Spencer, where can I find the plans for a rack like yours? That is one sweet-looking rack, my man!

Howard

aggielaw August 09, 2005 23:07

Hi Spencer,
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If you don't already own the Cardas Frequency Sweep LP, do get one. The burn in side is great for breaking in your cartridge, and I think you will be quite pleasantly surprised what the Frequency Sweep should do for the sonics if you use it after you have "finished" breaking in the cartridge.
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I had forgotten about running the Cardas Frequency Sweep LP on my system since the last time I used it this past December. Three weeks ago a friend and I did about an hour and a half of listening (system had been on and warmed up for 3 days prior to the listening session). We then ran the Frequency Sweep and went back and listened to the same recordings again and were absolutely floored with the improvement in all aspects of the sound.
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The Cardas record costs around $ 30.00 and is worth ten times that (easily). If you try it, let me know how it does for your system.
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Congratulations on how your system has come along and it's great to hear that you are so happy with the front end.
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Rgds,
Larry
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cello July 15, 2005 23:16

Hi Larry,
I went with the silver coils and silver base, per Mehran's recommendation. I've only got about 10 hours on it so far, but it sounds very good already. The whole setup is very quiet, expansive, and dynamic.
Of course it's tough to attribute the changes to cart. vs. table/arm, but the combo seems to work well. The table was a breeze to setup(easier than I expected), and I'm confident that the Walker Motor Controller is also a contributor to the end result.
Regards,
Spencer

sbank July 15, 2005 15:14

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Hi Spencer,
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Congratulations on getting the Airy3. Did you get the copper or silver coils ?
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How many hours do you have on it and how do you like it ?
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Rgds,
Larry
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cello July 14, 2005 18:15

System edited: Analog upgrade completed. Very happy with the new gear, it sounds better every day! Cheers, Spencer

sbank July 14, 2005 14:22

Hi Spencer. Quick question for you. I am to receive a CAT SL-1 Ultimate MK II within the next few weeks, and was wondering if you could maybe mention what, if any, isolation strategies/products you have used on yours. Much thanks! Art

artg May 23, 2005 15:50

I also found my Berning sounded better with a preamp in the mix. (I own a FS Presense Deluxe MK II). I have heard some say they preferred the Joule LA 100 III over the 150, which they found relatively drier and uninvolving.

I listen to a ton of female vocals, so the emotional content and timbre are really important to me (i.e., not dry, not bright - so i guess that means I would skew slightly towards warmer with palpable presence over say dynamics, which my SF Guarneri Homage's dont really do so well anyway) .

I dont regret the purchase of the First Sound, because it IS an all around winner, just curious what other ZH270 owners have experienced... Thanks for your comments, and DO tell us of how that shoot-out goes.

artg April 18, 2005 07:16

Hi Art,
I find the Berning sounds much better with an active preamp, be it the CAT or Joule. Direct is still good, with plenty of details, but the sound is much fuller with the preamps. The Joule is a tad warmer than the CAT, but the CAT has dynamic jump that gives me goosebumps regularly. My LA150 was an older one that has left and right volume controls, as opposed to the newer ones that have a volume & a balance control. Mine was a tad noisy(from the chasis--not through the speakers) and would have sounded better if I'd been able to sit farther away than 11' from the preamp. Newer LA150s probably don't suffer from this.
The CAT has an awesome internal phono stage that greatly contributed to my purchase decision, as I listen mainly to vinyl. To me, that makes it a tremendous value. I'm very happy w/the CAT, but if I could afford to get a CAT Ultimate, I probably would.
Sometime in the next few months a few friends & I plan a preamp shootout and will compare these with Supratek Syrah, First Sound Presence, some passive attentuators and whatever else interesting we come up with...we'll post impressions afterwards. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank April 18, 2005 00:47

Would you mind throwing a few words on your experience of how the CAT runs with the Berning? esp compared to running directly from your source, and vs the Joule ELectra (and any other pre's you had in your system). Much appreciated!

artg April 17, 2005 13:46

System edited: Just sold my 12ft. Virtual Dynamics Power 3 cable, as I needed a shorter cable to accomodate recent moving of dedicated circuits. Bought a 6ft. ESP Essence, which was recommended by Ken Stevens for use with the CAT preamps.

