http://https://ypsilonelectronics.com/phaethon/Downsized my equipment. 

OUT:

Magico S5 MKII Speakers

Soulution 530 Integrated 

VAC Sigma 160i SE Integrated 

Stage III, Echole and Audience Cables 

IN

Focal Sopra 2 Speakers

Nordost Frey 2 Cable Loom 

Click on Component below for OEM Link  

Focal Sopra 2 Loudspeakers  >  Ypsilon Phaethon Integrated Amplifier  >   Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC w/M12 Media Network Renderer  >  GigaFOIL v4 - Inline Fiber Optic Ethernet Filter > Uptone Audio JS-2 LPS  >  Small Green Computer sonicTransporter  I5  >  The Linear Solution OCXO Ethernet Switch and Matching 912 OCXO Proprietary Linear Power Supply   >  Uptone Audio EtherRegen Switch > Wyred 4 Sound PS-1 Linear Power Supply with (4) 5-15v Power Modules > Audience AU24se  HP AC Cable > Echole Obsession AC Cable  > Nordost Frey 2 Speaker Cables 4M Spades > Audioquest Vodka and Cardas Clear Ethernet Cablws > Solid Tech ROS 4 Reference Rack Black/Black  >  SRA Ohio Class Isolation Platform  >  PS Audio Noise Harvesters (6)  >  Synergistic Research Tranquility Basik, >, Synergistic Research Mig 2.0 Couplers > Synergistic Research Atmosphere Tower Mini w/ATM Red Module and 15 Synergistic Research HFT’s

— fsmithjack 

Associated Equipment

Digital Sources: SGC SonicTransporter Roon Ethernet Media Server, Apple iPad Running Roon 1.6; Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC w/Built Ethernet Roon Ready Media Player, DJM Electronics GigaFOILv4 - INLINE Ethernet Filter, Linear Solution OCXO Ethernet Switch.  

Power Supplies: Uptone Audio JS-2 (2-rails), Linear Soulution 912, Breeze Audio (2-units), DJM Electronics, Linear Power Supplies

Integrated Amplifier: Soulution 530 Integrated Amplifier: Discrete Active Preamp, Dual Mono Power Amplifiers and Discrete Adjustable Phono Stage. 

Loudspeakers:  Focal Sopra 2 / Magico S5 MKII in Mcast and Walnut 

Cables: Digital: (Ethernet) AudioQuest Vodka/Cinnamon/Forest RJ/E, Cardas Clear, Linear Soulution, (S/PDIF) Black Cat Silver Star 75, DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75, Tara Labs Prism 100-DX-1, MIT Terminator-3, (HDMI), AudioQuest Chocolate/Forest  Interconnect: (Balanced) Nordost Baldor, (RCA) Darwin Ascension, Canare, Speaker: AudioQuest Type-4/6, AC: Audience AU24SE HP and MP (2), Zu Audio Event MKI (3), Echole Passion Signature, DC: Ghent Audio (4). 

Accessories: Solid Tech ROS 4 Reference  equipment racks; Silent Running Audio Ohio Class XL, Symposium Acoustics Svelte Plus, Synergistic Research Tranquility Basik SR20, Red Dragon Audio Ceramic Cable platforms, isolation platforms; Synergistic Research Atmosphere Mini, Synergistic Research Atmosphere UPS Red, Synergistic Research HTF (15), room treatments; Synergistic Research MiG 2.0 Couplers, IsoAcoustics Iso-Pucks (12), Aluminati Stainless 2.75 pound weights, Eden Sound Solid Brass weights, isolation footers and clamp weights,  Furutech GTX-R, Oyaide R-1 Beryllium (2), PS Audio Noise Harvesters ​​​​​​​(6), Blue Circle Yalu-Balula (4), electrical outlets, noise-dissipation and protection, Synergistic Research Tesla QLS-6, PS Audio Juice Bar MK II, AudioQuest IEC-3, filter-less power strips—Fsmithjack  

Sundries / Accessories: Solid Tech Hybrid 3+3 Shelves Audio Rack w/White Shelves and Silver Pillars, Solid Tech Rack of Silence Amplifier Stand, SRA Ohio Class Isolation Platform, Symposium Acoustics Svelte Plus Isolation Platform, Isoacoustic Iso-pucks (8),Red Dragon Audio Ceramic Cable Elevators (4), EdenSound Brass Vibration Weights (8), Bright Star IsoNode Footers, DROK USB Multi-meter/Tester, Audioquest Niagara 1000 Conditioner, PS Audio Noise Harvesters (6), PS Audio Juice bar MKII, Furutech GTX (R) outlet, Oyaide R1 Beryllium AC Wall outlets (2) ; Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula (2)

Magico S5 MKII Loudspeakers > Kubala-Sosna Emotion SC > Pass Laboratories X250.8 Amplifier > Kubala-Sosna Emotion XLR IC > Simaudio Moon Evolution P-8 Preamplifer > Kubala-Sosna Emotion XLR IC  > Kubala-Sosna Emotion 2M AC Cables (3-Cables) > Audience AU24se 1M (3-Cables) > Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC w/M12 Media Network Renderer > Uptone Audio JS-2 LPS > Small Green Computer sonicTransporter Gen1 >The Linear Solution OCXO Ethernet Switch & OCXO Matching Proprietary Linear Power Supply > Rega Planer 8 Turntable > Rega Apheta 2 Cart > AudioQuest Fire RCA Phono Cable > Sutherland Duo Phonostage > Solid Tech Hybrid 3+3 Shelf Audio Rack w/White Shelves & Silver Alloy Pillars > Solid Tech Rack of Silence Amplifier Rack > Audioquest Tornado 1M AC Cable > Niagara 1000 Conditioner > PS Audio Noise Harvesters (6) 

Associated Equipment: 

Digital Sources: Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC; Sonore microRendu 2.5 Music Server, Uptone Audio JS-2 Linear Power Supply,Uptone Audio LPS-1 Ultra-Capacitor Power Supply (2), Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Femto Re-Clocker, Uptone Audio ISO Regen, Denon 2910 DVD/CD Player  

Preamplification: Mark Levinson No.326s Duel-Mono Linestage and phonostage preamp, Antique Sound Labs AQ-2004DT Tube Linestage preamp

Bricasti Design M1 Special Edition DAC w/M12 Ethernet Network Renderer

Simaudio Moon Evolution Reference P-8 Linestage Preamp

Sutherland Engineering Duo Phonostage Preamp 

Pass Laboratories X250.8 Stereo Amplifier 

Rega Planer 8 Turntable > RB880 Tonearm > Neo PSU > Rega Apheta 2 Cartridge

Audioquest Niagara 1000 Conditioner > Audioquest Tornado 1.5M AC Cable  

Kubala-Sosna Emotion Series Full System Cable Loom (SC's, IC's PC's)

SGC sonicTransporter - J1900 Ethernet Media Server > Sonic Orbiter > ROON 1.4 

Uptone Audio JS-2 - Regulated Linear Power Supply (2-Rails)

The Linear Solution OCXO Ethernet Switch > TLS OCXO 912 Linear Power Supply

(3) Audience AU24se - 1.5M AC Power Cables for Linear Power Supplies

 AudioQuest Fire 1.0M RCA/RCA - Phono Interconnect Cables 

(3) AudioQuest Vodka RJ/E 1.0M Ethernet Cables

Solid Tech Hybrid - 6 Shelf Rack System

Solid Tech Reference - Rack of Silence Amplifier Rack System

SRA Ohio Class Isolation Platform > Symposium ISO-Platform > Isoacoustic Iso-pucks (12)

Magico S5 Loud Speakers MCast Bronze (USA) (New) 2017 

Bricasti M1 Special Edition DSD DAC (USA) (New) 2017 

Balanced Audio Technology - BAT VK-32SE w/Phonostage & Remote (USA) (New) 2017 

Pass Labs X350.5 Balanced Stereo Amplifier (USA) (New) 2016 

PS Audio P10 Power Plant Regenerator (USA) (New) 2017 

PS Audio Noise Harvesters (5) (USA) (New) 2017 

PS Audio PerfectWave Memory Player Transport (USA) (New) 2017 

Uptone Audio JS-2 Linear Power Supply (USA) (New) 2017 

Uptone Audio LPS-1 UltraCap LPS-1 Switching Capacitor Power Supply (USA) (New) 2017 

Uptone Audio LPS-1 UltraCap LPS-1 Switching Capacitor Power Supply (USA) (New) 2017 

Uptone Audio ISO Regen USB Regeneration (USA) (New) 2017 

Uptone Audio Amber Regen USB Regeneration (USA) (New) 2017 

Breeze Audio Linear Power Supply (Japan) (New) 2017 

Breeze Audio Linear Power Supply (Japan) (New) 2017 

Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND USB Cable (New) 2016 

Curious USB Regenlink Cable (USA) (New) 2015 

(5) Gent Audio Custom DC Power Cables (China) (New) 2017 

(2) AudioQuest Vodka RJ/E Ethernet Cable (USA) (New) 2017 

(3) HiDiamond P3 AC Cables 2.0M (Italy) (New) 2016

Wyred 4 Sound Remedy for Cable Box (USA) (New) 2015 

(2) Nordost Blue Haven Digital BNC Cables (1.0/.5M (New) 2015 

MIT Terminator-3 Silver Digital Cable 1M (USA) (New) 2014 

Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 Optical Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2016 

(2) Salamander Amplifier Vibration Control Stands (USA) (New) 2015 

(2) Blue Circle Yalu Balula Industrial Surge Protect (USA) (New) 2016 

JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Digital Transport Software (USA) (New) 2015 

JRiver Media Center 22 w/JRemote Hi-Fi Software (USA) (New) 2017

I just finished an entire system Re-Fit. I focused on a pristine signal path, superior cabling and all components power supplies. No crossovers - there is nothing at all between the Drivers Voice Coils and the Direct Heated Triode Output Tubes but Purified 4VRC© HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cable.

- Click the Blue " Read more... " below for Chronology of changes, notes and updates.

My Audiogon Virtual System was deleted when they updated the website and it is still not working properly so I am just trying to recreated my system from old email and some of the stuff I have. Hopefully they can find my old one but here is some info I had on my old system where I listed some of the changes and other info on my old system. It lets me look back at some of the changes and stuff I did on the site.

Rethm Saadhana Gaanam Bricasti

Review: I just posted on Audiogon about my new amp I am listing here. It is pretty much a copy of the email I sent to the builder of my amp and I wanted to share it here as well on my system notes:

I recently ordered and took delivery of the stoutly impressive and not so well known Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET Amplifier.

I was most excited to try it and was looking forward to seeing how well it would perform in my system. After numerous conversions with Frank at Triode Labs who is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with I went forth and placed the order.

As much as I was looking forward to it with feverish anticipation I was hopeful but certainly not expecting it to have this much of a profound impact on my system as it did.

The wait for it was not bad at all considering it's a hand made, custom built amplifier that uses the very best boutique parts, robust build quality and genuine old world craftsmanship. It only took a couple weeks from order to delivery. I am pretty impatient by nature so I was pleased that it came quickly.

Needless to say I was ecstatic with the amplifier's performance and wanted to let Frank at Triode Labs know just how much I appreciate it. I sent him an email and I also wanted to share this feedback in the email with my home team Audiogon members so you could have access to my thoughts on the amplifier. I have copied the email below.

Here is the detail on the amplifier I purchased and below it is a the copy of the email I sent to Frank at Triode Labs.

Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX Amplifier (7/2015)

-

- Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps for the 2A3s

- Mundorf EVO Oil Caps for the Input

- Mundorf M Lytics HV Power Supply E Cap

- Cardas Rhodium RCA Posts

- Cardas Pure Copper Binding Post 4-8-16 Ohms

- Furutech Rhodium IEC Inlet and Power Hardware

- Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires

- AmTrans Gold Signal Wires in Critical Areas

- Soundcoat Premium Damping Sheet (bottom plate)

- Custom Mclaren SLR Orange Power-coat Baked Gloss Paint

- Full Suite of Hashimoto Output Transformers and Chokes

(The finest exotic transformers from Tokyo, Japan)

- NOS tubes 2x CBS JAN 5692, 1 x Mullard GZ34)

- New Tubes 2x Brand New 2A3C

- 100% tailor to customer, like haute couture of fashion

- 3.5 Watts

Email Sent:

Hey Frank,

I just wanted to say hello and drop you a line. I would love it if you could share this with your potential customers because they need to hear from someone like myself as I am sure many of them may be like me although I hope not... lol. I was a suffering audiophile on the seemingly never ending amp -go- round after I purchased my new speakers a pair of Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (2015). They are nice and efficient at 103db but ruthlessly revealing of any weakness. They are wonderful but ultra resolving and with them an amp really has no where to hide or to get any cover.

I just couldn't find "the" amp that changed everything and made it all fit together and fall into place. I got to the point where I was thinking I maybe asking too much from an amp and the elusive sound I was after might just not be attainable. I wanted warm butter like liquidity but with crystal clear transparency as well. Tough combo. That ber high end transparency that is very elusive. You really need the very highest grade parts in an amp with the best of the best transformers with pure signal wire and excellent NOS tubes with of corse a great design. Not to mention a great system match synergy wise to even approach the transparency I was after. I also wanted that rich, inky, glorious mid-range as well but not at the expense of both extremes. I must have tippity top extension going both ways to boot. Also looking for that 3d, silky - wam right here palpably that throws a up a stage that makes the walls disappear. Let's not forget about punch you in the chest dynamics that provide a feel and realness that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! Granted one needs other top notch components of similar quality throughout the chain but it's that great amp I was after to pull it all together in my system.

I have been chasing these stated audio targets with rigor but catching them is another thing. Needless to say after a while I started to become jaded but thankfully I'm an optimist by nature. I have owned ARC, CJ, BAT, Cary, Krell, Canary, Pass Labs to name a few. None of those are this amp I am after! Now lets switch gears and fast forward to today.

Frank, you have done it. My search is over. I absolutely love my new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp. It's absolutely everything I have been after in an amplifier. It is utterly gorgeous in its custom McLaren SLR Orange paint. When I opened it for the first time I could still smell the luxurious brand new paint job and the robust hand crafted, upscale build quality is excellent. Never mind how good it looks which is outstanding with it's classy top shelf premium parts and massive Hashimoto transformers. The feel, fit and finish and build quality are true hi-end world class quality. Very substantial and impressive. The pictures on your site do not do them justice. This amplifier is every bit as good as those hi-end staple brands I have owned prior that I listed above. It sounds absolutely Glorious and was a total game changer in my system. A match made in heaven for my Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers, my Full loom of HiDiamond cabling and conditioning and my Bricasti M1 DAC and Auralic Aries Extreme Transport. I always wanted an amp that could change everything in my system and make it shine and your amp did just that and I really wanted to congratulate and thank you. I am one very happy customer.

Fsmithjack

Audiogon

___________

Just added the SBooster Upgraded Linear Power Supply for my Auralic Aries Extreme Femto. It is supposed to vastly improve the performance of my Auralic Aries Transport and it should be here in a couple days. Looking forward to it.

Here is some info on it:

SBooster BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V with Ultra upgrade improves the sound quality of your Auralic Aries with Femto Clocks.

