On the Quest of Audio Heaven.

by rauliruegas on Done For Now

Description

Well, this is an audio/music life/love work. Many fallens and failures to reach this quality level. My audio system is ( still ) build around what are my references/priorities about music/sound reproduction...

My reference is: near field live MUSIC, I use at least 12 hours ( each month ) hearing live MUSIC, mostly classical and jazz/blues.

I attend to hear live music not only because I'm a music lover ( first than all. ) but because in this way I don't loose my references, this way I try to have my foots on earth an my ears equalized.

My audio/sound reproduction priorities are in this order: neutral and natural tonal balance, accuracy ( low distortion, low noise, no colorations, no cliping, grain free, liniarity, no compression, etc...), transient response, timbre, dynamics, focus and soundstage . That permits that appears a critical MUSIC characteristic: RHYTHM.

My whole audio system target is to be nearest to the recording adding the less and loosing the less of the audio signal through each audio system link.

The system belongs to my living room at one side of the dining room ( I live in a apartment ).

The room is an inverted L that measure: 8.5m ( inverted L base ) x 10.00m long and 2.4m high. The system is across the inverted L base ( around 4.4m ).

I'm very luckily and don't have ( I fix it ) many room problems related: till now I use 4" Sonex in the left lateral wall and at the center ( behind and between the system where is a window. ) of the system ( floor to ceiling ).

Well, my two original RPG Skylines that I want to try in my room ceiling but I couldn't do it yet, so what to do with these two Skylines sheets?, I decide to put both in the rear wall/window seated in the floor and behind each speaker and guess what?: impressive improvement all over the frequency range, impressive!!!!!

LOUDSPEAKERS.

ADS L 2030: This is a Full Range Professional Monitor that I own for many years.

These L 2030 was designed by Mike Kelly ( Aerial speakers ) and till today it match all my priorities.

It is " heavy " tweaked to do that: first it has " three hands " ( internally ) of a insulation/antivibrational treatment ( like a white paint. I can't remember the ingredients. ) from Acoustical Magic Company ( it works marvelous ) inside all the box ( a big one box: 58-5/8" ( H ) x 27-1/4" (W) x 13-1/8" (D) ).

It is internally hard wired with Silver Oval by Analysis Plus cable and KCAG by Kimber Kable. 

I take out the crossover ( now is external ) and change all the parts: resistors ( Powertron by Vishay. ), all silver air core solid ribbon ( 5.5 cms. of pure silver. Almost 2kg. of silver in the bigest one. ) Alpha-Core inductors , WIMA FKP 1 and KEMET caps  in the crossover, the speakers cables goes soldered directly to the crossover parts. This speaker crossover is tri-hard-wired from the  amps output to the 3-way crossover parts and speaker drivers. 

In reality are three separate/stand alone crossovers: one for the tweeter, one for the midrange and the other for the woofer, all these hard-wired directly to the amps ( no connectors. )

I'm only not biamp my system ( with the subs. ) but these ADS main/satellite speakers are true tri-wired in hard-wire directly from the amps to each crossover parts in the three way speaker design all the way down to the amplifier output.

I change the internal damping glass fiber by 10kg ( each one ) of long hair 100% virgin wool and change the fabric cloth of the grille for a " transparent one ".

Both speakers have at the rear-center the Antiresonant Vibration System by MICROSCAN model TM-8 that works from 20hz to 1.5Khz.

These L 2030 have: One acoustic suspension 1" silk dome tweeter, one main acoustic suspension 2" silk dome midrange, three auxiliar acoustic suspension 2" silk dome midranges ( similar to the main midrange but with a less powerful magnet. ) and two long-excursion acoustic suspension ( sealed. ) paper 14" woofers.

These are exceptional drivers especially the tweeter/main midrange ones.

These L2030 midrange design permit to " run " the speakers on " point source " mode ( tweeter and main midrange ) or through a " weighted " line source mode ( tweeter plus the 4 midranges. ), in this last " fashion " is how I have it ( hard-wired too. )

These are some manufacturer specs:

- Frecuency response: 22-20K +.- 3 db ; 18-28K +.- 5db.

-Efficiency: 95 db SPL.

- Power rating: 300 watts nominal; 1,200 peak.

Weight: 95kg.

These L 2030 are the " speaker satelite " in my subwoofer/speaker satelite configuration and works from around 80Hz and up. Main reason to take this " road " was and is to lower the  room system IMD and THD. 

In the past I try many configurations: single amp, bi-amp, tri-amp, with sub, with out sub, only SS amps, SS and Tube amps, with passive crossover, with electronic crossover, hybrid crossovers, etc...

Finally I'm here.

Back external tweeters:

These ones was a spare tweeters from a Dalquihst DQM-9 that I owned and already sold.

These tweeters are 1" silk dome ( same efficiency that the front ones ) and are connected in phase with the front ones and works with his own crossover at around 5k and up and have, too, an off/on switch. 

http://sportsbil.com/ads/l-2030-brochure.pdf


VELODYNE HGS-15:

These two self powered subwoofers are in front of the main speakers and in side firing position.

It crossover at 78Hz. I do some tweaks in the circuit for a better quality sound reproduction and I changed the internal wiring that connects the woofer to the internal amplifier ( 50-60cm ), the original is a very bad zip cord one that I changed with Kimber Kable KCAG that I soldered directly to the woofers and directly to the amplifiers: with no connectors in between.

The power cord comes from Analysis Plus and is soldered directly to the inside subwoofer switch on/off with out no single connector kind ( at both sides/ends of the power cord ) and the IC cable is the Silver Oval by Analysis Plus too.

I change too the internal electrical power wires that goes from the subwoofer switch on/off to the Subs amplifier, I'm using KCAG by Kimber Kable.

Both subwoofers are " seated " over three Van Slike footers/isolators along with inverted Tip Toes ( position ) over these Van Slike isolators. Both subs have a dead-weight ( on top ) of 30kgs.

NOTE: I'm not using the subwoofer internal crossover or an external electronic crossover to send the signal to the ADS L 2030.

The crossover function happens inside the two modified Levinson 20.6 mono-blocks at its input through a WIMA FKP1 cap and a single nude 0.001%  Vishay 2575 resistor.

In this way the signal from the preamp goes normally ( pure and clean ) to the 20.6s and to the loudspeaker with out any additional electronic stage or cables/connectors and the signal was taken directly from the Essential 3160 by the Velodynes.

ELECTRONICS:

MARK LEVINSON REFERENCE 20.6: IMHO these monoblocks are truly Reference status.

It is a great industrial design, military specs, bullet proof, great performance.

It is a fully regulated input to output design and have " only " 100 watts of pure class A at 8 ohms, and double that figure at 4,2,1 and 0.5 ohm with an output impedance of 0.012 ohms!

