Hi Garry,

Thanks for the comments. Yes I have been busy of late. Seem my new bad habit is collecting vintage tubes. Trying to get it all burned in now. Sounds like you like your tones. The Def's sound very nice. They're mid range is like nothing I've heard so far. It was quite a different sound to what I had before. The defs have me thinking of some tube amps to try... I was warned that would happen. Any comments there?

I heard the Def Pro before. The MK II seems to have rifined the treble a bit. I can't really compare the two beyond that because I didn't have the earlier model in my listing area.

Yes that is a custom color. I'm glad you like it. It took a lot of looking before I came on that choice. The camera does it no justice. That's a camera effect on the photo with the pink walls. The color is a 2 stage of PPG paints. A base coat of Red Pearl (PPG # 75636) than covered with Wine Red (PPG # 75638). They look great in the room and adds a nice contrast color. In the light with the aluminum rings and black base they look very nice. I'm pleased with the color combo. Thanks for the compliment.

Take Care

Scott

sgsoundnut October 14, 2007 10:02

System edited: I have updated my system. I have added things from tubes, cables, stands, power outlets and speakers. I can say everything made a change. I have rolled a lot of 12AU7’s through my CD player and have some interesting comments in my updated system description. My favorites are the Bugle Boys. Though the Mullard Long Plates are AWESOME TOO, but the 7316 Amperex Bugle Boy so far tops my list of tubes. Added some Zu Audio cables and speakers. The Varial XLR cables are very nice with great bass and detail. I felt they lacked the mid range depth of the Audioquest Panther XLR’s I was using but the Varials need to burn it. I’ll try the Panthers after awhile and see if I feel the same way. The Speakers…. WOW. Not enough time or space to go into it. Man these things are efficient and sensitive!!! A good or bad thing?? Sometimes yes sometimes no. They reproduce the human voice, or sax and electric guitar like nothing I’ve heard yet!! Incredible. The human voice can make the room rattle. Their attack, speed and detail add the impact of live music. My amps at only 5 watts are all it takes to fill the room with more than enough loudness. They make the McIntosh MC-501’s overkill at this point. The Detail and imaging has depth and has to be heard to see if it is to your liking… But that sensitivity brings out the worst in things as well. You hear everything… Like hiss in the recordings. Very sensitive and detailed. On good recordings it’s awesome. The CD by Tool labeled Undertow cranked up is unbelievable. It’s so dynamic that you think you’re over powering the speakers but you’re only putting out 50 watts to them. Pounding out 500 watts you think you’re at the concert! Added some Sound Anchors. Rack and amp stands. Very heavy and well made stuff. Scott

sgsoundnut October 13, 2007 13:16

Yeah my folks think I'm nuts. I told my dad I got a good deal on some early 60's vintage RCA 12AU7 cleartop tubes for $55.00. He couldn't believe it. He said "I threw away tons of that crap". But I enjoy my stereo I just need to improve my power lines now. Thanks for the comment, I really just love that ARC Preamp. The more other stuff I hear in dealers set up sound rooms, and then I listen to that preamp in just a living room, and just say MAN!! I like it even more. The Mac's are great. To tell you the truth I always thought mac stuff would be laid back and muffled sounding. Never had really heard them before but figured that's how they would sound. I always liked the way their stuff looked and how it was made. But I was wrong about the sound. They are nice amps, and I'm happy with them. Just bought some sound anchors for them. Hope I like them.

sgsoundnut August 08, 2007 22:06

I just added a few more things and am going to remove some stuff from my system for space and use issues. I just bought a Hydra 8 and a sound anchor stand off of audiogon. I also bought new soundanchor stands for my mac's. Also see my thread on power cables, check it out and tell me what you think. Going to remove my tape deck (never uses it), already removed the EQ. Looking at a 61" Samsung DLP. Anyone have experience with samsung? They used to be a cheap TV, but I was impressed by the picture. I still want to hear some Focus HD's. Listened some Quatros yesterday and wasn't real impressed from all the hype I've heard about them. No BASS!! Modding my power right now and thinking of making up some VH Audio DIY Flavor 4,2 and 1 cables for my equipment. What power cord for my Hydra, Python?? VH flavor 4. Opinions please.
Scott

sgsoundnut August 07, 2007 15:41

Walt, I would have to hear some Magneplanar's, I'm a little skeptical of the bass they can reproduce. I did listen to some Martin Logan Summit's when I auditioned my McIntosh amps and was impressed. But at close to $12,000 I want to audition some other options. I'm very happy with the Vandie's and like their sound. It's just I like to play it loud and try to keep the volume to a point where I won't damage them. As for the Preamp I'll search and look online at them, but I don't find myself parting with my Audio Research anytime soon. I love the sound of it. When I auditioned my amps, nothing compared to my Ref II MK II. The thing just sounds amazing. Thanks for your comments. Do you have any opinions on power conditioners?? Looking at a Hydra, Hydra 8, Richard Gray or a BPT 3.5 sig.

Scott

sgsoundnut July 13, 2007 13:26

System edited: Just made some changes, new purchases off of audogon. A AVM 30, and a DVD 30. Still trying it all out. The Cary CD player is excellent. Bought that last Christmas. Tell me what you think or opinions. I need to upgrade my power. I am going to add dedicated 20A circuits with 10 AWG wire. Looking for opinions on power conditioners. Richard Gray, Shunyata, BPT??? Looking at those brands and want opinions please. Also a new rack. Something strong with 6 to seven shelves. I have something in mind but whould like some other opinions. I have Video and two channel in one system, so there's lots of stuff to hold and power. Thanks..... Scott

sgsoundnut June 08, 2007 23:14

Thanks for the response. I have heard the Dali's and liked their sound. The Vandersteens, in my opinion sound very good. They make good bass, but they just aren't made to play loud. I like Legacy's add for the Focus.. It says turn them up..LOL in so many words. How do the Legacy's sound with the human voice and female vocals? How's the midrange and treble. I know they must make bass by their compliment of bass drivers. The vandersteens sound great with accustic music... How about the Focus?? I will email you (Zephyr24069) when I get a chance. Thanks.
Scott

sgsoundnut January 05, 2007 13:14

Thanks, Your probably right about analog sounding the best. I'll check them out. I would be interested in hearing vinyl on my system. I would think that is where my preamp would really shine. Something I will consider in my upgrade path. Right now I'm looking at AC power upgrades. Was wondering about Richard Gray stuff but a reveiw I read didn't reccomend them?? May still look into their 220-240V Substation (Isolation X-Former) and run a 220V 20A line in. I like the idea of stepping 240V down to 120V = Double the current available out. Any advice on pure incoming power out there?
Scott

sgsoundnut December 13, 2006 20:25

Yes I have. Although I don't have a big LP library, but I have friends with lots of vinyl. I tried hooking up my turntable but it looks like the AR Ref II doesn't have a Phono section in it. I thought it did. I will most likely add a phono preamp and look into a good turntable. Any suggestions? I'm just a working guy so I try yo find a good deal if I can. Thanks for the response.

sgsoundnut December 13, 2006 13:16