Description

A modest set up in Mumbai India. Room is rather small [200 sq. ft], hence 'big' speakers do not 'work'. Many changes have taken place.

DAD Dac - Denmark / AX-24 + AM Hi End [Pre & Power 833 Tube Based] + Tidal Amea Diacera - Signature Black [Mix of Cables]

zher.in

Mumbai - India
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Components Toggle details

    • Gryphon Audio Adagio
    Upsample CD Player, Dual Mono, Class A discreat Output.
    • Nagra DAC
    Two-channel digital/analog converter with remote control. Digital section: 5 digital inputs (3 S/PDIF RCA, 1 TosLink, 1 AES/EBU). Sampling rates: 32-96kHz. Analog input section: 1 stereo, RCA or XLR, (digitized at 24 bits/48kHz). Analog input impedance: 100k ohms. Analog frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, ±0.5dB. Analog output section: XLR or RCA. Nominal output impedance: 50 ohms. Maximum output level: 775mV, 1.5V, 2V, 3.1V, 6.2V (selectable). Digital input frequency response: 10Hz-25kHz, ±0.5dB. THD: [lessthansign]0.02%. Crosstalk: [greaterthansign]105dB. Dimensions: 16¾
    • GamuT CD1 - Mk II
    1 box cd player -
    • Wadia 861b
    Wadia 861 - B - CD Player Transport: TEAC CMK-3.2 Vibration-free Rigid Disc-clamping System (VRDS) with Digital Servo Power Supply: Dual transformers in internal isolation chamber Decoding Software: DigiMaster 2.4 with Selectable Upsampling Algorithms 24 bit resolution DAC Sample Rate 1.4112 MHz Digital Volume Control Range: 50 dB in one-hundred ½ dB steps Maximum Output Voltage: Can be adjusted via internal switches from 0.3V to 4.25V to match system sensitivity Output Impedance: Less than 15 ohms Analog Outputs: 1 pr. balanced (XLR) 1 pr. unbalanced (RCA) Power Consumption: 25 watts Dimensions: Inches: 7 ¼ h 17 w 16 ½ d Centimeters: 18.4 h 43.2 w 42 d Finish Options: Black or Silver Anodized Aluminum Weight: 48 lb.. (21.82 kg)
    • Camelot Technology Merlin + Uther + Dragon
    Transport + Jitter + DAC + Power Supply
    • Gryphon Audio Sonata Allegro
    True Dual Mono configuration Infrared remote control Fully discrete circuitry Pure Class A operation Microprocessor-controlled menu functions Ultra-wide frequency bandwidth Zero negative feedback Select premium-grade components Microprocessor-controlled passive resistor volume control Custom-built C-core transformers 33,000 microFarad capacity per channel DC-coupling with servo-control Isolated power supply for non-audio circuits Extensive mechanical decoupling Ultra-short signal path with minimal internal wiring Non-magnetic, non-resonant aluminum cover Fully sealed, double-sided mil-spec PC boards with 75 µm copper traces PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path Gold-plated input-isolating relays 4 balanced inputs and 2 balanced outputs with PCB-mounted gold-plated Swiss Neutrik XLR sockets 2 single-ended inputs and 1 single-ended output with gold-plated custom phono sockets Power line conditioning and voltage regulation Optional Gryphon Legato phonostage module Designed and built in Denmark
    • Gryphon Audio Antileon Signature Stereo
    Fully balanced circuit 2 x 150 Watts Class A 40 High current bipolar output transistors 440,000 µF power capacitor bank Flat frequency response to beyond 350kHz Gryphon Guideline Reference gold-embedded silver internal wiring Zero global feedback Custom-built separate toroidal transformers Custom-built power capacitors Shielded, epoxy-damped transformer casings Separate power supply for display and control circuits DC servo coupling No output relays Frequency-independent damping factor Custom-built binding posts Automatic Green Class A bias setting or manual Low/High bias AC power status display AC polarity indicator Rigid mechanical structure Microprocessor-controlled non-invasive
    • Dynaudio Confidence 5
    Sensitivity (2.83 V/1 m): 86 dB Recommended Amp. Power: Medium size rooms: [greaterthansign] 120 Watts Large size rooms: [greaterthansign] 240 Watts IEC Long Term Power Handling: [greaterthansign] 250 Watts Impedance, Nominal: 4 ohms Impedance, (20-200 Hz): 4.6 - 9.2 ohms Impedance, (200-20 kHz): 5.0 - 7.7 ohms Impedance, Phase Shift (20-200 Hz): -19.6º - +18.7º Impedance, Phase Shift (200-20 kHz): -5.1º - +15.1º Impedance, HF (200 kHz): 5.4 ohms Frequency Response (+/- 3 dB): 43 Hz - 21 kHz Resonance Frequency: 43 Hz Internal Cabinet Volume: 20 + 22 liters Bass Principle: Bass reflex Weight: 90 lbs. each Dimensions (W x H x L): 8.2
    • Xavian XN 360
    www.xn360.com Technical specification: Mid-bass units: 2 x 182 mm Scan-Speak Revelator, stiffed hand-coated paper, low distortion
    • Tannoy Ellipse 8
    PERFORMANCE Frequency response 40Hz - 50kHz Maximum SPL (pair @ 1m) 112dB (anechoic) Typical max SPL (pair @ mix position) 118dB Distortion [lessthansign]0.5% DRIVE UNITS Driver type 200mm (8
    • Penaudio Charisma + Chara
    Type: three-way, floorstanding, reflex-loaded loudspeaker. Drive Units: 20mm ferrofluid textile dome tweeter, custom made 120mm special treated midrange/bass unit 26mm voice coil, heavy copper rings above and below pole piece, solid copper phase plug, long throw 176mm treated paper woofer, 39mm voice coil Crossover: 180Hz, 5,500Hz (acoustical 3rd order) Frequency Response: 30Hz to 25kHz Phase Shift: +/- 15 degrees from 20Hz to 20kHz Sensitivity: 87 dB/W/m Nominal Impedance: 4 ohms Dimensions: 140 x 940 x 285 (WxHxD in mm) Weight: 17 kg Extra: WBT connectors, internal wiring and inductors are from 99,997% copper foil (alpha-core), polypropylene caps, Goertz MI1 internal wiring. Prices: Charisma $3,995 Chara $3,495
    • Argento VDM Master Reference
    Silver Interconnects from Denmark - may be some of the best audio cables one can get ??
    • Argento VDM Reference Speaker Cable - 3M
    Single Wire Speaker Cable 3M
    • Jorma Design JPC-1 Power Cable
    Made in Sweden. Great Value for money power cord. Modified with Acrolink connectors - Japan
    • Joseph Szall - Italy Resurrection
    2 Way Transmission Line Speaker. ATD Woofer & Alain Bernard 12015 Ribbon Tweeter.
    • Tidal Audio T.A.D. [Tidal Amea Diacera] Sig Blk
    Custom Speaker made in Germany. Tidal Audio.

