Mike Lavigne's System

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the link and response in detail. I imagine your listening space and hardware changes result in greater enjoyment. I'm contemplating a Pass XVR-1 as a xover for our Dali.

Our noble pursuit and journey continue!

Sonny and I are enjoying our summer. Got one of our A820's back from Charlie Bolois and found some tubes we like for our Atma-Sphere gear. Good thing we have central AC. :-)

c1ferrari August 01, 2015 07:01

Hi Mike!

Are the xovers on your MM7's like the xovers on the EA loudspeakers we heard at Newport?

Hope all is well with you and family. :-)

-Sam

c1ferrari August 01, 2015 00:34

Hi Mike,

Enthusiastically agree with paragraph 3 from 1/9/15.

HNY!
Sam

c1ferrari January 17, 2015 22:54

Hi Mike,

Sounds fun ;-)
Wish I could have been there!

Sam

c1ferrari August 10, 2013 15:22

Luv the pics, Mike ;-)

-Sam

c1ferrari December 06, 2012 06:53

Hey Mike,

CooL!
You're going to run these with the bigger Darts...right?

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari November 01, 2012 03:39

Mike,

Sonny says, Hi :-)

What's the ETA for the MM7's?
Congrats on that tape -- "Analog Tape...There Is NO Substitute" ;-)

c1ferrari June 11, 2012 03:07

Hi Mike!

Thanks for your write-up of 6/9 featuring your assessment of rooms at this year's THE Show in CA. It's much appreciated.

It was great to see you -- it's been too long!

Best,

Sam

c1ferrari June 10, 2012 18:45

CooL, Mike,

We'll see you in O.C. in a few!
Yeah, it'd be GREAT to hear your new stuff :-)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari April 10, 2012 03:49

Greetings, Mike,

Sonny and I might be up over the summer -- I may be obtaining some test gear in Seattle -- and if so, we'll give you a ring.

It'd be SO CooL to meet Ki and others from the wonderful PNW. Mikel's not too far away in B.C.

Are you coming to T.H.E. Show in SoCal?

Congrats!

Sam

c1ferrari April 08, 2012 09:51

Hey Mike,

I love it ;-)

I already received the conversion kit from Audiohouse.ch. Had to execute a wire transfer...mailing/shipping items between Switzerland and the U.S. is lickety-split :-)

Martin Berner is a gem. He was able to provide some history on both my Studer A820's that perhaps, would be difficult to secure, otherwise. Establishing provenance on fine machines, whether they be Ferraris or Studers, always appealed to me and helps make this avocation...special!

I acknowledge the choice you made wrt wiring...that, for me, would be a difficult one -- I am quite enamored of the A820 lines :-)

I can't wait to meet the inestimable Ki -- certainly, his wonderful reputation precedes him!

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 26, 2012 23:51

Hi Mike,

Cool ;-)

I sourced a NOS Studer 1/4"-->1/2" Conversion Kit from Martin Berner at Audiohouse.ch. They extended me a courtesy price!! I'll mention it on my system thread -- hopefully, sometime this year, haha.

Mike, any chance I could see a pic of the wires coming out of the headblock? Or, are the wires underneath and obscured from view :-)

Thanks,
Sam
p.s. Tape is #1 ;-)

c1ferrari January 26, 2012 07:57

Mike,

The Journey is a reward unto itself ;-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari January 02, 2012 08:54

Agear,

You're welome! I'll pay another visit to Alan's system thread for some more laughs, haha...y'all know what I mean :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari January 02, 2012 08:50

Hi Mike,

Analog R2R...vinyl...digital DSD 64/128 (read: not PCM) -- a veritable triple threat ;-)

It should be a stellar 2012, sonically, for Chez Lavigne!

Sonny and I convey our best wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity to you and your loved ones, Mike.

-Sam

c1ferrari December 31, 2011 23:44

Hi Agear,

Listening bias is strong.

Bias is definitely a variable and should not be discounted.

Music taste and listening style (quaint old man with his cognac and cigar versus Maxell man and his martini glass being blown over).

Priceless :-)

To each his own....

Not confined necessarily to audio.

Happy New Year,
Sam

c1ferrari December 31, 2011 23:30

Formidable armada, Mike...formidable!
Love the pics.

I'm approximating closure on the 1/2" conversion kit for the other Studer A820...I'll update my system thread when I take delivery :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari November 19, 2011 18:40

That's appreciated, Mike! I'll need to source some genuine Studer 1/2" pinch rollers...should I be unsuccessful, then perhaps, Athan.

