I am grateful to the 'Gon community for their help to reduce my buyers remorse; and help me assemble a system that has exceeded my expectations...I'm in mid 50's; ..trying to mature and evolve; I started my ugprade journey with a pair of Dali Halicon 800's powered by Sunfire...nice enough sound; but I wanted more...met a great audiophile and seller in Dave Weinhart here in Los Angels; and made a big jump to MBL 111's, with Meridian front end; and 8011 mono amps...Dev, a "gon member suggested I up my amps to Bryston 28sst's; which I did; and still enjoy greatly. I grew frustrated with the Meridian gear; sounded a bit too digital with my analog speakers; hated to connect laptop to tweak; and could never get full low end base extension. Took Dev's recommendation again; traded my gear in on a VAC Phi Beta tubed preamp; and switched digital to PSAudio Perfect wave D/T combo..thought the redbook cd playback via I2S with the Haromonic tech cable was great. But the DAC in the perfect wave fell a bit short in giving me the detail from my Qsonix music server. Qsonix is made locally to me; Mike Weaver is a true gentleman; and has created an awesome product; even though they don't advertise like Sooloos. Their touch screen; and hi res capabilites are wonderful. I also had an opportunity to audition Venture speakers at the home of the US distributor; who lives locally; Mike Slaminski; another perfect gentleman; with great ears; and patience. Thought his Belgium made Venture speakers were the best sounding set up I have ever heard; including the Magico Q5's, or the Wilson Shasa's ..but they were beyond my affordablility index. On a whim; I called Mike; and he received the Excellence III in burl wood back from a reviewer; but they suffered damage in shipping and had a noticiable ding in the finish...so I grabbed them. The detail, staging, depth; richness of tone; incredible accuracy of response throughout the range; and vocals...the carbon/ abbaca paper drivers and crossover design made me just want to sit and listen forever. Mike set up the speakers with a slight toe in; and viola; magic. But then I went to THE Show in Newport, CA; and heard Ayon's room. That was special; right after their great review in TAS. Was able to pick up show sample of Ayon CD5-s transport/dac/preamp with upgraded tubes. Once this piece broke in; and replaced my PSAudio DAC; now I can't imaginge any better digital for me and my room. I sit and just listen to the music; without focusing on the gear. I tried it as preamp direct to amp; but found I prefered it running thru the VAC. My cables are a mixture of MIT balanced interconnects and bi-wire speaker cables, with Purist audio Venestus for digital and interconnect. I also use my rig for combined HT/two channel; its in my family room; and I needed huge WAF; the Ventures have it in spades, the MBL's, not so much. I obtained much of my gear and advice from local dealers, and the 'Gon from dealers used. It's great that the 'Gon is here to help us buy and sell gear as we experiement and balance quality, cost, and always exceed our budget. I also have three dedicated 20 amp lines. Room is a problem; had to set up on the diaganolfrom long/short wall. So I am done for now; will try to work on improving room with traps; isolation tweeks; and was amazed at the improvement in detail shown at THE show by Synergistic Research ART with their tiny 'cup and saucers' harmonic resonance improvements...if it were only less expensive...will post photos soon; but really; try to listen to Venture, unbelievable quality and detail.; but to my ears...the best I've heard; and I feel fortunate to have put together this quality of system with lots of help; and time...great to meet so many fellow hobbiests; after all, its all about enjoying the music. I finally got around to posting my system after this long journey....probably don't need all the power of my Bryston 1000 watt amps now that I've gone from MBL to Venture's; which are more effecient; but so far the slam and control of base is just fantastic; and the detail and prat pleases me...not sure what might be better; prefer to remain in SS for amps.
well built battery powered, with 4 6h30 tubes, extremely quiet and resolving
Hegel H30
one amp running in stereo config; at 350 quality watts/side. Huge sound stage; agree with Robert Harley's review
Playback Design PS5D
fantastic dedicated DAC, no transport;; with the usb-box, it upconverts computer files to DSD resolution; and via standard AES digital in; converts all files to 24/192. A fantastic upgrade for computer audio sources. Try DSD!
Oppo 105D, modded by EVS
replaces Sony 5000es; wanted streaming Netflix, etc, and 3-d
Qsonix 205
1 TB hi-res music server; with phenominal 15
Marantz AV8802
home theater processor, for hdmi; blue ray; sat, and zone 2
Bedrock Rack of Silence Rack of Silence
semi custom 4 shelf; each shelf weighs 28lbs; made of both HDF and MDF, and special vibration control. And it looks nice.
