Description

HUGE CHANGES COMING - TOTAL SYSTEM RE-FIT ON THE WAY -

The Bricasti M1SE is never changing - Best of anything I have even known but much of everything else is on its way out - so cool - so exciting and nerve wracking because my system sounded amazing - got it just where i wanted and now I'm tearing it down...Lol 

ALREADY GONE or on its way out !!! 
______________________________________________________________

** Speakers
Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers: (New) (India) 2016

 ** Amplification

Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX MKII DHT SET Amplifier (New) (Canada) 2017
First Watt F2 J - Single Ended - Single Stage 5W Amplifier (New) (USA) 2017
Rethm Gaanam DHT SET Valve 16 watt Amplifier (Modified) (New) (India) 2012
First Watt J2 - Single Ended - Single Stage 5W Amplifier (New) (USA) 2006

** Preamplification

Triode Lab Au PRE, Hi-Game Edition - Preamp (New) (Canada) 2017
Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stage Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016
Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output Stage w/Variable V-Gain (New) (USA) 2011

** NOS & New Tubes

Amp: (2) CBS JAN 5692, (1) Mullard GZ34/GZ32 & (2) Brand New JJ 2A3 
Pre: (2) Mullard 6201 Gold Pin, Mullard 6CA4, Sylvania 12BH7A Black Plates   
ZSTAGE: 12AT7 NOS Tubes: Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, Sylvania Gold, Amperex
  
** Source

VPI Industries Prime Turntable (New) (USA) 2017
Haniwa Audio HCTR01 Cartridge Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016

 ** Digital Music Player/Server Hardware - Software

Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks (New) (South Korea) 2017
SBooster BOTW P&P ECO Linear Power Supply (New) (Netherlands) 2017
SBooster Split Ultra Filter (New) (Netherlands) 2017 
Acoustic Revive RLI-1 LAN Isolator (For Aries) (New) (Japan) 2017

** Power 

(2) OYAIDE RI Beryllium Outlets (New) (Japan) 2016

** Cables

(2) Darwin TRUTH REFERENCE Pure Silver Interconnect (New) (USA) 2016
Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND 1M Reference USB Cable (New) (England) 2017
Audiocadabra Ultimas3 Silver Double-Headed USB Cable (New) (India) 2017
(3) AudioQuest RJ/E Forrest CAT-7 Ethernet Cables (New) (USA) 2017 
MIT Terminator-3 Silver 1M Digital RCA Cable (USA) (New) 2012 
(2) DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 RCA Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015
AudioQuest GO-4 72v DBS 8FT Speaker Cables (USA) (New) 2015

** Video/Audio

Video: Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel 1260 Watt Network AVR (Japan) 2014 
Video: Denon 2910 SACD/DVD, Apple TV, Boxee Box, ChromeCast

______________________________________________________________


On its way in is a more simplified, digital only, more linear and a more highly focused system based on neutrality and transparency. The other end of the spectrum as they say:  

** Speakers

Magico S5 Loudspeakers in MCast Bronze (USA) 2016

** Amplification

Pass Labs X350.5 Stereo Amplifer (USA) 2015

** Digital Music Player/Server Hardware - Software

Bricasti M1SE DSD DAC: Ethernet Nework Media Player UPGRADE (USA) 2017 
Sonore micoRendu - USB/Ethernet Based Micro-computer Device (S. Korea ) 2017 
Uptone Audo: ISO Regen w/Silanna Semiconductor ICE08USB Chip (USA) 2017 
Uptone Audio: UltraCap LPS-1 Microprocessor Bank-Switching  Power Supply (USA) 2017 
Uptone Audio: UltraCap  LPS-1 Microprocessor Bank-Switching  Power Supply (USA) 2017 
Uptone Audio: JS-2 Dual-Output, Choke-Filtered Linear Power Supply (USA) 2017 
Uptone Audio: USPCB A>B USB Adapters w/VBUS Control (USA) 2017 
Uptone Audio: USPCB A>B USB Adapters w/VBUS Control (USA) 2017 

** Digital DC Power / Etherent Cables

(4) Ghent Audio: Custom DC01 DC Cables: Canare 4S6 / Oyaide Terminations (Japan) 2017 
Uptone Audio: Custom DC Cable: Canare 4S6 / Oyaide Terminations (USA) 2017 
AudioQuest: Vodka RJ/E Ethernet Cable 1M  (USA) 2017 
AudioQuest: Vodka RJ/E Ethernet Cable 1M  (USA) 2017 
Cardas Audio: Clear RJ/E Ethernet Cable 1M  (USA) 2017 

** Subs

(2) Pair of matching Sumiko S.9 Sub-woofers - Sealed design w/front firing Passive Radiator to work with ported or sealed speakers. They warm up sealed speakers and tighten up ported speaker designs - great bang for buck subs but not sure needed w/Magico S5's so we shall see. 

** Preamp: TBD - will run Bricasti direct at first to get a better feel if I want tubes or SS. Want to go with SS but it may need an injection of tubes so will hold off on a pre for a short while. 








I just finished an entire system Re-Fit and I am ecstatic with the results! I chose to employ a pristine, unmolested signal path. No crossovers - there is nothing between the Drivers Voice Coils and the pure Direct Heated Triodes but Purified 4VRC© HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cable. Pure - Translucent - Immediate - Startling - Transparent and Dynamic! 
 -  Click the Blue " Read more... " below for Chronology of changes, notes and updates.

- 100,187

-6-20-17 split out

* Speakers

Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers: (New) (India) 2016

 

* Amplification

Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX MKII DHT SET Amplifier (New) (Canada) 2017

First Watt F2 - Single Ended - Single Stage 5W Amplifier (New) (USA) 2006

Rethm Gaanam DHT SET Valve 16 watt Amplifier (Modified) (New) (India) 2012


* Preamplification

 

Triode Lab Au PRE, Hi-Game Edition - Preamp (New) (Canada) 2017

Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stage Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016

Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output Stage w/Variable V-Gain (New) (USA) 2011

 

* NOS & New Tubes

Amp: (2) CBS JAN 5692, (1) Mullard GZ34/GZ32 & (2) Brand New JJ 2A3 

Pre: (2) Mullard 6201 Gold Pin, Mullard 6CA4, Sylvania 12BH7A Black Plates   

ZSTAGE: 12AT7 NOS Tubes: Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, Sylvania Gold, Amperex

 

           * Source

Bricasti M1SE USB/DSD DAC w/Remote & Stillpoints Feet (New) (USA) 2017 

VPI Industries Prime Turntable (New) (USA) 2017

Haniwa Audio HCTR01 Cartridge Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016

 

          * Digital Music Player/Server Hardware - Software

Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks (New) (South Korea) 2017

SBooster BOTW P&P ECO Linear Power Supply (New) (Netherlands) 2017

SBooster Split Ultra Filter (New) (Netherlands) 2017 

Wyred 4 Sound Remedy w/Femto Clock (For Aries & TV) (New) (USA) 2017

Acoustic Revive RLI-1 LAN Isolator (For Aries) (New) (Japan) 2017

NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Switch (For Aries & Sever) (New) (USA) 2017

NETGEAR - Nighthawk AC1900 Extender (For Aries & Sever) (New) (USA) 2017

JRiver Media Center 22 Music Software w/JRemote (USA) (New) 2017

JRiver Renderer/Dedicated Audio Server: HP Pavilion 500-214 PC 

- AMD A8 6500 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz turbo) Quad Core, 8GB Memory, 2TB HDD

iPad A9 3rd Gen. Chip 64-bit Running Lightning Server (New) (USA) 2017

JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Digital Transport Music Software (Poland) (New) 2015

Fidelizer Pro Windows Optimizer Music Software (New) 2016 

 

* Power Conditioning 

HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributor AC Power Conditioner (New) (Italy) 2015

(1) Furutech GTX-D(R) Outlet Rhodium Plated (New) (Japan) 2017

(2) OYAIDE RI Beryllium Outlets (New) (Japan) 2016

(5) PS Audio Noise Harvesters (New) (USA) 2016

(2) Blue Circle Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection (New) (USA) 2015

Anker PowerCore 20100 Battery Bank (Powers USB for M1SE) (New) (USA) 2017  

iFi Audio iPower Power Supply w/ANC+ (For W4S Remedy) (New) (UK) 2017

 

          * Cables

HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables 3M (Italy) (New) 2016

Furutech FT-212 Rhodium Locking Banana Plugs (Japan) (New) 2016

(5) Darwin TRUTH REFERENCE Pure Silver Interconnect (New) (USA) 2016

Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND 1M Reference USB Cable (New) (England) 2017

Audiocadabra Ultimas3 Silver Double-Headed USB Cable (New) (India) 2017

HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (2A3SE-FFX MKII Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (HDX2) (New) (Italy) 2016 

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (VPI Prime) (New) (Italy) 2016

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Auralic Aries/SBooster) (New) (Italy) 2016

HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Haniwa Audio HEQA02) (New) (Italy) 2016

AudioQuest RJ/E Vodka CAT-7 Ethernet Cable (New) (USA) 2017 

(3) AudioQuest RJ/E Forrest CAT-7 Ethernet Cables (New) (USA) 2017 

(2) Nordost Blue Haven BNC Digital Cable (For W4S Remedy) (New) (USA) 2017

MIT Terminator-3 Silver 1M Digital RCA Cable (USA) (New) 2012 

Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 1M Optical Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015

AudioQuest OPTINK-G 5M  Optical Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2008

(2) DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 RCA Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015

AudioQuest GO-4 72v DBS 8FT Speaker Cables (USA) (New) 2015

 

           * Stands/Racks/Footers

(1) Michigan Maple Isolation Platform AUD19163 19"x17"x3" (New) (USA) 2017

(4) BRIGHT STAR - IsoNodes Component Footers (USA) (New) 2017

(1) Custom Oak & Steel 3 Unit Wide Audio Rack (USA) (New) 2017

(4) Audio Selections - Large Cone (1.25") Component Footers (USA) (New) 2017

(4) Audio Selections - Support Disc Component Footers (USA) (New) 2017

(2) Salamander Amplifier Stands (USA) (New) 2015

(14) Sets of 4 - Audio Isolation Footers - Cork/Sorbane (USA) (New) 2016

(2) Neutrik NA2FPM XLR Transformers (USA) (New) 2015 

(2) Pasternack 6dB Attenuators (USA) (New) 2015 

(2) Canare BCJ-XJ-TRB Balun AES to BNC Female Converters (USA) (New) 2015 

(2) 12V Filtered Power Supplies (South Korea) (New) 2015  

 

          * Video/Audio

Video: Samsung UN65KS8000F ‑ 65" LED Smart TV ‑ 4k (South Korea) 2017

Video: Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel 1260 Watt Network AVR (Japan) 2014 

Video: Denon 2910 SACD/DVD, Apple TV, Boxee Box, iPad Air, iPad Mini, ChromeCast


- 6-16-17
Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers: 103db FRD-Hybrid (New) (India) 2016
HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables 3M (Italy) (New) 2016
Furutech FT-212 Rhodium Locking Banana Plugs (4-Pairs) (Japan) (New) 2016
Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks (New) (South Korea) 2017
SBooster BOTW P&P ECO Linear Power Supply (New) (Netherlands) 2017 
SBooster Split Ultra Filter (New) (Netherlands) 2017  
Bricasti M1SE USB/DSD DAC w/Remote & Stillpoints Feet (New) (USA) 2017 
Michigan Maple Isolation Platform AUD19173 19"x17"x3" (New) (USA) 2017
Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND 1M Reference USB Cable (New) (England) 2017
Audiocadabra Ultimas3 Silver Double-Headed USB Cable (New) (India) 2017
Anker PowerCore 20100 Battery Bank (Powers USB for M1SE) (New) (USA) 2017   
(3) AudioQuest RJ/E Forrest CAT7 Ethernet Cables (New) (USA) 2017 
Acoustic Revive RLI-1 LAN Isolator (For Aries) (New) (Japan) 2017
NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Switch (For Aries & Sever) (New) (USA) 2017 
NETGEAR - Nighthawk AC1900 Extender (For Aries & Sever) (New) (USA) 2017 
Wyred 4 Sound Remedy w/Femto Clock (For Aries & TV)(New) (USA) 2017
(2) Nodost Blue Haven BNC Digital Cable (For W4S Remedy) (New) (USA) 2017
iFi Audio iPower Power Supply w/ANC+ (For W4S Remedy) (New) (UK) 2017
Triode Lab Au PRE, Hi-Game Edition - Preamp (New) (Canada) 2017
- w/(2) Mullard 6201 Gold Pin, Mullard 6CA4, Sylvania 12BH7A Black Plates    
(5) Darwin TRUTH REFERENCE Pure Silver Interconnect (New) (USA) 2016
Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX MKII DHT SET Amplifier (New) (Canada) 2017
- w/(2) CBS JAN 5692, (1) Mullard GZ34/GZ32 & (2) Brand New JJ 2A3 
First Watt F2 - Single Ended - Single Stage 5W Amplifier (New) (USA) 2006
Rethm Gaanam DHT SET Valve 16 watt Amplifier (Modified) (New) (India) 2012
VPI Industries Prime Turntable (New) (USA) 2017
Michigan Maple Isolation Platform AUD19163 19"x15"x3" (New) (USA) 2017
VPI Industries JMW 10 3D Printed Tonearm - Stereophile CLASS A (New) (USA) 2017
VPI Industries JMW 10 Tonearm Base w/ SRA / VTA on the Fly (New) (USA) 2017
VPI Industries Prime 300 RPM, 24 Pole, AC Synchronus Motor (New) (USA) 2017
Haniwa Audio HCTR01 Cartridge Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016
Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stage Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016
Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output Stage w/Variable Gain (New) (USA) 2011
- w/12AT7 NOS Tubes: Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, Sylvania Gold, Amperex 
HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributor AC Power Conditioner (New) (Italy) 2015
(2) OYAIDE RI Beryllium Outlets (New) (Japan) 2016
(5) PS Audio Noise Harvesters (New) (USA) 2016
(2) Blue Circle Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection (New) (USA) 2015
HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (2A3SE-FFX MKII Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (HDX2) (New) (Italy) 2016 
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (New) (Italy) 2016 
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (VPI Prime) (New) (Italy) 2016
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Auralic Aries/SBooster) (New) (Italy) 2016
HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Haniwa Audio HEQA02) (New) (Italy) 2016
Custom Hardwood and Solid Steel 3 Component Wide Audio Rack (USA) (New) 2017
MIT Terminator-3 Silver 1M Digital RCA Cable (USA) (New) 2012 
Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 1M Optical Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015
(2) DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 RCA Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015
(2) Salamander Amplifier Stands (USA) (New) 2015
(7) Sets of 4 - Audio Isolation Footers - Cork/Sorbane  (USA) (New) 2016
(2) Neutrik NA2FPM XLR Transformers (USA) (New) 2015 
(2) Pasternack 6dB Attenuators (USA) (New) 2015 
(2) 12V Filtered Power Supplies (South Korea) (New) 2015  
(2) Canare BCJ-XJ-TRB Balun AES to BNC Female Converters (USA) (New) 2015 
(Pair) AudioQuest GO-4 7v DBS Speaker Cables (Spares) (USA) (New) 2015
JRiver Media Center 22 Music Software w/JRemote (USA) (New) 2017
JRiver Renderer/Dedicated Audio Server: HP Pavilion 500-214 PC  
- AMD A8 6500 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz turbo) Quad Core, 8GB Memory, 2TB HDD 
JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Digital Transport Music Software (Poland) (New) 2015
Fidelizer Pro Windows Optimizer Music Software (New) 2016  
Video: Samsung UN65KS8000F ‑ 65" LED Smart TV ‑ 4k (South Korea) 2017
Video: Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel 1260 Watt Network AVR (Japan) 2014 
Video: Denon 2910 SACD/DVD, Apple TV, Boxee Box, iPad Air, iPad Mini, ChromeCast


  • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update 


  • Moved into a new home and changed companies and jobs so it has been a busy first half of the year and have not had enough time for audio but starting to get back in the swing of things now that we are all set up in our new home and my new room is a huge improvement. 

