These speakers use a double tweeter array to produce the midrange. The Be tweeter between the arrays is used as the actual tweeter. Then two big ass woofers are added. Extremely well reviewed and high value speakers!
Innuos PULSE
Network Streamer internal with a RECAP2 power supply by Dr. Sean Jacobs built-in. Uses the innuOS 2.0 and Sense software. Its the best sounding streamer, OS and control software I've every used.
Audio-GD Vacuum HE 1 XLR MK2
This is Audio-GD's top-of-the-line fully balanced MK2 tube preamp with a built-in regenerative power supply. The transformers are huge and normally what you find in power amps. The sound is lush and gigantic.
Audio-GD Master 3A
Fully balanced with 50 watts of Class A power. Very well built power amp that has a very seductive yet authoritative sound with the Moabs.
Audio-GD R-7HE MK2
I've recently gone back to the world of Non-oversampling DACs. They simply sound more natural than high-resolution oversampling DACs. The Audio-GD is a very well built R2R NOS DAC with a built-in regenerative power supply. It took a couple hundred hours to fully bloom but it was worth the wait.
Network Acoustics Muon System
This is a complete digital cable system (filter, LAN cable, USB cable). This at a higher level than the famed EVO system.
I run 4 subs in a distributed bass array or "swarm". I get excellent bass because the subs are asymmetric to each other and one pair is run out-of-phase - much like Eric does with his woofers and arrays. The Synergistic Research Black Box works as a bass resonator and in-tandem with the distributed array. With my amp the Moabs are very good to about 40Hz so I crossover at that point. The crossover should be set by ear since its very dependent on your amp.
Synergistic Research Powercell 12 UEF
This is a classic power conditioner. It's UEF/EM based and compliments every component plugged in to it!
DIY speaker, interconnects and power cables
DIY speaker, interconnects and power cables. They use multi-strand copper, an open weave, cotton cord in the center and ERS cloth at both ends. It's the formula Danny Richie uses for his cables. They have an open, airy yet very solid sound. The key is to break them in for hundreds of hours and use them as a "full loom" throughout your system.
Synergistic Research Black Box
The Black Box is a Low Frequency Resonator Array that works in conjunction with the Subwoofers, Atmospheres and FEQ X4 to solve bass node issues.
Synergistic Research ART System
This is Synergistic Research's older acoustic system that's based on resonators. It works very well with their current UEF system and provides excellent results. Complete ART systems are getting hard to find.
Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums
These decouple and "float" your speakers on a spring-loaded metal base. It opens-up the sound and adds solidity to the bass but doesn't make the sound harsh like most metal speaker bases.
The UEF Panels, UEF Dots, Black Box, Risers, ECT and GCT are all types of sound resonators. I use an Atmosphere XL-4 (green ATM), Atmosphere (red ATM), FEQ X4 (2) (red ATMs) and Mini-Atmosphere (green ATM) - when used with the Synergistic Research control software they generate various frequencies of Schumann Resonances around the room. Bottom line they work: create a huge/realistic listening experience!
Synergistic Research Grounding Block
This is SR's basic grounding block but it works very well. Makes the system absolutely silent at idle and It eliminated a slight hum on a power supply. I made my own "high definition" grounding cables.
Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
The Akiko Audio, Kemp and Zero One products treat the signal and power in my system keeping the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible or by adding more standard frequency Schumann Resonances. These products are excellent at making your system sound more "natural".
This company has now closed because the owner has passed away. These products work to achieve a uniform and consistent RF/EMI and electron treatment around my components which greatly helps the sonics.
Synergistic Research Tranquility Bases and Tranquility Pod
I use original MIGs under the Tranquility Bases.
Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
The PEAs are battery powered. Spintronics is the ability to control or manipulate how electrons spin. Electrons spinning around electronic signals carry audio information. The goal of the PEA devices its to get the electrons spinning as uniformly as possible. It opens up the sound and makes subtle cues in the music even more real.
Puritan 156, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
The Puritan is an excellent line conditioner. The ADD-Powr and ElectraClear devices actually add electromagnetics (EM) to the AC line using an active circuit and algorithm. Contrary to popular belief not all EM is bad for sound quality in stereo systems. The proof is in the listening.
Timbernation and Bright Star Audio Platforms
Solid maple platforms stained cherry for electronics and Bright Star platforms for the subs.
