Gryphon and Rockport

Owner

Just updating a few pictures of the room and rack. The SoundSmith Paua II sounds amazing following its rebuild and is residing on the OL Enterprise Mk4 tonearm while the Hyperion is back at the mothership for some TLC from Peter. Continuing to enjoy the Andante P-76 MM with its line contact diamond on the VPI for many of my original 1970s albums most which I originally purchased while in school.

drrsutliff November 03, 2023 04:21

Owner

Enjoying the Andante P-76 MM cartridge that I recently acquired NOS from XACTAUDIO. Had one many years ago and had forgotten why I had such fond memories of it… P mount that requires and adapter, but an early microline type diamond. Just past 20 hours and it has settled in nicely. Sent my Paua II to Sound-Smith for a rebuild and had it back in less than 3 weeks. Thank you Peter. Will keep enjoying the Andante for a while before the Paua is back on the arm. Also acquired a Synergistic Research Black Box for the room. A really interesting addition. Surprised at the effect and how it varies based on small repositionings.

drrsutliff July 22, 2023 08:40

Owner

Rockport Mira II have replaced the Spendor D9s. Beautiful tone and a cohesive presentation top to bottom.

drrsutliff May 09, 2022 00:11

Owner

Added the Synergistic Research PowerCell 12 UEF SE to the system tonight. Enjoying the clarity and increased soundstage it is providing.

drrsutliff March 24, 2022 09:36

Owner

The Sablon 2020 USB cable has been an extremely positive addition to the system. Also picked up some Synergistic Research Carbon Tuning Discs at the Florida Audio Expo a week ago. Having a lot of fun experimenting with them.

drrsutliff March 02, 2022 09:54

Owner

The difference that I perceived between the Enterprise C and mk4 was an increase in the small aural cues that helped define the space around the music better. I would guess this would be a darker background that allowed the details to be clearer and more appreciated. I noticed this on multiple cartridges that I set up using the SmarTractor and Analog Magic. Deep bass remained very strong with a slight increase in the leading edge attack. The Enterprise C arm was very good with the Mk4 improving a lot of small details that actually made a substantial increase in my listening enjoyment.

drrsutliff August 25, 2021 17:23

Owner

Swapped out the mono cartridge for the Windfeld Ti on the Illustrious mk3c arm. Now have it and the Madake on the Enterprise mk4 both mounted and feeding the DSA Phono 2. Two different, but excellent perspectives.

drrsutliff August 13, 2021 09:09

Owner

Added the Gryphon Diablo 300 with its DAC module to the system. Enjoying the control and musicality. First time in 15 years that there are no tubes present in my system...

drrsutliff April 20, 2021 06:03

Owner

Added a pair of Audio Note AN-E Spe HE speakers to the system. Once they found a spot that adequately engaged the room the sound they present is sublime. Even at very low volume bass is properly presented and the Audio Note midrange has warmth and detail simultaneously. Really enjoying this presentation at all volume levels.

drrsutliff March 23, 2021 08:56

Owner

Received the new Origin Live Enterprise Mk4 tonearm from the factory. It is a significant improvement over the original Enterprise C arm it replaced. The design does not even appear on their website currently, but closely resembles the “Agile” arm in it’s counterweight and pivot assembly. Mounted the Miyajima Madake and experienced a quality of musical reproduction that exceeded my hopes. Also employed my new WallySkater to adjust the anti-skate setting on both this arm and the OL Illustrious mk3c that is the second arm on the TT.

drrsutliff October 10, 2020 07:29

Owner

Upgraded from my own DIY Roon Core Server to the Wolf Alpha 3SX. I am actually perplexed, slightly shocked, and very happy with the improvement in the musical presentation. Before the Wolf I was using the Ethernet input on the Ayre QX5/20 as my Roon core was in my office across the house. The Wolf Alpha 3SX has their Flux USB output and I have changed to that input on the Ayre. Not sure how much this change is involved, but I also found that a substitution of the Audience Front Row USB for my old reliable Wire World Platinum 7 also is a large positive improvement in the sound.

