How much do you like your system? Pics of mine.

[frenchmon]

I really love my little system. It has awesome synergy! Thought I;d post pics of it in my room.

This is a great table very much underrated in my opinion. It has a 2MBlack Cart.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/42/j7qr.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/16j7qrj)
This preamp flies under the radar...oh its a great piece as well.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/909/pGv4qu.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/p9pGv4quj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/674/W5PgBW.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/iqW5PgBWj)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/540/AY3x87.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/f0AY3x87j)

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/905/ZjshaK.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/p5ZjshaKj)

[JohnMichael]

Very nice system and would love to hear it. I agree synergy is very important. I have made some changes to achieve that for myself.

I need to post pictures of my current combination of equipment. I changed phono preamps to the Moon 110LP due to a little edge in the high frequencies. I have also decided on the MoFi OML1's. I have enjoyed these speakers for years but was looking for something different but did not find anything better. They have the best rhythm and pace of any of the speakers. I was listening to the Focal's and realized they were playing the notes but not making music.

[blackraven]

Frenchie, your system looks great and I am sure it sounds even better!

I love my system and how it has evolved over the past year. Going analog has made it even better. My next upgrade will be to get a new DAC (Wyred 4 Sound DSDse, Auralic Vega or a Bel Canto 3.5 MKII) and then either the Magnepan 3.7i's or the 1.7's. After that, a new phono preamp (tube) and a Nagaoka MP-500 cartridge.

Larry

[JohnMichael]

One thing I discovered about myself is when the system is sounding good I used to think what do I need to change for it to sound better. I know I did that with speakers but luckily not high buck speakers. I finally realized how musical and rhythmic the OML1's sound. I had my favorite speaker all along. Now of course I have given myself permission to just enjoy the sound and leave things as are. Sure there is better out there but for me and my room I am satisfied.

[blackraven]

I was happy with my 1.6's till I heard both the 1.7's and the 3.7i's. The differences are not subtle. Both are smoother, more detailed and coherent with a slightly darker sound and a wider sweet spot.

My DAC is old but still sounds very good especially with the addition of these Sparko op amps which are much more detailed and clear compared to the BB 0627's.

Discrete Op Amps | Sparkos Labs.comSparkos Labs.com (http://sparkoslabs.com/discrete-op-amps/)

They breathed new life into it but after hearing my friends Wyred 4 Sound DSDse DAC2 in my system, I was blown away.

[Feanor]

I really love my little system. It has awesome synergy! Thought I;d post pics of it in my room.

This is a great table very much underrated in my opinion. It has a 2MBlack Cart.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/640x480q90/905/ZjshaK.jpg (http://imageshack.com/f/p5ZjshaKj)

Well thanks for asking, Frenchmon. Your system is looking great.

I'm pretty well please with mine -- which is a good thing since major up grades are out of the question of the foreseeable future.

My most recent upgrades were the Schiit Bifrost Uber DAC, ARC LS9 preamp, and Pass Labs X150.5 amp. Each of the made a significant improvement: the Bifrost produced much improved detail and imaging; the ARC greatly improved dynamics (over the passive I'd been using); the Pass Labs in imaging, dynamics, and bass.

Here's a diagram ...
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/500/StereoDiagram18.jpg

Here's a picture; obviously only the right Magneplanar is partly showing ...
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/500/Stereo_system_Nov_2013.jpg

[frenchmon]

JM: thanks for the complement. Its a great system and sounds extremely great! Im not just saying that because its my system...its really outstanding. Its all about synergy. I very carefully decided on the components based on what was already in my system. The system is very clear and transparent. Thats why I decided to go with German speakers and German amps/preamps. I wanted tubes and when Vincent came along with the tube sound but with slamming bass like SS, I was hooked. And because its German designed, they stuck to what most German gear is...transparent , clear and very accurate. And the Cantons are just that as well...and the ceramic tweeters are unbelievable! No pollution whatsoever...I can hear every change I make in my system...the system is that clear and transparent. The Triode Wire Labs are a very great cable and power cord. My entire system gives much more in what it can do, than what was paid. I love this system.

Please do post pics of your system....I love to look at audio porn!

Raven:

Can you post pics as well? I would love to see the BAT. In my opinion, analog has to be in the system. Vinyl has the most natural sound of any media to my ears. In my opinion...some of these HI REZ dacs sound a bit to digital. There are a few good ones on the market that has an analog sound to them. That Level 5 Lampzator DAC is one such DAC, but that Level of DAC will cost you a small fortune. There are a few less expensive others out there but you have to know what to listen for. I am also going to get a new phono amp, but It doesnt have to be a tube seeing my amp/preamp are tubes. One that has great sysnergy is what I want. I also hear thats a great cart!

JM: Thats something isnt it? You had your speakers all along. JM, have you did any tweaking to your system? I find some of those tweaks to be just as like buying a new component.

Raven: I have a few more things to buy...such as another phono...and when I do...im off the merry go round. Im sure I can find a better speaker if I moved up in the Canton line, or moved up in the Vincent line, but why bother....Im on a destination....not a journey. I know other may not like what I say and to each his own...but from what I know about a lot of those guys at Audioshark, as well as Audiokarma and audioaffciano, some of those guys like listening to boxes rather than music...they change gear like they change under garments.

