Hi Ryder, sorry I can't give you first hand information on Cerapuc/Cerabase in combination with the Spider. A friend of mine uses Cerabase with the Spider (on wooden floor), though, and is convinced it heaves the rack in a higher league. I have not tried the combination as I went another way for my main components (SRA and Echo-Subbases). Given the effectiveness of the Ceraballs - better definition through the frequency range, more precise imaging - I would recommend to give the combination a try. (Would you have the possibility to audition?)
You've already noticed what Ceraballs can do, imo these are a must with the Spider even for lightweight components. The only minor issue to tackle with the latter is that due to the very smooth surface of the Ceraball, light components tend to slip out of place easily, e.g. with the Stax headphones amp in my case, so heavy cable drag should be avoided.

karelfd January 11, 2011 09:26

System edited: Replaced the PS Premier power generator after I had a few functional problems. It seemed like a good time to test Hans Manfred Strassner's new passive DC filtering power bars (a bit of an understatement), conceptually derived from the cost-no-object Energia Definitiva (EUR 8k!) power distributor. Sonically at least I do not seem to have lost anything - the music is as "grainless" and clean as with the Premier (a major merit of the latter) as the components cannot interfere with one another. And doesn't the HMS seem to have more explosive dynamics? At least it just seems to play subjectively louder; or is that just more aggressive after all? I admit the final judgement is not out yet. Especially since I seem to have lost surge protection. Sure, I read about protection being included but to my surprise that is actually a feature of the power cord that comes with it (HMS Energia SL/V) and I'd like to continue using my VooDoo power cords (matter of fact, I'd also loose the surge protection if I were to upgrade to HMS's recommended and doubtlessly better Gran Finale SL Jubilee cords). Have I painted myself into a corner? I guess one can always pull the plug during a thunder storm but nevertheless ... Let's see what the music does in the coming few weeks.

karelfd December 19, 2010 14:26

System edited: For all fellow cable TV sufferers, this is one tweak I have to tell you about. I know there are a lot of cheap ground breakers (I tried quite a few), so why would anyone go for the HMS Silenzio TV/FM for a whopping EUR 135 (I only paid half price to be honest). Because this thingy made a difference in the TV signal comparable with that between plain dvd and bluray, that's why. Finally, even cable TV looks acceptable. (Btw, HMS makes these devices for different purposes: satellite TV, video, sub-woofers,...)

karelfd September 02, 2010 19:48

Thanks Ejlif!

I have further tuned the video section with edenSound heavy brass damping discs: the Bluray player now sports two, one is on the DacMagic and one on its SPU. That makes a mere US$ 72 to heave a good mid-class Bluray system a few important sports higher on the quality ladder since the visual aspect is bettered as well (more precision and "sereneness" for lack of a better word). Actually, with shipment to Europe it cost me US$ 106 but even then I don't know a comparably affordable and effective tweak (Seriously thinking of trying Dan's Superdisc on the amp...)

Now perhaps some Cicable digital cable for both Bluray and TV, we'll see.

karelfd May 22, 2010 15:52

Wow, Audiogon added "system edited" to my previous entry, actually I only edited a picture, but perhaps that's a good omen?

karelfd May 09, 2010 22:33

System edited: Munich in May 2010: Hurrah! I had the opportunity to hear my personal dream system, so I've added that to my system pictures, btw the Transparent Acoustic room treatment and Argento Flow Master Reference cable loom are integral parts of it. Only dream gear missing on the picture: an AudioNec SDV3-S server AND an AMR CD 77.1, yes not a trace of doubt, the AMR remains part of it! Now, perhaps if I really, really wished very hard...

karelfd May 09, 2010 21:48

Thanks for the kudos guys!

