I finally started piecing together gear that was built and known to work together. This came after discovering the sound that does it for me. To me, the first most important component.
Latest updates:
March 14, 2023 - Finally an important upgrade to my system, replacing my Shilabe cartridge with the Ortofon Verismo. It was a little work to set up with my Ortofon RS 309D arm, but getting the overhang right-on and the null points perfect was worth the time spent. Even after the initial drop of the Verismo, the sound is wonderful. I’m way happy, and only care about listening as I write this. More later about the sound as it breaks in.
November 27, 2022 - It's been a while. We moved twice since my last system update. A new home, so a different listening room even though my setup is somewhat identical. The room has a smaller footprint than previously, but it lends itself better to my Horning Aristoteles that are suited for medium sized rooms. The system is now playing loud at 10 o'clock with my 6-watt amps and benefiting from that. I've finally added two sets of speaker grills for my open baffle subs, so front and back. Why?…Because, it was fun!
August 10, 2019 - My daughter, Kelly, has purchased her first turntable, a Rega Planar 2. After reading about this table's sensitivity to vibration, especially in close proximity to speakers, I was surprised that there was zero effect from vibration when we turned up the volume with her speakers less than one foot from the table. The speakers are normally pulled out into the room, but not for this initial TT test. The bass was generous and I did some jumping up and down without issue. Is the cheap Ikea Lack Rack that we built handling all of this? If so, impressive.
May 2, 2018 - My daughter's audio rack is now completed. A really fun to build project on the cheap. What added the most cost, was using Herbie's Giant Threaded Stud Gliders for the bottom base. And, full length hard maple inserts for the legs.
March 23, 2018 - Work is progressing for daughter's first audio rack. Cost is a priority, as her first audio system is coming together. We decided on a DIY rack built from 4 IKEA Lack side tables ($8 each).
October 17, 2017 - Added NoRez material to quiet the sub cabinets from being heard. My system is sounding great in my open floor plan. Most of the DIY work was done by Jay (Captainhemo) who builds and sells custom flat packs for the sub cabinets up in British Columbia. You can find him on Audiocircle and you can see from my pics that he does marvelous work.
June 6, 2017 - Upgraded my Raven 1 table with latest bearing and Black Night feet. Background is blacker, sound is smoother, and bass is better. Added Townshend Isolation Bars to my subs. The subs work seamlessly with my Horning speakers, and have finally provided me with a full range sound that is also relaxed.
Kenny
Dimensions: 14’ × 18’ Medium
Ceiling: 10’
Thank you for the accolades and kind words. However, I must admit that my nature as a person were developed from past experiences both good and bad. Except for Audiogon, I have real issues in becoming a "joiner." So, I tend to run away from the crowd. This is why I tend to seek out boutique gear and sometimes unique DIY solutions.
Again, thanks for all of your help and kind words.
Kenny
Hi Rick,
I built my rack a number of years ago and it was on the pricey side back then, because of the heavy brass hardware used. I think it was something like $1,100. I also removed two of the shelves after I moved my digital gear elsewhere. The full-length top and bottom shelves I had made up by a woodworking company. The middle shelves are butcher block cutting boards from Overstock. All the shelves are hard maple. The feet are from Mapleshade and I had a machine shop tap them for the heavy rod thread. The drawer was DIY and my daughter made the G-clef that's glued on as a Christmas present.
I love how adjustable the rack is, but I've changed my philosophy somewhat when it comes to vibration control due to my suspended floors. I'm heading into the direction of individual equipment isolation instead of trying to solve it all somehow with a rack. I've been looking at the isolation products from Townshend Audio and others, as I've had fantastic success with their Seismic Isolation Bars that are under my subs.
Kenny
Hi Dan,
We're not getting alerted of new posts to our virtual systems, so sorry for the late reply.
Thank you!
After adding the 300B, the best overall improvement was simplifying and dedicating my power. The loss of some bass due to missing rear corners, was more than made up and surpassed by a virtual realism due to pulling out my regenerator and plugging my 300B and Tron Seven straight into the outlets. For safety, I added an all house surge protector, and for sound, dedicated isolated ground circuits with Porter Port receptacles, and Shun Mook Power cords to the mono blocks. I am extremely fortunate, that the power to the new house is stable and low in distortion as is.
The bass did improve with these changes, so gave me more fill-in. Now, I'm not so hungry for subs, but I'd love to try out a good pair with the system. If they could sync with the Hornings, I'd be done if not for tweaking.
Kenny
