Sounds Good

by mitch2 on

Description

Simple to use, musical, dynamic and just plain enjoyable to listen to...
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 21’ × 18’  Large
Ceiling: 9’

Components Toggle details

    • Mojo Audio Deja Vu EVO Media Server/Streamer
    Mojo Audio's latest server/streamer using their menu driven media optimized RAM-root Linux operating system
    • Mojo Audio Mystique EVO PRO D/A Converter
    Non-oversampling direct-coupled R-2R DAC built around Analog Devices monolithic AD1862 R-2R ladder DAC chips with no pre-digital filtering, digital noise shaping, upsampling, oversampling, or error-correcting algorithms.

    Five independent choke input power supplies, sixteen Belleson regulators, direct-coupled output stage incorporating Staccato class A discrete op amps and ultralow-noise Vishay TX2575 "nude" resistors that are laser matched to 0.1% tolerance, a star/plain grounding scheme, Lundahl amorphous core LC input chokes in the analog power supplies, and more.

    • Hattor The Big Preamp
    Uses Amtrans AMRG carbon resistors to provide independent volume control of each channel, or balance adjustment.  Includes the NewClassD op-amp active stage with switchable gain settings of +3/6/9 dB.  Remote control and display are the best I have had for a preamp.  Whether running this in passive mode in front of either my SMc unity-gain buffer, or in front of the Hattor Tube Active Stage (+6dB) this is easily the best -sounding passive I have used compared to Goldpoint, Endler, and Bent-type transformer Jay-Sho.  The internal op-amp active stage also sounds very good putting this as one of the best sounding active preamps I have owned out of many.
    • Hattor Audio Tube Active Stage
    A tube buffer set for an active stage providing 6dB gain (stock units are 9dB).  Unit came with NOS ECC82 (12AU7/5963) Jan Phillips tubes and I also have tried it with Mullards.  This active stage provides a very nice sounding complement to the Hattor Big Preamp run in passive mode.
    • SMc Audio DNA-1 Ultra G20 MonoblockS
    A pair of McCormack Audio DNA-1 amplifiers converted to monoblocks and upgraded by SMc Audio (i.e., Steve McCormack) to the highest upgrade level offered by Steve in the spring of 2020.  Highlights include; New faceplates, powder-coated chassis and heatsinks, large Plitron low-noise transformers, circuit and grounding upgrades, Lundahl input transformers, new power capacitors, special capacitors and resistors in strategic locations, special wire, Stillpoint mini footers, Cardas binding posts, and SMc Audio's new Gravity Base on each of the amps.  

    As the picture shows, the amps sit on Silent Running Audio (SRA) Ohio-Class XL+2 platforms configured using SRA's Component Specific Design™, which means the folks at SRA configured the platforms specifically for my amplifiers, considering their weight, dimensional footer configuration, and location of the heavy transformers.  The SRA platforms are supported on their own spikes and decoupling discs, supported on the lower shelf of a quarter-sawn oak table that is "decoupled" from the concrete floor in my listening room using Herbie's Big Fat Dots.  The lower shelf is also reinforced with vertical oak members at several strategic locations, resulting in a very solid base for the SRA platforms.

    For awhile, I was using 5 individual springs to support each amp over the SRA bases but have removed those to reduce height in the new stand.  The SRA people will tell you their platforms do not require the use of any additional audiophile footers.  
    • Aerial Acoustics Model LR5
    Retains the virtues of my former Model 9s, with tight tuneful bass you can feel, open mids, and smooth highs. The SR5s improve on the bass of the Model 9s with a better roll-off response and more detail due to the dual 9-inch sealed bass reflex design vs. the ported Model 9s.  While these Model LR5s do not go quite as low as the 9s, the bass above 40Hz is of a higher quality and the addition of dual Aerial SW12 subs more than makes up the difference while helping better balance the bass response in my room.  A smooth, relaxed, yet punchy sounding speaker, that is not overly analytical but can be very hard hitting indeed when properly powered. 

