Albert Porter's System

by albertporter on All Out Assault

Description

Speakers are Focal Grande Utopia EM in black finish

Analog music sources, Technics SP10 MK3  with two Kuzma 4 Point 14" arms.  Koetsu Blue Lace on one and Air Tight Opus One in the other.   Studer A820 half track tape machine with three sets of cards, each rebuilt by Studer electronics experts so I can compare upgrade performance.

Digital music source is Aurender W20 Special Edition into Soulution 760 LEEDH.  THe best input for music so far is Purist new USB cable and AES/EBU close second place.

Soulution 725 preamp, Soulution 755 phono stage Soulution 760 LEEDH and Soulution 701 mono block amps for electronics.  See image posted Nov 18, 2022 to see how it looks.

Cable is 100% top tier Purist Audio design.  All latest 35th Anniversary,  all ten AC cords are the new Purist 35th Anniversary AC.

My space is 18 X 31 and acoustically treated with RPG panels, tube traps and fiberglass acoustic treatment over triple reinforced walls and ceiling. The floor is lamination beams over steel plates to concrete pier and beam.  Two sheets of 5/8 epoxy lamination sheets make up the floor with two inches of concrete topped with India multi color slate.

Whisper Wall rail system and fine textured acoustic cloth covers the work, making  everything appear as a normal room of painted sheet rock or decorative cloth covering.

The room acoustics were conceived by RBDG and the entire space was torn out to bare dirt under the foundation and bare studs in the walls.  The combo of all new electrical and acoustical treatment resulting in best sound I’ve ever had.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 31’ × 18’  X large
Ceiling: 12’

Components Toggle details

    • My Photography http://www.albertporterphoto.com
    Commercial + Advertising Photography, Dallas, TX.
    • Focal Grande Utopia EM
    The best offering from Focal, shown with Stillpoints Ultra 5. Ultra 5 was an amazing upgrade for the speakers !
    • RPG Acoustics QRD 734 (variation)
    On front wall, now obscured by acoustically transparent cloth, is floor to ceiling RPG (similar to QRD® 734) in foam, so it's partially absorptive.
    • Studer Studer A820
    Found a near mint A820 at a production studio in Illinois.  I was so excited about it's condition I had it driven here in the back of an SUV, covered with moving blankets.

    Head block sent to John French and all cards at Soren Wittrup who worked for Studer.  This is the machine I spent more than a decade searching for.
    • Technics SP10 MK3 Rosewood with Stillpoints Ultra 5
    Technics SP10 MK3 Panzerholz + Rosewood shown with Stillpoints Ultra 5
    • Technics SP10 MK3 Panzerholz + Ebony
    Technics SP10 MK3 Panzerholz with African Ebony lumber (no Veneer). This is the original design by John Semrad and myself, copied to death now.
    • TTM Stainless Mat and Oil Damp Weight
    Japan, TTM Stainless mat (6.61 pounds) plus TTM oil filled record weight.
    • TTM record stabilizer TTM three piece set
    Very hard to find, grateful I was able to purchase this last week.  Three piece TTM record stabilizer replaces my previous single piece unit.
    • Air Tight Opus
    Air Tight top of the line phono cartridge
    • Mutech Hayabusa
    Excellent MC cartridge, retail about $4500.00
    • Koetsu Blue Lace Platinum
    Top tier stone body Koetsu, perfect alternate to Air Tight Opus One
    • Soulution 725 preamp
    725, Soulution best preamp, shown in system
    • Soulution 755 phono
    Soulution best phono stage, unbelievable amount of adjustment for cartridge including channel balance to 1 DB
    • Soulution Soulution 760 LEEDH
    Soulution top tier DAC, really pleased with performance of this DAC.  