    Love how everything sounds with all the new changes and additions. Went to a more modern VPI table, the VPI Prime and Harry is mounting my Haniwa Cart as we speak. Harry is retired but he still dabbles and is involved. He assured me that the Prime with my rare Haniwa Cart that also has the needed or really recommended matching Haniwa phono pre will be fantastic. With Haniwa they are really made to go together. He said the trio will be an amazing combo so I can't wait.

    Also, sent my Bricasti M1 back to the factory for the huge SE upgrade and the new software upgrade. Picking that up on Monday so this is going to be an awesome audio week 

  • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update 

  •    
    Getting into Vinyl - here are the new family members {

    VPI Industries Super Scoutmaster Turntable Stereophile Class A (New) 2015

    VPI Industries JMW 10-3D-Printed Tonearm Stereophile Class A (New) 2015

    VPI Industries JMW 3-D Tonearm Base w/On the Fly SRA/VTA (New) 2015

    VPI Industries Classic II Stainless Steel Platter and Bearing (New) 2015

    VPI Industries HR-X Mini Feet, VPI Slip Mat VPI HR-X Center Weight (New) 2015

    Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2015 

    Haniwa Auto HCTR01 Cartridge Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2015   


    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update 


    Shorter Rig Version: 


    Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers, Bricasti Design M1 DSD DAC, VPI Industries Super Scoutmaster Turntable, VPI Industries JMW 10-3D-Printed Tonearm & JMW Tonearm Base w/On the Fly SRA/VTA, Haniwa Auto HCTR01 Phono Cartridge,  Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stage Pre, TGC VL-1A: Line Stage Pre (NASA Proto-type),  Auralic Aries Extreme Transport w/Duel Femto Clocks & SBooster BOTW Linear Power Supply & Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND USB Cable, Full HiDiamond AC Power Cable Loom (8) , HiDiamond HDX2 AC Power Conditioner, HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables w/Furutech FT-212 Banana's, Darwin TRUTH Interconnects (3), Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX Direct Heated Triode  SET Amp, Rethm Gaanam Direct Heated Triode SET Integrated Amp and for TV a Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Re-clocker and  Pioneer Elite SC-57, 9.1 AVR and assorted digital cables (Nordost, AudioQuest, Tara Labs, DH Labs and MIT).


    • Review: I just posted on Audiogon about my new amp I am listing here. It is pretty much a copy of the email I sent to the builder of my amp and I wanted to share it here as well on my system notes: 

    I recently ordered and took delivery of the stoutly impressive and not so well known Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET Amplifier. 

    I was most excited to try it and was looking forward to seeing how well it would perform in my system. After numerous conversions with Frank at Triode Labs who is a true gentleman and a pleasure to deal with I went forth and placed the order. 

    As much as I was looking forward to it with feverish anticipation I was hopeful but certainly not expecting it to have this much of a profound impact on my system as it did. 

    The wait for it was not bad at all considering it's a hand made, custom built amplifier that uses the very best boutique parts, robust build quality and genuine old world craftsmanship. It only took a couple weeks from order to delivery. I am pretty impatient by nature so I was pleased that it came quickly. 

    Needless to say I was ecstatic with the amplifier's performance and wanted to let Frank at Triode Labs know just how much I appreciate it. I sent him an email and I also wanted to share this feedback in the email with my home team Audiogon members so you could have access to my thoughts on the amplifier. I have copied the email below. 

    Here is the detail on the amplifier I purchased and below it is a the copy of the email I sent to Frank at Triode Labs. 

    Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX Amplifier (7/2015) 

    - Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps for the 2A3s 

    - Mundorf EVO Oil Caps for the Input 

    - Mundorf M Lytics HV Power Supply E Cap 

    - Cardas Rhodium RCA Posts 

    - Cardas Pure Copper Binding Post 4-8-16 Ohms 

    - Furutech Rhodium IEC Inlet and Power Hardware 

    - Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires 

    - AmTrans Gold Signal Wires in Critical Areas 

    - Soundcoat Premium Damping Sheet (bottom plate) 

    - Custom Mclaren SLR Orange Power-coat Baked Gloss Paint 

    - Full Suite of Hashimoto Output Transformers and Chokes 

    (The finest exotic transformers from Tokyo, Japan) 

    - NOS tubes 2x CBS JAN 5692, 1 x Mullard GZ34) 

    - New Tubes 2x Brand New 2A3C 

    - 100% tailor to customer, like haute couture of fashion 

    - 3.5 Watts 

    Email Sent: 

    Hey Frank, 

    I just wanted to say hello and drop you a line. I would love it if you could share this with your potential customers because they need to hear from someone like myself as I am sure many of them may be like me although I hope not... lol. I was a suffering audiophile on the seemingly never ending amp -go- round after I purchased my new speakers a pair of Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (2015). They are nice and efficient at 103db but ruthlessly revealing of any weakness. They are wonderful but ultra resolving and with them an amp really has no where to hide or to get any cover. 

    I just couldn't find "the" amp that changed everything and made it all fit together and fall into place. I got to the point where I was thinking I maybe asking too much from an amp and the elusive sound I was after might just not be attainable. I wanted warm butter like liquidity but with crystal clear transparency as well. Tough combo. That ber high end transparency that is very elusive. You really need the very highest grade parts in an amp with the best of the best transformers with pure signal wire and excellent NOS tubes with of corse a great design. Not to mention a great system match synergy wise to even approach the transparency I was after. I also wanted that rich, inky, glorious mid-range as well but not at the expense of both extremes. I must have tippity top extension going both ways to boot. Also looking for that 3d, silky - wam right here palpably that throws a up a stage that makes the walls disappear. Let's not forget about punch you in the chest dynamics that provide a feel and realness that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up! Granted one needs other top notch components of similar quality throughout the chain but it's that great amp I was after to pull it all together in my system. 

    I have been chasing these stated audio targets with rigor but catching them is another thing. Needless to say after a while I started to become jaded but thankfully I'm an optimist by nature. I have owned ARC, CJ, BAT, Cary, Krell, Canary, Pass Labs to name a few. None of those are this amp I am after! Now lets switch gears and fast forward to today. 

    Frank, you have done it. My search is over. I absolutely love my new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp. It's absolutely everything I have been after in an amplifier. It is utterly gorgeous in its custom McLaren SLR Orange paint. When I opened it for the first time I could still smell the luxurious brand new paint job and the robust hand crafted, upscale build quality is excellent. Never mind how good it looks which is outstanding with it's classy top shelf premium parts and massive Hashimoto transformers. The feel, fit and finish and build quality are true hi-end world class quality. Very substantial and impressive. The pictures on your site do not do them justice. This amplifier is every bit as good as those hi-end staple brands I have owned prior that I listed above. It sounds absolutely Glorious and was a total game changer in my system. A match made in heaven for my Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers, my Full loom of HiDiamond cabling and conditioning and my Bricasti M1 DAC and Auralic Aries Extreme Transport. I always wanted an amp that could change everything in my system and make it shine and your amp did just that and I really wanted to congratulate and thank you. I am one very happy customer. 

    Fsmithjack 

    Audiogon 


    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update

    Just added the SBooster Upgraded Linear Power Supply for my Auralic Aries Extreme Femto. It is supposed to vastly improve the performance of my Auralic Aries Transport and it should be here in a couple days. Looking forward to it. 

    Here is some info on it: 

    SBooster BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V with Ultra upgrade improves the sound quality of your Auralic Aries with Femto Clocks. 

    Output Voltage & Current 

    15V - 2.5A 

    16V - 1.85A 

    Mains Voltage: 120 Volt AC 50/60Hz 

    Transformer: 50VA audio grade toroidal with electrostatic shielding 

    Mains filter: High performance dual stage mains filter with earth line choke 

    Rectifier: bridge Power Schottky barrier rectifiers 

    Bulk capacitors: 5 x Nichicon 4700µF + 1 x 5600µF + 1 Rubycon 330µF Low Impedance High Ripple Current Capacitors 

    Regulator: High-current ultra fast transient response LDO with external high precision shunt reference circuit 

    Filter capacitors: Non inductive polypropylene film capacitors 

    DC power cord 95cm 16 AWG spiral shielded, with integrated SBooster and interchangeable DC plug 

    Mains cable Stock supplied 

    Size and Weight Dimension: 240*130*75mm 1.85Kg 

    Safety approvals 

    CE/GS/CCC/KC/CTUVUS/FCC/PSB IEC60065 

    standard Warranty 

    24 Months 

    The BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade is the perfect upgrade of your stock supplied Auralic linear power supply. 

    For Auralic Aries Femto upgrade, we opted for a 15V version of the SBooster Ultra. With the 15V upgrade you will get the best sound quality out of your Aries Femto. 

    The Best of Two World Power & Precision ECO is the successor of our Best of Two Worlds Solution upgrade. For the BOTW P&P ECO we have applied a large number of innovative techniques in order to improve the sound quality of your Auralic Aries Femto to a much higher level compared to a conventional linear audio power supply. 

    The SBooster Ultra is an innovative addition to the BOTW P&P ECO in the fight against pollution. The SBooster Ultra is based on a highly effective active filter which reduces any residual noise within the audio spectrum with 110dB. The purity of the voltage and current of the BOTW P&P ECO with SBooster Ultra Upgrade is the highest level that ever has been reached with an external audio upgrade power supply solution. 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update

    Just posted this on Directstream vs Bricasti Thread - thought to add it here as it chronicles 6-Month and 10-days of changes in my system from: 

    2/10/2015 to 8/20/2015 - 

    Thread post from 8/20/2015: 

    It's funny when I started this thread I listed my entire system in the beginning of this thread - you can see it - it is not that old of a thread - when I was just chatting to you guys about my new fun little W4S Remedy I noticed that my system that I have listed in the beginning of this thread is now entirely different. 

    The only thing that hasn't changed is my IC's, my USB Cable, some tweaks and computer software. 

    I have done some serious box swapping and horse trading... lol - kind of scary when looking at it written down like that...lol. Well after noticing that I thought I would share a BEFORE and AFTER with you guys. 

    I wish I got to hear the Yale back when I had the Directstream in my system. 

    BEFORE: 2/10/2015 

    Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany) Monitor 

    Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker cable 

    Cardas Clear Interconnect 1 Meter RCA Interconnect 

    Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect 

    Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1 Meter RCA Interconnect 

    Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes Tube preamp 

    Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output StageTelefunken ECC801S 

    PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC w/ Bridge DA converter 

    Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable 

    PS Audio PerfectWave PowerBase Vibration Cancelation/AC Condtioner 

    Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts Tung-Sol KT120's amps 

    PS Audio PowerPlant Premier AC Regenerator 

    BMI Shark Pure Jeweler Grade Platinum AC Power Cable 

    Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable 

    Mad Scientist PC-NEO with Power Purifier AC Power Cable 

    JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2M AC Power Cable 

    Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable 

    Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable 

    PS Audio Noise Harvester (5) Converts noise to light 

    OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2) 

    Hubbell Outlet 5362/5262 Deep Cryo Process 

    Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge/Spike Protection 

    JPLAY v5.2 hi-end audio player turns PC into a digital transport. 

    JRiver Media Center 19 Music Software 

    AFTER: 8/20/2015 

    Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (India) 2015 (New) Speaker 

    HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables 3M (Italy) 2015 (New) Speaker cable 

    Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Rhodium SC Banana's (8) 2015 (New) 

    Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1M RCA 2015 (New) Interconnect 

    Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference 1M RCA 2015 (New) Interconnect 

    Bricasti M1 USB / DSD 64/128 DAC/PRE 2015 (New) DA converter 

    Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto Clocks 2015 (New) Transport 

    Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable 2015 (New) 

    Rethm Gaanam SET Valve Amplifier 2015 (New) Tube amp 

    Triode Labs 2A3S-FFX DHT SET Mclaren SLR Orange 2015 (New) Tube amp 

    NOS Tubes: CBS JAN 5692 Mullard GZ34/GZ32 2A3C Triodes 

    Decware ZSTAGE External Triode Output Stage ECC801S 2013 

    HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributer / Conditioner 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (HDX2) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (2A3SE-FFX Amp) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (Triode Output Stage) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Auralic Aries) 2015 (New) 

    HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Bricasti M1 DAC) 2015 (New) 

    Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Reclocker for Cable Box 2015 (New) 

    MIT Terminator-3 Silver Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M 

    DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M 

    DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M 

    Salamander Amplifier Stands (2) Synergy System AV Furniture Stand 

    PS Audio Noise Harvesters (5) Converts noise to light 

    OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (2) 

    Audio Isolation Vibration Footers Cork & Rubber (5 Sets) 

    Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge Protection (2) 

    JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Audio Player Digital Transport. 

    Fidelizer Pro Version 6.1 

    JRiver Media Center 21 Music Software w/JRemote 

    Synergistic Research Labs Signature NO 2 Jumpers (Spare) Speaker cable 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Wyred 4 Sound - Remedy Re-Clocker for Cable Box is a HUGE UPGRADE and CHEAP and Pure MUST HAVE !!! 

    - I run a cheap $5 Tosi-link Cable from Cable Box to W4S then out of the W4S a MIT Terminator 3 Digital Cable which is RCA on both ends. I use a BNC to RCA Adapter to hook to my Bricasti's BNC in. I also use -6db BNC to RCA attenuater to clean up any lingering frequency sludge. 

    You can buy on eBay for cheap. 

    The Upgrade for TV is gigantic. My Bricasti for the sable box sounded ok but not anywhere good enough to listen to any type of music on. Just sounded like something you didn't want to listen to. Simple, you turn channel - no music to harsh over the cable box. Yuck... I just watched TV and that was it through my Rig. 

    Now I watch music video's or even regular tv sound is amazing and the music it sounds close to Hi-Rez Downloads. Not Quite but Very Very Good !!! 

    They sound Excellent and legit Hi-Fi. I am so happy with this purchase. 

    Better upgrade than adding my Bricasti for cable tv sound really. 

    Very impressed. I am going to upgrade the cables the sound is so good its worth pushing things now. 

    You guys you need to try this my gut said try it after I bought the Auralic Aries Extreme and it obliterated by modded computer rig. 

    The transport is so important its not funny how much improvement is there to be had. 

    If you hook your TV cable box or apple TV to your rig this is a MUST have. Not a maybe will get but a blowyou mind holly crap most MUST HAVE there is IMO !!! 

    Yee Haa this is good !!! 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributer / Condtioner 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: HiDiamond HDX2 Conditioner) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: Rethm Saadhana Bass FET Amp) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (For: Rethm Saadhana Bass FET Amp) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (For: 2A3SE-FFX SEDHT Amplifier) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (For: Triode Output Stage / Pre) 

    HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (For: Auralic Aries Ext Transport) 

    HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (For: Bricasti M1 DAC ) 

    These should be here in the next couple of days. I sent out all my trades. Pretty psyched!! 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Getting ready to consolidate and leverage my total system RE-FIT and looking to put the final touches on my systems full transformation. 

    The quality of my AC Power has now sharply come into focus... For for the first time I am working toward getting the same loom of ac power cables and matching ac conditioner that uses all the same cables. My hope is by having all the same cable brand and model throughout my entire system the consistency will yield an aggregate improvement. 

