Description

This system, with 60 comments, is already up under my old Audiogon moniker - Fplanner2000. I've had to duplicate it since they wouldn't let me attach it to my new moniker - fplanner2010.

I started this hobby about 8 years ago and have subsequently gone a bit nuts turning my living room into a pretty nice 2-channel and HT setup. When I first posted this system on 10-4-06, it didn't have very much of what is currently there now. (Actually, all that remains are the Gray conditioner, the sub and Sunfire amp!!)

I have done all the upgrades I had been contemplating 3 years ago (plus a number of others for various reasons), and the dogs have been surprisingly cooperative in not taking out any tubes. With the latest addition of the APL Super-DAC prototype, I am pretty much exactly where I had hoped to be when I started this 8 years ago. FINALLY!!

I'd like to thank all my friends and acquaintances here on Audiogon for your help and guidance along the way. I never would have gotten this far this quickly without your help, suggestions and shared wisdom. I am totally appreciative.

I don't anticipate any more changes anytime real soon, but in this hobby, you really NEVER KNOW!! I'm going to CES in 3 weeks, so we'll see what happens. I'm definitely interested in exploring computer integration and would love to have my 1000+ CDs on a big hard-drive, but we'll see....

Thanks again and your comments are welcome.
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Components Toggle details

    • Valve Amplification Company VAC Statement 450 Monoblocks
    WOW. Not broken in yet
    • Valve Amplification Company Signature IIa Preamp
    Added 7308's 2/12 replacing noisy 6dj8's - incredible soundstage and sonic extension. Unbelievable!!
    • Esoteric/APL 32-bit NWO-M Transport/DAC
    SOTA digital. 20 2nd generation 32-bit AKM DACs/side, double tube Class-A output stage, 96/211 upsampler, etc.
    • Von Schweikert Audio VR-7SE w/Mk 2 upgrade
    Total internal re-wire w/Delphi wire, new mid-range drivers and V-Cap bypass mods to mids, tweets and super-tweets.
    • Pro ELITE 70 inch LCD w/full Local Dimming
    Product of a 2.5 yr project between Pioneer and Sharp engineers to build the BEST in the world w/o economic constraints. Came out several months ago in 60" and 70"; 2 yr 3 mo. factory wty. Expensive but amazing so far. Goes FAR beyond Sony XBR, my prior reference, in many noticeable areas.
    • Oppo BDP-95
    Video processing to 3D plus all latest Audio Codecs
    • Integra DHC-80.2 HD Processor
    All the latest codecs for movies.
    • Velodyne DD-15+ Subwoofer
    A nice upgrade from the prior DD-15
    • Synergistic Research TESLA Reference Subwoofer cables(2)
    Best I've ever had on my sub.
    • Synergistic Research Galileo Speaker Cells
    Speaker tweeker - really opens up the speakers for an even more organic and visceral "you are there" presentation. A pleasant surprise.
    • Synergistic Research Element Series C-T-S ics
    Copper-Tungsten-Silver 1m rca ICs between APL and preamp. Increased clarity, deeper and wider soundstage, better imaging and focus.
    • Synergistic Research Apex Tesla ICs & bi-wire Spkr cable
    A revelation for my system
    • Synergistic Research Precision Reference XLR ICs
    Perfect between Preamp and amps. Tried pure silver, but lost the body of the Prec Ref.
    • Synergistic Research 3 Hologram A and 2 Hologram D PCs
    Improved dynamics and imaging. A's on both amps and preamp.
    • Synergistic Research D-3 Digital IC cable
    Best digital cable from Transport to DAC I have found at any price.
    • Acrolink Mexcel Digital BNC
    Great digital cable for the clock - made for Esoteric.
    • Legacy Audio Focus 20/20 rear speakers
    Full range and great for movies
    • Legacy Audio Silver Screen Center speaker
    Blends really well with the VSA fronts
    • Magnum Dynalab MD-108T Triode tuner
    Best tuner I've found. Replaced a Sansui modded 9900, which I still have.
    • Finite Elemente Cerapucs under UX-1 & Preamp
    Tightens up the presentation.
    • Digital Systems Ultrabit Platinum Disc Treatment
    The best I've found to help my CDs sound their best and remove scratches.
    • Richard Gray 400s AC filter
    Auxiliary outlets
    • Dedicated 20 amp lines
    One of my best investments
    • Billy Bags Pro Rack
    6 3/4" cracked glass shelves
    • Billy Bags Pro modified Component Center
    Modified by Billy Bags

Comments 156

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Nice system fplanner. If i didnt buy magicos i was going to look into VSA. Loyal following by vac owners which says a lot.

podeschi