System edited: New pictures added

doc_stereo November 05, 2011 15:46

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.

doc_stereo June 19, 2011 17:13

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.

doc_stereo June 18, 2011 22:16

Laurence,

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.

doc_stereo March 09, 2011 05:35

System edited: Added the Ayre C5xeMP to be able to play SACDs.

doc_stereo February 24, 2011 02:32

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?

doc_stereo October 09, 2010 00:03

System edited: Replaced Fi 2A3 monoblock amps with Art Audio PX-25 SET amp.

doc_stereo October 06, 2010 02:42

Hi Breezer,

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?

doc_stereo May 23, 2010 02:28

System edited: Auditorium 23 Hommage T1 step-up transformer added. Perfect addition for the Miyabi cartridge and Masseto preamp.

doc_stereo April 15, 2010 23:44

Thanks, Mike and Alan. Not as nice a system as yours, respectively, but I'm working on it.

My routine now when I get home, in this order: say hi to the wife, say hi to the dog, spin some tunes until dinner is ready. Loving it. :)

doc_stereo November 03, 2009 04:02

System edited: added a Garrard 301 in a custom plinth by Steve Dobbins!

doc_stereo November 01, 2009 23:54

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.

doc_stereo August 21, 2009 02:09

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.

doc_stereo July 21, 2009 01:53

Thanks for the nice comments. When I first took delivery of the Solovox speakers, I was very disappointed with the way they sounded. But after some patience, careful positioning, and a break-in period of about 100 hours, they are awesome. I think they match very well with my other components.

Unoear, did they sound better with the cats inside? Kinda like living, breathing damping material.

doc_stereo April 05, 2009 16:38

System edited: Added the Auditorium Solovox PHY speakers.

doc_stereo April 02, 2009 22:54

Hi Rene,

Yes, my system has changed quite a bit since 2005! I'm in the process of looking for new speakers, but trying to audition some is rather difficult since there are not too many dealers near where I live. Unfortunately, I'm having to rely on other people's opinions/recommendations.

doc_stereo January 08, 2009 03:23

Thanks for the comments, Mark. Yes, for now I will stay with single driver speakers, such as PHY-HP based speakers. I'm OK with sacrificing a little bass response for great midrange. I guess everything is a compromise.

doc_stereo June 10, 2008 03:36

System edited: Updated to include a 47 Labs Shigaraki NOS DAC from a Macbook.

doc_stereo May 27, 2008 21:41

Good question. I've slowly been upgrading starting with the source and preamp first. The speakers will be next. Looking at PHY-HP based speakers.

doc_stereo April 30, 2008 20:45