Ron, a comparison with Maggies (not just the 3.6/R) is a bit tricky since I have never had planar speakers in my own system, so we're talking about comparing different concepts performing in very different environments. Anyway, as an introductory observation, judging from what I heard it may very well be the case that owners of a system with planars may prioritize particular sonic qualities (e.g. the proverbial holographic stage, extreme clarity) to such extent that it becomes hard for any other kind of speaker to compete. Then again, if you explore other concepts, I guess you may find speakers with ceramic drivers to be one of the best fit alternatives exactly because of their ability for clarity and speed. Provided of course (and I take it that will be a big proviso to you!) they are devoid of the dreaded ceramic harshness! Imo nowadays' champion in that respect is Tidal (I know there are other opinions that I respect but could not reconstruct in listening sessions myself). As for the Contriva, you will find those qualities coupled with homogeneity throughout the frequency ladder, correct timbre, the ability to build a lifelike stage, an authoritative bass foundation (without fatness) and the ability to render a dynamic spectrum from ppppp to ffff. I know I'm ticking all the boxes, but that is what it is: a window without a pane on the Art of music. Contriva Diacera, as you might expect, explores "air" and clarity even further.

Now, that does not really answer your question about comparable speakers, I'm afraid. I could name a number of non-ceramic speakers that have appealed to me but that is not quite to the point. Looking back, the special "feature" that made the decision in favour of the Tidals sort of inevitable both for my dear late wife and myself is its ability to go one step - but such an important one - beyond mere sonic qualities and convey a sensation of understanding the musician's emotions. Very big words, I agree, but a rare treat indeed.

karelfd February 06, 2010 14:59

System edited: Much as I like the Aktyna isolation feet that will surely find another destiny in the system(s), I wanted additional stability for the amps whilst retaining minimum ambient interaction. I had been looking at SRA Ohio platforms but the available space in the rack was nowhere near enough as those need to be spiked. The custom made Subbase platforms follow another formula but deliver utter steadfastness without seeming to impede on speed or dynamics; final conclusion on that to follow. (Being a riesling aficionado, the slate makes me feel confident of course, hmmm, almost looks like the blue slate from Reinhard Löwenstein's divine Uhlen vineyard!)

karelfd November 30, 2009 16:06

System edited: Question 1: Tired of those lightweight boxes happily humming along their own little tune? Question 2: Searching for high-grade American craftsmanship at an affordable price? You've come to the right place, and the place is called edenSound. Just installed Dan Sherbrook's heavy brass damping discs to teach the Bluray player how to behave. I have also applied discs to the Dacmagic and the Diva Control (2nd system), if only to keep them from wandering aimlessly about the rack because of the attached cables. The effect on the Bluray player was immediate (all for $18, mind you!). I will now experiment a bit in conjunction with the Sicomin Secrets. Seriously, this is one of a handful simple, effective, understandable, affordable, superbly made tweaks that anyone should consider (OK, not for the likes of the mighty AMR). Also bought some "Bearpaw" bronze footers to experiment with in the 2nd system. Much obliged, Dan!

karelfd October 17, 2009 14:41

Hello Mazher, thanks for the tip on Silencable and your assessment of their overall sonic "character", always welcome information.

As pleased as I am with my present cable loom, in retrospect of the Munich show I have to say I'm completely with you in respect of Argento, my dream system would likely sport an all Argento Flow cable loom.

karelfd September 03, 2009 17:27

System edited: Added the Cambridge Dacmagic to the Bluray player. Without being able to comment on its rank in DAC world, for my purpose it's a fantastic upgrade and one I would recommend for most Bluray/dvd's up to, say, $ 2k in a 2ch set-up. It takes seconds (after the ages it takes for the disc it takes, yawn...) to realize how muffled and indifferent the native sound of even a reputably good player really is. Detail is marvellously enhanced yet not a trace etched, and the understandability of speech is incomparable to what it used to be. Yet..., I've seen a power unit upgrade that I may want to try... (Plus ça change, plus ça reste la même chose ;^)

karelfd August 01, 2009 12:03

Hi, my first question would have to be where are you living? I am in Germany and bought mine from Daluso in the Netherlands (no German distributor yet at that time). The other question is whether you're searching for the original CD-77 (which I own) or the newer - sadly also more expensive - CD-77.1. I have seen the original CD-77 offered at a discount because of the release of the new model. I have not yet heard the CD 77.1, but reportedly it is audibly better and I may eventually have my own CD-77 upgraded.