    30 mm Diamond Tweeter [T & P] Accutone
    7
    • Transparent Audio Cable PLMM - Power Link MM
    Transparent Audio
    Power Link MM Power Cord.
    • Cary Audio Design CD 306 SACD Professional
    Ces 2008 Launch 8/- K US $'s http://www.caryaudio.com/products/classic/CD306SACDPro.html Following the tremendous success of the 306 line of CD players, Cary Audio Design’s new CD 306 SACD Professional Version includes the latest in SACD, HDCD and CD playback technology. It features a new servo board design with internal components tested to 105° C. The PMD-200 filter has now been replaced with a high quality Burr Brown filter chipset. HDCD decoding is accomplished with the absolute latest software available. Larger, multiple power transformers along with higher current regulators add up to stronger, higher current regulated power supplies. This version continues on with 8 Burr Brown 1792u DAC chips running in a true balanced parallel, extremely low jitter digital to analog converter.
    • Meridian 808i.2 Signature Referance CD Playe
    Meridian's new Referance CD Player. CES 2008 Launch.
    • Echole Obsession
    1.5M Balanced Interconnect 1.5M Un-Balanced Interconnect
    • dCS Scarlatti Upsampler
    Upsampler
    Digital to Digital Converter
    • dCS Scarlatti - DAC
    Digital to Analogue Converter
    • Bertram Proxima II
    RCA to RCA - 1.5M Xshadow Connectors
    XLR to XLR - 1.5M Xshadow Connectors
    BNC to BNC - 1.5M Oyaide Connectors [Digital Cable]
    • dSC Scarlatti Master Clock
    Clock
    • Echole Obsession
    Echole Obsession Digital Interconnect (RCA) 2300 Usd / 3 feet
    250 Usd each add. feet
    Echole Obsession Digital Interconnect (XLR) 2600 Usd / 3 feet
    250 Usd each add. feet
    Echole Obsession Interconnect (RCA) 3800 Usd / 3 feet
    300 Usd each add. feet
    Echole Obsession Interconnect (XLR) 4300 Usd / 3 feet
    300 Usd each add. feet
    Echole Obsession Speaker Cable 6100 Usd / 6 feet
    300 Usd each add. feet
    Echole Obsession Power Cable 3500 Usd / 5 feet
    300 Usd each add. feet
    • Silencable Symphony
    Interconnect Cable 2.0M RCA to RCA @ 7200/- Euro
    • Bertram Audio Model 8
    2.5M Speaker Cable - Model 8 - Spade Terminated - Single Wire - 7350 Euro [retail].
    • Martin Logan Depth
    Powered, servo-controlled subwoofer using
    • Bertram Audio Ultima Ref
    Top Line Power Cord - 1.5M Long. Euro Schuko Termination with 20Amps for Pure Power. May, 2010. 3376 Euro.
    • Silencable - Symphony Power Cord - Symphony - Euro.
    2.0M Euro Schuko terminated power cord - top line from Silencable - Germany. May 2010.
    • Argento Serenity - Power Cord
    2.0M US Plug
    • Meitner MA-1
    DAC Made in Canada www.meitner.com
    • AM Hiend R/T-2 [Silver]
    http://www.am-hiend.com/product/r-t1.html The preamp is a dual mono design, so that the transformers, power supply and voltage regulation are completely separated, so avoiding noise and cross talk. We use a large number of high value U-Cap copper foil capacitors, which were carefully chosen for their natural, analytical sound. The output transformers bandwidth can extend to between 15 HZ to 120KHZ
    • AM Hiend 833S
    SET - 833 Tube Based. Made in PRC http://www.am-hiend.com/product/833s.html

