Thanks Mike. I am listening to the Riverside SACD of Waltz for Debby with the Bill Evans Trio and it has never sounded better. These cables are giving me a much fuller picture of what is going on in comparison to the Livelines. Early days still and EA advises several hundred hours of break in for these cables so who knows when they will be broken in. But even with less than 100 hours on them, they are sounding great. I guess it helps that there is synergy with the cabling used in the speakers.

vicks7 June 08, 2013 00:50

System edited: I have replaced the ASI Liveline speaker cable with the Evolution Acoustic DRSC Speaker Cable. Also updated some of the system photos.

vicks7 June 07, 2013 19:49

Hifimaniac - apologies. I was re-reading one of your threads - it would be a pleasure to have you over for a listening session but I live in Brazil so maybe not so convenient! But if you ever find yourself down here let me know.
James

vicks7 June 04, 2013 13:40

System edited: I had an enjoyable morning with the Audiopax team who visited my home to deliver the final versions of their new flagship tube monoblock amplifiers - the Maggiore M100. Updated photos now on the thread. Very imposing looking amplifiers. I have also taken the opportunity to update other parts of my system including my recent upgrade to Alex Peychev's (APL HiFi) two box transport and DAC which is sounding absolutely incredible. Audiopax demonstrated the obvious advantages of better power supply by running a high quality power cable directly from the central fuse box in my apartment to the amplifiers through a separate high quality Siemens fuse box. The difference was astounding. Massive improvement in dynamics and energy with no listening fatigue - something I should have done years ago. More to follow as the Maggiores settle down.

vicks7 June 02, 2013 16:31

Eddie and Hifimaniac - many thanks. I will make some adjustments over the weekend and report back. Eddie - what phono stage and cables are you using?

vicks7 February 23, 2013 01:37

Thanks Hifimaniac. Yes, Eduardo was a great guy and I always find the Audiopax rooms to sound very musical. I'd be interested for tips on the A90 set up. I have also found it very difficult. I used a Mint LP and a Fozgometer but I am still very unsure on the vertical tracking angle setting on my Talea

vicks7 February 22, 2013 00:21

Thanks HifiManiac for the kind words.
I think you are referring to Eduardo de Lima, the original designer behind Audiopax. Yes, a lovely man but sadly he passed away last year unexpectedly. He has produced a killer amp in the Maggiore - a Class A 100w SET amp and it does work very well with the MMtwos.
Congratulations also on your system. Your vinyl rig must sound great through these speakers. I see we are both using the Ortofon cartridge.
How are you finding your vinyl cleaner? I am interested as it seems such an easy system but heard some stories about reliability maybe with the earlier models.

vicks7 February 17, 2013 20:04

Thanks Egidius. Yes, it was very sad to hear the news. Eduardo had been at my home last year with Silvio when they brought the new Maggiore monoblock amplifiers - such a lovely guy. Silvio is now working with Eduardo's son and I understand they have more products in the pipeline many of which will be based on designs that Eduardo had been working on.
It must be an interesting combination using the M5 with the Berning ZH270.
I am delighted with my system - the combination of the Audiopax gear with the Evolution Acoustics speakers is working very well.
I also recent took delivery of Alex Peychev's new two box DAC and digital transport which is absolutely fantastic. I will be posting thoughts soon and updated photos.

vicks7 February 10, 2013 12:36

Thanks Eddie. System is sounding great thanks and took another leap forward with the arrival of the NVS Turntable.

The periphery ring is a TTSuper Ring 675 Gram/1.5 Lbs Alloy/Brass from TT Weights Audio Systems. In the photo it is shown with the plastic centring cover (which I use when not in use as a dust cover!). Ring is placed on to table with this cover and then removed leaving only the peripheral ring.I have not had the opportunity to experiment significantly with and without the ring but I sense an improvement particularly on thinner vinyy that is in less than perfect condition - it helps the arm and cartridge in terms of tracking.

I will be considering centre vinyl weights in the future. I liked the look of the Dalby but thought it was too expensive.