Output Voltage & Current

15V - 2.5A

16V - 1.85A

Mains Voltage: 120 Volt AC 50/60Hz

Transformer: 50VA audio grade toroidal with electrostatic shielding

Mains filter: High performance dual stage mains filter with earth line choke

Rectifier: bridge Power Schottky barrier rectifiers

Bulk capacitors: 5 x Nichicon 4700µF + 1 x 5600µF + 1 Rubycon 330µF Low Impedance High Ripple Current Capacitors

Regulator: High-current ultra fast transient response LDO with external high precision shunt reference circuit

Filter capacitors: Non inductive polypropylene film capacitors

DC power cord 95cm 16 AWG spiral shielded, with integrated SBooster and interchangeable DC plug

Mains cable Stock supplied

Size and Weight Dimension: 240*130*75mm 1.85Kg

Safety approvals

CE/GS/CCC/KC/CTUVUS/FCC/PSB IEC60065

standard Warranty

24 Months

The BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade is the perfect upgrade of your stock supplied Auralic linear power supply.

For Auralic Aries Femto upgrade, we opted for a 15V version of the SBooster Ultra. With the 15V upgrade you will get the best sound quality out of your Aries Femto.

The Best of Two World Power & Precision ECO is the successor of our Best of Two Worlds Solution upgrade. For the BOTW P&P ECO we have applied a large number of innovative techniques in order to improve the sound quality of your Auralic Aries Femto to a much higher level compared to a conventional linear audio power supply.

The SBooster Ultra is an innovative addition to the BOTW P&P ECO in the fight against pollution. The SBooster Ultra is based on a highly effective active filter which reduces any residual noise within the audio spectrum with 110dB. The purity of the voltage and current of the BOTW P&P ECO with SBooster Ultra Upgrade is the highest level that ever has been reached with an external audio upgrade power supply solution.

____________

Just posted this on Directstream vs Bricasti Thread - thought to add it here as it chronicles 6-Month and 10-days of changes in my system from:

2/10/2015 to 8/20/2015 -

Thread post from 8/20/2015:

It's funny when I started this thread I listed my entire system in the beginning of this thread - you can see it - it is not that old of a thread - when I was just chatting to you guys about my new fun little W4S Remedy I noticed that my system that I have listed in the beginning of this thread is now entirely different.

The only thing that hasn't changed is my IC's, my USB Cable, some tweaks and computer software.

I have done some serious box swapping and horse trading... lol - kind of scary when looking at it written down like that...lol. Well after noticing that I thought I would share a BEFORE and AFTER with you guys.

I wish I got to hear the Yale back when I had the Directstream in my system.

BEFORE: 2/10/2015

Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany) Monitor

Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker cable

Cardas Clear Interconnect 1 Meter RCA Interconnect

Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect

Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect

Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes Tube preamp

Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output StageTelefunken ECC801S

PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC w/ Bridge DA converter

Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable

PS Audio PerfectWave PowerBase Vibration Cancelation/AC Condtioner

Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts Tung-Sol KT120's amps

PS Audio PowerPlant Premier AC Regenerator

BMI Shark Pure Jeweler Grade Platinum AC Power Cable

Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable

Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier AC Power Cable

JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2M AC Power Cable

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable

PS Audio Noise Harvester (5) Converts noise to light

OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2)

Hubbell Outlet 5362/5262 Deep Cryo Process

Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection

JPLAY v5.2 hi-end audio player turns PC into a digital transport.

JRiver Media Center 19 Music Software

AFTER: 8/20/2015

Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (India) 2015 (New) Speaker

HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables 3M (Italy) 2015 (New) Speaker cable

Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Rhodium SC Banana's (8) 2015 (New)

Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1M RCA 2015 (New) Interconnect

Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1M RCA 2015 (New) Interconnect

Bricasti M1 USB / DSD 64/128 DAC/PRE 2015 (New) DA converter

Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks 2015 (New) Transport

Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable 2015 (New)

Rethm Gaanam SET Valve Amplifier 2015 (New) Tube amp

Triode Labs 2A3S-FFX DHT SET Mclaren SLR Orange 2015 (New) Tube amp

NOS Tubes: CBS JAN 5692 Mullard GZ34/GZ32 2A3C Triodes

Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output Stage ECC801S 2013

HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributer / Conditioner 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (HDX2) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (2A3SE-FFX Amp) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (Triode Output Stage) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Auralic Aries) 2015 (New)

HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Bricasti M1 DAC) 2015 (New)

Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Reclocker for Cable Box 2015 (New)

MIT Terminator-3 Silver Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M

DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M

DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M

Salamander Amplifier Stands (2) Synergy System AV Furniture Stand

PS Audio Noise Harvesters (5) Converts noise to light

OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2)

Audio Isolation Vibration Footers Cork & Rubber (5 Sets)

Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge Protection (2)

JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Audio Player Digital Transport.

Fidelizer Pro Version 6.1

JRiver Media Center 21 Music Software w/JRemote

Synergistic Research Labs Signature NO 2 Jumpers (Spare) Speaker cable

_____________

Wyred 4 Sound - Remedy Re-Clocker for Cable Box is a HUGE UPGRADE and CHEAP and Pure MUST HAVE !!!

- I run a cheap $5 Tosi-link Cable from Cable Box to W4S then out of the W4S a MIT Terminator 3 Digital Cable which is RCA on both ends. I use a BNC to RCA Adapter to hook to my Bricasti's BNC in. I also use -6db BNC to RCA attenuater to clean up any lingering frequency sludge.

You can buy on eBay for cheap.

The Upgrade for TV is gigantic. My Bricasti for the sable box sounded ok but not anywhere good enough to listen to any type of music on. Just sounded like something you didn't want to listen to. Simple, you turn channel - no music to harsh over the cable box. Yuck... I just watched TV and that was it through my Rig.

Now I watch music video's or even regular tv sound is amazing and the music it sounds close to Hi-Rez Downloads. Not Quite but Very Very Good !!!

They sound Excellent and legit Hi-Fi. I am so happy with this purchase.

Better upgrade than adding my Bricasti for cable tv sound really.

Very impressed. I am going to upgrade the cables the sound is so good its worth pushing things now.

You guys you need to try this my gut said try it after I bought the Auralic Aries Extreme and it obliterated by modded computer rig.

The transport is so important its not funny how much improvement is there to be had.

If you hook your TV cable box or apple TV to your rig this is a MUST have. Not a maybe will get but a blowyou mind holly crap most MUST HAVE there is IMO !!!

Yee Haa this is good !!!

______________

HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributer / Condtioner

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: HiDiamond HDX2 Conditioner)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: Rethm Saadhana Bass FET Amp)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: Rethm Saadhana Bass FET Amp)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (For: 2A3SE-FFX SEDHT Amplifier)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (For: Triode Output Stage / Pre)

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (For: Auralic Aries Ext Transport)

HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (For: Bricasti M1 DAC )

These should be here in the next couple of days. I sent out all my trades. Pretty psyched!!

___________

Getting ready to consolidate and leverage my total system RE-FIT and looking to put the final touches on my systems full transformation.

The quality of my AC Power has now sharply come into focus... For for the first time I am working toward getting the same loom of ac power cables and matching ac conditioner that uses all the same cables. My hope is by having all the same cable brand and model throughout my entire system the consistency will yield an aggregate improvement.

As you guys know I have recently upgraded and changed pretty much my entire system and now have new Speakers, a new Amplifier, a new DAC (few months ago), a new Transport and new Speaker cables and a new round of fresh really good NOS tubes. Now with the complete loom of Hi/Diamond AC Power Cabling (7) and its matching AC Conditioning unit they call the Network Distributor I hope to be in pretty good shape. Have a couple different Coax Digital Cable coming to try as well. One by MIT and another couple from DH Labs to run ancillaries such as my Cable box and Apple TV Audio.

Now its onto (7) New AC Power Cables and their matching AC Power Conditioner.

I couldn't be any happier with the new direction I have chosen that blends high sensitivity - high quality speakers and low power - high quality SET amplification.

It has been a revelation in regards to sound quality improvement. My system is MUCH-MUCH more transparent yet also more natural, dynamic and organic sounding. Just so much better...

My new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp keeps improving as it breaks in and I am really looking forward to how it will sound with a good 500 hours under its belt.

I'm the process of cutting a deal to do a trade / purchase for the full loom of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables (7) and their all new HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner that uses the same matching premium copper wires and connectors.

The AC Conditioner is not terribly expensive compared to the others on the market that are MUCH more expensive but I am growing quite fond of the HiDiamond brand.

I recently bought their excellent D8 Speaker Cables which I am very pleased with. They put their resources into research and developing unique science and production methods rather than marketing and promotions.

They call this HDX2 their no compromise approach and I am hoping it is a great synergy match with the full ac power cable loom. All of the power for my entire system will be funneled via only the HiDiamond products and I am hoping this approach provides a nice increase in performance.

To get the (7) - HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cables and a HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner I am trading my:

* PS Audio Power Plant Premier Conditioner

* Audiophilleo AP2

* Audiophilleo Pure Power Battery Power Supply

* Black Car Silverstar 75 Digital BNC Cable

* Upgraded BNC to RCA Connectors

* Mad Scientist PC-NEO Power Purifier AC Cable 1.5M111

* Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable

* JPS Labs AC+ 2.0M - AC Power Cable

* Siltech Berlin MXT Series X Balanced AC Power Cable 1.0M

* Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Neotech P302 Ends AC Cable 1.0M

* Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Upgraded Cooper Ends AC Cable 1.0M

* Bruce Moore Custom Pure Copper AC Cable 1.5M

With the addition of the matching ac cable loom (7) of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables and the HiDiamond HDX2 Conditioner I will have all HiDiamond Cables AC power in my system to go with my HiDiamond Speaker cables. That will be all HiDiamond with the exception of my Interconnects.

I love my Darwin TRUTH IC's but maybe down the road I will try and HiDiamond IC's so I can for the very first time ever truly have a complete loom from the same cable maker.

I have never even been close to doing anything like this so I am pretty excited. I have always mixed and matched this and that with what I could find here on Agon or elsewhere but this new direction seems pretty cool as I always wanted to try it just never what OEM to go with but now I do...

______

Guys - My brand new Triode Labs 2A3S-FFX Single Ended Triode Amplifier we were chatting about last week that I traded my Canary CA-330 MK II 300B mono blocks for just came in and it looks amazing.

The build quality and the craftsmanship is truly first rate!

This is a classy, well make, substantial component that I am very impressed with.

It has more of a hand built, solid quality feel to it that seems nothing like the mass produced stuff out there.

I was hopeful but wasn't really expecting this level of quality and craftsmanship in the $6k price range. I am not saying a 6K amp is cheap because it certainly is not its the opposite its very - very expensive but the Canary's were $12k amps to put it in perceptive. I am after the best sound I can get in my system and so far I am quite pleased with the trade I made.

It has a very retro and modern look to it. I could smell the brand new paint when I opened it up to set it up. The numerous Hashimoto Transformers and Chokes look great and are more substantial in real life than they show in the pics and I love all the premium boutique parts he installed for me! I am pleasantly surprised to say the least. This Canadian company builds very nice stuff and with pride.

I ordered some great NOS Tubes for it and am really looking forward to getting them.

It def deserves them as the tubes in these amps have so much impact on the sound quality.

For the drivers I got a pair of the - Holly Grail - Sylvania 6SN7GT Largest Black Plates that are arguably the one of the best. For the rectifier tube I got the beloved Mullard GZ34 1965 Blackburn tube and for the 2A3 power tubes I am going with a brand new pair of Shuguang 2A3C tubes that the designer / builder swears by and insists are the best regardless of price. We'll see on that but I am giving them a shot for now but I am sure I will roll some others in here as well.

It now has prob about 40 hours burn time in so it has a long way to go. I am told the parts he used are bears to burn in. The Hashimoto trannies and chokes, the Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap and even the Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires really need to cook in good. I am told it should start opening up around 150 - 200 hours and really they need 400 to 500 hours to start to settle in nicely.

All this said how does it sound right now with the cheap stock tubes and hardly any burn in at all??

It sound really good! You can tell its a brand new piece and it needs a lot of burn in but it sounds very nice and I am looking forward to getting it burnt in nice and crispy and installing the NOS tubes then I will give you guys an idea of what I really think of it but out of the box I am encouraged and happy. I must say I hate burn it. I understand it and accept it but I am too impatient by nature but I run it all day when I am at work and all night why sleeping so hopefully in a couple weeks it will be good to go :)

______

Picked up a nice pair of Canary CA-330 MK II 300B mono blocks for my new Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers.

I tried to live with the Canary amps I'm just not a 300B guy. I actually liked my Krell with my Ascendo's and this is just a bridge too far the other way I think. I love tubes for what tubes do but I am more of a warmish yet nice transparency, band width extension fan. Maybe one of those uber 300B amps of course but this amp just seemed a but too slow and rolled off up top for my taste not enough sparkle nor a clear enough window... but it's a great amp its more this tube type that's just not my cup of tea but these are great amps! Would love to get an amp and love it but also not afraid to move quick when I know its not for me and say bye-bye. Hope to get off the amp-go-round but won't settle to do it. I love the 2A3 tube and its the sound I love and want its just the question now is does it have enough power (3.5 Watts) to drive my speakers. Only one way to find out. Pulled the trigger and flipped my Canary's for a custom build, tricked out, Triode Labs 2A3-FFX amp with all the extra's then some not listed as well... With some luck this amp will work great and if not then well i'll be updating about my next amp...lol. I hope not though..

- Upgraded Hashimoto trannies

- Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps for 2A3

- Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps for Input Stage

- Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap

- Furutech Rhodium IEC

- Cardas Rhodium RCA

- Cardas Copper Binding Posts 0-4-8-16

- Audio Consulting Silver Input Wires / Insulated by double layers of Teflon jackets

- NOS tubes

Also traded my Purist Design Corvus Praesto Rev. speaker cables that were bi-wire with spades and my new speakers are banana only with single wire. I have a nice new demo pair of HIDiamond 8 3-Meter with the excellent Furutech Banana plugs. Really looking forward to having the proper cabling that should be nice upgrades as well I hope. More of a Full bandwidth, rich, full sounding cable that should fit well with what I am trying to pull of. I'll get my rig and these new speakers dialed in soon I hope...lol

Also, will finally have my computer out of my rig soon as well.

I have been running my PC via the great Tellarium Q Black Diamond USB Cable to the also great Audiophilleo AP2 USB to SPDIF w/Pure Power Battery to a Black Cat Silverstar75 BNC cable to my Bricasti M1. I am keeping all the above but replacing my PC with a Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto clocks. looking forward to this as well. Should be a nice upgrade but also looking forward to signing up and getting on Tidal which seems great. Its basically NETFLIX for audiophiles which is very cool and the Aries streams right on in so that should be cool. Lot going on here :)

______

HUGE SYSTEM CHANGE !!!

NEW / INCOMING:

Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers

Rethm Gaanam SET Integrated Amp

Traded / Going out

Sonus Faber Guarnieri Evolution

CJ Premier 12 mono-block tube amps

Keeping same PAD Speaker cables and Darwin TRUTH IC's for now...

Should have everything this time next week!!!

______

Hey Guys - Made a pretty big deal for a super nice pair of Speakers that are very well liked but not my cut of tea.

