My system has continued to evolve over the past 5 years with the one constant being the Rockport Arrakis 2 bi-amplified speakers. They have continued to amaze me that as my electronics have changed and continued to improve, the Arrakis have continued to grow with the electronics as well. Every time I thought I had reached their sonic limit, I have been proven wrong and I am very happy about that.
I have now completely eliminated all tube based components in my system. I have always felt that if I could get the sound that I wanted without tubes, that would be wonderful but I never thought that would be possible. The combination of the TotalDAC digital front end and the Steve Dobbins Beat SE turntable and LT tonearm paired with the CH Precision P1 phono stage, the CH Precision L10 line stage and the CH Precision M10 amplifiers (run in active bi-amplification mode) have achieved this for me.
I have upgraded to the CH C10 replacing the CH C1.2 DAC with X1 power supply.
Roon Nucleus Plus
Nordost QNET
Nordost QNET Switch powered by the Nordost QSOURCE LPS.
Nordost Odin Gold power cord
I am using a Nordost Odin Gold power cord for Nordost QSOURCE LPS that powers the Nordost QNET Switch and several Nordost QPOINT resonators.
Nordost Valhalla 2 Ethernet Cables (2)
I am using 2 of the Nordost Valhalla 2 ethernet cables. The first one connects between the QNET Switch and the Roon Nucleus Plus. The second is from the QNET switch to the CH Precision C10 DAC.
Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
Nordost Odin 2 Balanced IC's from the CH Precision C10 DAC to the CH Precision L10 true monaural preamp.
Shunyata Research Everest 8000 Power Distributor
I am now using the Shunyata Everest 8000 power distributor which has replaced the Shunyata Triton V3 in my system for my front end electronics. I use a Nordost Odin Gold power cord for the Everest.
Shunyata Research Hydra DPC 6 V3 power conditioner
I have the Shunyata DPC 6 V3 power conditioner for my computer based audio gear. I have my Nordost Qsource LPS plugged into the DPC 6 V3.
The DPC 6 V3 is powered by an Echole Omnia power cord from a wall outlet.
Steve Dobbins The Beat SE
I have recently replaced my wonderful Steve Dobbins The Beat turntable with Steve's latest turntable, The Beat SE. The Beat SE is a complete and thorough re-design of the original Beat turntable with about 99% of the table different from the original Beat. I have had the original Beat in my system for 8 years and it has undergone several upgrades during this timeframe that always further improved the sonics, but nothing prepared me for the improvement that the Beat SE has made in my analog playback.
June 29 2021 Update: I just replaced the umbilical power cord connection between the Beat SE power supply and the Beat SE turntable with a new umbilical power cord that Steve worked on with Nordost. The results are simply amazing.
October 1 2021 Update: Steve has now done further modifications to the Beat SE external power supply with internal wire upgrades with wiring from Nordost as well as adding an external grounding connection that enables me to ground the Beat SE power supply to my CAD GCR reference ground box.
Nordost Odin 2 Power Cord
This Odin 2 power cord is used on the outboard power supply for The Beat SE turntable. This is plugged into the Shunyata Everest 8000 power conditioner.
Schroeder LT Tonearm with Magnesium arm tube
I had my previous Schroeder LT tonearm with wood arm tube modified to the even better LT tonearm with Magnesium arm tube. It has the Lyra Olympus SL cartridge mounted on it and it is truly amazing to hear this combination. This arm has replaced the Reed 2A tonearm on my "Beat" turntable. The Olympus SL has never sounded anything like this.
June 29 2021 Update: I have upgraded the LT arm cartridge mounting plate for my Lyra Atlas SL Lambda to a new one that consists of a carbon fiber top and bottom plate with a copper plate in the middle between the 2 carbon fiber layers.
Schroeder LT tone arm with Magenisum arm tube
This is a new LT tonearm but now with an arm tube made from Magnesium instead of wood. It is a very significant upgrade in sonics. I plan to have my existing LT arm modified to have the Magnesium arm tube as well.
Lyra Atlas SL Lambda cartridge
I have now replaced my wonderful Lyra Etna SL cartridge with the new Lyra Atlas SL Lambda cartridge. My previous experience was that the original Etna SL cartridge was the best sounding of all of the Lyra cartridges. But not any longer. I was fortunate enough to be able to compare the new Lambda versions of the Etna SL and the Atlas SL in my system and the Atlas SL Lambda is simply stunning to hear in my system. The new Lambda Etna SL is also wonderful and better than the original Etna SL, but the Lambda Atlas SL is superior in every way.
CH Precision True Dual Monaural P10 phono stage
I have now upgraded my 4 box true mono CH P1/X1 phono stage to the CH Precision P10 4 box True Dual Monaural phono stage.
Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords
I am now using two of the Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords to power the two power supplies for the CH Precision P10 true dual monaural phono stage.
Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
I am now using Nordost Odin 2 balanced IC's between the CH Precision P10 true dual monaural phono stage and the CH Precision L10 true dual monaural preamp.