drrsutliff September 15, 2020 23:42

Owner

The Madake arrived and now has 50 hours of playing time. The initial break in hours had the Madake showing multiple presentations all with unique density and detail. 50 hours has allowed sufficient time for significant changes to have subsided and the Madake to fully engage its strengths and seduce my emotions. The Purple Heart remains on one arm and the Madake is creating it’s special magic on the other.

drrsutliff July 14, 2020 09:40

Owner

The Koetsu has moved to a new friends system. Surprised myself with deciding to let it go, but this is a crazy hobby. Awaiting a new Miyajima Madake to arrive and in the mean time... Ortofon Windfeld Ti on one arm and my Kiseki Purple Heart making beautiful music on the other.

drrsutliff May 24, 2020 06:08

Owner

Mounted the Koetsu RSP on the Enterprise C arm this week. Spent a little extra time (currently have quite a bit...) with its setup especially the SRA and have been well rewarded. The Purple Heart is such a fun listen, but the RSP is finally displaying its unique abilities. Two tonearms is more fun than I ever anticipated.

drrsutliff May 03, 2020 08:50

Owner

Upgraded to the Origin Live Sovereign mk3-2 turntable with dual tonearm plinth. Moved my Illustrious mk3c tonearm and added the excellent Enterprise C. Currently the Kiseki PH and the Ortofon Windfeld Ti are in service. In addition a recent visit of the Renaissance V to the VAC factory for upgrades has proven to be well worth its travels to Sarasota.

drrsutliff March 16, 2020 00:47

Owner

The Koetsu Rosewood Signature Platinum is now in the system and it is enchanting. I love the detailed presentation of the Windfeld Ti but the this is a different experience. The cohesive room filling presentation initially seduces you and then you notice all the detail that is present. A member of our audio society described it as “tape like”. It has taken some time to dial in the setup of the RSP. I used a SMARTractor and Fozgometer for initial installation and once that was set found the SRA and bias final adjustments by ear. I have used Ortofon cartridges for many years so this is a nice addition to my analogue experience. My Windfeld is staying but the Cadenza Bronze and Black will soon be seeking new homes.

drrsutliff January 11, 2019 22:34

Owner

I have upgraded the motor pod of my Origin Live Resolution with their new Light Speed Contol. This required a factory visit for the motor pod but was handled very professionally and quickly by Origin Live. Their statement is the following:

“Direct drive decks are renowned for their consistent speed. However the Origin Live LSC achieves the same result with unerring accuracy. Measurable drift is below 0.0001% (over 100 times more accurate than most decks). Wow and Flutter has been recorded at a mere 0.04% which betters many direct drive decks.”

I am greatly enjoying this simple upgrade and it’s audible effects.

drrsutliff November 26, 2018 02:11

Owner

Thank you Jeff

Sorry for the long delay in a reply. The Spendors are a significant upgrade in my system relative to the Thiels. I enjoyed the CS2.4 for 5 years but once we moved into our new home I could not balance (tame) their upper frequency output in my new room. The Spendor D9 are extremely balanced, have beautiful highs, emotional mids with great clarity, and bass extension that is surprising. I visited the Capital Audio Fest and enjoyed auditioning lot of systems and speakers. Many had individual traits that I greatly admired, but few had the balance I currently enjoy.

drrsutliff November 26, 2018 02:10

Owner

Added a picture of a record cleaner I rediscovered. Sorting through many boxes from my past that have come in to my possession I found something special. My father’s father was a partner in an electrical appliance store in the 50’s that sold RCA record players. I have a record cleaner/duster from his store. The brush surface on the cleaning side is pretty decrepit but I decided it needs its own special place in my audio room. (Hockey puck display case was perfect size )

drrsutliff August 27, 2018 05:20

Owner

Thanks milpai. Still working on final placement but they have moved out a little and tow in has been increased slightly. I will update system pictures soon.