I just flat out don't like them. I am sure they will be much better with some more break in but I am pretty sure I am going in another direction already - at least that is what I am looking at. Kind of a bummer:

NEW / INCOMING

Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution's in Walnut - Brand New -

They look amazing and sound nice just not the sound I am after. To get these I did a cash / trade with this gear:

TRADED / GOING OUT

Ascendo C8 Renaissance Speakers

ARC REF 1 MK II Preamp w/ NOS Tubes

BAT VK30r w/VK20 Phono

______

Hey Guys,

Holly Smokes: I have not been able to drive my Ascendo's with tubes as well as they need to be so I picked up a KRELL KSA-200s now that is how you drive a Stubborn Driver. This thing just grabs a hold of those drivers and its game over and they finally just submitted. Man what a difference. If I could ever get this pure grip and control but with the sound of tubes I would have what I have been looking for. Pretty sure that's only gonna happen with high quality high efficiency speakers. We'll see but this Krell even though not the exact sound I prefer (not tubes) it sure is a breath of fresh air...

______

HEY GUYS - Just got my brand new Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC that I traded for my PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC and cash!

I had a problem getting my Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable to work with it but the company I bought the USB cable from Fidelis in Nashua NH was amazing and exchanged my cable with no questions asked they gave me a brand new one and it works perfect. They also gave me a Tellurium Q BLACK USB cable to be safe to try as well and that was appreciated but not necessary. Both my Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC and Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable really need time to break in and settle down but they sound pretty good now but like all new stuff they really need run in. Pretty psyched!!

______

GUYS ANOTHER HUGE CHANGE in my system ! THIS TIME IT'S THE ALL IMPORTANT SOURCE! PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC for a Bricasti M1 USB DAC

MY DAC, My beloved PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC !!!!!!!!

Well I thought I would never change out either my CAT Pre and/or my DirectStream DAC but we all know how that goes.

It's just that my new speakers are so good and so revealing of every little change and the big changes, well, they are special.

With all these changes at some point i'm bound to make a mistake but so far I have been very lucky and all my changes have worked out great. This here is my big upgrade to the oh so important source. Here goes...

I am trading out my PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC with Bridge and its excellent matching Silver PS Audio PerfectWave Vibration Control/Conditioner Base and cash for the very well thought of new Bricasti M1 USB/Volume Control DAC. I just made the deal last night and can't wait to hear it. On a side note I just installed the just released PS Audio DirectStream Operating System update Pikes Peak that was a HUGE upgrade. The Sound Quality really improved that has me kind of nervous as the DirectStream really is a great DAC and this update has made it substantially better but I got that Bricasti on my brain and couldn't get it out so I pulled the trigger on the deal.

Wish me luck but also if you can provide any comments or feedback or any of your thoughts it would really be appreciated. Excited and nervous... Hope to hear from you. Thanks Guys/Gals...

______

ONE BIG LAST CHANGE:

For now...LOL. OK Guys I am taking a chance here on a big time preamp change.

Nervous but I have had so much success recently with taking big chances that I am looking to seal the deal and finish up my entire system overhaul.

I just made a purchase / trade of my CAT SL-1 Signature MK III preamp w/phono in which I don't use the phono for a line stage only Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/New Rhodium IEC installed and NOS Tubes. All ARC Reference pre's are single stage only (Line or Phono). I use a DAC and was thinking this ARC Reference 1 may be a great match for my CJ Premier 12 mono's.

Its a big chance because the CAT is such an amazing pre but no pain no gain and I really hope it works out like I am hoping.

Anyone have any feedback on the ARC pre's? I should receive it early next week. Wish me luck !!!

______

MORE CHANGES:

Starting to "REALLY" Come together. This has pretty much been an entire system overhaul except for my DAC and Pre and I may change the pre as well but the DAC Stays.

To go with my new speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance)I have also added new amps, speaker cables and power cables and the upgrade in SQ has been out of this world and so much more than I could have ever hoped for!

My system has never sounded so good and so real and performed so well. I am really blown away at the improvement. Super happy!

The cables (Speaker / AC Power) have been much more significant in improving my system than I would have ever thought possible but they did.

This has all happened for the most part with out spending any real extra money spent. Sold my old speakers, amps, extra gear, speaker cables and power cables and bought new stuff (all used just new to me). What made this possible is I bought less expensive speakers that are much - much - much better and used the extra money to improve not only my speakers, but my speaker cables and power cables and it has worked incredibly well.

I got lucky really. When you can sell your speakers (Wilson Sophia 2's) and then buy less expensive speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance) and the speakers are much better in every way and that gave me the extra money to put into improving the rest of my system. It has really put me ahead of the game. I am very lucky I took the shot and scored.

______

Here is the newly added gear below that has allow my Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers,PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and CAT SL-1 Signature Reference MK III pre to sing:

Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono-blocks Tube amps 140 Watts

Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker Cables

Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M Power Cable

Mad Scientist PC-NEO with with Power Purifier Power Cable

JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2.m Power Cable

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable

______

MORE HUGE CHANGES GUYS: Just finally pulled the trigger on some proper amps for my new AMAZING Ascendo C8 Renaissance Speakers. I just bought them and they have totally blown me away and I haven't even been using a proper, well matching, comparable amp with them. These speakers love power but they have sounded amazing at lower / mid volume using a 35 Watt Tube integrated and now I just bought 140 Watt mono blocks to give them what they deserve. I just bought the highly regarded and Venerable Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Blocks with new KT-120 tube and I can't wait to see what these sound like with my new C8's! The C8's are super detailed and resolving speakers and I love, lush, liquid, detailed sound so these should be a great match to go with my CAT preamp and Direct Stream DAC.

______

HUGE CHANGES GUYS - HUGE - Decided to go in total other direction. I moved and I went from a big room that was dedicated to Audio to med room that is also a living room so big changes. My girl is supportive of my Audio habit/addiction thankfully but I no longer have a dedicated room which actually isn't a bad thing as we all can enjoy my system now. I sold my main amp, main speakers and back up speakers and all my extra non main-rig equipment to apply a single focus on a single and quite different system... Big Plunge into the unknown - well not really but you know what I mean...Kept my amazing PRE and DAC and am rebuilding my system around those 2 core components. Never changing these (CAT SL-1 Signature MK III PRE & PS Audio Direct Stream DAC)

SOLD: BAT-VK600SE

SOLD: WILSON SOPHIA 2'S

SOLD: MERLIN TSM-MMI

SOLD: BEL CANTO s300s

SOLD: DECWARE CSP2+ w/VCAPS

SOLD: MUSIC FIDELITY M1 DAC

SOLD: PS AUDIO UPC-200

SOLD: PS AUDIO AC5 PWR CABLES (2)

BOUGHT: ASCENDO C8 RENAISSANCE

BOUGHT: AMP - TBD

Any feedback on a good amp match would be appreciated. The speakers are 6-ohm 88 efficient and seem like a fairly easy load. Currently using my trusty old back up amp the Primaluna Prologue 1 Integrated 35 wpc that these sound great with but looking for more. Great little back up amp though for sure. These Ascendo C8 Speakers are the most amazing speakers I have ever owned. If you ever come across a pair buy them. They are not that expensive and they are amazing. I have never heard a nicer pair and I have heard some seriously nice speakers. This is a very special speaker that I am ecstatic that I now own!

______

Sold my CAT Vk-600SE amp just need the money and just couldn't get over my love for tubes. Actually just using a Primaluna Prologue and am more happy but its more of a short term solution and looks for a more robust tube amp.

______

"Just picked up an extra amp a Bel Canto S300. Great little amp for cheap I bought for 2nd system but enjoying in main rig for now. Little light in bass and needs a little more body but will make a great 2nd system amp...

______

"Huge" new change: PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC and Wilson Sophia 2's now just replaced my Kharma CRM 3.2F I had a chance to pick up a pair of Gray Wilson Sophia 2's locally and I just couldn't resist because I got a great deal. I put my Amazing Kharma CRM 3.2F for sale and they sold with in the first few hours after posted. I am kind of nervous because I loved the Kharma's but I have a 21 x 21 room with cathedral ceilings and the full range vs the 2-ways combined with the local sale made me take the plunge. I will update after I get them all set up but I am pretty stoked. Hoping my Snappers can handle the new cones. Let me know if anyone can give me your thoughts about the Snapper combo with the Wilson Sophia's. Thanks

______

START :

Beginning of my system record /chronology to share but also to keep track of it for myself as well of all the dizzying trade / upgrades /changes.

It sure is a learning process and the goal is to get the best and most complete sound I can. Still working on that as you can see. You prob read this backwards as that is how they set it up when someone uses it like I am here so just wanted to say Thanks :)

I know kinda crazy when I actually go back on it all but I enjoy this hobby and its been fun...

Fsmithjack (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

10-16-13

Here is some stuff I was also able to dig up - trying to add info into the system that was lost

 

OwnerSystem edited: Review I just posted on Audiogon under Amp reviews. It is basically the email I sent to the maker of my amp and I wanted to share it here as well: Thanks I recently ordered and took delivery of the stoutly impressive and not so well known Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET Amplifier. I was most excited to try it and was looking forward to seeing how well it would perform in my system. After numerous conversions with Frank at Triode Labs who is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with I went forth and placed the order. As much as I was looking forward to it with feverish anticipation I was hopeful but certainly not expecting it to have this much of a profound impact on my system as it did. The wait for it was not bad at all considering it's a hand made, custom built amplifier that uses the very best boutique parts, robust build quality and genuine old world craftsmanship. It only took a couple weeks from order to delivery. I am pretty impatient by nature so I was pleased that it came quickly. Needless to say I was ecstatic with the amplifier's performance and wanted to let Frank at Triode Labs know just how much I appreciate it. I sent him an email and I also wanted to share this feedback in the email with my home team Audiogon members so you could have access to my thoughts on the amplifier. I have copied the email below. Here is the detail on the amplifier I purchased and below it is a the copy of the email I sent to Frank at Triode Labs. Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX Amplifier (7/2015) - - Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps for the 2A3s - Mundorf EVO Oil Caps for the Input - Mundorf M Lytics HV Power Supply E Cap - Cardas Rhodium RCA Posts - Cardas Pure Copper Binding Post 4-8-16 Ohms - Furutech Rhodium IEC Inlet and Power Hardware - Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires - AmTrans Gold Signal Wires in Critical Areas - Soundcoat Premium Damping Sheet (bottom plate) - Custom Mclaren SLR Orange Power-coat Baked Gloss Paint - Full Suite of Hashimoto Output Transformers and Chokes (The finest exotic transformers from Tokyo, Japan) - NOS tubes 2x CBS JAN 5692, 1 x Mullard GZ34) - New Tubes 2x Brand New 2A3C - 100% tailor to customer, like haute couture of fashion - 3.5 Watts Email Sent: Hey Frank, I just wanted to say hello and drop you a line. I would love it if you could share this with your potential customers because they need to hear from someone like myself as I am sure many of them may be like me although I hope not... lol. I was a suffering audiophile on the seemingly never ending amp -go- round after I purchased my new speakers a pair of Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (2015). They are nice and efficient at 103db but ruthlessly revealing of any weakness. They are wonderful but ultra resolving and with them an amp really has no where to hide or to get any cover. I just couldn't find "the" amp that changed everything and made it all fit together and fall into place. I got to the point where I was thinking I maybe asking too much from an amp and the elusive sound I was after might just not be attainable. I wanted warm butter like liquidity but with crystal clear transparency as well. Tough combo. That über high end transparency that is very elusive. You really need the very highest grade parts in an amp with the best of the best transformers with pure signal wire and excellent NOS tubes with of corse a great design. Not to mention a great system match synergy wise to even approach the transparency I was after. I also wanted that rich, inky, glorious mid-range as well but not at the expense of both extremes. I must have tippity top extension going both ways to boot. Also looking for that 3d, silky - wam right here palpably that throws a up a stage that makes the walls disappear. Let's not forget about punch you in the chest dynamics that provide a feel and realness that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! Granted one needs other top notch components of similar quality throughout the chain but it's that great amp I was after to pull it all together in my system. I have been chasing these stated audio targets with rigor but catching them is another thing. Needless to say after a while I started to become jaded but thankfully I'm an optimist by nature. I have owned ARC, CJ, BAT, Cary, Krell, Canary, Pass Labs to name a few. None of those are this amp I am after! Now lets switch gears and fast forward to today. Frank, you have done it. My search is over. I absolutely love my new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp. It's absolutely everything I have been after in an amplifier. It is utterly gorgeous in its custom McLaren SLR Orange paint. When I opened it for the first time I could still smell the luxurious brand new paint job and the robust hand crafted, upscale build quality is excellent. Never mind how good it looks which is outstanding with it's classy top shelf premium parts and massive Hashimoto transformers. The feel, fit and finish and build quality are true hi-end world class quality. Very substantial and impressive. The pictures on your site do not do them justice. This amplifier is every bit as good as those hi-end staple brands I have owned prior that I listed above. It sounds absolutely Glorious and was a total game changer in my system. A match made in heaven for my Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers, my Full loom of HiDiamond cabling and conditioning and my Bricasti M1 DAC and Auralic Aries Extreme Transport. I always wanted an amp that could change everything in my system and make it shine and your amp did just that and I really wanted to congratulate and thank you. I am one very happy customer. Fsmithjack Audiogon

fsmithjack September 01, 2015 16:38

OwnerSystem edited: Just purchased the SBooster Upgraded Linear Power Supply for my Auralic Aries Extreme Femto Transport / Streamer. It is called the SBooster BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with Ultra upgrade and it is supposed to vastly improve the performance of my Auralic Aries Transport and it should be here in the next couple days. The Aries was a real nice and upgrade and it made my Bricasti sound much better and this is supposed to really improve its performance. I am really looking forward to it. I hope it works as well in my system as it has for the others that have spoke so highly of it.

fsmithjack August 31, 2015 01:54

The push push Lamm amplifiers were a generous loan from a friend who was curious as to my opinion of their sound. I prefer the sound of my:300b amplifier in direct comparison. I suspect the Lamm SET would be more to my preferences.

charles1dad August 21, 2015 18:39

OwnerI love you amp combo's. Are those Lamms you have also?

fsmithjack August 21, 2015 13:02

I believe you'd like the Yamamoto DAC. Obviously a different price point and feature set from the Bricasti M1. The Yamamoto in essence is very organic and directs your attention to the music and heightens emotional connection. 
Charles,

charles1dad August 21, 2015 03:27

OwnerOh very good transport indeed you have. Real good unit. One of the best. If I had more of the little silver disc's that would be my unit of choice for sure. Almost got one when I had my DirectStream. I bet if I did I would still have the DirectStream. Nice combo. I have always wanted to try the Yamamoto stuff. Would love to get my hands on one of his SET amps.

fsmithjack August 20, 2015 21:40

Hi,
I don't know enough about the streaming transports to offer any meaningful recommendations. I use a PS Audio PWT in conjunction with the Yamamoto YDA 01 DAC with terrific sonic results. My response was to support the concept of the better the transport, the better the sound quality. 
Charles,

charles1dad August 19, 2015 18:10

OwnerThanks Charles,

I am so surprised and impressed with the dramatic change that the transport makes I am wondering if I should trade up my Aries to an even better transport and if that would make sense? Do you know of any great streamer / transports that are not crazy priced that should be better? 