Computer Audio Design (CAD) GC3 Ground Controls
I am using 2 of the CAD GC3 Ground Controls. One GC3 is used for signal ground with each of my CH Precision M10 amplifiers and the second GC3 is used for Earth Ground with my Rockport Arrakis external active crossover.
Computer Audio Design (CAD) Ground Control GCR
I am using the CAD Ground Control Reference (GCR) in my system. This is used for signal grounds for my front end components and the earth ground for my Shunyata Everest 8000 power distributor.
CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural LInestage
The new CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural linestage has replaced my long time reference, the CH Precision L1 true dual monaural linestage. As good as the 4 box version of the CH L1 linestage is, The CH Precision L10 True Dual Monaural (4 box) linestage surpasses it in every audio parameter.
Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords
I am using two of the Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords to power the two CH Precision L10 external power supplies for my CH Precision L10 true dual monaural preamp.
CH Precision M10 amplifiers
I now am using the CH Precision M10 mono block amplifiers. I have 2 of these and I run them in their active bi-amplification mode. These have just replaced (11/30/2021) my wonderful CH Precision M1.1 mono block amplifiers.
Nordost Odin Gold Power Cords (4)
I am using 4 of the Nordost Odin Gold power cords on my CH Precision M10 amps. Each CH M10 amp outboard power supply requires 2 power cords each with 20 amp IEC connectors.
Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
I use a 9 meter run of Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC's from the CH Precision L10 true dual monaural preamp to the Rockport Arrakis 2 external crossover.
This is the active external crossover for the Rockport Arrakis 2 speaker. It takes the feed from the preamplifier and then splits the signal for the bass drivers and all of the upper frequency drivers.
Nordost Odin Gold Power Cord
I am now using a Nordost Odin Gold power cord on my Rockport Arrakis external crossover. This replaced the already great Nordost Odin 2 power cord.
Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC
I am now using 2 pairs of Nordost Odin 2 XLR IC's to connect the Rockport external crossover to the CH Precision M10 amplifiers.
Nordost Odin Gold Speaker Cables
I am using 2 pairs of Nordost Odin Gold speaker cables to bi-amplify the Rockport Arrakis 2 speakers.
Rockport Arrakis 2
My speakers are the bi ampified version of the Rockport Arrakis 2 with the active external crossover. I am driving the speakers with a pair of CH Precision M10 amplifiers run in active bi amplification mode.
Furutech GTX/NCF outlets
I have 13 of the Furutech GTX/NCF outlets with the GTX outlet Frames and the 105D NCF Carbon Fiber outlet covers.
HRS SXR
I have 3 of the HRS SXR audio racks. Each rack is a 4 shelf version and I am using M3X2 isolation bases with G7 footers. These racks and bases hold the majority of my front end components. For the SXR base that holds my Beat SE turntable, I have added the SXR solid brace insert.
HRS SRX with M3X2 isolation base
I have 4 of the HRS SRX amp stands with the M3X2 isolation bases with G7 footers, These are for the power supplies and my CH Precision M10 amps.
Nordost Sort Kones
I am now using Nordost Sort Kones under many of my components. I am using a combination of both the BC and TC sort kones. I am using them under all of my TotalDAC digital components - both DACs, the Outboard Reclocker, the Streamer, the Live Power supply, the D1 player and the NAS. I also use them under my Beat SE turntable outboard power supply (not the turntable itself) and my Rockport Arrakis external crossover.
Isonic Ultrasonic RCM
I have added the Isonic ultrasonic RCM. This is a wonderful RCM. I can do up to 10 LP's at once. It doesn't dry the records - but that is simple to do on my Loricraft.
Custom LP Record Cabinets
There are now 3 of these beautiful LP record cabinets that I commissioned a friend to build for me. Its so much easier to find the LP that I am looking for and to put it back than it was with more traditional shelves that I was using before.
Arnie, great to hear your system today. Really enjoyed the digital...for vinyl guys like you and I are...this is really saying something. It's the first time I've been to your home and we were both content listening to digital. Plus opens up a whole catalog of music not always available on vinyl...
The redbook performance was stunning and totally natural and so engaging musically !!!
Thanks for having me over today...I always am amazed how your system sounds. The beauty and resolution in the midrange off your vinyl is awesome. Trust me, I listened to the same Eric Bibb when I got home...should have stayed at your place just a little longer :-) !!
Arnie, great seeing you yesterday. And listening to your system. I must admit, the clarity, effortlessness and resolution of your new Allnic H5000 DHT phono is pretty amazing. Startling good in fact in it's ability to change with the music whether a simple 2 instrument jazz ensemble in small venue to a group with 5 or more instruments and how it unravels space, the recording location and each instrument and places them on the sound stage...
I got to hear Arine's system briefly saturday...can't wait to get more time...but since we both got the new Schroder LT arms...I have to echo Arnie's comment. Stunning.
I could not imagine the difference from my prior arm...i suspected better..and certainly different...but not this big of leap...
