Kenny's System

by kennythekey on Ever Evolving

Description

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

Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 14’ × 18’  Medium
Ceiling: 10’

Components Toggle details

    • TW Acustic Raven One
    A wonderfully simple, but extremely well made design. Sounds fantastic. Tonearm: Ortofon RS-309D Cartridge: Ortofon Verismo, Miyajima Shilabe Tweaks: Motor Control: AC/MC Isolation: Silent Running Audio platform. Black Night feet. Platter Mat: TW-Acustic/Zanden Audio 5mm. Fuse: HiFi-Tuning Supreme. And, upgraded the bearing.
    • Ortofon RS-309D
    Great arm that works with the Raven. If I add another arm to the TT, this one will stay for mono.
    Update 2023 - This arm is still performing exceedingly well from what I hear!
    • Miyajima Shilabe
    My first truly high end cartridge, and the only I've tried with my Raven TT.

    2/15/2023 - This may be my first upgrade in quite some time. I have a new cartridge in mind and more on this later.
    • Ortofon Verismo
    MC Cartridge to replace my Shilabe. A true upgrade in you-are-there presentation, detail, and more nuanced.
    • Tron Seven - Phono
    Hand made Phono Amplifier that can be custom built. This one includes the caps from the Reference model and pseudo balanced outputs added for convenience. Isolation: Eden TerraStones with brass balls, but currently trying them all. Tweaks: HiFi-Tuning fuse.
    • Boulder L-3ae
    A temporary solution while saving up for a new line stage. I recently had Boulder Amplifiers upgrade the caps, and now the sound is wonderful.

    2023 - I’m still using the L-3ae and have no plans of replacing it. It’s become invisible to the rest of my system. I don’t know what those guys at Boulder Amplifiers did, because I thought my system setup would benefit from a tube line stage. All I can say, it’s your ears that count.
    • TW-Acustic 300 B SET
    Mono Block, 6 watts. Best component that I ever added. Now, I hear anything and everything that I change in my system. It brings my system together like it's sewn together from the same fabric. Designed and hand built by Thomas Woschnick.
    • McIntosh MR-71 Re-invented
    A long-term personal project started in 1989, as I first found the MR-71 chassis heaped on top of other non-working and discarded gear. I simply could not let it die, and the price was right. Restored by Audio Classics and then upgraded by Sam's Audio Labs. The tuner sounded very good after Audio Classic's work, but Sam's transformation to full triode, wow! Birdseye Maple cabinet was built by High Quality Reproduction Cabinets who specialize in old gear.
    • Horning Aristotle Zigma Ultimate
    This one has the DX65 drivers and finished in Apple Wood. The cabinetry is superb. These loudspeakers have given me "my"sound in spades. Their low end if driven properly is suberb. However, my house move took me to a setup with a large open space when the loudspeakers want a medium sized room with corners. This is the only reason, I added the DIY subs. And, I'm glad I did.

    2/15/2023 - That was then. I’ve moved twice. Damn, I’m happy. Got it altogether now in a better and much loved space. Yeah.
    • DIY - GR Research/Rythmik Sub Project Open Baffle
    The cabinets are designed and offered as a kit from Jay (captainhemo) on Audiocircle. Jay built the cabinets for me, so they are custom to match up with my speakers. The cabinets use GR Research servo drivers in combination with specifically integrated and external Rythmik servo plate amps. This is a patented design between GR Research and Rythmik. Even though this has been a long process to set up and tweak for me, the subs work seamlessly with my Horning speakers. Tweaks: Townshend Isolation Bars. The Bars completely cured previous oscillation problem from mechanical feedback to my turntable. I've also added 2 sets of speaker grills for the front and back. Jay can also provide the grills.

    2/15/2023 - My new room and home for my setup still includes both the Hornings and custom Subs. I have zero oscillation issues here. Tweaking the subs to the space has proven to be the best unexpected upgrade for me.
    • DIY Siamese Rack
    I built this to my specific requirements, so didn't really save me money as a DIY project. However, very rewarding and just what I wanted. Thanks to everyone on Audiogon who helped me out with this project.
    • Power: Various
    Panel: Intermatic all house surge protector with replaceable protection
    modules.
    Source: Two dedicated and isolated ground 20 amp circuits.
    Components: Brick Wall surge protector for TT Motor Controller and Boulder line stage.


