who downsizes?
The current is always best, isn't it?
Full reference eXemplar system with Stillpoints throughout. |
My best system is my present one
1) Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers
2) Veloce Saetta amplifiers battery powered
3) Aurender N10 music server
4) Berkeley Audio Reference DAC and Alpha USB converter
5) WireWorld Platinum Starlight 7 USB and AES/EBU
6) Cardas Clear M power cords
7) Cardas Clear interconnects and Clear speaker wires
8) Synergistic Research Tesla Powercell 6 SE power conditioner
|
Right now . Krell foundation 4K (amazing sound and separation ), Krell 402E for the mains . I'm an old fashion speaker guy so I have ADS 1290 in the front . A Krell TSA amp for the surrounds and center channel . ADS 400E for the surrounds and a MacIntosh center channel , which I'm not happy with it . Could be the poor placement but it sounds a lot better with the Krell Foundation . Any suggestions for a good speaker for the center ? |
I feel fortunate to say it's the one I'm listening to right now.... It is modest by Audiogon standards but sounds pretty amazing for a compact system...
Conrad Johnson Classic 2SE Preamp
Quicksilver Mid Mono amps
Revel M106 speakers
REL R305 sub with Velodyne SMS 1 EQ/sub controller
NAD M51 DAC
Magnum Dynalab MD 102 tuner
Panasonic Blu Ray
Sony SACD player
Rega p3 with Ortofon om30 |
I have lossless FLAC music ripped from cd's and music I purchased from HD tracks, I am using Macintosh MX 121 processor, Krell S1500 7 channel power amp, 7.1 SYSTEM, B&W 802D speakers for front and center, Monitor Audio for side and rare channels, Crystal and Audio Quest for interconnect and Tara Lab for Speaker cables. I am using JRiver to play this music from my computer, which resides on Lenovo Q180 small foot print PC with build in HDMI which is connected to my processor via this HDMI. I don't know why but I feel that this PC is the least expensive equipment I have, and is the weakest link in my entire system. There is nothing wrong with the system. But, it always bugs me that I can improve this weak link. I like the fact that while playing music I can see the album cover and track information on the monitor. But still I am curious to know, if possible, how can I improve the sound quality. Since I have a Mcintosh processor with built in DAC, I don't want to add another DAC (by the way I tried using Moon DAC, it was no-ware close to Mcintosh MX121, ended up selling it on eBay). I am not even sure, while using HDMI port does better sound card matters? Or can I enhance any thing in my system to improve the sound quality or am I looking for unrealistic Majic? When I purchased this system, my friends were so surprised from the money I spent, there first question to me was "Does singer comes out of these speakers to sing for you?" I guess that's what I am expecting, I believe I am missing those emotions that we get from live performance. |
I have to say that I'm VERY happy with my system as it stands now. Does that mean I may not change something and muck it up? Nope. But for now I'm really not longing for anything. It's extremely simple, but it does all I need it to do.
Source: Esoteric DV-50
Preamp: Levinson 326s
Amps: Parasound JC1's
Speakers: Aerial 10T's
Cabling: Audio Magic
Misc: Two 20A circuits, one amp on each. I also have the preamp on one and the Esoteric on a separate 15A circuit. I noticed a significant improvement when I upgraded the power.
Future: More than likely an external DAC and a server of some sort, but for now the Esoteric is more than holding it's own against the other players I've auditioned lately. Are they better, yes - but to really take it to the next level we're talking a 5 digit investment which I'm not willing to make. |
Dynaco Stereo 70; PAS preamp; JBL Lancer 99s; Girard table. |
That was before then...
11-17-03: Thesaint519
The best system that I ever built is still very much under construction. But, listed below is my current system w/ the future upgrade list in tow:
- Levinson 390S
www.marklevinson.com
- Levinson 33H
www.marklevinson.com
- PS Audio P1000 Power Regenerator w/ 20A High Current Ultimate Outlet
www.psaudio.com
- Revel Ultima Salons - Piano Gloss Black w/ Aluminum Sides
www.revelspeakers.com
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (4 shelf version)
www.grandprixaudio.com
- Grand Prix Audio F1 Carbon Shelf
www.grandprixaudio.com
- Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X-Series XLR w/ active shielding - Interconnects
www.synergisticresearch.com
- Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X-Series w/ active shielding - Speaker Cables
www.synergisticresearch.com
- Kimber SC-VU s-video cable
www.kimber.com
- Spike Spotters - spike/floor interface
www.spikespotters.com
Future upgrades:
- Levinson 40 Audio/Video console
- Levinson 433 (3 channel amp for center & surrounds)
- 46" - 60" LCD HDTV
- Revel Ultima Voice Center Channel Speaker
- Revel Ultima Embrace Surround Speakers
- Revel Ultima Subwoofer
- PS Audio Ultimate Xstream Power Cable (for the 433)
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (two shelf base)
- Richard Gray Substation (for the 33H's)
- Synergistic Research Master Control Center
That was then...
