heathkit from guys in my group. The old amps don't have resolution like modern counterpoint but they do have special relaxed, musical presentation for not a lot of money.
Albert, your system is incredible, every aspect of it is exceptional. I've not thought of this before, but it kind of gets me to wondering what I would do system-wise if I had seemingly unlimited resources, as do you.
I will be looking toward future posts regarding your new Allnic amps that are coming your way. Congratulations on that achievement.
I'm the most excited I’ve been in years, my new Allnic amp will be shipped in less than two weeks, hopefully later this coming week. This is a totally new product that I had a hand in designing.
I must say I am very proud and it is absolutely beautiful and powerful. Output 400 watts or more per channel, 100% aircraft grade (thick) aluminum CNC machined chassis. A mono block design, more than 200 pounds per chassis.
I'm also considering the new 14" Kuzma tonearm and maybe the new Lyra low output cartridge. I moved the Allnic H5000 lower in my equipment bay so there is now enough space for a Vibraplane to fit under it. I will decide if I want to make that investment after new amps are in place.
The new Purist 30th Anniversary AC cords are fully broken in, much harder to get to 100% compared to 25th Anniversary but absolutely light years beyond anything I've ever owned or heard. Yes, they are too expensive, but no other option once I heard them.
Last, I continue to be amazed by the cleaning power of the KL Audio with lab grade water but read with great interest about the new model from Audio Desk, the Pro. Need to make a comparison when time and funds permit.
Added one of the new Purist 30th Anniversary USB cables and also the 30th Anniversary AC cable. AC cable went on my phono.
It took about a week for me to figure out everything these new cables were doing. I believe this new Purist may have unseated the Audioquest Diamond USB but will test more and report back.
The 30th Anniversary AC is stunning. More detail and transparency without being bright or forward and very linear in it’s tonal balance from top to bottom. Bass is especially improved, detail within detail rather than just “power” at bass frequencies.
I’ve ordered three more 30th AC, one for each amp and one for preamp. I’ll be selling my latest revision 25th Luminist AC here at Audiogon soon.
You mention below the recommendation that members take advantage of higher-res photos. Can you be more specific in this regard as to how you are achieving that specifically with Agon? Have you found a way to get past their current 5MB per photo upload limitation? Thanks!
If you have a photo editing application you can compress image files so they are larger and easier to view but don’t exceed file size.
All of my images for the old Audiogon opened with lots of blank screen around them. For example, the first four system images are the new larger files but stop and the Basis Turntable and other images that follow.
I will eventually change them all but it’s time consuming.
What will the Bel Canto REF600M amps be running in your system? Any thoughts on these yet?
I bought as back up, sometimes I have to loan the M3000 for audition and I wanted something new and reliable. I bought a pair of Dynaco MK3 off Ebay but they were not as described so I had to return.
I'm going to have a pair of Eico HF60 rebuilt as soon as I can find a clean pair.
The Bel Canto is very clean and this new model does sound better than the previous 1000 Mono. Neither will be mistaken for tubes but they do what they are supposed to do.
As always your system and room inspire alot of us,...simply amazing!
You mention below the recommendation that members take advantage of higher-res photos. Can you be more specific in this regard as to how you are achieving that specifically with Agon? Have you found a way to get past their current 5MB per photo upload limitation? Thanks!
Technics SP10 MK2 II is excellent and Peters plinths look nice. The TTM mat is my favorite but there are countless options that will work. Perhaps easier and a bit "warmer" sounding is the Micro Seiki CU-180.
A used Boston carbon fiber would be another option and if you have patience to track down a TTM I like it very much. Don't forget the clamp or weight is almost as audible as the mat. Some mat and weight combinations are not so good. The TTM has a weight designed to go with it and I suggest you use them together if you go that way.
Recently had a Technics sp10MK11 refurbished by Peter at PBN Audio, so I would love to hear your thoughts on the TTM stainless mat. I am in awe seeing all the time and dedication you have put in to continually improve your system. All the Best
I just completed photography for Purist Audio Design, new 30th Anniversary cables. So far a new super USB and an AC cable.
I have not heard the 30th Anniversary AC but the 30th USB may become my new standard.
I love the AudioQuest Diamond USB and a dozen other cables have gone against it, only to be defeated. More testing is needed but it looks like it may fall to this new Purist.
The new Air Tight Opus continues to improve with hours, this is the most musically satisfying yet resolved cartridge I've ever heard.
It and the Koetsu Coralstone are new to the system and both need time before they’re 100%, but man is the Air Tight coming on strong. Seems to improve with every LP.
Last night I played a Red Garland album, "Stepping Out," an album I've owned since it was released in 1981. This is a great recording but with the Air Tight Opus the dynamics are just stunning and colors of the piano are superb.
Other people on this LP are Ron Carter, Kenny Burrell and Ben Riley. A great one to search out if your a jazz fan.
You’re welcome anytime. Lots of upgrades since your last visit, I would love to get your input as to where the system is now.
The
Air Tight Opus continues to improve with hours and I continue to work
on the digital system as well. I tried the iFi USB 3 plus Gemini cable
and iPurifier with my Allnic D5000. The results were clearly audible
but overall a negative rather than positive so it’s gone now.
One
of my friends dropped off the Audioquest Jitterbug and it was not as
destructive to sound as the iFi but still a slight downgrade. I still
love the Audioquest Diamond USB after trying half a dozen highly
recommended brands. There is a new 30th Anniversary Purist USB
prototype coming next week and I hope it will (finally) be the USB that
beats the AQ Diamond.
My Koetsu Coralstone has too few hours to
be at peak performance but it’s so nice to have both it and the Air
Tight Opus. Both are excellent and deliver a different view of the
recorded performance
You’re welcome anytime. Lots of upgrades since your last visit, I would love to get your input as to where the system is now.
The Air Tight Opus continues to improve with hours and I continue to work on the digital system as well. I tried the iFi USB 3 plus Gemini cable and iPurifier with my Allnic D5000. The results were clearly audible but overall a negative rather than positive so it’s gone now.
One of my friends dropped off the Audioquest Jitterbug and it was not as destructive to sound as the iFi but still a slight downgrade. I still love the Audioquest Diamond USB after trying half a dozen highly recommended brands. There is a new 30th Anniversary Purist USB prototype coming next week and I hope it will (finally) be the USB that beats the AQ Diamond.
My Koetsu Coralstone has too few hours to be at peak performance but it’s so nice to have both it and the Air Tight Opus. Both are excellent and deliver a different view of the recorded performance.
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...
albertporter on All Out Assault