Comments 147

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"It has heart" Kenny you are so right on! No tube or transistor output device is perfect, we all choose our acceptable compromises. The purity and natural sound of the 300b has pulled me in like nothing else up to this point. I wouldn't for a moment trade its innate organic beauty for more/different bass, no way. I really like the bass my 300b SET provides.
Charles

charles1dad

Owner
Dev,
Charles is right, this heat thing is not just about my 300 B. The transformers don't get hot, but the tubes do give off some heat, so you would notice that. The 845s that I've been around are hot.

For me, I find these flea watts utterly relaxed and pure. The 845s if done right provide grip and control of the bass that I haven't found in other SETs, but I'm not experienced with many of these. I just want the virtues of both of these tube types to become my amplifier solution. Good luck.

I found that the 300 B gives me most of the purity and most of the bass of the other types. Plus, it's relaxed, and unexpectedly, uplifting. It has heart, if that makes sense.
Kenny

kennythekey

Dev,
Heat isn't an issue with 300b SET amplifiers. Depending on the 845 amp and the listening room space, heat can be a "potential" problem but in most circumstances they are fine. Most higher power push pull tube amplifiers will generate more heat (more output tubes). You have what seems an excellent choice of amplifiers. Horning Sati, Tron and the TW Raven, can't go wrong with that list.
Charles,

charles1dad

Ken,
thx for the update, don't know if I mentioned it but my speakers are Eufrodites but the latest version with the Brand New 16 bass drivers.

I do have a large space - Jeff has recommended either the Tron Telstar or your TW 300B mono blocks - haven't heard either. I did hear last year while at the show TW-Acustic’s 45 & 6B4G SE mono blocks but found there were areas I would prefer different.

So I really need to hear for myself - once done I will know.

I was actually ready to book a flight and visit Jeff to have a listen and do some comparisons but apparently he is currently ampless and awaiting for new arrivals but didn't mention if there were any TW 300B's coming.

I like the simplest clean look and a bonus that you don't notice any heat coming from them, that would be like my VAC pre-amp but when it comes to my amps not so.

dev

Owner
Dev,

I did crank up the volume, and the answer to your question is that it simply gets louder, so no lose or distortion that I can hear. I can't maintain that too long, or my old ears will be what distorts.

kennythekey

Owner
Dan,

Sorry, my old NY sarcasm. I meant, I was enjoying the broken-in loaner tubes so much, that I was having trouble inserting the Sophias in order to break them in.

So, I've kept in the Sophias and they have already exceeded the sound of the Electro Harmonix loaners.

kennythekey

That shouldn't upset anybody. After all, it's your system, and your ears and brain that has to live with whatever you choose to do. You'll eventually get the Royal Princesses broken in, and no harm to anyone. Just enjoy the process.

Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Thanks, Dan
Speaking of 300 B tubes, I now have to break in the Sophias. It's going to be tough, because the loaner Electro Harmonix tubes are well broken in and sound better. I have snuck them back in twice already. My bad.

kennythekey

Kenny, for years I had considered the move to low power SET amps, but shied away for fear they wouldn't have enough power to drive my 94db Tannoy HPD's in my 16' X 34' room (with cathedral ceiling).

I first dipped my toe into tube amplification with a Sophia Electric Baby amp, at just 10 Wpc, and was surprised at how they drove my speakers in my large room.

That opened the door to an SET 300B amp, which gives me about all I want for loudness with a clean response through all frequencies.

I believe you will be similarly satisfied.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Dan,
Cool, yet another recommendation for the EMLs. I will remember to strongly consider these tubes the next go-around.

kennythekey

Owner
Thanks Charles, that is important to me about the durability. I'm using military 5U4G rectifiers, and the D3A is supposed to last forever. Well, 10,000 hours I'm told.

kennythekey

Owner
Dev,
I waited a long time for the little Tron to appear. I guess it was too long, and when it came out all was quiet about it. At the same time, Thomas was doing his thing and Jeff was showing his amps. I listened, I liked, I bought. I wish the little Tron all the best.

