This is my Audio System only, I decided not to integrate the Home Theater portion and have a separate Video System. The reason for the name of the system is that the "Simple" part is to have a goal of achieving good sound reproduction (easier said than done), the "Complex part is the equipment options, cost, time and of course the wife acceptance factor (money & appearance). I welcome your comments.
Thanks for the reply. I can get the PH5 used for under $1500 and the mod for another $1500... and to your point, you can buy a lot of records with the difference.
I've heard both and they have the same sonic signature, but the PH7 still sounds better. The PH5 with the mod would cost you around $4,000 (the sound quality is slightly better than an unmodified Rhea in absolute terms, but they sound different) and the PH7 is $6,000, in my opinion, if you can afford it, go with the PH7, but $2,000 would buy a significant amount of records.
How did you end up liking your PH5 mod by GNSC? I am thinking about buying a used PH5 with the thought of doing that upgrade down the road, but wondering if the money would be better spent by just buying the PH7 up front. Thanks in advance for the opinion.
I apologize for the late response, major events have popped up in my life and audio has taken a backseat. Nice system!!!! The speaker cables so far have been really nice. Unfortunately I haven't had time to set up my main system and I'm listening to my wife's system. She has a Marantz Integrated (PM 11), a Marantz SACD player (8001) and Apogee Stage speakers. The Nordost cables are currently in this system. I also have the Shunyata power cords and power conditioners in there too. I will let you know when I setup my main system to compare the Audioquest cables that the Nordost replaced (this will be from memory). Talk to you soon.
Nickname is after Kimber Kable (my first high end speaker cable and I purchased 20 ft to make a 10 ft pair - 8 TC).
Kimber20 (is that as in Kable or as in Kimber of Oregon?) I am intrigued by your system. We are running some same or similar components. I'd like to try the Nordost speaker cables (Valhalla, Tyr or Valkyrja ... they seem to be in the same league, give or take) and some of the coupling/isolation bits. First I need to build my v.2 equipment rack ... cheers apo
I just had my phono stage modified through Great Northern Sound by Steve Huntley. I had the Reference Mod conducted on my unit. Steve is a very friendly fellow and explained his modifications in great detail. Steve always answered any of my questions and always took the time to speak to me on the phone. In the next couple of weeks I will start to listen to the unit and follow-up on my findings. My house is currently under construction and unfortunately I wont get to it faster than that. Look for my next posting soon.
The SA 60 does sound better, it's a littler cleaner sound on top without sounding a little hot like the DV 50. Bass and midrange are also improved, the bass has a little more impact and is tighter, the midrange is more fluid and a smoother quality. From an aesthetic stand point, the SA 60 is cleaner looking and bit more refined looking.
I apologize for the late response, I just had an addition to the household (babies) and I just haven't been on the site. 1) Purchase the power supply first, deeper base, greater dynamics, cleaner highs and quieter backgrounds 2) The Orbe Platter, it does everything the power supply does, but at a lesser degree 3) The spider, this as the slightest improved of all the upgrades, this provides a more rigid platform and produces a slightly tighter sound (very slight).
very nice system...if you upgraded you michell over time can you describe the improvements and perhaps an order of greatest improvement? i have a basic michell gyrodec se and over the course of a year or two i would like to take it to orbe status. thanks for your help...
The mat from a sonic stand point improves the sound for both SACD and CD (I don't really have any DVD-As) equal to a cable upgrade. I was really surprised that it sounded better, even with the DV-50S. I do have two caveats, on some SACD or CD (especially if there is printed picture on the top of the disc, like DVD movies), it slipped in my player and on some discs, and you couldn't play the disc with the mat. Also on some SACDs (I measured it with a micrometer), when the disc was a little thicker than average, the mat would scrape on top of the transport mechanism and putting a circular cut in the mat. It doesn't hurt the mats effectiveness, but it looks awful cosmetically. I usually place the mat on top of the disc before I placed it on the tray, but try both methods to see which works best for you.
On the Shunyata products, I had all PS Audio equipment and after listening to the Shunyata, I sold all my PSA stuff and ordered the new items. The Shunyata was much more neutral than the PSA, which tended to soften the top end and warm the base. The Shunyata will provide more top end sparkle without sound harsh or bright and it made the base tighter and more dynamic. I really enjoyed the PSA, but I felt the Shunyata was better. Both products do a great job in reducing noise, it was the effect on the sound that made me change.
I recently moved and havent set up my system yet, but I will in the next couple weeks and I will post some pictures soon. I also sold my DV-50S recently and Im trying to get an Esoteric SA-60 when it becomes available in Q4 of 06.
Ive been very happy with the Pass X350.5 since replacing the Mark Levinson 334. The Pass amp has added delicacy to the top end, with a more transparent & warmer midrange and better bass foundation. The sound has been more effortless than before. I cannot make any comparisons to the Ayre unit, since I have not heard an Ayre amp for about 2 years. I do remember the sound being warmer and little less sparkle on the top end. The bass is softer and rounder if my memory services me right.
Very nice system. Congrats. One question: how do you like your Pass X 350.5 ? I´m thinking of this unit as well. Any ideas how it compares to an Ayre V-1xe ?
System edited: I just upgraded to Audioquest Sky, and I can't tell you the enormous improvement that developed in my system. I know the cables are extremely expensive, but give them a listen.
System edited: 3/1/05 - The sonic improvements of the Marigo Signature mat are unbelievable on my DV-50S. Sound is more delicate and details are more refined, a must have tweak!