If that doesn't work for you, here is the (international) distributors list, perhaps you can take it from there
http://www.amr-audio.co.uk/html/sales_international.html

Inform me if I can be of further assistance

Good luck
Karel

karelfd July 23, 2009 09:01

System edited: The Sony DVP-S9000ES dvd board gave up, so I decided to go for bluray. Contrary to what I had originally planned I chose the somewhat older Loewe BluTech Vision. Not the state-of-the-art machine in terms of new features - but how long is a machine state-of-the-art in this product category, anyway? On the other hand impeccable, Loewe style premium assembly quality, and I'm only using it in a 2.0 system anyway. System synergy with the Loewe TV guarantees smooth function without hickups and with one remote only, hurray. A mite too noisy, but apart from that the actual sound from the analog outputs is really good (I will consider a separate dac perhaps) and with normal dvd the picture is quite excellent.

karelfd June 27, 2009 13:25

Hi Mike, Robin, sounds like I'll have to give the YGs another try next year, then. (Luckily, at over 100k, I can relax and must not pain myself over the question whether I missed something and should have them myself ;^))

If Tidal were playing at easy listening level in that show environment they certainly weren't doing themselves a favour, especially with the boom-box next door, a real pitty, I can assure you.

Karel

karelfd May 29, 2009 18:43

Hi Linkster, not an easy question since I have not yet heard the Diablo. Tidal speakers to me have a "family" sound (although I can't judge the Sunray or the T1) and that is coherent, unperturbed, fast-reacting "naturalness" with increasing lower end authority as you climb the hierarchy (stability is there with even the smallest). I realise, that is telling you no more than you would expect to find in any high-gloss brochure. What it means, though, if you like the sonic signature of your source and amplification, Amea will bring out the best of it.
Do you have a possibility to audition the speakers? If not, tell me where you are located, we can try to find someone near your place who owns the Amea. Just a thought.
Karel

karelfd May 29, 2009 17:34

Hi Robin, thanks for the feedback. Looks like we're having a difference of opinion on YG (but that's OK, nice for all those good people building so many different machines to cater for our musical pleasure, of course ;^)). First let me specify that I intently visited only a selected number of rooms but stayed more than a half hour in each of them (in order not to jump to conclusions too fast). Trying to make the most of my time also meant I didn't get to hear the new Utopia III. I had planned otherwise but one had to queue up endlessly at the Stereoplay room in order to get tickets for a presentation (go figure, Friday morning, at 5 minutes past opening time I counted about 50 people in the hallway with more already inside the room progressing at snail's speed to get their tickets). Anyway, I did visit the YG room and admit it surely sounded spectacular but too much "in yer face" and lacking musical finesse for my taste. I believe, this cannot have been on account of the bi-amped ASR Emitters or dCS Scarlatti stack, but the speakers were not my cup of tea.

On the other hand, I absolutely agree with you with regard to the excellence of the mbl Reference system: amazing gear. Much more modest, I very much liked the WLM room, this year with an even smaller speaker, the Stella, driven by their own tube gear. Surprisingly good were Emillé/ AMR/ Rethm, I thought. As excellent as expected: Tidal/ Ancient Audio/ Audiostone/ Argento/ Transparent Acoustic. To my regret, Tidal didn't show the Sunray that I had hoped for, instead, the new Contriva once more showed its authority driven by Impact monoblocs. One major drawback of this room, however: it was next to Denon/ B&W who were showing excerpts from bluray films such as "Baraka" and "The Dark Knight" with a pair of really fat sub-woofers, so over and over again the walls were literally shaking turning the entire room in a boom-box, not very helpful. Also excellent imo: the complete Esoteric 03 system with Clearaudio Innovation turntable/ Universal arm/ da Vinci cartridge and Avangarde Duo Mezzo speakers. In stark contrast with those sytems, the biggest disappointment to me was Soulution's top gear with the Wilson Maxx3. This was squarely unpleasant and fatiguing even after a short time (for my fellow vinophiles: the thought occurred to me, if Robert Parker were to go for an all-out assault system he'd probably go for something like this, you'll get the gist).