drrsutliff August 27, 2018 05:19

Owner

Ortofon Windfeld Ti arrived and installed (thank you Jay @ Audio Revelation). Very nice upgrade from the excellent Cadenza Black. Hopefully this is the final analogue upgrade for this year ;)

Now to work on the digital side...

drrsutliff July 27, 2018 05:30

Owner

Thank you shadorne. They have been playing 24 hours a day and with the dealer over yesterday we did some final placement adjustments and spiked them. The Spendors are exceeding my hopes. Great soundstage width and depth with nothing eccentuated. The clear detail is drawing me into every song. If I could just get some sleep...

drrsutliff July 23, 2018 01:16

Owner

Spendor D9s arrived today. Initial thoughts are very positive, but they need some time to settle in and then fine tuning of their setup position. Should be exciting the next few days.

drrsutliff July 19, 2018 07:09

Owner

Thank you milpai

They should arrive the middle of next week and I will update after they have some time to settle acclimate to their new home. I have the house to myself the following weekend so I’m sure many hours of music will be played.

drrsutliff July 12, 2018 10:24

Owner

Received my motor pod back from its visit to the Origin Live factory for the Light Speed Controler upgrade. The upgraded speed stability of the TT is more of an audible upgrade than I had ever imagined. New Spendor D9s are traveling my direction and my Thiels have become available for a new home to enjoy. Using my KEF LS50s in the main system presently and as always they surprise me with their performance.

drrsutliff July 10, 2018 19:19

Owner

A beautiful VAC Renaissance Mk5 preamp has replaced my VAC Renaissance Mk3 today. The reduction in gain from 22db to 10db is a nice change allowing for increased use of the volume control range. Giving everything time to settle in but already extremely happy with this upgrade choice. New tubes on order from Andy at Vintage Tube Service for the line stage and that should be another interesting change to enjoy. First preamp I have had with 6dj8 tubes so I let my upgraded 12au7s and 12ax7s leave with the previous pre amp to make the eventual new owner very happy.

drrsutliff April 21, 2018 02:40

Owner

I picked up a used Salamander rack on Sunday and it has allowed me to add my 40 year old Optonica DD turntable to the system. Mounted my backup Cadenza Bronze Cartridge aligned with the SmartTractor Löfgren B IEC. Very different than the recommended cartridge mounting position from the original manual. Connected to a VAC SUT into the MM phono inputs of my Renassaince 3 preamp. The table’s speed continues to be stable. It is a 6 pole AC direct drive. I have owned this table since new in 1978 and have stored it for many years. Glad to have it out again. Now I will have fun comparing it to my Original Live kit. Cadenza Bronze to Cadenza Black. Belt Drive to Direct Drive.

drrsutliff January 23, 2018 06:58

Owner

test

drrsutliff January 23, 2018 03:37

Owner

Thank you for the comments beetlemania. Are you running balanced between your Ayre components? I ran the Codex with RCAs for a while awaiting the cables I ordered to be delivered. I had very high quality RCA interconnects and the improvement with the XLR cables was not subtle.

drrsutliff January 17, 2018 20:12

Owner

Thank you Jafant. It has taken 6 months Since moving to get things to this point, but the system has never sounded better. Still need to get the last couple of panels mounted. The largest change was starting over on speaker placement and following the “Master Set” speaker placement instructions. I have had a friend over recently that has listened to my system many times with both the VAC amp and now the Ayer and he agreed the presentations improvement was almost startling. I had been even considering trying different speakers. Now the 2.4s sound better that i ever imagined they could. Many hours of sleep lost to listening recently...

drrsutliff January 16, 2018 20:32

Owner

The holidays brought a few very positive changes. Added Audience balanced cables for the Codex to replace the Audience AU24SE RCA cables. More improvement than I was expecting. 2 corner bass traps and 4 additional 2’ x 4’ wall treatments from ATS were also added. Finally reset the speaker placement using the online Master Set instructions. I’m sure it can be improved upon since it was my first attempt, but the improvement was not subtle. Overall a great start to the new year.

