petg60's system

by petg60 on

Bauer Audio DPS 3. End of the road turntable? Latest spec unit (platter, pulley, oil, motor, power supply, aluminum base, suspension. Started as DPS 2, now to 3 with easy upgrade steps all of them worthwhile.

Bauer Audio DPS 3. End of the road turntable? Latest spec unit (platter, pulley, oil, motor, power supply, aluminum base, suspension. Started as DPS 2, now to 3 with easy upgrade steps all of them worthwhile.

ZYX 4D ULTIMATE X/HSB2, copper version with 0,48mv output.

ZYX 4D ULTIMATE X/HSB2, copper version with 0,48mv output.

Unit know is supported/sitting on little squares of Soundcoat damping sheet on top of duraluminium spikes and then to ART Q dampers.

Unit know is supported/sitting on little squares of Soundcoat damping sheet on top of duraluminium spikes and then to ART Q dampers.

In current status a very competent phono stage, with worthwhile upgrades,

In current status a very competent phono stage, with worthwhile upgrades,

Did the Parts Connexion tech spec upgrade, with ultra low noise, high speed, very closely matched JFETS 2SK396 (encapsulated) for the mc input (my request), new and better voltage regulators, diodes (Schottky), Amtrans AMRG carbon film, Vishay Naked Z-foils, better metal film resistors, Jupiter HT Beeswax, Obligato Gold Premium, Mundorf, caps, gold plated teflon tube sockets, new silver internal wiring (both signal and power), new ultra low noise silver mm/mc selector (Alcoswitch), WBT silver nextgen RCA, Vampire ground post, Furutech rhodium AC inlet, Furutech Rhodium fuse, EAR big feet, and internal damping with Soundcoat sheet. Continue next page......

Did the Parts Connexion tech spec upgrade, with ultra low noise, high speed, very closely matched JFETS 2SK396 (encapsulated) for the mc input (my request), new and better voltage regulators, diodes (Schottky), Amtrans AMRG carbon film, Vishay Naked Z-foils, better metal film resistors, Jupiter HT Beeswax, Obligato Gold Premium, Mundorf, caps, gold plated teflon tube sockets, new silver internal wiring (both signal and power), new ultra low noise silver mm/mc selector (Alcoswitch), WBT silver nextgen RCA, Vampire ground post, Furutech rhodium AC inlet, Furutech Rhodium fuse, EAR big feet, and internal damping with Soundcoat sheet. Continue next page......

..............Additionally i have installed 120Ω Charcroft Z-foil resistors for the MC loading,.....

..............Additionally i have installed 120Ω Charcroft Z-foil resistors for the MC loading,.....

.............and selected NOS military carbon resistors for main and slave regulators. All contributed to a decidedly more quiet phono stage (still noisy though in mc mode) with a wider range, a more esoteric presentation, richer colours and more power, compared to the stock unit.

.............and selected NOS military carbon resistors for main and slave regulators. All contributed to a decidedly more quiet phono stage (still noisy though in mc mode) with a wider range, a more esoteric presentation, richer colours and more power, compared to the stock unit.

Soundcoat damping sheet on transformer cover.

Soundcoat damping sheet on transformer cover.

Bassocontinuo Reference Line Rack

Bassocontinuo Reference Line Rack

Sonic Frontiers Line 2 with Clarity Cap MR, Amtrans Amco, Mundorf MKP, Mills MRA12, Elna Silmic II, Nichicon KX, Nippon LXV, LXY & Frolyt ERY electrolytic capacitors

Sonic Frontiers Line 2 with Clarity Cap MR, Amtrans Amco, Mundorf MKP, Mills MRA12, Elna Silmic II, Nichicon KX, Nippon LXV, LXY & Frolyt ERY electrolytic capacitors

I upgraded the power supply caps, the main and slave regulators caps, tube coupling caps, tube filaments caps, the cathode resistors, plus some more and applied damping at sensitive areas on motherboard and power supply. Could be further improved by changing all signal path resistors and internal wiring but this project is under consideration. My tube choice for this unit are Voskhods 6n23p 1974-1979 period.

I upgraded the power supply caps, the main and slave regulators caps, tube coupling caps, tube filaments caps, the cathode resistors, plus some more and applied damping at sensitive areas on motherboard and power supply. Could be further improved by changing all signal path resistors and internal wiring but this project is under consideration. My tube choice for this unit are Voskhods 6n23p 1974-1979 period.

Line's 2 power supply with Bassocontinuo Ultra Feet Level 2. Ease of presentation, dynamic, better bass, airy, neutral.

Line's 2 power supply with Bassocontinuo Ultra Feet Level 2. Ease of presentation, dynamic, better bass, airy, neutral.

