System edited: Put a newer pic up showing the current arrangement for the speakers. The shoji screens are there to keep the UV from destroying the speakers. However they have a resonant frequency that gets hit by low bass notes (especially organ) and this causes an annoying fluttering sound. So I need to come up with a better solution and get rid of them. The SALLIES weren't shown before. They seem to address any issues with having them in front of the windows. In any case I won't be moving them. I like to be able to see outside when I'm listening and there is really no other spot I could put the things. OPIS interconnects are now installed between the CAT and the Wolcotts. I did a short comparison to the old Museaus IC's that were in that position before. I played the Speakers Corner re-issue of Holst's "The Planets". The sense of being in the concert hall basically went away when I switched back to the Museaus. That about sums it up. I think the noise floor being lower with the OPIS is the main thing, but also the dynamic impact, especially initial transients contribute. Low level detail was also quite a bit better with the OPIS. I also have OPIS speaker cables now, but have not switched back to the Museaus to make a back-to-back comparison yet. I tried the short Dominus IC between the Audio Aero and the CAT and wished I hadn't! It just made me want to go out and buy another pair of Dominus IC's! Next step is to re-wire my tonearm and go directly into the IO's balanced inputs. This will free up the Venustas IC which I will put on the Audio Aero. Thanks for all the comments! Mark

mem916 September 09, 2005 10:30

System edited: Cable changes. Thanks for all the comments, folks!

mem916 August 23, 2005 19:55

I have had the VTL MB450 as part of my system. They did not hiss. But, they blew a lot of fuses. This was caused by a bad tube. No easy way I could tell what tube was bad, so I had to replace all of the tubes on the amp. That became very costly. I have replaced the VTLs with the BAT 150SE
amp. This amp has self biasing tube technology and you can easily identify which output tube is bad and replace as needed. These amps do not hiss. They just sound fantastic!

boogiebob June 29, 2005 12:27

Congratulations, you have a very nice real-world priced system. I use the Audio Aero Capitole MKII cd player as well and found that adding a set of doublestacked SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2+ rollerblocks made an incredible difference with the grade 3 superballs. In fact the difference was large enough that I wondered what would happen if I put them under my YBA passion amp. Magic again! Dramatically improved bass, dynamics (both macro and micro), resolution, you name it. Would never consider anything else after these rollerblocks, despite the fact that I already own a number of other isolation platforms and cones as well as granite blocks. See if you can audition the Symposiums (and make sure to try the series 2+). Best regards. Remy

amperidian June 24, 2005 05:19

If you like the power 3 then you should try a cord with the speed of light in them. I have all Master series cords and they are capable of stunning resolution and dynamics, the power 3 is Vd entry level cord for what it is worth. I do second the recommendation of the Sistrum 101 since I find them to be very very musical. They will change both dynamics and timbre of the music like you haven't heard before. You have a very nice system as well as a great room ( this allows the real magic to happen) and I hope you enjoy it. Take care Dennis

cenline February 21, 2005 04:30

What a great system.
My only question is: Aren't you losing a lot with all of that glass? A glass backgound generally leaves a lot to be desired in performance.
Best wishes,
Leo

esidekid January 28, 2005 22:06

Great System! Your only weak link is your amplifier stands! You need to upgrade to Sistrum amp stands, the SP-101's. They are superior to those Mapleshades!

hifimaniac January 11, 2005 18:39

Thanks for all the nice comments!

Gajgmusic:

The versa is not that hard to set up. You just have to take care to level it properly. I did have to install the upgrade kit though and that was a lot of work! It really hasn't given me many problems so far.

Trackmagic:

I love the Wolcotts! It's best to replace the EL34's with NOS Mullard XF2 "Single-Getter" tubes though. I'm very happy with the bass performance on the Soundlabs. Give them a try!

Jaguar1845:

I am fortunate in that I live in a house and the neighbors aren't close enough to be bothered. At least they haven't called the cops on me yet! So yeah I use it every day and I work from home so it's on most of the time. Don't usually play over 90db though.

Edwardtu:

I do have venustas between the TT and phono preamp (Vendetta Research SCP-2D). Paypal me a few grand and I'll be happy to upgrade the rest of my cables :).

Mark

mem916 October 29, 2004 15:11

Fantastic system!

How do you like the Wolcotts? I have been considering them for my Martin Logan Prodigy's but don't want to lose the low end. I have heard that happens a little, even with the Wolcotts.

trackmagic October 21, 2004 07:59

Go Man! Hows that credit card holding up? Seriously very nice. Lots of nice toys at your place.

kehut September 27, 2004 19:04

Do you use this stuff, or like my self just for admiration. How loud do you play? As for my self, I am in New York City, living in a condo. I have two neighbors on either side who are avid audiophiles as my self. The funny thing is that when we all crank up the volume, the music seems to emant distinctly from one aparment, mine which results in a an immediate visit from security, asking that I turn the volume down!

jaguar1845 September 27, 2004 15:27

I respect PAD very much but Musaeus...please, not for this system. PAD has a much better choice...

edwardtu September 15, 2004 05:26

Mem

It may be getting out of hand but it looks great. The versa is quite legendary. Was set up quite difficult? How does it compare to other tables you have had? Enjoy.

Gary

gajgmusic August 24, 2004 06:57

System edited: Added versa dynamics 1.2

mem916 April 14, 2004 23:52

System edited: Well the Koetsu arrived yesterday. Better than I had hoped. Level of difference was on a par with the pre-amp upgrade. Wonderful cartridge!

mem916 October 08, 2003 09:03

Thanks Bluenose! I'll need to spend some money on furniture next. I neglected to budget for that! Also you can't see it in the picture but the stairs to the basement have no stair-rail so they better not drink too much of that scotch!

mem916 October 02, 2003 06:31

System edited: Added Pic of CAT, which I received yesterday. I sure am glad the audio press has moved on to other preamps to rave about! This pre-amp is really special and quite a value for the money. (Please note: I haven't compared it to the any of the new "flavor of the month" preamps like the Hovland or the Aesthetix, Manley Steelhead, etc.)

mem916 October 02, 2003 06:29

But think of all the artists that will be in your living room playing just for you.....All you need is a fine malt or dry red, kick back, enjoy. That should be a fine, fine set-up,,,,

bluenose October 02, 2003 03:23