Puron AC Line Conditioner
I've added two of these line conditioners into the same outlet that feeds my Puritan 156 line conditioner. They open the sound soundstage, give a more realistic presentation of vocals and reveal a little more texture and impact to the bass. Highly recommended!
Stein H2 Harmonizer system
I have 4 Stein H2s in my system.I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They add layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument being in their own separate but integrated spaces.
I've been messing with the location of resonators in my system. Ted Denney recently suggested I lower the Vibratron from where I had it higher up on the wall. I finally settled with it on top of my preamp! It's really brought a lushness to the lower midrange and upper bass region. Amazing what resonators can do!
Audio reviewer Steven Lefkowicz suggested I use a laser ruler to get my chair placement, speaker distance and toe-in exactly symmetrical. I'm now at 35 degrees toe-in, my listening chair is 10.5 feet from the speakers, the speakers are 10.5 feet a part, the front wall is 4 feet behind the speakers and my listening chair is 4 feet from the back wall. This is moved the soundstage slightly to the right so it is exactly centered (it seemed like it was before but now its clearly spot-on) and added these precise measurements added more depth to the sound. This is a cheap and very easy tweek that I'm sure will help many systems.
I've been messing with speaker toe-in and listening chair placement. I did this when I originally set-up my system but thought I'd check it again. I'm now a little farther from the speakers and have them just slightly toed-in. Splitting hairs but just a little more natural sound. I'm going to live with it for a while and then check it again.
I've been in watts v. current wars with a number of people on other forums. They literally have no idea how a speaker is powered. It's current that drives the cones not watts!! Loudness has very little do with sound quality! It seems audiophiles are kind of stupid...sorry to say that...but....
I had some time so I made some interconnects for my subs so they would match the rest of my system. I use GR Research's ideas on cable design (multi-strand, open air with cotton). I was a little surprised but it added more texture and refinement to the lower mids and bass.
Based on the strong recommendation from the talk in the Forums I've added 2 Puron AC line conditioners to my system. They are in the same outlet as my Puritan 156. They are rather remarkable. They've opened the soundstage, made vocals more real and revealed more texture plus impact to the bass. Very high value products!
I've added a Stein H2 harmonizer system. I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They work exactly like advertised and as described in the reviews. Layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument in their own separate but integrated spaces.
I've revamped my digital front end by going to an Innuos PULSE streamer and Network Acoustics Muon system directly to my DAC. Previously, I was running a ZENmini MK3 into an Audio-GD DI-20HE digital interface and an XLR digital cable to the DAC. After getting the PULSE, and doing extensive listening, the sound is slightly better without the DI-20HE and with the Muon system feeding the DAC directly with its included Muon USB cable.
I've added a couple more Synergistic Research FEQ X4 and and Atmosphere XL4 to my system. People are selling them to move up to the carbon series. Interestingly, the soundstage really hasn't changed that much but the overall presentation of the music has relaxed yet the detail and very low bass information has increased.
I'd been reading that the Puritan PSM156 Studio Master power conditioner is very susceptible to power cord upgrades. I knew that Puritan offered different grades of power cords but I guess it slipped my mind. So, I made a 20 amp cord based on the GR Research formula I've been using. I've never heard my system go through so many gyrations in sound! It sounded terrible for a couple days (I almost took it out), then very good, took a couple steps back and then slowly started to open-up and solidify. At about 150 hours its fully bloomed. I can't under state how important good AC power is to the sound quality your your system.
I had a good audiophile friend over last night and we listened to the Audio-GD R-7HE for about an hour. He is a BIG analog guy - his analog rig is over $50K. He has chastised me for getting rid of my analog system and albums. He said the Audio-GD is at least "listenable" Haha, thats pretty high praise coming from him!
I've now been running the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 DAC 24/7 for a week. I've listened to it everyday along the way. Like in all audio equipment good power supplies need a lot of run time to sound their best. It was great straight out the box but its now over-the-top good. It's also very susceptible to different power cords. Every change being easily heard.
Thank You for the details and sharing your experience sbayne.
Good to know that you have finally found a DAC that suits your listening preference. While 5-6 years is huge in "digital life" terms, it is still a valid experience and it helps others understand what the reviewer's preference is. I am not surprised because I have read a few user discussions that stated that mega $$$$ DACs not necessarily impressed them. It also probably, depends on system matching.