    As you guys know I have recently upgraded and changed pretty much my entire system and now have new Speakers, a new Amplifier, a new DAC (few months ago), a new Transport and new Speaker cables and a new round of fresh really good NOS tubes. Now with the complete loom of Hi/Diamond AC Power Cabling (7) and its matching AC Conditioning unit they call the Network Distributor I hope to be in pretty good shape. Have a couple different Coax Digital Cable coming to try as well. One by MIT and another couple from DH Labs to run ancillaries such as my Cable box and Apple TV Audio. 

    Now its onto (7) New AC Power Cables and their matching AC Power Conditioner. 

    I couldn't be any happier with the new direction I have chosen that blends high sensitivity - high quality speakers and low power - high quality SET amplification. 

    It has been a revelation in regards to sound quality improvement. My system is MUCH-MUCH more transparent yet also more natural, dynamic and organic sounding. Just so much better... 

    My new Triode Labs 2A3SE-FFX SET amp keeps improving as it breaks in and I am really looking forward to how it will sound with a good 500 hours under its belt. 

    I'm the process of cutting a deal to do a trade / purchase for the full loom of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables (7) and their all new HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner that uses the same matching premium copper wires and connectors. 

    The AC Conditioner is not terribly expensive compared to the others on the market that are MUCH more expensive but I am growing quite fond of the HiDiamond brand. 

    I recently bought their excellent D8 Speaker Cables which I am very pleased with. They put their resources into research and developing unique science and production methods rather than marketing and promotions. 

    They call this HDX2 their no compromise approach and I am hoping it is a great synergy match with the full ac power cable loom. All of the power for my entire system will be funneled via only the HiDiamond products and I am hoping this approach provides a nice increase in performance. 

    To get the (7) - HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cables and a HiDiamond HDX2 Power Conditioner I am trading my: 

    * PS Audio Power Plant Premier Conditioner 

    * Audiophilleo AP2 

    * Audiophilleo Pure Power Battery Power Supply 

    * Black Car Silverstar 75 Digital BNC Cable 

    * Upgraded BNC to RCA Connectors 

    * Mad Scientist PC-NEO Power Purifier AC Cable 1.5M111 

    * Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M AC Power Cable 

    * JPS Labs AC+ 2.0M - AC Power Cable 

    * Siltech Berlin MXT Series X Balanced AC Power Cable 1.0M 

    * Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Neotech P302 Ends AC Cable 1.0M 

    * Furutech FP-3TS762 w/Upgraded Cooper Ends AC Cable 1.0M 

    * Bruce Moore Custom Pure Copper AC Cable 1.5M 

    With the addition of the matching ac cable loom (7) of HiDiamond P3 Power Cables and the HiDiamond HDX2 Conditioner I will have all HiDiamond Cables AC power in my system to go with my HiDiamond Speaker cables. That will be all HiDiamond with the exception of my Interconnects. 

    I love my Darwin TRUTH IC's but maybe down the road I will try and HiDiamond IC's so I can for the very first time ever truly have a complete loom from the same cable maker. 

    I have never even been close to doing anything like this so I am pretty excited. I have always mixed and matched this and that with what I could find here on Agon or elsewhere but this new direction seems pretty cool as I always wanted to try it just never what OEM to go with but now I do... 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Guys - My brand new Triode Labs 2A3S-FFX Single Ended Triode Amplifier we were chatting about last week that I traded my Canary CA-330 MK II 300B mono blocks for just came in and it looks amazing. 

    The build quality and the craftsmanship is truly first rate! 

    This is a classy, well make, substantial component that I am very impressed with. 

    It has more of a hand built, solid quality feel to it that seems nothing like the mass produced stuff out there. 

    I was hopeful but wasn't really expecting this level of quality and craftsmanship in the $6k price range. I am not saying a 6K amp is cheap because it certainly is not its the opposite its very - very expensive but the Canary's were $12k amps to put it in perceptive. I am after the best sound I can get in my system and so far I am quite pleased with the trade I made. 

    It has a very retro and modern look to it. I could smell the brand new paint when I opened it up to set it up. The numerous Hashimoto Transformers and Chokes look great and are more substantial in real life than they show in the pics and I love all the premium boutique parts he installed for me! I am pleasantly surprised to say the least. This Canadian company builds very nice stuff and with pride. 

    I ordered some great NOS Tubes for it and am really looking forward to getting them. 

    It def deserves them as the tubes in these amps have so much impact on the sound quality. 

    For the drivers I got a pair of the - Holly Grail - Sylvania 6SN7GT Largest Black Plates that are arguably the one of the best. For the rectifier tube I got the beloved Mullard GZ34 1965 Blackburn tube and for the 2A3 power tubes I am going with a brand new pair of Shuguang 2A3C tubes that the designer / builder swears by and insists are the best regardless of price. We'll see on that but I am giving them a shot for now but I am sure I will roll some others in here as well. 

    It now has prob about 40 hours burn time in so it has a long way to go. I am told the parts he used are bears to burn in. The Hashimoto trannies and chokes, the Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps, the Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap and even the Audio Consulting Silver Input Signal Wires really need to cook in good. I am told it should start opening up around 150 - 200 hours and really they need 400 to 500 hours to start to settle in nicely. 

    All this said how does it sound right now with the cheap stock tubes and hardly any burn in at all?? 

    It sound really good! You can tell its a brand new piece and it needs a lot of burn in but it sounds very nice and I am looking forward to getting it burnt in nice and crispy and installing the NOS tubes then I will give you guys an idea of what I really think of it but out of the box I am encouraged and happy. I must say I hate burn it. I understand it and accept it but I am too impatient by nature but I run it all day when I am at work and all night why sleeping so hopefully in a couple weeks it will be good to go :) 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Picked up a nice pair of Canary CA-330 MK II 300B mono blocks for my new Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers. 

    I tried to live with the Canary amps I'm just not a 300B guy. I actually liked my Krell with my Ascendo's and this is just a bridge too far the other way I think. I love tubes for what tubes do but I am more of a warmish yet nice transparency, band width extension fan. Maybe one of those uber 300B amps of course but this amp just seemed a but too slow and rolled off up top for my taste not enough sparkle nor a clear enough window... but it's a great amp its more this tube type that's just not my cup of tea but these are great amps! Would love to get an amp and love it but also not afraid to move quick when I know its not for me and say bye-bye. Hope to get off the amp-go-round but won't settle to do it. I love the 2A3 tube and its the sound I love and want its just the question now is does it have enough power (3.5 Watts) to drive my speakers. Only one way to find out. Pulled the trigger and flipped my Canary's for a custom build, tricked out, Triode Labs 2A3-FFX amp with all the extra's then some not listed as well... With some luck this amp will work great and if not then well i'll be updating about my next amp...lol. I hope not though.. 

    - Upgraded Hashimoto trannies 

    - Mundorf Silver in Oil Coupling Caps for 2A3 

    - Mundorf EVO Oil Coupling Caps for Input Stage 

    - Mundorf MLytic Power Supply E Cap 

    - Furutech Rhodium IEC 

    - Cardas Rhodium RCA 

    - Cardas Copper Binding Posts 0-4-8-16 

    - Audio Consulting Silver Input Wires / Insulated by double layers of Teflon jackets 

    - NOS tubes 

    Also traded my Purist Design Corvus Praesto Rev. speaker cables that were bi-wire with spades and my new speakers are banana only with single wire. I have a nice new demo pair of HIDiamond 8 3-Meter with the excellent Furutech Banana plugs. Really looking forward to having the proper cabling that should be nice upgrades as well I hope. More of a Full bandwidth, rich, full sounding cable that should fit well with what I am trying to pull of. I'll get my rig and these new speakers dialed in soon I hope...lol 

    Also, will finally have my computer out of my rig soon as well. 

    I have been running my PC via the great Tellarium Q Black Diamond USB Cable to the also great Audiophilleo AP2 USB to SPDIF w/Pure Power Battery to a Black Cat Silverstar75 BNC cable to my Bricasti M1. I am keeping all the above but replacing my PC with a Auralic Aries Extreme w/Duel Femto clocks. looking forward to this as well. Should be a nice upgrade but also looking forward to signing up and getting on Tidal which seems great. Its basically NETFLIX for audiophiles which is very cool and the Aries streams right on in so that should be cool. Lot going on here :) 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    HUGE SYSTEM CHANGE !!! 

    NEW / INCOMING: 

    Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers 

    Rethm Gaanam SET Integrated Amp 

    Traded / Going out 

    Sonus Faber Guarnieri Evolution 

    CJ Premier 12 mono-block tube amps 

    Keeping same PAD Speaker cables and Darwin TRUTH IC's for now... 

    Should have everything this time next week!!! 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Hey Guys - Made a pretty big deal for a super nice pair of Speakers that are very well liked but not my cut of tea. 

    I just flat out don't like them. I am sure they will be much better with some more break in but I am pretty sure I am going in another direction already - at least that is what I am looking at. Kind of a bummer: 

    NEW / INCOMING 

    Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution's in Walnut - Brand New - 

    They look amazing and sound nice just not the sound I am after. To get these I did a cash / trade with this gear: 

    TRADED / GOING OUT 

    Ascendo C8 Renaissance Speakers 

    ARC REF 1 MK II Preamp w/ NOS Tubes 

    BAT VK30r w/VK20 Phono 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update


    Hey Guys, 

    Holly Smokes: I have not been able to drive my Ascendo's with tubes as well as they need to be so I picked up a KRELL KSA-200s now that is how you drive a Stubborn Driver. This thing just grabs a hold of those drivers and its game over and they finally just submitted. Man what a difference. If I could ever get this pure grip and control but with the sound of tubes I would have what I have been looking for. Pretty sure that's only gonna happen with high quality high efficiency speakers. We'll see but this Krell even though not the exact sound I prefer (not tubes) it sure is a breath of fresh air... 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    HEY GUYS - Just got my brand new Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC that I traded for my PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC and cash! 

    I had a problem getting my Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable to work with it but the company I bought the USB cable from Fidelis in Nashua NH was amazing and exchanged my cable with no questions asked they gave me a brand new one and it works perfect. They also gave me a Tellurium Q BLACK USB cable to be safe to try as well and that was appreciated but not necessary. Both my Bricasti M1 USB/DSD/Remote DAC and Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable really need time to break in and settle down but they sound pretty good now but like all new stuff they really need run in. Pretty psyched!! 


     
    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update


    GUYS ANOTHER HUGE CHANGE in my system ! THIS TIME IT'S THE ALL IMPORTANT SOURCE! PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC for a Bricasti M1 USB DAC 

    MY DAC, My beloved PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC !!!!!!!! 

    Well I thought I would never change out either my CAT Pre and/or my DirectStream DAC but we all know how that goes. 

    It's just that my new speakers are so good and so revealing of every little change and the big changes, well, they are special. 

    With all these changes at some point i'm bound to make a mistake but so far I have been very lucky and all my changes have worked out great. This here is my big upgrade to the oh so important source. Here goes... 

    I am trading out my PS Audio DirectStream DSD DAC with Bridge and its excellent matching Silver PS Audio PerfectWave Vibration Control/Conditioner Base and cash for the very well thought of new Bricasti M1 USB/Volume Control DAC. I just made the deal last night and can't wait to hear it. On a side note I just installed the just released PS Audio DirectStream Operating System update Pikes Peak that was a HUGE upgrade. The Sound Quality really improved that has me kind of nervous as the DirectStream really is a great DAC and this update has made it substantially better but I got that Bricasti on my brain and couldn't get it out so I pulled the trigger on the deal. 

    Wish me luck but also if you can provide any comments or feedback or any of your thoughts it would really be appreciated. Excited and nervous... Hope to hear from you. Thanks Guys/Gals... 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    ONE BIG LAST CHANGE: 

    For now...LOL. OK Guys I am taking a chance here on a big time preamp change. 

    Nervous but I have had so much success recently with taking big chances that I am looking to seal the deal and finish up my entire system overhaul. 

    I just made a purchase / trade of my CAT SL-1 Signature MK III preamp w/phono in which I don't use the phono for a line stage only Audio Research REFERENCE 1 w/New Rhodium IEC installed and NOS Tubes. All ARC Reference pre's are single stage only (Line or Phono). I use a DAC and was thinking this ARC Reference 1 may be a great match for my CJ Premier 12 mono's. 

    Its a big chance because the CAT is such an amazing pre but no pain no gain and I really hope it works out like I am hoping. 

    Anyone have any feedback on the ARC pre's? I should receive it early next week. Wish me luck !!! 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    MORE CHANGES: 

    Starting to "REALLY" Come together. This has pretty much been an entire system overhaul except for my DAC and Pre and I may change the pre as well but the DAC Stays. 

    To go with my new speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance)I have also added new amps, speaker cables and power cables and the upgrade in SQ has been out of this world and so much more than I could have ever hoped for! 

    My system has never sounded so good and so real and performed so well. I am really blown away at the improvement. Super happy! 

    The cables (Speaker / AC Power) have been much more significant in improving my system than I would have ever thought possible but they did. 

    This has all happened for the most part with out spending any real extra money spent. Sold my old speakers, amps, extra gear, speaker cables and power cables and bought new stuff (all used just new to me). What made this possible is I bought less expensive speakers that are much - much - much better and used the extra money to improve not only my speakers, but my speaker cables and power cables and it has worked incredibly well. 

    I got lucky really. When you can sell your speakers (Wilson Sophia 2's) and then buy less expensive speakers (Ascendo C-8 Renaissance) and the speakers are much better in every way and that gave me the extra money to put into improving the rest of my system. It has really put me ahead of the game. I am very lucky I took the shot and scored. 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Here is the newly added gear below that has allow my Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers,PS Audio Direct Stream DAC and CAT SL-1 Signature Reference MK III pre to sing: 

    Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono-blocks Tube amps 140 Watts 

    Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Revision 2.5m Bi-Wire Speaker Cables 

    Sablon Audio Petite Corona 2.0M Power Cable 

    Mad Scientist PC-NEO with with Power Purifier Power Cable 

    JPS Labs The Power AC+ 2.m Power Cable 

    Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series SE T1 AC Power Cable 

    Synergistic Research Labs Tesla Series T1 AC Power Cable 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    MORE HUGE CHANGES GUYS: Just finally pulled the trigger on some proper amps for my new AMAZING Ascendo C8 Renaissance Speakers. I just bought them and they have totally blown me away and I haven't even been using a proper, well matching, comparable amp with them. These speakers love power but they have sounded amazing at lower / mid volume using a 35 Watt Tube integrated and now I just bought 140 Watt mono blocks to give them what they deserve. I just bought the highly regarded and Venerable Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono Blocks with new KT-120 tube and I can't wait to see what these sound like with my new C8's! The C8's are super detailed and resolving speakers and I love, lush, liquid, detailed sound so these should be a great match to go with my CAT preamp and Direct Stream DAC. 