Comments 58

Owner
System edited: The Lars from Sweden came to 'visit' Was like a breath of fresh air in the garden @ spring time.... Interesting.

schwinnindia

Owner
System edited: Argento Serenity Power Cord was installed... US Plug - 2.0M

schwinnindia

Owner
I just 'introduced' an Argento Serenity Power Cord, into the set up.
Now I have a 'mix' of power cords...
Bertram [ultima reference] / Silencable [symphony] / Acoustic Revive [power reference] / Transparent Audio [PLMM] / Argento [serenity]....
Shall 'report' soon..
'bhagwan'
http://www.schwinnaudio.com

schwinnindia

Owner
Hello Mike !

Yes;
The TAD - Tidal Amea Diacera - is a superb speaker - Jorn has done a good job with it.
I like it & am rather satisfied with its performance.
imho it is one of the best renderations of a 'stand mount' speaker [Gryphon Cantata was another classic] !

'bhagwan'

schwinnindia

The Amea Diacera must be out of this world!

Happy Listening my friend,

Mike

argyro

Owner
System edited: Martin Logan Sub-Woofer was added - 2 pieces. Bertram Audio - Model 8 speaker cable was added [replaced the echole obsession]. Bertram Audio Ultima Ref - Power Cord was added from wall to Pure Power [Canada - regenerator]. bhagwan schwinnaudio com

schwinnindia

Owner
System edited: Gryphon Pre & Power Amplifier were removed - for sale ! DAD AX-24 was removed - for sale ! Cadence Canasya 845 tubs amplifier installed. Tidal Amea Diacera stand was changed. Meridian 808i.2 was removed - for sale ! New Rack & New Amp Stand. 13.03.2010.

schwinnindia

Owner
07.03.2010

Gryphon Pre & Power were removed - for sale.

dCS Scrlatti Clock was added.

Cadence Canasya Tube Amplifier was added.

DAD - AX24 was removed - for sale.

