Audio System

Thanks for the tips Willie. I live in Guelph, and don't get down into the city too often, unless I have a purpose to do so. I will definitely visit some of the shops that you have mentioned. Have you had any experience with Audio Excellence ? I have requested pricing from them on some Wilson Audio accessories, as I own Watt Puppy's and Maxx 2's. They are our only local dealer to my knowledge. My inquires were never responded to on two occasions. What's up with that. I now deal exclusively with Sono Filtronique in Montreal for anything Wilson related. They are more than willing to help me part with my $$$

crazyeddy April 01, 2017 13:59

Owner

Well, the upgrades keep happening...

I've now replaced my much loved iMac/V-Link192/Bifrost streaming front end with the Bluesound Node 2.

OK, so I hated the iMAC, but the V-Link/Bifrost combo was superb!

There was a noticeable improvement in SQ and I believe that will continue to improve as it burns in.

It's much more reliable and much less quirky, so now my wife can use it. but there are "warts", like playlist creation. But I can live with that for now and Bluesound seems to "move with the times", so I hope that will improve.

Regards...

williewonka December 12, 2016 15:02

Owner

Doukmall Dual USB Cable

This cable is really cost effective solution to eliminating USB related problems where the attached components utilize USB power from the computer via the USB cable

It separates the power and signal conductors and allow you to connect a more stable power supply in place of the computers unstable USB power.

Here's the cable...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-supply-and-USB-cable-separate-audio-signal-cable/251589388236?rt=nc&am...

One side goes to the computer and the other to the power supply.

A very good power supply is...

Enercell 5V/1A AC-to-USB Power Adapter Charger

http://805onlinedeals.myshopify.com/products/new-enercell-5v1a-ac-usb-charger-purple-2730703-2-pack

I've compared the power supply to a battery power supply and could not tell any difference in sound quality

Enjoy

williewonka December 06, 2015 20:56

Owner

DIY Power Cables

I've also adopted the Helix geometry for my power cables

"The Helix"

This is an excellent Power Cable - give it a try :-)

Regards...

williewonka November 17, 2015 10:07

Owner

Since the Agon team is updating the system listing I thought I'd leave an update here.

Just completed my final IC upgrade to the following...

"The Mark V"

For a DIY cable they are amazing - best performing cable I've ever had.

Reards...

williewonka November 10, 2015 23:07

Owner

williewonka November 10, 2015 23:07

Owner

williewonka November 10, 2015 23:07

Thanks for the insight; I havn't checked in for a while!

oranfoster March 28, 2015 13:28

Owner

Oranfoster - having the weight is positive from the following perspectives...
- stops slipping on the acrylic platter
- flattens warped albums a little
- couples the album to the platter

the net benefit is crisper dynamics and enhanced details

Even the weight received some "treatment"- I replaced the felt pads on the bottom with a ring of sorbothane - but on the underside 0f the ring I left the protective plastic film in place so it does not stick to the album. I think this does a much better job of absorbing vibrations.

regards

williewonka March 07, 2015 11:22

And I'm glad you checked out my Village Baker system. I'm just about ready to post my home system. I'm taking my time, trying to get the photography right, etc.

Do you find that the record weight makes an appreciable improvement?

oranfoster February 28, 2015 15:01

Owner

Oranfoster - Glad you liked the DIY treatments - it's due to my inquisitive mind and frugal nature :-)

I guess I got a little carried away with the TT tweaks - but like you, I found Rega's perform so much better with a little TLC - Tender Loving Conversions :-)

I took a look at your system - what an excellent way to bring pleasure to your business. I'm not surprised that you received positive feedback - that is so much better than the normal chintzy "Musak" systems. A pampered customer is a repeat customer.

Maybe you should start a vinyl sideline :-)

Chat later

williewonka February 27, 2015 09:58

Very nicely done, I really like the DIY parts of your stereo. Like yours, my REGA is assembled piece by piece.

oranfoster February 26, 2015 06:21

Owner

More Upgrades!

Well, I think I've finally come to the end :-)

Some last Upgrades...

Soundsmith Denon DL103 cartridge with Ruby cantilever and line contact
optimized contour stylus - superb!

