the electronics and most of the cables are pretty solid. finishing the rives design (I specified a mostly diy solution) and playing with isolation a little.
Lall, I love the ZZ8-in fact, in my system (and to my ear), it doesn't need the upgrade that is available.
As you can see, I have the tube pre and the sound of this amp (modified to this level) is also very very natural. I listen to a lot of acoustic music and am looking for both correct attack & decay (dynamics), imaging and the whole package (my room helps me image quite well).
I am not familiar enough with most of your gear to comment further, but I have no plans to upgrade.
Hi Bgrazman Can you pl. give some feeback on your ZZ8 in terms of age,sound quality and how it compared with other CD players in your system. I have an Audio Aero Capitole MK2 bought but am not terribly impressed. My other gears include KR Audio 8000 Monos, Sim Audio (ocasionally used as pre) & Kharma 1.2 CRM speakers. Sp cables & Power cords are Kharma Grand Ref IC is Audio Note ANVx. Am looking for a more seductive sound.
I love my SPM speaker cables--but only for the "full range" half of my gallo ref 3's. Am much happier with other cables running the "second voice coil"
Now, when it comes to I/C's, maybe I'm just seeing too much of a good thing. I thought I'd get more speed and keep increasing mid range resolution at no loss elsewhere, but for me, it was not the case. Tried the SPM I/C's between CDP & Pre, Pre & Amp, and even from Tonearm to Pre and I like the Speltz better.
I am particularly curious on your great results with the Speltz anti ic's. Are they really that good that they sound better than the Nordost SPM reference? I was actually looking in the direction of the Red Dawn and SPM but thought that the SPM was a little expensive and slight overkill for my system. What shocked me was that you chose the Speltz anti cables that cost a fraction over the SPMs.
Do the ones with Eichmann bullet plugs offer greater improvements than the Neutrik RCA plugs? I was leaning towards Nordost Red Dawn RCA but after reading all the good reviews and particularly yours, I was curious to know of an inexpensive cable that can sound as good as high-end cables costing up to 5X or more.
System edited: Finalized my decision--I'm selling the SPM I/C's in favor of the Paul Speltz Anti I/C's. Also (finally) received the RPG Diffractal-a sound diffuser that sits behind the listening position. I like what it does, but will need some time to be able to describe it well. RPG service sucks--not only did they take over 4 months for the unit (after promising me 8-10 weeks), they wouldn't give me a straight answer and started avoiding my phone calls. I haven't heard about them ripping anybody off, but be ready for hassles...
System edited: I am blown away by the Speltz Anti-IC. I bought two sets on a lark. Put'em: CDP--Pre Pre (full range)--amp I am blown away. Will probably sell my SPM Interconnects soon if anyone wants em.
System edited: finally happy with my sub cable (using a custom wegrzyn copper slam 4 awg cable). had a gingko cloud under the bow for a little while--completely lifeless (sorry vinh). back to aurios over granite over brass on the wood rack... still waiting for the rpg and will order a nitty gritty mini pro next week...
System edited: added TT platform... 3" thick maple waiting to receive: RPG Diffractal Wegrzyn 8 AWG Copper Slam Speaker Cable (for Sub) Might get: Keith Monks Record Cleaning Machine (we'll see how the ebay auction finishes) if not, thinking about a Nitty Gritty Mini-Pro Remaining in Rives design: cellular shades on all windows ceiling treatment
System edited: New pictures: ZZ-8 Stax/Dared 300B Benz It keeps changing, but the improvements still continue. Will it never end? (I hope not, too much fun)
Thanks for the note. If you compare your systems to mine, one of the (speaker) lessons is that the Gallo's can be "dressed up" pretty good--they will respond to a strong signal path & last you through many other upgrades.
I love your system, I am thinking of buying the ref's for my next speaker, even though they are $1000 more than my aloted budget and I have to take money from my tt fund, I feel it is worth it. Your system has inspired me, so thank you.
Thanks for your note. I am an opportunist, so when the moment comes that I can no longer suppress the buying urge, it will probably depend on what I can find. (there is also one more thing in the Rives design that I need to buy & one more big project to make--maybe I can sublimate some of my energy there...).
. Brent, . Think about saving a bit longer and go for the Loricraft Record cleaner. It is extremely quiet and according to a friend that has had both, the VPI 17.0 and the Loricraft he much prefers the Loricraft. . He believes that the Loricraft cleans much better as well as that it is phenomenally quieter. . I have the Loricraft PRC-4 and love it. I never had a VPI and can not make a valid comparison between the two, but I absolutely love my Loricraft. . Rgds, Larry .
System edited: got rid of the shelter 501. the combination of: 1. the cartridge man isolator & benz cartridge 2. changing the base that the aries was sitting on from granite to wood (based on some a-goners advice), and 3. the nitrile belt has brough the magic back into my vinyl...(now, save up for a vpi 17 washer to replace the old nitty gritty and i'll be done for now). Thanks for looking--feel free to comment/criticize (not much love for the Isorocks out there these days...but I still swear by em).