drrsutliff January 07, 2018 11:02

Owner

New Codex finally through 200 plus hours. I have experienced a lot of equipment breakin but the codex was the most drastic. I was well warned, but there were times I questioned the purchase. It has now settled and opened on both the bass and treble and I love it! Also upgraded my Audience Conditioneer to the ar6-TSSD (AU24 cord). Another change/improvement that exceeded my expectations. Now it's back to room setup at the new residence and again comparing the Cadenza Bronze to the Black.

drrsutliff August 23, 2017 19:56

Owner

The Codex had synergy with my system providing more soundstage depth and separation of individual instrumentations. Also noted a lot more distinct aspects of the recording venues that I am more familiar with on my vinyl recordings. The sound really drew me into the music emotionally. I previously enjoyed a Lector CDP for a few years that had similar properties, but was much darker in its presentation. Back listening to my basic level Meridian Exploreer2 while I continue to decide my next pursuit. Though my dealer did make me a nice offer on a new Codex...

drrsutliff July 21, 2017 09:14

Owner

Thank you Dave.

I will look at the Comet Plus and appreciate the suggestion. I have been focused on analogue and using a Meridian Exploeer 2 as a "tempoaray" DAC for a while so now. More auditions will need to be done.

Rick

drrsutliff July 20, 2017 18:47

Owner

My local Ayre dealer loaned me a Codex DAC to audition this past weekend. I have it running Roon>Logitech Touch>Codex. i have a feeling that I want one to live here full time. Not quite the same as my vinyl, but ...

drrsutliff July 19, 2017 09:54

Owner

Hello Jeff,

The past few years I had used a VAC PA100/100 that VAC upgraded its driver and splitter curcuit to thief "phi" topology vs the original Williamson curcuit. The bass is tighter, but not necessarily more powerful. The VAC midrange was special but I now have a more cohesive top to bottom presentation. There is a special synergy emerging as the amp settles and I am really enjoying it with the Thiels.

drrsutliff July 19, 2017 09:49

Owner

Ayre VX-5 twenty is now in the system. Started the breakin tonight and it is already sounding excellent. The past 15 years have had tubes in the power position so this is a real change, but this amp is doing something special in my system. I will be upgrading to XLR in the near future, but the initial hours will be with my Audience AU24 SE rca cables until the ordered XLRs arrive next week. The next major upgrade will be in two weeks when we close on out new home and I have a new dedicated room for this system to occupy.

drrsutliff May 19, 2017 10:06

Owner

The system sounds beautiful with the new Origin Live Resolution MK3-1 turntable. Mounted my Illustrious Mk3-c tonearm and upgraded to the Cadenza Black from the Bronze. For the enlightened of what a little more power my local dealer is loaning me an Ayre VX-5 twenty for a few days starting tomorrow. Should be an interesting weekend comparing my phi upgraded PA100/100 with the latest Ayre.

drrsutliff April 22, 2017 08:58

Owner

Added the Meridian Explorer2 into the system. Logitech Touch USB out to the Explorer2 with a Wireworld Starlight7. Looking forward to experimenting with MQA through Tidal when it comes online. Also very pleased that in this configuration the Logitech Touch handles 24/96 and 24/192 files wireless.

drrsutliff September 03, 2016 23:40

Owner

Upgraded the VAC Standard LE to the VAC Renaissance Mk III. This has opened up the entire soundstage more than I had even hoped. The system continues to be vinyl focused with a small use of my Pono player for access to digital. The Audience cables have also been upgraded to SE status with an audible increase in performance. Spent too many hours last night "getting used" to the changes the Renaissance Mk III brought to the system. I will need to set aside some additional time to be sure the excellent reproduction I enjoyed last night was real.......