    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    HUGE CHANGES GUYS - HUGE - Decided to go in total other direction. I moved and I went from a big room that was dedicated to Audio to med room that is also a living room so big changes. My girl is supportive of my Audio habit/addiction thankfully but I no longer have a dedicated room which actually isn't a bad thing as we all can enjoy my system now. I sold my main amp, main speakers and back up speakers and all my extra non main-rig equipment to apply a single focus on a single and quite different system... Big Plunge into the unknown - well not really but you know what I mean...Kept my amazing PRE and DAC and am rebuilding my system around those 2 core components. Never changing these (CAT SL-1 Signature MK III PRE & PS Audio Direct Stream DAC) 

    SOLD: BAT-VK600SE 

    SOLD: WILSON SOPHIA 2'S 

    SOLD: MERLIN TSM-MMI 

    SOLD: BEL CANTO s300s 

    SOLD: DECWARE CSP2+ w/VCAPS 

    SOLD: MUSIC FIDELITY M1 DAC 

    SOLD: PS AUDIO UPC-200 

    SOLD: PS AUDIO AC5 PWR CABLES (2) 

    BOUGHT: ASCENDO C8 RENAISSANCE 

    BOUGHT: AMP - TBD 

    Any feedback on a good amp match would be appreciated. The speakers are 6-ohm 88 efficient and seem like a fairly easy load. Currently using my trusty old back up amp the Primaluna Prologue 1 Integrated 35 wpc that these sound great with but looking for more. Great little back up amp though for sure. These Ascendo C8 Speakers are the most amazing speakers I have ever owned. If you ever come across a pair buy them. They are not that expensive and they are amazing. I have never heard a nicer pair and I have heard some seriously nice speakers. This is a very special speaker that I am ecstatic that I now own! 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    Sold my CAT Vk-600SE amp just need the money and just couldn't get over my love for tubes. Actually just using a Primaluna Prologue and am more happy but its more of a short term solution and looks for a more robust tube amp. 




    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update
     

    "Just picked up an extra amp a Bel Canto S300. Great little amp for cheap I bought for 2nd system but enjoying in main rig for now. Little light in bass and needs a little more body but will make a great 2nd system amp... 


     

    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update


    "Huge" new change: PS Audio Direct Stream DSD DAC and Wilson Sophia 2's now just replaced my Kharma CRM 3.2F I had a chance to pick up a pair of Gray Wilson Sophia 2's locally and I just couldn't resist because I got a great deal. I put my Amazing Kharma CRM 3.2F for sale and they sold with in the first few hours after posted. I am kind of nervous because I loved the Kharma's but I have a 21 x 21 room with cathedral ceilings and the full range vs the 2-ways combined with the local sale made me take the plunge. I will update after I get them all set up but I am pretty stoked. Hoping my Snappers can handle the new cones. Let me know if anyone can give me your thoughts about the Snapper combo with the Wilson Sophia's. Thanks 



    • AudiogoN Virtual System:  Update

     

    START : 

    Beginning of my system record /chronology to share but also to keep track of it for myself as well of all the dizzying trade / upgrades /changes. 

    It sure is a learning process and the goal is to get the best and most complete sound I can. Still working on that as you can see. You prob read this backwards as that is how they set it up when someone uses it like I am here so just wanted to say Thanks :) 

    I know kinda crazy when I actually go back on it all but I enjoy this hobby and its been fun...




    • AudiogoN Virtual System: This is the Beginning  

    Read more...

    Components Toggle details

      • Rethm Saadhana V3 Speakers (India) (New) 2016
      Rethm Saadhana Speakers (2015):
      103db, 18hz-20khz, 8ohm
      Minimum amplification power: 2 wpc
      Full Range - Horn loaded labyrinth:(7
      • HiDiamond D8 Speaker Cables 3M (Italy) (New) 2016
      These are the flagship HiDiamond Diamond 8 speakers cables from Italian high-end audio company. Cable with proprietary 4VRC©, copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance. Isolator in XLPE where XLPE and 100 times better than normal teflon. This lowers the threshold of escape of spike, cancels the skin effect between individual leads and therefore the width of the musical signal barrier guaranteeing greater linearity and low amplitude of the sine wave of the basis for the benefit of the naturalness of musical signal emission. Terminated with connectors to high quality Rhodium great plating that allows a better signal transmission without loss and oxidation power void. Technology twisted within the cable to get a balanced sound across the frequency band tonal with a powerful bass extension and precise and this leads to sound science fiction, the incredible dynamic like a hairdryer will send a large amount of air around the hair, giving an impression of dynamics in complete freedom without any compression, a medium low which helps to give force to the reproduction , snug and warm voices to emphasize the details of recording, precise focus, high transparent never aggressive. Impossible to put it into crisis. Redefines the way you listen to, the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all systems and valves of any solid-state solid value. 12 x 4 mm conductors 4VRC©. An absolute reference. Technical characteristics:: External jacket mm. 270 ; Number of Cond. 12 ; Cond. Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. 55 Pf/m.; Conductor Resistance: 7,98 Ohm/km.
      • Furutech FT-212 Rhodium Locking Banana Plugs (4-Pairs) (Japan) (New) 2017
      Quite simply, the Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Banana Terminals will assist audiophiles, OEM cable manufacturers and do-it-yourself hobbyists achieve the highest levels of performance while offering both the ease of use and the ease of installation of banana terminals. In fact, the FT-212s don’t even require soldering! Furutech’s legendary reputation for meticulous engineering, which focuses on constantly examining every part of the signal and power path, is reflected in the following features:

      One piece Rhodium conductors for the FT-212(R), or 24K gold-plated Alpha pure copper conductors injected with POM resin for the FT-212(G)
      Low weight, low mass design which offers audible improvements in sound quality
      Extremely insulated POM body with non-resonant SUS housing and non-magnetic stainless steel end ring
      Non-magnetic SUS set screw construction design
      Beautiful machining and finishes provide all cable projects with a highly professional and attractive end result

      If you’ve resisted the use of banana terminals as part of a highly resolving audio/video system, then it’s time to compare the Furutech FT-212 Ethereal Banana Terminals to your preferred type of termination. The FT-212 proves that it’s possible to have both convenience and performance!

      Rating:

      FT-212 (R) Rhodium-Plated
      Features:

      Main conductor: Rhodium or 24k gold-plated α (Alpha) pure copper
      Housing: Black nylon/fiberglass with Piezo Ceramic resin
      Body Insulation: Black POM resin-injected
      End Ring: Stainless steel
      Termination: Set screw
      Specification

      Specified for core diameters up to 4.2mm (8 AWG)
      Specified for core insulation diameter up to 7.8mm
      Dimensions: Housing: 18.0 x 16.0φ x 19.8mm overall height
      Total overall length: 56.0 mm approx
      • (5-Pairs) Darwin TRUTH Pure Silver Reference Interconnects (USA) (New) 2017
      The Truth series represents the pinnacle of Darwin cable design, combining the finest materials sourced from three continents, advanced science and refined voicing techniques. Not only is it the best cable we have ever designed, it may just be the best cable anywhere at any price. Darwin Truth Unbalanced: The Truth (unbalanced) is the culmination of everything we have learned by "re-imagining" the audio cable from the ground up. The Truth features our finest hand-constructed RCA end (the shell is a new imported discovery), the finest silver wire we have ever heard, immersed in a computerized cryogenic vat capable of replicating the deep chill of space—our CryoWise II © process. Our low mass, air-dielectric purist build delivers a cable that does it all in big fashion. Silky, natural, with layers of detail waiting to be discovered. Absolutely no grain or etch. Expansive soundstage and depth—massive organic presentation. Befitting its status as our flagship cable, The Truth comes in a sleek silver-toned presentation case. 3 feet MSRP $995
      • Bricasti Design M1SE DSD DAC Stereophile CLASS A (USA) (New) 2017
      USB / DSD / Volume Control DAC The Bricasti Design New Model 1 USB Digital to Analog Converter The M1 digital to analog converter is a dual mono design; there are two completely isolated channels, each with its own dedicated linear power supply, D/A converter, DDS clocking, and analog circuitry. This design insures that analog cross talk is virtually non existent, that the necessary power requirements for each channel are well met and isolated from each other and the digital processing is isolated, having its own power supply. With our twin DAC design, the dynamic range for each channel is optimized by using the stereo ADI 1955 D/A converter in a mono configuration. The M1 also includes Bricasti's own proprietary filter technology, further opening new territory with what is achievable in a modern D/A reference. Product Highlights DSD, DSD64 and DSD128 playback. Features the latest generation asynchronous USB interface. Dedicated dual mono design. Highly acclaimed, proprietary filter technology. Extremely low jitter @ 6 picoseconds. Supports sample rates of up to 352.8kHz and 24 bits. Minimum and linear phase filters. Connectors: USB: USB-2 XLR: AES/EBU 24 bit Single Wire RCA: SPDIF Toslink: Fiber Optic Sample Rates: USB: 44.1 kHz - 384 kHz, DSD 64x, DSD 128x AES, SPDIF: 44.1 kHz - 192kHz Toslink: 44.1 kHz - 96 kHz Frequency Response Dig I/O: DC to 24 kHz @ 48 kHz DC to 96 kHz @ 192 kHz Analog Section Design Features and Performance Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot) Impedance: 40 ohm Max output level:+22 dbm Min output level:+8 dbm D/A Conversion:24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling Frequency Response @44.1k:10 hz- 20 kHz +0dB, -.2 dB Dynamic Range:>120dB A-Weighted THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs Analog Section Design Features and Performance Connectors:RCA Impedance:40 ohm Output level: +8 dbm (2V RMS) D/A Conversion: 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling Frequency Response @ 44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz -.2 dB Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs October 2014 Bricasti Design at the 2014 Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in conjunction with TIDAL Audio Cera speakers, Purist Audio Design cables, and StillPoints Ultra Isolation devices, was awarded Positive-Feedback's Audio Oasis award saying "The quality of the sound in this room was unique...detailed, transparent, and dynamic! Jared Sacks' native DSD recordings were sounding amazing here!" he M1 has been honored with the AudioShark's Best Sound of Show Under $100,000. at the Rock Mountain Audio Fest 2014. August 2014 Bricasti Design, TIDAL Audio, Purist Audio Design, StillPoints and TVTI receive AVShowrooms' Gold Show Award for the 2014 Capital Audiofest. The Bricasti Design M1 DAC belongs in my top ranking of DACs that I have had the pleasure to review." − Steven Blaskin / Read full review it may just be as good as digital sound can get." − Edgar Kramer / Read full review Bricasti Design's M1 is a Class A+ digital processor...Enthusiastically recommended." − John Atkinson / Read full review "The best digital playback I ever heard." − John Marks / Read full review "However you look at it − sound quality, construction, engineering, test bench performance − the M1 hits the spot." Current Software is Version 1.22 The Model 1 now ships with software version 1.22. This update broadens the M1's DSD capability even further with the support of DSD128 playback. Current M1 owners may contact us directly for more information on upgrading to v1.22. Model 1 Hardware Options and Upgrades The M1 has been designed to be upgradeable to incorporate new enhancements and improvements so that all users can upgrade as desired. M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote Expand any existing M1 to have USB functionality with our USB upgrade kit. Read More M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote Power-up your existing M1 with a markably improved V2 power supply. Read More M1 Remote Control Option m1 remote The new M1 Remote Control offers an upgrade to any existing M1 providing remote access to all settings and full parametric control of the M1 Read More
      • Tellurium Q BLACK DIAMOND Reference USB Cable (England) (New) 2017
      The most analogue sounding USB cable on the planet. There is nothing better for PC Audio in the world.

      “Perhaps the one of the strongest things the Tellurium Q cables have in their favor is their consistency, both vertically and horizontally. By that, I mean that the cables have a distinct and common sound, whether S/PDIF or USB, and they improve across the range in several important aspects, including inner detail retrieval, dynamics, and solidity of instruments in the soundstage. That rich, dark chocolate presentation gets richer and darker as you go up the lines too. It’s a consistency that is rare, and a sure sign the company behind the product is not simply ‘in it for the money’. Finally, Black Diamond USB is a true gem!”
      - Nicholas Ripley, HiFi +
      • Auralic Aries w/ Duel Femto Clocks Stereophile CLASS A (Japan) (New) 2017
      The set-up model with two individualFemtoClocks for both USB audio host and digital outputs, low noise internal design to eliminate jitter andAURALiC Purer‐Power™ based 10uV low noise external linear PSU. The ARIES serves as a “bridge” between music files on network storage or high quality online streaming services and the consumers’ DAC — enabling DACsfor the first time to stream high-resolution music quickly and wirelessly in virtually any sampling rate, including DSD, Double-Rate DSD and DXD. The inputs of ARIES include Dual-Band high-speed WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet and USB 2.0 port. The outputs are USB audio host buffered by AURALiC’s patentedActiveUSB™ technology; low jitter digital audio outputs: AES/EBU, Coaxial and TOSLINK. The USB audio host can deliver PCM from 44.1 to 384 KHz at 16-, 24- and 32-bit resolutions as well as DSD, Double-Rate DSD for compatible USB DAC. The other digital outputs are limited to 192 KHz at 24-bit in maximum according to S/PDIF standard. ARIES is bundled with AURALiC’s Lightning DS App. The App has the capability to fully control ARIES to browse your music libraries on your network-attached storage (NAS), to steam high quality music content from service providers like Qobuz and WiMP, to control the playback and to select the hardware settings such as output channel and WiFi network, etc. The App also supports Songcast, a music distribution service that allows users to map computer’s sound to any Lightning-equipped system and to map sound between different Lightning systems in the house and streaming sound though Apple AirPlay. AURALiC Tesla Platform ARIES is powered by AURALiC's proprietary Tesla hardware platform that includes a Quad-Core ARMCoretex-A9 processor running at 1GHz, 1GB DDR3onboard memory and 4GB internal storage. The Tesla platform has a calculation ability of 25,000 MIPS, more than enough to decode a vast spectrum of audio formats, including AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF,DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA.AURALiC has chose this platform for a long term supporting consideration, the feature planned includeDSD upsampling, room acoustic treatment and other acoustic DSP function. Gapless, Multiple Room Solution By using OpenHome structure which is adopted by U.K-based streaming solution manufacturer Linn, ARIES as well as all other Lightning based products support several advanced functions such as on-device playlist that allow control software to turn off during play and complete supporting of multi-room, multiple control points — functions that are not part of the legacy standards of the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA). Dual Femto Clock The ARIES with two individual Femto clocks for both USB audio host and digital outputs: the clock used for digital outputs are in charge of generate master clock of digital signal to ensure lowest jitter performance for all digital outputs. Accordingly to our measurement, the USB controller's master clock can also effect sound quality as it effect USB interrupt timing when joint use with real time system, to maximum sound quality, ARIES also equipped with another Femtoclock for USB controller. Low Noise Linear PSU Excepting for low noise internal power supply design, ARIES also comes with an external low noise linear power supply unit. This PSU is based on AURALiCPurer‐Power™ technology with advanced AC filter and very low noise circuit design. The actual measurement shows only 10uV cross 20Hz-20KHz range. Streaming Services Local uPnP/DLNA library content Qobuz and WiMP online streaming Internet Radio AirPlay and Songcast USB hard drive files* Supported File Types AAC, AIFF, ALAC, APE, DIFF, DSF, FLAC, MP3, OGG, WAV, WV and WMA Sampling Rates PCM in 44.1Khz - 384Khz at 16 - 32bits DSD 2.8224MHz and 5.6448MHz Control Software AURALiC Lightning DS AURALiC RC-1 remote control OpenHome compatible software uPnP AV compatible software Media Server Compatibility Minimserver, Twonky, Asset UPnP, JRiver DLNA/uPNP compatible server software On-Device 3” 256*64px OLED Input RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Dual-Band WiFi connection USB 2.0 High-Speed for external disk Output USB 2.0 High-Speed for compatible DAC** AES/EBU, Coaxial, TOSLINK*** Power Consumption Standby: [lessthansign]2W Playback: 15W at max. Dimension Appox. 9.8
      • SBooster BOTW Linear Pwr. Supply ( for Auralic Aries ) (Netherlands) (New) 2017
      BEST OF TWO WORLDS POWER & PRECISION ECO The “Best of Two Worlds Power & Precision ECO” audio upgrade (BOTW P&P ECO) is the successor of our “Best of Two Worlds Solutions” audio upgrade (BOTWS). This new upgrade product combines power, precision and efficiency in an unique innovative manner. The BOTW P&P ECO is the best choice for every audiophile. With the BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade the purification of the current starts immediately there where the polluted current enters the upgrade. A dual stage mains filter and an earth line choke clean the current from high frequency pollution before the current reaches the transformer. The transformer is a custom-made audio grade transformer with electrostatic shielding. The electronic design is innovative: it gets 50% more output out of the used electronics and consumes even up to 35% less energy than a conventional design. The BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade concept is so efficient that it consumes only a few Dollars (~$5) a year more than the standard supplied high efficient, but also highly polluting switch mode adapter. Finally, at the end of the DC cable the unique split current system has been placed. The power supply of the BOTW P&P ECO audio upgrade provides the split current system with powerful and clean power, so the electronics can do their job profoundly, which is to buffer the power so that the power supply becomes very fast and to filter one last time the voltage and current before they enter the audio device. This unique upgrade power supply with its large headroom delivers at all times sufficient clean power to the audio device to ensure a stable and continuous performance of the internal processes of the audio device in order to get the best performance out of the audio device. This combination of power and precision results in “easy” music, a perfect soundstage and a natural detailed sound. Product highlights: 50% more output current; Power saving design; 2 characteristics in 1 product: Power for high current demanding equipment; Precision for noise sensitive equipment; 2 selectable output voltages; 1 accessory setting; Safety approvals; IEC 14 power inlet for High-end mains cables; High performance dual stage mains filter; Earth line choke; Overvoltage protection; Custom made high efficient audio grade transformer; High quality polypropylene film capacitors; Improved no-noise SBooster split current system. Points of interest: 1.) Typical SMPS ( the $6 ones that come with $3000 audio gear) are about 85% efficient. 2.) According to Wikipedia typical 12v LPS (linear power supply) are 27.5% efficient. 3.) The SBooster design is ~ 73% efficient. 4.) Studies by the designer (Wiebren) that it cost ~$5/year more to run the BOTW than a typical polluting 12v wall wart ! 5.) The proprietary ’split’ power supply in the BOTW has no lag-time in delivering current to high perfomance DACs, streamers etc.
      • SBooster Ultra Split Filter (For Auralic Aries) (Netherlands) (New) 2017
      BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade improves the sound quality of your Auralic Aries with Femto Clocks. Output Voltage & Current 15V - 2.5A 16V - 1.85A Mains Voltage: 120 Volt AC 50/60Hz Transformer: 50VA audio grade toroidal with electrostatic shielding Mains filter: High performance dual stage mains filter with earth line choke Rectifier: bridge Power Schottky barrier rectifiers Bulk capacitors: 5 x Nichicon 4700µF + 1 x 5600µF + 1 Rubycon 330µF Low Impedance High Ripple Current Capacitors Regulator: High-current ultra fast transient response LDO with external high precision shunt reference circuit Filter capacitors: Non inductive polypropylene film capacitors DC power cord 95cm 16 AWG spiral shielded, with integrated SBooster and interchangeable DC plug Mains cable Stock supplied Size and Weight Dimension: 240*130*75mm 1.85Kg Safety approvals CE/GS/CCC/KC/CTUVUS/FCC/PSB IEC60065 standard Warranty 24 Months

