Okay, silly question #1, what in the world needs 60 amp circuits?

dchendr May 06, 2009 03:00

Rugyboogie-

Glad you got a chance to get to Mike's. He is one of the good guys. The Tape Project really is something special, and I am looking forward to Series II with great anticipation. I was really surprised at the subtle differences in TP-009 "Waltz For Debbie" when myself and a couple of people from my listening group compared the tape with the 33 and 45 rpm vinyl at my house. The tape blew the 33 "out of the water", but the difference in the 45 and the tape were not so clear cut. But, weigh that against the fact that the tape was played back on a rig that is 10x less expensive than the TT/Cart, and optimized for Tape Project playback.

I have gotten my hands on some 7.5 ips RCA and Mercury tapes that I have been enjoying of late.

I have also decided to experiment with one of the Allnic phono stages, given what I have been reading from Mike.

I'll continue to follow your journey with great interest. Best of luck.

slipknot1 April 30, 2009 14:24

Hi Slipknot

Thank you for your kind words.
I have followed the journey of your system, and your Walker TT has always intrigued me. Very nice.

Yes the Supratek and Wyetech are a very nice combination.

The Tape Project is on my next to do list, so I am a little late to the party but I did make it !!!
My post/thoughts on the tape format are posted over on Mike L's system

" Siriusly, the room's the thing! "

After the visit to Mike's place I found a new religion.

I will post the pics when I have the room finished.

Thanks and take care,

rugyboogie April 30, 2009 13:07

Wow - Supratek AND reel-to-reel! Welcome to my world. Now we just have to get you all signed up to the Tape Project. I know what you mean about well set up tape vs vinyl. While I am using a fully restored and modified Technics 1500 deck feeding a Bottlehead tape head pre amp, it gives my Walker turntable a run for its money.

Keep us up to date on all the changes...

slipknot1 April 29, 2009 01:36

System edited: Having purchased the new tube gear will mean new stands for Supratek and the Wyetech. Have to reconfigure the room to accommodate the new gear as well. At the present time in the process of building the first plinth for the SP-10 Mk2. Awaiting the arrival of some Micro Seiki arms that will be used with the new turntable. Also getting the Studer set up. Nothing like having the candle lit at both ends.

rugyboogie April 29, 2009 00:58

System edited: Purchased the Wyetech Labs Topaz 211 A with the Audio Note Transformers and also picked up a Technics SP 10 MK II.
The Wyetech is getting a check up from Roger in Ottawa. Once he has given it a clean bill of health then it will get shipped to the West Coast.
Starting to make plans for the Garrard 301 and Technics plinths.
I will borrow heavily from Albert plinth design and some Japanese designs.
Will post pics once the room gets rearranged.

rugyboogie March 26, 2009 13:41

System edited: Getting a tube based system in my main room. This system will be fed via my Audio Research CD-7 and the JC Verdier which I will be powering via a battery. The preamp is the Supratek and I am auditioning different monobloc SET amps. I will update once my amps are confirmed. Also set up a mini system in the living room with the Totem The ONE using the Transporter as a source being powered by a Naim Nait5ii.

rugyboogie March 07, 2009 16:45

Hi Nrostov
I want to apologize for not sending you the pictures. They will be on their way real soon.

Hi Kevin
Thanks for your kind words. You have quite the system yourself.
I had a chance to listen to the Art Audio in Seattle, very nice sounding stuff.
The acoustical treatment for the room was made by yours truly.
The panels were made by using Dow Corning semi rigid acoustic fibreglass sheets that come in a 4'x8'x1" size. These were cut into six pieces of 32"x24". The frames were made of MDF using biscuit joints. The fibreglass and the MDF was spray painted on one side in black with a laquer so that when the acoustical transparent cloth would be stretched over the frames the yellow would not show through. The back side of the fibreglass did not get painted except for the wood frame which did receive paint.
The panel size is 38"x60" of which I have three on each side of the room.
At the front of the room I have two on either side of my Stewart screen and one large one that is the same size as the screen, behind the screen. All of the panels are mounted via two french cleats. This way they are secure and are spaced away from the wall by one inch. This also allows for them to be moved along the wall for fine tuning.
The big panel behind the screen is also spaced away from the wall by one inch but this one is screwed into the wall.
The ones on the sides are located to remove the first reflections of both of the Wilson Maxx II and my Wilson Watch center channel.
The back wall has no treatment and neither does the ceiling.
I have had several Golden Ears come by with their instruments and their friends in order to demonstrate how important the room is in our quest for great music.
When we did the demos we removed all of the panels off of the walls (except the one behind the screen) and replaced them one by one in order to show how effective room treatment is. Their reaction was predicable and in two cases the guests asked if they could came back but this time with their boss (the wife).
Hope this helps,

rugyboogie November 15, 2008 15:11

Rugyboogie - great system! It's hard to tell from the pictures is you have some/a lot of acoustic room treatments. If so, mind sharing what and where it's placed?

Thanks,
kevin

kevinzoe November 12, 2008 01:12

Hi Bflowers
I have looked at your system many times drooled over the Maxx II. Now I do the drooling over my own......... very nice indeed.
The balanced vs single ended question with the ASR .
As far as I know the ASR is not a true balanced design. I use only balanced Valhalla with the ASR as I do not own single ended Valhalla therefore I cannot comment on the differences, sorry.