James

vicks7 September 14, 2012 17:57

System edited: Added a Woo Audio GES Electrostatic headphone amplifier and Stax SR-009 Electrostatic Headphones. With some Sylvania 12AX7s and RCA 6S4s, I fired up the GES. I have the GES connected to the record out on my Audiopax Model 5 SE preamp. Source is the APL NWO 4.0SE CD/SACD player. I played Ray Brown Soular Energy - a current favorite of mine followed by Keith Jarrett The Melody at Night with You. To give this some context my previous headphone rig was a Singlepower MPX Slam and Grado 325is. In short, this is a phenomenal set of headphones and the first headphones that I have listened to which creates a sense of spaciousness between the ears which I imagine is as close as it gets to listening to speakers. The clarity and transparency is superb - upper midrange and treble is to my ears perfect - full but not lush and the speed and attack is fantastic. The GES seems to be a good combination with these phones although still very early days and also unfortunately as I live in Brazil no chance to audition other amps - I would certainly love to compare a BHSE and see how much of an upgrade it represents. More to come as listen more over next few weeks.

vicks7 July 26, 2012 20:23

Thanks Mike. As we agreed before, it is very satisfying when your system takes another leap forward and it has without doubt with this combination of turntable and arm. As you say the energy and transparency is superb. Delighted with the purchase and more to follow as I spend more time with the table.
Looking forward to hearing from you when those MMSevens arrive!
James

vicks7 July 20, 2012 16:35

Goldeneraguy

I was reading about your turntable - the Kuzma Stabi Reference. There is a very nice review of the table from Enjoy The Music website of October 2001 - very interesting design. They consider it to be a classic and one of the greatest of all time - maybe you should hang on to it. A lot of thought seems to have gone into the vibration control for this table and I see that the subchassis is suspended on springs submerged in silicone oil. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this player compared to some of the more modern players. I am sure it holds its own.

vicks7 July 17, 2012 14:33

Thanks Charles1dad. I agree with you on the comparison between the ASI Livelines and the Ocellia Reference interconnects. The Ocellia are to my ears more organic and at least as resolved - very happy with the switch. The Livelines were a little edgy with the MMtwos. Still a great cable and as you say IMHO superior to many other more expensive cables.

vicks7 July 16, 2012 22:50

System edited: My Wave Kinetics NVS Turntable and Talea I tonearm arrived a couple of weeks ago and replaced my TW Acustic Raven AC and Raven 10.5 arm. The table is delivered in a huge wooden crate and packed tightly between very thick foam inserts inside the crate. It was an ordeal just removing the player as customs had nailed down the crate lids (and removed the crate clips). I had a very enjoyable afternoon setting up the table (very easy) and the Talea I and Ortofon A-90 cartridge. Joel's manual for setting up the Talea is superb and it made the set-up process very easy - removed any guesswork. I used a Mint LP to fine tune the set up as well as a Fozgometer to adjust the azimuth. The NVS Turntable is delivered with its own isolation platform and so has avoided the need for me to consider any further isolation platforms - which I had been doing with the TW Acustic Raven AC. It is of course very difficult to make any accurate comparisons as the table, the arm and the cartridge have all changed and also as it is still very early days. However, I am amazed at what I am hearing. The level of detail that is being retrieved is incredible and there is wonderful tone to the music being produced. I believe part of what I am hearing is the difference between a belt drive and direct drive table. The pace and attack of some of my LPs has changed for the better and more on this as I have more hours listening to the table. These are initial impressions and I will report back with more considered views later.

vicks7 July 16, 2012 17:56

Thanks very much Glenhifi. I am very pleased with the results. The Maggiores were a significant step-up in performance and these speakers have also made me a firm believer in speaker break in. Very noticeable improvements as I put more hours on the speakers and particularly as the ceramic midrange drivers soften.

I also recently replaced my interconnects with the Ocellia reference line which again, to my ears, produced noticeable improvements.

I am awaiting the arrival of the direct drive Wave Kinetics NVS turntable which will be used with a Talea arm and Ortofon A90 cartridge. I will report back on the differences between this and my current TW Acustic Raven AC which is coupled with the Raven 10.5 arm - a wonderful combination.

On the digital side I have made the decision to move to Alex Peychev's latest two box digital offering - which consists of the Esoteric X-01 which is modified to act purely as a transport and the separate APL DAC-M. This decision has been driven in part by my desire to move to a server to store all my CDs and sacds.

vicks7 June 23, 2012 01:13

Thanks for the kind words Vicente.