      The BOTW P&P ECO 15V - 16V with 15V SBooster Ultra upgrade is the perfect upgrade of your stock supplied Auralic linear power supply.

      For Auralic Aries Femto upgrade, we opted for a 15V version of the SBooster Ultra. With the 15V upgrade you will get the best sound quality out of your Aries Femto.

      The Best of Two World Power & Precision ECO is the successor of our Best of Two Worlds Solution upgrade. For the BOTW P&P ECO we have applied a large number of innovative techniques in order to improve the sound quality of your Auralic Aries Femto to a much higher level compared to a conventional linear audio power supply.

      SBooster ultra
      The SBooster Ultra is an innovative addition to the BOTW P&P ECO in the fight against pollution. The SBooster Ultra is based on a highly effective active filter which reduces any residual noise within the audio spectrum with [greaterthansign] 110dB. The purity of the voltage and current of the BOTW P&P ECO with SBooster Ultra Upgrade is the highest level that ever has been reached with an external audio upgrade power supply solution.
      • AudioQuest Vodka RJ/E CAT-7 Ethernet Cable 1M (USA) (New) 2017
      SOLID 10% SILVER CONDUCTORS: Solid conductors eliminate strand-interaction distortion and reduce jitter. Solid silver-plated conductors are excellent for very high-frequency applications, like Ethernet audio. These signals, being such a high frequency, travel almost exclusively on the surface of the conductor. As the surface is made of high-purity silver, the performance is very close to that of a solid silver cable, but priced much closer to solid copper cable. This is an incredibly cost effective way of manufacturing very high-quality Ethernet cables.

      SOLID HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE INSULATION: Any solid material adjacent to a conductor is actually part of an imperfect circuit. Wire insulation and circuit board materials all absorb energy (loss). Some of this energy is stored and then later released as distortion. Solid High-Density Polyethylene Insulation ensures critical signal-pair geometry while minimizing insulation-induced phase distortion.

      METAL-LAYER NOISE-DISSIPATION SYSTEM (NDS): 100% shield coverage is easy. Preventing captured RF Interference from modulating the equipment’s ground reference requires AQ’s Noise-Dissipation System. Metal and Carbon-Loaded synthetics prevent most RFI from reaching the equipment’s ground plane.

      TERMINATIONS: Precision-made low-loss ultra-wide bandwidth connectors with 100% shield coverage and strain relief.

      HIGH-SPEED DATA CAPACITY: The Cat 7 cable standard has been created to allow 10- Gigabit Ethernet over 100 m of copper cabling.

      DIRECTIONALITY: All audio cables are directional. The correct direction is determined by listening to every batch of metal conductors used in every AudioQuest audio cable. Arrows are clearly marked on the connectors to ensure superior sound quality. For best results have the arrow pointing in the direction of the flow of music. For example, NAS to Router, Router to Network Player.
      • (3) AudioQuest Forest CAT-7 Ethernet Cables (For Aries) (USA) (New) 2015
      (2) AudioQuest Forest RJ/E Ethernet Cable (New) 2015 for Auralic Aries Extreme
      • Wyred 4 Sound Remedy Reclocker for Cable Box (USA) (New) 2017
      Really - Really makes my cable box and apple tv that both are used for TV and Movies and TV Shows is a great improvement. Nice add for sure.... Add in a couple DH Labs Silver Coax Digital Cables and hooked to my Bricasti the Cable box sounds almost like a pretty decent transport. Worth every red penny to transform you cable box audio performance. Remedy Features Utilizes an incredible Femto-grade clock Superior jitter reduction​ (click for measurements) Toslink and Coaxial digital inputs Toslink, Coaxial, BNC digital outputs 96kHz output sampling frequency* Digital inputs support up to 24/192kHz! 9VDC power supply included 5 year warranty
      • iFi Audio iPower 9V DC Power Supply w/ANC+ (For W4S Remedy) (New) (UK) 2017
      • With ANC+® (Active Noise Cancellation) the power line is filtered for audio band and RF noise
      • Astonishingly low audio band noise floor of just 1uV
      • 5V, 9V ,12V and 15V versions for all manners of DC powered devices
      • Interchangeable pins to span the globe: for USA/UK/EU/AUS electrical outlets
      • Acoustic Revive RLI-1 LAN Isolator (For Aries) (New) (Japan) 2017
      Network audio performance is significantly deteriorated due to the noise generated by network players, HUB, NAS, etc which goes back and forth through LAN cables.
      Furthermore, invasion noise is also mixed in through the internet line which remarkably degrades the sound quality.
      RLI-1 has succeeded in cutting the transmission noise to an extremely low level via the combination of an Isolation transformer and Choke coil for common-mode noise.
      As you can see from the below measurement results, the noise-cut effect of RLI-1 is far superior to that of medical LAN isolators which are only based on isolation transformers.
      In addition to this, by designing for the audiophile approach, RLI-1 does not generate side effects such as the feeling of energy loss and reduced dynamics which is not avoided when using LAN isolators for medical treatment, and in this reason, the more it increases the number of units, the more the effect increases without generating any negative side effects.
      • Nordost Blue Haven BNC (For W4S Remedy) Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015
      Cables Box to W4S Remedy
      • Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 Optical Digital Cable (USA) (New) 2015
      Tara Labs Prism 100dx-1 Optical Digital Cable
      • MIT Terminator-3 Silver Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M (USA) 2015
      This build in network matching for impedance in whole spectrum , greatly reduce most CDP harshness and piercing sound, smooth but open sounding great digital cable, 1 meter length
      • VPI Industries Prime Turntable (New) 2017


      The class-leading VPI Prime turntable does the award-winning Scout line proud and comes complete with everything you need to get incredible sonic presentations from your vinyl collection. Enhancing the original Scout chassis, Prime includes an updated ten-inch 3D-printed tonearm with on-the-fly adjustability. A new cylindrical motor housing, platter/bearing with high tolerance, two-inch album platter that can accept the VPI Outer Ring Clamp (sold separately), and set of high-tech aluminum feet featuring an upgraded cone cup with ball bearings complete this savvy design. All told, Prime epitomizes high-end value. Backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

      "Mat Weisfeld has taken VPI to the next level on so many fronts... Prime takes advantage of all this, offering an 20-pound platter, with one of their new 3D printed tonearms and a proven upgrade path with VPI accessories to take the performance of this table even further, once you get in the groove with it."
      – TONEAudio, Publisher's Choice Award

      "You get the 'table, with its high mass aluminum alloy platter and a ten inch 3D printed arm makes the VPI Prime a difficult-to-beat turntable/arm at the $4000 price point. Why? Because the Prime does everything well, it's that good!"
      – Michael Fremer, Stereophile/Analog Planet

      Hand-Built in the U.S.A., Includes Updated 3D-Printed Tonearm and VTA Mounting Base
      Prime includes a VPI 300RPM motor inside an 8-pound steel-machined chassis. This powerful motor drives the 20-pound VPI Classic platter with inverted bearing, producing a level of speed stability unmatched at this price. Wow and flutter, as well as rumble, are well below audible levels. Prime's tonearm happens to be a brand-new incarnation of VPI's ingenious 10-Inch JMW Classic 3D tonearm. The arm is shaped like that of the Classic 3 , and includes large stabilizing side weights, an adjustable counterweight, and copper-shielded internal wiring. It also comes with VPI's calibrated "Adjustable VTA-on-the-Fly" mounting base. The sensual chassis is painted with an anti-resonant paint and is a composite of MDF and 10-gauge steel for added rigidity, mass, and damping.

      "It's like putting you in the control room where the master tape is playing. Tiny, nuanced gestures normally lost in the mix are resolved easily here – not in a surgical strike on all things audio, but like an honest, blameless reference point that we should ultimately strive to achieve."
      – Alan Sircom, Hi-Fi+

      Future-Proofed With Modification Options, All You Need Is a Cartridge (Which We'll Mount for Free)
      Over the course of the past decade, VPI's Scout Series has helped countless music lovers get more from the grooves of their vinyl collections. Prime enhances every aspect of the venerable Scout. The best part is this wonderful 'table will have options for further modification in the future. At present, VPI's Outer Ring Clamp and ADS speed control drive-system can be added anytime. So you can rest assured Prime will never suffer from obsolescence. Call us to discuss the cartridge of your choice (we will happily mount it for free). And as always, we guarantee your satisfaction.

      "The VPI Prime is an incredible turntable for $3,999. It looks great, sounds great, feels substantial when you set it up, and is easily upgraded for even more performance."
      – Jeff Dorgay, TONEAudio


      • VPI Industries JMW 10 - 3D - Printed Tonearm Stereophile CLASS A (New) 2017

      To paraphrase the great American inventor, Homer J. Simpson; “3D Printers…is there anything they can’t do?” The 3D printer may eventually become as common as the personal computer, but for now they remain relegated to those with deep pockets and/or plenty of venture capital. 

      The entrepreneurial few who have taken the leap and invested or borrowed hundreds of thousands of dollars for a 3D printer are certainly on the leading edge of manufacturing, and it’s encouraging to see that people are thinking outside the box in regard to what a 3D printer can make. Everything from toys to printed exoskeletons for children with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita have been printed so far, which will hopefully inspire others to develop even more exciting products to better the human experience. 

      But where we would really like to see some movement on the 3D printing front is in the consumer electronics category. We can’t wait to print our own loudspeaker cabinets. And imagine printing your own headphones one day – they could be customized to the exact measurements of your head and adorned with your own artwork.

      Well, one CE manufacturer isn’t waiting for the future. VPI Industries, best known for its record cleaning machines and award-winning turntables, decided last year to start development of its first direct drive turntable, due to debut at the New York Audio Show on April 12. VPI already manufactures its own aluminum tonearms for its tables, but for its new statement piece, VPI turned to a design firm in Pennsylvania to develop the world’s first synthetic 10-inch tonearm, created by a 3D printer.

      The tonearm is a one-piece structure, from its head shell to its counterweight stub. It’s manufactured from an epoxy-plastic that is incredibly lightweight and rigid. VPI hopes to make the tonearm available in 9-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch lengths for its own tables and those of others.

      We were invited for a private listening session at VPI where the 3D printed tonearm was installed on the company’s new Classic Direct turntable with a $220 Grado Gold phono cartridge. For comparison purposes, VPI CEO, Harry Weisfeld, played the same five records on a VPI Classic 3 turntable using one of its standard metal tonearms paired with an $8,000 cartridge from German manufacturer, Clearaudio. A monster three-channel amplifier from McIntosh and a pair of 40 year-old JBL loudspeakers large enough to house a small family rounded out the test system.

      The 3D printed tonearm with the $220 cartridge punched out some of the German’s teeth before ultimately losing on points, but it made us think long and hard about spending more on a phono cartridge if that much performance can be dragged out of something as entry-level as the Grado Gold. The tonearm/table combination certainly made a huge impact on the overall sound quality; the new table/arm combination may cost close to $20,000 in the end, but the impact of the 3D printed tonearm was profound.

      The $220 Grado, which we’ve heard on far more affordable tables such as the Pro-Ject RPM5.1, Rega RP3, and VPI Traveler, sounded quicker, more detailed, and the soundstage sounded like it grew by a few feet in each direction. The difference in vocal reproducton between the Grado and crazy-expensive Clearaudio cartridge narrowed by a considerable margin with the 3D printed arm factored in. 

      Cost and manufacturing time will certainly limit how many 3-D printed tonearms VPI can sell at this point. The first arm took more than 24 hours to print, but as 3D printing technology evolves and printing costs drop, it may become possible for VPI and other turntable manufacturers to offer state of the art products like this for a lot less money.

      The world’s first 3D printed turntable? Possibly just around the corner.