Is Ki's Nagra T operational? I believe the Tape Project crew had a Nagra T at some point :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari October 08, 2011 20:18

Thanks, Mike...I just acquired another A820 :-) It's 1/4" with butterfly rec/repro heads. I may go with 1/2" Flux Magnetics heads...we'll have to see.

I missed a chance at a Nagra, recently -- oh brother! Was this the Nagra T from the UK?

-Sam

c1ferrari October 08, 2011 06:56

Looking forward to pics if you get the chance, Mike :-)

c1ferrari October 08, 2011 00:52

Say,

Isn't Lavigne...Français??

Mike -- did you get the Nagra T? I wonder if they speak French in Cheseaux? Hehe :-)

-Sam

c1ferrari October 02, 2011 08:04

De rien, Henri :-)

c1ferrari October 01, 2011 21:11

Henri,

Some recs for Paris jazz venues:

Le Duc des Lombards
Sunset Sunside

Au revoir,
Sam

c1ferrari September 26, 2011 04:43

Peter,

Regrettably, that's not unfamiliar...I had a London-based Studer tech prepared to assess a deck -- when the "seller" was queried for particulars...communication ceased.

Best regards,
Sam

c1ferrari September 14, 2011 04:18

That was a great post, Mike...
a really FUN and COMICAL read!

Thanks :-)

-Sam

c1ferrari August 18, 2011 06:48

Mike,

Ki has over 50 R2R's??
I don't know if I even have 50 tapes, haha :-)

-Sam

c1ferrari August 17, 2011 05:52

Hi Mike!

Are you using RCA's between the Studer and the K/C head pre? Is Ki using one? I saw the second Studer :-)

Where's your ATR?

Long live analog,

Sam

c1ferrari July 30, 2011 16:12

OMG...the new owner of the Rockport/Olympos has to be elated!

We simply must make another excursion to the Pacific Northwest to hear your system and room ;-)

Of course, we extend a warm invitation to you, as well!

c1ferrari July 12, 2011 23:01

That's a beaut, Mike! Sonny and I heard your table/arm set-up at T.H.E. Show in California, recently...I think the cart may have been an A-90 -- FABULOUS.

Jonathan was hitting on all cylinders, we thought...one of the top two rooms at T.H.E. Show :-)

Is one of your Durand arms reserved for the Olympos?

c1ferrari July 12, 2011 16:57

you look for minimum output and mimimum gain to get the job done for the very best sound. more output on a cartridge typically costs you with a loss of nuance, too much gain adds noise.

Sage advice, Mike...very informative -- thanks!

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari July 02, 2011 22:44

Hi Mike,

I just noticed you did change the name of your system page. I imagine the newest benefactor remains very pleased!

I should update my system page, too :-)

Take care,
Sam

c1ferrari June 19, 2011 19:09

i can tell you the visitors to my room that listen to all three have strong preferences for the Rockport.

c1ferrari February 20, 2011 20:52

Roysen,

You're going to love it :-)

Regards,
Sam

c1ferrari January 13, 2011 00:31

I'm looking forward to a return engagement, Mike...and I'll be sure to bring along Sonny for she has the more acute hearing - speaking of myself, of course :-)

I'd love to hear what it sounds like, now, considering the totality of the gear and acoustic development.

you and Sonny were a couple of the listeners who heard the room with the out-of-phase driver. sorry it was not right when you heard it.

Regardless, it remained a wonderful experience...no need to apologize :-)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari September 29, 2010 08:21

Hiya Mike,

i have been debating for a few weeks with myself whether to fully disclose my tale.

FWIW, I'm glad you did. You occupy an eminent position on AudiogoN and that stature has not been disturbed.

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari September 27, 2010 05:16

Mike,

You're absolutely right! You'll have to explain to me what's what though...between upgrades to your power supply, sources (tt and Studer), and listening environment -- I may succumb to sensory overload...haha :-)

BTW, Mikel from BC will be visiting San Diego later this month.

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari August 21, 2010 03:55

Hey, Mike,

I'm glad you got the Equi=Tech...I have a feeling it's going to make a difference ;-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari August 18, 2010 05:06

Righteous post, Mike...thanks :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari May 19, 2010 05:32

Congratulations, Mike :-) Time to celebrate!