- Wilson Audio Sashas
- Lamm M1.2 Reference Mono amps
- dCS Delius
- dCS Purcell
- Richard Gray Power Company 1200S
- Transparent Audio Reference XLR ICs (MM1)
- Transparent Audio Reference Spkr Cable (MM1)
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (4 shelf version)
- ReQuest Media Server (5,000 songs & 300 Movies)
- SRA VR-series IsoBase for each Lamm mono
- Spike Spotters - spike/floor interface by Cerimax
www.spikespotters.com
Future upgrades:
- Lamm L2 Reference Preamp
- HRS SXR isolation rack
- Transparent Audio Reference upgrade for all cables to XLMM2
- Transparent Audio Reference XLMM2 RCA IC for the Lamm L2 (already purchased in preparation for the L2 arrival)
This is now...
- Wilson Audio Sashas
- Lamm M1.2 Reference Mono amps
- Lamm L2 Reference Preamp
- Meitner MA-1
- Richard Gray Power Company 1200C
- Transparent Audio Reference XL RCA ICs (MM2)
- Transparent Audio Reference XLR ICs (MM1)
- Transparent Audio Reference Spkr Cable (MM1)
- Meridian Sooloos Ensemble Music Server
- SRA VR-Series IsoBase for each Lamm M1.2 mono
Future upgrades:
- SRA Ohio Class XL2 IsoBases for each Lamm M1.2 mono
- SRA Scuttle 3 Isolation Rack - 4 shelves
- Transparent Audio Reference upgrade for all cables to XLMM2
- Kaleidescape Cinema 1 movie server
- Wilson Alexia speaker system |
I just use common sense to build my system.
1)Budget and size the newest speaker for your room with approval from your wife.
2)All solid core silver wire - Silver is the best metal conductor known to man. It's cheap with NO-name brand.
3)Tube or SS amp must be more power than the speaker max rating - All music will sound good instead of tweaking to get better.
4)Buy the latest DAC with asynchronous inputs only. Music will sound better if the timing is correct to speakers.
Most important of all - Never mix your cables or amp/preamp or tubes with different manufacture or generation. |
Digital Source: Esoteric P-03/D-03
Analogue Source 1: Technics SP-10mkII/EPA-500/Soundsmith-Grace F9
Analogue Source 2: Luxman T-117
Line Preamplifier: PBN Audio Olympia LX
Phono Preamplifier: PBN Audio Olympia P
Equalizer: Meyer Sound Labs CP-10
Speakers: Meyer Sound Labs X-10T x 2
Subwoofers: Meyer Sound Labs X-400C x 2
Electrical: 2 x 20A, 3-phase, 4-wire dedicated circuits; Furman P-2400IT
Interconnects: Mogami 3173 with Vampire XLRs
Power cords: Audio Sensibility Statement |
Revel Salons, Classe Omega, AR Ref 2, Theta Jade transport, Theta Gen V DAC,2 PS Audio P 300s, Genesis 900 sub, All High end MIT cables. My Fav. system |
Revel Salons, Classe Omega, AR Ref 2, Theta Jade transport, Theta Gen V DAC,2 PS Audio P 300s, Genesis 900 sub, All High end MIT cables. My Fav. system |
Vandersteen Model 5's in front, Vandersteen 2CE Sigs in back. Ayre K5xe-MP and V5xe driving the fronts; Arcam A38 driving the rears. Anti-Cables for all interconnects (balanced front, unbalanced rear), and fronts biwired with Reference series Anti-Cables. OPPO BD-95 with external USB drive loaded with FLACs for source.
