Thanks Mike. I am listening to the Riverside SACD of Waltz for Debby with the Bill Evans Trio and it has never sounded better. These cables are giving me a much fuller picture of what is going on in comparison to the Livelines. Early days still and EA advises several hundred hours of break in for these cables so who knows when they will be broken in. But even with less than 100 hours on them, they are sounding great. I guess it helps that there is synergy with the cabling used in the speakers.

vicks7 June 07, 2013 19:50

James,

nice move. the Evolution DRSC Speaker Cable is outstanding.

best regards,

mikelavigne June 07, 2013 17:55

System edited: I have replaced the ASI Liveline speaker cable with the Evolution Acoustic DRSC Speaker Cable. Also updated some of the system photos.

vicks7 June 07, 2013 14:49

Hifimaniac - apologies. I was re-reading one of your threads - it would be a pleasure to have you over for a listening session but I live in Brazil so maybe not so convenient! But if you ever find yourself down here let me know.
James

vicks7 June 04, 2013 08:40

System edited: I had an enjoyable morning with the Audiopax team who visited my home to deliver the final versions of their new flagship tube monoblock amplifiers - the Maggiore M100. Updated photos now on the thread. Very imposing looking amplifiers. I have also taken the opportunity to update other parts of my system including my recent upgrade to Alex Peychev's (APL HiFi) two box transport and DAC which is sounding absolutely incredible. Audiopax demonstrated the obvious advantages of better power supply by running a high quality power cable directly from the central fuse box in my apartment to the amplifiers through a separate high quality Siemens fuse box. The difference was astounding. Massive improvement in dynamics and energy with no listening fatigue - something I should have done years ago. More to follow as the Maggiores settle down.

vicks7 June 02, 2013 11:31

Hi Vicks. I am using the captured cable that came with the Talea 2 into my Dartzeel preamp.

I think my setting will get you into the ballpark. Remember that tracking force changes the sra and each cartridge (even though its an A90) will be a little different. I would try it and like Hifimaniac suggested, fine tune it by ear....

Let us know how it goes!

theaudioassociation February 22, 2013 23:13

Eddie and Hifimaniac - many thanks. I will make some adjustments over the weekend and report back. Eddie - what phono stage and cables are you using?

vicks7 February 22, 2013 19:37

I see Eddie answered your question on the SRA; his answer was the exact one that Fremer gave to me; 92 degrees if you can set it there. I have a Mint LP protractor also; it is excellent. If you can't get the Rake Angle with a microscope try by ear. One way I was taught was to keep lifting the VTA higher until the top is thin and you lose bass response, then very slowing lower a itsy bit until the bass is bull and natural and the highs aren't as harsh and strident. Keep in mind SRA and VTA are different measurements; check some research threads to remind you how each is measured. Your ear can usually guide you if you are in the right area. I hope this helps from my perspective.

hifimaniac February 22, 2013 19:13

Hi Vicks... I have the same TT and a Talea II with an A90 cartridge. Based on what I was able to measure using a digital microscope, I was able to at the 92 degree SRA with the tower setting 17 with 2g tracking force. give it a try and see if that setting sounds good to you.

theaudioassociation February 21, 2013 23:05

Thanks Hifimaniac. Yes, Eduardo was a great guy and I always find the Audiopax rooms to sound very musical. I'd be interested for tips on the A90 set up. I have also found it very difficult. I used a Mint LP and a Fozgometer but I am still very unsure on the vertical tracking angle setting on my Talea

vicks7 February 21, 2013 18:21

I am so sorry to hear Eduardo de Lima passed away. Incredibly kind, humble person when I met him. I loved his room; it just had that something that makes it easy to listen to. Yes, I noticed we have the same Ortofon and I love it. I met Michael Fremer and he warned me it is a tough one to set up right, but finally got it. He likes the new top Ortofon even better;mentioned this at CES this year. The Audiodesk had issues in the very beginning and has worked them out. So far it is working great and is very easy and seems to do a great job. Fremer recommended it over others I asked about. Thanks for your note.

