From Electrostats to Horns -More Steps

by whart on All Out Assault
power supply
Keith Monks RCM/KL Ultrasonic RCM
Air compressor/silencer cabinet for Airline Arm
Silencer cabinet for tone arm air compressor

Description

The system components have remained largely unchanged, but for the additions of a large Minus K platform for the turntable, a pair of 15" subwoofers to augment the lowest octaves and the installation of a robust electrical sub-system--powered through a Controlled Power 10kVa isolation transformer. The main change is the room--we relocated from New York to Austin, TX in 2017 and I now have a longer, narrower room that occupies most of the 2nd floor of the house. I have added a few photos reflecting updates since 2017. Bill
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Room Details

Dimensions: 31’ × 14’  Large
Ceiling: 9’

Components Toggle details

    • Koetsu Jade Platinum MC Phono Cartridge
    • AirTight Supreme
    Steroids
    • Koetsu Tiger Eye cartridge
    • Kuzma Air Line
    It Blows
    • Kuzma XL Reference
    the BIG Hogan
    • HRS Isolation
    platform
    • Minus K BM-1 Isolation Platform
    • Allnic H3000
    Phono stage
    • Veloce Line Stage LS-1 (Lithio)
    This is the 'Gen. 2' version of this line stage with lithium batteries, loaded with the DR version of the 6H30 'supertube'
    • Lamm ML 2
    18 watt SET monobloc
    • grand prix monaco
    equipment stand with carbon shelf and apex footers- for preamp
    • grand prix monaco amp
    with carbon shelf and apex footers
    • Avantgarde Duo
    Very demanding but the effort is repaid
    • grand prix Apex Footers
    isolation feet for speakers
    • kubala sonsa elation
    XLR terminated
    • kubala sosna emotion
    WoW!
    • REalTrap Bass Traps
    all 4 corners plus additional panels to reduce reflections from odd angles of room
    • Controlled Power 10kVa Isolation Transformer

Comments 184

Showing all comments by charles1dad.

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Whart,
I had the same thought, the builder Israel Blume said the WE were only 'slightly' better but no way worth the far greater cost.I decided not to search them out,if a pair just happened to fall into my lap I`d love to hear them. I will tell you the Shuguang 101D sound stunning in this linestage.It`s only a single gain stage(the 1 pair of tubes,that`s it) it `s the epitomy of transparent and organic sound.
Regards,

charles1dad

Whart,
My system is exclusively Redbook CD yet the use of a premium quality active linestage improves the sound in a very significant fashion in all parameters. I agree it`s a vital component to overall music reproduction.
Regards,

charles1dad

Hi Whart,
Avantgarde has a new XA series preamp(current review on 6 Moons.com).Very simple design,Class A no NFB,'single gain stage',no capacitor in the signal path(DC coupled) and only 'one' transistor per channel. Seems like a great concept.
Regards,

charles1dad

Goldeneraguy,
Horning speakers and a good SET amp would be very difficult to beat if the objective is 'natural' sound and realism.
Regards,

charles1dad

I see nothing wrong with being a"gearhead", we all are to some varying degree or we would`nt spend time posting on this site. But in my case the ultimate aim is to get as much natural/organic sound and live like realism as I can reasonably manage and experience the intoxicating emotion and joy that music provides.
Regards,

charles1dad

Whart,
It seems to me you have a system that actually reproduces music with the emotional connection and beauty that is inherent. If a system fails to convey this aspect then just fulfilling the 'audiophile' approved checklist is merely 'Hifi'.
Congratulations on your achievement.

charles1dad

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