I have not cranked it up, so never got to noon or beyond. I'll give that a try and get back.

Besides the Tron Line Stage, I also want to upgrade my Phono. I have to save up for both, so probably six months out or so. I'm hoping Graham will allow me to match the faceplate logo of my Phono (old style) with the new design.

My current room is only 15 x 13.5 x 9.3h. However, there is a 5 or 6 foot wall opening between the speakers into another room, adding to the equation. I'm also moving in the near future, and will seek out a dedicated space.

Regarding Sati, it may have to do with how it mates with Tron gear. I seem to remember something being off there, but can't recall. That may have been Lamm, so I better quit flapping about it.

kennythekey

Owner
Loki,
I tried the 845 approach with Jeff and Thomas, after pushing the 300 B. An audiophile buddy, is using an 845 amp with the Aristotles and it really grips the speakers. For a very short spell, Thomas was looking to do an 845 for me, but there were complications. I'm not positive, but it may have required a new chassis design forcing the price up, etc. As a result, I stuck with my 300 B.

I'm looking to move into a new home fairly soon, so you know I'll be hunting for a proper room. For the Aristotles, I'll want a larger space, but I realize it can't be too big for those speakers. This was another reason I went with the 300 B and not a flea watt.

I'm glad you found your experiences with the 45/2A3 a positive and workable solution. It sounds like, you enjoy experimenting with different options and gear. I like to figure out what I need, or at least try to, and then keep it for a long long time. I do like to tweak afterwards, however.

Not really sure if the beefy transformer/power supply thing is a must, so bigger is better, and wonder if it doesn't just come down to brilliant design. I think that Border Patrol's direction produces great sounding amps. However, there are different approaches that are compact and sound wonderful as well. It is curious.

Thanks, for your lead on the EML tube. After I live with my Sophias for some time, I may get my feet wet with other brands. For example, I just received my Sophias Fed Ex. Wow, that was fast. So, now I get to compare them with the loaner Electro Harmonix tubes that are in there. Wow, I'm already experimenting!

I'll ask Thomas about the pictures.

kennythekey

Dev,
Reading the description of the Horning Sati Statement amplifier it appears to be an all out assault effort. I supect this is a superb amplifier that isn't going to be inexpensive.No doubt a great match with its sibling speaker.

Kenny,
Dan is right. The EML XLS is an excellent sounding tube across the board. In addition it is a very durable/reliable tube.
Charles,

charles1dad

Kenny, in my position, affording Takatsuki 300B's was not in the cards. At less than half the price, the EML 300B XLS tubes are as much tube as I could ever hope for, or need.

If you are better off and can afford both (the best of both worlds), that's better yet, but the EML's are superb tubes.

Enjoy those new amps, regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Ken, thx for the reply.

Due to you owning Tron pre just thought going with Tron amplifier would provide added synergy.

Nice pics of the TW mono's - they look sharp.

So reading you it appears these amps don't lack power and have plenty on reserve when you want to crank it and rock out is that correct? How do you find when turning up the volume - any sonic loss or does it just get louder?

When will you be getting your Tron pre to pair up again.

What is the size of your room including ceiling height.

Have you ever heard the Sati from Horning - just trying to get my head around why I don't see more Horning owners using this when the speakers are voiced using such.

dev

Owner
I appreciate that Charles.

The amps provide plenty of power, so too loud for me sustained past 10:30 on most LPs. What I really like, is that the power transformer runs only warm after hours of operation, and the other two are perhaps lukewarm.

Cheers

kennythekey

Kenny,
I think I am almost as excited as you are! Congratulations for thinking outside the box and pushing TW to creating these beautiful amps. I suspected those where your amps Jeff was playing around with :) And I think that is part of what will make them so special. Jeff seems to have had a hand in voicing them, so I expect nothing but perfection when paired with his usual Horning/Cessaro speakers.