My deep thanks to John Rutan of Audio Connection, NJ for all his invaluable advice on setup and equipment! He turned me on to Ayre gear and Anti-Cables, and just recently sold me my Model 5's, then helped me through setting up and cal'ing them. Now, I finally have the incredible sound I've been trying to get out of a system for over 13 years!
Vandersteens and Ayre work together like magic. I've never had a system or sound I wasn't picking apart, never had one where something wasn't missing. Now I can finally just sit back and soak my music in. My audiophile friends are blown away by the sound I'm getting and I'm overjoyed.
Thanks again, John! You make it all seem easy :-)
Omar |
That was then...
11-17-03: Thesaint519
The best system that I ever built is still very much under construction. But, listed below is my current system w/ the future upgrade list in tow:
- Levinson 390S
www.marklevinson.com
- Levinson 33H
www.marklevinson.com
- PS Audio P1000 Power Regenerator w/ 20A High Current Ultimate Outlet
www.psaudio.com
- Revel Ultima Salons - Piano Gloss Black w/ Aluminum Sides
www.revelspeakers.com
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (4 shelf version)
www.grandprixaudio.com
- Grand Prix Audio F1 Carbon Shelf
www.grandprixaudio.com
- Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X-Series XLR w/ active shielding - Interconnects
www.synergisticresearch.com
- Synergistic Research Resolution Reference X-Series w/ active shielding - Speaker Cables
www.synergisticresearch.com
- Kimber SC-VU s-video cable
www.kimber.com
- Spike Spotters - spike/floor interface
www.spikespotters.com
Future upgrades:
- Levinson 40 Audio/Video console
- Levinson 433 (3 channel amp for center & surrounds)
- 46" - 60" LCD HDTV
- Revel Ultima Voice Center Channel Speaker
- Revel Ultima Embrace Surround Speakers
- Revel Ultima Subwoofer
- PS Audio Ultimate Xstream Power Cable (for the 433)
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (two shelf base)
- Richard Gray Substation (for the 33H's)
- Synergistic Research Master Control Center
This is now...
- Wilson Audio Sashas
- Lamm M1.2 Reference Mono amps
- dCS Delius
- dCS Purcell
- Richard Gray Power Company 1200S
- Transparent Audio Reference XLR ICs (MM1)
- Transparent Audio Reference Spkr Cable (MM1)
- Grand Prix Audio Monaco Modular Rack w/ Apex footers (4 shelf version)
- ReQuest Media Server (5,000 songs & 300 Movies)
- SRA VR-series IsoBase for each Lamm mono
- Spike Spotters - spike/floor interface by Cerimax
www.spikespotters.com
Future upgrades:
- Lamm L2 Reference Preamp
- HRS SXR isolation rack
- Transparent Audio Reference upgrade for all cables to XLMM2
- Transparent Audio Reference XLMM2 RCA IC for the Lamm L2 (already purchased in preparation for the L2 arrival) |
This modest system is not the most high end i built, but gives me much joy, so I want to share it:
Computer to HRT music streamer II
Onkyo M504 power amp and the matching pre
ADS 810 speakers
Ixos gamma wires all around
Total cost used was less than $1000! ... and I am in sonic heaven... and my other system is more than $60,000, which I listen to less. |
Current system, still saving for my ultimate cartridge but sounds wonderful now.
Avid sequel table
SME V arm w/kubala balanced cable
Benz Micro Gullwing cartridge
BAT VK-P10 phonostage
BAT REX preamp
BAT REXPower monoblocks
YG Acoustics Carmel speakers
JL Audio F110 subwoofer (pair)
Kubala/audioquest cables
various power cords
dedicated room and power
RAM modified Esound sig. CDP |
Best System I have ever Built is my current system....
Leben HiFi RX28CX tube preamplifier with tube MM phono stage and separate tube rectified power supply
Bob Carver Cherry 180M tube mono block amplifiers
Jaton A&V 803 Loudspeakers
Pro-Ject Xtension 12" Evo Carbon Fiber Tone Arm and Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge
Denon 3800bdci blu-ray player
Jadis JS2 Tube D.A.C.