V-Link192 USB-S/PDIF converter
- this has a significantly better USB implementation than that available from
Schiit. Together with an extremely good DIY S/PDIF IC, made from CAT6 with
Pure Harmony RCA's attached.
- This really shows just how good the Bifrost really can be

Power cables were completely redesigned
- see the new spiral design in the component list
- they improved the dynamics, details and image considerably

Interconnects were completely redesigned
- see the new spiral design in the component list
- they improved everything across the board whilst maintaining a very neutral
and transparent presentation.

I have Absolute Harmony on all analogue IC's and Pure Harmony on the S/
PDIF cable
- they are the best out there
- nothing much to look at, but man - do they perform.

Until the next one :-)

williewonka February 23, 2015 18:03

Owner

UPGRADES!!!

Well, due to some reviews undertaken in the last few months, my system
has undergone a significant cable upgrade

All power cables are now my own DIY braided cables using Furutech
conductors and Sonar Quest connectors

My Stager Silver Solids interconnects now have KLE Innovations Copper
Harmony RCA plugs on one pair and Silver Harmony RCA plugs on the
other pair

I have also added the Essence gZero Interconnect to the IC mix

And finally, my trusty Van den Hul D-352 speaker cables have been
replaced with the KLE Innovations Essence gZero2 speaker cables

Results - vast improvements in details, dynamics, image and most of all -
reality.

The beat goes on....

williewonka April 29, 2014 09:38

Owner

Thanks Scott - a friend suggested I start the blog - it saves me repeating myself in emails and it channels my thought process. It needs some updates in the power related entries though - coming sooooon!

We're looking at downsizing our house but one of the requirements for the new house is a dedicated listening room - it's gonna be interesting :-)

Chat later

williewonka February 15, 2014 17:11

Sweet room, system and blog, Steve. I look forward to checking out your posts and system more. I would love to do that someday myself.

Cheers,

Scott

samac February 15, 2014 11:20

Owner

I took the plunge and epoxied the dl103 to a brass headshell shim, following the lead of companies like Zu and Soundsmith

The result is amazing, more details, better sound stage, bigger sound

williewonka April 01, 2013 21:48

Owner

Since my system is forever changing I now have a blog that contains all the latest updates and tweaks - enjoy!

http://www.image99.net/blog/files/category-my-system.html

If posting my blog is against Audiogon policy please let me know or simply remove this response.

williewonka January 18, 2013 16:18

Hello Willie,

I found my Zu 103R on Audiogon, new in package, for $650, I believe it was. The seller had several of them, and was selling off the extras.

Soundsmith does good work, from what I've heard, but they are always back-logged with work, so you will have to wait awhile on a retip. Check around, you might find one at a good price new, or low hours on it.

Hope you make out ok.
Regards,
Dan

islandmandan December 20, 2012 18:45

Owner

Dan - thanks for the feedback.

Do you know anyone that has dealt with Soundsmith?

http://www.sound-smith.com/denon/index.html

I hear their stuff is wonderful

So I'm torn between a new tip or a new cartridge with aluminum shell

Can't quite afford the Soundsmith Wood shell treatment

williewonka December 20, 2012 14:04

Owner

Although the Gershman may be a superior speaker (never heard the Kef) and I love the sound that comes from them - very natural and deep - their customer service is a little "terse" to say the lease, but they did come through and honour their warranty, but tried to lay the blame on the level at which I play music at and they were a little tardy getting back to me

Not what I expect for a $4000 speaker

williewonka December 11, 2012 16:20

Hi Willie,

I have been using a Zu Denon 103R for a couple of months now, and it has proven to be an excellent cartridge by nearly any standard, it's just a winner, all-around. Just get one, you won't be disappointed.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan October 17, 2012 14:46

Hello,

Gershman Acoustics Sonogram: Have you ever heard KEF 104/2s? Wondering if the sonograms would be a nice upgrade...

grindstaff October 16, 2012 17:47

Owner

One possible upgrade in mind...

Once my DL 103 dies I will upgrade to a Zu DL103

I have heard many positive things about these cartridges

Anyone out there using one?

williewonka December 05, 2011 21:31

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