How naive was that. Twelve times around the block later here I am. The Dartzeels are the absolute finest electronics I have ever experienced. Period. The Coltranes are a full range speaker with the ability to deliver all of the beautiful transparency and detail that the Darts put out. The sources have not changed-
with the exception of the EMM Labs upgraded to SE's.
If you read the EMM Labs Signature Press Release it appears there is in at least one significant change in the CDSD SE, so I'm a little confused as well. Is the MDAT (breakthrough) technology used in older CDSD units?
Czapp - do not worry. Jtinn have admited in another thread (now deleted - as most of EMM Labs related threads, btw) that the so called "upgrade" to CDSD Signature was only a name change, to keep up with the new Signature DACs. Do not ask me for logic behind that move, 'cos I don't get it either.
BTW - Since I also have Lamms M1.2, can you briefly describe the differences between the Lamm and the Dart ? I'm thinking of upgrading both my Avalons and my lamms, so I may equally well consider Marten/Dart combo.
Hi Dgad I'm holding off for now. My CDSD isn't upgradeable, because it doesn't have the USB port, so the change to the signatures becomes a much bigger investment. We'll see. Carl
Dgad, and Elberoth Sorry for the delay - almost a year - I have not checked this thread in quite a while. My system has changed quite a bit since I posted here. The Lamm's have been replaced with the Dartzeel amp and preamp, and the EAR 324 is gone, as the Dart preamp has a wonderful phono stage. The Kharmas have been replaced with the Marten Design Coltranes. I have to say that the Brinkmann and EMM Labs are really quite close. The Brinkmann has a bit more warmth and bloom in the midrange, and the EMM has a tighter bass - although the Brinkmann is no slouch there. They both have very clean extended highs, with not a hint of grain or edge. Soundstage solidity and size would go to the Brinkmann. Regards Carl
Hi Lawrence Yes the sub is big, but I've gotten used to it. It has made such an enormous difference in my system that even if it were twice the size I wouldn't give it up. I just checked out your system. It looks like things are really coming together. The room is beautiful. Glad to see it all worked out after a nervous start. Carl
Dgad I heardthe Brinkmann at the show, and while I thought the room sounded quite good at times, it was still a show room, with all of it's limitations. Yes, the headshell is narrow, and restricting because of it's sides. I am interested in the idea of a second arm. A solution with the Balance is to get another arm pod, and keep an arm and cartridge mounted on it. That way you can just lift out one pod and replace it with the other.
What cartridge did you have before on the 2001? I heard the Brinkman @ the show. The engineering is very high & it is a piece of art. I just wasn't impressed with the sound. It probably was the show, but I felt SACD sounded better. It could easily have been the LP played. I would love to give it a 2nd try. I am using a Hyperspace w. a SME V. Unfortunately my cartridge won't fit on the Brinkman arm. Van den Hulls are too big. As are Allearts (I think I am spelling it right). I am thinking of adding a vibraplane to step up my Hyperspace. In the mean time I am waiting for a custom phono stage which was my weak link. A person who upgraded to the Brinkman La Grange recommended the phono stage. I am giving it a try as I can always tinker with it to fine tune it. He stated that the La Grange has the most neutral sound of any vinyl system he ever heard. I like the idea of the La Grange that it can take a 2nd tonearm. I am waiting to see if I can find a deal.
Thanks Dgad. Prior to the Brinkmann I had a Basis 2001. At that time I would have said that the Meitner front end was far better in both redbook and SACD playback. With the Brinkmann it is a whole different story.I now have that analogue "rightness" about the music. All the extension, and defined bass are there, yet with a natural, relaxed, musicality that is so compelling. The Meitner on SACD comes close, but it's not the same. Jcvr - The Kharmas were made for the Lamms. The synergy is so high - a perfect fit. I had the CAT JL2 before the Lamms, and although it is a great amp - despite its reliability issues - it never made the 3.2's sing the way they do now. Carl
Love your system. Listen to it with lots of pleasure. Very close to my ideal in many ways. How do you like turntable in comparison to the EMM? SACD compared to LP.
Ray I missed your question about the Gingkos. They are excellent. One of the few isolation platforms that doesn't thin out the mid-range. A very good very simple solution. Carl
Thanks all. Howard - Actually it is a side door that we don't use. I don't think my wife would appreciate being barricaded in. Ray - In my house Willie gets what Willie wants. Regards Carl
Boy, I would say so (you've arrived). I presume from the first photo that I am seeing your front door blocked by cables and equipment. If it were me, I wouldn't leave the house either. Beautiful system! Howard