      • VPI Industries JMW 10 Tonearm Base w/ SRA / VTA on the Fly (New) 2017
      • This base is a uni-pivot type based designed to work flawlessly with our JMW-10 uni-pivot arms. It features a large knurled VTA/SRA tower with a smooth precise feel makes it easy to set VTA/SRA during play.  The base allows changing of arm-tubes in seconds instead of hours for those with multiple cartridges. In addition, a secondary mounting has been placed between the arm rest and the arm lift to greatly improve the arm's rigidity literally making these the only arms that can do VTA adjustments while listening and then be locked as rigid as a solid mounted arm.
      .
      • VPI Industries Prime 300 RPM, 24 Pole, AC Synchronus Motor (New) 2017
      • A 300 rpm 24 pole AC synchronous motor capable of high torque and quiet operation installed in a separate aluminum and steel machined assembly.
      • Haniwa Auto HCTR01 Cartridge Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016
      HCTR01CATALOG :: Download  [720KB]TypeMoving CoilInput Impedance0.8Ω(1kHz)Inductance1.3µH(1kHz)Output Voltage0.35mVCantileverBoronSuggested Needle Pressure1.0g - 1.5g 
      [with HEQA01:0.6g - 1.0g]Weight10gLow Impedance Type

      :: Super Low Impedance MC Cartridge ::
       
      With MC Cartridge, if the coil turn is made less to reduce its impedance, the output voltage also becomes lower. We have overcome this problem by adopting the special high-μ material SH-μX for its core, the thick oxygen-less copper of 0.5μm for its coil, and the powerful Neodymium magnet for its magnetic circuit. The result is the unprecedented super low impedance of 0.8Ω with the high output of 0.35mV. With its pure Boron cantilever, the highest tracking fidelity is obtained to pick up whole of the music signals cut into the record groove.
       
      The inductance of cartridge is as important as its impedance. The lower inductance, realized by reducing the coil turns, improves the phase characteristics of cartridge. By this, the peak of pulse response gets higher, and the trangent response sharper. This sharpness of sound creates the natural presence of music, as if players are performing just in front of you.
       
      It is finished with the dignity to match its high performances, having aluminum alloy body with japan-like surface. 
       
      NOTE : 
      It is recommended to reduce the wiring impedance inside the player system, so that you can enjoy the best of HCTR01.

      :: Phase Variance less than ±1º ::
       
      The cartridge and the phono equalizer are inseparable to perform at their best. HEQA01 provides HCTR01 the additional electromagnetic damping, so that the cantilever is controlled its jumpy motion even under the needle pressure of less than 1g. 
      When you use HEQA01 and HCTR01 together, we recommend to set the needle pressure at 0.6g - 1.0g. By this set up, you can enjoy the best performance of HCTR01, and the sharpest trangent response.

      • Haniwa Audio HEQA02 Phono Stage Stereophile CLASS A (New) (Japan) 2016
      HEQA02

      CATALOG :: Download   [2.4MB]InputTuned to HTCR01 mkIIMax Output Voltage200mVRIAA Curve Deviationless than ±0.2dB (20~20kHz)Output Phase Shiftless than ±1° (20~20kHz)Dimension (WxHxD)155 x 60 x 270 mmWeight2.5kg

      The circuit of HEQA02 is successfully suppressing the phase shift while realizing the precise equalization.
      This is an an ideal partner for HCTR01 mkII (ultra low inductance MC cartridge), with its special input stage circuit designed specifically to match the extraordinary low inductance and impedance.
       
      The equalizing circuit is NF+CR type, adjusting the lower frequency range to RIAA curve by NF low boost circuit, and then rolling off the high frequency range by CR circuit.
       
      Due to the phase sensitive design policy, the output from the RIAA equalization has, flat gain and phase curves over full range of audio bandwidth, boosting less than ±1° phase deviation over 20Hz through 20kHz, and RIAA deviation of less than ±0.2dB.

      • Triode Lab Au PRE, the Hi-Game Edition (New) (Canada) 2017
      Triode Lab Au PRE, the HI-Game Edition - New 2017 finish - British Racing Green Metallic /Copper Plated Tube Cage

      This is our triode reference preamplifier, base on a pristine tube line stage design that we have been perfecting for decades, the one we use to voice all our power amps and speakers. It offers the most refined, organic and unrestrained sound - top to bottom with proper weight in the most accurate and fewest sound change to the original recordings. IT IS TAILOR for triode and low powered amplifiers. Stop searching for another tube pre-amplifiers! because perhaps they were never meant for this (Here is a simple question : does your preamp maker makes triode amps? or higher power amps?). The AU PRE will be the KEY to unleash the full signature of triode tubes!
      Recently we have witnesses the come back of ultra high efficiency speakers , and here is our answer. The Au Pre Hi-Game Edition, is specific for high efficient systems, those 99 db+ and true 16 ohms efficient speakers. More attention is pay to the control of the easier flow / wider band character of the transducers, and enhanced the bass response. The total gain is down to 3X - you need this preamp when the AuPre Mini (5X) is still too much, or when you have too much power / loudness even as low as 3.5W with the 2A3.
      New 2017 finish - British Racing Green Metallic /Copper Plated Tube Cage
      Brand new design over the original Au PRE , the HI-Game Edition will provide absolute control in comparison
      Line-stage uses 12AU7 / ECC82 OR 12AT7 / ECC81
      Enhanced and Quieter Power Supply resigned for high efficient applications : Changes including using high speed diode for faster recovery and a more efficient power supply, the rectify stage also features our latest hybrid design using both tubes and solid state to have a stable/consistent working stability and outcomes (even when the 6CA4 rectifier tube is getting older/weak), the regulate tube now adapt the more commonly used 12BH7 - its more popular and easier source, better grounding circuitry design thru more ideal channeling, locating and using our "Choke Coils PCB Pattern" at various important spots of the power supply - they don't just help slow down the delivery, but also quiet down from welcome less RF Interference, we also added two more fuse spots for wrong/bad tubes insert as well from harm from external. There are more enhancements we did to quiet down further on these high efficient applications to he main line-stage circuit.
      MSRP $5,800 USD*
      • Triode Lab 2A3SE-FFX (MK II) DHT SET Orange (Canada) (New) 2016

      This beautiful amp was hand built custom by Frank at Triode Labs with all of the very best Premium Boutique Parts offered for this amp. The goal was build the very best this great little company can offer and its sounds Glorious. Here is the information:


      Triode Lab 2A3SE-FFX Amplifier (9/2016)

      - Mundorf Silver in Oil Caps for the 2A3s 

      - Mundorf EVO Oil Caps for the Input 

      - Mundorf M Lytics HV Power Supply E Cap 

      - Cardas Rhodium Premium RCA Posts 

      - Cardas Pure Copper Speaker Terminal Binding Post 4-8-16 Ohms 

      - Furutech Rhodium IEC Inlet and corresponding Power Hardware 

      - Audio Consulting Pure Silver Input Signal Wires 

      - AmTrans Gold Signal Wires in all Critical Areas 

      - Soundcoat Premium Damping Sheet (bottom plate) 

      - Upgraded Machined Aluminum Vibration Control Footers 

      - Custom Automotive Paint Finish - Outsourced - Mclaren SLR Orange - Powder Coat Baked - Premium Gloss 

      - Full Suite of Upgraded Exotic Hashimoto Output Transformers and Chokes (The finest from Tokyo, Japan) 

      Hashimoto Power Transformers (The finest from Tokyo, Japan) 

      - NOS tubes 2x CBS JAN 5692, 2x Ken Rad VT-231, 2x RCA VT-231 Gray Glass, 2x RCA Coin Base 6SN7GTA, 1 x Mullard GZ34) plus another half dozen of 6SL7GT and others.

      - Brand New Output Tubes 2x 2A3C's and KR Audio 2A3 tube


      The Hashimoto Output Transformers and  Hashimoto Power Transformers and  Hashimoto Chokes. These are the finest exotic grade transformers from Tokyo, Japan, whom used to OEM supply for Sansui.