    Supported on custom made Sound Anchor Signature Stands that are now spring-supported over the carpeted concrete floor. The springs were sized for the weight and damped using thin-wall heat shrink with a couple of small holes in the side.

    These speakers sound excellent with a wide variety of music, but the lower 85dB (4 ohm) efficiency is noticable relative to the 90dB rated Model 9s.  While my previous Class A Clayton amps could adequately drive them, the 650 wpc SMc Ultra G amps really make them sing.  I have always liked the sound of Mike Kelly speakers, and these carry the tradition.
    • Aerial Acoustics SW-12 (dual subs)
    Running dual SW12 subs for outstanding bass response that I can tailor to the room.  These are very nice, musical and powerful sounding subs that fill in the lowest octave with tight bass and great impact. They seamlessly accept the hand-off from the LR5s below 40Hz.  Supported on dedicated Sound Anchor stands and decoupled from the floor using damped springs.
    • Isoclean 60 A3 II
    60 amp power conditioner.
    • FORMER HISTORICAL SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS BELOW HERE .....
    • SMc Audio TLC-1 Signature Edition
    The TLC-1 SE was a collaboration between myself and Steve McCormack and one of the pictures shows the newly completed unit on Steve's workbench. This is a completely reworked TLC-1 that has all upgrades from available SMc Audio in 2014, and utilizes the choke power supply, Lundahl transformers and the Shallco discrete resistor volume control used in Steve's VRE-1B preamp, along with other improvements Steve came up with in this all-out rebuild of a classic preamp. The current configuration of this unit is as a unity-gain buffer with the Shallco volume control being decommissioned and replaced by two, large, Audio Note Tantalum silver resistors for a fixed unity-gain.  I first modified this as a buffer to allow the use of a DAC with internal volume control but after adding the Mystique EVO, which does not have a volume control, I also added the Khozmo passive unit so I could have a remote volume control with a display.
    I have tried/owned many preamps throughout the years and this is the best.  As a buffer without volume control and in conjunction with the Hattor BIG passive volume control it sounds outstanding.
    • Antipodes DX
    The flagship server by Antipodes with 2TB internal SSD, linear power supplies and many other features resulting in an easy-to-use, exceptional sounding music server.
    Generation 3 upgrades installed and currently using the DX as a Roon Server with a separate Roon endpoint.  This is no longer their flagship but it continues to sound very good as both a server for my stored files and a renderer for Roon/Tidal.  I also continue to enjoy the convenience of ripping CDs to the same box.
    • Metrum Acoustics Adagio DAC
    The Adagio is Metrum's flagship DAC with internal volume control and, along with their Pavane, is the best I have owned for the money.  In direct comparison with the Pavane that I also owned, the two were very close to the point where having the remote volume option of the Adagio outweighed any small sonic differences (which may have slightly favored the Pavane).  Both the Adagio and Pavane provide a rich, powerful sound, with a very nice balance between resolution and tonality.  The sound from these DACs can be further tailored by inserting a preamp or buffer (in my case) between the DAC and power amplifier.
    • Metrum Acoustics Ambre
    Roon endpoint connected to the Antipodes DX by Ethernet and then to the Adagio DAC via I2S to the I2S input replacement board offered by Metrum.  I have tried other inputs and have found AES/EBU to be a close second to the I2S connection.  I did not find the USB or bnc connections to sound as good as I2S or AES/EBU.  
    I compared the Ambre endpoint directly with the SOtM Triad (which I also owned) consisting of the: 
    -sMS-200ultra Neo 
    -tX-USBultra regenerator 
    -sPS-500 Power Supply
    IME/IMO the differences between the two endpoints were subtle and not significant enough to worry about with the Ambre being a bit more dynamic and the SOtM pieces being maybe a touch more midrange-concentric for those who like and/or need that in their systems.  In the end, the ability to use I2S instead of only USB, the convenience of one box vs. 3, and the relative SQ led me to sell the SOtM gear and use the Ambre.  I have a baby Ambre with the Jade for my outdoor system and those also sound pretty good.
    • Metrum Pavane Level 3
    Balanced NOS DAC with USB input and extended range output transformers. Very natural sounding with excellent body, tone and texture; exceptional bass, smooth and refined treble, and great depth and soundstaging. This DAC betters the (quite good) Hex in every way.
    Briefly owned the flagship Adagio with internal volume control and perceived a slightly richer more powerful sound from the Pavane through my preamp in a direct comparison, while the Adagio displayed better resolution and detail.  The result was to have my Pavane upgraded to Level 3 using the same high resolution Transient DAC chips used in Adagio and the result is outstanding with just the right amount of resolution and rich tonality.
    • Clayton Audio M300 Monoblocks
    Class A monoblocks with 300wpc into 8 ohms and 600wpc into 4 ohms, all in Class A.  Power supply/amplifiers upgraded by Clayton in 2016.  Winner of the Claylamack shoot-out and the best sounding amplifiers I have ever owned.
    Supported on Sound Anchor stands and edenSound Bear Paws with edenSound TerraStone footers retrofitted on the amps in place of the stock aluminum footers.  I made quarter-sawn oak platforms for the tops of the Sound Anchor stands, mostly for cosmetic purposes.
    • Clayton Audio M300 Monoblocks 2/2
    • Total DAC USB, W4S, HD Plex PS, and Curious Link Digital Cables and Connection
    The USB connection between the Antipodes DX and Metrum Pavane includes the Totaldac USB cable/filter into the W4S Recovery powered by an HD Plex linear power supply and finally a Curious link (short cable) into the DAC.