    I still prefer analog but many recordings that were digital to begin with (and vinyl cut from CD master) are better on Soulution than on turntable.
    • Soulution 701 Mono Block Amplifiers
    Soulution top tier 2KW solid state amps from Switzerland
    • ORB-DF03 USA version DF03
    Excellent LP flattener, simple to use and so far perfect result
    • Aurender W20 Special Edition
    Aurender music server, model W20 SE with 16TB solid state storage on board.
    • Vibraplane 2212-01
    Under my Technics MK3,  powered by Silentaire DR-150
    • Degritter MK2 Ultrasonic LP cleaning machine
    From Estonia, very powerful ultrasonic LP cleaning machine.  The MK2 version is better than the original which was already the best I’ve heard
    • Degritter and ORB LP flattner Degritter and ORB LP flattner
    View of two important pieces to maintain LP collection
    • Milbank Transocket three phase 750 amp
    750 amp meter base. Pass through design, three phase power is a huge benefit in conjunction with our dedicated transformer.
    • Porter Port Cryo outlets 20 Amp
    14 of these in my system, each to a dedicated breaker in copper based electrical box
    • Furutech NCF Booster
    New NCF Booster added to majority of AC cords in system.  Easy to see against light colored wall, arrow points to NCF Booster to my (previous) owned Allnic M-5000 amp.
    • Purist Audio Design Focal EM Supply cable
    New four conductor cord, replaces stock Focal supply cord from EM drive box to back of speaker. Amazing upgrade
    • Purist Audio Design 35th Anniversary XLR (4 total)
    (1) Soulution 755 phono to Soulution 725 preamp
    (1) Soulution 725 preamp to Soulution 701 mono blocks
    (1) Soulution 760 LEEDH DAC to Soulution 725 preamp
    (1) Studer A820 to Soulution 725 preamp
    • Purist Audio Design 35th Anniversary Bi-Wire
    1.5 meter Bi-Wire, Soulution 701 mono blocks to Focal Grande EM
    • Purist Audio Design 35th Anniversary AC Cables
    New STUNNING cable from Purist Audio, silver and seven stage network box.  This cable brought so much dynamics, resolution and transparency to my system it qualifies as a main component.
    • Leica Disto D2
    Super laser measuring tool. Indispensable for setting distance and alignment of your speakers

Comments 4737

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Hi Albert,
Excited to read about the results of the Air Tight Cart.  How has it improved upon the Coralstone?  I have both the Coralstone and Supreme, but as of late, been spinning only the Coralstone.  
Thanks, Steve
 

siddh

Owner
I seldom make snap decisions and even fewer times do I post comments when convinced my decision is worthy.   Today all that changed, I mounted the new Air Tight Magnum Opus (serial number 0003) and played about 10 LP sides from this afternoon late till we shut down at 10:30 PM.

This is a stunning cartridge, the highest resolution I’ve ever heard and boarding on my open reel machine.  Best of all, it‘s tonal balance is just a grand.  

When compared to other great cartridges I own or recently had, the Air Tight Magnum Opus is (much) higher resolution, faster, cleaner, tighter bass, (far) less distortion and rides the LP groove with less noise.

The only thing my Air Tight Supreme did that’s marginally better is the placement of the rear wall soundstage and total front to rear space.  

The Air Tight Supreme did not show best strength when it was brand new so I expect this new Magnum Opus will cross that final barrier to be the best cartridge ever.  At least for my taste.

albertporter

Owner
Mitch,

My understanding is the SE has a couple of small part changes but primary upgrade is that it ships with super matched set of KT-150 output tubes.

When my ARC got 600 hours I removed the factory KT-120 tubes and replaced with a set of curve traced KT-150s.  The KT-150 was stupendous upgrade for REF 250.   

I’ve had my ARC for about 2 years now and have another amp being built that I think will be the end all for my needs.   I can’t discuss it right now but it will be  released to the public first quarter 2016.

albertporter

Albert, did you consider the SE upgrade for your Ref 250 monos?

mitch4t

Owner
I just  mailed a check for two Air Tight PC1 Opus MC cartridges.   If the rave reviews about their performance  is accurate, my Air Tight PC1 Supreme will  be for sale at Audiogon.

FedEx air shows Tuesday as deliver date.  I’m excited.

albertporter

Owner
Jeff,

Nothing wrong with ARC amps, I had excellent experience with them. 

I’m not going to CES this year, it seems less and less attendance in the high end part and certainly not like it once was.  

I still enjoy RMAF and THE Show Newport,  both allow audiophiles in to enjoy the music, not just dealers.  I may go to Munich show May 2016.

albertporter

Just curious Albert, what made you decide to get rid of the Audio Research Amps? I'm looking forward in going to CES next week. The best Jeff

jwm

Owner
Christian,

I just posted to Arnie’s system.  He too is a convert to the RCA CRC 5R4GY rectifier in the Allnic H5000l.   I need to get my pair installed and running, highly unlikely my choice will be different than you two.

Tonight was Tuesday night music and we had great sound.   We had a new visitor, Ben who is with Apple Computer.  He’s a family member of regular visitor Chris Owen who lives here in Dallas and attends fairly often.  

We share  wide musical taste and explored new LPs they brought for us to enjoy and gave me a list to search out:

Aphex twin - Syro
Nils Frahm
Hauschka
Sufjan Stevens
Autechre

albertporter

Owner
Yes, double bottom getters, US Military from 1940s.   Andy at Vintage had them with white box or original Military boxes with all data.   I bought the ones in original boxes.