I am all over this transport thing now. So much improvement is in there! Or maybe part of that is because the Aries is so good?? Tough one - wish I could just try them all and pick the one I like best but it doesn't work like that. Too bad though that would be great.

fsmithjack August 19, 2015 17:01

Your experience makes absolute sense to me. As good as the Bricasti M1 is, it was still markedly hampered by the transport being the limiting factor. I've seen this scenario before. People feel any old transport will do as long as you have a good DAC and they realize that isn't the case.
No doubt with your significant system revision it must sound fabulous and I'm sure more natural. 
Charles,

charles1dad August 18, 2015 22:41

OwnerThat's funny Charles because this is exactly what I learned. 

I use to own the Very nice PS Audio DirectStream DAC that I really liked. I started the "PS Audio DirectStream vs Bricasti M1" Thread when I was considering making the change and I learned a great deal from that thread and still am learning from it about the source/transport.

Many chimed in telling me I need to upgrade and change my transport first. 

That I will be happy with my DirectStream and won't feel the need to go to a Bricasti M1. 

Well I didn't listen at first and still bought the Bricasti. 

I am very happy with my Bricasti and am very happy I made the deal because it is a much better DAC. That said when I changed and upgraded my transport was when things really started to change. My entire system transformed instantaneously! 

I couldn't believe how much things improved and how much better it got. It was so good I started changing my entire system and now I have new gotten into new speakers, new amp, and all new cables and my system is so much better than it has ever been and it really started to gel at a much higher level because of the transport.

I have today just listed for sale my OEM Linear Power Supply that is the upgraded version for the Auralic Aries Extreme with Femto clocks. I am buying an aftermarket power supply that cost more than the Aries and then some but I am going for it because I now know what improving the source can do to everything else. I also think the Aries is a special unit and the upgraded linear supply is great for a $1600 unit but this tech package combined with a more robust and expensive power supply and some serious cabling should really compete with most out there. 

The W4S Remedy I just bought is amazing. 

For how cheap it is I was thinking it may offer up a little improvement. People said my with my Bricasti and its clocks and isolated inputs and all that it wouldn't offer much if any improvement to the sound from my cable box.

They could not have been more wrong! 

This little unit blew my mind. My cable box is almost a full blown legit HI-FI source. Not quite but close and def real good.

It just isn't everyday that we make a change and it vastly over impresses us. It is usually thr other way around. 

The Aries is better of course but this W4S Remedy is a 1000 times better and honestly listing to video and movies it is now pretty much a legit hi-fi source. Worth every penny. 

If I was forced to live with just my cable box as a source I would be fine. It is so good I was never expecting this level improvement. Especially from such a good DAC but there you have it. This thing is absolutely fantastic. 

fsmithjack August 18, 2015 18:24

Agree, the quality of the transport can't be overestimated. So much emphasis is placed on the DAC with the transport treated as an afterthought by some. IMO this is the wrong approach, the transport is at least as important as the DAC (some will argue it's more critical).
Charles,

charles1dad August 18, 2015 11:07

OwnerSystem edited: Wyred 4 Sound - Remedy Re-Clocker for Cable Box is a HUGE UPGRADE and CHEAP and Pure MUST HAVE !!! - I run a cheap $5 Tosi-link Cable from Cable Box to W4S then out of the W4S a MIT Terminator 3 Digital Cable which is RCA on both ends. I use a BNC to RCA Adapter to hook to my Bricasti's BNC in. I also use -6db BNC to RCA attenuater to clean up any lingering frequency sludge. You can buy on eBay for cheap. The Upgrade for TV is gigantic. My Bricasti for the sable box sounded ok but not anywhere good enough to listen to any type of music on. Just sounded like something you didn't want to listen to. Simple, you turn channel - no music to harsh over the cable box. Yuck... I just watched TV and that was it through my Rig. Now I watch music video's or even regular tv sound is amazing and the music it sounds close to Hi-Rez Downloads. Not Quite but Very Very Good !!! They sound Excellent and legit Hi-Fi. I am so happy with this purchase. Better upgrade than adding my Bricasti for cable tv sound really. Very impressed. I am going to upgrade the cables the sound is so good its worth pushing things now. You guys you need to try this my gut said try it after I bought the Auralic Aries Extreme and it obliterated by modded computer rig. The transport is so important its not funny how much improvement is there to be had. If you hook your TV cable box or apple TV to your rig this is a MUST have. Not a maybe will get but a blow your mind holly crap most MUST HAVE there is IMO !!! Yee Haa this is good !!!

fsmithjack August 18, 2015 10:52

OwnerHey Charles1dad,

Thanks so much for the kind words. 

I am pretty excited. I have just swapped out all my AC Power cables and my PS Audio Conditioner for the full loom of HiDiamond P3 / P3.5 AC Power Cables and the HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributor. 

Going with highly efficient speakers really puts a premium on a systems noise rejection / suppression. 

I hope this becomes a nice upgrade. My dealer / distributor is fantastic and he gave me an incredible offer and took all my currant stuff in on trade and gave me a great deal... 

fsmithjack August 14, 2015 16:41

Well it seems your move towards different speakers (high efficiency) and amplifier (low power DHT SET) has been a very successful one. I'm sure there must have been some level of apprehension with this significant change/mind set. Congratulations on your joyous outcome and willingness to give it a try. 
Charles,

charles1dad August 10, 2015 13:06

OwnerGetting ready to consolidate and leverage my total system RE-FIT and looking to put the final touches on my systems full transformation. 

The quality of my AC Power has now sharply come into focus... For for the first time I am working toward getting the same loom of ac power cables and matching ac conditioner that uses all the same cables. My hope is by having all the same cable brand and model throughout my entire system the consistency will yield an aggregate improvement. 

As you guys know I have recently upgraded and changed pretty much my entire system and now have new Speakers, a new Amplifier, a new DAC (few months ago), a new Transport and new Speaker cables and a new round of fresh really good NOS tubes. 

Now its onto (7) New AC Power Cables and their matching AC Power Conditioner.

I couldn't be any happier with the new direction I have chosen that blends high sensitivity - high quality speakers and low power - high quality SET amplification.

It has been a revelation in regards to sound quality improvement. My system is MUCH-MUCH more transparent yet also more natural, dynamic and organic sounding. Just so much better... 

My new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp keeps improving as it breaks in and I am really looking forward to how it will sound with a good 500 hours under its belt. 

I'm the process of cutting a deal to do a trade / purchase for the full loom of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables (7) and their all new HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner that uses the same matching premium copper wires and connectors. 

The AC Conditioner is not terribly expensive compared to the others on the market that are MUCH more expensive but I am growing quite fond of the HiDiamond brand. 

I recently bought their excellent D8 Speaker Cables which I am very pleased with. They put their resources into research and developing unique science and production methods rather than marketing and promotions. 

They call this HDX2 their no compromise approach and I am hoping it is a great synergy match with the full ac power cable loom. All of the power for my entire system will be funneled via only the HiDiamond products and I am hoping this approach provides a nice increase in performance. 

To get the (7) - HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cables and a HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner I am trading my:

* PS Audio Power Plant Premier Conditioner 
* Audiophilleo AP2 
* Audiophilleo Pure Power Battery Power Supply
* Black Car Silverstar 75 Digital BNC Cable
* Upgraded BNC to RCA Connectors
* Mad Scientist PC-NEO Power Purifier AC Cable 1.5M111
* Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable 
* JPS Labs AC+ 2.0M - AC Power Cable
* Siltech Berlin MXT Series X Balanced AC Power Cable 1.0M 
* Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Neotech P302 Ends AC Cable 1.0M 
* Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Upgraded Cooper Ends AC Cable 1.0M
* Bruce Moore Custom Pure Copper AC Cable 1.5M 

With the addition of the matching ac cable loom (7) of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables and the HiDiamond HDX2 Conditioner I will have all HiDiamond Cables AC power in my system to go with my HiDiamond Speaker cables. That will be all HiDiamond with the exception of my Interconnects. 

I love my Darwin TRUTH IC's but maybe down the road I will try and HiDiamond IC's so I can for the very first time ever truly have a complete loom from the same cable maker. 

I have never even been close to doing anything like this so I am pretty excited. I have always mixed and matched this and that with what I could find here on Agon or elsewhere but this new direction seems pretty cool as I always wanted to try it just never what OEM to go with but now I do...

fsmithjack August 09, 2015 17:22

OwnerGuys - My brand new Triode Labs 2A3S-FFX Single Ended Triode Amplifier we were chatting about last week that I traded my Canary CA-330 MK II 300B mono blocks for just came in and it looks amazing. 

The build quality and the craftsmanship is truly first rate! 

This is a classy, well make, substantial component that I am very impressed with. 

It has more of a hand built, solid quality feel to it that seems nothing like the mass produced stuff out there. 

I was hopeful but wasn't really expecting this level of quality and craftsmanship in the $6k price range. I am not saying a 6K amp is cheap because it certainly is not its the opposite its very - very expensive but the Canary's were $12k amps to put it in perceptive. I am after the best sound I can get in my system and so far I am quite pleased with the trade I made.

It has a very retro and modern look to it. I could smell the brand new paint when I opened it up to set it up. The numerous Hashimoto Transformers and Chokes look great and are more substantial in real life than they show in the pics and I love all the premium boutique parts he installed for me! I am pleasantly surprised to say the least. This Canadian company builds very nice stuff and with pride. 

I ordered some great NOS Tubes for it and am really looking forward to getting them. 

It def deserves them as the tubes in these amps have so much impact on the sound quality. 

For the drivers I got a pair of the - Holly Grail - Sylvania 6SN7GT Largest Black Plates that are arguably the one of the best. For the rectifier tube I got the beloved Mullard GZ34 1965 Blackburn tube and for the 2A3 power tubes I am going with a brand new pair of Shuguang 2A3C tubes that the designer / builder swears by and insists are the best regardless of price. We'll see on that but I am giving them a shot for now but I am sure I will roll some others in here as well. 

It now has prob about 40 hours burn time in so it has a long way to go. I am told the parts he used are bears to burn in. The Hashimoto trannies and chokes, the Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap and even the Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires really need to cook in good. I am told it should start opening up around 150 - 200 hours and really they need 400 to 500 hours to start to settle in nicely. 

All this said how does it sound right now with the cheap stock tubes and hardly any burn in at all??

It sound really good! You can tell its a brand new piece and it needs a lot of burn in but it sounds very nice and I am looking forward to getting it burnt in nice and crispy and installing the NOS tubes then I will give you guys an idea of what I really think of it but out of the box I am encouraged and happy. I must say I hate burn it. I understand it and accept it but I am too impatient by nature but I run it all day when I am at work and all night why sleeping so hopefully in a couple weeks it will be good to go :)

fsmithjack August 01, 2015 18:38

OwnerHello Charles1dad,

I couldn't agree more. I prob should have put more effort into those amps. I am sure a new Full Set of really good tubes and some power cables could have really made a difference as they always do. That is the part about mono-blocks that is not fun. Double the tubes needed and of course to super pricey - must have (2) double the proper ac power cables vs just needing one that usually can run up to about half the cost of the amps which is crazy but also can have that kind effect on the sound with the right ac cables. I def agree with changing tubes though - they can entirely or almost entirely change an amp... Thanks

My custom build 2A3 Triode amp just shipped today. Should have it in a few days (I hope) thank god. Being music-less is no fun at all. With my 6C33 amp crapped out I am waiting on the FEDEX man... The Canada / US customs dance is no fun either but I'm excited :)

fsmithjack July 23, 2015 21:26

Synergy will always matter. Some say the Canary amplifier is terrific, others would disagree. You can significantly alter the sound by simply changing the driver and output tubes. Some brands are more linear and extended/transparent than others. One 300b amplifier or tube can sound very different from another. In my experience some are soft and rolled off and others are impressively linear and extended/high resolution. So many variables factor in. Some amplifiers and speakers just don't mate well, although individually they both are considered excellent products.
Charles,

charles1dad July 20, 2015 12:14

OwnerNo problem at all and thanks. This is a little different than just a regular thread. Its my personal system thread and I'm humbled that in a pretty short time it has been read over 50,000 times as of 7/19/2015 so I constantly update it and try to make it worth their while... 

Moreover, I know when people google 300B / 2A3 tubes 10 years from now this will pop up so I try to do my bit and offer some substance and contribute to my fellow audionuts out there :)

Thanks for reading and contributing and the kind response. I appreciate it.

fsmithjack July 20, 2015 02:00

Owner07-17-15: Raytheprinter

Thanks so much for the response and the kind words :)

I love Wavelength gear. Gordon makes some of the best gear. I had a Ayre QB-9 USB DAC and his USB unit in that rig got me on the digital train I am still on. 

I bet Wavelength tubes would sound incredible with these speakers...

fsmithjack July 19, 2015 13:39

Owner07-17-15: Mapman

Thanks so much for the kind works. If you are ever in the Boston North Shore area shoot me a note and you can come and hear them in my system. 

With a little luck I will have my amp-go-round situation squared away soon. I have never heard such a real feeling and sounding speaker that is so revealing of the slightest little changes. 

I am amazed at how much I can hear. I put a little cloth, then lead weight on my new transport the Auralic Aries Extreme and bam there was a blatant and easily discernible difference. Every little change or tweak or footer under my Bricasti and bam there it is again. 

It's fun but now with core things like amps it is like oh wow so different. It is a perfect window into an amps nature which is nice to really dial in what I want but its also a double edged sword as the amp is naked and afraid and out in the open for all to see with warts and all. Everything is clearly shown and one amp to another offers huge differences in sound. I never felt or heard such extremes in the other speakers I have owned. I assume the high sensitivity hi efficiency has a lot to do with this. 

My girl is not an audiophile at all, just a sweetie that kindly tolerates my audio hobby / madness because she knows how much I enjoy it. She says stuff like why do these speakers sound so much nicer and better than the other ones you recently had. They are so much better than anything I have had and overall much to many to list but here are the ones I have owned in the just the last year that she has heard in my system:

Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution
Ascendo C8 Renaissance
Wilson Sophia 2
Audio Physic Virgo
Merlin TSM-MMI
Sonus Faber Cremona Auditor
Kharma Ceramique Reference CRM 3.2 F

fsmithjack July 19, 2015 13:24

Please don't be so sensitive. I was only digging you about the Canary amps, but, to be clear, I still disagree with you. We obviously hear things very differently. However, in the end, it's just a hobby. We do it for fun. I am glad for you that you are experimenting with different amps and tube topologies.
And, despite everything, I would love to meet you someday. You cared enough to dignify my offhand remark with a very lengthy answer that clearly took a lot of time to type and I thank you for that.

jaybass July 19, 2015 01:40

Owner07-16-15: Jaybass

You obviously don't have a great deal of knowledge with Hi-Fi Audio to make a statement like that!

Did you even read what I wrote about? As in my trading the Canary for a custom made 2A3 amp as I am hoping for more transparency and nicer high's?

Are you familiar with Triode tubes such as the 300B / 2A3 / 45 tubes?

Everything is relevant or in relation to something else. My statement about the 300B in the Canary was not made in a vacuum or as a general statement but I was describing it based on comparing it against the other 2 amps I have been listening to in my system with my new speakers and with my general knowledge of owning many tubes amps over the years. 

