Description

Room Treatment
5/2016 - New room treatment with absorption for main room modes and lots of diffusion. Now working on improving lateral first reflection room treament. 
Results tested with my ears and with Earthworks M30/Roland Quadcapture/REW. 

Performed several mods to the Dunlavy SC-VI speakers: 

(A) External crossovers with original circuit topology:
     (i) upgraded caps and inductors to Duelund CAST copper for the main path,
     (ii) all resistors to Path Audio (sound better than Duelund cast in my crossover),
     (iii) Duelund RS caps for the secondary path and
     (iv) Duelund cast/Mylar for the 220uf in the secondary path,
     (v) Duelund cast silver bypass caps for high and mid CAST copper caps,
     (vi) Changed binding posts to Furutech FT-806R.
     (vii) Kept the two original crossovers for reference, and
     (viii) Final form of external enclosure and vibration control completed in 2017.
     (viii) Put the crossovers on top of two Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference Mk.II

(B) changed the tweeters to top of the line Seas Crescendo (listened and measured frequency response and impulse response - great improvement, if they did not sound and measure better I would have put back the original Vifa tweeters - yes, this is a radical change),
 
(C) Plan to replace the internal rewiring of the speakers with top hook up wires from Neotech and Mundorf. 

Thanks for your suggestions of additional changes. 

SYSTEM HISTORY: 

DIGITAL SOURCE
**  Taiko Olympus XDMI (9/2024)
** Totaldac Server (2/2018) upgraded to Totaldac Sublime Reclocker (6/2023)
Taiko Extreme 8TB with USB Card (7/2022-9/2024).
Innuos Zenith Statement 4Tb as Roon Core (2019)
Innuos Zenith SE as NAS (2017)
Caps Zuma with two Mojo Audio Joule III - one for 12V (main) and one for 9V (USB) (2013) 
Mac Mini 8gb, i7, 256gb SSD (2011) 
Mark Levinson 37 (1995) 
Accuphase CDP (1994) 

DAC
** Totaldac DAC Sublime (6/2023) with Live Power 
Totaldac Twelve SE (2/2018) w/ Live Power.  Upgrade to Mk.3 (7/2022).
Playback Designs MPS-5 (2012) 
Playback Designs MPD-5 (2011) 
EMM Labs DCC2 SE (2007) 
Mark Levinson 360S (1995) 

PREAMP
**2x Totaldac D1-Driver Sublime XLR (2024) w/ Live power
2x Totaldac D1-Driver XLR (2021) w/ live power 
CH Precision L1 (2017)
CH Precision X1 (2017)
Krell Phantom (2011) 
Levinson 380S (1995) 
Audio Research LS3 (1994)

POWER AMP
** CH Precision M10 stereo (9/2022)
Krell FPB 750mcx monos (2011), re-capped (2011), re-capped with Nichicon Gold (2020), replaced original fuses with SR Blue Fuses (2020).  Sold 9/2022
Krell FPB 700cx (2002) 
Krell FPB 600c (1999) 
Krell KSA-300S (1995) 
Aragon 8008 (1994) 

EXTERNAL PASSIVE CROSSOVERS
 
** Duelund components (2013-2014) 

SPEAKERS 
** Modded Dunlavy SC-VI (2013-2014) 
Dunlavy SC-VI (1998) 
Dunlavy SC-V (1995) 

XLR INTERCONNECTS
** 1 pair Purist Audio Design Diamond 35th Aniv. XLR interconnects 1m
** 1 pair or Echole Limited Edition Model 2 XLR 7ft (2021)
1 pair of Echole Limited Edition Model 2 RCA 3ft (2021)
1 pair or Echole OMNIA XLR 7ft (2017)
1 pair of Echole OMNIA XLR 3ft (2017) 
1 pair of Echole Signature XLR (2013) 
2 pairs Echole Obsession XLR 7ft (2011 and 2013) 
2 pairs NBS Black Label II (2012 and 2013)  (FOR SALE - EMAIL ME)
NBS Omega 0 (2007) 
NBS signature II (1995) 
Kimber (1994)

DIGITAL INTERCONNECTS
** 2x Echole Limited Edition Model 2 AES-EBU for Totaldac DAC mk3 (2021)
** 1x Transparent Reverenc XL AES-EBU for Totaldac reclocker mk2 (2022)
** Intona Ultimate USB 1,5m cable from Taiko to Totaldac (2022)
** Sablon Reserva Ethernet Cable from  to Totaldac (2019)
Totaldac Gigafilter USB cable at server/reclocker (2019)
3 Echole Limited Edition AES-EBU for Totaldac DAC (2019)
3 Echole Omnia AES-EBU (FOR SALE - EMAIL ME)
3 Kubala Sosna Realization AES-EBU for server and DAC (2018)