Some of the best surprises were shown at the parallel Hifi de Luxe show where I went on Thursday. Although a recurring problem were the sometimes very tiny hotel rooms. Just to name a few of the most interesting things: Kiso HB-1 "musical instrument" loudspeakers; Einstein system including their prototype of a turntable/ tonearm/ modified EMT cartridge (all still without name); Simon Yorke S10 turntable with (prototypal?) tangential arm and Jan Allaerts MC2 Finish Gold cartridge; prototype of the Marten Coltrane Momento speakers (still, I continue to put Marten a notch below Tidal when it comes to mastering ceramic drivers, imo Tidal seems just more true to life - or should I say true to live); another "big" Einstein system driving Acapella Violon Mk IV speakers (eerie performance: a violent thunderstorm broke loose the same moment this system started performing "The Wall"); and an amazing small system consisting of humble Exposure 2010S integrated amp and cdp with Acapella 5th Avenue Mk II speakers that truly transcended the virtues of that gear.

Next year, I think I'll stay one more day, there is so much to see and hear!

karelfd May 26, 2009 19:37

Thanks Robin.

Sounds like an extremely interesting hifi studio to spend your time.

Since the 2008 High End, I have been impressed by the Almarro - WLM combination, one of those lucky systems where the total is much more than the sum of single components. They seemed made for each other, and I bet they beat most other combinations that are much more expensive. If I ever find a well kept used WLM Diva Monitor and an A318 to go with it, the days of my second system Lua Con Fuoco and Unison S2K will probably be counted... (Or the Diva with a Yamamoto A-011, I wonder how that would sound? There we go again...)

Have you heard the Ancient Audio Lektor Grand SE? I guess that must be a fantastic player. Is it much better than the Lektor Prime in your opinion?

Karel

karelfd May 11, 2009 17:50

Geopolitis, I went to see Lothar of Tidal last weekend and had the great privilege of hearing the almost finished Presencio pre-amp. On their website, they call this their "craziest" project yet. I can only say, should you ever see this advertised, go, go, go listen to it; this is worth a pilgrimage (on one's knees and with a hundredweight around one's neck)

karelfd May 01, 2009 08:50

Hi Geopolitis, Tidal will share a room with the Argento distributor at the Munich High End show next month and will show a Sunray system rigged with a full loom of Argento cables. I will ask to do a quick calculation if I were to furnish my own (core) system with Argento. I just hope I won't leave the premises chanting They're Coming To Take Me Away Ha-Haaa (one doesn't wanna do that with so many people watching).

karelfd April 24, 2009 11:34

System edited: Now what? I tried Virtual Dynamics Revelation ICs between the amps and speaker cable (all the rest unchanged). In direct comparison, I realized how precise both Jim and Rick have named their products. On the one hand Venustas = Beauty indeed, sensual and addictive; on the other hand Revelation = uncompromisingly revealing and supremely fast. And depending on the records I play and the mood I'm in, it's either one or the other that is preferred. Can't decide. Ridiculous, of course, since for the price of both sets there may be yet another cable that has it all. The Truth? Could be both, depending on the mood the artist may have been in... Oh well, this will keep me busy for a while, huh.

karelfd April 04, 2009 13:54

System edited: Verdict rendered: Tidal Intra stays at the heart of this system.

For a few months, I had been going back and forth between the Tidal Intra amp to the Kharma Matrix MP150 monos. In the end, the choice wasn't really that difficult anymore. Make no mistake: I love the Kharma's, they are wonderful amps for sure and the best switching amps I've heard so far. Yes, they display a tube-like flair and at the same time have incredible agility, deepest blackness and the ability to throw open a lifelike stage. And after I had noticed all that to my delight, ... I still went back to the Intra for the music. Simple as that. Remember, the Intra isn't "but" a proto-type of the abandoned project to design a cheaper Tidal amp, the Impact's unborn little brother. Instead, beyond the Impact, monoblocs have now seen the light of day. Boy, do I know what amp(s) I would choose if the Munich High End Fairy told me I could make a wish this year...

