Mark's system

by markramler on All Out Assault
Audio System 2025
Wilson Audio Alexia V
listening room 2013

Description

I started planning the upgrade of my system in 2010, inconjunction with a renovation of our NYC apartment. My main listening room is the living room which is 29'x 20'. Due to space considerations all the equipment is in the living room which drives speakers oin 3 other rooms. The dining room/ kitchen is 20'x 16.5',the bedroom is 14'x 14' and my wife's office is 12'x 11'. The renovations were completed in 2012 when the system was set up by my dealer. The only changes in the system for 2013 have been the Wilson Alexia's from the Sasha in the living room, upgrading to Shunyata Zitron power cords from CX and purchasing the Klaudio record cleaner. I also changed my tonearm to the Spiral Groove Centroid from the Tri-planar. Changes in 2014 include Shunyata Triton power conditioner and Alpha Digital power cords. Both work as claimed.

I recently added a Shunyata Cyclops/Anaconda for my LAMM M1.2s, it did lower the noise floor and improved the imaging and dimensionality of the soundstage.

I just exchanged my Pass Labs X250.5 for the X250.8 amp. Initial impressions are positive ,improved base control meaning tighter and better defined, faster transients, better imaging and dynamics.

Just added a Shunyata Typhon to my Triton for my source components. The improvement is dramatic, a level of haze has been removed and the depth, dimensionality and transparency steps up a level or two.

I just received my Lyra Etna, it only has a few hours on it. Immediately you notice the dramatic increase in resolution, detail and speed compared to the Skala.

I upgraded fromTA Reference to Gen5 Reference XL signal cables, the improvement, brings the music to another level of realism, in added depth, space, speed, power and detail.

I traded in my Spendor ST speakers for the Wilson Sabrina's for my bedroom. The Sabrina's are excellent speakers full range, very good dynamics and life like imaging.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 29’ × 19’  X large
Ceiling: 8’

Components Toggle details

    • Spiral Groove SG 1.2
    After owning a Linn LP12 for 30 years I got hooked on the SG2 after a demo by Allen Perkins at my dealer. Upgraded to the SG 1.2 in 2019
    • Spiral Groove Centroid
    An outstanding tonearm for this TT.
    • Lyra Etna
    Replaced my Lyra Skala
    • VTL TL 7.5 III
    The VTL TL 7.5 III was the perfect preamp in my situation. It has four main outputs, it works well with most other amps. Although it has a wide and deep soundstage and excellent tonality, it is very neutral and allows the characteristics of the amps to come through. Using Snake River Signature Takshaka interconnects and power cable. Also Telefunken AU7 61’ NOS tubes.
    • Lamm Industries LP2
    Using  Snake River Takshaka interconnects and power cord. Also Western Electric 417a and Tong Sol 50’s military tubes.
    • Lamm Industries M1.2
    The M1.2s drive Wilson Alexia's in the living room. I use Transparent Audio Opus G5 power cords and Snake River Takshaka interconnects. Using Telefunken 6922 60’s NOS tubes.
    • Pass Labs X250.8
    The X250.8 drives the Duette's in the dining room. I use Snake River Takshaka XLR Interconnects and Transparent  in wall speaker cable and premium brick. Snake River Signature Amp Power cable.
    • Krell Evo2250e
    The Krell drives Wilson Sabrinas' in the bedroom using Snake River Signature XLR interconnects and Transparent in-wall speaker cable. Power cable is Snake River Signature Amp
    • Linn Akurate 2200
    The Akurate drives the B&W ccm818 in ceiling speakers in my wife's office. I use Transparent Ultra Gen5 RCA interconnects, Transparent in- wall speaker cables and TA XL Gen5 power cable.
    • Wilson Audio Alexia V
    Alexia's are in my main listening room.
    • Wilson Audio Duette's
    Duette's are in the dining room and are driven by the Pass X250.8
    • Wilson Audio Sabrina
    The Sabrina's in bedroom are driven by the Krell Evo 2250e amp.
    • B&W ccm818
    B&W ccm818 in ceiling speakers in my wife's office.
    • Transparent Audio Gen 5 Opus and XL power cables
    • T+A T 1210R
    Using Snake River Signature Mamushi RCA interconnects to the VTL and TA XL Gen 5 PC
    • Polk Audio SR-H1000
    Sirius Radio using Cardas Audio Clear Reflection RCA interconnects
    • VPI Typhoon HW-27
    • Klaudio KD-CLN-LP200.
    This is an ultrasonic record cleaner well built and simple to use.
    • Adona Corporation Signature
    The audio rack was custom ordered from Adona Corp. Highly recommended very competitive for the price.
    • Shunyata Venom PS8 and Venom HC power cord
    I use the PS8 for my less important digital source or noisy components.
    • Transparent Audio XLPower Isolator Gen 5
    • Computer Audio Design GC 1, 1.1 and GC 3, 3.1
    Use for signal and main grounding on components, and main grounding on 3 dedicated a/c outlets.
    • Network Accoustics Muon filter
    Muon filter is upstream to Antipodes Oladra
    • Furutech GTX-D NCF(R)
    I have 4 dedicated outlets 2 quad and 2 duplex. Using SR quad cover plates and Furutech GTX 106D
    • EdisCreation Black Diamond DC cables
    Use on main switch and filter
    • EdisCreation Fiber Box III Extreme
    Upstream from the EC switches.
    • EdisCreation Silent Switch II Extreme and I Extreme
    Extreme  to Oladra server and from router
    • Clarus Sextet
    In closet for FireBird. Use Clarus Crimson HC and Snake River Signature Amp power cables
    • Antipodes Audio Oladra
    Uses Shunyata Omega X USB cable to Aries Cerat. Power cord is TA Opus G5
    • Clarus Crimson HC power cable
    To the wall from the Clarus Sextet
    • Snake River Audio Signature Hybrid Amp Power cable
    For Krell,  Pass Labs, Mutec and Crimson Sextet.
    • Sablon Audio AES/EBU DIGITAL CABLE
    Mutec to AC Dac
    • Aries Cerat Ithaka Minor Dac
    Uses Takshaka interconnects and TA Opus G5 cord.
    • Critical Mass Systems Center Stage 2, 2m and LS2 footers
    • EdisCreation Ethernet CAT 8
    From wall to switch and server
    • DH Labs Glass Master Toslink
    From Sony TV to Mutec
    • Sablon Audio Ethernet
    From TV to switch and in closet connecting router and switches
    • EdisCreation Firebird LPS
    Powers the EdisCreation switch and Firebox on rack and in closet
    • Audio Sensibility Statement SE DC power cable
    From EdisCreation Firebird to router and Silent Switch Extreme
    • Snake River Audio Takshaka signal cables, speaker cables and power cords
    PC for VTL, Lamm LP2 and FireBox
    Signal cables for Lamm, VTL, Pass Labs and SG 1.2
    Speaker cables for Alexia V
    • Sablon Audio DC cable
    To Fiber Box II in closet
    • IsoAcoustics ZaZen platform
    Under switches in closet
    • Wellfloat Double 4548 isolation platform
    For Aries Cerat Ithaka Minor PSU
    • Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock
    Converts optical cable from TV to AES for Dac
    • Shunyata Research Omega X usb cable

