Description

Hello all,

My involvement in audio has been an evolving journey for many years now, but about six years ago, I decided a return to Tannoy speakers was something I had to do. I sold my Dynaudio Contour 5.4's, and purchased some HPD 315 drivers and crossovers on Ebay UK.

I had enclosures built in Pennsylvania by Frank Wyatt, of 1 7/8" net MDF (an inner 3/4" laminated to an outer 1 1/8" layer), with a Sapele Pommelle veneer. They are 150 liter bass-reflex, and weigh 192 lbs. each; sans drivers and crossovers.

I built outboard crossovers using Mundorf SIO caps, 12 gauge Alpha core inductors, and Dueland resistors, with silver solid core 14 gauge hookup wire.

I like them so much, they are the speakers I will have till I leave this earth.

After several years with a VPI Scout Signature, I wanted to venture into the idler wheel turntable world, so again on Ebay UK, I bought my Garrard 401, and did a DIY restoration on it. Frank Wyatt built a plinth for me, which I later modified extensively with Purpleheart side pieces (keeping the original 3/8" thick Bubinga center section), and milled Purpleheart edging on the top edges, and framing the Garrard chassis.

I then installed the Dynavector 501 arm (so nice to not have the VPI wobble!). Several cartridges are available in my collection, two Actutex (LPM 415, LPM 320), the Soundsmith retipped Dynavector XX2MKII, Zu Denon 103R with ESCCO white sapphire cantilever and Paratrace stylus mods, which is my favorite by far.

I bought a used Modwright SWP 9.0 SE phono stage, put NOS tubes in it, and installed an upgraded power supply provided by Dan Wright. I feel no compulsion to change to a different phono stage.

I wanted to try a tube line stage, so I sold my much-loved Sonic Euphoria passive, bought a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid kit, in which I used NOS Amperex 12AU7 tubes, Clarity Caps output caps, Goldpoint stepped attenuator and switching, mil-spec silver hookup wire, and Bent Audio remote volume control. This is an amazing sounding line stage, I see no need to change.

Next came the Assemblage Audio SET 300B, which I sent to Chris Johnson for upgrades, caps and resistors, using Kiwame film resistors, Jupiter Paper Beeswax caps, and Nichicon caps. With the EML XLS 300B tubes the Tannoys sound lush, detailed, and very much like live music, especially well recorded Jazz LPs.

Lastly, some would say I devolved, but to have a quality backup in case of tube failure, and to save hours on the 300B output tubes, I decided to give Class D Audio a try. I bought a 125 Wpc CDA 254 kit a try, and really enjoyed it. I installed an additional amp module in it, running in bridged mono mode, it bumps the output up to 500 Wpc, which snaps the Tannoys to attention, and they sound excellent.

My old five channel amp gave out, so I built another CDA 254 class D amp, with an added module, and I was able to convert it to a three channel amp, with 125 wpc for the surrounds, and 500 watts for the center channel. All in all, a very cost effective set of amplifiers that are every bit as good as some of the higher priced amps I've used over the years.

At this point, at my age ( I turned 70 in February), I am happy to stand pat with what I have, I am enjoying the best sound I've ever had the pleasure of listening to at home.

As of 9/2016, I've completed additional sanding/polishing of the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. This time, I got it right. Up next, a redo of the Garrard 401 plinth.

Refinishing of the plinth for the Garrard 401 has been completed. Removed face and top pieces, made replacement 1" thick Purpleheart face with inlay, all new top pieces, and new arm board from Purpleheart and Australian Mallee Burl.

Added photos of redone plinth.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan         

More turntable photos added Mar, 2017 

Added new photos 11/12/2018

Added SET 845 Audio Renaissance 845 integrated amp, just picked up on 4/20. Makes my Tannoys sound the best they ever have.

Added RCA 5693 Red Metal tubes in the SET 845 amp, made for a nice improvement in SQ.

Regards,
Dan

08/09/2019

Added Benchmark DAC 1 Pre, my digital front end sounds very much improved with this DAC. I know there are better ones available, but not in my price range. May be the best $500 purchase yet. I also discovered how much I was missing with a Musical Fidelity X-CAN driving my Sennheiser HD 600's, they sound amazing, who knew how much I was missing? (Not me!)