Aerial Acoustics CC-5
great center channel; blends with many different speakers; made my own custom stand
Parasound A-51
5 channels of 250 watts/side; warm running, smooth sounding for center channel; rears, and outdoor zone 2
Velodyne DD-15
used for LFE for Home theater use; don't use for two channel listening, the 50 lb sandbag covered in pillow case helps with bass,anchors to floor; reduces 'booming'
JL Audio Fathom F113
really fills in the bass for just two channel listening..
Equi-tech Q15
power conditioner
EnKlein Taurus power cord
6' silver, shielded, flexible PC. Made a huge improvement in detail powering my Hegel H30 amp. Highly recommended component
High Fidelity one pair CT 1-Ulitimates, 1 pr CT-E
Rick's magnet wave guide cables, the hype is real. Makes a nice synergistic improvement
Klee Grand Illusion ribbon sc
a nice open sounding ribbon alloy SC, but it is designed with a higher reistance level than my FMS.
PS audio Power base PS audio base
20lb vibration control and power conditioner; used for computer and 4TB hard drive
Hi-Fi tuning fuses Black; premium
placed upgraded fuses in the Ayon and the VAC, can't really tell how much improvement they made; system already working at a high level
Tara Power cords The One
Two Tara pc's, one to equip-tech, one to amp
Stein Music Harmonizers A and B and magic stone
Little black cubes that create magic on the sound stage and depth and detail. Tremendous tweak for me, helped with room problems
Standout Design six foot
well designed; well built AV component stand; has a huge shelf to place a large center channel speaker; I placed my Aerial CC-5 and it fits great; weighs 85 lbs...big help
Stillpoints Ultra SS footers
superb resonance control devices
Stillpoint Ultra 5's
added three Stillpoint Ultra 5's with adaptor threads to my Ventures. Nice improvement over stock footers
Granite Audio Ground Zero
A star design universal grounding platform, comes with quality ground cables and easy instructions. Nicely lowered ground loop hiss and floor noise. Highly recommend if you have a grounding issue at modest price point
HiDiamond 2 P-4 power cords
I realize that my SR PC's were not allowing all my music to flow, replaced two with HiDiamond P-4's. Much better sound, have them on my amp and digital. Bested also my Tara the One.
Audioquest USB 1 pr Coffee, 1 pr Carbon
silver usb cable, big improvement over stock, and belkan used previously
PS Audio P-5 Power regenerator
a nice addition to assist in clean, and controlledp power, using mainly for video/home theater pieces. My amp and pre are plugged into dedicated 20 amp lines
System edited: Made several new changes in short order. Changed my beloved FMS speaker cables for Klee Grand Illusion, with JPS jumpers. These cables have a higher internal resistance load by design, and the jumpers worked much better than my FMS jumpers. My bass, slam and sound stage have all improved nicely. Part of that could also be due to the 3 Stillpoint Ultra 5's I added under each Venture Speaker. Better isolation provides better sound. Great, and easy tweak. Thanks to all the fellow 'Goners who have recommended this product. Also replaced my two SR power cords and eliminated their pesky wall warts with HiDiamond P-4's. Also eliminated a 'choke point' on my sound detail and improved lower floor noise. Final add was the Granite Audio Ground Zero. I read about this product from Zephyr's page, and it really works. I had an annoying low grade ground loop hum and tube hiss, this fixed it very quickly and easily. Now I only need one more power cord..not sure if it will be another HiDiamond, or explore an Elrod listed for sale here. Loved the Enklein Taurus I auditioned, but its a bit pricey for new cord, but sounds outstanding...we'll wait and see. Now I am very pleased with the overall improvement from these various changes. Silly hobby.
Mribob- that's great and thanks for sharing specially with the assistance you received in relation to your Playback - two thumps up!
Ultra 5's - you will be very happy you did. Before you install them swap them out for your other ones placed under your gear and see if you hear a difference but just make sure you put the proper side facing up - I have heard some weird things happen if not done.
