DSA recently upgraded my Phono2 preamp and I was also lucky enough to acquire a DSA Pre1 to add to the system. This week a new Coda S5.5 arrived from the factory and it is now combined with the Pre1 to replace my long loved Gryphon Diablo 300. The Diablo DAC had also previously served as my digital source and its job is now been passed onto an enchanting Lampizator Baltic 5. The Lampi has had a few tubes rolled that I was able to supply from my closet tube stash (50s Sylvania 6SN7s and 60s RCA 12BH7s) along with one of the new boutique manufactured Stradi Tubes 274B rectifier from South Korea. Now it all needs a little time to settle while I evaluate and optimize the changed acoustics of my recently refreshed room. The system has been unchanged for 5 years so a lot of fun ahead.
The final piece has arrived to replace the Gryphon Diablo 300. A new Coda S5.5 is now beginning to settle with only 24 hours on it at this time. A different musical perspective, not quite as rich in the lower midrange as the Gryphon, but with a little more openness on the highs. The newly revised DSA Pre1 is also a participant in this change and provides its own increased clarity that was sampled using it to run the Diablo’s poweramp side employing the AV input option while the Coda was being finalized at the factory. The Diablo has been the system center for over 5 years so the change will take a little adjusting to optimize. Tube rolling in the Lampizator Baltic 5 has been very beneficial to the sound presentation. Changing from an exceptional integrated back to separates has so many changes occurring simultaneously that it will certainly need time to fully appreciate.
Good Doctor - yes an unused input is the siren call to fill it in a meaningful way ! I’ve got 2 phono inputs on the ARC w 2 arms on the Denon. Three are possible now with a heavily modified Supex SUT with a 2 arm or bypass silver switch. Before I start pod fabrication I will get design to you for review
@tomic601 That inspiration probably cost you so not sure how to actually respond ;). My inspiration was the fact that my DSA Phono2 pre had three inputs. How could I ignore that third input and not put it to use? Now I have two stereo carts and one mono cartridge mounted. A simple touch of a button switches between the inputs.
ps Love both your new pairs of speakers (especially the Tidals)
@foggyus91 Thank you. System is in flux, but just repainted/remodeled the room at the end of last year. I am still learning about how the acoustics have slightly changed and making adjustments.
@tomic601 Thank you sir. The Gryphon Diablo allows the Rockports to be effortless even at low volumes. Just received my DSA Phono 2 back from a factory upgrade so revisiting many albums in a new light. What was a very good phono preamp is now at a new level of detail and engagement. A new Hana Umami Red has been added to the group. Happy Holiday listening!
Bravo ! As you know we share a fondness for Rockport which imo given the right front end are VERY capable of the relaxed detail magic trick you speak of. I regret not getting a 12R vs my Ortofon Jelco… have to rectify that…. Enjoy in good health kind Sir
Added the third tonearm. The custom Acoustand tonearm base has arrived and the SME 3012r is an intriguing addition. The mass of the arm allows the Miyajima Zero to present my mono albums with additional density and structure that I did not know I was missing. I now can mount the Zero, my SS Hyperion MR, and a third cartridge at the same time. The third slot is currently rotating between the Lyra Kleos, Hana ML, SS Paua II, and Paradox Pulse Gard.
Added a system ground (SR Active Ground Block SE). Reduced some background noise that I did not really notice while listening until it was removed. The odd thing is that it exposed opportunities for improvement in my cartridge setup and my speaker placement. Minuscule changes were more audible and rewarding.
Just updating a few pictures of the room and rack. The SoundSmith Paua II sounds amazing following its rebuild and is residing on the OL Enterprise Mk4 tonearm while the Hyperion is back at the mothership for some TLC from Peter. Continuing to enjoy the Andante P-76 MM with its line contact diamond on the VPI for many of my original 1970s albums most which I originally purchased while in school.
Enjoying the Andante P-76 MM cartridge that I recently acquired NOS from XACTAUDIO. Had one many years ago and had forgotten why I had such fond memories of it… P mount that requires and adapter, but an early microline type diamond. Just past 20 hours and it has settled in nicely. Sent my Paua II to Sound-Smith for a rebuild and had it back in less than 3 weeks. Thank you Peter. Will keep enjoying the Andante for a while before the Paua is back on the arm. Also acquired a Synergistic Research Black Box for the room. A really interesting addition. Surprised at the effect and how it varies based on small repositionings.
The Sablon 2020 USB cable has been an extremely positive addition to the system. Also picked up some Synergistic Research Carbon Tuning Discs at the Florida Audio Expo a week ago. Having a lot of fun experimenting with them.
The difference that I perceived between the Enterprise C and mk4 was an increase in the small aural cues that helped define the space around the music better. I would guess this would be a darker background that allowed the details to be clearer and more appreciated. I noticed this on multiple cartridges that I set up using the SmarTractor and Analog Magic. Deep bass remained very strong with a slight increase in the leading edge attack. The Enterprise C arm was very good with the Mk4 improving a lot of small details that actually made a substantial increase in my listening enjoyment.
Swapped out the mono cartridge for the Windfeld Ti on the Illustrious mk3c arm. Now have it and the Madake on the Enterprise mk4 both mounted and feeding the DSA Phono 2. Two different, but excellent perspectives.
Added the Gryphon Diablo 300 with its DAC module to the system. Enjoying the control and musicality. First time in 15 years that there are no tubes present in my system...
Added a pair of Audio Note AN-E Spe HE speakers to the system. Once they found a spot that adequately engaged the room the sound they present is sublime. Even at very low volume bass is properly presented and the Audio Note midrange has warmth and detail simultaneously. Really enjoying this presentation at all volume levels.
Received the new Origin Live Enterprise Mk4 tonearm from the factory. It is a significant improvement over the original Enterprise C arm it replaced. The design does not even appear on their website currently, but closely resembles the “Agile” arm in it’s counterweight and pivot assembly. Mounted the Miyajima Madake and experienced a quality of musical reproduction that exceeded my hopes. Also employed my new WallySkater to adjust the anti-skate setting on both this arm and the OL Illustrious mk3c that is the second arm on the TT.
Upgraded from my own DIY Roon Core Server to the Wolf Alpha 3SX. I am actually perplexed, slightly shocked, and very happy with the improvement in the musical presentation. Before the Wolf I was using the Ethernet input on the Ayre QX5/20 as my Roon core was in my office across the house. The Wolf Alpha 3SX has their Flux USB output and I have changed to that input on the Ayre. Not sure how much this change is involved, but I also found that a substitution of the Audience Front Row USB for my old reliable Wire World Platinum 7 also is a large positive improvement in the sound.
The Madake arrived and now has 50 hours of playing time. The initial break in hours had the Madake showing multiple presentations all with unique density and detail. 50 hours has allowed sufficient time for significant changes to have subsided and the Madake to fully engage its strengths and seduce my emotions. The Purple Heart remains on one arm and the Madake is creating it’s special magic on the other.
drrsutliff on 