Feanor mi man: You system looks grreat as well. Looks like you may have done a little tweaking as well? And that Pass Labs looks tasty. If it sounds any thing like Peabody's then I know you have a fine sound over there! Are you running hybrids with the Pass and ARC?

[blackraven]

I will post some pic's this week.

Frenchmon, I am content with my speakers. But the 3.7i's and the 1.7's could be the speakers I could have for the rest of my life. Although I have entertained going more traditional with a pair of Dyn Audio's or PSB Synchrony 1's if I can find a pair as PSB is closing out the Synchrony line. Word is that they may be coming out with a new line.

[frenchmon]

Hmmmm. With the BAT being a warm amp...do you think the Dyns or PSB may be a tad to warm?


JM....I've heard your amp with a pair of Sonus Faber Liuto .....sound was fabulous!

[JohnMichael]

JM....I've heard your amp with a pair of Sonus Faber Liuto .....sound was fabulous!


Thank you and I find it very enjoyable. It must sound different than earlier models because so many try to find fault based on using previous models.

[Feanor]

Feanor mi man: You system looks grreat as well. Looks like you may have done a little tweaking as well? And that Pass Labs looks tasty. If it sounds any thing like Peabody's then I know you have a fine sound over there! Are you running hybrids with the Pass and ARC?

I don't have any hybrid or tube components in the chain. I would like to hear Raven's BAT preamp though.

Nor I have I much in the way of tweaks. If you look carefully at my pic you might notice Sorbothane feet under the preamp but I removed those and haven't notice any different; my shelving system as whole is a good vibration absorber. I'm now using Transparent Plus cables between the DAC and preamp; this makes a very small improvement over the BJC Belden 1505F-based cables I was using previouly.

[JohnMichael]

frenchmon since you are so pleased with your Ortofon I had to mount my OM20 today. It had been too long a time. I have to say I am glad seeing you using the Black inspired me to mount it. I was missing some detail that budget MC cartridges cannot equal.

[blackraven]

Frenchmon, the BAT is not what I would call warm. It leans a little to the warm and dark side and I wish it was a little warmer as the Pass amp is neutral as is my DAC with the new Sparko Op amps that I rolled in it. The BAT despite using 8 tubes is described by pro reviewers as being almost solid state like in some respects but with a hint of tube sound and the midrange of a tube amp.

I use to be a big fan of detail, resolution and neutral sound but my tastes have evolved and I prefer a warmer more romantic sound, hence my interest in Box Speakers like PSB and Dyn's. Although I have not ruled out the newer Magnepans.

I might even buy the Dyn's or PSB and keep my 1.6's hooked up and use a speaker selector so that I can switch back and forth depending upon the music or my preference at the time. This would be the most ideal situation but the wife may take some convincing.

Feanor, you would love the BAT. Its fast, dynamic with explosive bass with excellent control and more detail than my Pass X1 preamp. It has a lush and liquid midrange and slightly softer highs. The sound stage is huge as is the front to back depth and height of the music.

I would love to hear the BAT with a Pass X250.5 or 0.8 amp. I may eventually upgrade to the X250.5 as used prices come down. I would have no problem selling the X250. When I called Pass with some questions about the amp they said the X250.5 much better than the X250.

I hate tinkering with my system but I love it at the same time. I probably would not even be considering any of this if I were not planning on selling my boat next spring. My daughter will also be done with Nursing school and I will have an extra $1500 a month that I was sending her.

[frenchmon]

Thank you and I find it very enjoyable. It must sound different than earlier models because so many try to find fault based on using previous models.

Keep in mind, JM....lots of cats cant hear and wouldn't know what a good sound is. Like that idiot RGA. From what I heard of Krell, it was on par with all great amps. And all great amps require great system matching in order for a musical system. Its about synergy.

[frenchmon]

I don't have any hybrid or tube components in the chain. I would like to hear Raven's BAT preamp though.

Nor I have I much in the way of tweaks. If you look carefully at my pic you might notice Sorbothane feet under the preamp but I removed those and haven't notice any different; my shelving system as whole is a good vibration absorber. I'm now using Transparent Plus cables between the DAC and preamp; this makes a very small improvement over the BJC Belden 1505F-based cables I was using previouly.

For some reason I thought your ARC had tubes?

[frenchmon]

frenchmon since you are so pleased with your Ortofon I had to mount my OM20 today. It had been too long a time. I have to say I am glad seeing you using the Black inspired me to mount it. I was missing some detail that budget MC cartridges cannot equal.

Well we know the Ortofon Carts have plenty of detail. I love the 2M Black.

[frenchmon]

Frenchmon, the BAT is not what I would call warm. It leans a little to the warm and dark side and I wish it was a little warmer as the Pass amp is neutral as is my DAC with the new Sparko Op amps that I rolled in it. The BAT despite using 8 tubes is described by pro reviewers as being almost solid state like in some respects but with a hint of tube sound and the midrange of a tube amp.