System edited: Added two sets of Stillpoints Ultra SS footers, under VAC preamp, and Hegel amp. Moved my music hard drives off the platform shared with Playback Design DAC, reduced vibration. Added second pair of Stein Music Harmonizers, and also pair of blue stars mounted on speakers, one star on ceiling as recommended. With speaker toe in re-tweaked, and now on spikes, my system is best its been! been listening to music all day. However, need to give a positive shout out to Ed of Playback Designs. I had messed the settings on JRiver playback; and my digital music had lost some 'magic'. I called Ed, who sold me the unit. He drove over one hour to my home on a Saturday, conferenced in Jon Tinn, who remote accessed my computer, fixed my operator error mess, helped with DSD downloads from Acoustic Sounds, since my computer skills are limited. I have never experienced better customer service from any company. Can't recommend getting a trusted 'bricks and mortar' dealer, and the service beyond the sale with Playback Designs . I love their design and how they implement digital playback with usb and up converting in a one box eloquent solution. I have never just been 'gob-smacked' with music enjoyment, that I sat mesmerized to my digital files, and a kept exploring and listening all day. Great experience. it's been hard to get the equipment to this level, now to focus on the music and enjoyment, until the next tweak....footers under my speakers. considering the Stillpoints Ultra 5's vs Sistrum platforms. Happy Holidays, and enjoy the music! I am, thanks to Ed and Playback Designs.
Four pces for each speaker - with threaded adapter , no caps or anything else. My preference is to tighten them all the way and then back off with half turn. Should be able to see a very slight space.
You will have a big :) on your face due to improved sonics over all but unfortunately a :( with the cost factor but in the end well worth it.
My system:
#1 MBL & Vac
added a Burmester 100 phono and upgraded my Stealth IC's and SC's to Sakra V12 IC's and Dream Royal SC's some time ago - very happy indeed.
#2 Have a pair of Evolution Acoustics MM3 speaker for my second set-up - I haven't yet got them set-up but will happen soon.
I do have two new turntables being commissioned so looking forward to their arrival - otherwise just enjoying and listening to lots of music :)
Dev, Good to hear from you. I have always respected your suggestions. At time I have three original spikes from Venture under speakers on my wood floors. My photos show no spikes on carpet pads, which I will update shortly. Is your recommendation for the top of the line ultras, or the model just below? 3, or 4 cones per speaker? Do you have them threaded into screw mounts of speaker bases, or just balance speakers on cones? Still trying now to adjust final tweaks, but loving my rig more than ever. Any changes in your set up? Be well, bob
I have tried numerous - most recent was Still Points Ultra 5's - very happy indeed
Have recommended to others, all with different speakers but the out come was the same and very positive. Unfortunately they are costly but in the end well worth the investment
Bob, Robert at Star Sound is very approachable and friendly and avoids the "hard sell " . He believes that the product's track record and performance speak for themselves. Give him a phone call, he'll answer any question . Best of Luck, Charles,
Charles, and Roxy; It's nice when there is a greater consensus of how these products work well across different systems. I appreciate your comments. I saw some of the Stillpoint footers this weekend while in Carlsbad. The ultra's were impressively well made, but a set of 4 costs almost $2750 retail! To place them under a pair of speakers is a huge investment. The next line down; the SS5's are a bit more reasonably priced; but I will definitely consider your endorsement of Sistrum; and contact them a bit later. I find this aspect of final dressing a system to be challenging, and to sort out 'snake oil' from the real deal products; and at reasonable pricing makes your comments posted on the 'Gon even more valuable to me.
I have the Star Sound Sistrum platforms beneath my mono blocks and the new Apprentice platforms for my speakers and all other components. They result in a true legitimate improvement in sound quality (most apparent with my speakers). This is an excellent and very reasonable priced product. Very noticeable improvement in the clarity, transparency, tonality and perceived lowered noise floor.
Hi Bob, I had heard raves about the SP 101 platforms underneath speakers, but I couldn't afford them, so I was about to buy the less expensive model beneath them, but Robert at Starsound had a returned pair that were completely reconditioned and as-new that he sold me for a great price. I have sounded like a Starsound schill since then, because even though I had used good cones and outriggers beneath my floorstanding speakers, they couldn't compare to the way the Starsound platforms drained the noise that my speakers were making and allowed me to hear the music that they were making. Having had that experience several years ago, I found out from Robert that he was about to introduce a new platform for components to be used in conjuction with your present equipment rack, or any other shelf you were using called the Apprentice. I got the same results with my transport and my DAC. So yes, I am a believer. Talk to Robert. I believe he will return your money if you are not satisfied, but I think you will be. These products are the result of science, not snake oil.