Still, I will not part with the Kharma's. I think with the Ancient Audio Lektor V cdp, a nice little system is just beginning to take shape.

karelfd March 11, 2009 16:10

... SRA Ohio platforms, of course, not ASR.

karelfd December 13, 2008 14:08

System edited: A few changes over the last few weeks: Synergistic Research Tesla T2 powercord for the Preos. Not a world of difference with the VooDoo Vajra, then again, not yet broken in, I suppose. There does seem to be some additional presence and finesse with very good recordings, that is. I'll leave it in place a few months and then change back to the Vajra, that will be more conclusive. I have to try this with headphones amps as well, might do wonders there. Crystal Cable Reference IC's now also between AMR and Preos. Crystal really is a superb match with AMR, finesse is the word again, a cable to stay. Aktyna A.R.I.S decoupling feet under the Intra. Amazing! With no money to spend on ASR Ohio platforms for the amps presently (bl.... crisis), I experimented a bit with anti-resonance feet. Huh, bye Stillpoints and Harmonix, you fought bravely, but this is the real deal. Takes away nervousness (for lack of a better word), deepening the stage, making some of my fetish virtuoso records seem to go even faster. Think I'll treat the Kharma 's to some of these as well. Which reminds me, I still owe you an account of the Intra vs. the Karma amps. Well, just not yet. I can say, the outstanding strong points of the Kharma's are definitely their total "blackness" and speed. But the Intra is just so quite completely pure Music Machine. (Think in the end I have two systems in the making,... crisis permitting, of course)

karelfd December 13, 2008 14:03

Thanks Kevin. Since I live in Germany, I was lucky enough to buy them from Tidal directly. You'll find their present international distributors on the website
http://www.tidal-audio.de/english/contact.htm

Should your country of domicile not be on the list, you can talk or mail to Joern Janczak, they'll work something out. Feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance.

Regards
Karel

karelfd November 01, 2008 11:54

Hi Bob, thanks for your interest, it's either the Kharma's or the Intra, no bi-amp configuration. I have grown really keen to find out where a switching amp scores high (although I'm being told the Kharmas are not "typical" D-amps, whatever that is) against a classical solid state amp, and then see where the journey leads me. I'll comment further when I feel confident enough (probably have to optimize stands before that: the Kharmas are now on Quadraspire X-feet, the Intra on Soundcare Jupiter "integrated" spikes; why don't I just speak to SRA, right...)

karelfd October 06, 2008 15:22

System edited: This hobby can be heavy labour. I rebuilt the system to optimize the use of the cables after integration of the Kharma amps. Sadly, 1m IC between pre-amp and cdp proved simply impossible. I therefore reactivated a 1,5m solid core silver cable that Alan Maher custom built five years ago. The sound has somehow shifted to "fresher" (I cannot judge yet whether that means better, worse or just different). Are these the Kharma's, the silver IC, or both speaking? Will it change with further break-in? Interesting comparisons ahead.

karelfd October 05, 2008 15:36

System edited: Experiment "D" has started. I finally had to find out myself what the digital amp thing is all about. After roaming the market for used Nuforce or Rowland for some time, I decided to go for Bruno Putzeys's proprietary pulse control design. And so, here are the Kharma's in the mid of break-in (presently being fed with Friedrich Gulda at Birdland for something like the 7th time). I will revert later with impressions on their performance. Many thanks to Alex of A10 in Amsterdam for parting with demo Grand Reference speaker cable at a "friendly price". Awesome beasts these are. I will have to redesign the architecture of the system extensively, though, and move the gear around to accommodate the length of some of the cables I'm presently using. Part of the fun, perhaps (hmmm)

karelfd September 21, 2008 15:41

Garry, thank you for your kind, moving words.