Today I installed my new Ocellia Reference interconnects that I received earlier in the week - they have replaced ASI Liveline and Tara Labs interconnects and on first impressions, I am very pleased with the decision. Even more organic sounding and to my ears even more detail than the ASI Livelines without sacrificing musicality. More to follow after cables have broken in.

vicks7 June 09, 2012 23:12

Thanks Mike. The amps are indeed stunning.

For anyone who is interested, I have included below more information on these amplifiers from Audiopax:

The Maggiore M100 monoblocks utilize a revolutionary topology to become the world's first Class A1 single-ended tube amplifier with over 100 Watts of power per channel. Audiopax has combined several Audiopax proprietary technologies such as ATMA and IDS to obtain the best of both worlds: single-ended magic with high power output and strong control of the loudspeakers.

ATMA: Asymmetrical Topology of Multiple Amplifiers enabled us to develop a high power amplifier, using six asymmetrical single-ended amplifiers, connected only at the loudspeaker output.

IDS: Through our development of an updated Ideal Device Simulation we have been able to model a very powerful, high-efficiency virtual triode made of six KT-88 or six KT-120 tubes, avoiding any sound quality issues associated with Parallel single-ended amplifiers (PSE).

The Maggiore M100 uses a further development of our Timbre Lock Technology that allows fine-tuning of sound quality. Timbre Lock also enables the user to monitor each tube's condition / strength, therefore extending useful tube life. The KT88 and KT120 tubes are current production, widely available and each power tube is individually protected.

Due to its unique combination of musicality and power, the Maggiore M100 is truly a "Gentle Giant".

Specification:

Max. Power Output (at clipping):
100 W RMS at 1kHz/8 ohms
(with KT-88 tubes)
130 W RMS at 1kHz/8 ohms
(with KT-120 tubes)
Frequency response:
15Hz to 80kHz (-3dB)
Signal to noise ratio:
> 100 dB (A-weighted) ref. 100 W
Gain:
23 dB
Input impedance:
100K ohms
Dimensions:
60 x 28 x 55 cm (H x W x D)
Weight:
45 Kg each

vicks7 April 22, 2012 18:38

System edited: Updated system photo with the arrival of the Audiopax Maggiore M100 amplifiers.

vicks7 April 21, 2012 14:17

Thanks Goldeneraguy. Your kind comments much appreciated.

At the moment my amplifiers are plugged into the Purepower but Audiopax have recommended I have two dedicated lines installed - one for each amp - as they draw a huge amount - and that these lines are run directly from the mains box in my apartment. I will give it some thought. I like the Purepower very much particularly as the power supply in Sao Paulo is not the best.

I need to update my system photo as my Audiopax Model 88 have been replaced with the new flagship Maggiore M100 monoblocks. These monoblocks now sit between the speakers and the two racks have been moved to the side of the room. The Maggiore I have is a demo and I await the final version which will also have balanced inputs. I will then covert my preamplifier to balanced outs as I now need an interconnect of about 9 metres and don't want to run the risk of impairing the sound by using a long single ended interconnect.

The Maggiores are incredible sounding amplifiers. 100W Class A. I have not heard anything that comes close in terms of soundstage and tonal accuracy - as close to the live event as I could hope for.

My final piece - a Wave Kinetics NVS turntable and Talea II arm are on their way and should be with me in a month or so - I will then move my system to "done for now"! Aka no money left!

vicks7 April 15, 2012 21:48

That's right - no armboard for the Talea I although I was in the process of acquiring one for the Raven until I decided on the direct drive turntable and swapping the Talea I for the II.
It would be an interesting comparison though.

vicks7 March 08, 2012 19:52

Hi Kdl,

I have not mounted the Talea I on the Raven AC - the Raven remains with the TW 10.5 arm and Ortofon Black Credenza which I am very happy with.