It will be a few days before I can test.  Our son will arrive in a few days  to visit for the holidays and that's first priority :-).  I'm excited to see him, will be happy when his bride to be graduates and they can move back to DFW area.

albertporter

Double bottom getters I assume ? Let us know what you think. I want validation my recommendation was good. :-)

rockitman

Owner
I found and purchased a matched pair of NOS RCA CRC from 1940s.   I want to try these since they work for you and will also try a few 5Y3 direct heat rectifiers that Allnic and Babybear (Arnie) likes.

There’s plenty of time to experiment, my system is stable except for breaking in the new Allnic 200 W monoblocks and some needed hours on the Koetsu Coralstone.

albertporter

The best tube in my humble opinion after the WE422A are the RCA JRC CRC 5R4GY from WW2...No later than 1945. They have dark brown bases and most importantly have Double bottom getters. The same tubes after 1945, such as the early 50's variants have single bottom getters. These 1945 tubes get you 90% of the WE's and would be my tube of choice if I didn't have the WE's. They are a lot less expensive too with a 2 amp filament current, although somewhat rare and hard to find.

rockitman

Owner
Rockit,

Same for me,  I have just about every kind of rectifier except the WE you discovered. 

I agree with your comments about the Takatsuki 300B, a great investment for the Allnic H-5000 even at the extreme price.

albertporter

Yes I know. I have a full suitcase of rectifiers for the H5000.

rockitman

Owner
I'll go back and  try the RCA.  I want to demo a pair of WE 422A before I buy since I have so many rectifiers already.

albertporter

Once I started using the tak 300b's for voltage regulation, the gain stage tubes became quieter and performed better. The stock tube was not so good and caused periodic white noise on the Marconi hl2k's. I have the Valvo GZ34. They don't hold a candle to the WE 422A. In fact I preferred 1950's RCA 5U4G's better than any GZ series tube.

rockitman

Owner
Rockit,

The new Allnic comes with KT-150 tubes,  power is about 200 WPC.   It‘s very powerful with my speakers.  Sounds about same headroom as the Audio Research REF 250.

No to small bottle Phillips for rectifiers. I’ve settled on the Valvo GZ -34 and still using Takatsuki 300B in that position.

albertporter

I will keep my ear out with regard to interest in the ARC amps. Are you still running the small bottle Phillips with the blue printing in the h5000 ?

So those m3000 provide enough juice for your speakers ?
140 watts is plenty I suppose. I take it you really like them. They seem very reasonably priced msrp.

rockitman

Owner
No, I saw that pair but resisted :-).  One member of my audio group is a tube hound, I’m hoping he has a pair of these I can try before I order a pair.

I just got a replacement pair of Allnic M-3000MK2 to replace the pair I let go to a good customer.    The few hours the  previous pair had made a lot of difference, I’m going to start tomorrow at 7:00 AM running music through them to get them up to speed.

I need to find a buyer for my black ARC REF 250 mono blocks, you don’t know anyone do you?

albertporter

Did you pick that matched pair of WE422A's up on eBay today Albert ? I had them on my watch list and they sold. :-)

rockitman

Owner
Test,

Do Virtual Systems posts show in recent activity?

albertporter

Owner
ddriveman,

Sorry I did not see your comments until now.  I cannot get accustomed to this new format.

Tonight we tried the USB 3 iFi micro reclocker, the iFi Gemini twin head cable and iFi purifier 2.

Everyone seemed to prefer going from Mac Mini with AudioQuest Diamond USB into the Allnic D5000 DAC.   I plan on testing again when my Allnic amps arrive so I have reference sound again.

albertporter

Albert,

I am using the 1st Gen iFI iPurifier on my Allnic D5000 DAC with Audioquest diamond cables. I do find this to be a slight improvement than without the iPurifier. Interesting to hear your thoughts non the iPurifier 2. Not sure if you need the iUSB3.0 power since the D5000 does not need the 5v from the USB cable. SO, maybe redundant? Also, appreciate any comments you can give of the Allnic M5000 amp versus the ARC REF250 amps in your system.

ddriveman

Owner
I just ordered the new iFI iUSB3.0 + Dual headed USB cable and iFI Purifier 2.

I'll post results once I get a chance, excited to see if it works with my Allnic HDT DAC.

albertporter

Owner
Musicmann1
HI Albert. I noticed your SP10 MK3 Rosewood Table with STILLPOINTS ULTRA 5;S . Do you screw the ULTRA 5'S all the way so that they actually touch the bottom of the Rosewood PLINTH, or do you leave a little gap. If so, did you try it both ways and if so what was your take away?

I tried both ways and agree with Stillpoints recommendation to back the Ultra 5 away from bottom of turntable (or chassis) for best performance.

I should add, with Vibraplane the effect of the Ultra 5 is not as great. In my situation the Vibraplane is a requirement since my speakers are capable of such deep bass.

albertporter

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