Bob, the times I had the pleasure to hear DarTZeel gear (not very often, sadly), I'd say the philosophy behind it is very much alike Tidal's: a window on music, mountain creek clarity and sumptuous richness under one roof, capable of delivering big emotions but without having to manipulate anything to get there. And of course, they resemble in build quality. Funny, I read Hervé Delétraz's comments on the DarTZeel website and thought they could have been Joern Janczak's (only that Joern would throw in a few more words, likely ;^)) So, I think you'll get an idea. Two products in your system I've never heard before, though, are the Evolution Acoustic speakers and the Grand Prix turntable. But wouldn't you know it, Henry, who now lives near the place where I was born in Belgium, combines DarTZeel, Evolution and Grand Prix, seems like I will have to give him a call sometime soon.

We may have another emphasis with regard to the music we regularly hear (opera is less on the menu in my case, small combos rather more) but we sure seem to have the same ideas about the way we want it presented to us.

karelfd August 05, 2008 18:44

System edited: Tweaked around a bit. Happy I finally found an arm-lifting device; the Yamamoto is a fine piece of craftsmanship at that but installing it on the Well's fountainhead plinth was grueling. Also, I reinstalled the Stax earspeakers in the main system (will try an exciting discovery in the Ayre system instead), so the old VCR finally had to leave the stand. I'll try running a parallel set of rca ICs from the AMR CD-77 to the pre-amp and balanced ICs to the Stax energizer. After consultation, Thorsten Loesch confirmed no harm can be done but I will give it close scrutiny in the coming weeks to find out whether there is any sonic impact and report back. I gave the nod to a pair of Crystal Cable Reference XLR ICs which would look a bit like overkill at first glance (and probably also at second) but they were definitely the best I heard with the Stax. So now how about a matching powercord? Meanwhile, after some experimenting I have substituted the Cicable ICs for the similarly priced Pure Notes between pre-amp and amp again. Perhaps it's because they're only 40cm long, but the Cicables (a far underestimated brand imho) appeared more authoritative with symphonic music. On the other hand the Pure Notes would seem to indulge more in shades and colors when I am using them between cdp and tube amp in the Zu system where I do not listen to symphonic music anyway. Ah yes, cables, a riddle wrapped up in a conundrum hidden in an enigma, aren't they? I must admit it's beginning to look like a zoo with the number of brands I'm now combining but I can confirm until now it's all in musical equilibrium. Still, what additional synergy may be lurking if I went for e.g. all Purist Venustas/Opis or all Synergistic Tesla, I sometimes wonder, ... and what if such experiment would fail, I shudder to think. Oh, and yes I'm quite content to be a nutty cabloholic (within certain financial bounds).

karelfd July 26, 2008 10:59

Hallo Henry,
Dank je. Ik woon inderdaad een beetje verder, namelijk in Duitsland, meer bepaald in Frankfurt a.M. Alleszins wonen mijn vader en mijn jongste broer in Mortsel. En onze beste vrienden baten het restaurant Breugelhof in Wommelgem uit (overigens zeer goed maar zonder de minste kapsones; ondanks de naam geen breugeliaanse maar ook geen El Bulli toestanden...)

Right, after this bit of geography and gastronomy for the advanced I'll go back to the lingua franca.

I visited your system. Bangelijk! Do they organise audiophile pilgrimages to Schilde?
I noticed your unconditional praise for the Acoustic Research Resonators. I like the idea that these unobtrusive small devices could bring about the same improvement as more or less large absorbers would, but I admit having been sceptical until now. Was it difficult or very time consuming to "get it right" in your room?

karelfd July 06, 2008 11:51

Dag Renaat,

Ja inderdaad, van geboorte heb ik een Flemish Touch ;^)
Overigens bedankt voor de bloemen. De ontwikkeling van jouw eigen prachtige set volg ik geinteresseerd, je oordeel over het Accustic Arts duo zet mij ertoe aan eens zeer nauwkeurig te gaan luisteren (in Muenchen had ik jammer genoeg geen gelegenheid).