SPEAKER CABLES
** Kubala Sosna Realization 2m (2018)

Kubala Sosna Elation (2015)
NBS Black Label II 4ft (two pairs) (2011) (FOR SALE - CONTACT ME)
NBS speaker jumpers (2011) 
NBS Omega 0 (2007)
NBS signature (1995) 
Kimber 8TC (1994) 

POWER CABLES
* 3x Nordost Odin II.  2x20amp for CH M10 and 1x15amp for Totaldac Drivers live power
* Echole Limited Edition Model 2 Power Cable 6ft (2020) for Totaldac D1-Drivers XLR
* Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for Totaldac live  power supply for DAC
* Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for Innuos Zenith Statement
Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for CH X1 
Kubala Sosna Realization (2018) for preamp (X1)
Genesis Absolute Fidelity (2012) for DAC  (FOR SALE - EMAIL ME)
Kubala Sosna Elation (2015) for Preamp
several NBS Black Label II (2011) - Other components (FOR SALE - EMAIL ME)

POWER CONDITIONING
** Synergistic research orange fuses for totaldac power supplies and Innuos (2021)
** Telos Audio Design GNR 3.1 Grounding Box (2019)
** Totaldac Twelve directly to Futurech GTX-X dedicated 220V line (2018)
** Fuse box with Siemens SITOR fuses to dedicated circuits (2015)
** FPB750mcx monoblocks and CH L1+X1 each to a dedicated 220V circuit, three in total with Furutech GTX-R(2013)

**PS Audio P10 (2014): for the Innuos Zenith SE, projector, Apple TV and other components (except for monoblocks, pre, dac and phono that use no conditioning and have dedicated lines)
Synergistic Research Blue fuses for Power amps, preamp and DAC (2018-2020)
Synergistic Research Black fuses for preamp, dac and phono (2016)
Playback designs DAC, Mastergroove mk.II phono directly to Futurech GTX-X dedicated 110V line (2015)
Audience AR6-TS (2011) sold 
RSA Elgar 220V (for preamp) no longer in use (FOR SALE - EMAIL ME)
PS Audio Powerplant (2008) no longer in use
PS Audio P30 (1998) no longer in use

ACTIVE CROSSOVER for two pairs of mono amps (no longer in use)
Pass XVR-1 (2013)

ANALOG FRONT END (gave up on analog in 2017, focusing on upgrading digital)
Technics SP10 mk3 120V modded by Steve Dobbins (sold 2021)
Schroder LT Tonear (sold 2021)
Lyra Atlas (Sold 2017)
Tom Evans Mastergroove mk2 (Sold 2017)
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 43’ × 15’  X large
Ceiling: 9’


Components Toggle details

    • Taiko Router, Switch, and DC power distributor
    Taiko router, Taiko switch, and Taiko DC power distribuitor with Plixir Statement 12V DC power supply and statement DC cable. All linked to a dedicated fiber modem and separate internet supplier. Completely separate, dedicated audio network.
    • Taiko Olympus XDMI
    Taiko Olympus XDMI AES
    Fiber Cable box: GBIC SFP with ifi Elite linear power supply
    Router/switch:  Taiko Rounter, Taiko Switch and DC distributor with Plixir Statement
    Ethernet cable between Fiber Cable modem and Taiko Router:  Sablon Ethernet cable
    Cable cable between Taiko Router and Taiko Switch: Taiko dac cable
    AES Cable from Olympus XDMI AES to Totaldac: Transparent Ref. XL AES
    Transparent Opus Gen 6 power cable
    • Totaldac Sublime Reclocker
    with livepower power supply
    • Transparent Reference XL AES-EBU cable
    Transparent Reference XL AES-EBU cable from Totaldac Reclocker Sublime to Totaldac Sublime DAC.
    • Echole Limited Edition AES-EBU Model 2 interconnects
    Two Limited Edition Model 2 AES-EBU from the dac reclocker to the two DAC boxes.
    • Totaldac Sublime DAC
    Fantastic DAC. The Sublime upgrade improved dynamics, bass detail, and timbre realism.
    • Totaldac Live Power Power Supply for Totaldac sublime recloker, and sublime DAC
    Five output Totaldac live power supply for the Totaldac Sublime DAC, and sublime reclocker.  Transparent Opus Gen 6 power cord.
    • Purist Audio Design Diamond 35th Aniv. XLR interconnects 1m
    Between Totaldac Sublime DAC and Totaldac Sublime Drivers
    • Totaldac Sublime Drivers XLR
    Two Todaldac Sublime Drivers XLR between DAC and CH M10
    • Echole Limited Edition Model 2 XLR 7ft
    from the Totaldac Sublime Drivers to the CH Precision M10
    • CH Precision M10 stereo
    Fed by two Nordost Odin 2 20amp cables.
    Two Critical Mass Systems Olympus Ultra amp bases
    • Kubala Sosna Realization 2m Spades
    Great speaker cables from top to bottom
    • Duelund CAST external crossover
    Pair of external crossovers for the Dunlavy SC-VIs using Duelund CAST caps and inductors (for the main signal path), Duelund RS caps (for secondary paths). Path Audio resistors.

