My changes and component cycles have lessened over the last few years with the LM and the Hagerman being the most recent. I think I'm happy for now. For Now - although my wife refuses
to believe this. I do wish my Spatials had a bit more bass and I would be hesitant to hook up a sub to the LM when it doesn't have pre/sub out. But other than that, this system keeps me listening and listening.
A maybe forever amp - at least until I go separates. A beauty to listen to and to look at as it adds to the alpenglow of the listening room in the evening. With GE6V6's and Mullard 12AX7's complementing the stock 5A4 and 845's, this unit simply shines.
Hagerman Trumpet
I took the plunge on this unit sound unheard and am really, really pleased with its presentation. Was looking for a good tube phono to complement the LM. It was either this or an Allnic 1201. Glad to grabbed the Hagerman.
VPI Industries HW-19 mkIV
My first "real" turntable, with a SAMA, a Jelco 750EB, and a Hana ML. Took the three balancing screws out from the platter and dremeled the armboard a bit to account for the lower platter. Upgraded the ball bearing and this table is built and balanced!
Hana ML
I go between this and a Benz Micro Ace SH. The Hana is a more detailed, pinpoint sound, while the Benz is more full, more of a wash. They both work well with what they do.
OPPO 105
What a multitool that never fails in its presentation and playback! The Oppo is a keeper for me; it'll be the last cd player I ever buy and until I am ready to upgrade my streaming, it'll be the last streamer I buy.
Spatial Audio M3 Turbo S
The first open baffles I've owned after having run both box and planars in the past. These are like my Maggie 3.6's of yore combined with my Acoustic Zen Adagios. They are fast and pinpointy while also booming a huge soundstage with depth. Some damping tape on the driver baskets helped solidify the sound somewhat.
Acoustic Zen Tsunami III
Acoustic Zen Wow
Morrow Audio PH4 Phono cables
Canare Cable 10 gauge speaker cable
Running a 15 foot and a 20 foot length of these to account for the different distances from the LM518 now that components are off to the side. These replaced Acoustic Zen Holograms and I'm hard pressed to notice a difference.
Simao's Balofon
Made this in 2002 based on ones I played in Senegal. Grew the gourds and cut all wood, though had a neighbor at the time supply the goatskin ties. Tuned to Cmaj.
Westcliff Ashiko
Beautiful goatskin head that also resonates with the right harmonics and overtones.
Synergistic Research PHT - Phono Transducer
Black Widow on the headshell; Green Dream on the pivot - these really opened the sound up in a way that was as advertised.
Nobsound Audio Springs
A sick cheap tweak that helped with building a blacker background and a more open sound from the VPI!
Mapex Saturn IV
With its maple/walnut hybrid shells, this kit just sings. One of the easiest to tune and one of the most versatile. Mostly Sabian cymbals; Pearl Dennis Chambers snare.
Man,oh,man...I'd say your heading "Sonics and Aesthetics" just about covers it all. A beautiful layout, that amazing photo (wooden bridge) invites a viewer to step right into the image,hand drum at the ready,and go wherever the music takes you. If the sounds are right,I'm sure it would seem a distinct possibility! Haven't heard the Spatials, but I've spent many an hour digging Martin Logan CLS I, SL 3, Acoustat 1+1's over the years. That "open" sound has always been attractive to me. As 4 bass,a subwoofer has always been a desirable piece in my setups. It may be tuned low,but it's there. No need to "shout",you know?