Moreover, I traded the Canary's for a custom build 2A3 amp and as far as triode tubes go the 2A3 can be a bit more clean and transparent sounding, with a more pristine top end and overall are a bit less mid-range centric thatn the 300B in a properly designed version. 

I will simplify here a bit. These are Generalities of the tube itself not a specific amp per say. Again everything is relative. A $30,000 300B amp could easily be more transparent than a $1,500 45 amp for reasons other than the tubes so I am speaking to the generalities of the triode tubes themselves and not specific amps.

- 45 tube has a bit cleaner sound, more transparent and with pristine highs. Nice midrange but not as nice nor as full or rich nor with as much bloom as the 300b. Some say it is the ultimate triode tube but many times the problem with this tube is that it is not powerful enough except for the most efficient speakers. 

- 300b Tube has clean and transparent sound with pretty highs but not as clean as the 45 and not as transparent as the 45 and the highs are not as pristine as the 45 but the 300B has a lot more power so it used in many more real world applications and the mids are fuller, richer with a gorgeous bloom with all the beauty. The best mids of the 3 triodes here but overall not everyone's cup of tea. Certainly not mine.

- 2A3 Tube to simply things this triode really just spits the difference across the board between the 45 and 300b listed above. It is my favorite tube. The 45 prob would be but it just doesn't have enough power.

Ok now for you to say you don't think I listened to the amp is basically saying what? You think I am being disingenuous? I am not sure you meant that and would like to think you didn't? What would someone like me that has taking the time to share my system with fellow members that has the type of feedback I have gain by that?

OK so first, you can call Frank at Triode Labs who I just Shipped the Canary amps to so he can build me a custom build 2A3 amp. He will tell you that he just received these amps from me and that he is well into the process of building me my custom amp that I hope will provide more of what the Canary's could not. 

Next you can call Stereo Exchange in NY City and ask for Dave Wassermann and he will tell you he just sold them to me. 

Next you can contact Fred at Audio Prana / Stereodesk who was at my house when I had them set up as it was one of his amps that I had borrowed (Bakoon 11R) that I heard on my new speakers.

07-16-15: Jaybass these are well known and established Dealers, Distributors and Manufactures that all will confirm that I indeed owned the amps and had listened to them. These are all facts that can be verified and documented. 

Furthermore,

I had 2 other amps in my possession as well as the Canary CA-330 MK II that I was able to directly do A/B/C comparisons with. These comparison's really highlighted the Canary's lack of transparency and extension in relation to the other amps. In all honesty I found the Canary to be bland and boring in relation. 

The first amp was outstanding. It was owned by Fred the proprietor of Audio Prana /Stereodesk that I had on loan that he thought would work great with my new Rethm Saadhana V3 speakers. The Bakoon 11R. What a special amp this is and what a great match it is with the Saadhana V3's. It's only hole was that it was just a bit thin in the lower mids and upper bass but the high's are glorious and the transparency is absolutely stunning - reach out and touch it. Great amp. I would have bought it but Fred has someone who wanted and I had not quite yet decided on it. I kind of regretted after it was gone. Google Bakoon 11R and 6Moons and numerous other gush over this amp. Read about the Jewell. 

The next amp I compared to the Canary CA-330 MK II is the Rethm Gaanam SET Valve Integrated amp based on the 6C33 triode that BAT and LAMM loves to use. This is not a traditional amp here but a special and unique amp. I will add some info from the designer notes below on this amp so you can have some more info on it because there is so little if anything out there. Trust me this amp is a very rare and special amp even though build quality is not substantial. Also, what makes this more impressive is this amp only worked for a short time. It got it trashed in shipping and bad and my friend came by and we tore it apart and he took out his solder iron and put it all the broken parts together and we ordered new tubes and got it ti work for a short time but it was ugly..lol. It worked for a week or so then one channel went out and now it won't even power up but but we got to hear some of what it had to offer even in its duck-taped, glued together, Frankenstein state. It was much more to my liking than the Canary amps in my system. It was so much more transparent and extended and had better tonal colors and it had this focus and presence and pitch black back ground that offered up a startling defined and dialed in sound stage. I love it even smelled like burning plastic and look awful. It only worked for a week or so but I could tell this was a special amp. Here is the info from the builder of this special, killer sounding amp because there is really nothing online out there on it.

Rethm Gaanam SET Valve Integrated Amplifier

The criteria we started with were the following:

1. It had to be between 10 and 20 wpc.
2. It had to be Single Ended pure class A.

We use a unique circuit for the power amp section whereby the ONLY tubes are the output tubes. No gain stage tubes, no buffer tubes, no driver tubes. The preamp section provides more than adequate gain, and instead of driver tubes, we have small, custom designed "driver transformers". This enabled us to get a beautiful sound that had all the warmth and dimensionality that makes valves so unique, while enabling a clarity and dynamic that is not often found in traditional valve amplifiers. To enhance control, we decided on a solid state buffer in this amplifier. We also have zero feedback.

After much experimenting with several valve types, we settled on a single-ended configuration using the 6C33C valve. It produces 16 wpc. The 6C33C valve is, on technical spec's itself, an amazing valve. It has an extremely high Trans-conductance value ( in excess of 30 mA/V -- as compared to the 12.5 of a KT 120 ) which facilitates much better current flow. And, it has an amazingly low Internal Resistance ( 130 ohms -- as compared to 3000 ohms on a KT 120 ) which is almost comparable to solid-state devices! This enables a much higher speed of signal voltage transfer. It also has very low anode voltages ( 120 v -- as compared to most valves that go from a few hundred volts to in excess of 1000 v in the case of the 845 valve ) -- which makes it a much safer device. 

The preamp section uses two 6922 valves, one per channel, and uses an extremely simple circuit. The power supply is choke regulated, and here again, we have zero feedback.

We also get all our transformers (the output transformers, driver transformers, power transformer and choke) cryogenically treated as we see a substantial improvement in performance with greater transparency, detail retrieval and delicacy to the reproduction.

The bottom line is both of these amps were "MUCH" cleaner and more pristine and transparent and extended than the Canary CA-300 MK II 300B mono-block amps with Gold Lions that in comparison were slow, rolled off and mid-range city. 

I now am waiting on the Triode Labs 2A3-FFX Custom build with all the extra trimmings with the hope that it may be even better than other 2 amps listed above but one thing you can be sure of. These are not inexpensive items and I am not a wealthy man by any stretch I save up my money and enjoy audio very much and if I spend the money and buy the amp and spend the time to talk about on here you can be sure that I actually listened to it as well :) 

fsmithjack July 18, 2015 21:12

"I believe that this new direction of your system is going to make you very happy with no looking back. I expect you'll gain increased purity, natural sound and realism."

Its very hard to ever predict what will make someone happy with this stuff, even if you know the person and their listening preferences quite well. Recommendations and advice is fine but predictions are a lot tougher.

The Rethm speakers are very nice. Out of my price range but I like the look and concept and would like to hear them someday.

mapman July 17, 2015 19:39 Report

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I heard Rethm speakers a few years back with Wavelength amp and pre.The sound was Great,really nailed those hard to reproduce harmonics,wonderful 3-D presentation.Nice system Sir!

raytheprinter July 17, 2015 08:34

Your comments about the Canary make me question whether you actually listened to it or not.
Rolled off and not transparent are just about the opposite of what that amp sounds like.

jaybass July 17, 2015 02:12

OwnerHey Guys,
Thanks for the response. I tried to live with the Canary amps I'm just not a 300B guy. I actually liked my Krell with my Ascendo's and this is just a bridge too far the other way I think. I love tubes for what tubes do but I am more of a warmish yet nice transparency, band width extension fan. Maybe one of those uber 300B amps of course but this amp just seemed a but too slow and rolled off up top for my taste not enough sparkle nor a clear enough window... but it's a great amp its more this tube type that's just not my cup of tea but these are great amps! Would love to get an amp and love it but also not afraid to move quick when I know its not for me and say bye-bye. Hope to get off the amp-go-round but won't settle to do it. I love the 2A3 tube and its the sound I love and want its just the question now is does it have enough power (3.5 Watts) to drive my speakers. Only one way to find out. Pulled the trigger and flipped my Canary's for a custom build, tricked out, Triode Labs 2A3-FFX amp with all the extra's then some not listed as well... With some luck this amp will work great and if not then well i'll be updating about my next amp...lol. I hope not though.. 

- Upgraded Hashimoto trannies 
- Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps for 2A3
- Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps for Input Stage
- Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap
- Furutech Rhodium IEC
- Cardas Rhodium RCA
- Cardas Copper Binding Posts 0-4-8-16
- Audio Consulting Silver Input Wires / Insulated by double layers of Teflon jackets
- NOS tubes

Also traded my Purist Design Corvus Praesto Rev. speaker cables that were bi-wire with spades and my new speakers are banana only with single wire. I have a nice new demo pair of HIDiamond 8 3-Meter with the excellent Furutech Banana plugs. Really looking forward to having the proper cabling that should be nice upgrades as well I hope. More of a Full bandwidth, rich, full sounding cable that should fit well with what I am trying to pull of. I'll get my rig and these new speakers dialed in soon I hope...lol

Also, will finally have my computer out of my rig soon as well. 

I have been running my PC via the great Tellarium Q Black Diamond USB Cable to the also great Audiophilleo AP2 USB to SPDIF w/Pure Power Battery to a Black Cat Silverstar75 BNC cable to my Bricasti M1. I am keeping all the above but replacing my PC with a Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto clocks. looking forward to this as well. Should be a nice upgrade but also looking forward to signing up and getting on Tidal which seems great. Its basially NETFLIX for audiophiles wich is very cool and the Aries streams right on in so that should be cool. Lot going on here :)

fsmithjack July 16, 2015 03:01

IF your CANARYS'S don't have a minimum of 250 hours on them, they will not be at their considerable best (its not the tubes them selves that need that long to break in, but the rest of the amp. Also different 300 b tubes definitely will change the flavor of the sound. 

CHEERS....

musicmann1 July 12, 2015 19:23

Sorry, Frank, but IMHO 2A3 isn't going to do it. My understanding is that these are very low power and while 103db should be good in terms of getting volume, the powerful air moving low frequency impactful bass just isn't a strength of these types of tubes.
Do agon search and mag reviews on amps with the tubes mentioned in my last post. Those are best for punching above their weight class. Dehavilland is one brand to keep in mind, with expertise in this exact area. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank July 12, 2015 15:28

OwnerHello Musicmann1,

I like the Canary CA-330 MKII monos a lot and they are very nice. Man I am blown away at how substantial and well built and put together they are. They are big and heavy (not too heavy) and super impressive. I can honestly say their build quality is better in a pretty obvious way to the very impressive BAT VK's, ARC REF's and CJ Premier gear that I have owned and that is saying something. They are better than Manley as well and just overall I was not prepared for this significant quality of gear. This is fist rate, top shelf, high end build and that wasn't what I was expecting but I am pleasantly pleased. 

All this said I feel my new speakers are not best served by the 300b tube I fear. I am back on the amp-go-round unfortunately. Not real happy about it either... Will a tube change help? I doubt it?? 

Sbank

Thanks for that info! I am going to check it out. What do you guys think of a 2A3 tube amp? My speakers being 103db will allow pretty much any tube. Was looking at Triode Lab 2A3 amp all decked out in their fancy paint and brand name cap and part upgrades. Would work a trade thing for my Canary's. Sell and buying just take too long and too much work when I can make a trade I much prefer it. Let me know if you guys know anyone that might want a killer pair of 300b mono's that are current production amps that are being shipped new today that had a MSRP of $12,000.00 I want to trade these for Single Ended Triode amp that will work better in my system. Thanks guys !!!

fsmithjack July 10, 2015 18:58

Frank,
If the 300Bs still lack a bit of the drive you seek check out amps with either the GM70, 845 or 211 tubes. These are all higher power handling and often end up in amps with ~25-50w/ch., which is way more than typical SET power. I'm not pushing one brand or another just saying these types of tubes are similar with their own unique flavors, and your new setup might just be perfect for them. 
There are many old threads discussing the merits of various amps w/these tubes, as does Tube Asylum. Comments from old pals Trelja and Mechans are based on much relevant experience here. 
FWIW, Dehavilland is a company offering much value and expertise w/moderate powered SET amps. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank July 10, 2015 16:13

How do you like the CANARY on your new speakers?

musicmann1 July 10, 2015 02:09

OwnerHey Spencer - Thanks for the feedback !!
Actually I was so psyched for my new Rethm amps and would never have given up on them like that unless they were awful which I am pretty sure they are not but they got trashed during shipping and I was bummed so the Canary is added as a hold over until they can make me another Rethm amp.

Was totally bummed and the first week I owned my speakers I had no "good matching"amps to use. I tried my Krell KSA-200s and a Pioneer Elite SC-57 Receiver but as you could guess those we not good matches at all. 

The cool thing is I guess is that Rethm just redesigned and improved their amps and I am going to get the first one of the new generation and they sent me a pic yesterday and they look much different and hopefully sounds great. 

For one day my friend Fred from Stereodesk / Audio Prana let me borrow his Bakoon 11R SS amp and that is a very special amp and if I hadn't already bought the Rethm and Canary I would have bought it in a second. These speakers can be driven by a couple watts and well so obviously tubes are the way to go but that little Bakoon amp blew me out of my chair. Very impressive. None of the Tubeness though so after a while I am sure I may have missed that but still either way that was one of the nicest amps I have ever heard and by far the best SS amp. I'll let you know how I make out. 

The Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers I bought are a single driver / full range design but the bottom end is augmented via 3 other high efficient paper drivers driven by their own built in 205 watt FET amp with Crossover and Gain adjustments to tune for the room. I think these speakers regardless of amp are always going to have great bass which is odd and something I need to adjust to. 

They actually are not that heavy either. About 100 pounds a piece which is heavy but not like the other Wilson, Kharma, Sonus I have owned. Thanks for the feedback and comments...

fsmithjack July 09, 2015 20:32

Frank, 
Are you already deciding that the Rethm amp "designed by same co. to be perfect match for the speakers" aren't getting the job done. Have you even run-in the speakers and integrated enough to start serious listening? 
Bet moving those around the room isn't easy, and hope you have spent many patient hours trying to maximize setup before deciding to pull the trigger on the 300Bs. 
I worry for you because 300Bs are known for glorious midrange but not the tight killer bass that you seem to be looking for and led you to sell the CJs in the first place. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank July 08, 2015 16:57

OwnerSystem edited: Just added a pair of: Canary Audio CA-330 Mk II 300B Tube Monoblocks - To Compliment my new Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers...

fsmithjack July 07, 2015 21:25

OwnerHey Acresverde,

LOL... Thankfully no! The're still pretty white...lol. Great system BTW. I really love the bybee stuff myself and hope to start working some of their products into my system down the line a bit. Love your speakers... Bet it sounds "Amazing"...

fsmithjack June 24, 2015 23:05

Thanks for the post Frank! I look forward to reading about your continued audio explorations.

kevinkwann June 24, 2015 20:46

Well, from start to finish, that was quite a read. The only question I have for you is have your teeth turned black yet?

acresverde June 24, 2015 19:44

OwnerKevinkwann... LOL...LMAO... I hope not but def could be!!!

