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.
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!
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).
The SWARM, as far as I am concerned, provides a solution to the single most serious problem any audiophile faces i.e. bass nodes. No doubt you're aware of all of the various attempts to address the situation. I've spent many hours moving these things around, and am invariably shocked at how much difference a few feet can make when moving multiple boxes (one box, not so much). When I finally got them right, I was rewarded with superb deep bass that integrates perfectly with the main speakers. I have no doubt that the SWARM, or something like it, is the answer for owners of Quads, Maggies, and so on.
Needless to say, they aren't for everyone. Space is a consideration for most folks, so I'm lucky in that respect. My room is also dedicated to audio, so cables trailing all over don't matter much.
Love the racks, and it's been a long time since I've used anything else. One of them is actually the oldest thing in my system (9 years and counting).
System edited: The Messenger is sold and the S-30 Mk III will be listed for sale shortly. I've just purchased what I consider to be the ultimate integrated amplifier - the VAC Phi Beta 110i. Phono preamp, line stage, and power amp all in one gorgeous package. Delivery is next week. I can hardly wait!
Sorry, I haven't checked this thread in quite some time. I loved the Aries, and love the Cosmos even more. There's a bit more of everything, but the single greatest difference is in dynamic capability. Obviously, it's difficult to sort out the exact source of the changes ('table, arm, or cartridge). In any event, I'm a pretty happy camper.
The Sound Labs were tough to move, no question about it. They went to a good home. Their replacements are extraordinary in several areas, and while they don't have quite the resolution of the SLs (no dynamic speaker does), they are quite close.
After spending the past few days with the Music Vault Diamond (feeding the Berkeley Alpha), I can say without reservation that it exceeds my already high expectations. I will never voluntarily return to a standard transport. I am not sure what magic is being wrought, but standard Redbook CDs that I thought virtually unlistenable are now tolerable, while well engineered ones are just stunning.
I do not have the words to describe how high resolution files sound on this system. The Reference Recordings HRX Rachmaninoff sounds closer to real than anything I've ever experienced.
I'll be reviewing the Music Vault within the next few weeks after after spending a bit more time with it.
Thanks, I'm enjoying it! I have not heard the BAT VK-60 specifically, but am pretty familiar with the BAT 'house sound'. The S-30 is, in my opinion, more neutral. I would say, in fact, it is as neutral as anything I've ever auditioned. I believe it is very nearly the ideal low(er) powered amp, as long as the impedance load is pretty well behaved and 8 ohms or higher. Duke designed the Audiokinesis speakers with this amp, so the synergy is no surprise.
As for the arm comparison, I could have gone either way. I have a huge respect for Bob Graham and his designs. The final choice was made when I received an outrageously good deal on the Triplanar.
System edited: I will shortly be receiving a Music Vault Diamond server. It outputs up to a native 24/192 resolution through AES/EBU output, and will feed the Berkeley Audio Alpha. Impressions and comments to come...
System edited: The Accustic Arts transport and Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC have replaced the Ayre C-5xe, which will be going up for sale. The Berkeley, in particular, is astonishingly good.
But how do you keep your feet from getting tripped up by those interconnects coming out of the front of the S-30?
I think that's an illusion. In reality, they probably do not extend more than a couple of inches beyond the edge of the shelf. I've never had a problem in that regard.
Will you add a note or two about your own preamp? I'm not familiar with it.
Sure. Audiogon apparently won't allow posting of links, but if you look in the preamp reviews on here, you'll find mine from 2008. Also, the designer's website is at acousticimage dot com. He also does retail sales, so just click on the Messenger link at the top left.
I've long thought the Ayre C5xe the best topline player-for-the-buck out there and still do
Interesting that you should pick that piece out. It will shortly be for sale. I'm switching to something I think is even better - Accustic Arts Drive plus the new Berkeley Audio DAC. But, you're right, it is the best value for money out there as far as I'm concerned.
...a chance to pick up a nice turntable for the same amount of money came my way. I plan to use a Tri-Planar with a Zyx Airy 3 cartridge
You sure wouldn't get any argument from me on this. I'm still an analog guy through and through. I wouldn't complain if the Berkely changed my mind, though!
Thanks. Actually, I do plug the S-30 into the Premier. It only draws 400 watts. I've compared it plugged directly, and can hear very little difference (on the amp....CD and preamp are a different story), so I opt for the surge protection provided by the Premier.
I owned the A-1PXs, driven by Ayre MX-R monoblocks.