    The two external crossovers are now on top of Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference mk.2 platforms (8/2019).
    • Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-VI
    with upgraded Duelund external crossovers, upgraded tweeters, and other upgrades.
    • Nordost Odin 2 power cords
    Two power cords for the CH Precision M10. One power cord for the Totaldac Drivers mk2. power supply.
    • Echole Limited Edition v2. power cord
    Power cables for the totaldac Twelve mk2. live power.
    • Critical Mass Systems Olympus Ultra
    Two amp stands for the CH M10
    • Silent Running Audio Scuttle Mk.3 rack
    SRA Scuttle mk3 rack for the DAC and preamp. Makes a big difference.
    • Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference Mk.II Platform
    Two Pagode Master Reference plaforms under the external crossovers improved timbre and soundstage.
    • Varios Accoustic Treatment
    Wall on back of speakers:
    - Center with 3 difusers
    - Center with lateral difusers
    - Center with 150hz absortion for room mode
    - Corners: two 40hz ressonators for room mode
    Ceiling:  Difuser
    Side wails: Two Difuser/absorption for first reflection - movable
    Floor: Rug and large foot rest
    • Screen Innovations Solo 3 Slate 1.2 133"
    Top notch motorized ALR screen
    • Dreamvision EOS Signature L 2023 projector
    The Dreamvision EOS Signature L 2023 is a modification of the JVC NZ9 8k laser projector.
    • Kaleidescape Strato C + Terra Prime 22TB
    Kaleidescape Strato C player with Totaldac spidf coax cable
    Kaleidescape Terra Prime 22TB
    • Apple Appletv X
    Extensively modded Appletv. Feeding one VanityPro.  The Vanitypro hdmi video feeds of the two HDMI inputs of the projector.  The Vanitypro AES digital audio feeds the Totaldac Sublime dac.

    Fiber Cable -> fiber cable modem -> Taiko Router -> Appletv X -> VanityPro -> projector and DAC
    • audiodharma Cable Cooker Anniversary Ed. 3.5
    Cooks interconnects, cables, and capacitors
    • Earthworks M30, Roland Quadcapture, REW
    Room accoustic measurement, for speaker positioning, room treatment, and maybe DRC
    • Cara 2.2 plus
    Room Simulation and positional optimization software

Comments 136

Owner
I have heard several preamps in my system. For my taste in music (pop, rock, mpb, tecno, jazz), right now the ranking (from best to worst) is:

#1 Krell KCT (great imaging, detail, great bass, realistic everything, very happy with its sound)
#2 VTL 7.5 series 3 (a bit better highs than KCT, worse bass and imaging)
#3 Audiopax Model 5 SE (great bass, imaging)
#4 Levinson 380S
#5 Dartzeel (very lean on the bass)

Given my preference for the Krell KCT, I am now looking forward to listening to the new Krell Phantom.

Cheers.

vn101606

Owner
System edited: Upgraded from Krell fbp 700cx to two Krells fbp 750mcx. They are the best amplifiers I have ever heard.

vn101606

Owner
Bigamp, I meant YOU have a great system too! I hope you find a great amplifier for it.

vn101606

Owner
Bigamp,

Thanks for you comments. I have a great system too! I am looking forward to these 500 hours of playback designs burn-in to finish (end of September). My Krell 750mcx monos, an Audience aR6-TS, 3 lessloss power cables, and two three-shelve racks should arrive next week. This weekend an electrician should install a third 20amp dedicated line.

I heard the VTL 7.5 series 3 and they sound great with the 700cx. I hope I will be able to hear the Dartzeel 18ns in my system (I want to hear how it sounds in terms of bass slam/visceral, the other attributes from what I read are exceptional, but bass is very important to me). I like to hear mostly pop, rock, jazz, MPB (Brazilian Music), tecno, very little classic.