AppleTV
PS3
Luminous Audio cables
Tice Power Block
Core Audio isolation stands |
The best hifi system i have built is as follows..mcintosh mt10(sabre 32 chips)turntable my krell cypher two evolution 2 preamps (stereo pair) two evolution one monoblocks (stereo pair) and westlake audio tower sm1 speakers..I have got a krell fbi with wilson audio thor's hammer sub to do the bass side of things when i am listening to dance music..It's the best possible sound you can get and nothing comes anywhere near this from the likes of pass labs mark levison etc..I have done myself a home cinema with sim2 projector and screen evolution 707 av 3x403e 3 channel a 402e stereo and 302e stereo with bowers and wilkins ct800 with three subs..again it's the best possible sound you can get in home theatre the bass sounds glorious the 707 just takes over control and gets the best out of the b&w speakers..I have also built myself a home studio being a professional dj with two krell s150 monoblocks with bowers and wilkins pm1 monitors i use a adl gt40 dac/headphone amp that i use with hd800 headphones..p.s The monoblocks come back through the gt40 with balanced krell bass and makes the hd800s sound the best i have ever heard them! |
Thankfully the hits just keep on coming, the best is my current primary system. At least it is the best sounding. The most fun system was with my now gone TEAC X-10 R2R which I did a lot of recording.
Primary components in the current posted system are the McIntosh MA6600 integrated amp. Paired to VSA speakers. Not over the top compared to many of the great system posted here, but really a joy to listen too. |
My current system, which is posted :) |
I've now got my favorite so far, Red Wine 30.2 amp, Gallo 3.1 reference speakers, CAL delta transport, Metrum Octave DAC, Kimber 8TC speaker cables, black cat and audioquest interconnects |
Bi-amped Maggie tympani 1d's,line sourced arranged RTR esr15's added.crossed/filtered at 5K. janis w2 sub w/it's amp crossover. Modified dyna st-70 (rtr amp) and pas preamp.(modified) pioneer spec II amp (maggie bass/mid amp). sound design amp for maggie tweets.Audio research/magneplanar crossover made for this setup.Thorens TD 145 table w/rewired tonearm. Retipped grace F9E ruby cartridge. tuner,cd players. I'm the original owner of all 'cept the rtr's.No purchases since the 80's except the cd players.I did all the mods w/occasional help. ALL w/less than $4000 invested, hard for anybody to beat that sound for the buck value. Remember 1980's $4000. Not all things to all people but I've never listened to anything that comes CLOSE to it for even$20K. No esoteric amps,cables,audio voodoo,just reasonable eqpt.picked to do a specific job. Plenty of power for the hungry maggies,added rtr's give a little sparkle. janis used sparingly for the VERY bottom punch. Just wish I had them back in the room they deserve but that's life. |
So far in my 45 years, the last 20+ buying and selling pieces to get my system just right. I have to say my current system.
Pair B&W 805D
B&W sub
Moon .5 CD
VTL 2.5 Preamp
Sonic Frontiers SFS50
Music Hall MMF 2.2 LE
Arcam rDAC wireless music stream
Nordost cables/interconnects throughout |
emm labs cdsd
emm labs dac 6
vyger indian signature mk2+ vision arm (carbon)
clearaudio insider reference
conrad johnson art2
pass xrv1
vtl de luxe 500 (bass)
vtl mb 450
magneplanar mg 20
hidra 8 v ray
treated room
transparent ref mm2 (line)
transparent ref xl (speaker)
nbs monitor 0 (power) |
ATC 25; benchmark DAC, Wadia 170, iPhone4 |
For me, it just ended (temporarily LOL) with the addition of an analog rig.
Components:
Clearaudio: Performance SE w/ Satisfy Carbon Tonearm, Talismann V2 MC cart, Balance Plus phono pre.
PS Audio Perfect Wave Transport and D/A
Mark Levinson No. 380S Pre-amp
PS Audio Power Plant Premier power regenerator
Pass Labs XA-100.5 Class A monoblock amps
Wilson Audio Watt/Puppy System 8
Interconnect:
Siltech MC4-80 Inevitable link (XLR) from D/A to pre-amp and pre-amp to power amps.