Now I run from Computer to dCS [3 box] direct to Cadence Canasya & to Tidal Amea Diacera - Signature Black.
2 subs have also been added - Martin Logan - Depth.

Need to work on sound stage 'depth' !

bhagwan

schwinnaudio

schwinnindia

Owner
Pure Power - 2000 was added for all equipment except the GAD Power Amplifier [still off the wall socked - via Echole Power Cord & through Acoustic Revive RTP2]

dCS Scarlatti master clock was added.

GAD [Gryphon Audio Design] will move out & Cadence Canasya
will move in - direct from dCS to Cadence. No pre amplifier will be used.

LIST OF AUDIO GEAR OWNED AND USED :-

Simaudio Moon Eclipse CD Player [Serial Number A-211294-CD]
Simaudio P- 5 Pre Amplifier [Serial Number A-081291-PRE] Electrocompaniet EMC-1 24/192 CD Player [Serial Number 01334]
Audiomeca Mephisto II CD Transport [Serial Number 2001045] Audiomeca Enkiantus 24/192 DAC [Serial Number 2001073] Metronome T1A MK II Transport + UP Sampler Metronome C1A MK III Tube 24/192 DAC
Metronome Technologies - T-1i CD Player [Serial Number 02041]
Wadia 861-B CD Player [Serial # 086 130 0343]
Mimetism 20.1 CD Player [Serial # L6-129]
Cary Audio CD 306 SACD Professional [Serial # 08306PV6044 - Black]
Meridian 808i.2 Signature Reference CD Player [Serial # 808-200379]
Bow Technologies ZZ Eight - 2008 Version - V8 [Serial # 1528] - Signature [BT]
Weiss Minerva - 1394 Firewire DAC - Black [Serial # 1118]
Digital Audio Denmark – DAD – DAC AX24 [Serial Number – AX24-00193]
dCS Scarlatti – Upsampler – [Serial Number – SUP6429 – Reference Number – DA5021A]
dCS Scarlatti – DAC – [Serial Number – SDC6817 – Referance Number – DA5021C]
Bryston BP-25 Pre Amplifier [Serial Number 251744]
Bryston 7B ST Power Amplifier [Serial Number 773775 & 773793]
Pass Labs X-1 Pre Amplifier [Serial Number 010388] Dynaudio Confidence 5 Speakers [Serial Number 729879 & 729990]
Xavian - XN360 Speakers [Serial # 31 & 32] - Czech Republic
Tannoy - Studio Monitor - Ellipse 8 - 230V - Grey - [Serial Number 418321 & 418327]
Penaudio - Charisma Monitor [Serial Number 0352 & 0328]
Penaudio - Chara Subwoofer [Serial Number - 0341 & 0345]
'Resurrection' - Custom made - ATD woofer & Alain Bernard Ribbon - Italy
T.A.D. - Tidal Audio Diacera [Diamond + Ceramic] - Custom made - 30mm [T & P]
Diamond Tweeter + 7" Black Ceramic Woofer [T & P] - Germany
VdH The Second Balanced Interconnects 1M VdH The First Ultimate Unbalanced Interconnects 1M VdH The Revelation Hybrid Speaker Cable 3M VdH The Mainstream Hybrid Power Cable 2M XLO Electric Type 4.1B AES/EBU Digital Interconnect Cable 1M
Solitone - Hungary 1.5M Un-Balanced Interconnect [Spare - Stand By]
Solitone - Hungary 4.0M Speaker Cable - Single Wire - Banana Termination [Spare Stand By]
The Gryphon Adagio CD Player [Serial # 0401111]
The Gryphon Sonata Allegro Pre Amplifier [Serial # 8890099]
The Gryphon Antilion Stereo Signature Power Amplifier [Serial # 118]
Cadence Canasya - 845 Tube Mono Block Power Amplifier [Serial # 200049 & 200050]
Camelot Technology Merlin Pro CD Transport [Serial # 301209]
Camelot Technology Dragon 5.1 Plus Jitter Reducer [Serial # 103584]
Camelot Technology Uther D/A Convertor v2 Mk5 [Serial # 501202]
The Gryphon Guideline Reference Balanced Interconnect 1M The Gryphon PSC Reference Speaker Cable 2M
The Argento VDM Master Reference XLR Balanced Interconnect 1M & 1.5M The Argento VDM Reference Speaker Cable 3M
Audiaz - Germany - Gore Interconnect Cable 1.5M RCA to RCA & 2.5M XLR to RCA
Echole Obsession - 4' RCA to RCA Interconnect Cable - Serial #
Echole Obsession - 4' XLR to XLR Interconnect Cable - Serial #
Echole Obsession - 8' Spade to Spade Speaker Cable - Serial # 144312
Echole Obsession - 6' Oyaide 15 Amps to Oyaide IEC - Power Cord X 02 pieces - Serial #'s
Wireworld Super Eclipse 5 XLR Balanced & RCA Unbalanced Interconnect - 1M
Jorma Design JPC 2.5 Power Cable - Sweden - 2M [Power Amplifiers]
DC-Cable Taiwan Power Cables - Custom Termination [Front End Electronics - Digital]
Transparent Cable - Power Link MM - Power Cords - 03 pcs [CD Player & Pre Amplifier]
Serial Number - 45388MM & 46367MM & 46368MM.
Pure Power APS – PP 2000 [Serial Number 20A4002 – Black]
Acoustic Revive - RTP 2 & RTP 4 Power Distributor - Ultimate Power Conditioner
Acoustic Revive - Power Cord - 05 pcs - Power Referance
Bertram Audio Cables – 1.5 M Xshadow XLR – Balanced Interconnects - Denmark
Bertram Audio Cables – 1.5 M Xshadow RCA – un-balanced Interconnects - Denmark
Bertram Audio Cables – 1.5 M Oyade - BNC – Digital Interconnects - Denmark
Revelation Audio Labs – USA – Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference USB Cable
Revelation Audio Labs – USA – Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference 1394 Firewire Cable
Revelation Audio Labs – USA – Prophecy Cryo-Silver Reference BNC to BNC Digital Cable
Silencable - Symphony Music Link - 2.0M RCA to RCA - Serial # 00796
Silencable - Symphony Digital Link - 1.5M RCA to RCA - Serial # 00810
Silencable - Wizzard AC Link - 2.0M Oyaide Euro Schuko to Oyaide IEC - Serial #'s 797 & 798