Btw, in the way my ADS's are internaly wired the impedance goes lower than 2 ohms, this means that this ML monobloks are " running " at 400+ watts of power, so the system has a great  " headroom ".

The power supply is supported for two " big " toroidal transformers ( 600VA each ): one for each polarity in each monoblock.

I modified the original Levinson circuitry where the signal at the input only " see " one tiny value WIMA FKP1 cap ( crossover. ).

I made it other amps internal modifications.  In this manner these 20.6 amps are IMHO able to compare with any of today's top designs  and I think will do for years to come. 

The amplifiers power cords are hard wired KCAG silver wires by Kimber Kable all down the amplifiers circuit boards with no single connector of any kind between both ends of the power cords.

I change too some internal critical place cabling using now KCAG by Kimber Kable. 


ESSENTIAL 3180 PHONOLINEPREAMP: This is a phono/line preamplifier . Btw, IMHO this fully analog audio stage is the most extremely critical link for the quality/accuracy of the music/sound reproduction in any analog room/system.

I would like to explain some of the critical issues on any phonoline-preamp:

First: it has to mimic the RIAA equalization with what the LP recording was build.

As a fact this mimic RIAA equalization is an inverse mimic RIAA equalization to be achieved a " flat " frequency response.

Any deviation from this RIAA eq. do severe degradations to the quality sound reproduction due that is a curve and affect almost 2.5 octaves. So we need here: ACCURACY.

For a phonopreamp really do its job that RIAA eq. deviation IMHO must be at least ( no more ): +,- 0.05 db between 20Hz and 20kHz.

Second: it has to have enough " gain " for it can reproduce the very low signal that comes from the phono cartridge, specially MC ones.

Third: That " gain " must be with out noise/distortions/colorations.

The Essential 3180 not only achieve those desired targets but surpass in some ways.

This, our self design, Essential 3180 is an evolution of our first desgin the Essential 3150 and the 3160 and  use bipolar transistors in two gain stages for MC phono stage and FETs for MM phono stage ( to satisfy both kind of cartridge motor needs. ) in the same two gain stages, the Essential 3180 is not only a phono stage that you must to connect to a line preamp ( where you need an additional interconnect cable, input/output connectors and joints solder that do a severe degradation to the delicated/sensible carrtridge audio signal ).

No, the Essential 3180 is an active high gain integral one unit (with out step-up transformers ).

This is very important because we need synergy between phono and line level. 

In reality this phonolinepreamp have three preamps instead of only one: it has a MC phono stage, it has a MM phono stage and a line level stage preamp. All this three stages are totally independent from each other.

Where there is no compromise, the MC and MM stages are very critical and needs to be independent. Each phono stage ( MC and MM. ) is designed for its self precise and specific needs.

Our design is fully discrete, Non-feedback, direct coupled, pure class A , current drive line stage, true balanced  input to output, dual mono design and regulated input to output and with very high overload margins levels.

The dual mono design only share the chasis but both channels are totally independent from each other even in the dual mono external power supply, it has separate channels stepped ( 47 steps. ) attenuator volume controls and separate phono/line switch..

Inside parts: first rate capacitors, " naked " Vishay resistors,matched transistors , no internal wires ( every part is soldered directly to the four layers circuit boards and to input/output connectors. ), etc....., only the best neutral non-sound parts ( no step-up transformers, no head amps, op-amps, etc.. ) and in the critical stages with tolerances at 0.001%.

The RIAA equalization is a critical issue. RIAA accuracy of better than 0.1 dB is highly desirable, because as i said it even a 0.1 dB error will be audible due to the RIAA poles spanning as much as 2.5 octaves of the audio bandwidth, resulting in a permanent coloration that will be present in every phono record, veiling the character of the recording and resulting in a monochromatic, predictable sound.

A developed proprietary technique guarantee an accurate RIAA de-emphasis. This technique assures an initial RIAA accuracy of +/- 0.011 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz ( Both channels ), resulting in a neutral phono stage that reproduces exactly what the cartridge stylus movements/groove modulastions pick up from the LP recordings..  

The result is a preamplifier combining the purity and transparency of a passive preamplifier with the speed, dynamics and drive of an active preamplifier. This means : truer to the recording.

To round off the preamplifier's RIAA capabilities, its has a switchable 3.18 us turnover point Neumann pole. ) to compensate for the cutting head machine recording preemphasis roll-off.



Some specs:

- RIAA eq. deviation from 20 Hz to 20 Khz: 0.011 db ( both channels )

Frequency range to: DC to 1,5 MHz. ( both channels. ) (-3db )

Clean gain: Adjustable to 90 db

Signal to noise ratio: better than 85dbA in MC stage refered to 0.5mv. and according the standard/norm/rule: EIA/CEA-490-A , the same spec for MM but reffered to 5.0mv and 110db at 1 V ( unity gain ) in line stage. ( Both channels .)

Slew rate: 350 V/mseg.

Common mode rej.: 150db. ( Both channels. )

Distortion: 0.002% ( Both channels. )

Dynamic range: 130db.

Crosstalk: better than 140db.

Input overload: MC: 20 mVrms @ 1 kHz (High-gain), 40mVrms @ 1 kHz (Low-gain)

MM: 550 mVrms @ 1 kHz.

Total weight: 65 lbs.  

 

THE ANALOG RIG.

ACOUSTIC SIGNATURE ANALOG ONE MK II: the system have two of these TT's, each one with three differents tonearms/cartridges.

In the picture Turntable 1 the cartridges are, from left to right starting at the Audiocraft tonearm: Audioquest AQ 7000 Fe5, Ikeda REX9 and Shelther 90X.

Turntable 3: Goldbug Brier, Accuphase AC-2 and Dynavector XV-1.

Both TT's seats over three Audio Technica AT-616 neumatic suspension isolators with inverted Tip Toes ( position ) on top of these AT isolators.

The Acoustic Signature separate motors " seat " over an AT-666 neumatic isolator too.

MICRO SEIKI RX-5000: This " old " japanese design is a great performer, we do some tweaks inside the power supply that are very important to the performance of this particular TT.

The cartridges here starting with the MDC-800 are: Van denHul Colibri, Koetsu RSP, Ortofon MC 7500 and Allaerts MC2 Finish.

This TT/motor/powersupply seats over a neumatic suspension Audio Technica AT-616 audio insulators and the platter is internally dampening with sorbothane.

I don't use any TT clamp and the TT mat is a self design propietary blend build material: stunning!!!

I own other 6 TT's: Denon DP-75, Denon DP-80, three Technics SP-10MK2 and Luxman PD-310.