drrsutliff January 26, 2016 20:14

Owner

System edited: Ortofon Cadenza Bronze has replaced the Benz Ebony. Blacker backgrounds with increased refinement and air around instruments. Excellent upgrade for this system, though the replicant100 stylus required some attention to get properly dialed in. Absolutely worth the effort IMO. Increased base definition has allowed me to retire the REL sub, and the Lector CDP is now gone as I am looking to upgrade to a DAC server system in the future.

drrsutliff August 12, 2015 19:07

Owner

Thank you Jeff. The sound absorbers were needed before the first note emerged from a system in this room. The slap echo was almost comical. This space is in the center of the home with a lot of reflective surfaces and openings to other rooms. It was never intended to be the space for my system, but the room initially intended for that duty is now occupied full time as a living space for my wife's mother. The VAC amp works well with the Thiels as it has an excellent power supply and is capable of handling down to a 2 ohm load if needed. Computer audio will be in the future so I appreciate the insight.

Rick

drrsutliff September 04, 2014 10:20

Owner

System edited: Added and rearranged some room treatments with a positive result.

drrsutliff August 01, 2014 08:12

Owner

System edited: Thiel CS2.4s have replaced the Audio Physic Tempo V speakers. Trying to decide if the Rel Strada III will stay as the bass from the Thiels is very satisfying. Overall a pleasant improvement as the VAC amp is producing an amazing soundstage and presence through the Thiels and the slight tipped up top end experienced with the Audio Physics has been replaced with one not so exaggerated. Overall the system is more musical and enjoyable.

drrsutliff January 25, 2014 13:02

Owner

System edited: Rel Strata III is now providing sub bass support. The integration took some time, but using the high level inputs crossed over at 30 hertz provides amazingly subtle, solid support to the lower frequencies without drawing any attention to itself. Other recent upgrades include additional Adept Response power conditioning from Audience, and a retip of my Benz Ebony H by SoundSmith. (Thank You Peter)

drrsutliff December 08, 2013 21:46

Owner

System edited: Added Audience PowerChord e cables. The Benz is off to SoundSmith for a retip so I installed the VAC Divinyl SUT and installed my recently aquired Denon 103D. Now i see why people state this is a very special cartridge.

drrsutliff July 16, 2013 09:06

Owner

System edited: Replaced the Cardas Golden Reference SC with Audience AU24e cables. I loved the Cardas presentation, but it was a little heavier than my system needed. The Audience cables seem to have nice synergy with the matching ICs that I have previously employed in this system.

drrsutliff June 01, 2013 09:16

Owner

Visited the VAC office last weekend while in the area with my son's soccer team. Picked up my Standard LE, that had been in for service, and was able to visit with the Kevin and Brent for a few minutes.
I had the privilege of seeing one of the new Statement Line amplifiers during the visit. It looks better in person than any of the pictures I have seen posted or published. A piece of aural and visual art.
The Standard LE sounds excellent with its new coupling caps and a few resistor upgrades. After a week of breaking in the repairs with the factory supplied tubes I rolled in some 1950's Tung Sol 12au7s and Mullard 10M 12at7s. I am extremely excited and satisfied with this combination and the entire system.

drrsutliff April 22, 2013 22:27

Owner

The recently added Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables have
produced a special synergy with my Audio Physic speakers creating a
beautifully balanced top to bottom presentation with exceptional detail and
musicality in this system. In addition, after consulting with Andy at Vintage
Tube Services, the VAC Standard LE preamp tubes have been changed to
NOS RCA 12AU7s and 12AX7s in the line section. The system now has
more detail and body with an increased 3d sound stage. These two
changes may have brought me to a good stopping point for a while. Time
to just enjoy the music.

drrsutliff January 28, 2013 00:12

Owner

System edited: Recent change to the Cardas Golden Reference SC. They really helped balance the Audio Physic speakers and present a beautiful wide and deep sound stage. New tubes from Vintage Tube Service for the VAC Standard LE should be arriving in a couple of days and at that point the cables should have be well settled in since the were previously owned.