However, I will be acquiring a direct drive turntable shortly which I intend to use with a Talea II and an Ortofon A90.

vicks7 March 08, 2012 17:48

System edited: I received Audiopax's new flagship tube amplifier over the weekend to replace my existing Audiopax Model 88 monoblocks. 100W in Class A1 triode. Each monoblock amplifier runs 6 KT-88 tubes and three 12AT7 drivers. Pictures and review to follow. Stupendous sounding amplifiers.

vicks7 March 06, 2012 18:52

I compared very briefly the Bent and the Lightspeed when the Lightspeed arrived several months ago but because I was making a number of other changes to the system I did not follow through. To make it a fair contest I also need to better understand the conditions to optimise the Lightspeed (low capacitance cables for example). At the time I found there was simply "more" with the Bent - more presence, deeper soundstage - both equally uncoloured and transparent. When I have some time I will do a proper a/b test using the same cables and post my thoughts for what they are worth.

vicks7 December 28, 2011 00:50

Thanks Kevinzoe - I have the Lightspeed as well and agree that it is excellent. I intend to experiment with it further in the future.

I will let you know on Rives.

vicks7 December 27, 2011 03:07

Hi Elberoth2.

Good question. My Audiopax 5SE is still breaking in but initial impressions are that whilst both are very transparent the Bent has the edge on this front as one would probably expect. Audiopax overall has a better grip on the music and I think produces a wider dynamic range and deeper bass. But I remain in two minds as to what is the best approach. I will re-evaluate the direct approach (APL direct to amp) or with the Bent as opposed to the Model 5 once I have the more powerful and superior 100W Maggiores in my listening room. I think I could be very happy with either particularly with the Evolutions with the powered subwoofer units. However, the Tap-X, purely on a cost benefit view, remains one of the best components that I have ever purchased.

vicks7 December 27, 2011 01:22

Purchased some good vinyl recently including Traneing In - John Coltrane with the Red Garland Trio (Prestige LP - Analogue Productions 45 rpm), Like Minds - Burton, Corea, Metheny, Haynes Holland (Pure Audiophile Records 33rpm), Muddy Waters folk singer (Quality Record Pressings 45 rpm) and some good CDs - Keith Jarrett - Rio, Charles Lloyd Maria Farantouri - Athens Concert, Rodrigo y Gabriela - Live in Japan.

Remain delighted with the APL modded Esoteric player and continuing to enjoy the vinyl on the TW Acustic Raven AC. MMtwos continue to amaze me in the sound they deliver and still less than 100 hours. I have contacted Rives and will be exploring ways to improve the acoustics - cannot go all out as currently in rented accommodation which is a frustration.

Happy holidays to all.

vicks7 December 26, 2011 20:46

Thanks Kevinzoe for the advice and kind remarks.

On the advice of Jonathan at Chambers Audio, I have purchased a Phonic PAA3 acoustic measurement tool and intend to run an XLR cable from this to each channel of the preamp and generate pink noise and take measurements - however I am a complete novice so I will need help at some point to interpret the data. Do you have suggestions for any particular software and also for any guide in the internet so that a novice like me can interpret the data? The Phonic PAA3 has its own software and I expect that this will suffice.

Good advice on the room treatment. I have been in touch with GIK Acoustic who have been incredibly helpful - they also suggested a panel directly to the side of the left speaker and also tri traps for the left front corner and right front corner. I am awaiting to hear back from them with a final proposal but I may send them some readings to further help the analysis. If only I had a dedicated room as many members do on this forum but not a realistic possibility where I live. It remains however a frustration as I know this gear could be producing much better results in a more appropriate room.

I have also been suffering from hum and RFI in the vinyl rig and Whest Audio are being very helpful in trying to help resolve this for me but it is maddening.

vicks7 December 19, 2011 13:46

Thanks Kevinzoe. Room is an l-shape but speakers are on a long wall of about 25 feet and the length of the room is over 25 feet so there is even more space behind listening position then in front of it.

Unfortunately I am forced in to having speakers to left side of room so left speaker is close to the left wall whereas right speaker is not near a wall as room opens out for a further 12 feet to right of speaker. There is a lot of work to be done with acoustic treatment to deal with this speaker position - it will help that the mmtwos can also be dialled in and this is my next project after the speakers have a few hundred hours on them.