Kimber KCAG for phono-pre to ML pre-amp
Speaker Wire:
Siltech LS-110
Power Cords:
PS Audio: AC-12 for power amps, AC-10 for D/A & Transport, AC-5 for power regenerator. |
For me it was a complete move to tubes. I had a Melos preamp with telefunken 6922's and a VTL St-85 with winged c EL-34's. Had a Marantz 8260 cd + a PS Audio III dac. It all came together with B&W 804's in a relatively small 11 x 13 x 9 room. I had a wide / deep soundstage with a dead on center image. It really was excellent. For some odd reason I sold the B&W's . . . I think to buy a new refrigerator! What an idiot. Things deteriorated from there and I am currently rebuidling albeit with ss. |
mfa preamp a-2 i believe
michell hydraulic reference transcriptor table w/fluid arm
win strain guage cartridge w/transducer box
kenwood L09 300w. mono blocks
maggie IIIa's rebuilt to 3.5's but original x-overs
kimber 8tc speaker wire
fulton & kimber ultraplate interconnects
2nd table is a pioneer 530 DD w/signet tk7e cartridge |
I found this thead as I was just looking to see if I could find the very first post here on gon, the earliest I could find was 1-23-99 on setup for linn lp12. Anycase in response to this thread the best system I have ever assembled is the one I have now which consists of: Vpi classic, 10.5 Vpi arm, Denon 103r cartridge, JLTI phono stage, Calypso Aesthetix preamp, Simaudio w-5 amp, Merlin speakers. I can't recommend this system any higher than I am, the whole system together that is, finally the speakers disappear so well and timbre is natural sounding I am done upgrading until I hit the lotto. |
This is very cool to read through this, wow some really great systems here. Mine has been evolving quickly here as I had a system I was happy with although I was changing it little by little. Then I heard something similar to what I have now on a business trip at a audio store (Glenn Poors Audio), I came back home to listen to my system at that time and decided I had to have what I heard in Illinois and could no longer live with mine.
New system:
***Source: Esoteric Xo1-Le--Love this for both redbook and sacd
***Preamp: BAT REX--WOW is all I can say about this pre and love that bat went to lengths to match up tubes and make it so I don't have to do any tube rolling. It even has a optional switch to use a different set of tubes that are already mounted in and gives you just a bit different flavor.
***Amps: VK600M-SE--mono 600 watts and they put things where they should be so well on stage and effortless, quick, and seemingly limitless power...
***Cables are now under demo but will most likely be the Kubala Sosna emotion or elation series.
***Power cords and conditioners are all Running Springs Audio, Dmitri on front end, Dukes on amps, and HZ Crown Jewel power cords.
***Speakers- Wilson Audio Sasha... I was doing demo on these speakers and had at-least three people tell me it was the best speaker they had heard anywhere. One said how he thought it was a break-through in speaker technology somehow. I am very proud that they are in my system for sure.
***Racks are Critical Mass Systems Platinum PXK's which is there newest version of the CMS line and will most likely lead to the discontinuing of the older CMS racks.
**The racks are the thing that really took this system to the next level. It was great for sure without the racks but once they were put in the system is better than great and is what I would say unbelievable. The racks took me from saying I feel like I'm at a live event or saying wow it seems so real. Now I feel more like I am the mic feed and there is no live performance being amplified or recorded. It is weird and hard to explain but I hear so much more in the music now than I did on my previous system and this system prior to the racks being put in place. I don't know how they do it but they get rid of the air-born sound vibrations caused by your music playing which get into your audio circuit and cause it to either speed up or slow down a signal which leads to distortion.
My stage now has no boundary and although my speakers are only 9 feet apart my stage can spread nearly 20 feet wide on symphony stuff at times. The depth is amazing and the walls of my room are not a boundary for my stage. All that said about stage it also is most quick and detailed. Somehow this system manages to be quick, detailed, and laid back all at the same time, and seems to adapt to what ever music is played through it. I have only one more step to go besides choosing the cables and that is speaker setup. I think I have it as good as I can get it. That said I am paying a guy who is supposed to be one of the best to come in and set my speakers for me. He comes in a couple of weeks and it out of Illinois. I'm curious to see how much if any improvement he can make. |
For audio my current system blows me away. For 2ch the componets are Meridian 508 CD player,Kimber PBJ interconnects, Thiel CS 2.3 speakers with MIT cable and Velodyne F1800 sub crossed over at 80 hz, turn table B&) TX linerar tracking with MMC1/BO cartridge |
Current system:
Verity Parsfals (Makoree finish).