I-link disconnected completely, supply and ribbon cables detached at both ends lead to a noticeable increase of midrange transparency and depth.

I-link disconnected completely, supply and ribbon cables detached at both ends lead to a noticeable increase of midrange transparency and depth.

I have changed some ageing parts, all electrolytic caps using a mix of ELNA Silmic II, ELNA Cerafine, Nichicon ES, Nichicon Fine Gold, all voltage regulators, all lamps, new and better op amp in power supply, and applied damping in certain areas. One of the super tuners that can still offer some more after a good calibration.

I have changed some ageing parts, all electrolytic caps using a mix of ELNA Silmic II, ELNA Cerafine, Nichicon ES, Nichicon Fine Gold, all voltage regulators, all lamps, new and better op amp in power supply, and applied damping in certain areas. One of the super tuners that can still offer some more after a good calibration.

A game changer. A tool, simple and pure, a wonderful mosfet amp with attention to detail, i would call it elegant engineering.

A game changer. A tool, simple and pure, a wonderful mosfet amp with attention to detail, i would call it elegant engineering.

True value, remains an excellent and very capable speaker

True value, remains an excellent and very capable speaker

Acoustic Revive single core jumpers, Triple C copper. Same core used in their top speaker cable.

Acoustic Revive single core jumpers, Triple C copper. Same core used in their top speaker cable.

Furutech FP-SWS & FT-SWS wall outlets, Acoustic Revive Power Sensual 18000 & Furutech Power Evolution 2

Furutech FP-SWS & FT-SWS wall outlets, Acoustic Revive Power Sensual 18000 & Furutech Power Evolution 2

MD at its best, a great recording machine especially from analogue sources (excellent DA converter?).

MD at its best, a great recording machine especially from analogue sources (excellent DA converter?).

Acoustic Revive QR-8, Can be used everywhere and even to appliances which are not connected directly to the audio system.

Acoustic Revive QR-8, Can be used everywhere and even to appliances which are not connected directly to the audio system.

Description

Long time to build but my belief is not upgrading too often, If it plays good from the start it will get better with time. 
My system comprises of some components ageing 20 years old and sounds very well balanced, leading to an effortless information retrieval, transparent and fast with great scale, engaging even at lower volume settings, with a big 3D palpable image. 
Building and fine tuning with patience is the key word here, and along with gained knowledge logical upgrades paid off. I like listening to different kinds of music (do not like folk though), attend live events, audio shows and visit audio stores.
My electrical supply is a three phase one, so i use exclusively one phase, 32A - 240Volts, with 2 circuit breakers 16A each for the two separate wall outlets, one for the power amp and one for the power distributor (rest of system). The wiring running in walls are two 12awg stranded and screened industrial power cables.
Additional care in earthing with 3, 1m copper rods directly to soil.
My room is small and asymmetrical, measuring approx 4m W x 5m L x 3m H with one side open- left speaker, not having any treatment at the moment apart from some resonance control.
Speakers are located on the long wall with approx. distances, +2,5m apart, 1m from back wall (front baffle), good toe in, and +2,5m listening distance from image center. 
I like and enjoy my current set up, if left as it is that would be fine but the itch for upgrades would suggest in order, all Triple C cabling, a decidedly better phono stage, new and better speakers, a new preamp and some kind of room treatment and additionally increasing my music collection.




Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 15’ × 13’  Medium
Ceiling: 10’