Others cartridges that I own and that are not on the pictures are:

Sumiko Celebration, Denon DL-S1, Denon DL 1000, Denon 103 and 103D, Audio Technica: Art 1, OC-30, ART 2000, At 1000, At 37E, Victor L1000, Allaerts F1, Fulton High Performance, Highphonic MC-A6, Supex Ruby, Fidelity Research MC 702, Benz Micro Ruby 2 and LP, Dynavector Karat 23R, Sao Win SMC 10, Clearaudio Discovery and Insider Gold, Lyra Helikon, Transfiguration, Koetsu Onyx, Van denHul Frog, Ortofon MC 2000, Ortofon MC X-5, Technics P-305MC MK2, Sumiko Blue Point Special, Dynavector Karat Nova 13D, Ortofon MC3000MK2, Sony XL44L, Sumiko Talisman, Audiocraft AC-01, Lux LMC-1, Empire MC-5, GAS Sleping Beauty, Monster Cable Genesis 1000, Crown Jewel, Signet MK220E, Azden GM-P5L, SIGNET MK111E, Micro Seiki Lc-80W, Denon DL-H5LC, Lyra Clavis Da Capo, Apature MC-150, Coral MC-81, Goldring Electro II LZ, Audio Technica AT-36E, Mayware MC-3L, ADC MC-1.5, Audio Technica AT-32E, Sumiko Premier LMX, Carnegie 1, Sony XL55, Carnegie 2, SUPEX SDX-2000, Fidelity Research MCX-5, Van den Hul Colibri Wood XGW, Entre- EC1, Linn Akiva, Clearaudio Goldmund, Wilson Benesch Carbon One, EMT TSD 15 SFL, Pioneer PC50MC, Transfiguration Phoenix,

Sumiko Talisman Alchemist IIIs Sapphire, Satin M21-B, Shinon Red Boron, Accuphase AC-3, Lyra Kleos, Goldbug Clement II, Yamaha MC-1s, Victor DT-100E, Azden GM-1E, Adcom XC/MRII, Audioquest AQ 404iL Ortofon Jubilee, Fulton RSD and Exel  ES-10.

Those are MC cartridges and the MM/MI type cartridges are:

ADC Astrion, Technics U205CMK4, Empire EDR.9, Stanton LZS 981, Audio Technica ATML 170 OCC, Audio Technica 180 OCC, Micro Acoustics MA 630, AKG P25MD, Empire 600LAC, Grace F9E, Elac 896 H24SP, Sonus Gold Blue, Empire 750 LTD, Bang&Olufsen MC20EN, B&O MMC20CL Bang&Olufsen MMC 6000, Empire 900GT/1000GT, Reson Reca, AKG P8ES Super NovaII, Empire 500ID, Sonus Dimension 5, Audio Technica AT20SS, Philips GP 412 II, Audio Technica AT 20SLa and 7V, Nagaoka MP-50 Super, Empire 4000D/III, Garrot P77, Bang & Olufsen MMC 2, Grace F-9 Ruby, Grado " The Amber Tribute ", Supex SM-100 MK2 , Astatic MF-300, Astatic MF-200H, Ortofon OM20 Super, Audio Technica AT-ML160-LC/OCC, Ortofon VMS-520MK2, Shelter 201, Rega Super Elys, Acutex LPM 315III STR, Audio Technica AT-95SA, Shure Ultra400, Acutex 320 III STR IMproved, Astatic MF-100, Andante P-38, Ortofon M20E Super, Nagatron 350E, Sumiko Pearl, Mission Solitaire, Clearaudio Virtuoso, Ortofon VMS30 MKII, Ortofon VMS 3e, Shure M97 Xe ( Jico SAS stylus ), Ortofon M20FL Super, ADC TRX-1 , Micro Acoustics MA 2002e, ADC XLM MK3, Signet TK10ML-II, AKG P8E, Empire 1000 Z/xe, Audio Technica AT-24, Andante P-76, Technics epc-p100c mk4, Ortofon M20E Super , Empire 1080LT , AKG P-100LE , Audio Technica AT155LC, Grado RSII, Piezo YM-121, Azden YM-P50VL, Victor Z-1EB, ADC 25, 26 and 27, Shure ML140HE, Audio Technica 331LP, Excel ES-70EX4, Nagatron 9600, Acutex LPM320IIISTR, Signet Tk7E, Micro Seiki LF-7, Shure V15-III, Signet TK7SU, Philips GP 412 MK3, Acutex LPM420IIISTR Goldring G800, Pionner PC-400, Fidelity Research FR-6SE, Goldring G-820, Goldring 900IGC, Azden YM-P50E, Pickering XVS 5000II, MicroAcoustics 530MP, JVX 4MD-20X, Van den Hul MM-3, Sony VL-32G, Stanton 981HZSII, Grado TLZ, Audio Technica Precept PC440, Glanz MFG-71L, ACUTEX M315 III STR, JVC X-1, Pickering TL-4S, Precept PC220 and XE, Astatic MF-2500, Precept PC550ML, Pioneer PC550E, Precept 440LC, JVC X-1MK2, Osawa OM-300MP, Grado G-1+ and Microacoustics QDC-1.

SUT for LOMC cartridges:

Denon-AU340, 2-Entr 100 in mono-fashion, AudioCraft T-26 and Denon AU-1000, all modified by me.

Other tonearms: Moerch DP-6, Audio Technica 1503-III, Technics EPA-100, Epa 100MK2 and 501, Ortofon RS-212, Fidelity Research FR-64, Koetsu SA1100 MK II, SAEC 506-30, Stax UA-9N, Dynavector DV505, Grace G-945, Audio Technica AT-1010, Sony PUA-237, JVC UA-7045 and Grace G-840FB.

I'm in a universal tonearm design that through our first prototype is very promising, we will see at the end.

Well, I know that for many people the visual beauty of an audio item is really important, for me: it is ok but what I really care is about QUALITY PERFORMANCE if it has " beauty " great, but if not: I don't care at all.

I know I have to much work/fun in the near future.

GENERAL INFO: I use two independent 30amp dedicated electrical line and the power cords go conected directly to the electrical box ( no power connector/plugs ). 
These electrical power lines has ( each one ) two 3.6Kw full regulators to mantain 120v. with RFI/EMI supresors and surge protection with additional 90db of noise supresor.

All these power cord goes directly soldered inside the electronics audio items ( amps, preamps, subs, etc, etc. ) with no male/female connectors in between.  All system power cords are pure silver KCAG by Kimber Kable ( no cooper wire down there and anywhere. )

The electrical power " signal " goes straight from the electrical power source " box " to the audio item power supply with out any single " obstacle " that can " disturb " it.

I by-passed all the internal fuses in the electronics that comes with any single audio item/device in the system .  The best fuse is NO fuse at all. 

The audio signal that goes from the Essential 3160 to the Levinson amplifiers goes directly soldered to the Levinson input boards, so there is no RCA or XLR connector in the audio signal here that can degrade in anyway the audio signal integrity..

All the cables: interconect,speakers and power have at the input/output ferrita noise stoppers.

