Dr. Dan's Di Shi Cable Elixir

by danmyers on Ever Evolving

Description

This system is really a great stereo setup that also doubles as a "poor mans" multi-channel audio system. The Gallo Ref 3.1s are a new addition that replace my beloved KEF 104/2s. The Luxman integrated and Bill-Dan DIY speakers provide two full-range rear channels of sound. No center channel and bass management is provided by the modded SCD-CE775. I only use this system for audio so a 4.0 system is fine, especially considering that I have 4 10" drivers :)

Still need better/newer pics. Nice shot of my old system with KEFs as my main speakers, B&W subwoofer (complete with teddy bear port plug tweak :)

My goal for this system is to enjoy it by keeping it simple. I could go crazy and get a multi-channel preamp with room correction, replace the ancient Luxman, and add a sub woofer, add a DAC, replace the Bill-Dan's with "real" speakers. But I am not likely to do any of these things as I'm perfectly happy with the musicality of my system now. I am really exploring new music genres and artist rather than hardware upgrades.
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Components Toggle details

    • Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 300
    Hybrid tube/ss amp. Sounds a fantastic! Probably as close to transparent as an amp can get. And it makes a great heater, too.
    • Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista 3D
    This is my redbook CDP. It's a good player, but there are likely better out there now.
    • Musical Fidelity A3 CR
    Dual Mono construction and built more like an amp than a pre-amp. This thing weighs a ton - more than most amps due to dual mono power supplies with that classic MF inductor filtering. I'm temped to try a tube pre, but more than happy with the A3CR for now.
    • Oppo BDP-83SE
    Universal player supports, Redbook, HDCD, MCH SACD, DVD-Audio, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, plus many lossy audio formats. Has stereo analog outs, 7.1 analog outs, SPDIF, and HDMI outs. Analog outs sound fantastic. Oh, it's an awesome video player, too :)
    • Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.1
    Full range 3 way run au natural - no sub amp. Lov'n these speakers. Had some issues with a recalcitrant midrange which I cleared up with "stands" and positioning. I wasn't sure I could do better than the KEF 104/2s, but these are great speakers in their own right. Probably another classic in the making. Time will tell...
    • Tice Audio Products Power Block IIIA
    Signature Series Power Line Conditioner. I use it for everything except the Nu Vista 300 power amp.
    • Luxman L-5
    Original owner of this old integrated and my first piece of audiophile equipment :) Was stored in the garage for 16 years and is in surprisingly good shape. All original parts still working! I am amazed it works and sounds pretty good (for a surround driver). It has never had that 70s SS sound. The design is "Direct DC Signal Path" and there are no active components in the signal path. It's always been musical and while no match for the Nu-Vista, I'm happy with her 'til she smokes. Check out this write up - the translation is darn funny :) [url]http://audio-database.com/LUXMANALPINE-LUXMAN/amp/l-5-e.html[/url]
    • Bill-Dan's Mk I
    My brother and I made these 3-way speakers together. He made the cabinets and I designed, selected, and built the electronic components. Drivers are Morel MW-1077 woofers, Morel MDM-55 soft dome midranges, and Scanspeak 2905 tweets. Crossovers are Solen caps and alpha core inductors with Mills noninductive resistors. Used lots of CAD for x-over design and even diffraction minimization. They sound and measure well with a tight articulate bass, fast and wide mids, and soft but detailed highs. I use them for my surround speakers when listening to MC SACD where they perform admirably. I'm going to put them up on blocks, like I did the Gallos as this should help the imaging - perhaps their main weakness.
    • Creek Audio OBH-10 Remote Volume Control
    Used on the Luxman L-5 between the pre-out/amp-in connectors to control the gain on the rear Bill-Dan DIY speakers when listening to MC SACD.
    • Kimber Hero
    Various lengths
    • Speaker cable Pro-Arc?
    8' at 10 oo 12 gauge nicely wrapped and lugged. I think these came with Pro-Arc speakers. Got them at an estate sale where there was lots of high end audio going going gone.
    • Home Depot & Fry's Electronics Retaining wall blocks & mousepads
    I use 4 (2 under each speaker) 45 lbs solid blocks to raise the Gallo Ref 3.1s by 5". This provides a more realistic sound stage and tightens the bass. Added a thin neoprene mouspad on top of each block to steady the Ref spikes. I also added a rug behind the Gallos to tame midrange cancellations.

Comments 26

Showing all comments by shadorne.

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For bass chops I recently bought a disc by S.M.V. (Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten) called "Thunder".

Ahh Marcus Miller...one of the main reasons I do enjoy Nils Landgren Funk Unit! I ordered this right away. Thanks for the suggestion.

shadorne

FYI - I just won an AudioGon auction of Genesis 1976 -1982 SACD & dvd box set so I'll be listening to Phil's stick & vocal work progression for a while.

Great - well done! I don't recall excactly when Phil invented the "gated" drum sound or if you will hear the transition on these recordings - but Genesis is a group well worthy of study. FWIW I have the "platinum CD" of Genesis hits (three CD box set) and was disappointed with the sound - so I'd be intersted if the CD layer on this recently remastered box set has a less "compressed" and more natural sound.

shadorne

Is there a prize for being first to comment? More seriously you have some really cool and excellent gear. Your DIY speakers are impressive too - nice choice of drivers and your bro's cabinet work is excellent. So how do the Gallos compare to your own efforts and to your classic Kef's?

shadorne

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