I use to be a big fan of detail, resolution and neutral sound but my tastes have evolved and I prefer a warmer more romantic sound, hence my interest in Box Speakers like PSB and Dyn's. Although I have not ruled out the newer Magnepans.

I might even buy the Dyn's or PSB and keep my 1.6's hooked up and use a speaker selector so that I can switch back and forth depending upon the music or my preference at the time. This would be the most ideal situation but the wife may take some convincing.

Feanor, you would love the BAT. Its fast, dynamic with explosive bass with excellent control and more detail than my Pass X1 preamp. It has a lush and liquid midrange and slightly softer highs. The sound stage is huge as is the front to back depth and height of the music.

I would love to hear the BAT with a Pass X250.5 or 0.8 amp. I may eventually upgrade to the X250.5 as used prices come down. I would have no problem selling the X250. When I called Pass with some questions about the amp they said the X250.5 much better than the X250.

I hate tinkering with my system but I love it at the same time. I probably would not even be considering any of this if I were not planning on selling my boat next spring. My daughter will also be done with Nursing school and I will have an extra $1500 a month that I was sending her.

First time I've heard the BAT described in that way.

[blackraven]

First time I've heard the BAT described in that way.

Don't get me wrong. The BAT has a tube sound, but it is not as tubey and warm as most tube preamps that I have heard. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

[Glen B]

I'm running three systems, 2-channel, HT, and party, already listed here with pictures: https://www.avforums.com/threads/whats-your-system.1668694/page-11

[Jack in Wilmington]

Don't get me wrong. The BAT has a tube sound, but it is not as tubey and warm as most tube preamps that I have heard. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Could that be attributed to your running a SS amp vs a tube amp?

I've swapped in different amps into my system since I added the Cary preamp, so that I could listen for the nuances in sound. I've had the following.


ARC Reference 150 (warmer but not overly so)

Ayre V-5xe ( a little more analytical.)

Krell Duo 125 ( not as much bass slam as the Pass)

Bryston 4B-SST ( a lot like the Ayre)

These were all on a weekend or two and my dealer wanted to see how his gear compared to the Pass gear as much as comparing his gear to each other.

[blackraven]

Could that be attributed to your running a SS amp vs a tube amp?

I've swapped in different amps into my system since I added the Cary preamp, so that I could listen for the nuances in sound. I've had the following.


ARC Reference 150 (warmer but not overly so)

Ayre V-5xe ( a little more analytical.)

Krell Duo 125 ( not as much bass slam as the Pass)

Bryston 4B-SST ( a lot like the Ayre)

These were all on a weekend or two and my dealer wanted to see how his gear compared to the Pass gear as much as comparing his gear to each other.


I think some of it has to do with my DAC, Maggies and my room acoustics (wood floors, lots of big windows and French doors on 1 wall). The Pass seems to be neutral. But reviews of the VK-51se have stated that it is not an overly tubey preamp. That is one of the things that reviewers liked about it. It has just enough warmth and darkness. My tastes have changed and I like a slightly warmer sound. I think having a Pass X250.5 would help the sound.

When I bought the BAT, I was really hoping to find a BAT VK-32se as it is a little more tubey. It's a lower model but newer and has different electronic's. I spoke with Victor at BAT and he stated this and prefers the sound of the VK-32se. He stated that it does not necessarily have better or worse sound, it is just different.

With that being said, I am still very happy with the BAT and it will be the preamp that I use for many years to come. (I am just being nit-picky and overly critical of my system)

Glen B. You have a very nice system. I love the look of your Denon TT. How do you like the PSB speakers?

[frenchmon]

This was my junky room a little while back. Put your ear phones on. Sound not a clear as I'd hoped...I took it with my Nexus 5 Smart Phone. I've made a few changes sense these clips. Differnet speaker cables and a much better power conditioner and of couse gear is on the floor,and a Oyaida R1 electrical power outlet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAL3kCtqA8w


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNShk6WkDH8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyLRmMo9TcE

[Jack in Wilmington]

Sounds really good Frenchie. I could get a sense of how good your system must sound even through my Audioengine computer speakers.

[3db]

Here's a diagram ...
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/500/StereoDiagram18.jpg

Here's a picture; obviously only the right Magneplanar is partly showing ...
http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/500/Stereo_system_Nov_2013.jpg

Nice :) How do you like your sub?

[Glen B]

Glen B. You have a very nice system. I love the look of your Denon TT. How do you like the PSB speakers?

I've had the PSBs about 15 years now, and have no plans to replace them anytime soon. I'm quite satisfied with them. I feel I would have to spend a prohibitive amount to obtain better full range performance.

[recoveryone]

9776

Hidden system (keep wife happy)

Logictech Touch
Integra adm 2.1
Technics 10 band EQ
Panamax 500 DBS Power conditioner
Fluance SX Speakers

[JoeE SP9]

Nice rigs!!!

According to the site there are two pages in this thread. I can't see the second page.

[3db]

My Primary system;

9782978397849785978697829783978497859786

My secondary system

[3db]

Why can't I see my posts now?