Roxy; Thanks for reading and responding. I always thought of the Sistrum platforms as more of an isolated component stand, like for amps on the floor. I had never considered them for isolation of components placed on an equipment rack. I checked out their web page ,and the prices certainly seem reasonable. How do you use them; and are you pleased with performance to price ratio? I couldn't see your system on the 'Gon. Best, Bob
Mribob, Consider the more affordable Starsound platforms for your components, and their SP-101 speaker platforms, which will greatly outperform any normal spikes.
Added a second pair of Stein Music Harmonizers, A and B boxes, and more magic stones and a pair of diamonds. I also finally spiked my speakers, and took them off carpet pads. Its all additive in our hobby. The combined effects of the Stein products, and spiking the speakers has been rather nice. Not jaw dropping, but certainly improving quality of bass, and richer, wider sound stage. More micro details are emerging regarding decay of notes, shimmer and sparkle, and much less 'grunge'. I didn't understand grunge before, but now that its gone; its noticeable improvement. All in all, a rather nice step up in sonic enjoyment. Now to sit back and enjoy listening to music, and not focusing on the gear. Will try adding some footers next under amp and sources. Would like the Stillpoint ultras but find them pricy. I am trying a set of Wave tech footers under the Playback Design, and will also consider the Pyon ultra's, which seem more reasonably priced. I'd appreciate any thoughts on resonance control and suggestions on footers for these applications. Thanks.
Just added Stein music Harmonizers set of one pair of A and B, plus magic stones. I listened to advice from fellow "Goner, Exlibris, see his system under all out assault. I have a problematic room, with my gear installed on a diagonal on the back corner, which has a negative impact on sound stage and detail. I installed the Stein pieces as recommended, and waited around 1 hour to listen. Well, just a tad bid more of everything..more detail on cymbals, better reverb and air around notes of violin and guitar and piano. Bass tightened up a bit, better balance between the two speakers and improved sound stage. Don't know how they work, but in my room, I'm keeping them and now have helped tame my challenging room issues. A recommend 'tweak' if you have a challenging room. Thank, Exlibris for the recommendation.
System edited: added new photos of room and system..The support I have received from Playback Design; and local representative; Ed; has been the most outstanding customer service I've ever experienced. I am a novice at computer audio; the Playback Design dac is outstanding; and built like a tank; and easy to use...my problem was in understanding how to interface computer audio with a windows 8 PC and JRiver software. Ed has made three trips to my home just to help trouble shoot and teach me how to use the computer, download files; and access features. All music files played thru the PD dac sound incredible with DSD up conversion. I am now just looking to incorporate room tweaks, but has to pass the WAF, which is tough. Room is my biggest challenge; and I'm envious of fellow 'Goners who have dedicated listening rooms. Can't emphasize enough how skeptical I was regarding computer audio; and getting rid of my transport..but Ed and PD has made a believer out of me, especially with DSD.
Dev; Thanks for your thoughtful posts; and helping me get to a new level of sound quality. I took your advice on the Siemens tubes for my VAC preamp; and it made a nice improvement. My Hegel H-30 however was a huge improvement in detail and sound stage over our common Bryston 28sst's. What amp are you using now on your new EA speakers? I never imagined that I would now be firmly in the computer audio camp...I guess there are two schools of thought here on the 'Gon; one group feels that a high quality transport and DAC; like the Esoteric K-01, or EMM provides best sound quality on redbook CD's...the camp I used to believe. Then I tried DSD files played thru the Playback Design PD5D, and upconverted to 2xDSD. I had an epiphany; and never heard my rig sound so fabulous...all the SQ I was hoping for in my upgrade path were now evident. Jawdropping is a bit overused; but that's how I felt. No more transport now, except if you count my Oppo 95 for HT. Still struggling to master the software features of JRiver, ripping; tagging, and creating play lists. Hopeful for a larger library of DSD downloads... Have you heard any DSD files? I know you have a great analog rig; but I feel what I have now must come pretty close... Thanks again for your helpful comments. Enjoy, Best, Bob
Great to read you are enjoying, in the end that's what it's all about.
I'm still enjoying my VAC gear paired up with my MBL's.
I also purchased a pair of EA MM3 speakers for my other room, they defiantly offer a different over all presentation than what my MBL's portray. They sure are a large speaker.
need to update photos; I purchased a new cabinet to house the gear; and put the TV on top; this one allows my center channel speaker to fit inside; instead of being on a stand between my two mains; so its improved the sound stage.