Components Toggle details

    • Bauer Audio DPS 3
    End of the road turntable?
    Latest spec unit, with new power supply, motor, pulley, aluminium base, platter, bearing cup, oil, suspension.
    Started as DPS 2, easy upgrade steps all of them worthwhile. 
    • SME Series V
    Matches DPS perfectly.
    • ZYX 4D ULTIMATE X/HSB2
    This is the copper version with 0,48mv output.
    How does Nakatsuka-san manage to give better sound on every step up model even having the same specs with the lower end one? I had previously the Yatra 2 and the 4D U is a notable step upwards. 
    • Sonic Frontiers SFP-1 se+
    Did the Parts Connexion tech spec upgrade, with ultra low noise, high speed, very closely matched JFETS 2SK396 (encapsulated) for the mc input (my request), new and better voltage regulators, diodes (Schottky), Amtrans AMRG carbon film, Vishay Naked Z-foils, better metal film resistors, Jupiter HT Beeswax, Obligato Gold Premium, Mundorf, caps, gold plated teflon tube sockets, new silver internal wiring (both signal and power), new ultra low noise silver mm/mc selector (Alcoswitch), WBT silver nextgen RCA, Vampire ground post,  Furutech rhodium AC inlet, Furutech Rhodium fuse, EAR big feet, and internal damping with Soundcoat sheet.
    Additionally i have installed 120Ω Charcroft Z-foil resistors for the MC loading, and selected NOS military carbon resistors for main and slave regulators. All contributed to a decidedly more quiet phono stage with a wider range, a more esoteric presentation, richer colours with more power and weight, compared to the stock unit.
    In current status a very competent phono stage, with worthwhile upgrades, but still i feel that limits somehow the potential of DPS 3/SME V/ ZYX. 
    • Sony SCD-XA9000es
    Shines with pure DSD recordings and is rather excellent on PCM. Bass is taut and propulsive, highs are very refined, but its real strength comes in midband with openess and very nice proportions. A notable increase in transparency and depth was noted after disconnecting the i-link completely, both the supply and ribbon cables, from its dac board. 
    I have owned and enjoyed in the past some big Sony players like, XA707es, XA7es, SCD1, XA777es. 
    Regret letting go of the XA7ES and SCD-1 for different reasons.
    • Sony ST-J88B
    One of the components i enjoy most is this FM tuner, listening to classical, jazz, world, ambient, and some after hours programs. IF selectivity is exceptional in wide and outstanding in narrow mode.
    I have changed some ageing parts, all electrolytic caps using a mix of ELNA Silmic II, ELNA Cerafine, Nichicon ES, Nichicon Fine Gold, all voltage regulators, all lamps, new and better op amp in power supply, and applied damping in certain areas. One of the Super tuners, though not the quietest one, that can still offer some more after a good calibration.
    • Sonic Frontiers Line 2 (modified)
    Fine line stage, and with below changes gains in transparency, imaging, separation, dynamics, texture, expression, are noted.
     I upgraded the power supply caps, the main and slave regulators caps, tube coupling caps, tube filaments caps, the cathode resistors, plus some more and applied damping at sensitive areas on motherboard and power supply. Could be further improved by changing all signal path resistors and internal wiring but this project is under consideration. My tube choice for this unit are Voskhods 6n23p 1974-1979 period.
    • Sony TA-N1
    A game changer. A tool, simple and pure, a wonderful mosfet amp with attention to detail, i would call it elegant engineering. Main strength is the lacking of  character leading to great transparency, big image, extension, ease of drive. Speed, dynamics, rock solid bass are just completing the picture.
    Finally this is for me a beautiful beast, a rare feat in Audio. Definitely a keeper.
    Connected directly to wall outlet with AR Power sensual 18000.
    • Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-III signature
    True value, remains an excellent and very capable speaker, even if lacking in ultimate bass extension. Big palpable image, difficult to replace, as it can still handle system upgrades, not so room fussy (many drivers) but needs extra care in positioning, especially in small rooms like mine.
    • Sony MDS-JA333ES
    i use it from time to time, not connected lately.
    MD at its best, a great recording machine especially from analogue sources (excellent DA converter?).
    • Kondo AudioNote Japan KSL-VcII
    1m pair RCA, PCOCC copper.
    • Kondo AudioNote Japan KSL-VcII
    1m pair XLR, PCOCC copper
    • Acoustic Revive OPA 1.0 Triple C FM RCA interconnect
    Triple C , solid core with rhodium rca plugs.
    • Acoustic Revive Power Sensual 18000
    10 AWG, Triple-C, 2m with Acoustic Revive rhodium plugs.
    wall outlet- power amp
    • Acoustic Revive Single core jumpers
    Solid core fine Triple C copper. Best improvement per euro (40euro/foot, single core run). Same core used in their top speaker cable. Managed to get some short length from local distributor.
    • Acoustic Revive QR-8 Quartz Resonators
    Strong stuff, require experimentation in placement for not upsetting the tonal balance. Very interesting product as most from Acoustic Revive.
    Can be used everywhere and even to appliances which are not connected directly to the audio system.
    • Siltech Cables FTM-3 S
    1,5m pair RCA. Silver ribbon cable.
    phono stage - preamp.
    G2 version.
    • Siltech Cables LS 4-120
    2m pair from power amp to speakers, no biwire, G2 version.
    • Siltech Cables SPO-12M
    1,5M, power cable, not filtered, terminated with Furutech FI-E35G and stock IEC plugs
    (this way sounds faster).
    • Kimber Kable TAK-Ag
    1m pair with SME plug.
    arm - phono stage
    • Furutech Power Evolution 2
    10AWG, μ-OFC, power cable, 1,8m with rhodium plugs.
    • Furutech FP-TCS31
    12 AWG, Triple C power cable 1,5m terminated with 
    FI-E38R/FI-28R plugs. 
    • Furutech The Empire
    12AWG Triple C, 1,5m power cable.
    • Furutech The Astoria
    14AWG, Triple-C power cable, 1,5m.
    • Furutech FP-S022N
    14 AWG, 1,5m μ-OFC with nano liquid, power cable with FI-E38G/FI-28G plugs.
    • Furutech FP-3TS20
    14 AWG, 1,5m PCOCC power cable with Furutech FI-E11G/FI-11G.
    • Furutech TP-60E
    Power distributor for sources and pre.
    • Furutech FP-SWS (G) & FT-SWS (G)
    Wall outlets for poweramp & power distributor.
    • Furutech Rhodium fuses
    • Studio Connections Abbey Road Reference Interconnect by Moving Air
    1m pair RCA - RCA, Nordic copper, with Furutech FP-110G RCA plugs.
    Very fast and transparent cables, a touch warm sounding.
    • Analysis Plus Inc. Copper Oval-In
    1m pair RCA
    • Canare Cable Premium 75-ohm Digital cable
    1m RCA-RCA
    • NOS tubes
    Have almost tried anything of ecc81, ecc88, 5687 families but kept only some pairs of the ones listed below, for their excellent contribution to sonics or their new condition.
    Siemens E81CC Triple Mica (1967, 1969), Valvo 6201 (1971), Mullard M8162 (1974), Amperex ECC88 Bugle Boy D-getter (1958), Amperex ECC88 orange o getter (1967), Amperex ECC88 orange A Frame (1970), Amperex ECC88 PQ orange A Frame (1972), Siemens ECC88 (1965), Bell ECC88 (1969), Philips Miniwatt E88CC SQ IMPORT (1961), Philips Miniwatt E88CC SQ (1963) Dario Miniwatt E88CC (1970), Valvo E188CC RED (1962), Philips Miniwatt E188CC SQ (1960,1962), RT E188CC (1960, 1962), Siemens E188CC (1965, 1969), Siemens E188CC A frame (1970, 1971), Tesla E88CC (1965), Tesla PCC88 (1980), 6N23P Rocket logo (1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987), 6N23P-EV Reflektor (1982, 1985).
    • Bassocontinuo Reference line Accordeon
    Modular, elegant, rigid. Have tried in the past many DIY solutions, and different platforms but nothing comes close to this. Good racks are expensive but money well spent.
    • Bassocontinuo Audio Systems Ultra Feet Level 2
    Ease of presentation, dynamic, airy, better bass, neutral.
    • A.R.T. - Audio Reference Technology Q dampers
    • Walker Audio Prelude Record Cleaning System
    Time consuming but it does worth the effort.
    • Mobile Fidelity Record cleaning brush
    • Watts Parostatic Disc Preener
    • Clearaudio Carbon fibre brush
    • AudioQuest Super conductive carbon fiber brush
    • Onzow zerodust stylus cleaner
    • LAST Factory Stylus cleaner
    • Herbie's Audio Lab Ultrasonic Tube dampers
    • Herbie's Audio Lab Baby Bootie
    • Cardas Audio RCA Caps
    • Oyaide MWA-RC RCA jack caps
    • Cable elevators DIY cable elevators