      This amp is $4,888.00 plus Options. It as every conceivable option and some other extra adds. Came in over $7,300.00 
      • First Watt F-2 Transconductance Amplifier (USA) (NOS 2017)
      FIRST WATT F2 POWER AMPLIFIER 6/16/2005 It has been about 9 months since the introduction of the First Watt F1, and I have been very surprised to see everything going more or less according to plan. I am just finishing up the 100 amplifiers of that design (about 10 per month), and there are only a few left before they cease to be available as new. The reviews have been uniformly enthusiastic, the customers seem happy, and none have broken yet. So I am pleased to move on to this next design, the F2. Like the F1, it is a current source, although less of one since I put 15 ohms across its output terminals to give it a slight damping factor – 0.5 instead of the 0.1 of the F1. I surmise that most customers will be happier with this without having to put resistors across the output. Most customers also have no use for balanced inputs, which is fine because the purely single-ended F2 circuit cannot use a balanced signal in any case. While the F1 had a crisper sounding 3rd harmonic signature, the F2 has a richer 2nd harmonic character, one that is sufficiently different to justify another version of a current source amplifier. Anyway, I’m only going to make the 100, and future amplifiers from First Watt are currently planned as voltage sources. If you bought this amplifier, thank you very much. Even if you didn’t buy it, your comments and questions are welcome. ____________________ Nelson Pass [email protected] www.firstwatt.com Introduction The F2 is a two channel transconductance power amplifier, which is a fancy name for an active current source. A given input voltage results in a particular output current. Ordinary amplifiers are voltage amplifiers – an input voltage translates into an output voltage. This is not that kind of amplifier, and as of this writing, the F1 and now the F2 are the only such amplifiers available for audio use. Being current sources, these amps operate differently with a loudspeaker. A regular audio amplifier supplies an arbitrary output voltage, and the speaker draws current according to its complex characteristic. As such, the current through the loudspeaker is not exactly proportional to the voltage in either amplitude or time. A current source amplifier delivers a precise current to the voice coil of the loudspeaker driver, ignoring the series impedance elements in the circuit, including the wire, connectors, the inductance of the voice coil, the resistance of the voice coil versus temperature – all that stuff. This is potentially valuable in that the current passing through the magnetic field of the loudspeaker produces the force and acceleration on the voice coil and cone, and this translates directly into sound pressure. A current source is simply the most direct way of controlling the acceleration of the voice coil. In the linear range of a loudspeaker, the acceleration is directly proportional to the current, and in mass-controlled loudspeaker drivers the sound is proportional to the acceleration. Since most loudspeaker systems are designed around a voltage source, there is only a subset of products that can take advantage of this effect. In general, these are high-efficiency drivers (ones that produce more than 90 dB per watt). Of greatest interest is the performance offered to highefficiency full-range drivers, where not only is the loudspeaker very efficient, but also covers a wide or full range of the audio spectrum through a single radiating surface. Often this translates to delicate single cone drivers such as the products from Lowther or Fostex, with big motor assemblies coupled to light fragile paper cones. These are the speakers that often don’t sound good with “high quality” solid-state amplifiers, most often because the two are mismatched in impedance and wattage. This is an unusual amplifier that will not give its best performance with most of the loudspeakers on the market. It requires careful attention to loudspeaker loading to get the best performance. The accompanying white paper “Current Source Amplifiers and Full-Range High-Efficiency Drivers” is required reading. This is a tinkerer’s amplifier. If being a current source amplifier isn’t different enough, the F1 and F2 are special in other ways. In particular, they use no feedback to reduce distortion, flatten frequency response or create a low output impedance, and they ignore the voltages that appear across the speaker terminals. Not having feedback does result in an amplifier that has more harmonic distortion, but it also avoids the subjective artifacts that come with feedback. I think of feedback the way I think of a credit card – a handy thing to have, but the bill always arrives at the end of the month. Paradoxically, amplifiers which sound best with feedback are already very linear and don’t particularly need it. In the real world, feedback is usually excessively used to patch up the performance of a very non-linear circuit. In any case, the distortion of these circuits is low enough to compare with loudspeakers and other elements in the signal chain, and the amplifiers are designed to sound natural while carrying finely recorded music. They have only one gain stage, not 2 or 3 or 4 or 9., and they operate in pure class A mode, which is the very best, but at a cost of drawing roughly 10 times their rated output. They are probably the quietest amplifiers you can buy, with typical figures of about 100 pico-watts noise. A pico-watt is a trillionth of a watt. That’s how the F1 and F2 are different from other amplifiers. So what is different about the F2 compared to the F1? The F2 was created to do some things differently than the F1. The F1 is best described as a “balanced single-ended Class A” amplifier, in which a single “differential pair” of transistors are biased by three constant current sources, and operated without feedback in the audio band. As such, the F1’s dominant form of distortion reflects the symmetry of the gain stage, and that would be the 3rd. What would have been the 2nd harmonic of the gain devices is largely cancelled by the symmetry of the gain stage. You can see this left/right symmetry in the following simplified schematic: The F2 is best described as a single-ended Class A amplifier operated Common-Source and biased by a constant current source. It is simpler than the F1 as seen in the following simplified schematic: Here you can see that the signal goes in the Gate of a Mosfet and comes out the Drain. Practically speaking, you cannot build a simpler amplifier. Its distortion character is a fairly pure 2nd harmonic that gives it more resemblance to the classical single-ended tube amplifiers that have traditionally been popular with high-efficiency wide range speakers. Seen on a distortion analyzer, the F2 looks like this, where the top trace is 1 kHz into 8 ohms at 1 watt, and the bottom trace is the distortion at about 1%. Notice the absence of noise and higher harmonics. It’s interesting to investigate the difference in sonic character that comes from a 2nd versus 3rd harmonic character. Conventional wisdom descended from tube amplifiers has it that 2nd harmonic is known for its warmth and romantic character while 3rd harmonic offers greater dynamic range and clarity. While these observations don’t necessarily apply to solid-state amplifiers, they pretty much correspond to the sounds of the F1 and F2. If you prefer a good push-pull tube, you are more likely to want the F1. If you like the more lush midrange of a single-ended triode, you would probably gravitate toward the F2. I am not using those comparisons to suggest that I am trying to emulate tube amplifiers, rather I want to give some basis for understanding the differences between these two topologies whose technical descriptions are otherwise similar. The F1 and F2 are not intended to sound like tubes – they do some things better than tube circuits, and some not as well. There are other differences between the F1 and F2. While the intrinsic output impedance of the F2 is several hundred ohms, I have loaded the output with 15 ohms of resistance to give it a finite source impedance. I did this because (from the experience of many F1 customers) it is highly unusual to want a damping factor of less that 0.5, and some customers who did not load the amplifier at all experienced a lack of bass control. Not a problem – I put in the first 15 ohms of loading for you so that your out-of-the-box experience will be better. If by chance you don’t want even the 15 ohms, it can be removed, and you can have about 700 ohms instead. Another difference is that there is no balanced XLR input connector. Well, that’s no surprise, is it? At 5 watts into 8 ohms the F2 is less powerful than the F1, but it is biased at nearly twice the current, so it does a better job into 4 ohms, and can more easily drive some of the correction networks that you might use to adjust your speaker’s response. My own experience is that the kinds of speakers this amplifier is intended for are usually happy within a 4 watt window. The F2 starts showing higher harmonics above 4 watts (8 watts peak) into 8 ohms and measures about 4% distortion at 5 watts. Into 4 ohms it will clip at about 10 watts (20 watts peak) with about 9% distortion. This is also a very fast amplifier if your source has a low output impedance – check out the 10 KHz square wave on page 14. Like I said, this is an unusual power amplifier. Like the F1, there will be 100 F2’s offered for sale, and no more. I built this amplifier myself. No, I didn’t extrude the aluminum or etch the circuit boards, but I bolted and soldered the parts together and tested each one with loving care. Each amplifier has spent time in my system burning in and being listened to. If you have questions, comments or problems, you can email me at [email protected] or www.firstwatt.com Setup – Read This Be certain to look at (or even read) the attached white paper "Current Source Amplifiers and Full-Range High-Efficiency Drivers" in considering how to use this amplifier. It is designed for a particular type of loudspeaker, and may not sound good with others. There is no potential for damage to the amplifier and you are not likely to break the speaker, so go ahead and try any speaker you like - just don't be surprised if it doesn't suit you. The initial setup of the amplifier is very straight-forward. Place the amplifier in a well-ventilated location, as it draws 200 watts during operation and requires as much opportunity to cool itself as possible. You should be able to put your hands on the heat sink during operation. If you can't do this for 5 seconds or so, they need more ventilation. On the front panel there are two blue LED lights, one for each channel, indicating power to the channel. On the rear panel you will find pairs of RCA inputs, speaker outputs, a fuse holder, and AC power receptacle, and on/off switch and a label. The label will indicate a serial number that is from #0 to #100 and also indicates what AC line voltage the amplifier is set for. If the voltage is 120 VAC, then the fuse value will be a 3AG slow blow fuse rated at 4 amps. If the voltage is 240 VAC, then the fuse will be rated at 2 amps. (If the label on the back says "Property of First Watt" then this amplifier was not intended for sale and is not new and carries no warranty.) The fuse is a 3AG slow blow type, 4 amp for 120 VAC and 2 amp for 240 VAC. No substitutions. Contact First Watt if you have any questions. I'm assuming that you know how to attach the speaker cables to the 5 way output connectors provided. I recommend that you make all the connections with the amplifier power switch in the OFF position, but you will not damage the amplifier circuit by accidentally shorting the output or overdriving the input - my concern is more for the safety of any fragile loudspeaker driver you might be using. With everything connected up and the source equipment powered up first, you can proceed to turn on the power switch to the amplifier. Turn-on and turn-off thumps and noise are small in this amplifier, and should not present any hazard to delicate drivers. At this point you should be able to listen to music. This amplifier has less gain than most, but at 5 watts rating, it doesn't need it. If you need to turn the gain up on your preamp, then do so. If you can't get enough gain, then you are probably using either the wrong speaker or the wrong amplifier. Talk to your dealer if this is the case. The power supplies of each channel are isolated from each other electrically, except for a thermistor on each which connects the circuit ground to the chassis and earth ground. In this way ground loops are prevented, as the channels will typically share ground only at the source, but the thermistors stand by to conduct AC line voltage to ground until the fuse blows, in case of transformer or other such failure. The amplifier requires about 1 hour of operation to reach normal operating temperature, and this warm-up time is appropriate for the most critical listening, but is not otherwise an issue, as the performance difference between 5 minutes and 60 minutes is very marginal. I do not personally see a reason to run the amplifier all the time. While the gain is low, the input impedance of the amplifier is high, about 50 Kohms, depending slightly on the load impedance, so you should find it easy to drive with tube equipment if you like. The F2 will usually work fine with passive crossover networks for widerange drivers with tweeters. For those of you interested in designing passive crossover networks, check out the article on crossover networks for current source amplifiers on the web site. One thing that you are likely to notice about the F2 is its phenomenally low output noise, typically about 50 pico-watts (a pico-watt is a trillionth of a watt) un-weighted across the audio band. It is quieter than many preamplifiers. If you are familiar with the Zen amplifiers published over the past 8 years or so in AudioXpress, then you will see a passing similarity to the original Zen, except that the F2 uses no feedback, has a much higher input impedance, and is much quieter. Like the Zen, the amplifier has a simple 2nd harmonic distortion characteristic, what we expect from a one stage single-ended design. Now the following is for your protection, so pay attention: Do not defeat the AC line Earth ground connection on the amplifier power cord. It provides an extra barrier to prevent potential shock hazard. Do not replace the fuse with a type other than specified. Do not operate the amplifier outside in the weather, or in and around water or anything resembling water. If you spill a drink in the amplifier or if your dog/cat/child urinates on it, turn it off immediately, unplug it, and do not operate it until cleaned by a qualified technician. If something gets loose or rattles around inside or smells funny, turn it off and get a qualified technician to look at it. If you can’t touch the heat sinks for 5 seconds or so, consult First Watt or a qualified technician. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Do not open the amplifier, and if you do anyway, don’t operate it with the cover off. There are hazardous voltages inside. If you need to change the operating AC voltage, consult the factory or a qualified technician. If you have a problem, contact me. I am much happier fixing anything myself so that I can be certain that it’s done properly. My experience is that most repair efforts done by amateurs in the field do more harm than good. Summary of the nominal specifications: Measured at 120 V AC with a 25 ohm source and an 8 ohm load: Input Impedance 50 Kohms Output impedance 15 ohms Output power 8 ohms 5 watts @ 4% THD 1KHz Output power 4 ohms 10 watts @ 9% THD 1KHz Gain 15.6 dB Maximum output voltage +/- 9 volts Maximum output current +/- 2.4 amps Frequency response - 1 dB @ 3 Hz, 200 KHz Noise 20 uV unweighted, 20-20 KHz Power consumption 150 watts (~75 watts / channel) Fuse 3AG slow blow type, 4 Amp for 120VAC 2Amp for 240 VAC Warranty: Parts and labor for 3 years, not covering shipping or consequential damages. This amplifier is a specialty product. There is no representation that the amplifier will make you a happy person. Zen amplifier is a trademark of Pass Labs, Inc. Copyright 2005 General Amplifier General Amplifier Inc. PO BOX 7607 RENO NV 89510-7607 Contact: www.Firstwatt.com [email protected] Typical performance curves: DISTORTION VS WATTS @ 1KHZ DISTORTION VS FREQUENCY @ 1 WATT FREQUENCY RESPONSE 10 KHZ SQUARE WAVE @ 3 VOLTS
      • Rethm Gaanam Direct Heated Triode SET Integrated Amplifier (India) 2015
      Rethm Gaanam Direct Heated Triode SET Integrated Amplifer
      • Decware ZSTAGE: External Tube Output Stage Triode (USA) 2015
      This external Tube Triode (NOS Mullard 12AT7)Output Stage used as an extension of my Solid State Ayre QB-9 Dac changed the piece entirely and Absolutely increased SQ performance 10 Fold. This is the best Mod I have ever witnessed and has taken my DAC to a total other level. The Secret to the ZSTAGE's ability to make such a giant difference in the sound quality of your source... is it's gain. By turning it up to 4 or 5 volts and then turning your preamp or amplifier down to compensate, you will add great weight, punch and overall power to the presentation... the kind that's just not possible with a standard 2 volt source. If that wasn't enough, it also has a switch on the front that gives you two distinct signatures - one is a more laid back setting, the other a more aggressive setting... it's like having two different sounding stereos at the flip of a switch. And the final icing on the cake is the tube itself. Since no two brands of 12AU7 sound the same, you can do a little tube rolling and find something that personalizes the sound of your rig even more. So you want a better sounding source OPTION A Take your present source somewhere and have it tweaked, modded or upgraded for maybe a 10% improvement... OPTION B Buy a brand new source that costs twice what your present one did and hope for a 25% improvement... OPTION C Keep your present source and add a ZSTAGE to it for the biggest noticeable difference in sound of all three options, by far. The ZSTAGE is a single-ended triode stereo gain stage. It uses a single tube operating in class A with no negative feedback. It accepts any standard 2 volt line level source like a CD player or DAC and has a variable output via the front mounted gain control. It can also be used as a purist tube preamp where multiple inputs are not needed. Designed for 24/7 operation it is always on, and always warmed up and ready. The lower voltages that make this possible aren't even enough to get the tube hot to the touch. It does however greatly lower odd-order distortion and increase even-order harmonics making everything sound better.SOME IMPORTANT FEATURES: The ZSTAGE features a black powder coated steel chassis with a standard IEC connector and removable power cord. No circuit boards, Hand Made and Available in 115/230/240 volts for world wide compatibility. The unit is designed with reduced voltages that only operate the tube at half power so there is no heat, and the tube will last twice as long. To keep everything at the ideal slightly warm operating temperature for best sound, the ZSTAGE is run 24/7 and has no switch. It draws less power than a 15 watt light bulb and was specifically designed to stay on continuously.There are a single pair of inputs and a single pair of outputs. The output level can be adjusted with the front mounted gain control. In cases where no preamp is used, this can be used as a volume control and drive most amps directly. A font mounted switch allows you to adjust the operating points on the tube causing two different signatures; One is extra dynamic and full, the other is more laid back sounding. A valuable voicing tool to find the best compliment to your system, it also lets you hear any tube you put in it sound two different ways.
      • ZSTAGE Tubes Telefunken Mullard Siemens Valvo Amperex Sylvania Gold
      12AT7 Tubes for Decware Eternal Triode Output Stage (Telefunken, Mullard, Siemens, Sylvania Gold, Valvo, Amperex)
      • HiDiamond HDX2 Network Distributer / Conditioner (Italy) (New) 2016
      text and photo: Marko Pecotic, June 2015 product: HiDiamond HDX2 power distributor manufactured by: HiDiamond S.R.L., Italy [www.hidiamond.eu] price: approx 1.450,00 EUR Is this the most complex hobby in the world? Or is it not? Audio components, room acoustics, room size, speaker placement, vibrations, spikes, various connectors...
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (HDX2) (Italy) (New) 2016
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (Italy) (New) 2016
        Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 2.0M (Saadhana Amp) (Italy) (New) 2016
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (2A3SE-FFX Amp) (Italy) (New) 2016
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.5M (TGC VL-1A Pre ) (Italy) (New) 2016
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Auralic Aries) (Italy) (New) 2015
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 140; Number of Cond. 4 x 4,5; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 130Pf/C2 255 Pf with schield.; Inductance : 0,75 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • HiDiamond P3.5 AC Power Cable 1.0M (Bricasti M1 DAC) (Italy) (New) 2016
      Cable with proprietary technology, 4VRC copper cooking for four times in order to obtain a reduction in values of inductance, capacitance and resistance mixed with graphite. Graphite in this solution allows to block the noise generated inside of the cable from the passage of an electrical signal (which is nothing the musical signal) to bring out a perfect signal without any introduction of noise that would spoil the final result. Connectors with contacts in plating silver to ensure maximum energy transfer. PVC insulation. Double-shielded copper braid SILVER with graphite to eliminate any interference which allow a better signal transmission without loss. Technology twisted within the cable to get a great tonal balance. All these innovations bring to have a result that this cable has a huge dynamic impact, a yield in the low-pitched range hot and present detailed and never swell, the exceptional focus, wide soundstage outlined in all its extended size, deeply divided and open, both in height, width and depth. Disarming conflict resolution speed during the attack transients, and fast release, with a propensity for descent below notable, crystal clear but never aggressive, more black around the orchestral plan guaranteeing a record-breaking three-dimensionality. Simply the point of arrival. A cable that is present but does not feel. Shown in all facilities at both solid-state valves of any value. Technical characteristics: External jacket mm. 170; Number of Cond. 5 x 4; Cond. Graphite/Copper (4VRC); Capacity max. C1 90Pf/C2 165 Pf with schield.; Inductance: 0,87 u/M ; Conductor Resistance:4,95 OHM/km.
      • (2) - DH Labs Silver Sonic D-75 Digital S/PDIF RCA Cable 1M (USA) 2015
      D-75 Color: Black Diameter: 7.0 mm Connectors: DH Labs RCA-3 plug or 75 Ω BNC The D-75 is a thoroughly engineered, precision 75 ohm coaxial digital cable designed for accurate handling of digital audio signals. The most common use for this cable is to connect the digital output of a CD or DVD transport to an outboard Digital to Analog converter or other digital processor. Several features of this cable make it superior for digital audio use. A solid, silver-coated center conductor is used to maintain the most uniform impedance. The use of a solid center conductor minimizes signal reflections, which are very important in digital data cables. This center conductor is encased in a very uniform closed cell foam FEP dielectric, which has an extremely low dielectric constant of under 1.4. This provides the lowest dielectric absorption and loss, along with the most uniform attenuation vs frequency curve. Noise rejection is maximized by a 2 Layer shield. This dual shield provides 100% coverage for complete immunity to noise. The combination of a 100% aluminum Mylar shield and a heavy braid keeps ground resistance as low as possible. The braid is wound with carefully controlled tension in order to minimize a phenomenon called
      • (2) - Salamander Amplifier Stands Synergy System (USA) 2015
      This amplifier stand is a handsome, heavy duty support platform for massive power supplies or other large high end components. Finish:Dark Cherry Dimensions: 23.25
      • (5) - PS Audio Noise Harvesters Converts noise to light (USA) 2017
      Introducing the PS Power Noise Harvester™, the world's first true parallel power line noise converter that actually eliminates power line noise. A Harvester is a parallel noise elimination device. Plug it into any AC outlet and it collects line noise and converts it to harmless light. Similar plugin noise reduction devices simply place a capacitor across the AC line which only shunts line noise from hot to neutral but does not eliminate it. Only a Noise Harvester collects and stores the noise in a capacitor and when enough energy is available, discharges all the unwanted noise into light and it’s gone forever. Use multiple Harvesters for greater improvement. Turn a dimmer on in your room and watch the Harvester light go nuts as it reduces the amount of noise present on the line. Extremely effective, makes a big improvement wherever you place it. Converts line noise to light Blacker backgrounds for audio Better pictures for video Works at frequencies 10 times lower than any passive filter Dramatically lowers the noise source Works throughout the home Multiple Harvesters work in parallel Use with exisiting power conditioners Removes noise not covered by power conditioners
      • (2) - OYAIDE RI Beryllium Power Outlets (Australia) (New) 2015
      Oyaide- Designed for purity and clean, integrated Structure. Importance of a quality power supply connection is widely accepted today. Many enthusiasts set up dedicated lines exclusively for their audio system, so the quality of the AC Receptacle cannot be ignored. Conventional
      • (20) - Audio Isolation Vibration Footers Cork & Rubber (5 Sets) (USA)
      Each is a set of four new Audio Isolation pads. They are similar to others that are much more expensive. In fact they are rated at 3 times the vibration elimination as similar cork centered pads. Each Audio Isolation Pad measures 2 In. x 2 In. x 7/8 In. thick and can support 50 lbs each and may be stacked for additional vibration reduction.These isolation pads are the best way to eliminate unwanted and undesirable vibrations caused by outside influences and can help when space constraints require stacking of audio equipment. Head-to-head, they sound better, particularly in lack of bass boom and clarity of midrange detail, than Vibrapods, Sorbothane, Sorbagel, Iso-bearings, Iso-Pads, Clearaudio Magix, Van Slyke Tri-Orbs, Seismic Sinks, Bright Star and other assorted mounts.
      • (2) - Blue Circle Audio The Yalu Balula Industrial Surge Protection (USA)
      Another oddy named product that actually works. What is the Yalo Bulala? It is a simple surge protector housed in a yellow coloured plug with a semi-transparent dome shaped cover to show the inside surge protection device should it need to be replaced. No. They don't come in pairs. No. They don't come with the extension cord/powerbar. What is the matter with you people? :) Why do we call it Yalo Bulala? Well, Penny’s father actually gave us this idea. He wanted to install one of those whole house surge protection devices. It would have cost him over $600.00. And once it has been surged, he would need to call an electrican over to replace the surge protection device - another few hundred dollars. So we said why don’t we use the same device and install it in a user plugable unit so he can get mulitple units and plug in wherever components need to be protected? So the whole house is better protected than with one unit at the main inlet. Oh, we still haven’t told you why we call it Bulala. The first time I showed it to him he was eating a banana and he said it looked just like a banana.
      • AudioQuest GO-4 72v DBS 8FT Speaker Cables (USA) (New) 2015
      • AudioQuest GO-4 72v DBS 8FT Speaker Cables
      • JPLAY v5.2 Hi-End Digital Transport Music Software (Poland) (New) 2015
      JPLAY - instantly transform your PC into high-end digital transport.JPLAY is a fruit of work of fanatical audiophiles, whose only goal is pursuit for ultimate PC-based music playback – it instantly transforms your PC into high-end digital transport.
      • JRiver Media Center 22 Music Software w/JRemote (USA) (New) 2017
      the most comprehensive and seamless software available for managing and playing your media. Its scope includes almost all formats of audio, video, and images. Media Center can also record television and manage documents.
      • Video: Samsung UN65KS8000F ‑ 65" LED Smart TV ‑ 4K (Korea) 2017

      Product Features

      64.5" screen (measured diagonally from corner to corner)

      Large enough to provide an immersive experience for everyone in the room.