I totally understand your power reservations jumping into the SET world. I felt the exact same way. Knowing I was headed toward the Aristoteles I had been pushing Jeff toward using a 845 amp. We had actually decided to use the Border Patrol SET 300b amp when the deal on the Thoeress gear popped up. (I was starting from scratch again and only had the $$ for speakers and amp initially, but a door opened that let me grab the speakers, Thoeress 845's and preamp at the same time). I had real concerns about using a 300b amp power wise and was very happy the 845's fell into my lap.

With my recent little experiment in the 45/2A3 world, I now know my fear was completely unfounded. (With the caveat of a moderate sized dedicated room, with concrete outside walls and double 5/8 interior walls, no sound leakage at all).

I believe the Tron Atlantic was a much needed addition to Graham's lineup. He needed an amp that would fit in the price level of the Seven pre/phono (original plan for me was full fxn Seven Pre before Thoeress Pre). However it is much in the vain of the Dennis Had amp, compact chassis with modest power supply. I think Gary Dew of Border Patrol has already proven with his monster outboard power supplies that "modest" output SET amps can really benefit from overbuilt power supplies. I really think I may end of giving the TW 45 amps a try, especially if I can twist TW's arm to add bias switch to use 2A3 tubes also. Will talk to Jeff when he gets back from Cali to see if I am completely crazy.

Two last thoughts. You mentioned the Takatsukis 300b's, that certainly does seem to be the dream tube to try. But I would not discount the EML 300b's, I noticed Gary had a quad in his amp at Axpona this year. I have been to his house when I was looking at the Border Patrol amps and we had a long talk about current production 300b's. Lots of great things to say about the TA300, mentioned some reliability problems for the Sophia at that time (3 yrs ago). For him to be using the EML tube at a show certainly caught my eye given his experience with 300b amps. Also EML has a great warranty if you register you tubes, 18 months/5 years. Just got a set of 45 mesh myself.

Also, big thanks for the construction pictures. I get a little geeked out looking at how the amps are constructed and pieced together. Would love to pass along my email address if you don't think TW would mind you sharing the build pics.

Congrats again and enjoy.

loki_ut

Kenny,
Congratulations, I'm sure those amplifiers sound wonderful. Certainly with the improvement in the output tubes and the power cords things will Improve substantially for you. You are developing a very fine system that will provide many years of listening joy. Your amplifier and speaker combination seems special.
Charles,

charles1dad

Ken
There is always some magic in the Shun Mook stuff.
Let us know how it makes things better.

pcosta

Owner
Paul,
It's nice to find the path, after years of stumbling around. I hope the Shun Mook AC Cords are special, because it's kinda weird to me that this is my first Shun Mook purchase.

kennythekey

Ken
Nice to see the system evolving. You seem to know where you're going with it. Enjoy!

pcosta

Owner
Thanks Dan,

Right now, I'm using loaner 300 B tubes, and two standard skinny AC Cords. I mean $6.95.

On order, I'm starting out with the Sophia Royal Princess, because I got a great deal on them and a very good place to start, me thinks. Maybe, I'll try the Takatsukis some day like you had recommended, but I literally have many tweaks to perform after I finally get settled with gear. More out there, I'm getting the Shun Mook AC Cords. Should have both items to listen to in a couple of weeks.

kennythekey

Kenny, congratulations on your new amps. It's a great feeling to know every time you turn on your system, you're in for a great, and enjoyable experience.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: I finally got my 300 B Mono Blocks, and could not be happier! Even after inserting my temporary 1990 Boulder L3AE line stage with brand new replacement caps, the difference to my system's sound was huge. Wide and deep soundstage with a leap in resolution that allowed me to hear voice and instruments more naturally and accurately than ever before. So, one of those jumps where you simply hear more information in your favorite music that you thought you knew. And, the bass is all there for me. These amps can rock, and be utterly relaxed and delicate at the same time. One thing, is that I could first tell that my Boulder line stage was restricting the air, because my older Sam's Audio Labs Amp gave me more. This was the first time turning on the line stage after replacing the caps. However, as the listening progressed, this started to change. I realize, my old Boulder inserted makes for an odd mix, but I'm feeling that I can easily live with this combo until I get my Tron Seven. If you're out there, thank you Thomas.

kennythekey

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