Regards,
Dan

09/23/2019

Added what is the best line stage I've ever had, the Modwright SWL 9.0. This piece has completed the quest to attain what is my ultimate goal in my system's sound quality. There is now a new liquidity, and completeness to the sound my system never had before. As this category says, "Done For Now", but maybe should be "Done Forever".

Regards,
Dan

04/13/2020

Upgraded surround speaker with very nice Andrew Jones designed Pioneer x-Z9 monitors. Concentric midrange/tweeter with a bass driver, built by KEF. Sound and look beautiful. 
12/04/2019
Added new photos of turntable with red Albert King LP

May 8, 2020

Replaced my old Kef Reference 100 center channel speaker with new KEF Q 650c center channel speaker. This is a very good upgrade in multi-channel music listening, and home theater as well.

June 8, 2020

Just added newly built 3C24 amp, built for me by Paul Birkeland  of Bottlehead. It has the refinement like an SET 300B, but the power response similar to the SET 845 amp. Sounds beautiful, too.

Regards,
Dan

September 12, 2020

Installed new Audio Technica AT440Mlb moving magnet cartridge. Always wanted to know what they may sound like, so I bought this one on Ebay. I'm really enjoying the sound of this rather inexpensive cartridge. Makes me want more.

Sepember 23, 2020

I added an Audio Technica AT ART-9 moving coil cartridge.

It's already my favorite cartridge, with only two hours on it.

Regards,

Dan

06/05/21

Gratefully added Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums under my heavy Tannoy speakers. Effect was immediate and transformative. Made a very good speaker system a great one.

08/17/2021

Added Class D Audio Gallium Nitride amplifier from Class D Audio. It sounds great.

11/01/21

In the process of adding a Herron Audio VTSP 3A/360 six tube preamplifier to the system, scheduled to arrive Friday the fifth. If it sounds as good as it looks, it will be a game-changer.

Regards,
Dan

07/06/22

Added Benchmark DAC 3 DX  
Nice improvement.

2/12/23

Added Herron VTPH-2 Phono Stage 
It's a keeper!

04/23
Hypex UcD 400 Stereo amp, built from kit. Superb sounding amp!

07/02/23

Paul Birkeland changed amp to use 812 output tubes after having some problems with the 3C24 ouput tubes.
 Amp sounds even better now, glad to have it back and even better, thanks to Paul.
The 812 amplifier is now the best sounding amp I have ever heard.
Paul Birkeland should take a bow!
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 16’  X large
Ceiling: 11’


Components Toggle details

    • Arcam AV 9 Pre-amp Processor
    Just added to replace defunct Primare SP 31. Excellent, so far.
    • Benchmark Media Systems DAC 3 DX
    Just installed this DAC 3 DX which I bought off US Audiomart. It's sounds great just out of the box, best my digital front end has sounded yet. I'm very happy with this DAC, and now I understand what all the fuss was about. I'm sold.
    • Oppo UDP 203 with Linear Power Supply
    Bought this after my Arcam DV 139 died. Installed a new Linear Power Supply, back to enjoying my multi-channel hi-res music again.
    • Esoteric DV 60 Universal Player
    Universal player, XLR, HDMI connections, multi-channel capability.
    • Herron Audio VTSP-3A (rev02) 360 Line Stage
    VTSP 3A/360 Line Stage

    Exceptional sounding phono stage. It mates very well with my Herron line stage.
    • Herron Audio VTPH-2 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
    Tube Phono Stage
    • Garrard 401 with DIY Plinth
    DIY restoration of a vintage Garrard 401 idler-drive turntable, on which I just completed a six week redo of the custom DIY built plinth, due to problems getting the finish right. I sawed the front off, and removed all the top pieces. A 1" thick slab of Purpleheart with an oval Australian Mallee Burl inlay flanked by a different hardwood species I can't recall were added. A new arm board of Purpleheart and the Mallee Burl was made, and the pivot-to-spindle distance was adjusted to provide for easier cartridge to headshell connections.