All the interconnects/speaker cables are Silver Oval by Analysis Plus, except the phono interconnects where I use: Silver Analysis Plus and Silver Harmonic Thecnologies and Silver Audio Note.

I'm are very intolerant and very critical with what I heard trough my system. I love the music, nothing less.  Yes, I'm way demanding on overall quality performance levels.

Part of my philosophy is that : " less is more " trying to add and lost the less.

I'm not a " specs lover ". I analyse the " numbers " where really count, examples: RIAA frecuency response deviation, speed accuracy/stability ( TT's ), output impedance on amplifiers, signal to noise ratio.

Well that's more than enough about.

Now : How it sounds ? What can I say ?

¡¡¡¡¡¡ LIKE REAL MUSIC !!!!!! ( far from there but still on the quest: )

Neutral/ Natural, accurate ( with both frequency extremes spot-on. ), Articulate, Transparent, Fast, Dynamic, Great Timing and Rhythm and with extremely low noise floor.

 Full of Emotions.

Well, am I nearest to the recording?, that's what I'm trying and working around my audio system and yes today I'm nearest than before but still trying to be " there " through Fine Tunning the system.

Mainly I'm a MUSIC lover and I listen to all kind of MUSIC. I own around 7K+ LPs and a few hundreds CDs.

I listen both alternatives: analog and digital sources/mediums.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • ADS L 2030
    Full Range Monitor Studio speakers.
    • Velodyne HGS-15
    A pair of these sub's.
    • Tannoy ST 200
    Front external supertweeters.
    • Magnat ----
    Back external 1" silk dome tweeters.
    • Levinson No 20.6
    A pair of these monoblocks.
    • -- Essential 3160 Phonolinepreamp.
    Fully balanced, dual mono,pure class A, fully regulated, direct coupled, external power supply. Old/previous design boxes/chassis.
    • DENON DCD-600NE
     32/192. This extremely humble  Denon CD player is a surprise because its quality performance is a lot better that we can imagine. Recomended.
    • Acoustic Signature Analog One MK II
    Two of these TT with three tonearms installed in each one.
    • Microseiki RX-5000
    With four tonearms installed.
    • Many. ---
    More than 15 tonearms. I will describe on the system description.
    • Many ---
    More than 100+ cartridges: LOMC/MM/MI.
    • Analysis Plus Silver Oval
    RCA to RCA.
    • Kimber Kable KCAg
    Unshielded
    • Harmonic Technologies Silver
    Phono interconnect.
    • Analysis Plus Silver Oval
    Speakers and sub's.
    • Custom made Silver Kimber Kable.
    I use the KCAg. Great.
    • Tice Audio Micro Block
    For CD player and TT's only.
    • Michael Green. ---
    Three of these.
    • VPI 16.5
    Record cleaner.
    • Custom made room treatment and 2 RPG diffusors. RPG diffusors.
    In lateral wall and at the center/back of the system and behind the other speaker one of the difussors.
    • Many More
    Any.
    • Eumig T 1000
    FM only.
    • Nakamichi 700zxl
    With external Dolby C.
    • Eichmann RCA connector Silver
    Male connectors
    • WBT RCA connectors Silver Next Gen
    Female.

Comments 204

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Owner
Hi @barnettk : Thank's, appreciated.

Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
R.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Jeff: Sumiko Celebration is a real celebration on it as is the Helikon and LP by Benz Micro.

Obviously I did not tested all my cartridges in the SME tonearm but all in all I can say is a good tonearm. As with all tonearms you will like it as good/best as good the cartridge matched the SME characteristics.

I don't use the SME very often because its fixed headshell, nothing wrong with that but due that I own so many cartridges I prefer the more user friendly tonearm with universal removable headshells that as an add-on permit a to achieve an optimum cartridge matching between cartridge and tonearms due that we can choose different headshells with different weight, shape and build materials.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Dcbingaman: I like that Mechanic tonearm. Now for the DP-75 ( that I like very much ) I use no plinth, I have it naked above three AT pneumatic footers and till now I'm satisfied.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rolando: My 64 is the 64s.

I differ from many FR owners that " die for it ", I did not and don't, I don't like a tonearm so resonant like the 64s/66. My top priority is " neutrality " and those FR tonearms does not help to achieve that target, other people loves its resonances/distortions because their priorities are different from mine.

One vintage tonearm that I like is the Lustre GST-801 and my favotite is the Guillermo and I self tonearm design.

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Thuchan: Yes, I heard it with Audio Note wire and not precisely re-wired but " external ".

I bought these tonearms 15+ years ago and both are very good tonearms, are not perfect but: exist any perfect tonearm out there?

Regards and enjoy the music,
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Tzh21y: I think that the most critical factors to attain good performance are: cartridge/tonearm matching, phono stage quality and your knowledge level to make a precise cartridge/tonearm set up.

Money is important but your set up analog knowledge level is more important.

How much money do you need?, that depend on the performance level you are looking for and depend too on what you already own: hardware and software. I think there is no single answer to your question, we have to add here that if you want new items the price is one but if you want second hand then the budget change.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Weaeixas: Yes you are right: I need reviewers help, maybe in the future!!!

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Tzh21y: The relationship between all those cartridge set up parameters ( VTA/SRA/VTF/overhang/azymuth )is complex and hard to stay always perfect because when we made even a tiny change in one parameter other parameters could be fix it.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Tzh21y: Yes, when you change VTA/SRA you need to reset the cartridge alignment, same happen when you change VTF.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Tzh21y: Yes, the Mission The mechanic is a nice tonearm.

About IGD that your cartridge is a HOMC is not a problem. The best you can do to lower the IGD is to make an accurate cartridge/tonearm set up with a good pro-tractor.

Of course that if the cartridge has very low compliance this can affect about. Normally cartridges in the high compliance side are better trackers than cartridges with low compliance. This is one reason the MM/MI cartridges are better on the subject.

These cartridges are very good and with a nice prices:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Ortofon-1970s-M20FL-Super-Stylus-Boxed-/270593472721?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f00a0b8d1#ht_500wt_1154

http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rene: Thank's for your comment.

As you know Highphonic people ( on thos edays ) comes from Denon but the Highphonic " signature " was/is not the Denon " signature ", there are differences on similar Denon/highphonic of those times and more wide differences with the today Dl-S1.

I like the MC-A6 and IMHO the S1 has a better tonal balance with more natural music presentation due that its both frequency extremes are really great ones. I already heard my S1 through its dedicated Denon SUT but I prefer its performance trhough my active high gain Phono stage.

I have to say that due to its very good quality performance the S1 is truly " a bargain " in today very high MC prices. The S1 is very competitive with other LOMC cartridges in the 4k_7K price range: recomended!