And like you said - far too many choices in DACs with new ones coming either monthly or weekly. But I think you landed with a long term keeper. Have fun listening to your music!
Thanks milpai! I use this as my personal blog to document the changes I've made in my system over the years. I've gone through a lot of gear and I haven't put every step of the way in here. As to DACs, I've found my strong previous is for non-oversampling (NOS) R2R ladder DACs. And, like most gear, that have robust power supplies.
Back 5 or 6 years ago, I had a friend (who as now dropped out of high-end audio) who owned a very expensive DCS stack and I listened to it fairly extensively. It was excellent but its just not as natural sounding as a good NOS in my opinion. Same with PS Audio but I have not heard their latest offerings/software upgrades. I've owned older models of Esoteric and Wavelength DACs and, at the time, my analog rig walked all over them. As to analog, I was really into idler turntables for many years having owned various Garrard 301 and Thorens TD-124.
I've owned a number of cheaper NOS and TDA1541A DACs from Chinese companies including a couple from MHDT Labs. They are excellent for the money. I've heard the Denafrip Ares II and it also seemed to be very good for the money. I had an Auralic for awhile and it sounded great but eventually got fatiguing sound-wise. So, I bought an Audio GD R8 NOS DAC, without hearing it first, and it was the best DAC I'd ever had in my system. Next, I made the mistake of buying a Denafrip Pontus II thinking it would be better than the R8 - I was wrong. The Pontus II sounded very analytical and dry to me (I realize its gotten great reviews). I bought it used and the seller very graciously let me return it to him.
I recently got a great deal on the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 otherwise I would have stayed with the R8. I have not heard the most recent Denafrips Terminator II or the HoloAudio DACs - its rather "hard keeping up with the Jones" - I assume the Stereophile review is correct.
So, thats my digital journey so far - thanks for checking in.
Congratulations on the Audio-GD. This is one DAC that caught my eye because of 2 things - it is a pure DAC, meaning that there is no volume control. Second reason is the review from Stereophile. But the strange thing is - I have not seen much discussion on any other forums. The likes og Holo May and Terminator are discussed to death. But if this one tops those 2, I have not seen any discussion. But since you experienced other DACs and then compared this one, it would be pretty helpful to expand on what you liked in this one compared to the others, when you get a chance.
BTW, your system has evolved nicely over the years. Keep it up!
I've now added the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 DAC. It's non-oversampling and has its own built-in regenerative power supply. Huge amounts of air around the instruments/voices with rock solid images and soundstage. Absolutely no harshness and the transparency is excellent. Easily the best digital I've owned and possibly ever heard. I've owned and heard many excellent digital sources over the years including DCS, Denafrip, Auralic, Esoteric, Wavelength and MHDT Labs.
I've also added a Puritan PSM156 Studio Master mains purifier to my system. It works very well. To the point where I'm not sure the Bluetti battery power is even needed. The key is to properly ground the Puritan. The jury is still out.
Thanks David. I've also started using large wool dryer balls for vibration control under my equipment and speakers. The idea came from Ginko Audio that is using something similar in their new products. I was shocked by how well they work. They make the midrange more open yet the bass is a little more solid. Ginko Audio sells bases for theirs. I've tried Vibrapods under mine since they have a center concave that holds the wool ball very nicely. Not sure though if I'll keep the Vibrapods under them since they may not be needed. I need to mess with them more.
I've now gone to DIY speaker, interconnects and power cables. They use multi-strand copper, an open weave, cotton cord in the center and ERS cloth at both ends. It's the formula Danny Richie uses for his cables. They have an open, airy yet very solid sound. The key is to break them in for hundreds of hours and use them as a "full loom" throughout your system.
I’ve been working on modifying speaker cables and interconnects. It seems lowering the EMI/RF riding on the cable is the key. The off-grid battery I use started me down this path because of the huge sonic gains it provides in reducing EMI/RF. There are lots of cable designs and materials to try out.
I don't know why I even bother with the Audiogon Forums. There are some people on there who are truly nuts. All the way from saying the US isn't on AC power to talking about 800lb flywheel UPS systems which apparently can turn into a bomb if not implemented correctly. They literally write paragraph after paragraph and seem totally serious - there is some type of psychosis going on.
Seems like the Bluetti thread is back on track. We think the main offender has been banned. We will see - he may have just been restricted for a while.
