Have two of these units. One for recording and the other is used for playback. The transport is modified so that the tape signal is taken directly from the playback head and connected directly to the balanced outputs bypassing the internal electronics. The outputs pass the signal to the tape head preamp inputs on the MP-3.
pARTicular Triangle
3 post suspension rack with acrylic shelves. In this configuration the suspension has been disabled to conserve space. The rack has also been shortened 2 feet. Additional shelving and isolation has been added as well.
Tony, I have been contemplating isolation transformers and regenerators. I briefly heard a Topaz in my rig about 7 years ago and it was effective but did also impart a signature of sorts. What are your currents feelings on this subject?
Charles & Jeff, thanks for your comments and compliments. I think we can all agree that there are multiple ways to achieve high quality sound. Did I mention to either of you that the famed recording engineer Rick Rubin dropped by the CF room and thought quite highly of it. I would be curious if he dropped by the Highwater Sound room as well.
If I recall you guys live in MI. How far from Detroit? I go to Detroit quite a bit for business. Could be a means to hear one of our amps in your system.
Tony, Regarding your polnt about the Cessaro speaker on the Lampizator thread I felt the same. Sitting further back this speaker was much better in presentation. I don't think that near field sitting is meant for the Cessaro it becomes too upfront sounding. Charles,
Clio, the Kaiser company was sold and I was told that they cheapened the speaker and are not using great parts anymore. People who liked that speaker a few years ago do not like it today. I have heard Atmasphere many times and agree it is very transparent, but to me it comes off lean in the mids. I could not live happily with it. I do like their preamp. I would take any single ended over the Atmasphere. This is just my opinion though. I do respect the designer. Nice meeting you. I do like those electraprint amps.
Tony, I except the realty it is preference/ taste when choosing among fine quality amplifiers. I understand why some would prefer an OTL, for me a high quality SET with premium output transformers just simply pulls me deeper into the music's emotion and wins the tonal realism battle. I wish you continued success with your excellent amplifiers. Charles,
Tony, For me it's splitting hairs when comparing the TAD with the Kaiser Kawero. I found both to sound exceptional with the Concert Fidelity components. For sake of argument if forced to choose one I'd give a very slight edge to the Kawero. The CF with Kawero was subtlety more organic and tactile and perhaps offered a bit more liquidity and musical flow. It could have been the different room at RMAF but the sound was very encompassing and just filled the room with a natural beautiful sound. Honestly both speakers are top echelon and without question I could be very content with either. I place very high priority towards holistic, natural and emotion in music and reproduction. I believe that the Kawero is just a touch further along this direction.
Charles, the speakers were designed with the Atma-Sphere S-30, so these amps are a really great match for them. Currently I upgraded to the M-60 as I have become an Atma-Sphere dealer.
I do listen to our amps on these speakers quite a bit, primarily before they are shipped out. Right now I have the CES show amps in my system and will keep them there until it is time to test a new set. Our amps have a more pronounced bass versus the Atma-Sphere, it's what a really well designed and manufactured output transformer will give you over an OTL. However, a well designed OTL will give you a bit more transparency and slightly better mid-range. It is really hard for me to determine which amp I like better, that 300B is quite special, as is the GM-70.
Hi Tony, Your Electra Fidelity 300b is really good, why do you drive your speakers with the Atma-Sphere amp instead of your own? Just curious. Charles,
Yes still own them. A fabulous set of speakers. Looking to try some ESL speakers though. Did compare a set of Maggie 1.6QR to the Jazz Modules and found the Jazz Modules to be superior.
The new set up revolves around the Atma-Sphere S-30 amp and MP-3 preamp. Fully balance from source through the amp. This includes both analog sources. My single ended system is down right now, but our new Magnetic Line preamplifier and the Lightspeed Attenuator are part of it. If you are curious about our new preamplifier follow the link:
Sorry for your loss. I have sure appreciated your contributions here on the 'gon. What is the new set up that you have put together. And how is your own made pre amp coming?
System edited: Some changes to my system over the last 18 months. New residence, some new equipment, and the loss of my buddy Clio who passed away in May 2012. My only regret is that she could not be here with me to listen to the recent iteration of the system. Going fully balanced now and primarily analog sources for listening although I occasionally listen to digital for some of the live concert recordings I have.
Paul, 18 x 14. Not ideal but gets the job done. My new room treatments are pretty well tuned in now and there is a new level of clarity to the sound. Been happy with this room overall.
Hi Tom, sorry for the delay in posting back. I am currently using one of three DACs. Primarily at the moment I use the Resolution Audio Cantata Music Center. It is a complete player, DAC, and computer audio source. Disclaimer: I am a Resolution Audio dealer.
I also use the Lessloss DAC 2004 MkII. An excellent DAC and very reliable for the 5 years I have owned it. The Lessloss and Cantata use the PCM-1704 chips. I also have a Silicon Arts Design (Concert Fidelity subsidiary) DAc that is NOS and uses the Phillips chip TD 15XX architecture.
I still use the Lightspeed with both my Music Reference amps (RM-10 and EM7 !2v) and our own Electra Fidelity amps. When using my Atma-Sphere S-30 I have been running the Cantata direct into it via balanced outputs and using the built in volume control on the Cantata.
One of the reasons I have posted much on this system is that it hasn't changed all that much in a while. Also, I have been having issues getting to my system page to make changes. I will see if that has been rectified.
I've read your posts for years. I note that you haven't posted anything on your "virtual system" for awhile. (I too need to update my system(s)). It's on my list.
I've seen that you're a Lightspeed passive preamp fan.
I've just discovered the wonders of the Burr-Brown PCM1704 (HiFiMan 801 as the DAC!) and just saw your post that you keep finding Burr-Brown chips to be naturally apealing. Me too.
I too have accepted that Duke has great insights, creativity, ears and engineering and I have his Audiokinesis Rhythm Prisms.
It can be driven, but it does run out of steam at higher volumes when listening to complex material. On jazz trio recordings I was able to get more than adequate sound levels out of the combo. I suspect the sensitivity rating of my speakers is a bit on the conservative side. I'm going to guess they are closer to 94 dB than 92 dB. We recommend 95+ and preferably 97+ for the 45 SET.
I am now manufacturing/marketing a line of amplifiers so the replacements will be my own (45 SET and EL-34 PP). The two new additions (one already built and the other in progress) would have brought my amp total up to 7. I was already having a hard time figuring out how to get consistent playing time out of 5 amps, I couldn't fathom 7 so something had to give.
It's always hard for me to let go of something that's provided a lot of enjoyment, regardless of what it's being replaced with. They are going to a good home though.
System edited: An agonizing decision but sold the VAC amps. I'm certain the next time there is one of those, "equipment you've regretted selling threads," I'll be mentioning them.