Regards and enjoy the music,
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: Well, I get the Audio Technica AT155LC cartridge and now I can say that I own every single top of the line AT cartridge in its catalog different series. The At155LC is very good and I owned years ago. I don't hear it by many " moons " so this one will be an almost new for me. Regards and enjoy the music, Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Macdadtexas: I can't speak on the Grado Reference because i never hear it in my system. Now, if you want a Grado my advise is to go for the Amber The Tribute that is very good one and where you don't have that the cartrridge signal pass for an additional gain stage where that signal " suffer " a degradation.
Now, this one is a good alternative too:
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=NAGAOKAMP050&Category_Code=NAGAOKACART

as is this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bang-Olufsen-B-O-MMC1-MMC-1-Cartridge-RARE_W0QQitemZ120482629912QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1c0d530918#ht_500wt_1182

Kind regards,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Jim: Unfortunately there is no information on the AKG P-100LE or at least I can't find it. The cartridge is very rare and I understand exist only 50 of these gems.

Like I posted I'm planning to make a review on it because its quality performance has the right merit to do it.
I was really lucky to find it, let me say you that in the last 15 years I never seen one: anywhere!

Thank you for your kindness words, appreciated.

Regards and enjoy the music,
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: I was lucky enough to put my hands on an AKG P-100LE phono cartridge ( MI ) that IMHO maybe the best quality performer ever. It is so good that I'm thinking to make a review about. regards and enjoy the music. Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear GerryM5: Wow! what a top TT " collection " you have.

Sure I will, please email me for send it.

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ddriveman: Boith cartridge are truly different performers.

The Rex non-cantilever design is very alive and in some cases in the bright side of the music, it is not very good on tracking and not very friendly on set-up but when you hear/heard it ( with out any of what I posted here ) is very unique especially from mid range and up: no other LOMC cartridge compare with those highs in the REX. Worth to try it? I think yes because in many ways is a different experience of what you hace or heard elsewhere.
Can run on your 237 with the arm wand at the tonearm picture?, yes it could but a better performance can be achieved with the Mission The Mechanic or Lustre GST-801.

The 702 is very good vintage LOMC cartridge and the MAX 282 IMHO its best matching tonearm ( way better than any FR. ), try to find the " J " shaped arm wand for your 237 but look for the long one ( 282 ) that works just fine with your MS tonearm.

Both cartridge are really low output devices and perform a lot better through an active high gain phono stage than through step up transformers.

I know that you are not asking but you can try too the MM/MI cartridge alternative that IMHO is worth to listen at.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Sunnyboy1956: I envy you for that dedicated room, I think that every one of us that loves audio/music want to have athat dedicated audio room.

I'm sure that you are enjoying your very nice audio system, congratulations for that!!

regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Pradeep: In the past was a very hard work because I was learning about ( well I'm still learning but I mean was " starting " on. ) but today I have a very good idea which cartridge with which tonearm.

As a fact things are really easy right now due that our self design tonearm is a " universal " design where every single cartridge you mount show you at its best so I don't have to test a cartridge through several tonearms any more other that confirm that in our tonearm design always sounds better.

Btw, what's going on with your " dedicated room " dream that it is one of my dreams too.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: I'm following buying different MM/MI cartridges and last week I was lucky enough to buy a NOS Technics Epc-p100c MK4 that is considerate not only the best Technics ever but the best MM ever. I don't have in hand yet, we will see which is its quality performance. Regards and enjoy the music, Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: I just change the internal wiring ( 50-60cm ) on the subwoofers ( the original is a zip cord ) for Kimber Kable KCAG ( the one that I had on hand , very good indeed. ) and the quality improvement on the system performance improve in a way that I never imagine. This is not only that the bass is more clear, precise and with better definion and tight feeel but the midrange and high frequencies improve too making that the system performs now with a pristine/transparent and natural presentation that I never heard/hear it. I assume that with the new cables the distortions goes lower and that's what permit to achieve this really nice quality improvement. Yes, it is worth the effort to do it. Regards and enjoy the music. Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Chris: It is almost impossible to own all cartridges out thre. I can't speak for the today SPU ones but the only one time that I heard many years ago I don't heard anything that told me that that cartridge was a must to have. Maybe I should try again.

I agree with you abut the FR-66, because you can find for less money a today Ikeda that comes from the same FR designer.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mapman: Well, first than all I try to find in which tonearm a cartridge ( any ) performs at its best or near at its best, doing this is a very hard and time consuming work and I have to say that I don't finish yet with all my cartridges.

So, I don't optimize for a different kind of music but for an overall quality performance where each cartridge show up its own signature that permit that I change/choose for different top " signature " sound reproduction performances.

I can see that you own Ohm speakers, I remember ( with a little of " cloud " ) the Ohm A that I heard maybe 25-30 years ago and for me on those times was a must to have speaker but unfortunately I never had that kind of money, good for you.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Jloveys: Nice to hear that is working for you. I use two independent each channel amplifiers where I can't take advantage on the oops wiring.

During my subwoofers voicing system integration I try several times the phase subject, the Velodynes has a phase switch: 0degrees and 180degrees, I'm finish using 180 position and yes reversing the subwoofer phase makes a difference: big difference I have to say. I agree with you about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Macdadtexas: Nice to hear that. Well, it is not easy to be looking for the " Audio Heaven " but it is big healthy " fun " and bring immensity music enjoyment.

Thank you for your kindness words and I have to say that your system is very nice too, I love your Magnepan's.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Diofan: As you know every single cartridge has its own " signature " and it is not only learning but a subject to enjoy the music with different ( similar but different at the same time ) little " color " presentation.

Other side is that when you have several tonearms you really can match almost any cartridge with the right tonearm to achieve a top quality performance ( not only a good one performance ) on that cartridge.

Additional to that is that I own not only several cartridges but MC and MM ones and my Phonolinepreamp has two separate phono stages: one MC and one MM, so I need at least two tonearms.
Btw, three tonearms make you more easy to make cartridge changes when you want to make comparisons between some cartridges performance.

Anywa, is a lot of fun about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: Every day almost all of us can/could learn, many times we have " in front of our face " a choice/alternative to improve the quality performance in our home audio system and we can't see it.

That is what happen ( over the years ) to me several times and the last one two days ago, let me to explain it:

my ADS heavy modified L2030 speakers were designed to hear it in point source mode ( mindrange/tweeter ) or line source one, in the point source mode are active only the tweeter and the main soft dome midrange and through this mode I have all the point source advantages that many people think is the best way to go for clarity/accuracy/tonal balance/etc ( between other things ) and in the line source are active the tweeter, the main midrange and three additional auxiliar soft dome midranges ( one a top the tweeter/main midrange couple and two other below these ones.

For the last 10 years ( at least ) I always use my L2030s in the point source mode ( I was very satisfied with ) not only because for what other people thinks about but because I read and think that additional " sound sources " could mean additional room/speaker interaction and more " problems ".