With all my changes and all the different directions I have and still am learning a ton. Not only about the hobby but what I want and am hoping for. Here is some info that I have shared on some of my amp/DAC threads and that may shed some light on my dizzying box swapping escapades.

This info I shared was on a thread when I had my Ascendo speakers and was driving them with tubes but the tubes just couldn't properly drive my Ascendo's as they have a stubborn Kevlar bass driver. The problem was that I love tubes and if I went solid state it could really driver the speaker the way I wanted but didn't have the sound of tubes I love but offered the great driver grip, control, transparency and bass I wanted. What to do. I was thinking maybe go monster class a Clayton solid state that may give enough of the warmth and I was looking for but wasn't sure that would do.

Well Here We Go - talk - about doing a total 360 - and going in a total other direction. 

I am one of those guys that reads a lot and listens as much as I can to as much as I with as little free time as I have. I try to make calculated, smart, informed choices and allow my head to have a lot input in most cases but in this case I kind of shot from the hip and went with my gut / heart! Plenty of reading and some listening was def involved but it was a pretty big plunge so to speak I think. 

I posted some of this info on my DAC thread but I wanted to share with you guys as it is an amp and speaker change that we were all talking about and wanted to share my change of direction with you. 

Gone now are my preamps (ARC, BAT) my beloved speakers (Ascendo's) and amps (CJ's - Krell). 

I have pulled the trigger on these new speakers and amps. Would love any feedback, recommendations or criticism's. I took a pretty big chance I think because my new speakers and amps are so different and such a change from where I was. They should be here later this week or early next week!

As yo know I was struggling to find the right amps for my speakers to the point of then getting into swapping speakers.

In a nutshell What I wanted was real driver control with grip, resolution, detail and great transparency that one gets from a high quality SS amp yet I also still wanted the beauty I had grown to accustomed to from my CJ tubes, the warmth and enveloping 3-D realness of tubes. I love tubes and did not want to live without that essential ingredient but I no longer could bear the trade offs. The slow and rolled off top and bottom with loosey, goosey bottom end. The 140 watt tube amp that was driving a 88 db efficient speaker with a tough Kevlar bass driver. Was I going to change speaker or amp or both.

My stated goal at this point was to try and find a speaker amp combo that could give me my tube glory and beauty I have grown so fond of but with Grip, Speed, Detail and transparency without having to spend an exorbitant amount on a monster tube amp. 

I was first leaning toward Class A monster SS amps which started with this thread but not matter how good a SS amp is it is still not tubes. How do I get both. How did I get what I am after. I am not sure I have pulled it off or not but I took a shot on what I think maybe the solution. 

I just went hole hog and pulled the Trigger and made the "HUGE CHANGE"! 

Again, my new speakers and amps should be here later this week or early next week. 

For the first time I am purchasing amps that were specifically designed and made for my speakers by the same designer from the same company. Something new for me! 

That said my new speakers and a new amp are from a real small boutique company in India that I hope will allow me to pull this off:

Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):

The speakers are single / driver / high efficiency / wide banders with a self powered built in bass module. 

Here is the info:
Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):
103db, 18hz-20khz, 8ohm
Minimum amplification power: 2 wpc
Full Range - Horn loaded labyrinth:(7" – 4") length 
Full range driver: Custom designed 7 inch paper cone w/whizzer w/ Custom designed Self driven bass modules: 3 Bass Drivers per enclosure 
3 x 6.5 inch paper cone
Sealed Isobaric chamber: 
Bass labyrinth:( 4' – 8" ) 
w/ one monobloc per enclosure 
FET amplifier 
Max. output: 210 wpc @ 4 ohms 
Dimensions: H x D x W : 3'-5" )x( 2'-4 ½" )x( 8.5" ) 
Weight per enclosure: 88 lbs 

Here is the matching amp that comes in 2 boxes. 1 - box holds all the tubes and the other holds the power supply tethered by a cable. They look like mono blocks but are attached by the cable and it is an integrated, stereo amp.

Rethm Gaanam Integrated amp. 
They don't list all the specs per say but here some info if your interested. It interested me enough to order these brand new speakers and amps and we have all chatted a lot so I wanted to share in the event your interested. 

This is a pretty unique amp that was again voiced and designed specifically to match the speakers perfectly. 

Here is the designer talking about designing the amp. 

The criteria we started with were the following:

1. It had to be between 10 and 20 wpc.
2. It had to be Single Ended pure class A.

We use a unique circuit for the power amp section whereby the ONLY tubes are the output tubes. No gain stage tubes, no buffer tubes, no driver tubes. The preamp section provides more than adequate gain, and instead of driver tubes, we have small, custom designed "driver transformers". This enabled us to get a beautiful sound that had all the warmth and dimensionality that makes valves so unique, while enabling a clarity and dynamic that is not often found in traditional valve amplifiers. To enhance control, we decided on a solid state buffer in this amplifier. We also have zero feedback.

After much experimenting with several valve types, we settled on a single-ended configuration using the 6C33C valve. It produces 16 wpc. The 6C33C valve is, on technical spec's itself, an amazing valve. It has an extremely high Trans-conductance value ( in excess of 30 mA/V -- as compared to the 12.5 of a KT 120 ) which facilitates much better current flow. And, it has an amazingly low Internal Resistance ( 130 ohms -- as compared to 3000 ohms on a KT 120 ) which is almost comparable to solid-state devices! This enables a much higher speed of signal voltage transfer. It also has very low anode voltages ( 120 v -- as compared to most valves that go from a few hundred volts to in excess of 1000 v in the case of the 845 valve ) -- which makes it a much safer device. 

The preamp section uses two 6922 valves, one per channel, and uses an extremely simple circuit. The power supply is choke regulated, and here again, we have zero feedback.

We also get all our transformers (the output transformers, driver transformers, power transformer and choke) cryogenically treated as we see a substantial improvement in performance with greater transparency, detail retrieval and delicacy to the reproduction.

Wish me luck guys. I hope this takes my rig to the next level. 

Again, Any advice or feedback, criticism or anything is always really appreciated. 

I know this started as a Clayton thread but you guys have been great and I wanted to share with you the direction I chose and why? Its scary and exciting at the same time and I think its part of what makes this hobby great! 

This similar response was an answer to a question on my DAC thread where I heard them and kind of a why I chose them type of thing:

An acquaintance of a former co-worker friend was kind enough to let us listen to them but they were the last / older version of the Saadhana speakers sometimes labeled as the V2. I also got to hear the newer / current version of the model down from the Saadhana, the Rethm Maarga. I liked the Maarga A LOT and proceeded to learn all I could about this company and the designer. I learned that all of the new Rethm speakers, the current models have their own, new custom drivers and I took the shot. 

After I did a lot of research and a lot of thinking I realized what I was really looking / hoping for? It is the baseline for my approach to a new speaker / amp combo search.

What I was / am hoping for is (and it is a tall order for sure):

Ultra high, pin-point clarity with reach out and touch, precise resolution is something I would love. That microscopic type of resolution and clarity that provides a real uber defined sound stage and 3d images with image separation and delineation only this type of resolution can provide. The problem is to acquire this level of clarity, resolution and neutrality one must usually also have to accept a somewhat sterile, semi-etched or analytical or non-musical presentation. 

My hope is for a speaker / amp combo to approach and blend this uber level of clarity and resolution with a smooth, liquid and tube-like natural presentation that is relaxed yet also pops. One that is not etched or analytical and is free from listener fatigue. 

To get all of the above it will certainly need to be a creative and outside the box, unique speaker and amp combo? One that smartly and successfully blends a bunch of different technologies and topologies into a diverse yet synergistic package. Something like the mixture of tubes and solid state and Cyro treatments with high efficiency single drivers that run wide open that have build in bass modules that support from bottom up with custom band-pass and volume controls for different room tuning to even have a chance at attaining even part of what I am after.

Now I understand no speaker is perfect and no speaker can do everything for everyone. Some of the things I was willing to give up in my search were huge SBL's or super loud rock, grudge or Techno or super complex large and loud orchestra music. I want to rock out sometimes but it is not a DNA prerequisite. I don't need all word slam either but I am after full range speakers that convey it all. The bass matters and a lot it just doesn’t have to be high end Magico, Wilson, Focal, Raidho bass slam.

I want Full, Rich, Fast, NO FLAB, Accurate, Tuneful, Detailed bass with genuine feel that supports the rest of the entire frequency spectrum. I am serious about bass I just don’t need the very last word in all world slam. I am asking for a lot and maybe I will be let down. I am sort of hoping for my cake and hoping to eat it too but why not. It is yet to be seen if this is realistic or not because as we all know they need to be in your own room in your system listening to your music fully broken until he really know for sure. 

Other than listening to the two sets of speakers I listed above another important decision factor was I did a lot of reading and went after as much info as I could find. 

A huge fan of these speakers and I mean a huge fan is Saran Ebaen of 6moons. I understand reviews are just that reviews but Srajan has a decade into informing us about the progress of this company and its speaker line. If you read all of these reviews that took place over the last decade or so you start to get a real picture of the company and its growth and evolution and the idea that Srajan is doing more than just reviewing these speakers. He owns them and uses them and adores them and has bought each version of the Saadhana. This long term perspective gave me some great insight into how these current models came to where they are today. 

Srajan really outlined where and how they came to be today. With all of my purchases I always try to do research and be smart about it and do my due diligence but I am noting this here today because I have never been giving such a long term, clear view into a product or company for any of purchase I have made and I wanted to share with you guys. 

It really started and ended with me listening to these speakers and how they offered me so much of what I am looking for that had me making this decision. It did and always should come down to how they sound to you. What made the process more fun and enlightening was the great reading and insight provided by Srajan. I recommend to anyone even those not even interested in buying these speakers to read these reviews. I am a lot smarter for it. 

Thanks for reading my thread and I would love your thought or any feedback, comments or criticism.

Thanks again
Frank

fsmithjack June 24, 2015 14:15

I give this system iteration 6 months max before more "BIG CHANGES GUYS!"

kevinkwann June 24, 2015 01:40

OwnerThanks so much Charles !!!
I can't wait to get everything up and running!!!

fsmithjack June 21, 2015 18:57

Congratulations! 
I believe that this new direction of your system is going to make you very happy with no looking back. I expect you'll gain increased purity, natural sound and realism.
Charles,

charles1dad June 20, 2015 00:36

OwnerSystem edited: System Refit !!!

fsmithjack June 19, 2015 18:48

OwnerMASSIVE SYSTEM CHANGE: I just went hole hog and changed my speakers, pre and amps!! Going Wide Band - High Efficiency with SET tube amp...

But not exactly what you might think!

Rethm makes a single driver / point source wide band driver that they run wide open and is supported with a self driven built in bass enclosure... This single driver with augmented bass is a FULL RANGE speaker with Strong - Real World Bass!! To keep off the amp - merry - go - round I am going with the amp that was designed by the same designer from the same boutique company specifically for these speakers. I am told it is a very special combination and matching these with my Bricasti. 

HUGE SYSTEM CHANGE !!! 

INCOMING:
Rethm Saadhana Speakers
Rethm Gaanam SET Integrated Amp

OUTGOING
SOLD / TRADED 

Ascendo C8 Renaissance Speakers
ARC REF 1 Preamp
CJ Premier 12 mono-block tube amps

Keeping same PAD Speaker cables and Darwin TRUTH IC's for now...

Should have everything this time next week!!!

fsmithjack June 19, 2015 18:45

Hi, in response to your comments about DSP and EQ in Jriver in the Bricasti thread, I would very much like to know what kind of processing you're doing on that end.

Thanks,
Chris

cal3713 April 16, 2015 00:37

I saw in another thread you were looking to spend around $13-14k on an amp but posted that though you liked CAT, the amp was out of your price range.

The CAT JL5 retails for $13k. 

You also mentioned that you were looking to trade-in your CJ's and that's why you were considering another CJ or the Clayton. Legitimate point as I doubt you could do that with the CAT. On the other hand you could sell your amps separately.

Finally, you mentioned that Ascendo recommends Behold and CAT. The company always seems to show with CAT in Munich which should give you a good indication about how the people who design your speakers feel about these amplifiers. You might want to keep that in mind come decision time.

kevinkwann April 09, 2015 20:19

OwnerThanks !!!

fsmithjack April 06, 2015 16:08

Sorry, I don't know anything about CAT's dealer network. Call CAT and ask!

kevinkwann April 05, 2015 03:38

Owneryes cat is awesome. i had a cat pre and loved it. do you know a dealer that has them? Thanks

fsmithjack April 05, 2015 00:52

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 Post a commentThe CAT JL5 is a no-brainer. You don't need high damping factor. You need high current output capability. That's what the JL5 will give you. Moving to solid state is kind of like throwing the baby out with the bath water which is not to say that all solid state sucks. It's just that the CAT JL5 would be so much better in your system.

kevinkwann April 04, 2015 15:45

OwnerMy Bricasti is such an upgrade that I am working on changing my amps. My Ascendo Speakers have an internal firing 13cm Kevlar Driver that I think really needs an amp with strong damping hence a SS amp. Thinking either just a Class A or Hybrid - Need tubes in the chain but need the woofer control. Any ideas? Thanking maybe Clayton Audio M300 Class A monster amps. Anyone heard of these? Thanks

fsmithjack April 04, 2015 14:54

OwnerHey guys - Got my brand new Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC! I had a problem getting my Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable to work with it but the company I bought the USB cable from Fidelis in Nashua NH was amazing and exchanged my cable with no questions asked they gave me a brand new one and it works perfect. They also gave me a Tellurium Q BLACK USB cable to be safe to try as well and that was appreciated but not necessary. Both my Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC and Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable really need time to break in and settle down but they sound pretty good now but like all new stuff really need run in. Pretty psyched!!

fsmithjack February 28, 2015 14:54

OwnerMy New Bricasti will be here in 2 Days!! Yayy !!!

fsmithjack February 24, 2015 15:21

OwnerNice - what Hansen speaker? Those are amazing speakers I heard their big sized monitors once and thought they gave better bass than my Wilson Sophia 2 but the tweeters we also much prettier with less heat and sizzle on top but still killer detail. Very nice speaker and witch seem to be a perfect match for that killer BAT amp especially with vinyl. I am real excited about the Bricasti

fsmithjack February 20, 2015 12:26

Fsmithjack, I use BAT 600SE on my first setup with my Tannoy Canterbury SE. Tannoy doesn't need 300W, but I tried less powered amps and found out more power and current, brings more liveliness to these speakers. Besides, my next project would be to have a Hansen speaker, so I could use same AMP for that one too. I use most of the times vinyls and my path is move toward better preamps and better cartridges. 