Groet
Karel

-----------
Sorry guys, not the advent of European Audiogon, just Flemings bonding and exchanging kudos.

karelfd June 24, 2008 09:39

System edited: Kevin Tellekamp and His Gang rule! You know how I have been raving about the AMR CD-77, well, at the risk of losing my credibility, on the Ohio base it does everything better. There is just more Nothingness, resulting in a clearer perception of both far ends of the frequency range. Music comes with razor sharp sweetness, rhythmic fluidity, crystal clear voluptuousness, you know the sort of seemingly impossible comrades, can't express it otherwise. A wise man once told me we cannot be but biased towards the gear that we put our hard-earned money in. True, but deduct that and the improvement is still obvious. The Tidals, naturellement, go "OK, pass on to us whatever you like, we'll deliver it". The next piggy bank robbery will probably be motivated by a desire to get these bases under the amps as well.

karelfd June 14, 2008 12:25

System edited: Just received the SRA Ohio Class 3.0 isolation base I had ordered for the AMR CD-77. What a superb craftsmanship! I admit, this is the ultimate confidence investment as these bases are custom-made along the specifications of any particular component. No way back, no real alternative use! So, until the "innards" have settled, the coming weeks will be sort of suspenseful. Surely, it will be different from the wood platform I used before. Hope those guys in black suits and dark shades will not track me down as I'm an alien in possession of submarine technology now... http://www.silentrunningaudio.com/home.htm

karelfd June 10, 2008 18:52

Hi schwinnindia, always good to hear of another member of the Tidal "in-crowd".

I have been ogling the announcement of the Amea Diacera on the website for some time. Once it goes into series, I think I'll book a trip to Cologne to go and listen (even better if Joern would happen to pass via Frankfurt and bring a pair with him, of course ;^) I believe this will be the ultimative monitor for some time to come!

karelfd April 23, 2008 14:13

Thank you very much for the kudos Leicaman. As a matter of fact, your comments on the Tricon in the Tesla thread of last December pointed the way (I wrote something there as well, but that appears to have been lost in cyberspace).

karelfd February 18, 2008 17:23

System edited: Another quest finished. I have been auditioning a Synergistic Research Tricon Analog phono cable for two days now and without doubt it will stay in the system. A leap forward in respect of micro-dynamics to the point of enhancing understanding of artistic expressiveness. Now, don't roll your eyes yet, I know that's a mighty mouthful of a statement. One point in case, then: Stan Getz's finely layered vibrato on "O Grande Amor" (Getz/Gilberto) shone with full genius where it had been "only" superb before. Also, the proverbial re-discovery of a number of records that appeared not so bland as I thought they were (e.g. Subharmonic "In Dub"). Finally, another fetish of mine: impeccable soundscape with anything from one-man-with-a-guitar (e.g. Michael Chapman "Window") to not-so-easy orchestral works (e.g. CSO/Georg Solti "Stravinsky - Le Sacre du Printemps"). Cable that I had used in the analog rig before and had available to compare with: Audioplan Super X-wire, Kimber KS 1010, Cicable AC5SR and AMR IC-77, admittedly all less expensive than the Tricon. However, the Tricon is without the slightest doubt also better than the imho overly hyped and rather more expensive Silent Wire NF-32 I had on trial once. All of the above applicable to and witnessed in my own system, of course. Next itch: I somehow landed on Silent Running Audio's website. Now, those Ohio submarine class isolation platforms...

karelfd February 17, 2008 14:41

System edited: Substituted the VooDoo Diamond Dragon for the PS XStream Plus between wall and PS Premier following forum discussion on the relative merit of the Plus (can't find the thread any more). Will revert when this cord has been in action a couple of hours.

karelfd December 22, 2007 12:53

System edited: Finally got myself a record cleaning machine. I would have loved to call a Loricraft PRC4 mine, but at 5 times the price of this smart little guy (well, not so little actually, at Clearaudio mass rules) I had other priorities.

