lol - well, I WISH the nglect and lack of updates was because I was too busy listening to music, but actually I just got back into using my 2-channel system after about 5 years of not using it. I definitely regret missing all of this listening time. Now I want to use the heck out of it, first need to replace the cartridge on the turntable, but hope to have everything working in the next few weeks. At least I know that the Abbys and CD-player still sound great!

Finding a tuner is a bit of a challenge - I have received many recommendations, but actually finding the recommended units for sale is another story.

Holly

oakiris February 26, 2014 16:55

I had to bump-up your page and gave you an E-smack, it's only been five years.
I understand... you have been to busy listening to the music:)
Of course, I am in no position to judge having NO page of my own...
but someone had to do it:)
Take your time to find THE right vintage tube tuner for you......
and you will be rewarded:)

isochronism February 26, 2014 15:49

Thank you for your visit, Isochronism. I do indeed hope to add an FM tuner - maybe a vintage tube tuner if I can find one I like and can afford.

Your visit also reminds me that I really need to update my system description and my system picture. I have separated out my 2-channel system from my 'pretend' home theater system, etc., though they still share the same small area, no longer have that TV, the phono stage has changed, etc., etc., etc. I have neglected this for too long!

Holly

oakiris February 26, 2014 13:09

Hello Holly,
I read in your recent thread posts that you are working on introducing FM broadcast tuning into your system. Your initial research will pay off in due time:)
I enjoy the offerings in my metro NYC area.
Good choice on the Cain & Cain speakers, btw.

isochronism February 25, 2014 22:30

Holly, it's been a while since I stopped by here - I hope you are still enjoying your Cain Abbys!

I have come a long way with mine - tried many different amps and preamps and combinations and have never felt the Abbys were the limiting factor at all. I am now enjoying them more than ever, I get such texture and realism from the Abbys I never would have believed possible.

Best wishes,

Rene

restock February 07, 2009 23:04

Nice collection of equipment.
We have a few common components, I've always had interest in the Teres tables but never got to listen to one.

scar972 January 31, 2009 12:36

Thanks, Arkprof. I think I am done for a while now; I'm really liking my main 2-channel system and don't feel the need for any more changes. I will be getting a Sistrum platform and speaker supports for my HT system, however; Robert is going to deliver them to me at RMAF. That should finish my HT system, too, and then I can just sit back and enjoy, which is the point of buying audio equipment in the first place. :-)

Holly

oakiris October 08, 2006 16:39

Holly
You've put together some very good equipment, so give your system some extended listening/enjoyment without convincing yourself that it could be better yet if only you'd keep tweaking, replacing, etc. Too many of us thrive on insecurity. My amp evolution (for my Abbys/Bailey) has been Pass Aleph » Pathos Classic I MkII » Sophia Baby » Almarro A205A » Almarro A318B ... which is where it has remained for the past 6 months. A bit too much power for the Abbys at 18 watts, as I probably only use a watt or two, but the music is extended, has body and warmth, and is totally engaging. No fatigue at all.

Based on what you've put together, I'm certain you can say the same about your ArtAudio/Abby system.

Good luck to you

arkprof October 08, 2006 12:56

Hi Rene. I haven't lived with my "new" system long enough to give any sort of extended review - and I don't know the proper audio-speak language, either. :-) All I can say is my new DAC and amp have made the music much more involving, toe-tapping, lush, etc. I need to sit down and just listen for a day but I haven't taken the time to do so as yet. I will though!

From your "lower power amp" comment I take it you think the ArtAudio is too powerful for the Abbey's? Or...? I think it is bringing out even more good sound from these wonderful speakers than I have ever experienced, but maybe I'm just sure that throwing more money at the system is bound to improve it. ;-) Really though, I am loving it!

(And I really do need to update my system pictures.)

Holly

oakiris October 07, 2006 16:08

Holly, wow, that's a pretty big step: From the Sophia to the Art Audio :-)

How does the Art Audio compare, what improvements do you notice? Also, it might be worth trying a lower power amp sometime. While I have not heard an Art Audio on my Abbys, after a couple of different ones (Jolida, Bottlehead, Pass Firstwatt) the Fi is here to stay. Although one od Don Garbers Fi WE421 would be tempting though :)

Enjoy!