    Top pieces were fashioned of Purpleheart, and a new labor-intensive finishing process (new to me, anyway), of Waterlox Tung Oil Sealer/Finish, followed by Waterlox Gloss Tung Oil finish. At least a dozen coats were applied between the two, each coat requiring 24 hours between applications. Thanks to Pierre France for his help in guiding me on the tung oil finish.

    I serviced the motor, cleaning, oiling, and replacing the suspension springs. Glad to finally be done, and finally satisfied. Analog withdrawals were starting to set in, but it now looks better, and sounds better as well.
    • Dynavector DV 501
    Bi-Axis Tonearm. DIY rewire with Cardas wire. This arm works well with a diverse group of cartridges, to my surprise.
    • Audio Technica AT ART-9 Cartridge
    Moving coil cartridge, just installed. After only about two hours of run-in, at 47K, it's already the best cartridge I've ever owned.

    I've determined my analog front end is much better than I realized it was. I've never enjoyed my vinyl as much as I am now,
    • Audio Technica AT 440Mlb
    Recent purchase, new AT MM cartridge. I've always been curious about AT cartridges, so I bought this one off Ebay. I really like the sound of it, actually pretty good, considering the low price.

    Makes me even more curious about AT carts. I may have gotten myself in trouble, as curiosity is expensive in this hobby.
    • Acutex LPM M320 III STR
    Lowest Possible Mass, Tri-Induction Magnetic System, 20-45Khz, channel separation 33db@ 1Khz, weight 5.45g.
    • Denon Zu Denon 103R
    Potted moving coil in 6061 aluminum body/w ESCCO sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus upgrade. This cartridge has proven to be the best of all my cartridges, and not by a small amount. Beautiful.
    • Dynavector XX2MKII
    Moving coil cartridge. Just re-tipped by Soundsmith with their top-line OCL re-tip. Made a great cartridge even better.
    • Acutex STR 415
    Ultra-lightweight MM cartridge
    • TTW Copper Mat
    Solid copper machined mat, great addition to 'table.
    • TurnTableWeights VPI Heavy Brass Clamp
    TTW Brass clamp I modified so it will work with their copper mat. (Threads would not engage spindle threads).
    • Pete Riggle VTAF
    VTAF on-the-fly modification by Pete Riggle for Dynavector 501/Garrard 401 Teflon and burnt silver finish options
    • Orsonic AV 101b
    Headshell
    • Mint LP Best Tractor
    Etched-in-glass cartridge set-up tool
    • DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    I've just completed a DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine, this the creation of BBtx, of DIY Audio. I thought it a very unique design, one that melded convenience, simplicity, and build quality.

    If I were to say I am pleased with it, it would be an understatement. For a couple of hundred bucks, it can't be beat. I've hankered for one of these for years now, and thanks to BBtx my needs have been fulfilled.   
    • VH Audio Flavor 2 DIY Power Cord
    Built this AC cord for use with the Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp. Great sounding AC cord.
    • Paul Birkeland 812 Power Amp
    3C24 tube power amplifier changed output tubes to 812. Paul, the designer/builder, brought over four different amp choices to try out on my custom HPD 315 Tannoy speakers. After having problems with 3C24 tubes, Paul changed the amplifier to run 812 output tubes.

    The amp sounds much better, more powerful, and I like it even better now. My thanks to Paul Birkeland!
    • Audio Assemblage (Sonic Frontiers) SET 300B
    300B SET Factory Upgraded, with EML XLS 300B Tubes. Just serviced by Paul Birkeland. All critical measurements were taken, two bad Blackgate bypass caps were replaced with higher-rated Nichicon caps, and the filament voltage was optimized to better suit the EML XLS 300B tubes.

    This amp now sounds incredible. Paul informed me the transformers in this amp are Magnaquest, to him about as good as you can get. He also informed me this amp sounds as good as any $5000 SET 300B amp available in today's market.
    • Emission Labs 300B XLS
    Robust drop-in replacement for 300B.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Kit built Class D amplifier. Running two, in bridged mode, providing 500 Wpc into 8 ohms.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Two channel amp converted into three channel by virtue of adding an additional CDA 254 amp module, RCA input, and single channel speaker terminals. Price for parts for modification: $194
    • Musical Surroundings Fosgometer
    Azimuth adjustment tool.
    • Custom built crossovers Custom DIY
    I've just completed an update on the crossovers for the custom HPD drivers. I actually used all the parts over again, including much of the solid silver hook-up wire. I made new mounting boards, and ran the wiring under the board, for a much cleaner look. I used heavy copper terminal lugs, which I modified to use a flat male spade connector, rather than wire. Wire runs are much shorter as well.