    • Claylamack Tri-Amplification
    You can never have too much power...
    • Sound Anchor 4 Shelf Stand
    Compact Sound Anchor stand is perfect for my equipment. Electronic components sit on Herbies Tenderfeet directly on the steel bar supports of the stand. The stand is supported on edenSound Bear Paws through the carpet and directly on the concrete floor. The top shelf is a quartersawn oak top I made from a board.
    • Stands, Isolation, Damping Sound Anchor, Herbies, edenSound
    I employ a variety of damping and isolation products and everything is supported on Sound Anchor stands. Electronics were recently moved from my heavy Sound Anchor rack to very solid quartersawn oak furniture with the digital front end in a heavily reinforced cabinet and the preamp on the lower level of a quartersawn oak table.  Aerial LR5 speakers are supported on custom Sound Anchor Signature Stands with edenSound feet and mono amps are supported on Sound Anchor low profile weighted amp stands with quartersawn oak platforms between the amps and stands.  The dual SW12 subs are supported on Sound Anchor cradle bases. The electronic components and amps sit on a variety of edenSound Terrastone or Herbies footers directly supported by the described stands. Electronic components are damped with edenSound solid brass damping weights finished with EAR Isodamp on the bottom.
    • Cables....... DIY with Copper in Cotton or PCOCC
    I have tried many cables over the years and after coming full circle it is my experience that while cables do make a difference, you can get very good sound with a variety of DIY options. Most recently, I have been using Duelund 20 ga balanced ICs and dual quads of cross-connected Duelund 12 ga wires in a bi-wire configuration to each speaker.  I also still occasionally use Jupiter Condenser 6N copper in cotton IC cables that I have found to sound very nice.   I will eventually be comparing the Duelund wire with my NOS vintage WE10awg speaker cables.  Still using power cables made with WE 10 ga wires and high quality connectors. I keep cables as short as practical, with only the ICs from DAC to preamp being over 1M.  I also have cables here by Furutech, Neotech and Harmonic Technology that I have terminated and which sound very good. I will never again spend big bucks on manufactured cables, although I do admit to having one 2M Isoclean Auto Focus power cord that I use when I move things around and need a longer cord for some reason.
    • Western Electric (NOS) 7 awg DIY Power Cables
    Power cables constructed from the WE 10 awg wire using a pair of wires to each the load, neutral and ground for an aggregate of 7awg to each pole.  Unshielded and constructed using Furutech FI-11 (Cu) connectors.  Currently using them on the Clayton monoblocks and the SMc preamp.
    • McCormack-SMc Audio DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition 1/3 (gone)
    DNA-2 LAE platform, with 300/600 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms, using Lundahl transformers, all new caps including Jupiter copper foil caps, and many other new parts. Captive power cord eliminates one connection. Supported on Sound Anchor stand with edenSound Bear Paw footers.   This is a great-sounding amp that I still own but is not currently in my system because the Claytons are a bit better.  Can't bring myself to sell this for a too-low price so will hang onto it until I figure out a need for it.
    • McCormack-SMc Audio DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition 2/3
    DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition All available upgrades by SMc Audio in 2014.
    • McCormack-SMc Audio DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition 3/3
    DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition All available upgrades by SMc Audio in 2014.
    • Acoustic Imagery Atsah (not currently in the system)
    Monoblock amplifiers using Bruno Putzeys Ncore Class D technology, NC1200 amplifier modules for 400wpc/8ohm and 1200wpc/2ohm power and 128dB S/N Ratio. I have taken these out of my system in favor of the SMc Audio DNA-2 LAE Signature Edition
    • Mac mini Computer Source 2012 (gone)
    2012 Mac mini i7 source with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD, and Glyph GTP50 for back ups. Output through USB Wireworld Starlight cable into ifi Purifier, then ifi Power then Gemini dual USB cable (using only the signal link) into the Hex DAC
    • MUSE Erato II Player (gone)
    The MUSE Erato II player is beguiling. A CD and high-rez DVD player that does all the audio things right, but also displays a very evenhanded presentation where no single area detracts from the whole. There is absolutely no digital grain and, to go further, this player has a way with attack and decay that is very believable while imparting a dimensionality and roundness to the musical presentation. It is hard to explain but, when you hear it, you know it is good. I kept this player after a long-term comparison with an Ayre C-5xeMP player, which was quite good in the bass and detailed, but was not quite as enjoyable overall – I keep going back to the MUSE. This I no longer own this but will keep the picture/description for those who may be interested in this not too well known MUSE player that also has the on-board preamp option and can be run directly to the amplifiers.
    • Tweeks - Currently Using
    Furutech GTX-D(R) and Porter Port outlets, edenSound brass damping weights, Shakti Stones, edenSound Terrastone footers, Cable Elevators Plus, EVS Ground Enhancers
    • April by the Pool in Michigan
    This is what you SoCal people miss out on.
    • WE 16awg & 14awg Star Quad Bi-Wire
    Pair of star quad, bi-wire speaker cables made from Western Electric NOS tinned copper wire with two runs of 16awg wire to the MF/HF of each pole and two runs of 14awg wire to the LF of each pole. Cardas GRS spades, soldered to the tinned wire using Cardas quad eutectic solder