drrsutliff January 12, 2013 02:40

Owner

System edited: Added an Audience aR1p conditioner. The CryoParts Power Strip II is connected to the conditioner by a Zu Mother PC and the equipment is all connected to the power strip by Zu Mother PCs. Also added a Billy Bags 4 shelf rack that was already mass loaded by the previous owner.

drrsutliff June 15, 2012 07:41

Owner

System edited: Audience AU24e ICs placed into system. There is an immediate improvement in micro detail and correction of an excessive siblance issue that was present from both my analogue and digital sources. Continued changes are expected as the cables breaking, but my initial impression is very positive.

drrsutliff May 11, 2012 06:13

Owner

System edited: Updating recent addition of the Audio Physic Speakers and the Benz Ebony with new pictures.

drrsutliff April 10, 2012 22:09

Owner

System edited: Audio Physic Tempo 5 speakers now in the system. Excellent sound stage and clarity with increased bass drive.

drrsutliff April 10, 2012 03:31

Owner

System edited: Added some new pictures with recent changes. Audio Physic Tempo Speakers will be delivered tomorrow.

drrsutliff April 08, 2012 22:21

Owner

The KEF Blade speakers were special to me (though not in my present price range). With the Ayre amps they produced a wonderful sound stage with precision, detail, and a lack of any fatigue. The Audio Power Labs room with their 200 watt Class A tube amps and the Tidal audio speakers was also special. MBL and YG, well another set of amazing rooms that were well set up in difficult space. The new equipment by Bob Carver along with meeting the man himself was a very interesting experience. I would like to hear that system in a larger room. A lot of great equipment, great improvement on digital presentations, and new technology. Spent a good amount of time talking with company owners and head designers which made it another great experience.

drrsutliff March 14, 2012 02:54

Owner

Thank you Lapierre. The VAC paired with the ACs presents a dynamic and detailed soundstage. Since I just added the Benz Ebony I will be focused on vinyl for a while, as it moved the system to a new level of detailed presentaion. I think the future will be a change of speakers as the next step. Just spent the weekend at Axpona show thinking about possibilities......

drrsutliff March 12, 2012 19:18

Owner

System edited: The addition of a Benz Ebony H cartridge has displayed amazing synergy with the Origin Live Encounter arm and OL table. The cartridge has taken alot of time to dial in with an extreme sensitivity to SRA and antiskate bias adjustment, but the time and effort (along with a lot of patience) has been rewarded.

drrsutliff March 05, 2012 04:35

Owner

The change from the OL Silver Mk1 tonearm to the Encounter Mk3c has not been small. Base response has more definition and control. The sound stage has better integration with increased micro-dynamics and continuity.
The VAC PA100/100 factory front end upgrade now has about 100 hours of listening time. The phi300.1 frontend upgrade was significant in making this amp more detailed and transparent along with tightening the slightly loose bass that the amp originally portrayed.

drrsutliff August 07, 2011 19:42

Owner

System edited: I changed the OL Silver tonearm to the OL Encounter Mk3c. The Silver was very good, but the Encounter evolved the system to a new level. The Silver, in use for the past two years, provided a wide and deep soundstage presentation that was very satisfying in my system, but the Encounter brings better extension at the extremes and increased coherence within the soundstage. Their may be additional synergy between the Aurora and the Encounter being they are from the same designer. A very enjoyable upgrade.

drrsutliff August 03, 2011 21:17

Owner

The PA100/100 just returned from visitng VAC and Kevin Hayes with the Phi 300.1 front end upgrade installed.

VAC's description of the upgrade - "Fits the new front end circuit topology from the Phi 300.1, resulting in greater speed, dynamic, detail, and bass punch."