Cheers.

vn101606

Great system and room. Based on your gear, I think we're on the same page on the type of sound we want from our gear. Looking forward to seeing which preamp you end up with for the Krells. Congrats on the PD dac. The sound will change substantially after a few hundred hours.

bigamp

Owner
System edited: Using a New Mac Mini 2011 i7 2.7ghz 8GB RAM 256GB SSD with Pure Music. Music ripped with XLD. Using DH Labs USB cable.

vn101606

Owner
System edited: Received the Playback Designs MPD-5. Starting the 500hour burn-in.

vn101606

Owner
System edited: Had my Krell FBP 700cx modified by Krell dealer to accept a separate power cord. Tested Krell Vector HC and Transparent Powerling MM. Krell Vector HC was clearly better in my system so I puchased it.

vn101606

Too bad Dunlavy is not around anymore, those are just wonderful speakers.

davidwjones

Owner
Or VTL 7.5 mark III?

vn101606

Owner
Levinson 32 or Audio Research Ref 5, what is your recommendation? Bass is very important for me.

vn101606

Owner
Jimateo, I never found the manual for the Dunlavy, sorry. I can tell you that the Stereophile review of the SC-VI has everything the manual says and more.

vn101606

Owner
Thank you. You have a beautiful system, I sure it sounds great. I will see if I can try a tube preamp in my system.

vn101606

Hi Vincente! The system looks terrific! Did you ever find the manual for the Dunlavy's?
If you get a chance, take a look at my system. I updated the equipment list and photo's.
Take care my friend. Happy listening!

Jim

jimateo

Owner
System edited: Just moved to a new apartment, with a larger room. Got it treated too. Used an E-trap to decrease a room mode at 39hz.

vn101606

Nice setup. Awesome choice of gear. Did you solve your room modal problems?

shadorne

Owner
Heykay,
Thanks. I noticed this thing about the 32 vs.202 supply, however, they discontinued the #32 and the #202 is in production, so maybe there are just more Evo 202 produced. I will try to get a 202 to test in my system.
Cheers.

vn101606

Also you might want to check with (Gr8deal3) I noticed that he is using a EMMDCC2eSE as a preamp with Krell FPB650mc monos and I know he used to have a 700cx with a KCT preamp at one time.

heykay

I haven't had a chance to listen to the Evo 202/700cx combo yet right now I'm using the 202 with a KSA-150 and don't have a lot of time to listen to that setup even. However with the resale value of Krell equipment a consideration I think if I were you I would stick with the ML 380s or get the ML 32 ref there has been three Evo 202s as well as my 222 for sale for months and no sale on the other hand I just saw two ML 32 ref fly off the shelves in less than two weeks which kind of tells you that the Krells are not a very desirable items.

heykay

Owner
Heykay,

Please let me know how the Evo202 and Krell 700cx sound together, and how would you compare it with the Levinson 380S/Krell 700cx combo I now have.
Thank you in advance,

Vicente

vn101606

I forgot to mention it's probably going to take months to sell the 222 in this economy. I also forgot to mention that I am going to be using a Rel Studio III to fill in where the Sophias roll off. and would also like to try the Krell 505 sacd player but for right now I will use a Goldmund mimesis 39 transport and Audio Horizons 3.0n tube dac good luck with your decision on preamps.

heykay

Hi sorry it was late that night when I read your thread or I should say misread and responded thought you had heard or read that there was no comparison between ML32 and the Evo 202. I decided against the ML32 based on the CAST because of reading reviews and opinions saying thats the way to get the best out of the Krell gear. I ended up purchasing an Evo 222 which I never got a chance to try with the 700cx and is up for sale right now because of purchase of an Evo 202 to run with the 700cx and Wilson Sophias as soon as I can install a 200amp panel to run dedicated lines because theres no more breakers left on my 100amp panel have to wait and see how it goes.

heykay

Owner
Heykay, I have not, I am looking for a comparison between the Evo 202 and the Levinson 32, I have read only about them individually.

vn101606

Hi were did you read about the ML 32 verses the Krell Evo 202 doesn't seem like it would be a complete thumbs down on the 202? I also had an ML 380s running a Krell 700cx and still have the 700cx. Sence I sold the 380s have been thinking of a Krell preamp KCT or Evo so as to use the CAST cables. Was it in a review or just audiogon talk or have you heard the Evo/700cx combo?

heykay

Owner
I am thinking about my next preamp. I can't test them in my system because I am in Brazil and this is not an option. I read the Levinson 32 is better than the 380S I have, but the higher frequecies are not perfect. I read little about the Krell Evo 202, and since I have Krell FBP700CX I an use the CAST connectors, but I have read no comparison between the Levinson 32 and the Krell Evo 202. Another option seems to be tube, like the ARC Ref 3, but it seems they have great mids and highs, but not so much control on the lows. Any oppinions/experiences with these three preamps?

vn101606

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