Comments 8

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Owner
Hi slaw, thanks,
i was really pleased using the Dunlavys with ss or tubes, but the game really changed with the N1. It is revealing to the point of showing everything i am attempting before getting the signal there. If i did not have the patience to stay and explore my possibilities then most likely i could do a lot worse. There comes that moment when you realise that there is something special going on and the only way left is going up without changing gear.
I have seen your system, and you have done an amazing job in a limited space.

petg60

I appreciate your philosophy regarding your system building. I thing we share that.

slaw

Owner
Thank you, Bassocontinuo Accordeon Reference, it is modular and can shape to many configurations. 
G

petg60

Wonderful system. What kind of shelves are those?

attamyway

Owner
Hi, it is calibrated for RMG SM911 but SM468 and XL1 are equally good.
I record from radio and lp's though it needs servicing now as output board acts funny, otherwise it is a fine deck easy to maintain and spares are plenty.

petg60

What do you play on your beeeyoootiful Revox tape recorder? It looks as pristine as the rest of your system.

chowkwan

Owner
thank you JO, sounds warm, detailed with amazing sounstage, even though most of the gear does have years of use but not outdated yet. I had a SF power 2 but that TAN1 really outclassed it, no signature at all and with amazing highs. SF gear have potential and some tweaks are most rewarding. DPS 3 has all the positive virtues of a Linn, Well Tempered and Pink Triangle-withe less noise.

petg60

That is one badass system petg60 and that Sony TA-N1 is a beast! I was just reading about it on the Vintage Knob I've never seen or heard of it before, It must drive those Dulavy's perfectly. Really great table too and nice upgrades to your SF gear.

jond

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