This system has given me heaven and hell. When I first unpacked my Acapella Violon they did not sound as in my dreams. I must really point out that you have to give your system time to evolve.
After eleven years with the Acapella Violon I bought the Marten Mingus Quintet and a new journey is started.
I've always had a turntable in my system, but this year I went a litle bit further to draw more music out from my system. I've got the vinyl under my skin now, it sounds so wicked. But why stop with one turntable? The Bergmann Magne was irresistible. Then I also needed a new cartridge and my choice was Kuzma Car-40.
I do not know the best way to describe the sound of my system.
It's fast and dynamic with high resolution, they low is controlled, 3D and depth of soundstage are good, maybe I lack a litle with if I should criticize anything. The ion tweater give you a very lifelike presentation.
Since I've changed to Marten Mingus Quintet the soundstage has grown and the bass is improved. The ion sweater is good, but I do not feel that I miss it. I'm still in break in process. It feel like this is going to be really good!
My friends who are not intrested in music and hifi, there first comments was "Now I undesrtand why you are so hooked on good sound reproduction". This is one of the best mark I can get for my system.
New electronics. Tidal Audio Preos-D preamp and Impulse amplifier.
Replacing the dCS Scarlatti full stack, Röcklinger PHA2 and Audio Research REF3 and REF210 in my main listenings room. Eight boxes out and two boxes in! :)
I have started to build a new system. I will build around the new speakers that i'll waiting for. They will be a Christmas present if every thing goes as planed in production! :)
I still have the Audio Research electronics and Puccini, but the Puccini has been put to use in my photo studio. I now play on dCS Scarlatti.
And I have for fun started to modify some electronics from Exposure and it sounded very good together with the Acapella Violon.
I've tried to change the pictures in my system description. But somehow I have not been able to access. :(
I have not heard the ARC DAC 8. But I'm quite sure it will sound absolutely fabulous.
dCS Puccini together with the U-Clock was a major upgrade from ARC DAC 7. When playing Studio Master FLAC from Linn Records there is magical music in my house. :)
System edited: dCS Puccini and Puccini U-Clock has made it´s entry. I use Pure Music from Channel D to play my high resolution files on the IMac. The IMac is connected to the U-Clock through a Entreq Challenger USB cable. I also use a Entreq clock cable from U-Clock to Puccini cd player. This is an upgrade I do not regret. :)
Hi Mickep, I haven't visited your page for a few months. Good to see your new changes. I have made a number of major changes to my system, and it has really fixed the bass. I have a set of upgrades on the way - new CDP, crossover, SS amp, new valves. Should hopefully arrive this week or next.
Alleung, in the pictures I use a selfmade cone in acetal under the REF3 and Entreq Catfoot under REF210. Today I have changed rack and I use a selfmade rack in oak with no metal since I have noticed that metal can effect the musical presentation. Now I use Entreq Catfoot under all electronics, speakers and my rack.
I have a Dac7 I use with a olive 4HD via a rca digital cable. I think as long as you dont use a USB cable it is pretty hard to beat. It sounds every bit as good as my friends Cd7
I had the ARC DAC7 for about 9 month's. I did the misstake to plug in the dCS Puccini and Master U clock in my system. The ARC DAC7 is absolute one of the best in it´s class, but you can get better, but it will cost you. :)
Areas where ARC DAC7 could do some improvment, is the USB input and control of lower freq. If I compare it with the dCS it's not as controled, detailed and dynamic and now I'm talking about all freq.
Strong points are vocals and soundstage.
I think the ARC DAC8 will be a improvment and I for one is extremely curious.
Mikep, how long did you keep the ARC DAC7 and why are you looking for a change in dacs? Their new DAC8 is to be released soon. Did you think the DAC7 was the best in its price range? What were the strengths and weaknesses of the DAC7?
The reasons for all the questions is that I'm an ARC fan and I'm considering the DAC7 or the new DAC8 when it rolls out soon. I'm looking for a dac to pair with my Squeezebox.
System edited: I´ve made some changes in my system. Pagode Signature, Acoustic Zen, JPS, Solid Tech and ARC DAC7 was changed to Entreq cables, Entreq feet and homemade rack in oak. I have not decided what DAC I should buy.
I've made some changes in the past month's. I now use cables from Entreq and I have a new rack all in wood without metal. Under the equipment I use Entreq's Catfoot. These adjustment have made the system more musical and still it reveals more details in the music then before.
Yeasterday my ARC DAC7 was sold. I'm not sure what do at the moment, but I have a dCS Puccini and Master U clock for evaluation and I´like it. :)
Mickep, your system melts like a caramel and the taste gets better and better. I'm happy to read you think about a Soutien, and I believe it can do wonderful things in your system. Did you ever had a look at the Audiovolver II?
Albertporter, I've missed to write that information down. :)
Yes I use the iMac as a musicserver. It works absolutely fantastic.
There has been some more changes in the last months. I've made a new rack of oak to support my system. I´ve recently been convinced that no metal should be aruond the system unless it´s in the system or singalpath. So i built a rack that is made in only wood. I also changed all cables to Entreq cables and uses Catfoot under the electronic.
These improvments has made the system more "analogue".
