A mix of modern and classic

by swanny76109 on Ever Evolving
From stage right
From left
The stack, up close
Transport/ DAC.

Description

This system has been in development for the past three years. It is highly resolving and detailed but without lacking musicality. I listen to all sorts of music, especially rock and jazz. Lately I have been bitten by the analog bug and just upgraded my table to a VPI Classic from a Marantz TT15. I hadn't had a turntable since I was a kid and it's been a blast. I hardly ever listen to digital now even though that was my sole source for years and I had gotten my digital setup just right. It's there if I want it but vinyl is so much more engaging. I am going to rest and listen to music for a while since my wife has told me no upgrades for a little while. Let me know what you think!
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • Bel Canto Designs CD-1
    Their statement player. Only 100 made and this is #60! I run it as a transport into the DAC3 via AES/EBU output.
    • Netgear Ready NAS Duo
    1 TB mirrored storage (XRAID configuration) for my digital files. Runs into my Netgear router then to Squeezebox for streaming. Highly reliable and trouble free operation.
    • Logitech Squeezebox Touch
    I run all my FLAC files via my NAS wirelessly via a Netgear high speed router. Connected via S/PDIF to the Bel Canto DAC3. I run the digital output mod for 24/192 output.
    • Bel Canto Design DAC-3
    24 bit/ 192 capable via SPDIF or AES/EBU inputs. I run all my digital sources into this bad boy.
    • VPI Industries Classic 1
    30th anniversary model with 10.5 SE JMW Memorial tonearm. Big, deep, and wide all day long. Analog bliss.
    • VPI Industries JMW Memorial 10.5 SE Classic
    Unipivot with standard VPI wire
    • Cardas Myrtle Heart
    Essentially a Benz Ruby 2. Beautiful myrtle wood grain provides Cardas smooth warm sound. This needs to be retipped and is currently out of my system.
    • Dynavector DV-XX2mkII
    MC low output. Just got it and will serve as my backup cart.
    • Pass Labs XP15
    Just added this into the system to replace the GCPH. What an upgrade. Does everything I want and then some. Run 100 ohm loading and 76 db gain for the XX2
    • Pass Labs XP-10
    Latest Pass/Colburn preamp from Pass Labs. It does everything I want my preamp to do--great build quality, smooth sound, wonderful soundstaging, great volume control and remote. I run everything balanced and this pre does balanced as well as any in the business.
    • Bel Canto Design REF 1000 mk 2
    Dual monoblocks built on the ICE ASP 1000 modules. Simply jaw dropping performance and runs cool and collected at all times--important for Texas summers. Exquisitely musical, coherent, and powerful with great bass control. Class A Stereophile.
    • Von Schweikert Audio VR4 SR MK2
    African hazelwood finish. These speakers are "lifers" for me. They do everything well and are so musical and pleasant to listen to with any type of music.
    • Cardas Golden Reference XLR
    for sources: i pair each for DAC3 and XP15 to XP10 pre
    • Cardas Golden Cross XLR
    Phono pre to pre
    • Harmonic Tech Magic Link One
    Classic to GCPH
    • Acoustic Zen Satori Shotgun
    8' bi wire. Continuous crystal copper.
    • Cardas Hexlink power cable
    powers Bel Canto DAC3. Came from Steve McCormack's overstock sale a few years ago.
    • Synergistic Research Designer's Reference AC
    for Pass XP 10
    • Salamander 5 shelf
    Craigslist find! 60 bucks.
    • Target VW1
    Mounted on wall for Classic 1. I use a Michigan Maple block (2" thick) on top of the shelf with nonslip rug mat between the MDF shelf and the maple block.
    • Mint Mint LP Protractor
    I am a believer in Yip and his great protractor. Essential for great setup for my analog front end. Since using it, everything jumped into focus, providing a wide, deep 3D soundstage. Highly recommended!

Comments 20

Showing all comments by vikkysingh.

View all comments

Sign in to comment
Swanny,
I'm running pretty much the same settings with my Te Kaitora but have read of some users paying around with the loading all the way up to 1000ohms. At 100 I'm very satisfied but am always curious about little tweaks that can give me that little bit extra verisimilitude. Happy listening! -Vik

vikkysingh

Fun system, would you mind sharing what resistance load you are using with your cartridge? 100 ohms? Higher? Thanks and congrats!!

vikkysingh

  • 32.2 Thousand
  • 20
  •  0
© 2026 Audiogon.com