My objective is to duplicate the sound of a good jazz venue as best I can. I'll never match it but getting close is fine. I've had various audio components through the years and tubes particularly DHT tubes/ASSET have gotten me the closest. So this is where I will settle down and appreciate.
Balanced AC power is fantastic !! 1800va balanced isolation transformer/conditioner. All aspects of music reproduction are improved for every single component.
Tripoint Tripoint Troy.
A wonderful grounding box component. When added to my system it increased the sense of natural sound quality and emotional engagement. The Troy has a humanistic and “soulful “ quality to it.
Coincident Speaker Tech Total eclipse 2
This wonderful speaker is transparent,open and involving. It`s large yet completely disappears as the source of sound within the room. Very easy to drive,94db and 14 0hm impedance (Minimum 10 ohm). I replaced the stock Solens capacitor with the Duelund CAST in the crossover.
Coincident Statement linestage
Superb performance. In my opinion , a masterpiece by Israel Blume. As would be expected, a wonderful match with its sibling the Frankenstein MK II.
Coincident Speaker Tech Frankenstein mark 2
A terrific 300b SET amplifier that is the foundation of my system. The EML XLS 300b tubes are a superb match with this amplifier.
Acquiring these 300b SET mono blocks changed the course of my music listening experience. They elevated the emotional engagement, tactility and “breath of life “ realism.
Yamamoto YDA-01
Wonderful music lover's DAC that has a very natural/organic sound quality. Duelund CAST addition(output coupling capacitors) makes it sound even better. It has a very minimalist circuit/design that was implemented well.
Ocellia Silver Reference IC
Very natural and pure sounding with excellent tone and timbre preservation.
Ocellia Silver Reference Speaker Cable
Same qualities/ comments as the IC.
Star Sound Technologies Sistrum Apprentice component platforms..
These Star Sound platforms are mandatory in my system. Effectively managing resonance and vibration leads to a very noticeable sound improvement with every component and especially the speakers. Excellent product.
High Fidelity CT1 Ultimate Digital cable
A highly impressive digital cable that mates beautifully into my system. Contributes to the natural sound presentation.
Pro-Ject Audio Systems CD Box RS2T
This is a superb Redbook CD playback transport. It’s both high resolution and impressively natural.
. I’m using the excellent Fidelizer Nikola II LPS. Splendid pairing.
Lavricables Grand and Master series Power Cables.
Pure silver wire and unshielded power cables. These are used with all of my audio components. They are very open, transparent, high resolution with beautiful natural tone and timbre presentation.
Abbas Esoteric Audio 3.2SE
Built by renown Ukrainian Abbas Zulfugarov. NOS DAC utilizing the classic Phillips TDA 1541 multi bit chip. Two 6080 tubes in the analog stage. 5 various rectifier tubes in the power supplies.
3 separate toroidal transformers (And 2 chokes ) for the power supplies.A very serious and successful upper tier DAC implementation. Using with the Abbas SPDIF and power cable.
Hi Charles, Be mindful of keeping the Turkey gravy away from the CDs tonight. God Bless you and give thanks for everything we are given, including your very fine page.
Rebbi, Members here of whom I hold in very high regard, are of the same opinion as I, which is that you keep (your baby:) the amp and switch to appropriate speakers. Give SET amplification it's due fair chance. You'll most likely never leave it.
Agera, Tibet has the highest mountain ranges in the world. Dali Lama is the head Monk of the Tibetan school of Buddism. You are the one who placed Charles on the mountaintop....... Do you get ironicism?
Agear With any and mostly all information available on the web, anything can be found with time. My stuff is obviously straight off the cuff. Your comebacks seem to take awhile. That is very telling.
Agera, Actually, A Gastric flatulence sound is produced by a forcing through the Sphincter muscle, akin to blowing through a trumpets mouthpiece. It has nothing to do with the Gluteus Maximus muscle as in your cheek reference. Charles, Sorry, don't think of my analogy when you pick up your Trumpet...
Thank you Charles, I druther being one with the Universe over useless arguementing. My/your vehicle for that choice, is through the truest art form we have, which is music.
SET with limited (or less) crossovers with appropriate speakers does it the way I/we like. Period.
Charles, That was so well and succinctly put that you don't have to say anything else. My advise is for you to stop being so perfectly and predictably reasonable so that this fine page of your's will continue on....