I am convinced that with more tweaking I can start to realise the full potential of the components I have amassed over the years. I expect that once the Maggiore 100s arrive this will also have a significant effect - increased power should lead to more grip although the mmtwos do not need huge power given the powered subwoofers. But the Maggiore are much more than just an increase over power when comparing to the model 88s. I was in awe when I demoed the mock- up version of the Maggiore - the size and depth of soundstage was huge.

I have just returned from the States and picked up a Talea 1st generation (from Mike Lavigne - a real gentleman to deal with) and also an Ortofon A90 from Jonathan at Chambers Audio - another gent. It will be interesting to add this as a second arm on the Raven AC and see how it compares to the Raven 10.5 arm with an Ortofon Black Credenza.

Bought a load of new CDs when in the States - listening to Jarrett Rio - and things are sounding good but there is a lot still to do - but it is what makes this hobby so much fun and a drain on the wallet!

vicks7 December 18, 2011 19:15

System edited: I have updated my system photo following the introduction of my new Evolution Acoustics MMtwo speakers. System Edit: I have replaced my Bent Audio Tap-X Passive Preamp with an Audiopax Model 5 Special Edition. Wonderful synergy with the Audiopax Model 88 Monoblocks. System is sounding fantastic.

vicks7 December 10, 2011 21:30

Thanks Charles. Just finished listening to Musica Nuda - Petra Magoni and Ferruccio Spinetti. Final track is a wonderful version of Imagine - speakers are sounding so crystal clear and natural - really pleased to have got to this point with my system.

vicks7 December 04, 2011 23:58

System edited: System edit: Replaced ASI Tango with Evolution Acoustics MMTwo

vicks7 December 04, 2011 22:51

Thanks Charles and Dev.

Very early days but the MMtwos do quite a few things better. IMHO resolution is far superior - I very much like the ribbon tweeter - phenomenal detail. The midrange is also fuller and more realistic particularly on piano and wood instruments. Played Brian Bromberg Wood and it sounded the best I have ever heard this CD. As many others have said the speakers disappear - imaging left to right front to back is wonderful. When we put the speakers together yesterday which effectively involves locking a module consisting of two ceramic mid range drivers and ribbon tweeter on top of a separate woofer module, I wondered it if really could sing as one speaker and it really does - the coherence of this speaker is phenomenal - the bass integrates with the rest of the speaker in a seamless way but at the same time does not overpower the presentation.

I will post more thoughts when I have been able to process what I am hearing but it truly is a remarkable speaker in my humble opinion. I have been listening non-stop all day today. Speakers also have endless adjustment through controls on the back of the speakers - bass filter, bass level, bass quality, bass extension, tweeter level and a rumble filter. I am still listening on factory default settings until they settle down. It was very obvious once I started listening today that my system is now in another league.

The speakers are bigger particularly front to back but they still fit well into the space. I currently have them about nine feet apart and nine feet from listening position. I will update the system photo in the next few days.

Thanks for the tip on the Minus k - very interested in improving the isolation on the table. I am still a little reluctant though given the price but still considering.

The new Maggiores are beasts - quite large amps when I demoed them in my home. I am waiting for the final version to arrive hopefully in next few weeks. A SET with 100w Class A. I hope word gets out as the guys at Audiopax deserve the recognition - Eduardo de Lima the creator is a true genius.

vicks7 December 04, 2011 22:13

Thanks Jfrech.

I am currently considering the many options available on isolation platforms.

I particularly like the idea of the Minus-k but it would be too expensive in my view to justify any potential gains so I am considering a Silent Running Audio or an AudiAV and will pull the trigger soon on one of these.

vicks7 November 20, 2011 21:57

Thanks very much Mjcmt for the kind words.

System is sounding great, both vinyl and digital, (I probably split my time equally between the two formats) although there are some issues given the non-symmetrical room set up, mainly in the depth of soundstage and imaging. My room opens out to the right of the right speaker whereas the left speaker is much closer to the left wall. My apartment is rented so I am trying to research the most cost effective way of remedying this non-symmetrical room set up with acoustic room treatment.

I have two more changes coming up in the next 3-4 months in terms of amplification (moving to the bigger brothers - the Audiopax Maggiore 100 which are superb based on my audition in Sao Paulo) and possibly new speakers (MMTwos) and then I am done (hopefully)!

vicks7 November 20, 2011 12:25

System Edit: Over the last several months, I have added a TW Acustic Raven AC turntable with Raven 10.5 arm and Ortofon Black Credenza cartridge and a Whest Audio Phono Reference Phonostage. Vinyl is sounding fantastic.

vicks7 November 19, 2011 20:16

System Edit: Updated System photo.

