Thanks very much. I'm certainly enjoying it.

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).

curriemt11 October 21, 2010 01:27

Really a nice looking system. I'd love to hear your impression of the distributed mode bass arrangement vs the common speaker setup. I had a Phi 110 for awhile which had awesome bass but never quite lit my fire on the top end. The integrated eleiminates some matching issues. Also, do you have any comments on the Mapleshade racks vs what you have used in the past?

rhljazz October 20, 2010 20:07

System edited: Finally added a couple of recent photos, one of the system (apart from speakers) and one of the amp.

curriemt11 October 04, 2010 01:25

System edited: Added photo of the truly outstanding VAC Phi Beta 110i.

curriemt11 May 26, 2010 13:00

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!

curriemt11 April 27, 2010 19:51

System edited: I have replaced the ZYX Universe with a Miyajima Shilabe. It is a better cartridge in every regard.

curriemt11 March 10, 2010 21:46

Hi Barry,

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.

curriemt11 March 10, 2010 21:39

Hey Mike! It's been more than a year since we last met. I'm shocked to see how your system has undergone a 180 degree change since Bob and I went to pick up your VPI Aries TT.

How would you describe the sonic differences between the Aries and SOTA COSMO? It's not that I'm not happy with the Aries, which I currently own, rather I realized that there's no single TT that can give me 100% satisfaction (I played all kind of music). I'm now thinking about getting 2 or more TT's to satisfy my insatiable analog need. Hence I am looking for a TT that does different things than the Aries.

Anyway, congratulation on your new system. It must be quite an effort to move the two big SoundLabs out of your room. Wow!

Rgds
Barry

viper_z February 19, 2010 15:17

System edited: I've finally updated my system photos, showing the Music Vault Diamond and the Berkeley Alpha.

curriemt11 December 07, 2009 04:19

Updated photos to follow!

curriemt11 September 17, 2009 14:26

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.

curriemt11 September 17, 2009 14:17

Hi JC,

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.

curriemt11 August 26, 2009 15:51

Enjoyed even imagining how U'r system must sound. Isn't it good when a plan comes together?!!!!!!! Question: How does Bat Vk-60 stack up to Atmosphere S-30, and Graham phantom against Wgraton Tri----5&7 arms?.........J.C.

baggs1 August 25, 2009 22:02

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...

curriemt11 August 24, 2009 13:14

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.

curriemt11 June 04, 2009 18:24

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!

curriemt11 May 18, 2009 19:02

I love the cleanness of the system in terms of spacing and the absolute lack of clutter. But how do you keep your feet from getting tripped up by those interconnects coming out of the front of the S-30? Just an idle question.

The sound of the S-30 and Planetarium + Swarm was terrifically transparent when I heard it at RMAF '08, but Duke was running them with the reference-level, two-box Atma-Sphere preamp. Will you add a note or two about your own preamp? I'm not familiar with it.

I love your choices of source equipment. I've long thought the Ayre C5xe the best topline player-for-the-buck out there and still do, though I don't own one. I was about to purchase the C5xe, when 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.

bblilikoi May 18, 2009 16:09

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.

curriemt11 May 18, 2009 13:15

Nice room.

I imagine you don't plug the amps into the Premier. I can't have my MA-1's on a premier. Which soundlabs did you have? Did you use the Atma's on the Soundlabs?

emailists May 16, 2009 23:42