karelfd December 15, 2007 11:57

System edited: System changed; I'll come clean about this, I hate Sony for molesting the redbook standard, so how does a Sony SACD/DVD-player come to replace the Arcam? The guy who sold me the Lua speakers offered me this machine at an incredible price. As luck (or misfortune) would have it, my brother had just been shipwrecked with his cd-player. As the Arcam DV88 is truly excellent as a cd-player but not needed in that discipline in this system, the chain started moving. Personal animosity apart, the Sony is a great dvd-player with which to bridge comfortably the coming months (years?) of bickering over new HD formats.

karelfd December 07, 2007 14:04

System edited: To all those who have been thinking it's so unfair I paid only EUR 4,600 for the AMR CD-77,... that's probably what I would have wanted. In actual fact, it costed EUR 6,400. Corrected that now.

karelfd November 06, 2007 19:31

Yep, Tidal Contriva

karelfd November 05, 2007 09:57

Hi Hic, sounds like you're running it continuously for burn-in? I haven't been following track after the - in my perception - relatively short burn-in period. Given I mostly listen during the weekend and then the analogue front-end is of course performing part of the time as well, a back-of-an-envelope calculation would tell me it will amount to something like 350-400 hours. As you seem to go much faster, I'd be interested to know if you still notice dramatic improvement or rather a subtle locking in place?
Regards
Karel

karelfd November 04, 2007 12:40

Hi, I have the CD-77 in my system for 4 months now and am extremely satisfied. I love its effortless, melodious and deeply saturated tonal character. It is at the same time very finely detailed, yet musically fluent. Absolutely controlled even facing the densest apocalyptical wall of sound. Fast and with very firm bass. What really made me fall for this machine, is that it is one of very few that completely lacks that subtle haze (for lack of a better word) that has irritated me with most digital gear and makes listening tiresome after a while. I had auditioned a broken-in machine and found that mine - even if it was very enjoyable from the box - needed about 60-80 hours to go about its task with the same self-evidence but I felt it continued to get better after that (improved coherence, I'd call it). There was the combined effect of further system upgrades, in particular the PS Premier, though. Btw after the initial playing with the choice of sampling filters one is given, I now firmly remain with Master II. I have commented on the CD-77 in a few threads (see my answers). Let me assure you, you can look forward to many hours of happy listening.
Karel

karelfd November 03, 2007 16:19

Hi Michael,
are you located in the States? Then here is the US distributor's website
http://www.immediasound.com/
If not, you may find your country's distributor on Finite Elemente's website.
They do have quite a range of very functional stands with different (but all modern) appearance.
Mine is the Spider. This is a modular rack that you can vary in width and depth and of course in height for each level. Every level can carry up to 100kg (50 kg with extension unit as with my TV stand). If that is not enough, they have amp stands that will carry up to 150kg. One can also experiment a bit with resonance-killing feet that fit on the wooden struts.
Cheers
Karel

karelfd October 31, 2007 16:03

In my system, absolutely worth every cent. Mind you, I'm talking about the schuko version with only 5 outlets that costs about EUR 2,800 in Germany where I live. In the States with double the number of outlets at - I presume - less cost, it should be even more worthwhile. I can't think of anything that would have done what this gear does. If I may try a comparison: like drinking a great wine from a clean glass. You can enhance the gustatory sensation by spending loads of money on an ever thinner and functionally precise shaped glass, but unless it's free of dust you feel and smell there's "something not quite right". I wrote down my impressions in the thread "Heard the Abbingdon Music research CD player?" (entry of 8.13.07; the thread just evolved in that direction).

karelfd October 30, 2007 11:18

Sincere thanks guys. Dozens of Audiogoners have sent me their condolences last year, and I felt very touched by that wave of sympathy. As the dreadful anniversary is nearing, I am very grateful for your renewed spontaneous words of support.
Karel

karelfd October 16, 2007 21:46