After changing my system for the past several years, I think I have reached my goal (for now). My 2 sources are a 1950's refurbished Garrard 301 and a 21st century CD player with a Apple Mac Mini into the USB input. Hence, the name"Musical Juxtaposition".
The oil-bearing 301 was completely redone and placed in a 2-arm capable custom plinth by Steve Dobbins. Coupled with a Triplanar arm and Miyabi/47 labs MC cartridge, the combo plays music better than any other sourced I've listened to. My previous table was the SME 20/V which is definitely a great table. But after listening to the music from a idler table, I don't think I'll be going back to a belt driven table.
Completely refurbished Schedule 2 301 with a custom 2-arm capable plinth by Steve Dobbins. Steve suggested his copper mat for the best sound which I would have to agree.
Miyabi 47 Labs
MC cartridge
Miyajima Premium Mono
Mono LOMC with Yamamoto HS-1As ebony headshell
Tri-Planar Mk VII U2
One of the best tonearms made.
Thomas Schick 12 inch tonearm
Used for my mono playback
Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) CD-77
CDP utilizing TD1541 DAC
Apple Mac Mini transport
2009 model with 4GB
Shindo Laboratory Masseto tube preamp
IMO, one of the best preamps in the world
Art Audio PX-25
with volume control
Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 SUT
SUT designed for low impedance catridges
Auditorium 23 Hommage Solovox
Single driver using modified 8" PHY driver
Shindo Laboratory Silver IC
0.5 m between Auditorium SUT and Shindo preamp
PHY-HP IC
good synergy
Shindo Mr. T line conditioner
No Shindo system is complete without the Mr. T Line conditioner. It has 6 power outlets and a massive transformer that rejects unwanted RF and crud from the power grid.
Thanks. The Solovox speakers with the PHY-HP drivers are great. But, they don't go much higher than 12 kHz and gets a little congested when there are large passages in symphonies. Nevertheless, for most of my music, they are the perfect speakers for me.
Hi, Doc, you have a very impressive system, it must reproduce your music in a beautiful manner. I know what you mean regarding SACD, redbook cd is extremely satisfying in a high quaility set up.
I`ve always wanted to hear the Solovox(PHY-HP driver), how well does it reproduce the upper frequncies? How does it sound with larger sized bands, say15-20 musicians?
System edited: Added the Abbingdon Music Research (AMR) CD-77 for my digital music. I realized that SACDs weren't for me and that most of my music as on Redbook CDs and saved as FLAC files on my Mac mini.
I can't give you all the specific details as it's been a while. Steve's website is www.xactaudio.com. I'm sure he would be more than happy to help you.
Hi Could you tell me to what extent Mr Dobbins 'work's the 301 e.g does He work the idler drive, bearing etc etc. Also can you give a price idea for the work, plinth, mat etc. I'm in the UK and run an early BBC grey 301 and Mr Dobbins plinths look wonderful. I have a more trad Dr Martin Bastin Shindo style plinth - which is very tweaked inside and also certainly looks and sounds great...but I would like to find out more about the SD options Thanks Laurence
Doc - I didn't realize this, but before the QB-9 I hadn't purchased a CD in almost two years. I was very content with the vinyl rig, but the QB-9 is really a game changer. For $2500...its just amazing.
Rene - I needed an amp with a volume control since the Shindo preamp is such a high gain device. At normal listening levels, my volume control was only at the 8 o'clock position, which is not in the optimal position for the volume pot. The PX25 amp has the same mid-range as the Fi's, but has much better bass control and I feel the highs are improved over the Fi 2A3 amp as well.
Jeff- Haven't done any streaming yet, but will consider it in the future. How do you like the QB-9 DAC?
I was able to compare the Hommage T1 with the built-in Shindo SUT. Both are designed for low-impedance cartridges. The output from the T1 was a little higher, but when I controlled for the increased loudness, the music coming from the T1 was definitely better. I wouldn't say by a large margin, but at this point, aren't we all trying to extract that last 0.1% in improvement?
Hello Doc, very nice system! You may consider in the future a different rack system for the components. One can make some really good improvements to the sound.
Way hey Doc, what a magical setup you have evolving in your room! The Masseto, Solovox, 301 and Miyabi setup has just got to be setting off a wonderful stellar unconscious vibe for you. As Mike has intimated, the additional pairing of the Steve Dobbins' inspired 301 must have just brought an infectious grin to you and all of those who have a chance to hang with you for a while...keep them spinning!
Sorry for the late response. This will be my 3rd attempt at replying. Hopefully, the website doesn't f'up again.
Lapierre - The bass is really nice, especially from a single driver speaker. You'd probably not want to play hard core rap with them, but for every other genre, they're what I was looking for.
Tim - I sold the SME to check out the allure of the idler drive tables. I'm having my 301 completely overhauled and a new plinth built for it. A Triplanar arm will be used, and I'm currently deciding on an appropriate cartridge. BTW, I recently pickup up some ATS acoustic panels and noticed that you use them, too. I like them a lot so far. They really do make a nice difference.
System edited: Sold SME 20 table and awaiting Garrard 301 in a custom plinth. Also sold 47 Labs DAC and running a Wavelength Brick v2 with the Mac Mini.
