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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hi Arkprof - I had to take my Rotel receiver in for repair (it is still under warranty, luckily) and the cheap Sony receiver I am using in the meantime only takes bare wires, so right now I installed some bulk Synergistic Research speaker wires. I was going to compare the AudioPath silver speaker cables with Cardas SE-15 cables, but both sets have spade ends so I will have to wait until I get my Rotel back before I can A/B them.

I haven't figured out how to use the Sophia with my HT set up :-o ; Jim of Sounds Real Audio is going to stop by after I get the receiver back to help me optimize this set up. I really should just use the Sophia until then, but somehow, I seem to be watching more TV/movies than listening to music, so I don't even have my Sophia attached right now. (Please forgive me, Audio Goddesses!)

Holly

oakiris November 20, 2005 14:07

System edited: Removed the Infinity speakers since I am now using the B&W CM4s for my rear speakers.

oakiris November 12, 2005 16:33

I didn't make it to the Rocky Mtn. Audio Fest this year, and I missed it last year as well. I am determined to get there next year because I would love to hear all of the high end equipment that is there and talk with other music enthusiasts.

I do intend to try out some power cords. Jim of Sounds Real Audio recommends that I try one of the Audiopath power cords for a reasonably priced improvement. I have read other recommendations for the VH power cords. That 60 day trial for the VH interconnects is a great deal; I will look into them, too.

Thanks, Rene!

Holly

oakiris November 11, 2005 00:23

Hi Rene - Yes, the Teres and the Morch are wonderful together. Next time you are in Denver, I hope you get to visit Teres Audio - Chris is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, and his system sounds wonderful. If nothing else, you can stop by and see/hear my much more humble system!

Holly

oakiris November 10, 2005 01:48

System edited: I just purchased and installed my new Abby speakers and Sophia Electric tube amp. IMHO, these components have vastly improved my whole system, both sonically and aesthetically! Holly

oakiris November 06, 2005 18:29