Babybear's System

by babybear on All Out Assault
The BEAT SE turntable
Side view of the new Steve Dobbins The Beat SE turntable
Custom made LP Record Cabinets
CH P1 true dual mono phono stage with 2 X1 power supplies
My third LP cabinet that matches the previous 2
Lyra Lambda Atlas SL cartridge on LT tonearm
CH Precision 4 box P1 phono stage
CH L10 and TotalDAC
SYstem front view with CH M10

Description

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. 
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 33’ × 20’  X large
Ceiling: 12’

Components Toggle details

    • CH Precision C10 DAC
    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.
    • Rockport Technologies 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.

Comments 694

Sign in to comment
Owner
Hi Luther,

Thanks very much. You should definitely come by for some listening - you are welcome anytime.

I do think that there are many very high quality digital sources available now at just about any price point - both DAC's and music servers/streamers. They are too numerous to list but certainly offerings from TotalDAC (that I use), MSB, Aqua Formula, CH Precision, Aurender, and many others can provide wonderful sound. Always happy to discuss further if you stop by for a visit.

Thanks, Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie - Wow is about all I can say. It will take a while to get back up to to speed on your system. It has totally changed from the last time I heard it. 

I know you're a vinyl guy, but what are your thoughts on the current Gen of digital sources?

Luther

wardsweb

Owner
Hi Paul,

The TotalDAC D1-player is a very nice sonic improvement from the NAS/Hynes setup. The sound became more refined and elegant, more textured, with a better bottom end and more presence of the performers within the soundstage. I highly recommend that you give it a try.

babybear

That turntable looks very nice. Any notes about the change from the NAS/Hynes to the Totaldac D1-Player?

paul79

Owner
Just updating my system description to reflect the most recent changes.

1. I have added 2 sets of the Critical Mass Center Stage version 2 footers under each of the CH Precision M1 mono block amps.
2. After 8 years of wonderful analog playback, I have just replaced my Steve Dobbins The Beat turntable with Steve's brand new ground up designed turntable, The Beat SE. Stunning to hear.
3. I have replaced my QNAP NAS and Paul Hynes Linear power supply with a new product from TotalDAC called the D1-Player. This is a silent NAS and an outboard linear power supply. The NAS also is running Roon Core and since the TotalDAC D1-Server is a certified Roon endpoint, I am now using Roon as my music player. 

babybear

Owner
Hi Lordcloud,

Feel free to send me a private message. 

Thanks

babybear

You plan on having any audio meets at your place any time soon? I would love to be able to listen to this system that those who have heard it, say is really amazing. Josh says it taught him some things about system setup.

lordcloud

Owner
Thanks Vicente.

babybear

Hello Arnie,  Very good looking amps!  Congrats!

vn101606

Owner
Hi Vicente,

I've updated some of the pictures to now include the M1 amps.

babybear

Owner
Hi Vicente,

Whoops, I seem to have forgotten to do that. I'll have take some new pictures and update my system thread.

Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie,

I look forward to seeing the pictures of your system with the CH M1 monoblocks. 
Cheers,

VPN

vn101606

Owner
Hi Rich,

Thanks very much.

The simple answer to your question is that I never thought that I would switch away from tubes, but in my system, the CH Precision electronics (Linestage, Phono Stage and M1 amps) provided me with better sound than I had before without any of the hassles of tube gear.

Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie
Great system. Sorry if you've already been asked but why did you switch from tubes?
I'm currently going in the opposite direction with my system!

Thanks for your time 
Rich

infection

Owner
Hi,
Thanks very much.

I have not tried a Lampizator DAC in my system.

Arnie

babybear

Wow fantastic system! 
As matter of interest have you tried a Lampiztor Dac in your system at all?

dctom

Owner
Hi Henri,

Thanks very much.

As for your question, I do enjoy my TotalDAC D1-Twelve digital front tne very much. It is the first digital setup that I have listened to in my system that I can listen to all night without thinking about switching to my vinyl front end. But having said that, once I do switch to listening to my vinyl front end, there isn’t any going back for me to the digital during that listening session. Assuming high quality mastering on both formats, my vinyl front end provides superior sound for me.

Hope that helps,
Arnie

babybear

Your system looks amazing!

I'm not sure if this was asked already, but how would you say your digital compares to your analog. With (arguably) the best phono preamp available, one of the best turntables, and the same for your digital, I would imagine there's either a distinct difference between the two or not much at all. 

Henri

lordcloud

Owner
Hi Geoff,
My REL's are the G1 as the MKII's were not available at the time of purchase.

I haven't tried any other brand of sub in my system. I have heard several systems that use JL Audio subs. 

Since I use 6 of the REL G1 subs in REL's sixpack configuration, in my system there are three different crossover points. The 2 top G1's are crossed over at 28Hz, the middle G1's are crossed over at 25Hz and the bottom G1's are crossed over at 23Hz. Obviously these crossover points are room and speaker dependent. 

Thanks, Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie,

Do you have the RELG1 or G1MkII subs?

Did you try any other subs like Velodyne or JL audio before deciding?

What is your crossover point to the Arrakis given that they are full range?

Cheers,

Geoff

heebrog

Owner
Hi Geoff,

Thanks very much.

I haven't tried the Triton V3's grounding solution so I don't have any comparison of it compared to the Telos GNR.

Arnie

babybear

Hi Arnie,

What a great system and an epic journey to get to this point.

A question if I may.

Have you tried your system without the Telos GNR since getting the Shunyata Triton v3?
I ask because as I understand it, the Triton has its own grounding solution (NIC/CGS).
Apologies if this is a repeat question.

Cheers,

Geoff

heebrog

Owner
Hi Vicente,

Thanks very much. 

I hope you can make another visit.

babybear

Hi Arnie, 

I am very glad this change brought such a large improvement across the board in a system that was already extremelly realistic.  

Thank you for the invite, and I will do my best to go there listen to your system again.  I am certainly very curious to hear the improvement. 

Cheers, 

Vicente

vn101606

Owner
HI Vicente,

Thanks very much.

Since you have heard my system, I'll your question in the following way. I would say that with the CH M1 amps running in active bi-amplification mode, the sonics of my system are improved across the board. The noise floor is lower, it's higher in resolution, and bass is unbelievably good. I was able to reduce the gain of my REL G1 sixpack subs and at the same time achieve even better integration of the G1's with the Arrakis, the highs are richer, etc. I would simply say that the music just sounds so much more real to me (and others who have heard it as well). 

Hopefully you can visit me again and hear how it sounds.

Hope that helps somewhat.

babybear

Displaying posts 26 - 50 of 694 in total
  • 862.1 Thousand
  • 694
  •  8
© 2026 Audiogon.com