Comments 64

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Owner
EM
For years it bothered me that I did not have audiophile a/c receptacles.  Finally, I hired an electrician to install the Furutech. I did my due diligence and decided if I was going to have audiophile receptacles, I wanted ones that are built from scratch for audiophiles, not just an upgraded Hubbel. The Furutech take a long time to burn-in, so it is difficult for me to ascertain the impact on my system, there was nothing significantly discernable immediately after installation.  However, my system sounds better than it ever has but that is due to multiple upgrades and tweaks over the last few years. If I already had audiophile quality a/c receptacles, I would not replace them with the  Furutech or any brand. However, if I had non-audiophile made receptacles, I would buy the Furutech. The electrician commented how solid and well-made they were. I hope this helps.
Mark

markramler

I wrote a while back about your VTL 7.5. And you gave me a great reply.

I ended up buying Conrad Johnson gat and it seems to be working out nicely.

Noticed you have Furutech outlets and wondered what your thoughts were about them.  They seem very pricey but the quality of the other outlets I see you out there is questionable and tired of trying to figure it all out so I may just buy these. Thanks

emergingsoul

Also will likely to get a mac 462 stereo amp, an upgrade from their mc255, being kept for center etc

emergingsoul

Thanks, great thoughts.  Enhancing ht sound with tubes is nice.

I use a schiit freya and tube influence to ht is very nice.  Hoping vtl will be alot better.

emergingsoul

Owner
I listen primarily to streamed music from Tidal and Qobuz and also my liabrary on SSD. I also listen to LPs. The VTL is really a SS preamp with a tube output stage. VTL voice their preamps to sound good with their tubes. JJ Tesla tubes are low noise and cable tubes, however Telefunken are better in providing low noise harmonically articulate sound. This is a tweek to improve performance.
For home theater I am not sure you need a preamp, certainly it is overkill with the 7.5. However if you also listen to 2 channel audio I think it is a great preamp. Will it enhance your HT audio, of course it will.

markramler

Hi, plan to get vtl 7.5 iii to go with a mac amp and bw 802 d3, and used with ht.

I know vtl influences ht sound as tubes are on when using tv.  I like impact of tubes(good preamp) on ht.