All I can say is the improvement is not subtle. Extension, detail, and impact in all areas is definitely improved. Overall a change that has made this excellent amp even more impressive to me in my system.

drrsutliff June 19, 2011 10:20

Owner

Thank you for that insight Knghifi. I will look at trying some other PCs and seeing how they may perform. I had a dedicated line placed to my setup and removed all my power conditioners about 8 months ago. The sound really opened up with that change, but again there is always room for other trials and changes.

drrsutliff June 05, 2011 04:31

Owner

Thank you for your comments Rhljazz. Once the amp is settled back in with the new front end upgrade I will do some tube rolling. It came to me with Phillips JAN 6189s and a new set of KT88s sourced from VAC that had been recently installed the seller. I had previously reviewed you system due to the OL and VAC similarities. Beautiful setup.

drrsutliff June 04, 2011 21:10

Owner

System edited: VAC PA 100/100 was sent to VAC for the phi300.1 front end topology upgrade 14 days ago. Just received an e-mail that it is ready for final review by Kevin Hays and should be back soon.

drrsutliff June 04, 2011 20:49

Owner

System edited: Updating a few photos after adding the VAC PA100/100

drrsutliff April 11, 2011 07:38

Owner

System edited: A VAC PA100/100 has replaced the Shanling SP80s. The upgrade has not been subtle with greater musical detail, beter soundstage, and a presentation that makes music just sound more correct. There also seems to be a synergy between the VAC pre and the PA100/100 that has reinforced the system cohesiveness. I find myself now listening only to the music and not being able to listen to the equipment, no matter how hard I am trying. This is what I was looking for.

drrsutliff March 27, 2011 19:42

Owner

I specifically used the section Jim calls "playing the room". I was very surprised how minor changes of less than 1/2 inch on speaker placement changed what I would call the "cohesiveness" of the sound. I have found a precise measurement for their palcement that works in my room. I do know that Jim would prefer that my rack was not between me speakers, but my room does not allow that at this time.

drrsutliff January 18, 2011 20:04

Owner

System edited: Additional changes were implemented following Jim Smith's advice in GET BETTER SOUND and his seminar at the Axpona Show. Small changes in my speaker palcement and alignment that were immediate and amazingly substanitial improvements in the system.

drrsutliff June 25, 2010 19:22

Owner

System edited: Update - reconfigured system and added room treatments.

drrsutliff June 25, 2010 19:10

Owner

Hi Jimorjrjb
Sorry for the slow response. I love the Blackbird. It took alot of time to set it up correctly. A Mint LP protractor is essential IMHO because a very precise alignment is richly rewarded. The VTA is also critical for this cartridge.

drrsutliff June 25, 2010 10:25

Owner

System edited: Upgraded tonearm - Orgin Live Silver replaced my modified RB300. A nice increase in dynamics is noticed. The Blackbird required some additional SRA adjustment to dial it in but the combination is now performing well.

drrsutliff April 16, 2010 05:45

Owner

Thanks for your kind comments Glen. The Vac really brought out the best in this system in ways I nevery expected. It really does help the day wind down nicely.

drrsutliff April 16, 2010 05:34

Owner

System edited: The change from a passive rpeamp to the VAC Standard SE has taken the system to a new level. The soundstage has increased in width and depth with increased detail. In addition changed from the AES PH1 to the VAC built in MM also a nice improvement.

drrsutliff October 18, 2009 07:50

Owner

System edited: Replaced the passive Monolithic Sound PA-1 preamp and the AES PH-1 Phono pre with a VAC Standard LE. Increased density and musicality to the system.

drrsutliff September 26, 2009 23:56

Description

Room Details

Components Toggle details

Gryphon Diablo 300

Rockport Technologies Mira II

Wolf Audio Systems Alpha 3SX

Network Acoustics ENO System

Dynamic Sounds Associates (DSA) Phono II

Gryphon VPI XLR

Origin Live Sovereign MK3 Turntable

Origin Live Enterprise MK4

Soundsmith Hyperion OCL Signature

Origin Live Conqueror MK4

Miyajima Zero

VPI Classic 1

Andante P-76

Synergistic Research PowerCell 12 UEF SE

Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Euphoria (Level3)

Adona Corporation Eris 6 DW

ATS Acoustics Room Treatments

Synergistic Research Black Box

Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaning

Record brush

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