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 peterayer.

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I think the bias level is fixed, regardless of where the needle lies on the meter. All the meter does is indicate if and when the amp goes out of Class A, i.e.. if the needle moves at all while music is playing, then you are switching out of Class A.

It just looks better if the needle is in the center at idle.

peterayer

On a whim, I recently contacted Rockitman and invited myself over to hear his system. I had a trip planned in the area and have always wanted to see/hear his system.

Chris is a most gracious host, totally infected with the high end bug. HIs system and music collection are truly something to behold. We listened to the new mono pressing of the Beatles on LP, a tape of Ray Brown playing live, a few of my own LPs brought for the occasion. No digital that night.

After some background discussions about the system and the music, we sat down to listen. The immediate and first impression of the sound was that the scale and energy of the music was completely captured and reproduced. Large scale music came across with the power and visceral impact that is heard live. The system was also completely effortless. Music simply emerged from nothingness and often exploded into the room. The other truly astonishing aspect of the sound was just how silent the LP playback is. The TechDas table is a marvel of engineering. I also really appreciated hearing the massive Pass mono blocks.

Chris demonstrated how sensitive the Herzon isolation table is. Simply tapping your toes on the carpet over concrete floor produced a response from the servos in the isolation unit. The digital readout then showed that nothing passed through the top plate. Nothig gets to this table and the result is pure black backgrounds and lack of distortion induced by vibrations.

The Sheffield Drum Track and solo piano track I played were exceptionally realistic. It is clear to me that Chris is a real enthusiast and loves his music. It was a very enjoyable evening of great music very well reproduced.

Thanks Chris for a great time.

peterayer

Rockitman, congratulations on all of your changes. Will you be switching all of your cables over to MIT? Also, what do you think of the various different settings on the MA-X SHD cables? I played around with those in a Magico Q7 based system and found the different settings altered the sound quite a bit.

peterayer

Great pictures Rockitman. I also saw them over at WBF. The system must really sound great these days. I'm curious if you are considering the Pass XS Pre to replace the XP30? I've heard that it is a worthwhile upgrade if you can afford it. Congratulations on the system and the new photos really give a great impression of the room and the great equipment.

peterayer

Dev, I followed your advice and borrowed the TimeLine from Albert. The video results are on two other Audiogon threads on turntable speed. I don't want to derail Rockitman's system thread any longer.

peterayer

Thanks Dev. Do you have specifics about how your friend did the test of his 30/12? How far away was the strobe dot from the spindle, for instance. Also, how much was it too fast or too slow by?

I can't do the math, but if the strobe light falls say 15 feet away from the device and it drifts off of the reference mark by 1cm over five minutes, that could be off on the order of 1/1000th of an rpm. Would that inaccuracy be audible?

Did your friends dot drift to either side of the mark or was it consistent in one direction, etc?

It will be interesting to learn how this device works and how it compares to my KAB. I think there are some other dedicated threads on the subject. The results I've read about so far don't seem to have a consistent testing methodology. Sorry to highjack this system thread, Christian. I'll look for other threads.

peterayer

Albert, will do. Thanks.

peterayer

Dev, I'm pleased to read your report of the TimeLine test on this impressive TechDas belt drive turntable. It confirms that some belt drives are able to maintain proper speed accuracy. At some point I'd like to borrow a TimeLine to test my belt drive.

peterayer

Thanks for the link to Kessler's review. I like the technical reporting in Hi-Fi News. It seems like a most impressive turntable.

peterayer

Rockitman, I just reread MF's review in Stereophile. Man that table is full of technical features and seems very sophisticated. He describes the same sense of music exploding out of jet black backgrounds.

Would you consider selling your second turntable if you end up preferring the TechDas by a large margin? You could then focus your energies and listening time on just two arms, two cartridges and one phono amp. Put the extra resources into LPs or tapes. I'm just curious why some keep gear that is not often used because they prefer the other unit much more.

I'm sure it's too early to decide that right now. I'm also interested in how the TechDas will perform on your Herzan versus the HRS platform.

peterayer

Just checked out the techdas link and noted the SME V-12 arm in the rear 12" position. Do the owners of this table have a preferred arm? I've also seen the Durand Telos on the Techdas. I would presume that in the US that there would be a lot of Graham arms as Bob is the distributor over here.

peterayer

Christian, I look forward to reading your thoughts about how the Pass XP 25 compares to your new H5000. Do you plan to do a direct comparison using the same table/arm/cartridge/cable?

peterayer

Jason, You must mean the XS 150 and not the XS 150.5. I'm not yet aware of any ".5" update to this model.

