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 11:42

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 13:17

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 02:20

I have 2 dedicated 20 amp lines for my sound system. My EquiTech 2Q has digital, normal and unfiltered outlets. I find my mono amps sound best plug direct to the wall outlets. Preamp best to 2Q unfiltered but will try direct to wall once I have the new longer PC and DACs best to 2Q digital outlets.

knghifi June 04, 2011 21:22

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 04, 2011 20:31

Dr., You have a very well thought out system and it must sounds fantastic.

From my experience, Zu IC and SC are EXCELLENT especially for their price but NOT the PC. I find the Zu Mother is VERY limiting even on my DAC where lots of information is missing in familiar materials.

IMHO, you should try some different PCs especially on your amp and preamp for your next best ROI upgrade. On my VAC preamp, I found it best plug in the unfiltered (essentially direct to the wall outlet) outlets on my EquiTech 2Q otherwise dynamics are dramactically limited which is very very surprising. I'm waiting for a longer PC to be made and try going direct to a 20 amp wall dedicated outlet.

You don't need to spend big $$ for good PCs but they do make a DIFFERENCE :-)

knghifi June 04, 2011 14:23

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 13:10

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 12:49

Nice looking system. I have similar taste in equipment including the danish design chair. The Vac amp is a great piece. You can make some nice changes swapping input tubes. It's funny one set of tubes will sound better depending on the speaker it is powering. I hated the electro harmonix with the N802's but find they are the best tubes with the ESP's.

rhljazz May 12, 2011 23:52

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

drrsutliff April 10, 2011 23:38

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 11:42

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 12:04

Doc, would you mind sharing in detail what alignment/placement changes you made? I have Jim's book as well. Thanks!

jimbojrjb January 03, 2011 21:26

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 11:22

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

drrsutliff June 25, 2010 11:10

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 02:25

How do you like the blackbird? And what have you compared it to? I am interested in making the jump to MC and have heard you can't do much better than the blackbird?

jimbojrjb May 04, 2010 13:21

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 15, 2010 21:45

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 15, 2010 21:34

A system nice to come home too. Very nice gear, brings a smile just to look at it. Between the Vac preamp and your speakers, must be sweet to hear as well.

glenfihi March 25, 2010 19:40

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 17, 2009 23:50

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 15:56

Dr. I must say, those speakers are beautiful.
Jealous in Maryland...

billman1965 August 29, 2009 12:29