    I made new outlet cables, using Furutech locking bananas, and Cardas binding posts. I can't tell why, but this update improved the sound of these speakers much more than I expected. I've never heard electric guitar sound as it did on Steve Cropper and Felix Caviliere's "Nudge It Up A Notch", Cropper's guitar sounding just as he had wanted it to sound, with gorgeous tone, unlike anything I've heard before on a recording.

    Next is an internal speaker wiring update.

    I've just completed changing some components in the crossovers back to their original values. 27ohm resistors changed back to 47ohm, .68mh inductors reverted back to the original .82mh. I'm beyond pleased.
    • Tannoy HPD 315 w/Hard Edge Conversion
    Twelve inch Dual Concentric HPD driver in custom enclosure.1 7/8" wall thickness with custom designed and built crossovers. Weight is 200lbs. each. Finished in Pommelle Sapele.

    A complete rewire of the internal wiring was just completed. I made a 1/4" X 1/2" Teflon terminal board, with double-ended male spade connectors at the speaker. Wiring was completed at the input end with new crimped and silver soldered connectors with color-coded heat shrink tubing, and color-coded electricians tape.

    The results are a major improvement in clarity, detail and dynamics. These great speakers have just gotten much better at the things I love about them.

    After further study of fine wood finishing methods, and purchase of additional sanding/polishing medium, I again sanded and polished the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. Got it right this time, now they are done. Next is the plinth for the Garrard 401.

    Dan

    8/3/19
    Some of you may recall my changing resistor values in my Tannoys back to the original value, to good effect. In that same vein, I just modified the .68mh inductors back to their original value of .82mh. I felt at the time when the crossovers were first built, the high frequency output was out of line, so I reduced it to better suit how my system sounded at the time.

    I had saved the .82mh Alpha Core ribbon inductors, and I changed them out yesterday. The results have shown me how much my system, as a whole, has improved, due to how well it sounds now as opposed to back 8-10 years ago. I feel I'm now getting what I was supposed be hearing all along. It's a great feeling. Now I no longer wonder what Dr. Arthur Loesch was thinking when he gave me this crossover design so many years ago now.

    Regards,
    Dan
    • Townshend Audio Number Four Size Seismic Podium
    Large Podium to fit under my 200lb. Custom Tannoy speakers. They are 17" W X 20" D X 48" H.

    These isolation podiums have made my speakers sound as never before. Just better wouldn't describe it. I have never before heard anything sound this way in this room, or perhaps any room I have visited.

    These Seismic Isolation Podiums are very special in what they do. They're expensive, but worth it for what they do for speaker systems. 
    • KEF Q 650c
    Newly added Kef Q 650c center channel to upgrade from my old Kef Reference 100 Center Channel speaker. The Q 650c is all I could have wanted or hoped for. Multi-channel music is way better now, as is Home Theater listening.
    • Pioneer S-Z9 Designed by Andrew Jones
    Nicely made small monitor speaker. Dual Concentric midrange/tweeter with an additional bass driver. Gloss Black, and a nice upgrade as my surround sound speakers, replacing the nearly twenty year old KEF Q 15.2 speakers I was using for surrounds. Multi-channel music now has better depth and clarity to it.
    • Crown International XTI 2002
    Running bridged to single channel. This amplifier (rated @1600 watts into 8 ohms) has taken charge of the Tannoy 15" passive sub, and turned it into the most musical sub I've yet heard.
    • Tannoy Sub 15i
    15" Passive Tannoy subwoofer. with the Crown XTi 2002, does a superb job of matching, and augmenting, frequencies below 50 Hz.
    • Tempo Electric Big Twist Silver/ pair for each amp
    12 gauge solid-core silver in teflon tubing, 3 meters
    • Synergistic Research Various cable models
    Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords different models.
    • DH Labs Silver Matrix
    From phono to phono stage, internal cabling in speakers and crossovers.
    • Vibra Pods various
    Pods and cones under amps and most components.
    • Walker Audio Reference Hi-Def Links
    Eliminates ultra high frequency hash in signal.
    • Audio Metallurgy AG-0
    Silver coated oxygen free 22ga. copper
    • Quasi-DIY Velodyne/Eminence
    An old Velodyne 1250-X sub that had a 12
    • Tannoy Crossover Schematic
    Crossover design donated to me by Dr. Arthur Loesch.
    • Dynaudio Sub 500
    Just purchased, this thing is bad to the bone, in a very good way. Sounds great for Music and Home Theater both.
    • Panamax M5400-PM
    Voltage regulator.
    • Hypex Electronics UcD 400 Stereo Amplifier
    Just built from a kit. Great souunding amplifier.