Comments 64

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Owner
Been playing around this system a bit, primarily by upgrading from my Mojo Audio Mystique EVO B4B21+ to their EVO PRO model, which includes Lundahl amorphous core LC input chokes in the analog power supplies and provides a very similar sonic signature while moving toward an even more natural presentation.  

I have also been comparing preamp set-ups again with some surprising results.  One thing for sure, the Hattor products punch way above their weight.  I have been using The Big Preamp in passive mode to control volume in front of my SMC Audio unity-gain buffer then to the amps.  The other set-up options I considered include using the Hattor preamp with active gain provide by the internal NewClassD op-amp stage (switchable to +3/6/9 dB), or using the Hattor Tube Active Stage that I also own.  The results were surprisingly close for me and had I not already owned the SMc Audio preamp/buffer I would have been happy with the Hatter Big Preamp and its own internal NewClassD op-amp output stage.  Both the op-amp stage and the tube stage sound slightly more open than the SMc Audio buffer, which displays a bit more density but an overall darker sounding presentation.  All three options sound quite good with the Hattor tube stage being a nice compromise between the density of the SMc Audio buffer and the slightly greater openness of the NewClassD op-amp active stage.  As a result, I have decided to box the SMc Audio preamp for now and focus on running my system through the Hattor Big Preamp in passive mode in front of the Hattor Tube Active Stage.  I will easily be able to switch between the tube stage and the internal op-amp stage for further comparisons.  My favorite gain setting of the internal op-amps is 3dB and my tube stage was constructed to have 6dB gain instead of the typical stock version, which is 9dB.

