Dertonarm,

Thank you for your feedback. I am taking your recommendation on working on an effective isolation platform. In order to minimize the expense of commercial systems typcially used for scales and microscopes, I have decided to build a simple Mass-on-Spring system using a granite platform on top of springs of the appropriate spring constant. Utilizing natural/resonant frequency equations and Hooke's law, I am able to design a platform that would give a vertical resonance freqnecy of ~2.5 Hz.

This is not at the same level of the Minus-K or the Vibraplane, and does not have horizontal resonance protection, but it is a place to start and I hope to get a major improvement over where I am now. Based on this I may begin to consider more expensive, commercial systems.

Andrew

aoliviero January 20, 2010 14:53

Syntax,

Thank you!!

aoliviero February 26, 2009 21:35

Hello,

Sorry I don't keep up with my own system page! Thanks for your feedback!

Davidri,

I have not tried other tubes. By the way, I recently got my Legend. Holy cow!! This preamp is extremely neutral and detailed. The transformer on the phono is a good option. As good as the Ultimate-2 was, the Legend is in another level. Not subtle.

aoliviero January 28, 2009 13:18

Dan,

I really do need to add some pictures. Maybe I'm embarrased becasue I don't have a beautiful house like some of the other system pages. Spend too much on my stereo and not enough left on furnishings, etc.

Lately I've been marvelling over the JL2 Signature. As it has broken it it really sounds pretty damn good.

Andrew

aoliviero January 28, 2007 02:07

Dazzdax,

I haven't visited my own system page in ages but I just noticed your note. I like the Dunlavy's but at this point it is the weakest link. I haven't heard the Acapellas but I have been considering them.

I'm also interested in the MBL, Magico and possibly some others that I ghaven't listened to yet.

The Virtual Dynamics cables are really good and as I've said they are a key component in the system and critical to the sound I get.

Andrew

aoliviero January 28, 2007 02:04

Replaced JL2 Mk I amp with JL2 Mk II Signature.

There is a 5,000 price difference. I did not have mine upgraded. I bought a new one. The main changes are:

 Teflon input and output boards (Signature).
 Black Gate caps in the input stagers (Signature)
 Power supply updates (MK II)
 Gain is 2dB less. Main reason why the amp is electrically less noisy. Where the previous model did have noise coming from speakers, this amp is quiet.
 A new power transformer. This is supposed to be quieter. And it is. Less hum and noise from the speakers. This is available on all new CAT models but not upgraded on older models if you have yours upgraded to the MK II or Signature.

The key and very noticeable difference is that this amp is much more transparent and dynamic. This manifests itself in many ways:

The bass is noticeably punchier, better defined and with more natural tone. This is probably the most obvious difference on first listen.

The mids are better resolved and open with a little less warmth.

The highs are also much better defined and extended.

The soundstage is much wider and deeper. The backgrounds are quieter. Image placement is better. The amp sounds more “open”.

The dynamics are extraordinary from the deepest bass to the highest highs. Combined with the aforementioned qualities, this amp sounds much more realistic.

Overall, this amp is a lot more neutral than the previous model. In comparison, the previous model sounded slightly warmer and opaque.

Overall, I’m a happy customer!

aoliviero September 01, 2006 00:22