BTW, your new DAC is a wonderful one, hope you will enjoy it. 

cheers

michelzay February 19, 2015 20:29

OwnerThanks so much Needfreestuff. The Bricasti has left the factory and is on the way to my dealer so I can't wait. Hope to have it all set and warmed up by mid/end of next week. I'll give you guys my impressions. I know like any digital product there is a decent amount of break in time needed but hopefully I can get a feel for it next week. I'm pretty excited. Thanks so much for the kind words and the response.

fsmithjack February 19, 2015 18:58

Enjoyed reading your journey over the last couple of years. You have changed your system dramatically and had the good fortune in producing major upgrades, with little out of your pocket, not easy to do. Very interested in your Briscati Dac please keep us posted and give us your thoughts. Congrads on your system and thanks for posting. Now just sit back and enjoy. Best of luck.

needfreestuff February 18, 2015 05:04

OwnerI know you are so right. Power cords and how they work with what is a tough call because they all act different with the different equipment. I am glad I gave the BMI shark a shot because its a great cable and I am real happy with it. That BAT you have is a beast and a great amp. I owned it and at the time I had the Wilson Sophia 2 speakers and that Focal tweeter was a little to hot on top I thought for a SS amp even though the bass was killer. I wish I still had it because I bet it would be a great match with my Ascendo's. i have never heard a CPCC PCs. Good to know of another great cable. What do you use that BAT beast to drive? Thanks

fsmithjack February 18, 2015 01:42

Fsmithjack, Congratulations on new equipment and BMI power cord. Regarding BMI power cords, they are very good and hope it did match nicely with your entire system. They surely are different than Sablon PCs. I use two CPCC topGun version with my BAT 600SE. They are as old as your BMI sharks and I got them at 1/10 of original retail price. Tested them with a couple of amps in the past, with no good results. A friend tried those running Tune amps in his system, which proved to be an excellent match. It seems CPCC PCs would be a very good match with Tube amps too. Finally, I tested CPCC with BAT 600se and surprisingly, the sound quality has been excellent, even better Tara labs The one! Of course, it is all about synergy and there is no exact science for Power cord matching!

michelzay February 15, 2015 00:34

OwnerGUYS ANOTHER HUGE CHANGE in my system !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

THIS TIME IT'S THE ALL IMPORTANT SOURCE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MY DAC, My beloved PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC !!!!!!!!

Well I thought I would never change out either my CAT Pre and/or my DirectStream DAC but we all know how that goes. 

It's just that my new speakers are so good and so revealing of every little change and the big changes, well, they are special. 

With all these changes at some point i'm bound to make a mistake but so far I have been very lucky and all my changes have worked out great. This here is my big upgrade to the oh so important source. Here goes...

I am trading out my PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC with Bridge and its excellent matching Silver PS Audio PerfectWave Vibration Control/Conditioner Base and cash for the very well thought of new Bricasti M1 USB/Volume Control DAC. I just made the deal last night and can't wait to hear it. On a side note I just installed the just released PS Audio DirectStream Operating System update Pikes Peak that was a HUGE upgrade. The Sound Quality really improved that has me kind of nervous as the DirectStream really is a great DAC and this update has made it substantially better but I got that Bricasti on my brain and couldn't get it out so I pulled the trigger on the deal. 

Wish me luck but also if you can provide any comments or feedback or any of your thoughts it would really be appreciated. Excited and nervous... Hope to hear from you. Thanks Guys/Gals..

fsmithjack February 13, 2015 17:31

OwnerHi Michelzay,
Thanks so much. As the Mad Scientist has broken in it has passed the Sablon but I still really like the Sablon but I also just picked up a really cool power ac cable I like a lot the BMI Shark. Back a decade or so ago they were the flagship of BMI and went for $3,500 but I got a good deal on it being older and used but its in great shape and sounds really sharp. It uses a pure platinum wire which is pretty cool. Super detailed and tons of resolution but not too etched or bright so I like it. Nice bass. The Mad Scientist has turned into a bass monster and actually out does my JPS AC+ if you can believe that. The JPS is known for super good bass. Pretty cool cable. Also, I am fixing to do a big DAC trade deal. Trading my Direct Stream and cash for a Bricasti M1 so I am pretty stoked. Can wait to finish up this deal!!! Thought I would never give up my CAT and DirectStream but we all know how that goes. Cheers...

fsmithjack February 12, 2015 23:55

OwnerHi Lapierre,
Running Nationals which I like. I also have some nice Sylvania. I have some nice Tele's also but need a few more. Thanks

fsmithjack February 12, 2015 23:46

What tubes are using in the ARC?

lapierre January 19, 2015 03:32

OwnerHey Zephyr24069 thanks so much for the kind words and feedback. Your remarks are really appreciated. It's funny I took the time to put the info in but wasn't sure anyone ever read it so thanks a lot. I'll post of pic of my system soon. I'm so happy with all my recent changes. I have made changes in the past in sometimes they don't work but this last bunch of changes have all worked out great so I am psyched. The speakers have been such an upgrade that every other change has clearly been appreciated and my new pre the ARC REF 1 will be here Tus so i can't wait... Thanks again :)

fsmithjack January 19, 2015 01:40

Fsmithjack, Once again very nice system setup. I was kind of anticipating to hear that you choose Sablon Petit Corona Power cord as the best. Other PC cables are very good too. 

I was planning to add a CAT preamp to my system, but unfortunately all my set up is based on balanced design. CAT product favors more unbalanced systems. AR makes very good preamps too. Hope AR ref1 will bring you more musical flavors to your system. 

cheers,
M.

michelzay January 18, 2015 22:13

Fsmithjack: great system manifest and photo of some of the components and the speakers. Do you have shot of the overall system in the room? I like the way you've gone through over the years and sold/bought while keeping a couple of 'anchor' components to baseline the system. I don't have first-hand listening experience with many of your components, cables, etc...but having heard/read feedback on much of this, it seems like you put together one hell of an enjoyable system.....Happy Listening!

zephyr24069 January 18, 2015 11:23

Congrats on new preamp.

Nice setup with the Ascends.

lapierre January 18, 2015 03:42

OwnerONE BIG LAST CHANGE: 

For now...LOL. OK Guys I am taking a chance here on a big time preamp change. Nervous but I have had so much success recently with taking big chances that I am looking to seal the deal and finish up my entire system overhaul. I just made a purchase / trade of my CAT SL-1 Signature MK III preamp w/phono that I don't use the phono on for a line stage only Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/Rhodium IEC installed and NOS Tubes. All ARC Reference pre's are single stage only (Line or Phono). I use a DAC and was thinking this ARC Reference 1 may be a great match for my CJ Premier 12 mono's. 

Its a big chance because the CAT is such an amazing pre but no pain no gain and I really hope it works out like I am hoping. Anyone have any feedback on the ARC pre's? I should receive it early next week. Wish me luck !!!

fsmithjack January 15, 2015 12:39

OwnerHey there, thanks so much!!! Yes the cables have been great. The power cables have prob made the most effect. I have them set up as follows:

Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M Power Cable
Powering ps audio direct stream dac

Mad Scientist PC-NEO with with Power Purifier Power Cable 
Powering both amps via ps audio power base

JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2.m Power Cable
Powering ps audio power plant premier

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Cable 
Powering external tube output stage behind DAC- ZSTAGE

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable
Powering preamp Audio Research REF 1

Thanks so much for the kind words. The Sablon is the best of my power cables and the JPS AC+ does a great job providing a ton of bass that gets leaned out just enough and cleaned, striped and sped up with the synergistic research cables. Real nice synergy and the mad scientist gives a 3d and stage better than them all. Killer combo...

fsmithjack January 14, 2015 22:49

Congratulation ... That's a nice setup. I listened once to Ascend c8 back in EU and it sounded very good. THey know how to integrate Sub in the middle of the box to bring out a nice balance on music. 

By the way, I was wondering whether you would tell us which PC is connected to AMP, Preamp, etc... I totally agree with you about PC and how they could significantly improve the sound quality.

michelzay January 10, 2015 22:42

Sorry about that Sid! I was away for awhile and just saw your post. Thanks so much!

malcolmmonfort January 10, 2015 03:38

OwnerMORE CHANGES: 

Starting to "REALLY" Come together. This has pretty much been an entire system overhaul except for my DAC and Pre and I may change the pre as well but the DAC Stays.

To go with my new speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance)I have also added new amps, speaker cables and power cables and the upgrade in SQ has been out of this world and so much more than I could have ever hoped for! 

My system has never sounded so good and so real and performed so well. I am really blown away at the improvement. Super happy! 

The cables (Speaker / AC Power) have been much more significant in improving my system than I would have ever thought possible but they did. 

This has all happened for the most part with out spending any real extra money spent. Sold my old speakers, amps, extra gear, speaker cables and power cables and bought new stuff (all used just new to me). What made this possible is I bought less expensive speakers that are much - much - much better and used the extra money to improve not only my speakers, but my speaker cables and power cables and it has worked incredibly well. 

I got lucky really. When you can sell your speakers (Wilson Sophia 2's) and then buy less expensive speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance) and the speakers are much better in every way and that gave me the extra money to put into improving the rest of my system. It has really put me ahead of the game. I am very lucky I took the shot and scored. 

Here is the newly added gear below that has allow my Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers,PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and CAT SL-1 Signature Reference MK III pre to sing: 

Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono-blocks Tube amps 140 Watts

Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker Cables

Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M Power Cable

Mad Scientist PC-NEO with with Power Purifier Power Cable 

JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2.m Power Cable

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable 

Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable

SOLD

Cardas Clear Light 2.5m Spade to spade Speaker Cables
Synergistic Research Master Coupler AC-PC (2)
Nordost Blue Haven AC-PC (4)
PS Audio PW AC5 AC-PC

Man this cable upgrade was gigantic. I just can not believe how much difference and how much an upgrade a good power cable can make. In some ways almost as much as my CJ amps and I love those amps. 

___

fsmithjack January 09, 2015 16:01

Thank you kindly Fsmithjack. The kimbers are sounding excellent with the ascendo's, I have had a lot of cables in the past, and found the 3033's to have a neutrality that I prefer. I am using silver jumpers for the biwire jacks, I am going to experiment with a few including kimbers 12tc, to see what I prefer.
Cheers,
Sid

sidvee December 27, 2014 03:39

Hi Malcolmmonfort,
I am based in India, so I bought from the local dealer here. I believe the US dealer for SL is Odyssey Audio. You can call them at 317 299 5578.
Cheers,
Sid

sidvee December 27, 2014 03:30 Report

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 Post a commentOwnerSid,
Your room looks awesome with those black Ascendo's. I love the black they look great! How do you like those Kimber cables? I have Cardas clear lights with Spades and the Ascendo's being bi-wire and non spade friendly at all has me needing a new solution. I just have the spades with just one prong in the whole with only half making contact and using Nordost jumpers so def not ideal at all. Was thinking of a used set of Transparent MW Ultra 3m Bi-wire with locking banana's but I love the Cardas sound but don't have much doe left over after just picking my CJ Premier 12 mono's and the guy will do $800 plus my 2.5m cardas clear lights as a trade. Thx

fsmithjack December 26, 2014 15:59

Sidvee, where do you buy the Kraft 250? I have been looking for a dealer and so far no success.

malcolmmonfort December 26, 2014 04:44

Its a sliding Class 'A' SS design. Excellent sound, no grit/grain and like all SS designs excellent bass, coupled with the C8R I am getting prodigous bass in my small 14' x 12' room. I just replaced the Harbeth Shl5 with these and they are so much better in resolution, bass response and airiess due to the ambient ribbon tweeter at the rear. And yes imaging is just out of the world. I have had small monitors in my rooms like the dynaudio focus 110, but these just disappear entirely. No connection between the sound in the stage and the speakers.

sidvee December 26, 2014 01:08

OwnerHey Sid,
Thanks for the response! I have never heard of that amp is it ss or tube. I am stuck with tubes. I tried to leave them and stepped up to a monster BAT VK-600SE and still couldn't do it just missed tubes too much. I just pulled the trigger on some big tubes - 140 watts. The Conrad Johnson Premier 12 monoblocks. I know these speakers are not a heavy load but multiple C8 owners told me these C8's don't need but really really prefer power. I asked if 70 tube watts would work and they said they would but 100 would be better so I went with 140 but also in an amp that is warm and super musical so I can't wait to get them. I see a pair of Ascendo C8's are listed today for only $4,000! People don't realize that these Ascendo C8 Renaissance absolutely wiped the floor in every way including bass of My Wilson Sophia 2's, Wilson Watt Puppy 7's, Kharma CRM 3.2 FE's, Martinlogan Spire and Summit's, Sonus Faber Cremoria Auditor, Merlin TSM-MMI, Audio Physic Virgo's, Revel Ultima Salon. Harbeth 30 just to name a few. A few on this list are a lot less money but many are way more and I am telling you the C8 image, insane sound stage, pure silk mid-range, bottom extension with fat, round and true timber, to go with such pristine silky high's it really like these are in such another higher class than all the above speakers and they are not. I mean for $4k you can beat 20k plus speakers easy it's just that in the US no ones know these but they know in Europe. I like them also because they are so odd and different looking. We are lucky and someone is going to get a pair of $4k speakers that are going to blow their mind. I read everywhere how the Audio Physic Virgo's are some of the best imaging speakers ever. Not even close the C8 are much better. I am so lucky I took a chance on an odd looking speaker that wasn't really even expensive. I have never experienced anything like this in audio!

fsmithjack December 24, 2014 20:10

I agree, I just recently got the C8 Renaissance. Superb speaker and highly underrated. I am driving them with a Symphonic Line Kraft 250 and the bass is just unbelievable. Tight and taut, and significantly better than trying to integrate a subwoofer into my 2 channelsystem.
Cheers,
Sid

sidvee December 20, 2014 10:46

OwnerSystem edited: HUGE CHANGES GUYS - HUGE - Decided to go in total other direction. I moved and I went from a big room that was dedicated to Audio to med room that is also a living room so big changes. My girl is supportive of my Audio habit/addiction thankfully but I no longer have a dedicated room which actually isn't a bad thing as we all can enjoy my system now. I sold my main amp, main speakers and back up speakers and all my extra non main-rig equipment to apply a single focus on a single and quite different system... Big Plunge into the unknown - well not really but you know what I mean...Kept my amazing PRE and DAC and am rebuilding my system around those 2 core components. Never changing these (CAT SL-1 Signature MK III PRE & PS Audio Direct Stream DAC) SOLD: BAT-VK600SE SOLD: WILSON SOPHIA 2'S SOLD: MERLIN TSM-MMI SOLD: BEL CANTO s300s SOLD: DECWARE CSP2+ w/VCAPS SOLD: MUSIC FIDELITY M1 DAC SOLD: PS AUDIO UPC-200 SOLD: PS AUDIO AC5 PWR CABLES (2) BOUGHT: ASCENDO C8 RENAISSANCE BOUGHT: AMP - TBD Any feedback on a good amp match would be appreciated. The speakers are 6-ohm 88 efficient and seem like a fairly easy load. Currently using my trusty old back up amp the Primaluna Prologue 1 Integrated 35 wpc that these sound great with but looking for more. Great little back up amp though for sure. These Ascendo C8 Speakers are the most amazing speakers I have ever owned. If you ever come across a pair buy them. They are not that expensive and they are amazing. I have never heard a nicer pair and I have heard some seriously nice speakers. This is a very special speaker that I am ecstatic that I now own!

