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
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.
One of 4 mono versions ever made. SL single coil design. Output: .15mV
Truly the Holy Grail for mono record playback.
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.
I ordered 2 from your comments and I have to agree with your experience including transparency, extension ... TS NOS 5U4GB WAS my favorite but Tele is amazing. I ordered 4 more plus Thorsten is a great guy to deal with.
11-14-14: Maplegrovemusic
How much improvement do you hear with the skyline diffusors ? I am thinking about adding diffusion to my room . And what is the fire extinguisher for ?
11-14-14: Boonetrc
Really nice looking set up! On your UHA Tascam, does it have record heads, or just playback? Thinking of sending my BR-20T to them for some UHA upgrades. Cheers.
02-22-14: Knghifi
Rockitman,
When are you planning to demo Allnic L5000 DHT preamp?
David Beetle is trying to convince me buying one so will be very interested in your results.
I took my "Under Construction" sign down years ago so on MAINTENANCE mode now. MAINTENANCE is more expensive then initial construction just like all the public sector jobs. BIG DIG #1. LOL!
HI Christian,
Have you had a chance to listen to the Allnic H5000 with the Philips Valvo GZ34 rectifier tubes? If so, any initial impressions?
Thanks Rockitman, I like what you wrote, and it sounds like more than a safe buy and worth the price, true? Does it compete with higher priced phono pre's?
Rockitman,
It's hard to aim at perfection when the target is constantly moving but I would say you have been tracking it with a laser like quality. Nicely done.
Onemug
02-04-13: Bo1972
I hope you can arrange to borrow a pure silver interconnect like the More expensive Kimber or Audioquest.
02-04-13: 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?
05-29-12: Thankful
Rockitman how does the PS Audio P5 AC Re-generator perform in your system? I have the PWT and PWD MKII as well. Nice system.
05-22-12: Kmccarty
Very, very nice system. Can you compare and contrast your reel-to-reel machines? Also, how do you like your Adona racks? Do they provide good isolation?
01-29-12: Bigpond
Hi Rockitman, How is the Graham compared to the Clearaudio Tonearm. Kind Regards Bigpond
01-02-12: Hatro
Hi Rockitman,
can you be so kind and tell me where you bought the tonearm base for the Phantom. Is it custom made?
With the tonearm base which I bought from Clearaudio the tone arm is sitting much too low.
Thanks vm in advance and a happy new year
Helmut
Repair service Exclusive series
Ortofon MC Windfeld, A90 and Xpression are the exclusive cartridges of very high quality. To support our customers, who have accidentally damaged their cartridges, Ortofon provides a special repair service. Should you have need this service, please contact your local Ortofon Partner.
Hello Chris
Happy to hear you are not being disappointed with A90, thank you.
We offer repair of exclusive cartridges, incl. A90 http://www.ortofon.com/support/service-and-warranty :
Repair service Exclusive series
Ortofon MC Windfeld, A90 and Xpression are the exclusive cartridges of very high quality. To support our customers, who have accidentally damaged their cartridges, Ortofon provides a special repair service. Should you have need this service, please contact your local Ortofon Partner (which is Ortofon.us http://www.ortofon.com/comprofiler/userprofile/1109)
Should the cartridge be worn, that we will be pleased to offer Exchange Service:
Exchange service MC cartridges
Ortofon Moving Coil (MC) cartridges are handmade, extremely complex and cannot be repaired. Therefore Ortofon has an "Exchange service". For customers who has a MC cartridge with normal worn out diamond and no misuse or damages, we offer the customer to buy back his cartridge for 25% of the current price list provided that the customer buys a new Ortofon cartridge, either equivalent, compatible or better model.
Exchange Service cartridges must be returned to an authorized Ortofon Partner pursuant to the purchase of a new cartridge. If you should have the need for this service (also mentioned in our users manuals), please contact your local Ortofon Partner.
I doubt complete rebuilt option: A90 was a limited edition, discontinued for soon a year ago, thus spares for complete rebuilt not available. We used to say stylus life time is in the range 600-1000 hours without degradation of performance, thus (hypothetically) complete rebuilt could be an issue after a number of years. In the meanwhile we would continue working on new models, using new materials, new technologies to improve performance and acoustics, thus new exciting (from the engineering and acoustical point of view) cartridges would be available.
Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Ortofon US http://www.ortofon.us/contact
Best regards
Katarina H. Nielsen
Ortofon A/S