Have u noticed an impact?

emergingsoul

Owner
Emergingsoul
I just had my VTL upgraded to the latest version, there were quite a number of upgrades since It came out. It is a great preamp very flexible and made to be compatible with most amps. I would say it is the heart of my system. It is a hybrid preamp with 2 12au7 in the gain stage. I upgraded the stock tubes to Telefunken mid 60’s Nos tubes which brings out greater harmonic articulation. I would say the VTL is more solid state sounding then tube sounding. It enhances the character of any amp I use. I never think of upgrading my preamp. You can hit some tweeter noise when you are in front of the speakers if no music is playing. The LAMMs are high gain amps and cause more noise than my Krell or Pass Labs amps. I set the preamp to low gain and it is fine not audible from any normal listening position. Thanks for your comment.
Mark

markramler

Hi, 
Would love to hear how vtl 7.5 iii impacts your ht sound?  
Your system could be a college course about hifi.

Thanks

emergingsoul

Owner
Jumia 
The ER A side feeds the EdisCreation Silent switch and the Nucleus also feeds the EC. The EC connects to the Network Accoustics ENO filter into my Meriden Dac. I did not like the sound of the ER B side into my ENO and used the A side,   which somewhat defeats the purpose of the ER. I am very impressed with the EC switch. It has a built in LPS, better clock and ports than the ER and is a good value for its price. So the ER replaced my Pakedge switch that formerly fed into the ER. The ER is better then the Pakedge.
Mark

markramler

Holy s.  Awesome.

Is the etherregen inserted in front of nucleus?

How do u like both?

jumia

Owner
 I upgraded from the G5 reference to the XL PI. For the signal cables I upgraded from the MM2 Ref to the G5 XL.

markramler

Great looking system Mark! Congratulations.

Did you have the TA G5 Reference prior to upgrading to the Ref XL?

audiohippo

Owner
TH
I just saw this. I have not been on AGON in a while. I had Sasha 1 and upgraded to Alexia 1 which was a huge upgrade. The LAMMs can drive Alexias’ with no problem.
M

markramler

I'm considering upgrading my Sasha I's to the Alexia 1's.  How do the Lamm M1.2s perform with the Alexias?

thesaint519

Owner

mdp632

I did not see your question till now. The Sabrinas' sound great. They play much bigger than the room. Excellent range and dynamics with good imaging. I drive them easily with my Krell Evo 2250e which has 250 watts per channel in a moderate sized but very damped  room. The Sabrinas' are not as efficient as the Alexias' or Duettes', but I believe that 60 watts of class A power should be fine unless your room is huge or very damped. Wilson and Pass Labs are a good match I have always liked that combo. Let me know what you do.

Mark

markramler

Mark,
Amazing components. How do you like your Sabrinas? I'm considering this speaker and would pair it with a Pass INT-60 integrated amplifier.  I heard the Sabrina at a dealer but, not with Pass electronics. 
Mike 

mdp632

Owner
John
I have not yet heard the Atlas so I cannot compare the two. I am extremely happy with the Etna. I would describe it as being very transparent and resolving of micro details with a tonal balance the sounds live. It presents a very coherent soundstage and balances being musical and analytical very well. The Centroid is a great tonearm and pairs well with Lyra's as you know.
I agree once you compare the TA Gen 5 to the MM 2 there is no going back it takes you system to a next level of realism. I can only imagine how good you system sounds.
Mark

markramler

Hi Mark,

Lot's of great upgrades. I am listening tonight to the Transparent Audio Opus MM2 (that I own) to my dealers Opus Gen5. it's a pretty good step similar to what you say above. The MM2 version is outstanding...but in comparison, you just can't really go back after listening to Gen 5.

How are you liking your Etna? I have a Atlas and Centroid arm...but am considering the Etna...I've owned 4 Lyra's in my life..but some say the Etna has some positive attributes beyond the Atlas...

jfrech

Owner
System edited: I traded in the Spendor ST speakers for the Wilson Sabrina's for the bedroom. They are excellent speakers, full range, very dynamic and live.

markramler

Owner
System edited: I just upgraded to the Shunyata Hydra Triton and Cyclops V2. My initial reaction is there is improved base and dynamics.

markramler

Owner
System edited: I replaced my Shunyata AncondaZ PCs on my Triton and Cyclops with the Sigma HC PCs. They improve on the dynamics, 3D soundstage and imaging.

markramler

Owner
System edited: I upgraded from Shunyata AnacondaZ to Sigma HC on my LAMM M1.2s. I am still using AnacondaZ to the wall from my Cyclops to the LAMMs. PCs were cooked by my dealer. I did not do an A/B comparison just replaced the old PCs with the new. My initial impressions are there is a modest improvement in dynamics, sound stage depth and fullness of sound especially in bass area. I plan on upgrading to the Sigma HC on my Triton and Cyclops next.

markramler

Owner
Kzhtoo
I use the LAMM M1.2's to drive the Alexia and the X250.8 to drive Duettes in another room, so I have not listened to that combination. I can tell you that the X250.8 have excellent base control better than the X250.5 which easily drove my Sasha's.

markramler

Very nice, Mark! I really like the room layout, piano and windows with lots of light.
How do you think Pass X250.8 driving the Alexia? I'm curious about the bass control at loud level.

Thanks,
Khin

kzhtoo

Owner
Thanks. Will post my thoughts after they break-in. TA has exceeded my expectations.

markramler

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