fsmithjack December 19, 2014 15:59

OwnerI totally agree. I just can't believe how much happier I am just using a cheap little tube integrated. I like the sound so much I just made a trade deal to swap some extra gear I'm not using in my main system for a pair of Primaluna Prologue 6 mono blocks. It's funny the only reason I went to a massive SS amp was because I had Manley Snapper Mono blocks and they just couldn't drive my Wilson Sophia 2's at all. It surprised me because they are 100 watts but this little Primaluna Prologue 1 Integrated drives them fine but I also added a Merlin Master RC Network to the speaker taps of my Wilson's which may really help the amp drive them also. They certainly improved the sound a ton! I think its because the Prima has 4 ohm taps but not sure! With the PrimaLuna Prologue 6 mono block there is not pre to go through because I already have a great pre the CAT SL-1 MK3 Signature that I live for and they are 70 watts per and they have 4 ohm and 2 ohm taps so I am psyched. Also they have the more powerful KT88 which should offer more as well. I never really thought of Primaluna before as it didn't seem up to matching the rest of my rig with Wilson Sophia 2's, PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and the CAT pre but i'm changed by the great performance of the little Prologue 1 so psyched about getting the Prologue 6 mono blocks can't wait :)

fsmithjack November 22, 2014 16:30

More than a few listeners would understand your decision to return to tube amplifiers. If you find the midrange in your system to sound unnatural, no other sonic attributes will compensate for this flaw.The music will lack soul and emotion if the midrange is artificial sounding.

charles1dad November 09, 2014 21:53

OwnerSystem edited: Back to Tubes. Sold my BAT VK-600SE. I just couldn't get over my love for tubes and needed the money so on the lookout for a decent priced tube amp and in mean time just using the inexpensive Primaluna Prologue 1 and although its not really enough for the rest of my system it gives me the mids only tubes can give...

fsmithjack November 09, 2014 17:45

I had a hard time to find a dealer in SF area for a demo session before the purchase but there was no such a chance. I talked to Geoff Poor at BAT who is truly a gentleman whom answered nicely to my technical questions/concerns of the product. Finally I took the risk and got one as used. You said it, BAT VK-600SE is an excellent amp, once hooked in my system I couldn’t be happier. I tried for a few days, Pass labs X350.5 which is also a good amp, but I found BAT is more detailed and more dynamic and present a much better bass. 
Regarding RCA-XLR conversion, it seems that BAT sells RCA to XLR converters which seems to be very good (Michael Farmer of Stereophile use them on his reviews!), but your choice of Cardas converters is perhaps a better idea which could provide a better synergy with your Cardas interconnects. All my interconnects are Audioquest sky XLR and I think it is better to get a real balanced preamp in order to improve sound quality of this wonderful BAT amp. My next upgrade would certainly be a Balanced preamp and most likely a BAT preamp. 
Good luck…

michelzay September 06, 2014 01:37

OwnerHey Michel,
Thanks for response! That's awesome that you also have the BAT VK-600SE. What a beast huh? I love it! My Wilson's just couldn't get rolling with my Manley Snapper Tube amps. I loved those amps till I got the Wilson's. The Sophia's are supposed to be easy to drive but too much for the Snappers. I actually picked up the nice Cardas Clear XLR to RCA Adaptors to use my CAT. I just love the CAT so much that I went with that for now. They were only a couple hundred and supposed to be the best ones. I have Cardas Clear Interconnects and was told they are a great match. I would def love to try either the BAT 31SE or 51SE XLR pre which they say are amazing with these but then I would need to change cables as well. It can get pretty pricy but I am sure I will try a BAT Balanced down the road if I don't slide but to tubes which is possible for me as well. The BAT atleast for now has me not thinking about tubes because it is a very special amp. The PS Audio Direct Stream DAC to my CAT pre to my BAT SE amp to my Wilson Sophia's have me pretty happy for now :)

fsmithjack September 05, 2014 18:10

Hello There, 

Congratulations on your new amp. I just changed my amp from Mcintosh MC402 to BAT vk-600se. Since then, (about 1 month) I experienced more details and much better bass. I was kind of worrying about High Frequency issues that some reviews talked about it, but by playing around power cords and power conditioners I got an excellent result. 
My challenge right now is to pick up a preamp. I saw you are using a CAT preamp. I heard too many good things about CAT designs. However the fact that they are non-balanced designs and BAT is totally balanced design, I was wondering whether you have experienced any issues regarding sound quality by using these two gears together. I use a Mcintosh c2300 and I was told to change my preamp to a truly balanced I got a better result.
Thanks,
Michel

michelzay September 05, 2014 03:28

OwnerSystem edited: BAT VK-600SE just added. I traded my regular BAT VK-600. It was a huge upgrade !!! 1,000 times better amp is the SE model - a total different sounding amp. Love it !!!

fsmithjack September 04, 2014 23:35

OwnerSystem edited: Upgraded my Amp to the amazing BAT VK-600SE model from the regular BAT VK-600. Very big change...

fsmithjack August 29, 2014 20:26

OwnerI just picked up a Bel Canto Design S300 e.One Series Duel Mono Amp for my second system and I have been playing it my main rig. I am pretty impressed. I picked it on eBay cheap and it drives my Wilson's no problem and it actually matches very nicely with my CAT preamp and my PSA Direct Stream DAC. The bottom is decent, not real strong but not missing by any means but it is a very airy and pretty and offers great instrument separation and a nice deep sound stage that is better than most costing much much more. It is actually a very likable sounding amp. If it had some more body and a stronger and fuller bottom end and an overall heavier and fuller sound it would be incredible but for under $1,000 I paid its really a great little amp that sound very very nice. A true HI-FI amp that just is missing in some area's for some music but for acoustic and lighter rock and jazz it is the real deal for sure...

fsmithjack June 23, 2014 20:19

OwnerSystem edited: Changed out my Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamp for a CAT SL1 MKIII w/phono preamp (Convergent Audio Technology) and it was a substantial upgrade. I liked the Manley for sure but the CAT has been called a true "Reference" grade preamp and I now know why. It's a much older piece but that is realty insignificant. It sounds fantastic and the change provided a "Huge" upgrade in SQ. It is much more relaxed and detailed and the music comes from a total different angle. I has a much better perspective and really illuminates every corner of the sound stage to the point that is has taken some getting used to but in a good way. Its a very special piece...

fsmithjack June 21, 2014 15:08

OwnerAnother nice change. I traded my Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamp and cash for a CAT SL-1 Signature MKIII w/Phono preamp. Another really good improvement. I have been lucky and this change worked well as well and I am very happy with SQ improvement of my new Pre/change. Thanks

fsmithjack June 06, 2014 10:57

Owner"New" PS Audio Direct Stream DAC installed in my system a couple days ago. This is the best DAC I have every heard. It is so much better than the PWD MKII that they don't even sound or seem to be from the same company. Incredible piece...My system has improved 10 fold... I have made some huge changes with my speakers, cables and DAC and the changes have really paid off. My system at a total other level now and I could be happier. I just ordered bunch of materials for room acoustic treatments. I hope this helps as much as they say but my room is 21 x 21 and my system is kiddy corner in front of a corner gas fireplace (turned off of course) so not exactly sure how to go about this about this but things are going well and I hope this will help...

fsmithjack May 30, 2014 15:05

OwnerWell here another "Huge" change in my system: I had a chance to pick up a pair of Wilson Sophia 2's and I just couldn't resist. They we a local sale and I got a great deal. I put my Amazing Kharma CRM 3.2F for sale and they sold with in the first few hours after posted. I am kind of nervous because I loved the Kharma's but I have a 21 x 21 room with cathedral ceilings and the full range vs the 2-ways combined with the local deal made me take the plunge. I will update after I get them all set up but I am pretty stoked. Hoping my Snappers can handle the new cones. Let me know if anyone can give me your thoughts about the Snapper combo with the Wilson Sophia's. Thanks

fsmithjack May 25, 2014 13:21

Owner5/1/2014 NEW Update: I just changed speaker cables from Nordost Heimdall to new Cardas Clear Light SC's and this was a gigantic upgrade. I wasn't prepared for this type of improvement because Heimdall's are decent cables but it is a "Huge" upgrade and I am crazy happy with the results. Much better imaging and way improved resolution and there is a slight warmth to die for and the bass is much improved. The center image is further back and much better defined. Very nice... I also just ordered the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC upgrade kit to upgrade/change my PSA Perfectwave DAC MKII to the Direct Stream DAC. There are people that are saying this new DSDx10 DAC will change the future of DAC's forever going forward and that it is the very best DAC at any price today. I am not sure about any/all that but it does seem that it should be a real nice improvement over the MKII that I really like as is so I'm pretty excited. 

fsmithjack May 20, 2014 14:36

OwnerHi Rhljazz, Thanks for response! I just noticed it. My communication with Audiogon forwarding to my email is messed. I do still have the Audio Physic Virgo Speakers but I have not used them for some time but they are awesome speakers and in some way better my Kharma's. I like the Manley Shrimp as well. It's funny. A couple weeks ago I put my Decware preamp in because I picked up a different set of 6922's and I really liked it and kept in for a few weeks. I had gotten to the point that I thought that it was going to be my full-time pre in my big rig and I recently for the heck of it put the Shrimp back in and man am I glad I did. It is clearly superior but A/B was tough to tell but after listing to one for a while and then listening to the other it is a clear no-brainer...

fsmithjack May 20, 2014 14:20

Did you keep the Audio Physic speakers? The Manley Shrimp is an under rated preamp. I have one as a backup but I may need to change it, reluctantly, for something with balanced outputs.

rhljazz April 29, 2014 17:50

OwnerSystem edited: Just changed/upgraded Speakers from my Beloved Martinlogan Spire to Kharma 3.2F CRM's and the change was Amazing. Totally different sound that I couldn't be happier with...

fsmithjack April 23, 2014 16:02

OwnerSystem edited: Another nice group of Changes/Upgrades - I picked a perfect - like new - Premium NOS retubed Manley Jumbo Shrimp Tube Preamp w/Remora Radio control remote that works amazing with my Manley Snappers. I traded my Ayre QB-9 DAC 24/92 toward a PS Audio Perfect Wave MKII DAC so I can be in position to add the "All New" PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC Upgrade at the end of May. I am on the list, all sold out for April. I also added a quality power conditioner. The PS Audio Power Plant Premier and a couple of new PS Audio AC-5 AC Mains Power Cables. I also picked an absolutly gorgious pair of Speakers: Audio Physic Virgo's. Wow what a special speaker these are. Just getting a feel for them. Details and pics to come soon... Thanks

fsmithjack April 05, 2014 20:55 Report

OwnerJust added a JE Audio VL19 and a PS Audio Power Plant Premier and a PS Audio AC5 Power Cable and Nordost Blue Haven Power Cable. Big - big changes and improvements with these new additions. Thanks

fsmithjack March 21, 2014 10:41

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 Post a commentOwnerSystem edited: I just installed 3 sets of Darwin Ascension Interconnects and they have blown me away. The most amazing and profound upgrade I have ever made. Better than upgrading my amps or dacs or pre's or my Nordost Heimdall Speaker Cables. Anything, they have made more of an improvement and impact that I have ever heard... ever... Still trying to wrap my head around them... Wow... just thought I would tip you guys off. Trust me if you try them you will thank me and be blown away like nothing you have ever tried before. They are unreal .... Even if you just by one set and keep everything the same and all you other cables the same you won't believe it...

fsmithjack March 09, 2014 19:28

OwnerSystem edited: Just Upgraded Speaker Cables from Nordost Red Dawn LS 4-Meters to Nordost Heimdall 2.5 Meters and it was an awesome upgrade. Also, I upgraded my USB cable from the very good Audioquest Carbon USB .75 to the not so well known incredible Darwin cables Ascension Pure Silver USB cable and these were both very substantial upgrades that have worked out great. As of 2/21/2014 my old Speaker cables and USB cable are for sale if anyone is interested. Thanks

fsmithjack February 21, 2014 20:21

OwnerSystem edited: Sold My Decware Zen TorII MK4 Tube amp and just purchased a set of Manley Labs Snapper Mono Blocks. Any one use/own or hear these? I will be using with Electrostatics, Martinlogan Spires and can't wait until I get them... Would love to hear from anyone that has heard them before. Thanks ....

fsmithjack February 05, 2014 22:31

OwnerSold the Sonic Euphoria, Great Pre but not the best Synergy match for my System. I added a pair of Nordost Red Dawn Bi-wire Jumpers and wow - what a Huge Upgrade ...

fsmithjack January 24, 2014 13:19

OwnerSystem edited: To the mix I just added a pair of Speakers Cables: Nordost 4 Meter Red Dawn LS Series current generation and the amazing Sonic Euphoria PLC passive line stage which is a passive preamplifier using an autoformer attenuator.

fsmithjack January 01, 2014 16:38

OwnerSystem edited: Added some new cables and a Cathode Follower Triode Output Stage after my DAC that made an incredible change. This piece changed my DAC a $2,500.00 MSRP DAC that is starting to get a little old in the tooth in actual years/time but not in not performance/SQ IMO. With the ZBOX it is the best sounding DAC I have heard that includes Berkeley Alpha 1, Gold Antelope, Weiss 202, Bryston BDA-1, W4S 2. It creams them in my system except for say Dynamics that still goes to the Berkeley. It isn't a little better it smashed them. Now I did not try these DACs with the ZBOX I am talking the Ayre QB-9 with the ZBOX and others just by themselves. Not saying thats fair I'm just saying for what ever that is worth. My statement is that that the two together are incredible. I liked it w/o Cathode Follower and thought it was close to the others except maybe with dynamics and sound stage were a little light compared to others but with the ZBOX the game has changed and I was totally blown away. It may not offer this in your system but in mine it was a true game changer / Huge - night and day difference.

fsmithjack November 10, 2013 14:32

OwnerThanks Jeff, Now just trying to decide on some reasonably priced used cables. What makes it kind of tough is dealing with the WAF in so far as rack placement so that means 15 foot cable lengths so to stay in the reasonable price range that means a little less cable so to get in a longer range. Any advice. Thanks

fsmithjack October 30, 2013 15:13

Looking good Frank. Very nice mix of digital and tubes. Hard to beat tubes and stats!

jeff1225 October 21, 2013 19:00

OwnerThanks Goheelz and I actually am 1,000% in agreement with you. It's one of those WAF that we grin and bare but I agree wholeheartedly :)

fsmithjack October 17, 2013 16:22

Very nice system, with interesting component choices. Corner placement should work fine. But: the fireplace. I've never understood the placement of large video monitors above tall fireplaces. Especially when the fireplace is rarely if ever used. Surely it is uncomfortable for viewers to crane their necks to look up at it? In my estimation, it's placed about 3 feet (at least) too high on the wall. If you tried lowering the monitor, your video percentage might rise from 5%. So why not place the screen on an attractive stand or table in front of the fireplace. Instead of the big reflective screen on the wall above, you could insert sound treatment panels. Just a thought. Good luck!

goheelz October 17, 2013 14:25

OwnerThanks Russe41,

I just posted a couple pics. In #4 it shows how I have my speakers kiddy cornered and I made these padded panels to go behind my xstats. Kind of a tough room 20x20 with 16' foot sloped cathedral ceilings. Do you think the kiddy corner is a bad idea. I do it because TV spot is there over fireplace but if it may help I could move them. Any other ideas would be great. I can post more room pics if that is helpful. Thanks

fsmithjack October 17, 2013 13:26 Report

Room tuning would do more than changing equip but usually the last thing tried.

russe41 October 17, 2013 02:25

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