Rockitman's System

by rockitman on All Out Assault

Description

My "All Out Assault" on two channel reproduction started back in 2009 with the acquisition of Wilson Audio W/P 8's. Prior to getting those speakers my system remained pretty much static from 1994-2009. It was a Mark Levinson system consisting of No.27.5, No.36, No.380s. Speakers were Aerial Acoustic 10t's. It was a digital only system. After the W/P's came the PS Audio Perfect Wav DAC/Trans. This was my first time being exposed to hi-rez playback. It only took a few hi-rez needle drops for me determine that analog was the way to go for best sounding audio. 

System tour on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=LL8mwfiB_0vQtdPPbBJv0EMQ&v=pd1JYxBZS3s




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Components Toggle details

    • American Sound AS-2000 Turntable
    Belt driven (Pabst Capstan) super high mass turtable. It is the absolute state of the art in vinyl spinners. Using NOS SME 3012R’s as primary arms. Knife edge bearing from the early1970’s. Original NOS cables for the arms too. Total weight...approximately 500lbs. Air platter, no bearing.
    • TechDAS Air Force One
    Ripple free air bearing, air suspension and vacuum hold down. Running 12" Graham Supreme rear slot and Phantom Elite (Not here yet) with Nordost Odin wiring and tone arm cable. (DIN->RCA)
    • Clearaudio Master Innovation
    Belt-driven magnetic drive. Ceramic Magnetic bearing.
    • Technics RS 1500
    Nortronics Pro 1/2 tack, head wired out to external tape preamp (King/Cello NAB/IEC, 15 ips). All inferior Technics electronics are bypassed.
    • Otari MTR-10 RTR Tape Deck
    2 Channel, 1/4" tape, head wired out for use with King/Cello tape preamp.
    • King/Cello Tape Pre IEC/NAB
    adjustible Hi Freq. EQ
    • Studer A810
    2 units...one fully stock, the other with a JRF Magnetics repro head upgrade.
    • Otari MX 5050 Bll-2
    1/4" two track RTR player/recorder
    • Lamm Industries LP-1 Signature Phono
    The LP1 Signature is a vacuum tube preamplifier that employs a high current pure class A operation from input to output.  No loop feedback is employed.  Other features include:
    • Audibly neutral power supplies (one for each channel) featuring full-wave vacuum rectifiers, choke contained filters, vacuum tube high-voltage regulators, and solid-state low-voltage analogue non-switching regulators used as the heater supplies
    • Three separate inputs for MM and MC (two inputs) cartridges
    • All amplification stages utilize high transconductance super low noise high-current vacuum triodes
    • Very accurate RIAA EQ network

    Each preamplifier is carefully handcrafted of the finest materials and hand selected top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, RCD wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers; ELECTROCUBE, CORNELL DUBILIER and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors; HAMMOND chokes; gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors; and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes.

    A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction.
    The LP1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer.

    • Allnic H-5000 DHT Phono
    LCR. Adjustable EQ, direct heated triode phono stage. 1950-1960 RCA Miltary spec 5U4G tubes used for rectification. Voltage regulation via Takatsuki 300B tubes.
    • Allnic HA-3000 Head Amp
    Nuvistor tube based moving coil head amp.
    • SME 3012R Phono pick up arm
    1970’s NOS with knife edge bearing...not the shit gimbal bearing design that came out later.
    • Graham Engineering Phantom Elite 10 inch
    Grahams new reference arm with improved bearing, wiring, bearing house, arm tube
    • Graham Engineering Phantom II Supreme
    Fluid damped, uni-pivot design. 10 & 12 inch arm wand x 2.
    • Clearaudio Universal Tone Arm with VTA Lifter
    • Nordost Odin Supreme Reference Cabling
    2-1.25 meter DIN to RCA phono cables. 1-1.5 meter XLR for phono stage to main pre. 1-5 meter XLR for main pre to amps. 1.5 meter RCA, 4-2.5 meter Power Cords. 4 meter speaker cable.
    • Nordost Valhalla Reference DIN phono
    Used with Graham arm.
    • Koetsu Coralstone Platinum
    understated beauty of the petrified coral bodes…so rare is the material that cartridges in this guise will only be available in the US, priced at $15000 with production unlikely to exceed a couple of dozen…stunning naturalness and presence…a sense of substance and stability to the image…big and rich and vibrant…There's a rightness, an immediately convincing quality to its presentation that draws you into the music. Specifications: Body: Coral Stone Type: Moving Coil Coil Wiring: Silverplated Copper Magnet: Platinum Magnet Cantilever: Boron Cantilever Output Volts: 0.3mV Frequency Range: 20Hz to 100kHz Channel Seperation: 25db/1kHz Inner Impedance: 5 Ohm Channel Balance: 0.5db/1kHz Recommended Impednace: 30 Ohm Weight: 12g Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 hz
    • Koetsu Tiger Eye Platinum
    Koetsu Tigereye Technical Data •Body: Tigereye •Type: moving coil •Coil wiring: silver-plated copper •Magnet: platinum •Cantilever: boron •Output: .3mV •Frequency range: 20Hz-100kHz •Channel separation: 25dB/1kHz •Inner impedance: 5 ohms •Channel balance: .5dB/1kHz •Recommended impedance: 30 ohms •Weight: 12.5 •Compliance: 5x10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
    • Dynavector DRT XV-1t
    Urushi bamboo body. Dynavectors statement cartridge.
    • Ortofon MC A90
    Two units...One still Sealed for the future.
    • Shelter Harmony
    Shelter Phono Cartridge
    Output Voltage: 0.5 mV at 1Khz 5 cm/sec.
    Weight: 8.5 grams
    Channel Balance: within 0.8 dB at 1Khz
    Tracking Force: 1.4 to 2.2 grams
    Stylus Tip: 1.6 X 0.3 mil Line Contact Nude Diamond
    DC Resistance: 15 Ohm
    Recommended Load Impedance:
    Step Up Transformer - 10 to 30 Ohms
    Head Amplifier - within 100 Ohms
    High Gain EQ-amp - within 47K Ohms
    Compliance - 9 ìm/mN
    • Benz Micro Gullwing SLR
    MOMC
    • Lyra Olympos - Mono Phono Cartridge