      Built-in Wi-Fi Smart TV means a huge world of entertainment

      Stream movies, music and more using Smart Hub, and surf your favorite websites with the included Web browser. S Recommendation finds the movies and TV shows you'll enjoy most.

      2160p resolution for breathtaking HD images

      Watch 4K movies and TV shows at 4x the resolution of Full HD, and upscale your current HD content to gorgeous, Ultra HD-level picture quality.

      High dynamic range (HDR) creates a more realistic picture

      HDR technology expands the contrast and color range of the existing pixels on your TV to reveal a better, brighter, more colorful image. The picture quality is noticeably more natural.

      Motion Rate 240

      Enjoy great motion clarity during fast-action moments.

      LED TVs perform well in all lighting conditions

      They also deliver plasma-like deep blacks and rich colors.

      Wireless Connectivity

      Provides fast and reliable streaming.

      Advanced TV sound

      Two speakers, two woofers, 40W total power, DTS Premium Sound 5.1.

      4 HDMI inputs for the best home theater connection

      High-speed HDMI delivers up to 2160p picture and digital surround sound in one convenient cable. HDMI cable not included.

      Manage the viewing experience for your kids

      The built-in V-chip lets you block content based on program ratings and check ratings of unfamiliar programs.

      3 USB inputs

      Easily connect your digital camera, camcorder or other USB device.

       

      • Video: Pioneer Elite SC-57 9.1 Channel 1260 Watt Network AVR (Japan)
      Product Information

      The Pioneer 1260-watt receiver offers the user 140 watts of power for each of its nine channels. This 9.1 channel receiver has the ability to simultaneously drive multiple channels, ensuring a high quality of audio and video. The user of the Pioneer Elite SC-57 is able to send music directly from an iPad, PC, or iPhone to the receiver due to its AirPlay compatibility. The Pioneer 1260-watt receiver also features multi-zone capability, letting the customer view a Blu-ray disc in two different rooms at the same time. With a variety of listening modes, the Pioneer Elite SC-57 has optimum surround, auto surround, stream direct, auto level control, wide surround, front stage surround, headphone surround, as well as virtual surround. Offering the user seven HDMI inputs and two outputs, the 9.1 channel receiver also has three component video inputs and one output, as well as USB and Ethernet inputs. The dimensions of the Pioneer 1260-watt receiver are 17.13 inches (43.5 cm) wide by 7.28 inches (18.5 cm) high by 17.36 inches (44.1 cm) deep and weighs at 39.02 lbs (17.07 kg).

      Product IdentifiersBrandPioneerModelSC-57Family LineElite SCProduct TypeHome Theater ReceiversUPC884938134811
      Key FeaturesChannels9.1Output Power1260 WattSound Output TypeAC-3 (Dolby Digital)HDMIYes3D ReadyYesReceiver Tuner TypeDigital
      MiscellaneousTHX certifiedYes
      • Video: Denon 2910 SACD/DVD, Apple TV, Boxee Box, iPad, ChromeCast
      • Video: Denon DVD/SACD-2910, Apple TV, Boxee Box, W4S Remedy, Vuse
      • ____________________Below is No Longer in My System __________________
      "ALL" Below are Not in my System Anymore_
      • - (Sold) Yamamoto A-08 Direct Heated 45 Triode SET Amplifier (Japan) 2015
      Yamamoto A-08 SET Amplifier

      Yamamoto A-08 Direct Heated 45 Triode SET Amplifier (Japan)  
      • - (Traded) Sonus Faber Guarneri Evolution Speakers (Walnut) (Italy) New 2015
      SYSTEM 2 way, low spurious vibration optimized suspension, stealth reflex para-aperiodic loading, compact monitor on a dedicated stand loudspeaker system. CABINET Lute shape design, multilayer, constrained-mode damping, enclosure formed using hand selected wood layers, quality graded and oriented for carefully optimized resonances control. Sub-structural ribs are strategically placed for absolute rejection of spurious vibrations. ‘New Era’ avional (from the experience) exo- squeleton clamp structure with The Tuned Mass Damper inhibiting the residual resonances of the wooden structure. TWEETER 29 mm ultra dynamic linearity classic Ragnar Lian moving coil driver, Sonus faber vibration optimized mechanical interface. MIDRANGE/WOOFER 179 mm, ultra dynamic linearity driver. CCAW/Kapton eddy current free voice coil. Dynamically linear magnetic field motor incorporating triple Kellog/ Goeller rings. Real time air dried and non pressed cellulose fiber cone. Designed synergistically with its optimized acoustic chamber. A special coaxial anti-compressor are used, designed to remove cavity resonance and distortions. CROSS-OVER Non-resonant progressive slope design, optimized amplitude/phase response for optimal space/time performance. Paracross topology on the tweeter hi-pass. The response at low frequencies is controlled for a clear amplifier friendly performance. Highest quality is used in terms of the components: Mundorf Supreme capacitors, Jantzen inductors. Cross-over: 2800Hz. FREQUENCY RESPONSE 40 Hz – 30.000 Hz, Stealth reflex included. SENSITIVITY 86 db SPL (2.83V/1 m). NOMINAL IMPEDENCE 4 ohm. POWER HANDLING 25W – 200W, without clipping. DIMENSIONS 410 x 235 x 412 mm (HxWxD). WEIGHT 37 Kg per pair – net weight 43.5 Kg per pair – shipping weight. EVOLUTION STAND DIMENSIONS 795 x 320 x 423 mm (HxWxD) WEIGHT 72 Kg per pair – net weight 86 Kg per pair – shipping weight TOTAL DIMENSIONS 1205 x 320 x 510 mm (HxWxD Including Guarneri Evolution). AVAILABLE FINISHES PIANO BLACK RED / BLACK SATIN DOWNLOAD DATA SHEET 508 KB IL PROGETTO 81 KB THE PROJECT 78 KB BROCHURE 7461 KB NEMKO-CCL USA CRTIFICATE 31 KB NEMKO-CANADA CERTIFICATE 116 KB AUDIO REVIEW - NOVEMBER 2011 463 KB 12 FIND A DEALER
      • - (Traded) Ascendo C-8 Renaissance Speakers (Germany)
      The floorstanding monitor C8 Renaissance combines the advantages of an omni-directional point-source radiator with the extended bandwith signal integrity of Ascendo’s patented SASB-Technology: impeccable homogeneity and ultra low bass capability. The C8 Renaissance provides perfect impulse response and so delivers accurate holographic imaging complemented by defined and powerful low bass performance. Its wider bandwith, linear frequency response and inherent smoothness go far beyond other speaker systems’ capabilities. The immaculate C8 Renaissance reproduces the acoustic imaging of recordings with perfect accuracy. The back firing TOS Unit allows adjustment to varying decay times of different listening rooms. This flexibility ensures true reproduction and perfect signal integrity from near field to free field setups. C8 Renaissance Technical Features Superior time coherence SASB Technology: Extreme low bass capability Homogeneous semi-spherical dispersion Switchable for directivity (TOS Unit): A: hemisphere. Point source with hemispherical directivity B:Dipole: 4-way dipole characteristic with TOS Unit Extended frequency response State-of-the-art chassis and filter parts Typical applications Two channel stereo Multi channel audio Home Cinema C8 Renaissance Technical Data Principle • Three-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS Off) (current damped outer driver with semi symmetrical band pass) • Four-Way with SASB bass unit (TOS On) Dimensions (W/H/D) • 28 / 80 / 40 (without Base) • 28 / 108 / 40 (with Base) Weight 35 kg Frequency Range 29 Hz (-3 dB) – 32.000 Hz Power Rating 350 W Program (min) Impedance 6 Ohm Sensivity 88 dB / 1W/m Outer Chassis (COAX) • 25 mm Neodymium-fabric-tweeter • 18 cm Woofer with XP cone Inner Chassis • 21 cm Chassis, Kevlar cone TOS Chassis • Ribbon-tweeter TOS Function • switchable (TOS Unit - Dipole AN / AUS) Sockets • Single / BiWiring Base Dimensions (W/H/D) 28 / 18 / 40 cm Weight 11 kg Finish Rosewood (piano lacquer) Maple (piano lacquer) Tineo matt Walnut matt piano lacquer black Other colours in piano lacquer on demand. C8 Renaissance
      • - (Traded) Purist Audio Design Corvus Praesto Rev 2.5m Bi-Wire (USA)
      Purist Audio Design listens to its customers, and in response we are pleased to present a new line of cables, the Corvus. The Corvus uses a similar single crystal copper to the Proteus Provectus. However, rather than using a fluid shielding we utilized the Ferox shielding; which gives a close presentation (like sitting in row D rather than row G). Yes, in addition to being dead quiet, the tone, warmth, and organic nature of the recording is more like attending a live acoustic venue.
      • - (Traded) Audio Research REF 1 MK II Rhodium IEC/NOS Tubes (USA)
      The most advanced design ever offered by Audio Research. All vacuum-tube gain (12 or 18 dB) with full microprocessor control of volume, balance, record and input selection. Fully regulated power supplies, dedicated power and logic transformers and four isolated circuit modules with audiophile-grade components throughout. No mechanical switches degrade the signal path; electronic relays are used exclusively. All front-panel functions (including mute and phase inversion) are achievable via the included handheld remote control. Both balanced and single-ended inputs (eight plus full tape/processor loop) and outputs (two main, one tape) are offered, allowing simple connection to any conceivable input source. Reference Series products feature anodized quarter-inch side panels with countersunk fasteners for clean lines and enduring mechanical integrity.
      • - (Traded) Balanced Audio BAT VK30R w/VK20 Phono Pre (USA)
      BAT VK30R w/VK20 Phono Pre w/ Remote & phono Stage
      • - (Traded) Canary Audio CA-330 MK II 300B Tube Mono-blocks (USA)
      Being the newest / current MKII model adds: * Newly designed high voltage power supply. * Rectifier with double choke filtering (two chokes per channel). * Custom EI power transformers. * Machined Delrin 300B tube sockets gold plated pin receptacles. * Custom made gold plated binding posts. * All black finish with black anodized face and top plates. The MK-II version features a modified circuitry that guarantees a deeper bass tones and crisper treble. The redesigned custom wound power and output transformers result an increase of output power to 26 watts. An independent, double choke filtered high voltage supplies is used for each channel. The MKII uses only the highest quality parts and components in key circuit locations. All wirings are done with military grade Teflon coated silver wires. The oversize custom wound power and output transformers are specially designed. Military grade epoxy circuit boards are designed to minimize component interaction.Each 300B triode tube has a separate bias adjustment pot mounted on the top plate for easy and precise biasing.
      • - (Traded) Conrad Johnson Premier 12 Mono's 140 Watts TS KT120's (USA)
      Vacuum-tube monoblock amplifier. Tube complement: one 5731 two 6FQ7 four 6550 Maximum power: 140W into 4 ohms (18.5dBW), 30Hz-15kHz, at no more than 1% THD or IMD. Frequency response at 10W: 20Hz-20kHz, ±1dB. Hum and noise: 98dB below rated power. Sensitivity: 900mV to rated power. Input impedance: 100k ohms. Dimensions: 17.5
      • - (Sold) Krell KSA-200s Solid State amp (USA)
      Super SS amp. Really did a great job with my stubborn Ascendo C8 Speakers.
      • - (Traded) BMI Shark Jeweler Grade Platinum 9 AWG AC Cable (USA)
      BMI Shark Pure Jeweler grade Platinum AC Power Cable. It uses 9 gauge stranded jewelers Platinum conductors and a 9 gauge copper conductor for the ground wire. Wattagate 330 and 350 are used at the ends. The fit and finish are excellent on the Shark and unlike the BMI Whale which is soft to the touch the Shark is very dense and more flexible than the Whale Elite Mk II. The Shark's Diameter is a lot smaller than the other superchords currently on the market adding to its relative flexibility but its weight is about the same as the much thicker Whale Mk II due to its high density previously mentioned. The BMI Shark Breakin: Based on my experience expect at least 400+ hours to reach its full potential. Platinum conductors take much longer than copper or silver conductors to break in so be prepared for a long wait. With more time the BMI Shark became much smoother and added weight and balance. It take 15-16 days going 24 hours a day to reach the 400 hour mark but its worth the wait.The BMI Shark Sound: It is on the sunny side of neutral but unlike some silver chords has Zero brightness or glair and sounds as smooth as silk. It's hallmark is supreme transparency, very high resolution, vibrancy and the most highly defined bass I have herd from a powerchord. The Shark is ruthless to source material and the notes are presented with pinpoint clarity. Vocal material takes on a new dimension with the Shark being so clear and lifelike in its sound. There is more
      • Triode Lab Au Pre Hi-Game Edition - debut 2017

      This is our triode reference preamplifier, base on a classic pure tube line stage design we have been using for many decades, the one we use to voice all our power amps and speakers. It offers the most refine, organic and unrestrained sound - top to bottom with proper weight in the most accurate and fewest sound change to the original recordings. IT IS TAILOR for triode and low powered amplifiers. Stop searching for another tube pre-amplifiers! because perhaps they were never meant for this (Here is a simple question : does your preamp maker makes triode amps? or higher power amps?). The AU PRE will be the KEY to unleash the full signature of triode tubes!

      Recently we have witnesses the come back of ultra high efficiency speakers , and here is our answer. The Au Pre Hi-Game Edition, is specific for high efficient systems, those 99 db+ and true 16 ohms efficient speakers. More attention is pay to the control of the easier flow / wider band character of the transducers, and enhanced the bass response. The total gain is down to 3X - you need this preamp when the AuPre Mini (5X) is still too much, or when you have too much power / loudness even as low as 3.5W with the 2A3.

      • New 2017 finish - British Racing Green Metallic / copper plated tube cage

      • Brand new design over the original Au PRE , the HI-Game Edition will provide absolute control in comparison

      • Line-stage uses 12AU7 / ECC82 OR 12AT7 / ECC81

      • Enhanced and Quieter Power Supply resigned for high efficient applications : Changes including using high speed diode for faster recovery and a more efficient power supply, the rectify stage also features our latest hybrid design using both tubes and solid state to have a stable/consistent working stability and outcomes (even when the 6CA4 rectifier tube is getting older/weak), the regulate tube now adapt the more commonly used 12BH7 - its more popular and easier source, better grounding circuitry design thru more ideal channeling, locating and using our "Choke Coils PCB Pattern" at various important spots of the power supply - they don't just help slow down the delivery, but also quiet down from welcome less RF Interference, we also added two more fuse spots for wrong/bad tubes insert as well from harm from external. There are more enhancements we did to quiet down further on these high efficient applications to he main line-stage circuit.

      • MSRP $5,800 USD*

    Comments 123

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    Fsmithjack: great system manifest and photo of some of the components and the speakers. Do you have shot of the overall system in the room? I like the way you've gone through over the years and sold/bought while keeping a couple of 'anchor' components to baseline the system. I don't have first-hand listening experience with many of your components, cables, etc...but having heard/read feedback on much of this, it seems like you put together one hell of an enjoyable system.....Happy Listening!

    zephyr24069