Rene

restock October 01, 2006 07:53

System edited: I have replaced my Sophia EL-34 tube amp - which is a wonderful amp - with an ART Audio Carissa Signature tube amp. I am very impressed with my new amp. Not only will it heat my room in the winter :-) but it has vastly improved the sound of my system. I have also added an Audio aero Prima DAC to the mix. I will update my system picture before too long as I have also replaced my rear projection Toshiba CRT TV with a Samsung LCD HDTV - much nicer looking, much better PQ, and seemingly lots more space now in my rather small room. Holly

oakiris September 30, 2006 14:55

System edited: Just added some info about my power cables.

oakiris August 26, 2006 20:18

Sorry, haven't visited my virtual system for a while, Arkprof! Yes, I am still using my Abbys for my main 2-channel system. I really, really like them. I have also put together a very simple 2 channel system in my computer room, using my old Rotel 1072 CD player, an SQ-84 tube amp, and Cain & Cain Noogis - the "baby" Abbys that he now makes and sells. I think I'm a member of "Team Cain & Cain" now!

Holly

oakiris July 05, 2006 20:18

Holly,
Still using the Abbys? Now using mine with an Almarro A318B. I've had lots of different speakers, but I don't see myself replacing the Abbys unless I decide to return to monitors at some point. Mine are SuperAbbys and I use one Bailey sub, though I could live just fine without the sub, but not if I had an HT arrangement. Good luck

arkprof May 12, 2006 18:26

System edited: I updated my system picture and system components/pictures. I am very happy with the synergy of these systems right now (HT and 2-channel) and will probably not upgrade for a while. Holly

oakiris January 15, 2006 21:59

Just two right now - a dart frog (green and black auratus), and a bit old dumpy tree frog. Separate terrariums.

transmissionfluid January 08, 2006 03:16

Nope - I love frogs, too, but don't have any live ones, just pictures and statues. What frogs do you have?

Holly

oakiris January 06, 2006 04:13

Ah - got it. I saw the little toy frogs on your shelf, and then I got to thinking. Oh well - guess I am the only audiophile and frog lover.

transmissionfluid January 06, 2006 00:57

Rene - sorry, I got distracted by the frog tank posting by Transmissionfluid.

The Prima CD player is a wonderful addition to my system. I am now using the Rotel 1072 player in my computer room along with a Sound Quest SQ-84 integtrated tube amp. Very nice, but the Prima is much better. I have to leave for work now so don't have time to give any impressions, but will do so in the future.

The phono stage I am using is the Holfi Battriaa SE listed in my system. It is a solid state phono stage (MC or MM, set up for MC for my Zyx) but I like it quite a bit. Maybe down the road I will be able to afford something like the Haggerman Trumpet (MC version) but for now the Holfi will do. I just upgraded my Teres 160 with a birch plywood platter, but haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. Again, I hope to do some serious listening to my fully upgraded system this weekend and I will let you know what I think.

I also hope to update my system pictures this weekend - but football might interfere with all of my plans... :~)

Holly

oakiris January 05, 2006 13:59

Frog tank?? If you are talking about what is to the right of the right hand speaker, that is a window with potted plants on two shelves - orchids on the both shelves plus a rosemary plant on the top shelf. :-)

Holly

oakiris January 05, 2006 13:49

Is that a frog tank next to your stereo? If so, what you got?
Thanks.

transmissionfluid January 05, 2006 02:38

Holly, how is that Prima CDP player working for you now that you had it around for a while?

Of course be warned: Sometime down the road I might copy from you and get a Teres 160 with a Morch DP6 12" arm. I am really curious on how your analog and digital setup compare (lots of details please!). Also, what step-up and phono pre are you currently using with the ZYX cartridge?

As always, best wishes,

Rene

restock January 04, 2006 23:14

System edited: I have just separated out my 2-channel and HT systems even though they are still in the same room. I agonized for weeks trying to find a pre/pro that would do for both systems, and then, with the help of Jim of Sounds Real Audio, realized that by just adding 2 speakers as fronts for my HT system, I could have the best of both worlds - a wonderful 2-channel system and a decent HT system. DOH! I will be replacing my current DVD player, too, to improve the HT side of things. Very excitng - and happy holidays to me! :) Holly

oakiris December 13, 2005 01:25

My receiver is back and I hooked up the Sophia and everything is working! Either I didn't have the interconnects from the Sophia to the Rotel in the right inputs (?!?) or there was more wrong with the receiver than I thought, but all is well now. I am currently using the Cardas SE-15 cables - haven't done any serious A/B comparisons, but the Cardas cables are much more flexible and easier to connect than the AudioPath speaker wires. Anyway, my music is back and I my HT set up is working, so I am quite pleased.

Holly

oakiris November 25, 2005 15:35

Holly,

Well, not to worry, for sometimes we truly need music, but other times only visuals will do the trick. While I may be wrong, I can't help but think that the Abbys will sound better with tubes than with SS. I had been using a Pathos hybrid, but even a Sophia Baby provided far greater synergy with my SuperAbbys (no significant/critical difference between Abby and SuperAbby); the Almarro I'm now using offers even more, but it isn't as quiet as the Sophia.

No matter, best of luck with the HT setup.

arkprof November 22, 2005 04:46