VAC 80/80 amp
Thor pre with phono
Meridian CDP
Lenco turntable in custom plinth
Dynavector 17D3
Cardas cables
Dedicated listening room |
I just had to post here my new discovery. I switched out my simaudio p-5 preamp which is excellent by the way to my new pre audio experience a2se, which made a huge difference. The rest of the system is from source to speakers: heavily modified vpi tt (450 pounds), graham arm, zu 103r cartridge, jlti phono, audio experience a2se pre, sim audio w-5 amp, suspended merlin vsm speakers with bal. bam, martin logan depth sub, various cables purchased from audiogon, room treated on all surfaces including ceiling. |
My current system, with custom built 200lb. enclosures (ea.) to house Tannoy HPD 315's (12" Dual Concentric drivers), soon to have custom scratch-built crossovers. Modded 300wpc SS amp, sounds superb to my ears. When the crossovers are done and vetted in, I'm throwing in the upgrade towel, I'll need to add nothing further, just more music to listen to.
Regards, and enjoy,
Dan |
The Mother of all Systems; err maybe. 37 yrs later from that first experience in London as a boy listening to an all Quad system at HMV, Oxford Street, and then via Klipschorns and Planars; I have arriving and ready for delivery a synergestic combination that I couldn't even dream of as existing. Here goes, to what can only be described as a thunderous assault on the senses; all 2009 latest gear:
SPKRS: Shahinian Acoustics Diapasons
POWER AMPS: 2 x Stereo Symphonic Line Kraft 300's
PRE-AMP: SL RG3 Mk4 with phono
CD: SL Reference Mk.2
TT: SL RG 6
Cartridge: SL R8/Gold
CABLES: SL Reference/Schnell
I thank the Shahinians and Rolf Gemein for their dedication and pursuit of excellence towards an earthly yet almost divine perfection. My quest is over as Nirvana has been attained. |
My current Tannoy Canterbury SE system which rather than repeat myself you can check out in virtual systems for yourselves. All I will say is this. Having heard a few recording studio systems, IMO this current system eats the studio set ups for musicality. Where the studios win out is the resolution available for playback which in the digital domain I can,t compete with YET. But soon, very soon |
Emm Labs CDSD SE + DCC2 SE, VYGER Indian Signature turntable + Koetsu Onyx, MIT Oracle MAX and Cabasse Atlantis (active speakers with 8 amps build in). |
Marantz sa11s2,DIY passive pre.,Rogue 150 mono,all connected with soundstring wire.The speakers are the Gallo Ref.3s. |
Maybe it was because I was younger and everything seemed to be more fun?
A pair of Mac 240s
Marantz 7c
Chartwell LS35/As
Dual 1229
Grace F9L
Maybe it just sounded better? |
What a long strange trip its been, as the lyrics go so has audio collection been with me. From my first new audio piece, a Lear Jet 8 track AM/FM with speakers, bought at a local jewelry store of all places, I got involved with audio. I am 57 years old now and have had countless audio systems,, mostly used. My favorite pieces were a Pioneer A-27 and an NAD 40 watt Integrated amp. They just sounded good at the time and seemed powerful enough. I long for the Pioneer most I guess. It had a great tonal quality I long remembered.
Fast forward several years, I last owned and really enjoyed my Outlaw 950 and 7100 system. It was a good HT with respectable power for my four DCM Time Frame 700 speakers. I augmented that set up with a nice custom built 15 sub woofer and an AR 2c center channel. I enjoyed that system for a few years but somehow wanted something different.
A friend called me out of the blue and let me in on a special deal he had purchased at a local Salvation Army Auction. It was a 5 piece, scratch free, silver Pioneer Spec Rack System!! Complete with this was the rack itself, Spec 1 preamp, Spec 2 power amp, EQ, 9500 tuner, and CTF 1000 cassette deck, Problem, the cassette needed a rubber work and it all had been used in a smoking area. The good news is it was all in good working order and was $500 cheap!!! I bought it all sight unseen. I immediately got the cassette deck repaired, it then worked like new. Next, an idea struck me. My Nephew, who is an AVID old silver Pioneer collector, also came into a killer deal not long ago. He bought, from the original owner, a fire sale of a Dragon Cassette deck, two Nakamichi PA-7 amps, a matching CA-7a preamp, and a ST-7 tuner
all for $500 as well.
As they say and now you know the rest of the story, I called him up and told him what I had and if he wanted to agree to an even trade!! We did end up trading. He felt like he got an excellent deal, as did I. We were both pleased beyond belief- despite the fact the pieces needed further work. He proceeded to break down the rack and detail it and I detailed the NAK pieces. The Dragon had a bad record channel so it went in and got repaired.