I would appreciate advice from you all on room treatment/set up.

My room is an L shape with the speakers on a long wall but with the left speaker close to a wall - actually ceiling to floor glass balcony doors. In the photo above you can see these covered by a thin white curtain.

Left speaker is about 15 inches from the left wall. Right speaker has no side wall close to it - it is open to the right side of the speaker for 11 feet.

Speakers are about 22 inches in front of the front wall. Speakers are about 8 feet apart, slightly towed in.

Distance from speakers to listening position is about 10 feet. Room continues for a further 17 feet behind the listening position.

Any thoughts on what I can do to improve the set up. I have a rug as you can see in the photo.

Thanks

James

vicks7 March 12, 2011 01:23

Thanks Charles1dad. I am very pleased. The speakers excel at many things, including acoustic guitar - I was listening to John Mclaughlin last night (Live at the Royal Albert Hall) and it sounded incredibly realistic and musical.

vicks7 February 28, 2011 18:25

System Edit: I updated my Audiopax Model 88 to the most recent model (the Model 88 A3) and it has provided a remarkable improvement over the original amplifiers.
System Edit: Purchased a Bent Audio Tap-X preamp and now alternate between using the APL NWO direct to the amps or through the Tap-X. Still deciding which I prefer!

vicks7 February 14, 2011 11:58

I am still very happy with the Tangos although I still listen to the Zus which I like very much. I don't understand why Zu has stopped producing these speakers. I have not gone as far as the resonators other than the ones in the base of the speakers but I am using Frank's liveline speaker cable which I also find to be excellent.

The specs on the Audiopax are as follows:

Max. Power Output: 30W RMS at 1kHz into 8 ohms
Frequency response: 14Hz to 90kHz (-3dB)
Signal to noise ratio: > 90 dB (A weighted) ref. 30W
Gain: 18dB
Input impedance: 215 Kohms
Output impedance: 3.7 ohms

vicks7 September 22, 2010 21:11

System Edit: Replaced the Modwright Sony CD/SACD Player with the APL modded Esoteric X-01 CD/SACD Player and I have also added the Acoustic System International Tango R Loudspeakers and cabling. I have also removed the Melody preamp with the APL direct to the Audiopax amplifiers. The system sounds fantastic. I love the Zu speakers but the Tango speakers are, IMHO, superior - harmonics, treble, bass. Very realistic and detailed speakers but also very musical. I could not be happier.

vicks7 July 29, 2009 18:37

Thanks everyone.

I am still waiting for the Definition 2.0 and APL NWO 3.0 to arrive. In the meantime I have moved house - when I get the new system together I will post a new picture. The wooden floor at my old house didn't for me cause any problems - had a very clean sound.

GSM18439 - would love to hear from you about the Def 2.0s. I have gone for the matte black with the anodised speaker rims.

I was very pleased with the Druids but they do not seem to be everyone´s cup of tea - I would have kept them if not upgrading to the bigger brother. I am an amateur jazz musician and listen to a lot of jazz and thought the Druids were excellent - most importantly in terms of tone. When I listened to some of the jazz guitar greats through these speakers, nothing else came close. I would however recommend that you audition them first in your system - with my Audiopax/Melody combination they work very well.

I am also looking forward to getting the APL - a big plunge I agree - but I have spoken to so many people about this player so decided to take a risk.

vicks7 February 16, 2008 12:23

System Edit: Replacing Zu Druid speakers with Zu Definition 2.0 Speakers. Replacing Modwright Sony 9100ES CD/SACD with APL NWO 3.0.

vicks7 December 19, 2007 14:55

System Edit: Replaced Eastsound E5 with Modwright Sony 9100ES. Large improvement although believe it can still be better. Currently auditioning Zu Druid speakers. Room is very large and open plan with speakers on long wall firing into large space with 8-10 feet behind the listening position which in turn is about 8 feet from the speakers.

vicks7 January 09, 2007 17:13