Before I take out the speakers crossovers it was very easy to change from point source to line source: through a simple switch but in the today L2030 set up it is a hard work to do it because I need to solder and rewire every single midrange to the line source configuration to mantain a " healthy " speaker impedance.
Well this weekend I decide to try it and after 8 long work hours line source mode was ready to go.
I switch everything onn and the system works but I don't like too much.
The sound was not as good as the " original " one and that was because those auxiliar midranges were inactive for more than 10 years so I have to wait a few hours till today that all midrange drivers are settle down and my God: I never/ever experienced this quality kind of performance in an audio system.
The main improvement is on presence/inmmediacy: a female voice or piano music take a new performance dimension like if I was there or the performer was/is in my room space ( an illusion ), the rightness of the whole performance ( the space delineation where it takes the recording studio/live venue is incredible and this subject is not one of my main priorities. ) is astonishing, I have no words for what I'm hearing. It was very well worth the effort.

This kind of facts confirm to me that it does not matters what other people say ( well it matters but... ) or what the " audio theory " has to say on some subjects the only way to be sure or not is trying it/testing on.

I'm really exited and really happy with what is happening at my home!!!!, it is so wonderful to hear it that I can't and don't feel the necessity to switch off the system: right now is 2:00 AM and I can't switch off!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: Well, other than adding more MM fabulous cartridges in my system I made two changes in my loudspeakers that give the system not only a " different " sound quality performance but a real quality improvement sound reproduction performance. Six months ago I made two things: true tri-wire ( hard wire on crossover ) and an overall speakers re-wire using Silver Oval by Analysis Plus cable. Everything change for the better specially lowering distortion top to bottom. Last week I decide to by-pass the main crossover speakers caps with Teflon ones ( expensive ones: 2K. ), I have to say that I read many comments about speaker crossover by-pass caps where I find against and in favor opinions so I really don't know what to wait for. Well, I just have to say that I was not prepared for the " huge " quality improvement, like if I change it new and better amplifiers or better speakers: that's so big and real the quality improvement change, I'm very impressed for say the least: distortion goes lower again, noise floor goes down a little, transparency goes more natural as the tonal balance, I expect to improve in the high's but for my surprise I improve on bass too and that midrange ( female voice and piano ) is just wonderful!, more precise soundstage with a powerful " sensation " that you are " there ". I have no words to share and explain what I'm hearing but I'm enjoying more than ever, I'm experinced new " things " at a new quality performance level!!!!! Regards and enjoy the music. Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Gregadd: Well the Triplanar is a good tonearm but IMHO nothing really special like ( and again IMHO ) the ones I name it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rick: On tonearms: I have to say that from the point of view of designs and execution of that design I like these ones:

Schroeder, Audiocraft AC3300, Dynavector 505/507, Technics EPA-100MK2, Micro Seiki MAX 237, SME V, Cobra and Lustre GST-801.

regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rick: A very hard " call ". I don't have a favorite cartridge for any kind of music, over the time I learn that a good cartridge design when is mated in the right tonearm/Phonolinepreamp almost always performs very well with any kind of music, no I'm not saying that all those good cartridge designs sound the same: no each one has its own signature.

In no order I like very much these MC ones: Dynavector XV-1, Van denHul Colibri, Ortofon 7500, Allaerts MC2, Denon DS1, Goldbug Brier, Victor L1000 and Fidelity Research 702.

For MM type: Nagaoka MP50 Super, Grado The Tribute Amber, Sonus Dimension 5, AKG P8ES, ADC Astrion/TRX, Technics U205MK4, Audio Technica ATML 180, B&O MMC2, Garrot P77, Grace F9 Ruby, Ortofon M20FL.

About tonearms my experience told me that any of the ones that I own ( like many other out there ) are really good designs that perform great with the right cartridge ( s ), till today I don't know and I can't find an Universal Tonearm design: the one that performs always great with any cartridge. I own so many tonearms for I can have the chance/opportunity to find/test which one performs better with which cartridges and I mean " performs better ": achieve the best real quality cartridge performance.

Any same cartridge performs different in different tonearms and of course in different Phonolinepreamp.
So, to have an stellar analog quality performance you have to have the right tonearm/cartridge match and a " stellar " Phonolinepreamp. Both subjects: tonearm/cartridge and Phonolinepreamp make a paramount differences that's why IMHO are the most critical links in the analog chain.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rick: Thank you.

I just " love " your system!! good for that.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Justin: Thank you for your kindness words and yes we are in the same audio " nirvana " quest. It is always a challenge but day after day we are closer to it.

Regrads and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Stiltskin: My experience is almost the same that yours. I don't buy any more original LPs. I'm not a collector item but a person that only want to hear music: in the best way.

The only issue that I have on some LP reissues is that some 33rpm reissues are better that its 45rpm counterpart.

Btw, the analog recording/reproduction is a vey imperpect medium/way to make things but a full worth to use it over other kind of sources.

I grow-up on my system with many targets ( maybe too much targets ) and one of them is to improve the quality sound reproduction through trying to be nearer to the recording, this means to me : trying to loose/add ( music ) the less in each single audio link in the whole audio system chain.

Not an easy task because nothing is perfect and we have to choose the " right " trade-offs to be where the " music " belongs.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Gerry: Thank you for your kindness and yes I will love to meet you there!!! and enjoy music hearing the great audio system you own.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mark: First than all thank you to take your time to " visit " - my site-. You own too a very nice audio system, congratulations for that.

Great experience you had in Cuba I'm sure that you will remember it all your life!

Yes, the Essential 3160 is our self Phonolinepreamp design. We take this challenge because after trying several Phono/line stages ( SS, Tube, Hybrid. Many with good performance ) out there I can't find nothing that match my music sound reproduction priorities, that can give me the efortless feeling that has the live music, that feeling of ended flow of the musical notes. Well with the Esential I'm nearest to the recording and to the live music.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Kravi4ka: You can try the EDR.9 ( that it is a very good cartridge ) on your modified Rega and see what happen, it seems to me that the Rega could be a good match with out that additional weight but your ears will be the best judge.

About the Phonolinepreamp and like Gregadd ( thank you ) posted the best to have is an active high gain unit where if it is possible you have integrated the line stage ( very important subject ) and where that high gain comes along very low noise and very low distortion with a RIAA inverse eq. with a deviation no more than 0.05db.

The Phonolinepreamp is a very critical link in the quality analog chain performance and many audio people don't understand in a precise way its paramount importance.

It is in that unit where the cartridge signal " suffer " a heavy process ( example: to amplify the cartridge signal almost 10,000 times with out noise/distortions!!! and mimic ( inverse ) in a precise/accurate way the RIAA curve with which the recording was made!!!!, etc, etc . ) that can make a heavy degradation to that cartridge signal, so the better your Phonolinepreamp the better your quality sound reproduction, no doubt about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Kravi4Ka: Yes, the 801 is very good match with those cartridges, as a fact is very good with several MC cartridges including: Allaerts MC2 Finish, Transfiguration W, Shelter 90X, etc, etc.