This NAK system was beyond my wildest belief to ever own, a cut or two above the Outlaw gear and even further up the food chain from the Lear Jet of old. I did my due diligence and read all the reviews and precautions. Excitement was oozing from every pour of my body. I had just acquired some nice rare Cerwin Vega 2000-15 speakers and these components should suit those large speakers well. I had been to the better audio boutiques in the area and had heard McKintosch, Krell and other premium equipments, so I had a rough idea what to expect. I was wrong. Hearing it in your own living space, with your own surrounding equipment, etc. was the true acid test.
The sound experience I received next was unbelievable. This equipment was 10+ years old but well maintained (the DC offset had just been set on the amps). I lined up several of my favorite CDs for sampling and for 3 solid hours played one after another, hearing information and dynamics like nothing else before. Emmy Lou Harris was my new sonic Madonna; Earl Kluge captured nuances I had long missed, I could understand all the words of Mark Knophler and the list went on. My aural veil was not only lifted, but a wet blanket was ripped from its posts. Now I understand what the better audiophile equipment was about. One thing that really impressed me was the shear dynamics of the music. Especially the softer sounds like triangles, cymbals- the simpler the sound the more it would move you. You could almost count the brushes on a drum brush or the number of beads in a Maraca. The larger dynamics, like big drum rolls, piano solos and organ rifts, were room breathing experiences all their own. My wife asked not to be there for those events!
Beyond the CD medium I did also appreciate the better quality of the ST-7 AM/,FM tuner. The sound was not strained but actually quite believable despite the lack of FM frequency bandwidth. The Dragon cassette deck was most impressive as well. It had very good dynamics and a wide bandwidth to boot. I found myself listening to it as much as CDs. Had I had better and more recorded cassettes from this unit I could have easily listen to analog purity all day long from the Dragon! I had forgotten just how smooth and mentally pleasing good quality analog was.
Another thing I liked about the NAK system was the included power strip that had a separate wired DIN plug that went back to the preamp. The strip powers on all the components, like the amps, tuner, etc., you need only to turn on the preamp!. Aside from the NAK power strip I also Din cable connected the ST-7 tuner, a NAK CDC 4a CD player and the Dragon deck into the back of the CA-7a. Now I could operate the sub functions everything that was DIN connected into the CA-7a control amp with one simple remote. With the one remote control I could easily switch between components and operate everything from the tape azimuth, CD tracks/ discs, to selecting tuner stations and more. As if the pure sound and dynamics were not the hallmark of this NAK system, the remote made it a final & easy pleasure to enjoy.
I think I understand the Nakamichi sound and build philosophy better now that I own some nice pieces. While it is well made and complex equipment, it is striking in its dragon scales look, advanced in its sound and simplified in it functions. Come time to turn this equipment off I am saddened, but then I know when I turn it on again there will be that solid sense of elation, full expectation and aural reward like nothing else I have ever owned. It is good to be the king
very good indeed! |
McCormack DNA-1 upgraded to SMcAudio Rev. A Gold Standard
ARC LS-3
Denon DCD-2700 as transport
Muse Model 2 w/Bessel Analog Reconstruction Filter
Infinity RS9A Kappa modified with MIT internal speaker cable throughout except for short multiple ganged silver Kimber Kable runs from binding post to crossover.
Denon Tuner TU-800
Monster M2.4 biwire
AudioTruth Diamond interconnect
Monster M2000 interconnect
Kimber PowerKords
API PowerWedge
Sennheiser HD600
This was a fine system to my admittedly olden ears, but some others thought well of it. Unlike some very fine high end systems which I have had the good fortune to hear, this system did have a minimum threshold to come fully alive. Thankfully, this threshold was well short of headbanging level. At times after experiencing some unbelievable systems at the local audiophile meetings, the system did sound a bit sweetened by comparison. But a sysem based on Mark Levinson and Revel Salon Ultimas (?) did a lot to restore my faith in my system and my taste in sound while nonetheless completely blowing my system away with a similar character. I am now listening to music primarily through the HD600s or the Audio Technica ATH-AD700, which pleasantly bring up the question of "...if either of these is right, then the other must be wrong..." Same could be said of the SMcAudio mod compared to say, Krell & B&W setups that I had the pleasure of listening to, but I absolutely loved what Steve and Kris did with the amp. While the tube-like character that Steve achieved may have arguably been better suited to another speaker, I really enjoyed the sound. |
I have tried and spent so much money on different system until I found my dream one :
Air Tight ATM3 for amps,
Wilson Audio Maxx for speakers,
vandenhull the third for speaker cable and Van Den hul the first for interconnect,
Air tight ATC 2 for pre,
Accuphase DP100,DC101 on digital front.
make cooments/suggestion.