Comments 604

NIce job on the conversion! How does it sound?

shadorne

Owner
System edited: New pictures added.

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Finally, after some trial and error, I completed my comversion to thread drive. Nice improvement. Many deserved thanks to Dave G. for all his help, couldn't have done it without him. Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Recently added DIY resistors, ala Grant, and thanks to you, cartridge loading is now perfect. The help is appreciated, as always, simple things can make large differences, and hats off to all that have helped make my modest analog setup sound great, so far from its humble beginnings. Couldn't have done it without all the kindly given support and sharing that is prevalent on this site. Happy New Year! Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Finally completed surround and center channel installation. Although surround speaker location is not ideal, the results are quite good, the system re-location making a very beneficial change.

My system is now all I ever wanted in an audio system, recent equipment updates to amp, uni-player, and DAC, have made performance in all formats, including vinyl, to be what I always wanted and hoped for. Now all there is to do is enjoy it daily for many years to come.

Thanks for looking, enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Finally completed surround and center channel installation. Although surround speaker location is somewhat less than ideal, the result, due to system re-location, actually worked out well. My system is now all I ever wanted in an audio system, and years of audio contentment is what I am looking forward to. Thanks for looking, enjoy Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: System update. I sent my Musical Fidelity A3/24 dac, Aragon 3002 amp, and Marantz DV8300 back to Michigan to David Schulte of The Upgrade Company for updates. They have been back in my system for just a little over a week, and the results are spectacular. My system now has incredibly fine detail, dynamics, and transparency. Imaging and soundstaging are nearly, or as good, as anything I have heard. Speakers seem to disappear, making each listening session an enjoyable experience. Gone are the days when the angst of feeling "it should be better than this", or "what's missing?". Now there is only great enjoyment of a complete musical experience, leaving for me, nothing to be desired. I wish to thank David Schulte for making this happen. Also, Kudos to all the Audiogon members who have contributed their time and great knowledge to my cause. Couldn't have been done without all your help. Man, am I happy! Thanks to all, and enjoy! Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Hi Mark,

Thanks for the suggestions, I need to get at least one just to see what this combo can really do. And enjoy some good music. Enjoy you demo!

Regards, Dan

islandmandan

Dan, I hear ya .

As for the Bluenotes,
here are two suggestions that I would highly recommend to anyone be it their very first taste of Jazz or to someone like yourself, getting to know the whos who.

Cannon Ball Adderley, title Somethin Else.
Staring Hank and Sam Jones, Miles Davis and Art Blakey.

Absolutely fabulous music, the entire Lp.
This Lp has been played a lot over the years.

Equally great Lp is Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers ,title Moanin. The same goes for this Lp ,absolutely fabulous music

I see your a fan of Kenny Burrel, his Lp Midnight Blue is coming up for release also.

I know $50.00 a pop. Buy a least one, they are a treasure.
These are the type of Lps that go way up in price once sold out.