* = Owned / Used - No Longer in Stock
* = Owned / Used - In Stock = For Sale
* = Owned / Being Used = Not for Sale

Schwinn Audio Consulting

schwinnindia

Owner
System edited: The dCS Scarlatti Upsampler & DAC were added. D.A.D. [digital audio denmark] too was added. Weiss Minerva was removed. Bertram Proxima Cables were added. Revelation Audio Labs Cables were added - usb & firewire 01.01.2010

schwinnindia

Owner
I visited a fellow audiophile house for 2 days.
Soulution Audio Power Amplifier
Lyra Pre Amplifier
Ascendo Model M
Stealth Indra & Nordost Valhalla cable compliment

Replaced the Stealth Indra with Echole Cables.

Big / Big 'change'

I wonder what this 'echole' can actually do ??

schwinnindia

Owner
Hi Semi !
Yes, the XN-360 was very close to the Meadowlark Speaker.
The GamuT L5 had the same woofer & tweeter but no midrange..
The XN to me was a better speaker to the Dynaudio Confidence 5 [Through Gryphon Electronics]. The GamuT L5 too was traunced by the XN.
The XN is a great performer @ a super price. Under 10K Euro it may be one of the top 5 speakers in the world.

The Tidal is a 'different story'
It is an 'adults' only loudspeaker.
A young man - Jorn - makes a very 'mature' speaker.
Gifted designer he is.
Except for the PRICE - the Tidal does everything correct. It is such an emotional communication tool...
I am very happy with my Tidal Amea Diacera - Signature Black Version.

schwinnindia

I just checked out Xavian XN360 website, a very interesting looking speaker that reminds me of Gamut and Meadowlark. how do they compare to Dynaudio Confidence 5? I am very familiar with C5, I owned them a few times over 5 years span using different electronics. ultimately I sold them because they did not have enough air, micro dynamic, and bass weight, their low efficiency did not help with my love for tube amps either.