sbank April 02, 2005 12:33

Hi Eddie,
My vinyl is in a series of inexpensive cubes that I bought at Target on sale for $9 each. I put a nice metal knob from Lowe's on the door for the enclosed cube. These are stackable and connect with dowels. They are your basic particle board/laminate, but dimensions and flexibility ruled the day for me. They come in a few other finishes(black, white, maple). Don't recall the brand name.
Thanks, Spencer

sbank April 01, 2005 14:45

Hi Spencer... nice setup. I'm very interested in the cabinet that's holding all of your vinyl... can you tell me more about it? Thanks!

theaudioassociation April 01, 2005 04:24

Larry,
Still working on that. If I spend my $$$ on a Universe to mount on it, it's gonna have to be a close-n-play.
Best,
Spencer

sbank March 31, 2005 18:17

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Spencer,
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Have you decided what TT you will get to replace the Spacedeck ?
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Rgds,
Larry
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cello March 29, 2005 17:26

System edited: Just sold my Nottingham Spacedeck and Shelter 501II, along with the Neuance shelf that supported the Spacedeck. The good news is that I sold all of them to good friends, so I can go visit when I'm feeling sentimental. Time to go to work to fund some upgrades...

sbank March 29, 2005 16:11

Ken,
Thanks for your kind words.
Yes, that is an original pressing of Very Tall. Found it at big garage sale fund raiser. Cost me about $1. Not too many finds like that for me.
Cheers,
Spencer

sbank March 10, 2005 11:54

Hey Spencer..Looks great from here! Your making great strides, especially with the Analog set up and that very cool rack you and Joe worked on is beautiful!
.I think I spot a copy of the Oscar Peterson Trio with Milt Jackson's "Very Tall" on the Verve label! in your system pic? I have the Japanesse pressing 1962 Polygram myself!

Enjoy and good listening! :) ken

kehut March 07, 2005 16:55

System edited: Recently put NOS cryoed output tubes from Allan Bhagan into the Berning amp, and new tubes from Ken Stevens into the CAT. Added Herbie's tube dampers on the appropriate 4 6922s in the CAT. The preamp tubes are a nice improvement. Still awaiting break-in on the NOS tubes for the Berning.

sbank March 07, 2005 12:02

Gotta tell ya Spencer, that rack looks even better on day two. Nice work! great pics too. I really liked the one with Buddy that you had up before.

slipknot1 January 29, 2005 16:25

System edited: Finished construction of new DIY rack, with help of Slipknot1. We used Perfectplank Maple, solid brass rods & hardware, threaded Audiopoints. Routed the boards to 1/4round edges and and radiused the corners. Two coats of tung oil and a little elbow grease...piece of cake. If anyone wants part#s, etc. to give a try, email me. This rack has mass & rigidity and looks better than it photographs. :-)

sbank January 29, 2005 12:53

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Spencer,
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Before you crack open the Airy3, reconsider, spend the extra bucks and get a UNIverse. It will be one of the best decisions you have made to date.
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I have heard the Airy2, Airy3 and UNIverse on my own system for a full weekend on the same arm (Graham 2.2) and a Teres 340. All 3 are great cartridges, but the UNIverse is leagues better than the Airy3. I know the invitations have been mailed out for the wedding on the Airy3, but don't miss out on the UNIverse, it is just staggeringly good.
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I have yet to meet someone that has heard the UNIverse that thought they had heard a better cartridge. It is that wonderful.
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Write to me offline and I will be happy to speak with you by phone.
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cello January 25, 2005 23:00

Listening session at Spencer's in three weeks!

Congratulations Spencer. Should be a good choice for whichever new 'table/arm you end up with.
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rushton January 25, 2005 18:55

Hi Spencer,
Great set up.Excellent gear.Those Merlins must be singing wonderfully. Wait till you hear the ZYX!! Your in for quite a sonic treat! Joe will also love the Shelter on his Scoutmaster im sure. Great job! :) Ken

kehut January 25, 2005 17:20

System edited: Just ordered a ZYZ Airy3 cartridge to replace the Shelter 501II. A turntable upgrade will hopefully be in the near future. Slipknot1 is going to put my Shelter on his Scoutmaster.

sbank January 25, 2005 14:11

System edited: Heading to CES, what should I be sure to listen to? Thanks, Spencer

sbank January 04, 2005 17:28