Correct Charles, Security in one's sexual identity is key. Actually the pink hue has a very calming effect. Now if you believe the East Coast rumors that I wear Victoria Secret undergarments.... that is a gosh darn lie!! Although, I've been "told" their crotchless panties aid in multi restroom visits as in a bar environment for example, just not a Biker Bar!!,... not from my own experience, mind you, just saying. Now, back to the amplification discussion......
Hello Rebbi, Once and yet again, I have to monotonously agree with Charles and Dan. We only disagree on fashion, as Dan sports Seattle Grudge and Charles wears Pink Polo's with green Khaki's. Hey, their wives dress them... :) Anyway, I suggest you find the most robust, best built amplification that you can from the start, as most likely you will want to then remain with SET.
Hello Charles, I agree (as always) with Dan and yourself. My tiny temporary place has out-lived it's function and has gotten tinier. I am looking for a living space that will fit my JBL 4676 pair. I have a dream. I've been to the JBL Mountaintop. They shall be free to sing, at last:)
Dan: "Now , get off your butt" Fortunately I was being facetious about the fragile thing. I was wondering who would be the first to reprimand me. You are steadfast on your post and I Rodger that, and hear that, Admiral Dan. Very Excellent, Sir :)
Within this last month I have been buying some really nice music, mainly on vinyl. Charles, and others following this page would certainly approve of my choices. Since I am not set-up to listen to them, my self-diagnosis is either to prod me to move to better location, or psychological self-torture. I am open to any and all feedback on that as I trust your opinions . (be gentile, I'm fragile:)
Hello Dan, I never check the system messaging here. I have been sidetracked with tribulations of this world. Perhaps too strong of a word. If I had my amps, and hence, my system running, my savage beast would be more soothed, and I would use a lighter term. (Charles, see what I did there I answered your question,as well:) Example: I now can skillfully mentally multi-answer questions since that pesky background music is not totally taking over my concentration :) Although, strangely enough, I seem to miss it terribly :( I have been looking to move to a larger more perfect place with a dedicated system room taking full precedence.
You guys make more than my day, you add more joy to my life. If you three (including Charles) were on the east coast here, you may find this beautiful day here perfect for some versions of Autumn in New York.
Charles, Not that I'm picturing you in the outfit with the Pom-poms and all. Well, maybe just the Pom-poms.... -give me an S, give me an E, give me an S...E...T ..What Do We Have...
Charles and Bill, I always enjoy reading of each of your both system improvements in sound quality and I do fully believe that those findings are very real and as perceived. You both had moved (improved) to much lower power amplification, of which I consequently endorse. You both obviously have no musical or sexual size inadequacy compensation issues. I have a pair of 45's, btw.
Agear and Charles, Thank you both. My system page will have to wait until I relocate to a larger place and take my system to it's next planned level, which includes a large pair of speakers that have been put away for a dozen years.
Hi Agear, After checking out your provided link, I will order "The Voice That Is". Your mention of L7 immediately made me think Gibson. Barry Galbraith. They are my favorite guitar brand, tho I do not have one of their Jazz-Boxes, I had always desired one. Thanks for the link and getting me thinking.
Hi Charles, As for my wry comments, If I run out and grab a six-pack, I'm sure I can come up with a couple before the night is thru. Seriously, one 300B amp and one 45 amp each has a slight problem. I had emailed Gordon a while back about that. He answered me back right away, but perhaps I was not explicit enough or he was very busy at the time. He just suggested that I tighten up the 300B socket on the one, which actually is not the problem. Jet suggested to me the possible problem which seemed to make sense to me. A part needed replacing. I also would have had Gordon upgrade 300B sockets to Yamamoto Teflons while they were there. I have almost been tempted to run one each functioning 300B & 45 together on separate channels. Would make an interesting comparison, since my Doshi Alaap Pre has dual stepped attenuators. I doubt I will tho since I haven't yet. I can wait, I think.
Hello Bill, As a long time Jazz fan I also have always been drawn in by "mellow, inviting and intimate". Must be a coincidence how my sobriety has gone up since my system has been down. A red wine or a Guinness has been very few since. Charles, After I sampled a few seconds of the title song of Night lights, I had immediately ordered the SHM version. Each of your prior recommendations that I have taken you up on have all turned out to be pure joy! I can't say enough. You have excellent taste in both science (system) and magic (music).