The Gershmans are a great line of speakers, I may even consider them, Dan, there are so many.
Next week I have a pair of speakers being delivered for in home evaluation.
Gotta go

stiltskin

Owner
Hi Mark,
I've bought a few reissues and bargain used lps from Better Records, but no Hot Stampers. I got into vinyl partly because of the chance to get used lp's cheaply, and enlarge my collection and choices by having two formats available. I can't quite bring myself to pay $200-$400 and up for one used lp, no matter how good it sounds. Can't afford it anyway. Wish I could. I take my chances with auctions and such, and have found quite a bit of good recordings and music that way. I have been interested in the Blue Note reissues, but don't know which one to try. I'm not that familiar with many of the old jazz musicians in the Music Matters series. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the post. By the way, I'll bet you're loving that new system. Did you buy those new speakers yet? Say, have you ever had a chance to hear Gershman speakers? I heard 'em at RMAF last year, and was really impressed by them. Their newest and lowest in their line was oustanding, extremely good for their $3000 (I think) price tag. Sound quality just went up from there, with their larger, more expensive offerings.

Good to hear from you Mark, stay well,
Dan

islandmandan

Right on Dan,

It will be interesting to use this MintLp tractor, the Feikert is precise also.

My niece has a Rega 3 I dialed in for her using the Feikert.
Her father bought a new Ortofon cartridge from a dealer and had them mount the cartridge, the salesman set up was way off.In a hurry I guess.

Heres acouple of web sites for vinyl you may find interest in.

Music matters.com
This run of Blue Notes put out by these people are staggering good reissues.
Could very well be the best on the planet.
I have 4 now with more on preorder.

And for that one or two all time favorite Lps that never did seam to sound right and you wished they were better.

Heres a site I just learned about that offers what they call Hot Stampers. Better Records .com
Read through the site, some interesting stuff about vinyl

The guy is a straight shooter and offers a full refund.Who does that!

Good Listening
Mark

stiltskin

Owner
More notes after further listening following set-up with Mintlp Tractor. Vinyl sounds more grain-free, smooth yet very lively and dynamic. Placement of instruments in soundstage much more precise than before, and imaging the best it's been with current system.
There aren't likely to be any more upgrades in the analog department, other than inexpensive ones, may try string drive or something along those lines, but right now, vinyl listening has reached such a high plateau, I'm just going to listen and enjoy for a while, and maybe try to increase my lp collection. The Mintlp BestTractor is a great way to go, highly recommended!
Regards, and thanks for looking,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Just set up my arm/cartridge with the Mintlp Best Tractor, great tool, set-up was easy and precise. Analog front end has reached its zenith, getting all I can now without going nuts and spending a ton of money I don't have. Very happy with the Signature Scout and modded Simaudio LP 5.3 and Dynavector XX2MKII. Enjoy, Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Good morning, Abe,

It's funny you should ask about that, since I got my HD 600's, they have been my benchmark for how to quantify the progress in sound reproduction through my loudspeaker system. It's been years in the process, but the two have finally reached parity. What can easily be achieved through quality phones is not easily achieved through speakers. The addition of the Cardas made a nice improvement in 'phone listening.
I have not had the pleasure of hearing the Special 25's, but from what I've read, they are very good. The 5.4's have kept me happy ever since I got them, about four years ago now. I don't think about what it might be like with other speakers, since the 5.4's always readily reveal improvements elsewhere in the audio chain, and just satisy in all the ways that count. You shoud hear them, if you can. Also, the new Sapphire speaker from Dynaudio is one to check out.
Thanks for your interest, regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Hi Dan,

I have HD600 with Cardas as well. I have Dynaudio Special 25s but have been interested in S5.4 for a long time. I am extremely curious on your take between HD600 and S5.4.

Abe

abe_av

Owner
That's great, Mark! New set-up all the way around, and all top-drawer stuff, too. Too bad one of us doesn't have a tele-porter, 'cause I'd sure like to hear that new table, not to mention speaks and amp and all the great stuff you've acquired over the last year. Now that it's over, it must have been well worth the wait, right?
Try to get some pictures posted, and a Vitual Systems thread, so we can all drool over it! Congratulations on a great year of audio acquisitions.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan, That's too bad about Dave. Maybe you could still post a thread and have interested parties contact you for more info, just a thought.
I'm sure other owners of the Sim phonostage would like to hear about the mod.

I'm happy for you now that things are squared away with your analog.

