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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Owner
System edited: I finally got around to building the Welborne Labs power supply kit for my Squeezebox Touch. This upgrade slightly blackened the background for increased resolution. If you plan on keeping your discontinued Squeezebox Touch, then this is probably a worthwhile investment.

kennythekey

Owner
Latinsamba1,

Re: Phono upgrade...

Well, I already have the Phono. Am I missing something?

kennythekey

Owner
Dan - Yes, who gets what? Time will tell.

Latinsamba1 - Very cool! The SPU's are sweet to look at and I've always wanted to hear them. NICE!!!

Kenny

kennythekey

Kenny,

Your comment regarding passing your system on to your daughters brought a smile to my face. My two sons, I know, are wanting mine when the time comes. I haven't been able to decide who gets what, but it's not high on my priority list right now. (I'm kinda old, too, at 66 YOA).

Looks like you have a good roadmap for where you want to go in the future, enjoy the drive.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

The arm is a restored vintage Ortofon RMG 309 which will be matched with a Silver Meister MK2 SPU cartridge. I've had the arm for several months now but just ordered up the SPU and a WSS platinum phono cable to go with it. The armboard is a custom DIY job that I am making from a piece of music instrument grade black Gabon ebony :)

latinsamba1

Owner
Latinsamba1, I wanted to ask...Okay, what's the arm hint about???

I've heard the Ortofon Credenza Black and it also sounds great with Raven/Tron/Horning system combos.

I don't know about my skills, but I had trouble setting up the Raven/Ortofon with my Shilabe. No matter what I tried I could not perfectly hit the null points. It seems to be pointing to the Ortofon. I've had sucess before with other combos, so not sure what's going on. Anyway, the 10.5 is an excellent arm that I know works perfectly with its tables and great with the Miyajimas.

Eventually, I'll be in the hunt for a new cartridge.

kennythekey

Wow it sounds like serious upgrades still to come!

On the phono upgrade, I went for the Tron Seven Ultimate full function from day 1 thinking it would be a piece for life (swapping gear wastes a lot of $$$). If you plan to change amps down the line why not go for a full function reference or ultimate rather than upgrading your phono and then buying a line stage later?

latinsamba1

Owner
Latinsamba1,

I will make a couple of changes in the near future and then work on the rest as I can. My thoughts for now include:

1. Add Symposium bases to the Aristotles because I have suspended wood floors. I've heard this tweak applied in a buddy's system and it made significant improvements to the bass.

2. Upgrade my Tron Seven Phono to Reference or Ultimate.

3. Try a couple of Amps against my current amp from Sam Kim. For example, Border Patrol or perhaps a new Tron model, etc. Then, I can determine where to best allocate my funds for changes. If a new amp is desired, then I'll also need a Line Stage, so another major upgrade for me.

4. Replace Ortofon arm with the Raven 10.5 arm. Save Ortofon as a possible second arm. So, add outboard Motor to Raven plus a second and stand-alone SRA platform. Add another input to Tron Phono. This is more feasible if I don't replace my amplification.

5. Add conditioner such as Silver Circle or what's best choice at that time.

6. Once my gear is completed and synergy is a given, I will replace my cables.

7. Enjoy music, and apply an occasional tweak for smiles.

8. Pass it all onto my daughters, who thankfully have inherited my ears.

kennythekey

Owner
Dan, your classic Tannoys are gorgeous and must sound wonderful. I have a friend in Montreal who has an affinity for old classic JBL speakers. He's had to hunt down all the parts and is in the final stages of assembly.

In a number of years from now, my Aristotles will be old (like me), there will have been vast improvements, and anyone will be able to pick up a pair like mine at a very reasonable price. Regardless, I will still own mine, and not care about any of that.

Here's a rule of thumb that a fellow audiophile friend convinced me of:

Equipment = 25%
Room = 25%
Tweaks = 50%

Of course, you must choose your tweaks wisely, and ones that are worth a damn are usually pricey. There's a lot of frustrating junk out there.

Way down the road, I will still be tweaking my old Horning system and enjoying the ride.

kennythekey

What changes are you planning for the front end next Kenny? I'm in the process of getting a very cool second arm and cartridge combination mounted on my Raven AC (hint-a mix of vintage and DIY). I love the Miyajima stuff - Jeff used the Shilabe at shows and I have heard the Kansui on his TW (was a tough choice between that and the Windfeld). Any plans to make your table a Raven 2?

latinsamba1

Kenny,

Your kind words, and insight into my perspective of this hobby, is greatly appreciated. As your Hornings are a big deal for you, so were the Tannoys for me, as I had to sell a fine pair of Dynaudio Contour 5.4's to finance them, at a give-away price (at least it seemed that way to me, as this was just after the economy went into the tank).

I had mixed feelings when they were loaded up, and were pulling out of my driveway, but I know I made the right decision, as I now know the joy of SET 300B amplification, which I couldn't have done without a major change.

And, I must say, the Dyn's can't hold a candle to what the Tannoys do for me every day. Life is good.

Enjoy your Hornings!
Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Dan, the spelling seems to vary by person, because the published name is Aristoteles and may have no connection to the philosopher. Or, maybe it's the Latin spelling for the philosopher? I really have no idea, but find it funny, so I was just being silly.

I hardly ever turn over my gear, so my previous stuff was purchased 17 years ago. I started my upgrades 4 years ago, but could not swing any of this without time being a main factor of savings. This is a big deal for me.

I think the DIY thing for any audiophile is a statement of dedication, daring, and pure love for the hobby. It's also a wonderful way to make your system personal and special.