Pradeep, Charles had recommended a couple Gems in the past as.... Carmen McRae "Alone" JVC XRCD, WOW!! thanks for that one:) I will offer some contemporary ones Cassandra Wilson: "Loverly" & "Blue Light Til Dawn" Rachel Ferrell "First Instrument" Diane Reeves "I Remember" Shirley Horn "You Won't Forget"
Tj, 6Moons actually did two A-08 reviews. (It must be that good:) I was referring to the other one I which showed my amps a bit more The one of your mention is the maybe the most entertaining of all reviews, to me. Their Audio-Crawl twist much improves the Pub-Crawl, where one is left both rejovenated AND coherent. Terry's Double Bens were very attractive to me among a few others. I was also interested in crossover-less. Hey, who has time in life to wait an extra millisecond or two... HA My first pair of Amps were the 45's so effiency was my first concern. The Beauhorn Virtuosos came up for sale here at the right time and at a VERY fair price and are rated at 106db so I could not resist. They have SLAM
-Eliane Elias "Everything I Love" Brazilian Pianist who sings on a few tracks. Christian McBride is on Bass. (say no more:) -Cassandra Wilson "Loverly" Incredible voice and phrasing beyond my description. Great guitar work throughout IMHO I really like these two albums!
Miles and we ( you included) have at least one thing in common, then. We are unable to refrain in appreciating the beauty that that abounds us in this life!
Charles, I really do love this recording! Toots does a solo on Summertime. My CD copy has a classic photo of Miles and Shirley together. Shirley is looking off in the distance with Martini in hand In while Miles seems to be focused on her cleavage! :)
"The Hawk Relaxes" is on order. I recall the Seinfield program episode, where their video store had a small rack of an employees recommendations. When I move and organize my music better, I may consider a small... "Recommended" by Charles1dad rack :)
Charles, Concerning your music recommendations, the few that I went with, I agree %100! Jerry Jemmott had asked Jaco Pastorius of what music he really liked. "If it's good, I like it" - Jaco. Those are my sentiments exactly!
Charles, Hallelujah Brother, I may join your choir when I move on to my better system's sanctuary. I do have plans, but need a larger place. Perhaps the grounding is your final frontier.
Bill, you may have contracted the infectious SET bug in it's early stage, and the 300B suggestion is one I agree with. Charles, I like your updated pictures. The new expanded pic of your room gives us a better idea of it's layout and configuration, and I see that Troy is top-center. What a beauty!
Charles, Now you have me thinking. I could park my Dialysis Machine in such a sweet spot. Hmmm.... ( I should not joke) I am happy that you are attaining your "Higher Ground" (Stevie Wonder:)
Charles, The Audio Exotics thread I had referred to regarding the Troy was titled "Can one live without a Kidney" My Kidneys are in prime condition! Should I hold out for the new Signature model in trade??
Charles, Btw, Albert recently spoke of album: Donald Byrd "Royal Flush" I have a 24 bit Japanese Release coming. It's already good, even before I hear it!
Saelectric, I also read Atmasphere's possible explanation of the Troy's performance in his post that your mention. We all realize Ralph's high technical capabilities and knowledge whereas, I am at the extreme other end of the scale. What is the reason for buffer resistors, then? Charles, I (we:) feel that our SET systems are on the same level. I did see your Troy's ad (probably five minutes before you bought it:) and seriously considered it for a minute. I am in a temporary small place and don't have the room. Hey... how would you like to make a cool $200 profit? I'll make the room!! HA totally kidding :) Keep the good (better) sounds coming!
Charles, I just searched "Tripoint Troy break in" and found a thread on Audio Exotics. One owner replied that the instruction manual noted to give it 24 hours. You are setting the bar high for us fellow SET advocates to match in sound quality. Keep it up :)
Spirit, I much enjoy your sharing of your systems progress and your happiness with it. Charles, you have the natural knack to know. Troy will be interesting.
Charles, I saw that unit in a fluke search. When an offering such as that surfaces, one has to act swiftly. Very nice score!! You cannot go wrong, either way with that purchase. I am happy you got it. We will listen vicariously with you through your review (s) :)
Agear, All you have to do.... Just get a full line of Coincident gear, which is made for each other, btw. Plug the stuff together. Throw some doo-dads underneath here and there. Sure, change a couple things, if you want. Only listen to the very best music available. How hard is that to do? I mean really? HA
Btw, Somerville NJ free Jazz fest 8/15 will have Christian McB. I know the sound guy and have a good in. 8/17 all day Jazz/Blues fest on the park that I overlook will have Rob Paporizzi then Johnny A as last performers. Last year was Robben Ford, introduced by Bob Porter. Detroit is termed Motown. We call Morristown: Motown NJ
Jwm, Charles is like the type of kid your Mom always warned you about.. talking you into blowing your lunch money!! I researched for QUITE some time before putting together my long-time dream system. Without ever hearing SET, I felt that was for me. With a leap of faith and buying here, it took six months. Charles, your postings affirm my choice and what I am loving here in the music!! There is nothing like doing it right the first time!! Sidenote: Fingerpainting is on it's way. Being a huge McBride & Whitfield fan, it is a given! You have good taste in music, gear, and friends. Enjoy
I have a GREAT internet friend in Plzen going for 8 months. We met on a Betta fish forum. We hit it off EXTREMELY nicely:) I hadn't realized that she was that young and THAT beautiful for quite some time. They pride their Pilsen Beer!! By statistics, they have the highest alcohol consumption per capita in the world, tho relatively low crime rate. I gave her something else to be very proud about!! I will go for EMLs for my 45 next. (The limited Globes can still be found) Try some Pilsner Urquell with those EMLs, should be a match made for each other!!