I have never heard the Boulder but I am sure that they are great. As good as the ASR ...... you will have to let me know. The closest Boulder dealer in Canada is 2300 miles away and the dealers is well how shall I say..... better not say.
Please let me know how you make out in your comparison, I am curious.
Thanks and take care,
Mike

rugyboogie September 09, 2008 03:50

I am currently auditioning the ASR Emitter II exclusive. I also have Wilson Maxx's. Any words to the wise? One issue I have is that my interconnects (Tara Zero's) are balanced. Have you ever A/B'ed the balanced input versus the single ended?
Thanks

bflowers September 08, 2008 00:21

Hi Mitch and Nrostov

We are so busy during the summer that there is not a lot of time for Movies or serious Music listening. We head to our place on Gambier Island which consumes all of our time and effort. Summer only lasts so long.
Yes the CD-7 is now fully broken in. At the beginning I was playing lots of music to get the hours logged but it being summer I only get to play one CD every couple of nights.
Listening to CDs with this player is a real pleasure. The player can convey the emotional energy of the musicians when listening to certain CDs.
The bottom end is to die for, sound stage is absolutely huge in all three dimensions. Dynamics are the best that I have ever heard.
Yes I do enjoy listening to the CD-7 tremendously. So much so that I have not spun any 12 discs for almost two months. The Lps will get back into rotation when the weather gets cooler. I have been buying lots of LPs but I am saving them for the winter. This will give me lots of listening time when it starts to rain around here.
Nrostov, I will still send you pictures once my room is cleaned up.
Take care,

rugyboogie July 29, 2008 12:45

The cd-7 should be well broken in by now. How's it sounding?

mitch4t July 28, 2008 09:30

Hi Bart_nl
I am glad to hear that ASR was able to get you all fixed up. Great news.
A few years ago I had a minor issue with my ASR. It was back to me in less than one week. Terrific service from ASR absolutely outstanding considering that I live in Canada and they are in Germany.
Take care,

rugyboogie July 17, 2008 06:04

Hi Rugyboogie I have had my amp and transport revised and both are playing fine again no more heating problems (there were some aged contacts in the internal wireing)

Greetz bart

bart_nl July 16, 2008 20:49

Hi Nrostrov
Sorry for taking so long to get back to you. Summer time around here means cabin time with the family.
Received the Aural Symphonics Magic Gem v2t several weeks ago.
The cable has had a chance to juiced up in my system in conjunction with the Audio Reasearch CD7. There is great synergy between these two in my system.
The low bass has better attack and much better pitch right into the midrange. The sound stage is much better in terms overall presentational placement of the musicians. The height of the players and the placement of the drummers are just stunning. When listening to wind instruments their movement on stage is clearer than ever before.
I am a very happy man and may get more of these cables.
One thing that puzzles me is that there aren't to many people using these cables on Agon and that there is not a lot of ink on thee cables.
My system pics will be updated later this week and will send some to you directly.
Take care.

rugyboogie July 15, 2008 13:31

Bigpond,

Yes I had the same experience. I couldn't believe the difference in those areas. I then got a Shunyata Python 20a power cord for the Hydra and those same qualities improved even more.

Justin

nrostov June 14, 2008 14:06

Nrostrov,
I briefly auditioned the Shunyata Hydra V-Ray in my system i currently have Clearaudio T/Table,Graham Tonearm, Clearaudio Goldfinger Cartridge,Aesthetix Phono Stage,Cec Transport,Audio Note DAC,Audio Research Pre & Power Amps, Wilson Loudspeakers all cabling is via Nordost Valhalla.My current Conditioner is the fairly expensive Burmester 948,
i could only use the V-Ray for a few songs and did not have time to plug the Burmester straight back in so it was not a true A/B comparison but my initial reaction was a huge improvement over the Burmester.
Massive improvement in Dynamics,far lower noise floor,Extended top end do any of these observations concur with your listening experience with the V-Ray??

Kind Regards

Bigpond

bigpond June 14, 2008 05:43

thx a lot I think mine is heating over a little but not dramatically. So it could be due to the hot weather

bart_nl June 11, 2008 19:03

Hi Bart
The temperature on the fins measures 98 F.
Hope this helps and good luck.

Nrostov
I will post pics this weekend.
Yes I think I will take the plunge on the Aural Symphonics, dnd my local dealers sells more of this PC than any other.

rugyboogie June 11, 2008 13:23

Rugyboogie,

I have heard a lot of good things about Aural Symphonics even though I have not used them myself. My dealer loves them.

I would love to see some more pics of your room.

nrostov June 09, 2008 14:31

Hi Bart
The temperature on the heat sinks gets warm but not too hot to touch. I will measure with my pyrometer tonight, sorry I was to busy with sports on TV yesterday.
F1, Euro Cup and the NBA all in one day.
Talk to you soon.

rugyboogie June 09, 2008 14:06

Hi Nrostov
Thank you for your kind words. You have quite the system yourself.
I will have to take some new pics of my room when I have the time.
The Shunyata V-Ray has not been auditioned yet in my system.
I have never been a brand shopper but there does seem to be some synergy between the Nordost products. That said I am using the Thor for the gear at the side of my room and the Audience ar12 for all of the gear at the front of the room.
The Audience is a great conditioner for my amps and my new CD player, better that the Thor in that same application.
Interestingly when I did my cable shoot out for the CD-7 overall I preferred the Aural Symphonics power cord over the Nordost. Maybe time to make some changes........and win the lottery.
Take care and thanks again.

rugyboogie June 09, 2008 14:00

Hi Rugyboogie, could you tell me how warm the heatsinks on the ASR become? Couse I have some bias problems with my own, and it already has been corrected last year. At the moment it starts to heat up very much.

bart_nl June 07, 2008 17:08

Rugyboogie,

I upgraded from the Hydra to the Shunyata V-Ray. I couldn't believe it. It was a night and day difference(which I wasn't expecting). I don't know if you have heard it yet. Given that you use Nordost cables my guess is that you will still prefer the sound of the Thor but it's worth a comparison.

Again your room is beautiful. I love the way you have everything setup. When I get my own house(ours is rented) I want to have a room that looks like yours.

nrostov June 07, 2008 15:13