I want to add that due that the 801 is a removable headshell tonearm design it will be interesting try those cartridges with different headshels ( weight, build material, shape, etc, etc ) where you can/could find the best quality performance.

Other subject that is critical to obtain a near " stellar " cartridge quality performance is the Phonolinepreamplifier specially with low output MC cartridges like the KRSP.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Hilyau: I will look for it and when I already have it and tested I will try to report on it.

Btw and about MM cartridges you ask, please read the next link:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&read&3&4&

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Hill: Well not only in my system. I'm working in a MM vs MC thread that's why I just ( last 4-5 months ) buy several MM ones and I'm testing ( hard ) all them ( matched with the " right " tonearm ) and making comparison against MC ones.
I'm not ready yet but almost there, stay tunned.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Hillyau: No I never try it ( so expensive ) but is on my " desire list ", sooner or latter I will follow your advise: thank you.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear friends: I'm having a lot of fun on the last 4-5 months due that I add-up 19 MM cartridges to my analog gear ( take a look to the system. ).

I was/am to busy trying to match some of these cartridges to a tonearm to obtain the best possible quality performance. All these MM cartridges are really fine performers and many of them beats my MC cartridges performance.
I purchase some of them NOS and others second hand but in almost mint condition ( I was lucky about )

In a near future I will try to report/review in a specific manner the quality performance of some of those MM cartridges, from now I can say that the MM cartridge option is a great one and very inexpensive too.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Genesis: It is fine. I already give you an answer about that you already read it. A pleasure to help.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rick: Thank you. Btw, I admire your whole system too: congratulations!!!!!!!

Regards and enjoy the msuic.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Chad: Yes, a lot of fun and very educational.
Btw, always will be a pleasure trying to help audio people that cares about music.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mmakshak: +++++ " Can I get the detail of my analog so that it competes with my digital(APL Denon 3910)? " +++++

Imho, yes absolutely you can and with some care surpass it easy. Please email me.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Aaron: Not a problem, thank you for do it . The room treatment is the most important link in the sound reproduction audio system chain and we must to take care about.

Yes, it is expensive but the speakers or amplifiers or " sealy " cables are expensive too and we buy it easily.

I think that all of us have to have a very precise " consciousness " on the room treatment subject and its high advantages and improvements that we could have when we use it in the right way.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Bob: I agree with you about the room treatment importance and maybe contribute with more than 50% on the quality sound reproduction.

If any one makes a unprofessional room treatment is almost sure that things come wrong with negative effects.
We can start the room treatment with ear " measurements " and if we are lucky we could achieve good results: but only if we are lucky. The room treatment is a professional job that needs professional tools and professional know how.
Unfortunately this professional way means high money and some of us can't afford it and we have to do it with out the right know how: some times work and some times no.

Anyway, the subject is that almost every audio system sound reproduction could " suffer " an improvement through professional ( sometimes not too professional ) room treatment and IMHO we have to support that room treatment idea.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Bob: No I don't but you can read about in the description of my system.

Nice to " see " that you are interested in the room treatment. Maybe the room is the most critical link in the quality performance in any home audio system.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Aaron: Yes, time to time I heard those switch off noises.
I use the original AS clamp not the last one. Anyway of all the reflex clamps that I try it the Basis is the one I like.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ken: You are right, the Shure is classical but happen that its performance does not like to me. I only buy what goes with my sonic priorities, sorry.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Frank: Maybe you already have the 507, how it performs along the Rua ?
My XV-1 really shine in that tonearm using not the original headshell but one with a lower weight: 6gr.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mmakshak: I don't " see " any trouble with your analog rig other that exist some problems in the cartridge set up: VTA/VTF/load impedance.

The other " red light " could be your phonolinepreamp that is not up to the task.

In any well setlled audio system the analog performance beats the redbook performance, no doubt about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: The Essential 3150 is already there.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Aaron: The cotton thread ( multi-stranded ) is the only one that I try it. It works splendid, I have no compliants about. I always " help " with my hand when the TT start to run but this is the same that I do with my Micro Seiki too.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Frank: I already try around ten different tonearms with the RX5000 and all those tonearms work really fine: I think that there is no problem between the RX5000 and almost any tonearm.

The FR64 is great with the RX5000. I like this tonearm with the Ikeda and Dynavector XV-1 cartridges, but the Lyras work very good too.

The RX5000 needs a good isolation footers, I'm using a pneumatic ones from Audiotechnica and the improvement in the quality sound reproduction is big. This TT could be improved using a metal mat or the vaccum one AT666 from Audiotechnica, in both cases using along a Basis clamp.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Aaron: Sorry for the delay.
I run both AS TT's through a cotton thread. The Mambo is a Final TOOl on stars: really good, you can contact with Desmond who is a Mambo owner: [email protected]

I try many clamps and I prefer the Basis one. I prefer too metalic mats, like my SAEC SS300, or the Vaccum AT666 from Audio Technica. Btw, if you can find this one ( e-bay ) go a head, the quality sound reproduction through AS/AT666 is really great and mates very good with the Mambo.

Both kind of isolation works very well.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mark: Thx for your concern about, I really appreciate. Fortunatelly no body ( IN México ) suffer about this time.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Sirspeedy: Yes, the grills are on. I change the original fabric on the grills for a really " transparent sound " one Other subject is that the grills are really big and a pain to take-out and again take-in and you need a lot of space to leave the grilles when you take-out.

Sometimes, I take-out those grilles and there is an improvement in the sound reproduction, but I can't do that everyday.

Of course that when you come to hear it: grilles-off.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
System edited: Up-dated my phonopreamp.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Orfeo: Tks. Please read the next link:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1117893153&openflup&27&4#27

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Dcc: Tks for your kind words.
There are at least two reasons why I don't have any linear traking tonearm: first is that take up many space/room that can preclude the use of other tonearms that I need mount in my TT's and second is that the ones that I already heard: ET and Air Tangent are a little soft at both extreme frequency range, they had a great sound stage ( this is a heavy characteristic on linear trakers ) but for me don't meet my music priorities.
Now, as a fact I never had the opportunity to hear the Air Tangent in my system only the ET.
Well there is no single tonearm on any design that is perfect: all ones have their own trade-off. The question here is which trade-off go better with your music priorities ( full fill your music bias ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Artg: Tks. Yes, I agree with you about the AP silver cables.

As you say a reference standard and at very decent price.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Lugnut: I want to let you know that the invitation is stan-up.
Any time you want. Yest let me know about. You are welcome.

regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ellery: Tks for your kind words. I'm glad that some of my thread responses help to you.