Charles, I recall your prior mentioning of the Bach Strad. This horn came to her, and she had a dream about it concerning me. I was VERY interested in Trumpet when I was five after hearing Louis. @ fifty five my ambusher is long to make up for. It is a very beautiful instrument, I must say!!
Charles, a recent acquaintance gave me a gift that she happened upon through her kindness. She said it was meant for me and why. I already believe and this is further proof to my spirituality... without my story, "made by F.E Olds & Son Los Angeles California U.S.A. - Super Olds-" (signed around the bell) Cornet.
I was listening to WBGO this morning, (magnum Dynalab 106T) and they played a song titled "Nigerian Marketplace" WOW!! I was thinking... this is some talented group... it turned out to be Oscar Peterson "Summer In Munich" Needless to say, I have a copy coming.
Spiritofmusic, Charles has great taste in Amplification!! I also advocate SET, wholeheartedly. And, Charles, your recommendation of Frank Morgan's "Listen To The Dawn"...I got it.. and I GET IT!!! Nice mellow groove throughout. You did it again!
Charles & Jeff, I am awaiting a copy of Carmen's Alone JVC CD per your recommendations. This stuff is right up my alley for late night beauty!! Blue Bacharach "a cooler shaker" for you. Enjoy
I can't argue against your fine CD collection!! FM does present music to me for further investigation, at times. AL uses a roof mount Channel Master with Rotator with his REL precedent. As always, reading of your system's refinements and general comments is a pleasure.
Hi Charles, Off current topic, I am slightly surprised that you do not have a tuner. I use mine often, even if only two main stations are tuned to. I would imagine that you have access to good programming. I am in NYC area. Magnum Dynalab 106T MD Signal Sleuth MD ST2 antenna
Charles, I also chose auto-bias amplifiers. (Wavelength, to other readers) I very much enjoy reading of your refinements to your system. You are assembling a very nice stable (harem) of 300B tubes! My SRP (for other readers) I am happy with. I am looking forward to your post of the EML XLS. I have my 45 (Wavelength) amps to consider for power tube upgrade. EML Globe limited edition when I pull the wallet trigger.
Charles, I have been much enjoying the reading of your cap improvements almost as much as you enjoy listening to them. I agree that improving your source is a very well worthy and redeeming effort.
Charles, my main point which I forgot to make, is that I am extremely happy with my digital and could just stay there, so I fully agree with you. I just happen to have many LPs which I need to get back to someday.
Charles, you very eloquently and succinctly describe the pleasure you attain from music/your system. I would match mine in words if I could do that as well as you. Tuner and mainly CD has me spellbound! Some day I will move residence and set up my TT, Arm, Cartridge, RCM that are all still boxed, never used yet. A shame! That may be icing on my already fine cake. Enjoy your cake and eat it too, as I do!!
You drooling yet, Charles:) In the somewhat near future I plan to try bi-amping with 300Bs and 45s into pair of JBL 4550. David, your set-up must be amazing!
Charles, A manufacturer of Preamps, SET Amps, and Horn speakers recommended to me OCC or UPOCC cabling throughout. I don't see much discussion on this cable type. Had you considered these at all? I realize you are very happy with where you are at now. I am little by little adding Audio Magic Liquid Clairvoyants as my first cabling experiment, which I realize is far from the type I currently am questioning.
Charles, Thank you for your review comparison, it was a nice read. Sitting down for some serious work can also be enjoyable at the same time! I take out of it that well designed quality componentry within brand are made for each other, tho careful matching outside of branding can work well, also. That is a good thing for Pete, as he will not have any trouble getting his back.
