I had not updated this system for 9 full years, and for a very good reason - there have been no changes! Yes, this is some sort of record for me. This is the best system I've owned in over 50 years of listening.
The further refinement of the great III series. I love it. The beautiful Macassar Ebony finish is icing on the cake.
Triplanar VII Ultimate
Superb arm, easily adjustable.
Ortofon A90
The best cartridge I've had in my system, without the slightest doubt. Patience is required for setup, but it's well worth the time.
Zesto Andros
Absolute analog bliss
Zesto Leto
Tube line stage
Music Vault Diamond
Music server outputting 24/192 resolution.
Antelope Audio Gold w/ Voltikus
I don't how to describe this except to say that this, combined with the Music Vault server, produces the best digital sound I've ever heard, bar none.
Sanders 10c/e
Hybrid transmission line and electrostatic, with active crossover. I now am describing this as a 10c/e because I switched to the newer dbx crossover. It makes a significant difference. I also asked Roger Sanders about swapping in the 10e’s aluminum cone woofers. He stated that this change was largely because owners were blowing the poly cones out by over driving them. He also implied that, from a sound perspective, the older drivers might be preferable (he’s still using them in his personal system). Given all that, I’m keeping the poly drivers.
Sanders Magtech
An extraordinary bargain in efficient, high-power amplification. It sounds great (fully the equal of my former Ayre MX-Rs)
JW Audio Reference
Comparatively inexpensive balanced interconnects that are as good as anything I've ever heard. A true bargain in high end audio.
WyWires Silver XLR
Outstanding cables at a semi-reasonable price.
Straightwire Virtuoso
Used for bass in biamp sysytem. Outstanding low and midbass definition.
Stereovox LSP-600C
These are the ones that convinced me of the huge difference well-designed and engineered cables can make. Used for electrostatic panels in biamp setup.
PS Audio Power Plant Premier
AC regenerator, non current limiting. Provides a dark black background. I love it.
Thanks for the comments, gentlemen. Glory, I fully intend to hold on to them. Jperry, photos will be forthcoming. The system has been in such flux that I haven't bothered. Room is quite large at 32' x 15' x 9' (avg...ceiling is vaulted).
Quite a few changes made. The Sanders 10c is absolutely sublime, and does exactly what I need it to do - provide superb timbral fidelity within a near perfect soundstage at virtually any volume you can withstand. The small sweet spot is a non-issue. Magtechs are driving both the bass and the 'stats.
Zesto Andros and Leto - if any electronics of this cost can be described as a 'bargain', these would be it. They are as good as I've ever heard, anytime, anywhere.
System edited: The VAC Ph Beta 110i is gone. I miss the wonderful aesthetics and have given up a trifle of midrange color, but there's no question in my mind that, given my personal needs and biases, this is the better solution. There is more extension on both ends, and dynamics are significantly improved. Photos to follow.
Through coincidence, I just purchased a single Genesis G 928 sub. It arrives tomorrow. I imagine I'll be doing 928 shuffle for a while, until I get it located properly.
I'm glad you were able to keep the VAC, that one would be a hard one to part with.
You're right, you can't beat VAC. It took some doing, but I managed to keep the Phi Beta 110i in addition to moving up to the Perspectives. Could not be happier. Best listening!
You have made some excellent choices in revamping your system. Joseph Pulsars, VAC integrated, and arm cartridges to die for.
I recently sent my old VAC PA 35.35 to the factory for an upgrade, Kevin and company did a heck of a job on it. It's hard to beat VAC.
I see you are going up the line in Joseph speakers, and switching to Modwright. I think you'll be happy with the Modwright integrated, I have their stand-alone phono stage, it's quite good.
Curriemt11, I don't mean to intrude but one good turn deserves another. I have your Pulsars, thanks. Stunning. If you have a chance you should audition the AMR DP-777 you might find it to your liking. I used to own the Berkeley.
A few changes are in progress. I like the Joseph Pulsars so much that I am trading up to the new Perspectives. The downside? I've been ordered by my better half to put no more money into the system, so sadly the VAC Phi Beta 110i will be up for sale soon. It will be replaced by the excellent Modwright LS 100 (w/ phono) and an amp to be named.
I realized that I had not written anything about my most recent updates. I needed a crossover between the Pulsars and the Genesis/Underwood subs. After a trial, I've ended up with the Lyngdorf RP-1, which provides both a highly flexible digital crossover and RoomPerfect. The latter is a true revelation. Finally, I've acquired an Innersound ESL-300 to drive the subs, with a substantial improvement in sound over the built-in Class D amps.
System edited: After hearing the Joseph Audio Pulsars and finding a superb match in the form of Walter Lieberman's subs, I made the very difficult decision to sell the Planetarium Betas. The Pulsars engae me in a way that no speaker has for many years.
System edited: Have switched to a Graham Phantom II (slightly positive change over the Triplanar) and an Ortofon A90 (major improvement over the Shilabe).