You are welcome to hear my system.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Oldiesrecordstr : Tks. How you doing there? I have a niece living in Estambul.

Regards adn enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Mmakshak: No I don't. But is a very interesting subject and I will try to investigate about. Tks.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Scott: You don't missed the info,: I don't have any mono cartridge.

The only mono cartridge that I had the opportunity to heard was from Ortofon many time ago and I can't give you ( for sure ) my point of view about. But I'm a Ortofon " fan " and I think that you can't go wrong with this great cartridge manufacturer.

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Darkstar: My favorite kind of music is: MUSIC. My LP library ( 4K+ ) has almost every kind of music. But usually I listen classical, jazz/blues, pop/rock and latin music.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Frank: +++++ " Prices are very high for used Micros with Air bearing. I recently was offered a used SZ-1T for US $ 30.000,00, a SX 8000 II (which is very close to the SZ-1T) will cost you at least 15.000,00. " +++++

Well, 30K for the SZ is a " bargain ", because like you say: it can evenn or beats the Rokport Sirius ( same for the SX 80000 ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Sirspeedy: Tks. Till God wants to take me here.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Thomas: +++++ " Made for MUSIC .."+++++

Right on target. I can see that we are on the same " road ", like many others in this forum and this is all about. Tks.

Regards and enjoy the music.
raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Matt: Tks for your sincerely words and yes, it is well worth for me and the music.
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Lugnut: I really appreciate your words and I appreciate, too, that people like you are really interested on what we like: music/sound reproduction at home through an analog rig.

Everyone is welcome home at anytime. I will be in touch with you about.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Dgad: You have a great system, too. Congratulations.

About the Vacuum mat and the neumatic suspension insulators ( both great items ), unfortunatelly are out of production: the only way to get is second hand through Ebay or here at Audiogon: you have to watch evry day till you find it. I don't know other sources.

Some of my tonearms I buy it second hand and other items, too.

When I am looking for an audio item I dedicated a lot of my time trying to " fish ". Is the only way.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rezeno: Tks for your words.
The SAEC 506/30 is a very good tonearm that you can match it with any cartridge ( low to high compliance ).
You have to change its original phono interconect cable that is not very good one.
This tonearm is very good tracker and I like its ceramic headshell and the building quality. I have it for many years ( from new ) with out any fault ever with any cartridge.
Recomended !!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ethannnn: Listening to them. Is the only way. But I have space limitations where the three TT's are installed, example: all the four tonearms that are installed in the micro Seiki TT mea
Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Hi Joe: Tks. I can't wait, too, for the coming work/effort
from David ( 4yanx ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ron: Tks for your kindy words. Yes, I will keep around.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Frank: I know very well your SX 111 FVG and the SX 777FV, both beautiful close-in Micro designs instead the open frame RX 5000/8000 designs.

+++++ " I have heard the RX 5000 twice, but liked the presentation of my SX 111 FVG more (thanks to the air bearing and the vacuum suction). " +++++

And to the foots that support the 111FVG ( rememeber that the RX 5000 had none ). The Audio Technica neumatic suspension foots, the AT Vacuum suction and the internal sorbothane dampening platter that I use in my RX 5000 make a huge difference over standard RX 5000. You have to hear it, you are welcome any time. Please e-mail me about.

Now, I agree with you: the Micro SZ-1TVS, is the TT standard to beat.

For all of us, analog music lovers, it is sad and dramatic the Micro Seiki disappearance from the audio stage: a great know-how company, great skills, great building, etc... These Japanese were really extraordinaries TT's design/builders.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Doug: You were one of the peoples that push me ( again and again ) to get here, to finally post my system: tks for that.

I celebrate that you found to " José ". I only want to remember that José first than all is my friend: a very close one.

Tks for your words, I know that you really appreciate my system post.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Carlos: Tks for your delicate sens words.

+++ " just posted my modest system. " ++++

Carlos congratulations, you have what I haven't: a dedicated room!!!!

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Frank: The SX 111 FVG is a very good TT very well made and beautiful look, sorry that broke down.

The Micro Seiki 5000/8000 were at the very top Micro Seiki TT's . Great build, great specs and great performers. I agree with you: hard to beat at any price and hands down many top TT's out there for a fraction of the price that you have to pay for those TT's.

My RX-5000 is not an air bearing/vacuum suction design, but I use an external vacuum suction unit by Audio Technica. I can't remember who invented the vacuum suction use on TT's: Micro Seiki, Luxman, Audio Technica etc....?, but what I know is that you can't live with out this device: when any one hear LP's through a vacuum device the quality of the analog music/sound reproduction takes other level of performance that you can't duplicate in other way: amazing!!!!!!

Now, My Analogue One MK2 by Acoustic Signature are very good too: German build/design quality. I like especially the non-oil bearing and their extraordinary external power suply design.
This model in particular have a problem: their foot support, if you use this TT with out any external tweak about their performance in only good. I try different footers from different manufacturers and finally I find the ones from VanSlyke that put the Analog One MK2 performance at a top level.

First that I use the AT vacuum suction system, the Micro and the AS were using the metal mat from SAEC: this one kills the ringing/vibration of these heavy metal platters, it does wonders in any metal platter TT.
The AT vacuum suction unit had the additional advantage that is made from metal , too. This one is what I'm using in all my TT's plus Basis/ Callas clamp.

Both TT's are extraordinary but they have different music presentation: the Micro is a little laid back than the AS, but the pitch/control and definition of the Micro low bass performance beats the AS ( that is excellent, too ) and any TT that I heard. I think these are the must important differences. I can live with either TT.
Some friends like the AS over the Micro and others like the Micro over the AS. I like both units, not because I own it, but because they are truly great TT's. Sure I would like to try the Walker on my system but I think that this is far away to happen, soon.

If you can find a RX 5000: buy it!!

Regards and enjoy the music.

Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Ca2284: Tks. All those make sense when you hear it.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Hi Silvio: You are welcome.
+++++ " Thank you for sharing your passion with audiophiles and music lovers alike. " ++++

I'm glad that you think in this way.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Scott: Tks for your words.

About the PS mods: were do at the regulation stage, internal rewiring and change of the dedicated power cord for 4TC Kimber kable wire.

Improvement: dead steady rpm.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Tks, Ray.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Rushton: I clearly understand. Tks.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Slipknot1: Tks, you are welcome.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Hi Kehut: Tks, you are welcome. Yes, you are right is: Mike Kelly.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
David: Tks in advance for your effort and your advise. I'm sure that all of us really appreciate that.

Tks again, you are welcome.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Gregadd: I'm sure you do. Btw, nothing wrong with direct drive TT: four of my others five TT's are direct drive.
Tks you are welcome.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Albert: Well, I love your system too.
Tks you are welcome.

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

Owner
Dear Rushton: Tks you are welcome. Now is your turn, don't you think?

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.

rauliruegas

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