Reegards
F.P. |
My current system is the best by far.
I started focusing in on optimizing what I had to get to where I am now about 2 years ago.
Practically, at this point, the only interest in changing anything I have is possibly:
1) a higher power, higher current SS monster amp in the future to really take the big OHM f-5s to their limit.
2) Trying a pair of very high efficiency speakers, like horns, other dynamic designs, or even something totally radical like Emerald Physics maybe. I'd probably have to sell my Dynaudios to do this though and am not ready to part with them yet. |
Pre: Sonic Frontiers Line 1
Amp: Sonic Frontiers 2 x 110w (can't remember model)
Source: Sony NS999ES SACD/CD
DAC: Meridian (can't remeber model)
Speakers: Wilson Cubs on Sound Anchor stands
Spkr wire: Audience Au24
I/C: Transparent Link 100 RCA
Transparent AES
Goldmund optical
Sub: Sunfire True Sub (the original model, not the current inferior model)
PCs: all stock
Power Cond: PSA Ultimate Outlet and Richard Grey somethings
StanDesign isolation racks
Room treatment: something that looked like small pillows |
Proac Response 2.5 DIY clone. Sonic frontiers line 1. Mark Levinson ML-9. Level 1 Mod (parts connexion) Jolida JD-100. NOS TUBES THROUGHOUT, Amperex, Brimar.
so real |
Mr Stark its a bit late to answer your question. In the sacred "Joe's Tube lore" they are described briefly. Anpther militasry Mullard only midrange and rolled of at the extremes probably only for systems that are harsh and would require taming.
I honestly was shocked by these comments. The only reason I have them is my tube Guru in England said stop messing aroud with the 6922s to me they all sound poorly and sonically their is not anything that really sounds different tube.
I thought my old friend had lost it I could easily hear differences poor lousy crappy and please don't go near me with tube again. He said there is one tube in the whole family worth anything it sound different nd is just bettter . This CV2943 he had none to sell but tubemonger had several sub variants It was not muddied and rolled off. Absolutekluy it fell into the clean deatailed category. Finding a matched quad of NOS these were NIB and still had cihgar rolls around them. I had to get them from Sweden. The price was not my idea of a good time but I saw everything in a 6922 with a good reputation cost the same and even a lot more. These tested stronger than new nominal but was only pretty certain they were True NOS. I saw them I said if that isn't as pristine as I had ever seen then their is no NOS. My 6SN7 guy Len had since eclipsed the perfect period box packing and yes the tubes.
You can find them at Kevin Deal's store in mediocre comdition but if you got the moola it is a must try |
ARC Ref 2 Preamp
ARC 300w monoblocks
Lector CD Player (2 piece system)
McIntosh MR 78 with Modefferi Upgrade
McIntosh MPI-4
Magneplaner Tympani 1Ds
Valhalla interconnects and speaker cables
Square D 300 amp service... Wiring from main house electric service with 3 separate 20 amp lines ( #10 wire) to audio system
Square D Power Surge protection and line conditioner on each of 3 lines
Linn Sondec with supplied arm and Koetsu Onyx
It's what I built over the years...I cannot part with the 1978 Tympani 1Ds...my wife prefers these to the 20.1s
and most important component..the 16 by 20 Cathedral ceiling room with sprung wood 3/4 inch oak floors. |
Edit...Technics SL1200 MK2. Can't ever keep the Technics models straight. |
I will say the source is another APL Denon 3910, the speakers are Silverline Sonata III (which have been SOBs to find proper amplification), and the amps are Pass Labs XA-60.5. The speakers disappear in a manner the Von Scheikerts never did, and the sound is balanced from top to bottom. Slowly, I'm finding the combination of gear and wiring that gets the bass correctly (which I've found to be the trickiest aspect of the Sonata III).
I'm also using a KAB Technics Sl1210 MK II turntable with several mods. My LP collection is small, so this is not a primary source...but it sounds very good. |
TVAD YOU ARE SUCH A TEASE. |