Albert is a class act. I am glad you 2 met. We go back nearly 20 years...might be worth hearing his system soon...it's pretty special like yours! What I love most about visiting Albert (besides the great company) is his music collection...walls and walls of vinyl and now some tape...
Will be curious to read about your impressions as you listen back again to your Allnic H3000 vs the H5000DHT
Hi, If Arnie decided to try one or both of these...I'd be game to try it at my home also...Arnie and I have have different power cords/conditioning...so our results "may" vary...
Arnie, I"ve been curious about the Entreq or Tripoint also...just hearing a lot a great stuff about both units...but I've yet to hear either personally...
Lloyd...yeah I am going to have to try some still points soon...not sure they synch with my Grand Prix Audio SilverStone F1 rack...but if I get new amps soon..they likely wont fit..so the Stillpoints become a easy add...
I got a chance to spend a few hours with Arnie's system with his new amps yesterday.
First it's just a incredible system. From my Rockport Altairs and my front end compared to his Rockport Arrakis and his front end, Arnie's possess more resolution everywhere, I am assuming this is the new VTL amps vs my amps. Also the back of the soundstage the musical notes/spatial clues just have more energy and are more easy to to hear and finally the bass is massively tight and tuneful. Pretty sure this is a combination of the Arrakis vs Altair, the rockport electronic crossover, his REL subs and the new amps ability to change damping factors.
So I expected the bass tightness/tunefulness....4 600 watt tube amps, 2 subs, and 4 more bass drivers vs my Altairs (2 15" woofers and 2 more midbass drivers ) and you do get great bass...Arnie certainly does.
Also this system has the Stein Music harmonizers...I am curious to check those out now...
Arnie thanks so much, enjoyed the music and the company!
The Rockport's in general have better transparency and more natural presentation. I've head the Avior's extensively, Arnie's set up a few times now and Altairs once at the Rockport facility...I do have a friend in Austin with Alexandria's, I'll go listen to them again soon...
The Wilson's, but NO MEANS are wrong. I do think they do dynamics and bass power like no other. It's really what sound and signature you prefer...these are all degree's of perfection...it's like a Porsche can corner better than a Corvette..but the Corvette has better torque and power from the starting line and the straight roads...
Hi Arnie, thanks so much for having us over. Excellent food, wine, fun and friends!
Your system has made some nice improvements, I know I only got to hear it with the others...but I could definitely hear the midrange and top end beauty. That was the best I've ever heard Rockport's sound...including the Altair's in Andy's room in Maine. These Rockport Altairs are really tugging on my checkbook now ;-) ...fabulous speakers !!
I have to assume the cabling changes and especially the preamp you're demoing has a lot to do with this beauty...
Hi Arnie...I really want to take a look at these soon! I am out of record space and our rooms are the same size...maybe I'll want some also.
Ps, my front and side diffusors are in. The bass traps went in today. About to post pics on my system in a few min...you're right...it's helping a lot!
Hi Arnie, thanks so much for the time this afternoon. I very much enjoyed the company and advice. I have to say this, your set up was the BEST system I have EVER heard. Top to bottom transparency, dynamics, power, control...just simply AMAZING Congratulations.
I've heard some great systems before several around Wilson's, one around Dali's, another around Kharma's...but yours is just stunning...on music of all types...I think you know my system isn't so bad so this is meant to be quite a compliment!
Most importantly, the company and our talks we're special, again thanks for the afternoon!! All the best !
Hi Arnie, as a owner of 4 lyra's over the years, I can only imagine what your new Olympos sounds like. Did you get a chance to compare it to anything else (besides your Allinic) or just did it get installed and you fell for it :)?
If you get a 2nd arm, going for the same or trying something diff? I am about ready to try a different arm than my TriPlanar...
Hi Arnie, Rockports are fabulous speakers, if I ever get the itch to move off wilsons, Rockports are definitely it. I've heard some of their other models and the transparency is astounding. Congratulations ! I am sure they sound fantastic in your room!
I have to congratulate you on your table! It's up there with the best analog front ends I've ever heard. Steve did a wonderful job and thanks for letting me listen as you 2 finished the set up.
I better get my next vinyl order in before you grab all the good titles :)
Hi, thank you for hosting me this afternoon. I have to say, your system is truly incredible sounding. The imaging and resolution outside of the speaker boundries is litterally the best i have ever heard! Your room is really beautiful in a way the pics don't quit capture...
Our rooms are very similiar. I to am over a car garage and I am hoping this fall to seriously invest in my room. Doubtful that I'll take the sheet rock down and go as far as you did, but I might do something on the flooring. I'm wondering/worrying about something more rigid...
I am also curious on your electrical work. I have dedicated 20 amp lines, Iso grounds, etc. But not near the attention here as you. I suspect this is like getting your room right, a $1 invested in good power goes a very long way.
On another thread I just asked if you compared the Purist 20th anniversary to the Limited Edition. Curious on your thoughts...Thanks !