hifimaniac February 18, 2013 16:18

Thanks HifiManiac for the kind words.
I think you are referring to Eduardo de Lima, the original designer behind Audiopax. Yes, a lovely man but sadly he passed away last year unexpectedly. He has produced a killer amp in the Maggiore - a Class A 100w SET amp and it does work very well with the MMtwos.
Congratulations also on your system. Your vinyl rig must sound great through these speakers. I see we are both using the Ortofon cartridge.
How are you finding your vinyl cleaner? I am interested as it seems such an easy system but heard some stories about reliability maybe with the earlier models.

vicks7 February 17, 2013 14:04

Beautiful system. I listened to an Audiopax system at T.H.E. Las Vegas 2011; the designer and owner was there from Brazil; very nice man. It was my favorite system that year. It was the most musical I have ever heard. He was driving his own speakers that year; a three way design. The CDP was an Ayon 5S. I suspect his amps are killer on your MM2's. I am so glad I took a chance on the MM2's and sold my MAXX; like you I am so satified. What state do you live? I want to visit if I am in the area.

hifimaniac February 17, 2013 09:32

Thanks Egidius. Yes, it was very sad to hear the news. Eduardo had been at my home last year with Silvio when they brought the new Maggiore monoblock amplifiers - such a lovely guy. Silvio is now working with Eduardo's son and I understand they have more products in the pipeline many of which will be based on designs that Eduardo had been working on.
It must be an interesting combination using the M5 with the Berning ZH270.
I am delighted with my system - the combination of the Audiopax gear with the Evolution Acoustics speakers is working very well.
I also recent took delivery of Alex Peychev's new two box DAC and digital transport which is absolutely fantastic. I will be posting thoughts soon and updated photos.

vicks7 February 10, 2013 06:36

Hi James,
So you still do Audiopax - so do I!! Even though only the M5, with the new power unit.
I was so sad to hear of Eduardo passing. I had met him in Switzerland, and was hoping to get something between the 88's and the Maggiore.
I use the M5 togeter with my Berning ZH270 and it has just an amazing collection of colours. With the light and speed of the Berning it functions very well.
All the best to you,
Egidius

egidius January 25, 2013 16:18

Hi James,
Sorry for the late response to your post on 7/17.
I completely missed it.
I still have my Kuzma and have now decided just to change the tonearm.
I've listened to a few , what I think might be better turntable's (read more expensive)but they have all been with a tonearm and cartridge I am not familiar with so I really cant say if the table was better or not.
I have enjoyed and have been frustrated by this hobby for more then 40 years and am amazed as to how many posters write that they just heard the greatest amp,pre,phono,speakers etc when they do not have knowledge of the associated components.
In my case was it the turntable or the mucho expensive tone arm or $5000 plus cartridge that made the sound significantly better then my humble setup ??
So a new tonearm is on my want list.
Now if I only had $$$
All the best
Enjoy
Ed

goldeneraguy September 17, 2012 18:10

Hi james.... thanks so much for the info. I will look into the Super ring. Have a great weekend!

theaudioassociation September 15, 2012 15:49

Thanks Eddie. System is sounding great thanks and took another leap forward with the arrival of the NVS Turntable.

The periphery ring is a TTSuper Ring 675 Gram/1.5 Lbs Alloy/Brass from TT Weights Audio Systems. In the photo it is shown with the plastic centring cover (which I use when not in use as a dust cover!). Ring is placed on to table with this cover and then removed leaving only the peripheral ring.I have not had the opportunity to experiment significantly with and without the ring but I sense an improvement particularly on thinner vinyy that is in less than perfect condition - it helps the arm and cartridge in terms of tracking.

I will be considering centre vinyl weights in the future. I liked the look of the Dalby but thought it was too expensive.

James

vicks7 September 14, 2012 12:57

Hey James! Excellent looking system that sounds great I'm sure!