Also eliminated my 'hum' by simply lifting the ground switch on my VAC preamp...now finally dead quiet background which also improves the microphonics and detail retrival.
Will consider a few tweaks shortly; perhaps the Synergistic Research Basic platform under PD or Qsonix to reduce EF, or room treatments. If anyone has tips on how to master the JRiver software controls; I'd be grateful. Photos to come this weekend.
System edited: NEW Upgrade of source: Just sold my Ayon; and purchased a Playback Design PS5D, and entered the world of computer audio...no more transports or silver discs. I have heard the future; and its DSD downloads, played through a great DAC. My system has never sounded more analog, or had such great sound stage, and detail; and depth. I did enjoy all the warmth and richness of the tubed Ayon; but the PD unit is a huge step up in detail. I am struggling a bit to learn and master the JRiver software interfaced in my PC laptop, and all the intricacies of computer audio; with usb cables, and hard drives...but now no more jitter, just better sound than I ever heard from spinning CD's.. I have around 100 hours on my new unit; and will post photo and more detail as the unit continues to burn in, and I start to embrace my transformation from CD player, to computer audio...wow...never thought I would take this plunge, but Ed from PD provided an in home demo; ad it made all the difference, and allowed me to purchase with confidence, and no remorse. Now I know what all the fuss is about. More later...
Gammojo: please use my email of [email protected] and I'l be happy to share how happy I am with the Hegel; surprising improvement over the pair of Bryston 28sst's with the Ventures...now with the JL audio sub added; I am really feeling my system is sounding as good as it can be; and exceeding my expectations...maybe finally done; except for small tweaks here and there...I reccomend the Hegel H-30 running as a stereo amp, not mono blocks; and support the positive review by Robert Harley.
System edited: Decided to add a dedicated sub to just the two channel aspect of my rig..even though the Ventures are full range; and go down deep; they didn't quite go down deep enough for me. I know that there are some purists who don't like a sub added; but in my system; with the sub being run from the extra pair of outputs from my VAC pre-amp; the JL is behaving in a very musical way. The integratiion into my room, and system was easy; not too boomy; just helps flesh in the low end; and surprisingly made the midrange richer; with more sonic density..I only have the one sub for two channel and a seperate sub for HT...don't feel the need to daisy chain and have two subs for the two channel rig. Didn't believe the positive effect on music until I tried it; bought the sub from a fellow 'Goner; and had a very positive transaction.
Did a search for Hegel this evening after being interested in the H30 for a few months and low and behold, my old friend Mrbob has one! Congradulations! Bet it is sweet with the Ayon. Since last post have upgraded to Von Schweikert VR5 Anniv MK2 speakers with my Ayon and really happy with that. Still using the Nuforce V3SE's and just auditioned the Hephaestus 1000w Anvils with Channel Island D500's coming next week. Love a PM to be able to call and discuss the Hegel with you.
System edited: udated photos, tried to show Hegel H-30; but its a simple black box; doesn't photo too well. Also added Synergistic Research Tesla T-2 shielded PC to preamp; and now my hum has gone away...love it....
System edited: System is now sounding better than ever...Just added full set of brand new design FMS balanced IC's and AES digital cable, to pair with my Nexus 3's speaker cables. Also added a pair of new Synergistic Research Power cords; a Hologram D for my DAC/transport; and Tesla 2 for the VAC preamp... Most important improvement is how the Venture dealer, Mike Slaminski fine tuned and optimized my room and speaker set up. He spent 3 hours measuring, and calculating exact best sounding set up and toe in for the Venture's...once we made the final toe in of 6 degrees, it was like a dirty lens was just cleaned...the bass become much deeper, and better balanced; the sound stage became expansive, yet detailed...both improved depth and width..Now I am almost done tinkering; and simply enjoying the music daily... My system synergy of Venture powered by new Hegel H-30, VAC Phi beta tubed preamp, with new enhancement of allowing tube rolling, Ayon CD5s, Qsonix, and FMS cables has me off the merry-go-round...this rig was not inexpensive; but now finally sounding as good as I had hoped it would in my room. will soon put in new Siemens tubes into VAC; and try the Synergistic Basiq platforms under Qsonix and DAC...not sure if they will add or be neutral...if anyone has experience with this product; please share... I am in love with warmth; detail, sound stage, and low end that the Ventures provide...one of the best sounding speakers I've heard at any price.