There must be Audiogon members out there in the NW with Hornings that would let you, or even want you, to have a listen.

kennythekey

Well Kenney,

Your acquistion of your Horning Aristoteles (I do hope I have spelled it corrctly this time), induced me to do a bit of research on them, and what I learned is very impressive.

A great deal of R&D went into their design, their succeding in being so musical, and so appropriate for low-power amplification is no accident.

I don't think I would ever be able to swing a pair (that's one of the primary reasons for my DIY Tannoys), but I would still love to hear a pair. I wonder if there are any dealers in the Pacific NW, or amenable owners, where I could get a chance to hear them. I find them very intriuging.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Thanks Charles and Latinsamba1. I'm stoked and in a happy place.

kennythekey

Owner
Lapierre, you're asking a storyteller to keep it brief, so forget it.

I have a small to medium listening room (15.5x13.5x9h) for one thing, and the Aristotles fit the bill for this. Doing my listening in such a room, naturally, I gravitated to and learned to love a more intimate sound, so night club jazz, female vocals, and small bands at small venues. Same, with studio recordings. The Hornings shine in this element, but my tastes are not limited to just Jazz. So, I do like to rock out now and then. Plus, my tastes do extend out to all types of music.

For a few years I went to a number of shows, listening to, and doing research on single drivers and open baffles, but I kept coming back to the Hornings. Another group of speakers that caught my attention were the dc10audio models, but that’s another story. For me, the Aristotles gave me the sound that I loved about single driver types, plus a perfectly coherent bottom end that I adored. You see, I got to listen to the Hornings at a buddy’s place in Denver, and was blown away by their bass capabilities. This was something that I didn’t hear very well at the Shows for whatever reasons, and it simply solidified my choice.

So, to answer your question, the Hornings fit me perfectly, but this just explains the speakers. I am a rigid believer of synergy that extends out across to all of the equipment, cables, and tweaks. I’ve made terrible mistakes in the past which I cannot repeat at my age. I started my overhaul with my Raven TT and Tron Seven Phono, and would discover Jeff at High Water Sound to be a Wizard of synergy. He is also a great human being who is there for you as an audiophile and a friend. It’s a complete package.

kennythekey

Congratulations on acquiring the Horning speakers I'm sure they will keep you happy for many years. I think your decision toward those high efficiency speakers and high quality SET amplifiers will lead to a more natural sound with heighten realism, good move.
Charles,

charles1dad

Well done Kenny.

Will have to checkout Jeff at HWS.

Can you briefly describe how you selected Horning Aristotle Speakers?

lapierre

Wow very nice speakers Kenny! I recall that you had been wanting Hornings for a while now. I'm sure the Aristotles have upped the ante considerably. Exciting stuff congratulations

latinsamba1

Owner
Dan, thank you for the kind remarks. I still have some work ahead of me, as it has been difficult to move away from my low sensitivity system, because of the speakers (Thiels).

I would discover later on that I prefer the sound of an intimate system than that of the high-powered beasts that draw the other crowd. So, more soulful and relaxed with the emphasis on the midrange.

One thing, that I didn't expect was the bass of the Hornings. Potent, deep, tight, and natural in my room. I never got that from the shows, so maybe the carpeted rooms or something. Anyway, I love my Aristotles no matter how you "spell" them.

Your system looks wonderful and well thought out. I hope you're loving those Tannoys.

Kenny

kennythekey

Hi Kenny,

I very much like your system, and your rack is a top-notch DIY effort. We have some things in common, that of being at the age, and time in our lives, where the focus can be on the music.

I made many wrong turns as well, but have finally landed at a comfortable spot. That includes higher sensitivity speakers, SET amplification, and a very enjoyable analog front end.

I congratulate you on the recent purchase of your Horning Aristotles at RMAF.

May you listen long with great enjoyment, regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Thanks Paul, I may have seen you in Jeff's room at the time, but could not connect the dots.

Yes, it was cool to see and hear my to-be-speakers at the show, and I kept coming back for more. My Shilabe cartridge is on its way back from Japan, so my Raven is down. I had to soak it all up at the Show, because at home my only other sources are my Tuner or Squeezebox!

You know what? The sound is amazing, anyway.

kennythekey

How cool is it to see and hear that very speaker at this years RMAF land in your room. I helped Jeff pack up his big room and the group was surprised how fast the small room was packed up. He said he sold the speakers, now I know who got them. Enjoy.

pcosta

Owner
System edited: I finally got my Horning Aristotle Speakers and had a fine time at RMAF 2013. Thanks to Jeff at HWS.

kennythekey

Owner
System edited: Some upgrade improvements since last year, focusing on Raven One Turntable. So, I've added the SRA Base and AC/MC. It's amazing what proper tweaking can do. Hopefully, new speakers and/or Tron improvements before the end of the year.

kennythekey

Owner
Thanks Sparks81!
It was a very rewarding project even if it took some time to get done. BTW - It does not save one much money over a prebuilt plus there's your labor, but it is sized to exactly what I needed and sounds great. It's extremely stable and solid on my wood floors.

The small shelves (Cutting Boards) came from Overstock.com, the two longer ones from AWP Butcher Block, and the hardware from McMaster-Carr.

I sanded and applied walnut oil again, again, again, and again. I made a plexiglass template for boring the holes in each shelf, and purchased a special wood boring bit for cutting clean holes. I used a drill press and set up a holding jig for the shelves. Not difficult if you like that stuff.

Kenny

kennythekey

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