Quick question about your NVS... is that some sort of periphery ring you have on the platter? If so, where'd you get it? Looks great! How does it affect the sound?

theaudioassociation September 13, 2012 22:00

System edited: Added a Woo Audio GES Electrostatic headphone amplifier and Stax SR-009 Electrostatic Headphones. With some Sylvania 12AX7s and RCA 6S4s, I fired up the GES. I have the GES connected to the record out on my Audiopax Model 5 SE preamp. Source is the APL NWO 4.0SE CD/SACD player. I played Ray Brown Soular Energy - a current favorite of mine followed by Keith Jarrett The Melody at Night with You. To give this some context my previous headphone rig was a Singlepower MPX Slam and Grado 325is. In short, this is a phenomenal set of headphones and the first headphones that I have listened to which creates a sense of spaciousness between the ears which I imagine is as close as it gets to listening to speakers. The clarity and transparency is superb - upper midrange and treble is to my ears perfect - full but not lush and the speed and attack is fantastic. The GES seems to be a good combination with these phones although still very early days and also unfortunately as I live in Brazil no chance to audition other amps - I would certainly love to compare a BHSE and see how much of an upgrade it represents. More to come as listen more over next few weeks.

vicks7 July 26, 2012 15:23

Thanks Mike. As we agreed before, it is very satisfying when your system takes another leap forward and it has without doubt with this combination of turntable and arm. As you say the energy and transparency is superb. Delighted with the purchase and more to follow as I spend more time with the table.
Looking forward to hearing from you when those MMSevens arrive!
James

vicks7 July 20, 2012 11:35

Goldeneraguy

I was reading about your turntable - the Kuzma Stabi Reference. There is a very nice review of the table from Enjoy The Music website of October 2001 - very interesting design. They consider it to be a classic and one of the greatest of all time - maybe you should hang on to it. A lot of thought seems to have gone into the vibration control for this table and I see that the subchassis is suspended on springs submerged in silicone oil. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this player compared to some of the more modern players. I am sure it holds its own.

vicks7 July 17, 2012 09:33

congrats James,

the NVS/Talea looks great in your system, and i'll bet it sounds fabulous too. your comments on detail, pace, and attack sound spot on.....it is the energy of the music coming thru and that vivid transparency and detail that makes it so alive and enjoyable. and that is what the Durand arms and the NVS do that i love.

i'll be watching as you get to know your new addition.

cheers!

mikelavigne July 16, 2012 18:42

Thanks Charles1dad. I agree with you on the comparison between the ASI Livelines and the Ocellia Reference interconnects. The Ocellia are to my ears more organic and at least as resolved - very happy with the switch. The Livelines were a little edgy with the MMtwos. Still a great cable and as you say IMHO superior to many other more expensive cables.

vicks7 July 16, 2012 17:50

System edited: My Wave Kinetics NVS Turntable and Talea I tonearm arrived a couple of weeks ago and replaced my TW Acustic Raven AC and Raven 10.5 arm. The table is delivered in a huge wooden crate and packed tightly between very thick foam inserts inside the crate. It was an ordeal just removing the player as customs had nailed down the crate lids (and removed the crate clips). I had a very enjoyable afternoon setting up the table (very easy) and the Talea I and Ortofon A-90 cartridge. Joel's manual for setting up the Talea is superb and it made the set-up process very easy - removed any guesswork. I used a Mint LP to fine tune the set up as well as a Fozgometer to adjust the azimuth. The NVS Turntable is delivered with its own isolation platform and so has avoided the need for me to consider any further isolation platforms - which I had been doing with the TW Acustic Raven AC. It is of course very difficult to make any accurate comparisons as the table, the arm and the cartridge have all changed and also as it is still very early days. However, I am amazed at what I am hearing. The level of detail that is being retrieved is incredible and there is wonderful tone to the music being produced. I believe part of what I am hearing is the difference between a belt drive and direct drive table. The pace and attack of some of my LPs has changed for the better and more on this as I have more hours listening to the table. These are initial impressions and I will report back with more considered views later.

vicks7 July 16, 2012 12:56