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari April 08, 2010 01:56

Greetings, Mike,

I'm curious of your sonic impressions pertinent to Cello electronics and the 820. Sounds :-) like an exciting development!

Appreciate your thoughts,
Sam

c1ferrari April 07, 2010 05:36

Ooh...40 cents/album - sounds great, Mike! Now, I need to find something similar in 1/2" or 1/4", 1/2 track tape :-)

Regards,
Sam

c1ferrari April 01, 2010 14:49

Hi Mike,

That's great that your RCM is performing brilliantly! Good luck to your team and travel safely :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari March 24, 2010 04:56

Nice pics, Mike...especially the last one!

-Sam

c1ferrari March 08, 2010 03:41

Mike, Jonathan,

Just curious...any additional measurements? Wish Sonny and I were there, too :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari March 07, 2010 16:55

Very exciting, Mike!

c1ferrari March 06, 2010 15:58

Hi Mike,

Well-stated! Sonny and I had a choice to attend the room correction seminar at Rocky Mountain or visit additional rooms...we pursued the latter. The concept intrigues me, though.

I'm so impressed with the remarks regarding the improvements...the observations are very positive - especially Rugyboogie!

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari February 26, 2010 20:38

Cool, Mike :-) Say, I don't know if I missed it from the beginning of your thread in 2002, but have you ever tried active/digital room correction...just for fun...to address frequency, amplitude, time, phase, etc. anomalies?

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari February 26, 2010 06:48

Wow, Mike...your room looks like it will be much more "live". I hope you achieve the lower frequency characteristics you seek :-) Is Jonathan coming up?

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari February 19, 2010 04:07

Hi Mike,

Extended listening sessions of your room/system are my current reference of a resolving system that does not fatigue the listener.

I vividly recall our visit to Bruce's mastering studio and how I quipped what he was doing/had done to some files "was no fair"! :-)

now comes the process of listening and getting some feedback; then measuring again and then moving the speakers around in the 'new' environment to see where the most ideal spot might be.

I realize this might take some time...when you think you're there - let us know...I have something for you :-)

Vbr,
Sam

c1ferrari February 12, 2010 06:34

Hi Mike!

If only I lived closer! :-)

Vbr,
sam

c1ferrari February 11, 2010 22:57

Hi Bruce/Crna39: Very encouraging comment!

Sdrsdrsdr: Insightful reflection...neither did I sustain fatigue upon listening to Mike's system/room at length. Indeed, that's one of the finest compliments I can offer...enchanting :-)

Congrats, Mike!
p.s. I sent you an e-mail on your .net account.

Regards,
Sam

c1ferrari February 03, 2010 03:19

Hi Mike,

Looking forward to your perceptions of the A90/Rockport combo...where's the Olympos?

-Sam

c1ferrari February 01, 2010 05:42

Jazdoc,

...akin to unhitching a trailer from a Ferrari.

Now, that's some declaration! :-) I'm sure an incredible experience was enjoyed by all.

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari February 01, 2010 00:33

Acoustat6,

Thanks for the info at HTS...I'm going to check it out!

Glai,

An A810 is a terrific piece...congrats!

Mike,

"i know that subjective feedback does not take the place of measurements, but measurements also do not take the place of subjective feedback either. it does not matter if it measures well if it does not sound right/good."

That really is a prudent approach, isn't it? :-)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 29, 2010 02:52

Glai,

I didn't know you had an A820 :-)

Regards,
Sam

c1ferrari January 27, 2010 08:21

Hi Jonathan,

I'm sorely tempted! It'd be great to be of any assistance, and, of course, listen and learn :-)

From SoCal,
Sam

c1ferrari January 27, 2010 06:57

Hi, Mike,

Thanks for the updates. It'll be interesting to see how the room measures out.

-Sam

c1ferrari January 27, 2010 02:11

"...determine whether i can (possibly) justify the investment (and the corresponding delay in my retirement)."

That's classic, Mike :-)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 26, 2010 06:32

Congrats, Mike - I think you're having fun...

"the bass is dramatically more impactful. i can feel it. and there is a warmth and body i've not ever had in this room."

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 23, 2010 23:22

Good evening, Mike,

Sounds like an exciting weekend...wish I could be there to listen and learn!

From rainy and cold SoCal,
Sam

c1ferrari January 23, 2010 06:07

Hey, Mike,

You're definitely not pathetic :-) Looking forward to hearing your observations with the dart monoblocks in your new environs.