Christian, I had the pleasure of hearing my XA160.5 with a pair of Sasha and can say the Wilsons really appreciated the control of the large Pass amps. Wilson and Pass is a popular combination in Europe, for good reason, IMO. Your system must sound great.

peterayer

Rockitman, You are flying to the moon. I've rarely, maybe never in fact, seen a system catapulted so quickly to the upper reaches of the hobby. Congratulations. It must sound amazing now. The TechDas should be another wonderful addition. Have you heard the AF1 yet?

I struggle to imagine what could be next - the XLF, the Pass XS Pre and Phono? Very exciting.

peterayer

Christian, Now that you have had the XS in your system for a while, could you elaborate on the difference between them and your old XA100.5? Did you ever go back and forth between them or did you sell one when the other arrived?

peterayer

"Hard to imagine they could improve the XP-30, XP-25, but you never know." That's what I thought about my XA160.5, but after reading your and other's initial testimonials of the XS, I'm convinced as long as NP and Wayne are designing products, they will find a way to continue to improve their designs. Incredible, really.

peterayer

I know exactly what you mean. "You don't know what you are missing until you hear it", my friend said after hearing the XP-30 in my system.

Unfortunately, I can only afford my XP-20 right now. I'll have to wait for a used XP-30 (maybe yours) once Pass develops ax XS-P preamp perhaps sometime in the future. They say that anything can drive the new XS platform. Even a Pass Passive? They could compliment there new line of speakers with a super $30K preamp and phono stage.

peterayer

We want pictures. Congratulations for getting them hooked up. And as I understand it, those initial impressions are based on listening to digital. Wow, imagine what your LPs will sound like.

Some of what you describe I heard when I moved up from the XA100.5 to the XA160.5, but my speakers needed the extra power. I wonder if some of what you will hear is just from the extra headroom that these have over your old 100.5s.

Look forward to more listening impressions as time goes on.

peterayer

Well Albert, It's not like Rockitman can't listen to music. He still has the XA100.5 in the system unless he already traded them in. Then it would be a REAL shame.

peterayer

Come on friends, help out your buddy Rockitman. He wants to listen to his new toys, and I want to see his photos and read his review.

peterayer

Congratulations. Uncrate from the garage or street and move each of the four separately into the house. We are all extremely envious. I'm looking very forward to reading your impressions and seeing some photos.

If and when the Xs super preamp is developed, I want the right of first refusal on your XP-30. Just joking, but your system must be amazing.

peterayer

Rockitman, Yours must be a tremendous system. Last weekend I took my XA160.5 to a friend's house. He has the XP-30 and Sashas. The Pass/Pass combo really sounded nice on his Wilsons. With your Alexandrias and XP-25, the system must be incredible. Well done and please keep us updated.

peterayer

Rockitman,
Did you ever audition speaker wire from Transparent? I'm curious because that is what Wilson uses in its speakers and it is supposed to be very good, though I have never tried it in my own system. Cables are the next area of investigation in my system as well.
Congratulations, your system must sound tremendous.

peterayer

Love the photos of your room. The wide angle makes the XA100.5 look HUGE. I know Pass/Wilson are a great combination, so your system must sound great. Could you describe the sonic difference you heard when you put your amps up on stands?

Also I'm curious about the gain settings on both your XP-25 and XP-30. I have the XP-20 and Xono. I just got a new analog rig - SME 30/12, V-12 arm, Air Tight supreme cartridge. I've been experimenting with cartridge loading and gain settings inside the Xono. There are so many possible settings that it is a long process, though I'm hearing differences and learning in the process. I'm finding that it is all about getting the balance right. Too much in either direction loses the magic.

I prefer the lowest gain settings in both pre amps. This may be from my days owning the Pass Aleph P which was a one box unit but it had gain dials on the front with a volume control, similar to the XP-30. Pass recommended at the time that the gain be turned as low as possible (to the left) while the volume be turned as high as possible (to the right). This resulted in lower noise and higher fidelity. In my Xono, increasing the gain results in a pronounced and aggressive mid range. Too forward with glare.

Could you share your finding with these next generation Pass pre amps? Thanks.

peterayer

Rockit, have you compared the Graham Supreme to either the Talea or the Reed? You mention those as your next upgrades, yet you seem extremely pleased with the Graham. I envy the adjustability of the Graham as I have an SME V. And I'm a huge fan of the Pass electronics. Congratulations again on the XP25 and 30.

peterayer

Rockitman,
What are your latest impressions of the XP-30 and XP-25? Are you keeping them or just trying them out? Are they significant improvements over the XP-20 and XP-15 or Xono? Thanks.

peterayer

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