    One of 4 mono versions ever made. SL single coil design. Output: .15mV

    Truly the Holy Grail for mono record playback.

    • Ikeda 9TT - Mono
    LOMC
    • PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC

    Stereophile Recommended Component 2015

    Class A+ Stereophile rated DirectStream DAC converts any digital input format, such as PCM or DSD to a pure DSD stream and outputs near-perfect analog directly to your power amplifier or preamplifier. Whatever the format, whatever the sample rate, DirectStream is a pure DSD based solution that fulfills the promise of a high-resolution analog performance standard the originators of CDs promised over 30 years ago. Hear what’s been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear what’s been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.

    • PS Audio PerfectWave PWT
    Buffered Memory player. 24/192 capable
    • Pass Labs XS Preamp - Dual Chassis
    It is a large two chassis preamp built in a true dual mono arrangement. The circuit board materials are optimized for performance in each area, a power supply circuit board has different requirements
    • Pass Labs XS-150 Dual Chassis Monoblocks
    Class A solid state dual chassis mono-blocks Xs These are Pass Laboratories ultimate expression of Power Amplifiers the perfect blend of science and visceral emotion. The successor to our already lavishly praised and well regarded Supersymmetry patent. Every technical effort has been made to assure exceptional specifications, among these: Separate chassis for lower electromagnetic noise Power supplies with greatly enhanced storage capacitance Banks of redundantly parallel high speed / soft recovery rectifiers Improved high frequency noise filters Larger / quieter transformers Improved passive decoupling Lower power standby Input impedances of 200 k-ohm balanced with negligible capacitance These amplifiers will drive any load, while being driven from any source. If there’s a more emotionally satisfying amplifier anywhere, we’re not aware of it. Xs 150 / Specifications Gain (db)26 Power Output /ch (8 ohm)150 Power Output /ch (4 ohm)300 Maximum Output (Amps)30 Input Impedance,(Kohms)200k Balanced, 100k single-ended Power Consumption (W)500 Number of Chassis2 Dimensions (W x H x D)19 x 11.5 x 21.5 (each) Unit Weight (LBS)130 + 100
    • Wilson Audio Alexandria X2.2
    almandine black metallic with Black Grills
    • Table Stable TS-140
    Active Isolation table
    • Millennia Media NSEQ-4
    Profesional Level Parametric Utilized via tape loop on main pre when needed. EQ World’s first all-discrete, true differential Class-A input buffer/amplifier Selectable balanced or unbalanced input Greatly improved 3rd generation FSA-03 all-discrete EQ amplifier Improved output stage, no muting required (as with Twin Topology) True hard-wire bypass when EQ not selected Upgraded power supply leading to improved sonic performance
    • PS Audio P5 Power Plant
    Clean AC power Regenerator for source components only. Amps plugged directly into wall.
    • Stillpoints Ultra 5
    Used under Pass XS 150 amps, Wilson X-2.2 speakers and Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Stillpoints LP1
    Used on top of all music chain components and as record weights for both turntables.
    • Stillpoints Ultra SS
    Isolation/Vibration control component footers
    • KL Audio Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    The best ultrasonic record cleaner. Uses only distilled water.
    • Entreq Silver Tellus
    Signal grounding box. I use two...one dedicated to main preamp and the other dedicated to the phono preamp.
    • Entreq Atlantis Grounding Cables
    Two pairs for main preamp, one pair for phono stage
    • Clearaudio ACCUDRIVE
    Battery power supply for Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Western Electric 422A Rectifiers
    Purchased NOS (1960 MFG Date)Used for rectification in the Allnic H5000 DHT phono preamp
    • Takatsuki 300B Tubes
    Hi-End 300B tube made in Japan. Used for voltage regulation in the Allnic H5000 DHT Phono preamp. These make a big difference on the performance of the tubes in the gain stage.
    • Torus Power RM-15 Plus Isolation Transformer
    2 units....one for each power amp channel.