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 22, 2010 05:32

Hi Mike,

I have a feeling that the dart monoblocks will have a favorable effect in your room/system...I know that I'm going out on a limb, here :-)

-Sam

c1ferrari January 16, 2010 21:02

Dear Steve and Mike,

Thank you for the elucidation. Steve, I hope to make your acquaintance in the future. You have an AWESOME resource in your father :-)

Best,
Sam

c1ferrari January 08, 2010 21:26

Hi Mike,

I'm glad the sound is progressing in the direction you desire. The system was sounding oftly good when we visited, recently :-) Are you still going to work on the room acoustics?

I was thinking of attending THE SHOW, but have decided to relax at home. Good luck with your son Steve's hi rez music server business...would this be the sort of thing that would enable us to download hi rez files like we heard at Puget Sound Studios?

Sam

c1ferrari January 08, 2010 02:07

Hi Mike,

Happy New Year! Sonny and I had an incredible experience listening to your exquisite system...also, thanks for our excursion over to Bruce's - another enlightening event! We visited Rugyboogie on New Year's Day - such a delight
:-)

With great appreciation for your hospitality,

Sam & Sonny

c1ferrari January 03, 2010 04:42

Hey Jtinn!

F_U_N was had by all :-) Thanks for the java in Portland.

Best,
Sam & Sonny

c1ferrari December 28, 2009 08:43

Hi, Mike,

Didn't know about your surgery...sounds (pun intentional) like you're feeling well :-) Dealing with allergies and the flu, myself, at the moment. Sonny and I are contemplating a road trip to Seattle, rather than flying...I'll e-mail or call you within the next couple of days to touch base.

Take care,
Sam & Sonny

c1ferrari December 13, 2009 20:00

Hi, Mike,

I didn't realize you had custom output electronics on your A820...EAR stuff?

Regards,
Sam

c1ferrari December 03, 2009 07:49

Audiogon

Forum

Bluebook

Merch

Description

Room Details

Components Toggle details

Evolution Acoustics MM7's

darTZeel NHB-468

darTZeel NHB-18NS with 2 internal phono stages.

Evolution Acoustics 7.5 meter 'Zeel'

Evolution Acoustics 'System' speaker cables--10 feet

WADAX SA Reference DAC

WADAX SA Reference Server with Akasa optical interface

CS Port LFT1 turntable w/arm

Esoteric T1 Turntable

Esoteric G1X Master Clock

Wave Kinetics NVS

Durand ---Two Tosca tonearms.

Primary Control 12" FCL tone arm

Durand Tonearms 12" Telos, wood arm wand

Experience Music/Intact Audio phono corrector + silver wound MC Trio SUT combo for three different tonearms.

LFD -3- Phono Cables DIN to RCA

DaVa Reference cartridge

two Etsuro Golds, ---a pair of Reference MC Phono Cartridges.

Audio Technica MC-2022 60th Anniversary cartridge

Koetsu Azule Platinum Stone Body, boron cantilever

Miyajima Labs --2--Infinity mono cartridge's.

DS Audio Ion 001 Vinyl Ionizer

CS Port Static Eliminator IME1 (two of them)

Stage III Concepts 1.5 meter XLR set of Gorgon interconnects.

Ampex twin ATR-102----one 1/4" and one 1/2" reel to reel master recorder

Kosobutsky 1.5 meter set of RCA interconnects + 8 meter set of XLR interconnects.

Nordost QRT QNET network switch

Synology 30 Terabyte NAS (a pair = 60 TB) music file storage

Taiko Tana (5 of them) Herzan TS-150 (2) + TS-140 (3)

Taiko Audio Daiza isolation platform--22 used in the system

Adona Zero GTX rack---3 of them--each 4 shelf.

Evolution Acoustics 'system' power cables

Sablon Audio King power cord

Absolute Fidelity power interfaces

Tripoint Audio Troy Signature

Tripoint Audio Elite

Equi=tech 10WQ

Furutech GTX-D NCF Rhodium duplex outlets

Wave Kinetics A10 U8 decoupling footers

Auralex T-Fusor diffusers

Klaudio Record Cleaning System

Acoustic Revive RL-30 mKIII CD-LP demagnatizer

Furutech DF-2 LP disc flattner

Audiodharma Cable Cooker, Anniversary Ed.

Winds ALM-01 Stylus Force Gauge

i-Tower by Koncept LED floor lamp

Quietrock THX 545 drywall

view...... what i look at...

Barn.... ......room is....

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