Single Ended Journey 2022_Aug

by ddriveman on Opinions Please
2019 Main Setup
Aug 2022 Main Setup

Description

This is my current reference system, with Aug 2022 updates:
Same Single Ended Triode and Single Driver philosophy as before. There been so many updates to my system that it was easier to just create a new system profile in AudiogoN to highlight what I'm currently listening to. Most of the other components in my older system profile largely remain but this is what I'm usually listening to. Highlights:
1) The Rethm Saadhana V3 and been upgraded to the latest V4 version. These are even better game changers.
2) I bought another Berning 300B SET ZOTL and it turns out that David Berning has made minor revisions which have improved this great amp. This latest version sounds great. Added the AGD Audions GAN monoblocks. Best solid state amps I've heard and very close to my Berning 300B.
3) The Wavac PR-T1 preamp is the best preamp in my system so far.
4) Sold the Chord DAVE DAC plus Blu2 Transport/Upsampler are game changers. Upgraded by adding AudioWise Opto-DX bnc-optical-bnc converters between the BluMk2 and the DAVE. Replaced with Playback Designs MPD-8 Dac with Stream-IF streamer. Great upgrade from the Chord DAVE.
5) The Small Green Computer Sonic Transport i9 optical streamer is a huge leap. My digital music is much better now and very close to vinyl. I love ROON with Qobuz and TIDAL. The Small Green Computer i9 optical, has 8TB SSD with 16TB RAM.  Running Optical fibre to a Sonore Signature Rendu SE which then converts to USB to the BluMk2. My digital is now very close to my vinyl.  (Generally preferring Qobuz for SQ).
6) Sold the Wavac LCR-X2 phono preamp is good. I use a AudioNote Kondo SFz step-up transformer with the Koetsu Coralstone Platinum (with Diamond Cantilever) cartridge. 
Added the BMC MCCI Signature  ULN phono. A good match to the Koetsu Coralstone Diamond cart. Added the ZYX Universe Optimum cartridge and matching ZYX Artisan Premium phono. Added the Channel D Lino C 3.0 phnostage. Really good with the Koetsu Coralstone Diamond.
7) Upgraded the Fidelity Research FR66s internal tonearm wiring to latest Ikeda silver wiring is an important upgrade and highly recommended to those who have the FR tonearms.
8) Changing to all Verastarr Silver foils for power cords, IC, USB  and ethernet cables have been a revelation.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 25’ × 14’  Large
Ceiling: 20’

Components Toggle details

    • Channel D Lino C 3.3 phonostage
    With 3 inputs:
    - MC Transimpedance input
    - MC Seta L, voltage input
    - MM input
    • WAVAC Audio PR-T1 preamp
    with NOS 12au7 tubes
    • Berning 300B SET ZOTL. Balanced 2020 version
    • Rethm Saadhana V4 Speakers + Townshend SuperTweeters
    • Technics SP10Mk3 Turntable with Krebs Mod 2, upgraded electronics and Porter Plinth
    • Fidelity Research FR66s tonearm with updated Ikeda internal silver wiring
    • Koetsu Coralstone Platinum Diamond Cantilever with Koetsu stone body headshell
    • Playback Designs MPD-8 DAC + Stream-IF Streamer
    Really good upgrade from my Chord DAVE. More organic, natural sound.
    I use the Stream-IF streamer to have the Playback Designs Fiber Optic link to the MPD-8. Sounds better than going through the MPD-8 USB input.
    Also using the Uptone ISoRegen USB reclocker/isolator to the Stream-IF from the Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical
    • Chord Electronics Ltd. BLU2 CD transport and Upsampler
    • Verastarr Audio Silver Power cables, Silver interconnects (RCA and XLR) and silver speaker cables. All of them foils,
    • BMC MCCI Signature ULN phono
    • ZYX Artisan Premium Phono
    • AGD Production Audion Mk2 MonoBlock Power amps
    • ZYX UNIverse Optimum Cartridge
    • Victor Labs TT-801 direct drive Turntable with vacuum platter
    • Sony PS-X800 Liner tracking direct drive turntable
    • Sony PS-X75 direct drive turntable
    • Sonore Signature Rendu SE streamer (optical)
    • Small Green Computer sonicTransporter i9 Optical. ROON Core
    with HQPlayer option

Comments 12

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Very nice system! I am curious though about the “tweaks” that I see in the room.... do you feel that they have absolutely added to your systems performance and even if yes.... worth the price paid? Thank you so much in advance, and please know I mean no disrespect in my question.

swoody

Very nice system! I am curious though about the “tweaks” that I see in the room.... do you feel that they have absolutely added to your systems performance and even if yes.... worth the price paid? Thank you so much in advance, and please know I mean no disrespect in my question.

swoody

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