Description

It sounds real nice.
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Components Toggle details

    • Versa Dynamics 1.2
    Got it a couple of weeks ago. It came with the 1.2 upgrade kit and a lot of very helpful phone support! Thanks Hunter!
    • Koetsu Coralstone Platinum
    One of Koetsu's finest cartridges.
    • Audio Aero Capitole cd
    Capitole Mk II
    • Aesthetix Callisto Signature
    This is the 2 power-supply version. Re-tubed with Genelex KT-88 (original, not Russian) and Telefunken 12ax7's in the power supplies. Matched selected low-noise, low microphonic Amperex 6DJ8 and Telefunken 12ax7s in the main unit.
    • Aesthetix IO
    Aesthetix IO Signature Phono Pre-amp. Selected matched, low-noise, low microphonics 12ax7s. Genelex (original) KT77s in power supply. Reports of this phono stage being
    • VTL Wotan MB-1250
    The best amplifier I have ever heard. Delicate and effortless. Exceptionally transparent. Now running 48 matched vintage Tung-Sol 6550s.
    • Sound Lab Majestic 845
    The best speakers I have ever had in my system.
    • Purist Audio Design Primus IC
    2 XLR pairs of these to connect the Vera to the IO and the IO to the Callisto. (Primus is an "Asia-only" cable that is a bit of an upgrade above Dominus.)
    • Purist Audio Design Dominus Speaker Cables
    I got a great deal on these on the used market. I could never have afforded them otherwise!
    • 4 dedicated lines custom
    2 are 8 gauge with hubble cryo treated NEMA twist-lock outlets for the Wotans. 2 10 guage with Porter Ports outlets for the Soundlabs and the front end.
    • Arcici Suspense Rack
    Made a huge difference on the turtable (naturally) but also improved the CD player.
    • Non-Ferrous Metals 55
    Blocks of lead to mass load the SoundLab transformer boxes. Each ingot weighs 55lbs. Have furniture sliders underneath to keep from scratching the speaker.
    • MapleShade Carpet Piercing Heavy Cones
    I have these under my Arcici Mapleshade rack and the Versa Dynamics stand now only.
    • Audio Desk Ultrasonic RCM
    Record Cleaning Machine. A must for analog.
    • Purist Audio Dominus PC
    I have 3 of these. I recently tried one out on the Audio Aero and the CAT. Made quite a difference in bass definition and overal clarity and detail. Will be getting a couple more shortly!
    • Purist Audio Dominus IC
    I have these between the Audio Aero and the Callisto.
    • SoundLab SALLIE
    Accoustic foam to attenuate the backwave. Absolutely required for Soundlabs (IMHO).
    • Acoustic Sciences Tube Traps
    20
    • Mapleshade sampson
    3 shelf "hard-rock" maple for the Aesthetix power supplies.
    • Stillpoints Ultra- SS
    These really do make a big difference! I have them under my SoundLabs, Wotans, and between my record player and it's dedicated stand. Would like to try the Ultra-5 someday but they are a bit too pricey.

Comments 43

Owner
System edited: finally updating my virtual system. Lots of changes since I first put this up. I've made a lot of progress on it and am very happy with the sound I am getting.

mem916

Hehe...no worries, as they say :-)

Hope all is well,

Sam

c1ferrari

Owner
Sorry C1ferrari, I haven't been checking this page for a while (obviously). I guess you mean Mike Lavigne? Nope. The only other serious system I have heard is Albert Porter's a few years ago. It was incredible, of course. However I was coming down with something that day and couldn't enjoy it as much as I would have had I been 100%.

mem916

Owner
System edited: Finally updated my system. Lots of changes since I moved here back in '06!

mem916


Mark,

Did you ever get over to Mike's for a listen?

-Sam

c1ferrari

Owner
I should really update this. It is from back when I still lived in Seattle!

mem916


Mark,

Found your system thread...VERY cool :-)

Best regards,

Sam

c1ferrari

hello,
is the paper like mat on the versa really a mat or is it just a packaging cover?i am asking because i have a versa 2.0 and do not know!
many thanks

channel10

great set up but doesn't the speakers block what looks limke a fantastic view?

henryhk

Owner
I moved last year and really should update the pictures someday. The ceiling of that house was higher at the listening seat side of the room than at the speaker side. Quite unique, actually. Sorry I don't remember the dimensions exactly.

mem916

How high is your ceiling?

kichoi

Owner
System edited: updated the main pic to show the curtains which replaced the shoji screens I used to have. New curtains are being made from UV protective fabric which is much thinner and (presumably) more neutral acoustically.

mem916

Owner
System edited: I think it's time to re-categorize. I had this in "ever evolving" but it's mostly done evolving now. I would really love to hear a system that sounds better. If you are in Seattle and have a candidate, let me know.

mem916

Owner
Hi Phd,

Well I just got done installing a bunch of Acoustic Sciences stuff. 20" supertraps in the coner behind the right speaker, "half rounds" in the little hallway leading to my bedroom, and another half round between the speakers. 4 "PCAD" pannels and one "matrix panel" behind the listening seat on the wall, and another "matrix panel" on the wall over the record cabinet (first reflecion point). This is only part of the stuff ASC came up with in their free design for my room but it was all I could afford. Really a major upgrade in the sound. Definitely a bigger improvement than 5 power cords (about the same price, too). So yeah, I feel silly not doing it sooner!

cheers!

mem916

It's always a joy to see someone going overboard in this hobby. Whats next?

phd

this is a serious setup!! congradulations

[email protected]

Mem916, this is Pacmi02. Thanks for inviting me over. I'll bring the headphones. What time should I be over?

Signed,

Stereo Envy

pacmi02

Are you happy with the Maple Shade tweeks? I was considering buying some items I saw in their catalog. Thanks for your time.

tacu2

Nicely done - an extraordinarily well matched system. Looks like the room is a keeper too from what little can be seen of it. I suspect you will be happy with this for a long, long time.

esoxhntr

Owner
Thanks for the compliments. I'll be posting new updates and pics as soon as I get time. Lots of changes lately!

Yes the Wolcotts are fantastic! Get the Mullard EL-34's (XF2 Single Getter) for the best results, though.

Mark

mem916

Mem916,
I have to agree with your assesment of the Wolcott amps. They are a remarkable product. I have had my pair for about 9 months now and they continue to impress me daily. Excellent choices in equipment and setup. Enjoy!

slipknot1

Acoustic treatment behind speaker; What is it? Why do you need it? What does it do for you? It and the whole system is wonderful, thanks for sharing.

kach22i

Owner
Pacmi02, You are welcome to come over after a headphone session and find out. :-)

Aeneas9: Thanks for the suggestion but I think I'll stick with the telefunken 12ax7's for now!

And Edwardtu: If you're still around I did finally upgrade my cables. Just put Dominus in everywhere. Will post pics when I get a chance.

mem916

Amazing system. I bet it almost sounds as good as my $300 Beyerdynamic Headphones. :-)

pacmi02

Try the new Russian Tung-Sol 12ax7s for your IO!

aeneas9

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