mitch2

lovely system !

tomic601

Owner
System page update as of April 24, 2021.  Hopefully, I am done for a long while after adding the Mojo Audio server and dac, moving my SMc amps to a new location so I can reincorporate my Sound Anchor stand for the preamp and volume control, and decoupling everything including all three stands using Herbie's dBNeutralizer dots or gliders, and the speakers and subs using damped springs.  I also added double runs of HT Pro 9+ speaker cables to each main speaker as I have not found anything I like better than the HT OCC solid-core wire in foamed PE insulation.  The heavy 6 awg to each speaker certainly provides a low resistance flow path.

Since everything is SS and remains powered up all the time, and since I now use fully digital and remote interfaces through Roon/Tidal and stored music, this system certainly meets my "easy to operate" requirement.  It also has never sounded better....clear, rich, controlled, and dynamic as all get out!  I just can't imagine what I would consider changing except maybe to occasionally try a different USB cable or tweak.  I do plan to try adding Qobuz because I am curious but not because I am unhappy with Tidal, which I use without MQA.

mitch2

Well thought out and implemented system there, I really like the look with black contrast and wood grain. Impressive system for sure. Kudos mate!

rixthetrick

Very impressive system, with what must be extraordinary sound. Congratulations on a well devised and implemented system.

Enjoy, and regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Been almost 4 years since updating my system page.  This system is for the most part done.  I may tweak a few things here or there but I have achieved the basic sound quality I am looking for (after 20 years!) with the addition of the SMc Audio DNA-1 Ultra G20 Monoblocks.  Steve has been threatening to build me a purpose-built buffer based on the VRE-0.5 platform but thus far he has been too busy and I haven't seen the need to push it because things sound so good as-is with the TLC-1 buffer.  I can add a few more updates about some of the digital interface stuff I have done but what is posted here covers most of it.  It has been fun putting this together, but even more fun spending less time changing and updating.

mitch2

Owner

The boys are back in town!

After two years of looking for the perfect amplifier for my system, I am right back where I started with a pair of Clayton M300 Class A monoblocks.  These are just back from Clayton after receiving a full power supply upgrade (basically a reconstruction and upgrade of the amplifiers with larger low-noise transformers, upgraded capacitors and other parts) and they sound outstanding.  They are sitting on Sound Anchor sand-filled steel stands with custom-made 1.75-inch quarter-sawn white oak wood platforms and edenSound brass Bearpaws on concrete.  TerraStones on the way from edenSound to replace the stock aluminum footers.

My 2-year search included a pair of Acoustic Imagery NC1200 Class D amplifiers (Bruno Putzey’s Ncore),  a pair of Lamm M1.2 Reference hybrid Class A amplifiers, and a McCormack DNA-2 LAE with SMc Audio’s top-level upgrades (that I still own).  These are all very good amplifiers but IMO none of them quite reach the combination of dynamics, body, rich tone and control of the 300 wpc Claytons, which run fully in Class A.  They do run hot, but there is a low bias switch which cools things off a bit when I am not listening.  It was a pleasure working with Wilson Shen on what is now my third pair of Clayton amplifiers. 

mitch2

Well, I certainly shouldn't wonder why you are enjoying the current iteration of your system. Everything that can be made better, has been. Not much more to fuss with.

It's great when you get to the point where you don't waste time obsessing over things, and get to heart of the matter, enjoying music. Congratulations on the fine DIY work you have done. Much more rewarding that way!

