Room total dimensions: 12.416’ back wall behind speakers, 2’ from left speaker outer edge to short hallway, fireplace angled wall (to right of right speakers) is 5.67’, adjacent wall is 9.75’ long, 9.583’ to front edge of sofa (soundstage middle sweat spot), 16.25’ to front of kitchen island behind sofa, 25.166’ from component rack front edge to kitchen backsplash, 10’ ceiling in living room, 8’ ceiling starts at kitchen island. Not the most ideal dimensions (certainly not the golden dimension custom sound room these speakers once occupied); however, there is little reflection issues (helps that wall paint is matte finish).
Apogee Acoustics Duetta Signature Series II Magnetostatic Speakers
My dad was the original owner who bought these speakers in 1988. Since the early 90’s I have coveted these speakers and looked forward to one day inheriting them. To me ears they are the best sounding speakers I have every heard. I acquired them around 2021. I’ve always favored their very organic, wall of sound energy (if that makes any sense). I think I got lucky and have the optimal core system built for these speakers. After 2 years in the waiting list, I finally picked them up fully redone by Bill Thalmann @ Music Technology and the results far exceeded my expectations. The imaging front to backs and left to right grew, transparency and imaging separation became more distinct while the bass response definitely increased from stock. The midrange/tweeter ribbons were replaced/upgraded with Graz KLM5s, the bass ribbons were upgraded/replaced with GRAZ-DSB-KLM, wire return kit, new bass foam that won’t break down, crossovers redone - all Sprague capacitors replaced with WilsonAudioCapX PPMFX, inductors coated with linseed oil, wiring, everything seated with epoxy to isolate from vibration; Cardas billet copper plated with silver with a rhodium flash binding posts, matte black hand rubbed automobile paint. I have them placed 28” off the back wall and 75” apart. They are as far apart and off the back wall as I can put them in this listening space, but they sound incredible nonetheless. To summarize wow!
Balanced Audio Technology VK-5i
Preamp bought in mint, practically new condition with the coveted VK-R3 billet aluminum remote. I just rolled the Sovtek tubes (1228/21) and replaced them with new production 8 x JJ gold pin 6922s and 2 x Mullard 5881s. Much fuller sound so far, but the tubes are still breaking in. Gain seems a little lower compared to the Sovteks so far.
Balanced Audio Technology VK-600 with BAT Pack
600 watt dual mono in a single chassis solid state class A/B amp bought on Audiogon in near mint condition. Packs a large amount of current in a 105lbs chassis that’s built like a tank.
2 x pairs stacked on amp binding posts (optimal compared to using a jumper). Jason Bloom match recommended specifically for the Duettas.
Silnote Audio Morpheus Reference II
XLR to XLR interconnects between amp and preamp; XLR to native RCA between preamp to audio streamer. Crisp, neutral imaging, large soundstage, tight bass are hallmarks of Duetta’s and strong attributes of Silnote’s interconnects sound signature.
Bluesound NODE
Latest Node streamer with built-in DAC that I bypass to my MHDT Orchid.
Sanus Systems EFA31 component rack
Silnote Audio Morpheus Reference Classic digital coaxial interconnect
RCA to RCA from the BlueSound Node2 streamer to the MHDT Orchid DAC.
MHDT Laboratory Orchid
With upgraded “classic” sound category Tung-Sol 2C51 DAC tube installed. The Tung-Sol recently ran out of life. I replaced it with a GE Westinghouse and have a backup Jan Phillips. I really like both tubes, but they definitely are distinctively different.
Audiolab 6000CDT CD Transport
Excellent solid built chassis with incredible sound quality that destroys most CD players several times more expensive at a steal of a price.
SoundCare Superspikes
Wireworld Supernova 7
Top of their line Toslink glass optical digital cable going from the Audiolab cd transport to the MHDT Orchid DAC. I’m extremely happy with the sound quality and it seems to match well with the new cd transport.
Furman Sound 8 Outlet Surge Suppressor
TeddyPardo Linear PSU
Bypassing the internal switching power supply of the Node (used for streaming only).
I bet you'll be a happy camper! Let us know how it goes... may need 100 -150 hours of break in to settle in, unless you bought it used, but even then I'd let it run in for 48 hours before making judgement.
I don't own the MHDT DAC, but others on Audiogon whose opinions I respect speak highly of the Orchid... and at around $1,000, it would be the primary DAC I'd consider if I were in the market at that price range. I agree with your sentiment of experimenting with tubes in search of the classic sound vs. modern. That's the great thing about tube DAC's in that you can tweak the sound inexpensively by experimenting with NOS tubes.
Beautiful room and nice selection of gear... but you need a good external DAC for your Bluesound streamer! I have Bluesound Vault 2 and it's DAC is not so good... do yourself a favor and buy a decent external DAC, connected via optical cable. MHDT Orchid is about $1K new.