Comments 277

Showing all comments by albertporter.

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Rockit, where did you get the Western Electric 422A rectifiers? 

Are these clearly superior to all the rectifiers we’ve discussed?

albertporter

I ordered two of these Telefunken and Thorsten informed me there would be a delay since he is on holiday. I had option to cancel or wait so I'm waiting.

albertporter

I'm surprised by that, I and others listening detected slight gain difference with XLR. Maybe due to design of the two cables we tested with.

I'm still using Valvo rectifiers in my H5000 and looking forward to hearing what the Telefunken bring to the performance.

albertporter

I'm in for a pair, if they are as good as you guys say I'll search for more.

What are users of this phono stage using...XLR or RCA outs ?

I prefer the XLR, more dynamic, slightly quieter and more gain. Tonal balance and resolution are the same and typically XLR cable is not much more money than RCA termination.

albertporter

Rockitman,

Now that the Allnic H5000 DHT circuit has been modified, KS Park approves and recommends the 5U4G.

I'm playing with several options myself but there are so many changes in my system right now I won't make a decision for weeks.

The RCA you mention is interesting. In the Allnic H3000 I always liked the NOS 50s USA Tung Sol 5U4G. May go back and try it and the RCA you mention.

albertporter

Rockitman,

Interesting comments about the Bybee, yours is the second negative I've read about them. I have never had the opportunity to hear them.

The 1953 JAN RCA, assume is this in the Allnic H5000 DHT?

albertporter

Christian, I'm already working on that.

KS and David have an idea that they think will provide the flexibility you want without sacrificing performance. They ask if you would provide a diagram showing your EQ interface pathway (along with equipment model and description).

Please send to my email address.

albertporter

Christian,

Yes I'm referring to the Allnic L5000 DHT preamp. I would like to hear it with the new Kron tubes before posting additional comments.

You know the outstanding performance the H5000 DHT phono, you need to hear the DHT line stage with new Kron tubes in your own system.

albertporter

Christian,

An amp for consideration is the new Allnic DHT 100 Watt per channel using custom Kron tubes. Today we discussed a name and I think it will be Allnic A-10000 DHT.

Two Kron large output tubes and the custom Kron drivers we're enjoying in the DHT phono.

I think this might be the answer for me if I can justify the cost. Not sure what that will be, perhaps they will have established at Munich where it makes it's world wide premiere in May.

Here is an image taken in KS shop, sorry for poor quality but you can at least get a sneak preview :^).

DHT Prototype

albertporter

Christian,

I have the latest version Allnic DHT preamp and the new custom Kron tubes for it are on the way from KS Park.

If you want to demo it I can arrange.

albertporter

Christian,

I'm hoping the results of Valvo GZ-34 are better on the Allnic 5000 DHT than I got with the Allnic H3000. For whatever reason the performance of the Valvo in that situation was terrible for me.

I did buy the Valvo used from a vendor in Sweden so perhaps it just had too many hours on it, or perhaps the results are entirely different with H3000 and H5000 DHT.

I'll know once they arrive. These tubes are so rare there is little chance they will go down in price so it's not much risk.

In any case the fact you and Arnie both approve means a lot. You have very different systems and both love the GZ-34 Valvo.

albertporter

Christian,

I'm going to order the Valvo GZ-34 F31 tube tomorrow since you and Arnie both approve of it. The only reason I did not move quicker is I have the original metal base Valvo that I ran in the Allnic H3000 but in that phono it only requires one. I did not have a pair for the 5000 DHT.

Have you heard the metal base Valvo in the H3000 Allnic?

albertporter

Peter,

Contact me, I will loan you my TimeLine.

albertporter

I'm looking forward to receiving mine too. I have Rick's H5000 again for a few days, I can tell it's unhappy about traveling in my car even thought trip was short.

It will be interesting to compare notes on break in since we should be going through this about the same time. I'm already wondering about tubes, especially the 300B. I understand the Japan Takatsuki is supposed to be the ultimate version.

albertporter

I wish I could hear that turntable comparison, your description is vivid and I believe every word.

I spoke to Peter Ayer over the weekend about Pass Labs, he is as pleased as you are with their performance. I love tubes but am always drawn to the idea of no maintenance and Pass seems to be the choice among top systems with solid state.

albertporter

XS-150's look great still boxed up in my garage. They have been there a week as I am still recovering. Hopefully one of my friends will help me get them installed early this week.

I wish you speedy recovery, I hate to have something so nice waiting on me and I can't tend to it. All of us that love music have had this happen to us.

I'm eager to hear about the Wilson speakers with Coralstone, I think it will be a marriage made in heaven. If I lived near you I would help, maybe even do images for you :-).

albertporter

Way cool system! I saw that model Clearaudio at CES, it's very beautiful.

A Technics tape deck is shown in one system image but I see in component list you appear to have replaced it with a Studer A810.

That's exactly the same path I took and how I got sucked into collecting tape. Great job on all, I know you're enjoying it.

albertporter

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