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Changes this year included; 1. Adding the Antipodes DX, which was a significant improvement over a Mojo Mac mini, 2. Adding the Metrum Pavane DAC, which improves on the very good sounding Hex in just about every way, and 3. Finally settling in on the SMc Audio/McCormack DNA-2 LAE amplifier, which has every upgrade Steve offers. As I listen, I am not sure what I could do or add that would make a meaningful improvement. Currently cooking some WE speaker cables I made but not really expecting a substantial (if any) improvement from trying those wires. I may try Empirical Audio's Off Ramp between the Antipodes DX and the Pavane, or maybe think about Aerial's 20T speakers but otherwise, I am just going to enjoy some great tunes with the best sounding system I have ever had.

mitch2

Hi Mitch2,

Saw your response on the DAC thread that you are going to purchase the CAD USB cable. I believe you will enjoy it. In my system it is a good match with the Antipodes. Just a heads up that this cable takes time to break in. At the hundred hour point my friend with the Devialets was ready to give up on it. I talked him into sticking with it as I was past the 200 hour point and the cable was starting to show its potential. He did and he is now very positive about it. I have read some really great write-ups on your new DAC. Once you receive it and get some run time on it you need to post your impressions.

mrpaul

Owner
System edited: I have been lucky with the system changes I made over the past year. The SMc TLC-1 SE (almost VRE) preamp and Aerial 9's continue to anchor things. Both of those have kept pace with every other system improvement and just keep sounding better and better. I finally decided to keep the Acoustic Imagery Atsah monoblocks, which are Class D amplifiers using the Ncore, NC1200 modules and power supply by Bruno Putzeys. I like how they sound and how easy they are to operate, being small monoblocks that stay powered up all the time. Adding the Antipodes DX music server was another positive move. The DX is Antipodes' current flagship, and it sounds great and is extremely easy to use. The whole thing is tied together with a variety of DIY cables that are the best I have heard in any of my systems. 2015 will see a change in DACs, likely to the Metrum Pavane, but nothing else on the horizon. It is a sunny day in March and about time to oil some bicycle chains here in Michigan.

mitch2

They sound like the kind of SS amps I would like. Very good stuff. I will follow your system closely and look forward to your posts.

grannyring

Owner
Hi Bill,
I compared the NC1200 Atsah amps directly to the Clayton M300s back in March and then directly to the SMc amp in November. Unfortunately, I was unable to compare the SMc and Clayton amps head-to-head since I had a buyer for the Claytons before the SMc amp was finished.

I liked the Ncore amps both times I had them in my system. Everybody talks about how resolving they are but, honestly, I think the SMc amp is more resolving, especially from the mid to high frequencies. What I like about the Ncore amps is this sort of chunky, dense tonality that seems to radiate out from the midrange. This is more in common with the Class A Claytons than with the Class A/B SMc amp. The Ncore bass provides a dense underpinning to everything but the bass is actually fuller and a bit more dynamic from the SMc amp.

There are sonic pluses and minuses to each of the three amps, and other listeners may call it differently. For me, it is important to have amplifiers that can remain powered up and ready to go with a minimum of fuss or waiting for warm-up. The SMc amp has a great stand-by function and the Atsahs can remain powered up. The Claytons were not good amps to leave powered up because of the heat they generate and the energy they require, even when they are not playing music.

While I could live with either of the three amps, the SMc and Atsah amps meet my lifestyle requirements best. However, after the 10-day audition, I simply couldn't decide which I liked best so I am planning a somewhat longer audition before making a final choice between the two. I will post some more thoughts and comparisons as I listen further.

mitch2

Wow! Ncore? I am sure surprised you went in this direction. These must sound awesome for you to have done it. Please tell me more about the amps and the sound. Most interesting!

grannyring

Owner
System edited: Another year, another amplifier;

2015, Acoustic Imagery Atsah monos,
2014 SMc Audio Signature Edition DNA-2 LAE,
2011-2013, Clayton M300 Class A monos.

Not sure why the amplification link in my system seems elusive. My goals are simple, ease of use and great sound.

The ease of use requirement includes leaving the amps turned on all the time, which prohibits tube mplifiers, even hybrids like the Lamm M1.1 Class A monos I used to own. I just added the Ncore based C1200 Acoustic Imagery Atsah monos and still own the tricked out SMc DNA-2 LAE. Based on my time with these, both are great sounding amplifiers and I will be comparing them further.

mitch2

Owner
You are correct Bill, we decided to use the new Jupiter copper foil caps, which Steve thinks are maybe the best he has heard in the application used.