I have a total of 16 hours on my new table, another 80 to go, at that point the cartridge will be burnt in.
The Phantom and cartridge are set to spec. I need to fool around with damping fluid yet, its cartridge specific apparently. The arm is a dream.

So far so good, one thing , its staggering what it does on vocals.
I have not put the ASR phono exclusive in yet or used the Emitter on the Quads. The Emitter might set them on fire.

They will come into play soon.
I have made arrangments to bring home the Veena Reference 3A speakers the end of this month, if all goes well with the dealer for this time period. Hes getting a second pair in piano black.

Listened to them three times in the store , they are just incredible.

stiltskin

Owner
Hi Mark, Drubin,

As far as what Dave has done, it's a mystery to me. All I know is that it sounds outstanding, and by any measure I have heard. For some reason the cheeses at A'gon have it in for Dave, so posting a thread on mods by him would never be posted. I have tried before, and they discriminate against him. I don't know if it's all modders, or just Dave, but they won't post anything about him, except here on my personal VS site. Sad, really, as he's a great guy, and does superb work.

Mark, have you been able to fine-tune that new table, arm, and cart yet? That's a dream set-up, you must be in hog heaven now.

Thanks for the posts, guys, enjoy!
Dan

islandmandan

Dan
You should consider starting a thread in the discussion area regarding your modded phonostage.

I understand it is quite good.

Good move on the MintLp. Now your going to find out where the bear poops in the woods. Extremely precise and its mirrored.

I bought a small package of erasers to gently wedge under my platter to keep it still when using protractors.

That worked very well and if need be, you can take a knife to the erasers and shape them even more because they need to fit snug, not too snug that it could lift the platter.

Far better then using tape, though some guys use it.
If you had to move the platter a fraction, well you can imagine.

Anyway , Drubin and I will be looking for your thread....

Im using one of the courtesy computers at the hotel. Usually this time of day kids have taken over the room. Today mostly travalers that left their kids at home, good

Take care

Mark

stiltskin

Dan, what does David do to the LP5.3, do you know?

drubin

Owner
Bit of an update, been doing some set-up refinements, and the last one put me over the top. I am now hearing fine detail, clarity, and lack of distortion that I've only heard on very well set-up high-end vinyl rigs. I couldn't be more pleased, I didn't think this Scout would ever sound this good. One major factor is my Simaudio Moon LP 5.3 is on its third week of break-in after a Signature Upgrade by Dave Schulte. I'm telling you owners of the 5.3, you have a gold mine if you just spend a few hundred more bucks on an upgrade. Just wipes out the stock unit all to hell. Scout, and all the tweaks, are here to stay.
Just ordered a custom made Mintlp Tractor for more refinement on set-up, don't know how much better it can be, but I'll enjoy finding out.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Hi Mark, good listening indeed. So when will you have the arm and cartridge set up? You must be on pins and needles about now. Hope it arrives and gets set up soon, better than Christmas, right?

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan, By the sound of things , you got it nailed!

I know the little Scout can sing, I've heard one meticulously set up by a vinyl fanatic.

Wait till the Nordost wire in your Signature arm fully burns in....3 to 400 hours for sure.

Next up, down the road, changing the rubber belt drive on your Scout to something other then rubber will be significant....Or the Rim Drive....OOOhh my.

As for me....Perhaps Monday or sometime this week for my TW Raven.

Good listening Dan.

Mark

stiltskin

Owner
System edited: System edited, installed Simaudio LP 5.3, purchased on Audiogon, replacing home audition JLTi, which sounded great, from Jay at Audio Revalations, (thanks Jay!). Vinyl is sounding absolutely superb now, more in line with what I expected when I first ventured back into analog. It's a learning experience, and there are refinements and upgrades that can and do make major improvements in what even a modest VPI Scout can do. I am very pleased with my analog front end now, and strange as it may seem, I can't think of anything I'd like to change at the moment. That's a good feeling, I better enjoy it, 'cause I don't know how long it may last!

islandmandan

Owner
I'm running with the large pack of other sick puppies, while you're running in the pack of the sick BIG DOGS!

When I grow up, I want to be a big dog too!

Regards,

Dan

islandmandan

Showing 551 - 575 of 604 posts