I have heard bigger Tidal and was very impressed by Tidal driven by Einstein gears, very coherent w/o the typical ceramic cone sound, meaning hard and dry.

semi

Owner
Sunnyboy1956
Hi Mazher,
Great looking system. Would love to listen as I am in Mumbai fairly often.
Cheers
Pradeep, New Delhi

Hello Pradeep !

You are most welcome - anytime.
Do send me a mail & we can stay in touch;
mazher at schwinnaudio
Cheers !
MBJ

schwinnindia

Owner
System edited: Argento cables changed; Echole 'obsession' have replaced the Argento's Silencable [Germany] Symphony are on their way - will go 'in' soon....[looking forward to that] ! Bow Tech ZZ Eight V8 - Signature is 'out' [for sale]. Meridian is in use - as a DAC for my computer music server.

schwinnindia

Hi Mazher,
Great looking system. Would love to listen as I am in Mumbai fairly often.
Cheers
Pradeep, New Delhi

sunnyboy1956

Owner
I sold my Cary CD Player.
IMHO the Cary is a 'super price' CD Player.
What it does doe its price is great.
I replaced the Cary with a CD Player from Denmark.
Bow Technologies, ZZ Eight - V8 - 2008 model.
This is a 'lovely' machine.
I recommend its use - rather highly.

The Meridian is a nice CD Player. Would be an 'audiophiles' delight.

I also changed some cables - Argento Out & Echole & Silencable In ! Still being burnt in - so will know soon.

schwinnindia

Hi Schwinnindia - that certainly is an impressive laundy list of equipment you've churned through - must have been fun I bet! Do you drive your amp(s) directly with the Meridian 808i.2 given that it has a built in preamp section or have you tried listening with and with out a seperate preamp between the 808i.2 and amp(s)? Which sounded better?

Also, is there much sonic difference between the Cary 306 SACD and the Meridian 808i.2?

Have you heard an Audio Aero Capitale or Prestige CDP and if so how does it compare to the best of the lot you've heard?

Thanks in advance.
Kevin

kevinzoe

Owner
Hi Chasmal !
I have heard the Esoteric's
Most of the models - I think.
P3 + D3 & G0
P0 + D0 + G0 [many chassis]
I like Esoteric - but the multiple chassis get to me.
The dCS too is good - but way too exp.
I am not a lover of EMM.

Currently I have a new CD Player - Bow Technologies - ZZ Eight - 2008 Version V8 Signature & a new DAC from Weiss - Minerva.
The Bow is very musical & the Weiss is the 'bargain' of the century !!! Really good for its price - takes the fight home to the Meridian & the Bow Tech CD Players.

No I have not heard Lector [French I believe]

schwinnindia

Owner
System edited: CD Player changed. Cary sold... Bow Technologies ZZ Eight 2008 V8 Signature version HTPC + Weiss Minerva DAC Cadence Canasya 845 tube mono amplifier

schwinnindia

I am curious the differences you notice between the Meridian 808i.2 and the Esoteric (with your collection I just assume you've heard both). Also have you heard the Lector?

chashmal

Owner
System edited: Meridian 808i.2 + Cary CD 306 SACD Professional was added. Gryphon Adagio was sold. Transparent PLMM Power Cords were installed. Speakers are 'Custom' T.A.D. [Tidal Amea Diacera] Black Signature Version - Germany. 30mm T & P Diamond.

schwinnindia

Owner
Thank you Sir for your kind words [Bombaywalla] !!
Yes, the Meridian 808i.2 is truly a 'spectacular' machine;
I have had the pleasure of listening to various CD Plsyers @ different audio shows in different countries & I must say that this 808i.2 has the 'potential' to stand up to the dcS / Esoteric / EMM etc.
The problem is that I have not had the chance to audition the Scarlatti / P3 + D3 / EMM @ my place, all have been in different places with different gear, but this Meridian plays with a 'sense of balance - someone that has a soul'
I recommend an audition for all.

schwinnindia

Hi Bhagwan,
great to see your system pix here on Audiogon! :-) Some of them I've heard when I visited but many others I have not have the luxury of.
You have had many great sound set-ups & many more to come...... :-)
I would love to read your comments on the 808.2i sonics once the unit has broken in.

bombaywalla

Owner
System edited: Meridian 8081.2 added to the chain.

schwinnindia

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