Since my speakers had sat unused for about 3 months as I was waiting for the amp to be completed, it took a little time for things to come around but, with less than 50 hours of listening, things are now singing along just great with some of the best, if not the best, music I have ever heard from my system. High points are an incredible dimensionality, excellent tonality, very powerful bass, clarity and resolution throughout the entire frequency range and a touch of mid-bass warmth that I remembered from a standard DNA-2 I owned years ago and hoped would be preserved in this much higher quality version that Steve rebuilt.

Steve also tweaked the TLC-1 Signature Edition preamp he previously constructed for me by replacing the toroidal transformer in the outboard power supply with a Plitron, replacing the internal Lundahl transformers with their latest version that uses Cardas wiring, further improving the internal wiring, and other improvements I can't remember right now although I believe there may be a Jupiter copper foil bypass cap in the power supply.

With all the new caps and other parts used in the rebuild, I will not be surprised for things to continue improving over time but I have heard enough to be very happy with the results of these projects. I really do need to work up a review to let others know about the great work Steve did on these pieces.

mitch2

Great looking amp and build quality. Looks like you have some of the new Jupiter copper foils caps inside?!

Congrats and enjoy!

grannyring

Owner
System edited: Back in business..... SMc Audio DNA-2 Signature Edition amplifier is acclimating nicely.

mitch2

And thanks for sharing your opinion of the Mojo. I have talked with Ben and am sending mine in next week!

rhanson739

Owner
Hi Rob, I have considered trying a USB/spdif converter but I want to make sure I am serious about it so not to take advantage of a manufacturer's 30-day return option. Reviewers have reported how good the stock USB input in the HEX sounds, so I will only consider a really good converter, like a souped up Off-Ramp.
I will probably wait until I get all my gear back and listen for awhile before making the decision of whether to try one. Thanks for sharing your opinion on the Off Ramp.

mitch2

Mitch, thanks for the information. I'll look into it soon, although I have other changes underway in my system.

I can't speak much to having A/B'd the Off Ramp. I installed it with a number of other changes, and it sounded great, so I left things alone.

Steve Nugent offers a 30-day return on his products, so I don't think you can go wrong with a trial. When things in my system settle down, I'll likely try his Final Drive to see where that takes me.

Enjoy the music!
Rob

rhanson739

Owner
Hi Rhanson739, the sound through the upgraded mini is quite enjoyable and, for me, worth the cost. Compared to before the upgrades, I would say there is better depth and dimensionality, and lower noise.

If you were to send Ben your mini and OWC drive, he could do all the upgrades he did for me and also power both your mini and the OWC drive from the Joule III power supply. He was running a special on the PS so maybe you could get it for a few bucks off. The downtime was minimal and he said he usually turns these around in a day or two.

Do you like your Off Ramp 5? I have considered trying one but have wondered whether there would be any improvement compared to going directly into the HEX with unpowered USB.

mitch2

Wow! Let us know how the amps sound once you get them. They sound very, very nice indeed. Your preamp is also amazing based on your description above.

Rhanson, I also used the Mini with and without the Mojo and with and withour the Offramp. The Offramp was the single biggest improvement I have ever experienced in my digital front end ....including the Mojo power supply. Now this is only true if you have the Dymamo power supply for your Offramp. If you don't, you really have not heard what the Offramp can do. The Dynamo power supply is a 30-50% improvement - no joke.

The Mojo comes in second for overall improvement in my digital front end and it was a nice improvement all the way around. Improved everything and FAR less digital noise and artifacts.

grannyring

It has been interesting to look through your system. Thanks for posting it.

In an ongoing effort to improve my sound, I'm curious as to how the Mojo upgrades affected the Mac Mini? I'm on a 2012/3 Mini with 256 SSD and external 2TB OWC Mercury Elite Pro disk connected by FW800. I run USB out to an Emperical Audio Off Ramp 5.

Wondering if the Mojo upgrades are worth the cost and downtime.

Thanks!

rhanson739

WOW! Sounds like some very nice upgrades :-).
Once again I'll bet the system sounds great.

lak

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