Nice set-up! Obviously, set-up will vary room to room, but I was wondering how far apart you have your Andra one's, and also how far you are from each speaker at the listener position? I also noticed that you have them toed in slightly. How intensive was set-up? Thanks in advance for any insight you can offer re: the Andras. Tim

1741 October 02, 2008 12:39

I purchased the Audio Rack and Amp Stands from Chris at Timbernation. I had him inlay walnut with maple and used walnut legs on the Audio Rack. Chris is a joy to deal with.

thanks Walt

dolfan October 14, 2007 22:24

sweet setup. I agree once you go tube it's hard to go back to SS. what type of rack & amp stands are those? enjoy!

pehare October 14, 2007 15:47

Sorry for the late response. Thanks for taking the time to look at my system. You asked about the good and bad of these amps.

I'll start with the Art Audio Quartets. This is my second pair. These were the pair used in the Francisco Duran review in Positive Feedback. When Joe at Art Audio got them back he had a new input transformer he wanted me to try. As soon as I got them there was no question these were more musical with even deeper bass than the originals. These amps really have no weak points imo. They are tuneful from top to bottom with both dynamics and detail. With these amps my system sound is as close to live music as I have ever had. They also have no trouble at all powering the Andra 1 speakers which are notorius tube amp killers.

The Viva Auroras do not fair as well with the Andra 1's. They sound wonderful to be sure but do not make the tuneful deep base of the Quartets. They also sound just a little rolled off on top, but the mid range is Viva! Simply wonderful.

My previous amps were a Plinius SA 102 and a Bat VK 500. These are both great SS amps with my nod going to the Bat. The magic of tubes is what made me change. Once you hear them chances are most folks will prefer them.

My next stop is analog. I had a chance a few months ago to hear Albert Porters system. It was simply spectacular.

thanks, Walt

***I am a dealer for both the Eggleston and the Art Audio gear but only after becoming a customer first.

dolfan October 14, 2007 15:21

Nice and clean looking, I also have Andra's but the 2's. I an very curious in how your system sounds, specifically with your amp choice. Why did you go this route, what are the goods and bads, controlling bass, dynamics etc?

Thanks

dev September 01, 2007 13:21

System edited: I added pictures with the Art Audio Quartet Monoblocks.

dolfan June 07, 2007 23:30

Update: I am getting my Viva Aurora's upgraded to the current version and am using Art Audio Quartet monoblocks now. These amps are just breaking in but, so far, they work very well with the Andra's. I will post pictures later.

dolfan May 31, 2007 19:14

Yes the Sony has a volume control which was added by Dan at Modwright when he modified the CD player.

dolfan May 26, 2007 19:11

Does the Sony allow you to control the output? Or is there an attenuator somewhere else in the path? I have heard a Lloyd modified Viva in the past. Musical is an understatement!

sdatch May 24, 2007 13:33

Zephyr24069

Thanks for your kind words. The wall hangings, plants, bookcase with books and various other pieces do help a lot. Try it I think you'll like it.

dolfan May 24, 2007 01:19

This is a beautiful setup and I'd bet it sounds wonderful.
I've been an EW fan for years ever since hearing a set of
Fontaine II's being driven by Musical Fidelity + Nottingham.

The room is also very pleasing. Do you notice any adverse
affects from the wall-hanging? I've always been a fan of
such things but have stayed away from them as they might
be absorptive. What has your experience been?

zephyr24069 May 19, 2007 23:58