Description

My current system is the product of 30+ years of experience with a wide range of equipment in different listening rooms. It is by far the most musically satisfying HIFI I have had the pleasure to enjoy. Over the past 10-15 years I have worked closely with several small manufacturers who have been extremely helpful throughout this journey. Lou Hinkley built me a pair of Daedalus Audio Apollo's that feature a custom quartersawn oak finish on all surfaces to match our Stickley heirloom furniture. I am thoroughly enjoying his latest design work! Lou introduced me to Alex at WyWires who has also helped me with cables that are crazy good for the money. I've also come to know Mark Schneider from Linear Tube Audio who builds some terrific amplifiers using David Berning designs. Getting great results using a pair of LTA Ultralinear + amplifiers outfitted with Amperex "Bugle Boys" which works brilliantly with Daedalus speakers--a match made in heaven! I have known Keith Herron for many years now having purchased his VTPH-2 phonostage after reading a number of glowing reviews. It is by far the finest phonostage I've owned and the recent "A" upgrades take it to another level. I liked the phonostage so much I purchased his highly regarded VTSP-3A linestage which I ran happily for several years before moving up to the VTSP-360 (Reference) in 2021. Wow, phenomenal upgrade which I have written about on this forum. Finally, I was able to connect with Pure Fidelity through Stellar Home Audio in NY on a custom Harmony turntable featuring a satin black finish and an Origin Live Conqueror MK4 tonearm. To this gem of a setup I mounted my Charisma Audio Signature One cartridge. This belt (subplatter) drive table is an extraordinary performer, providing a jet black background, even and coherent frequency response, and superior staging and detail. The Harmony/OL/Sig One replaced an excellent Sempersonus TE-2 idler-type turntable which I was running with a TW Acustic Raven (12") arm and Revopod footers. While this was a great setup, some early production fit and finish issues compelled me to return the TE-2 in favor of the PF. Very pleased! Recent release of the Conductor speed control unit takes the fit, finish, and performance of the Harmony to another level. I would encourage anyone considering equipment purchases from "better known" or "big name" audio manufacturers to seek out these "artisan" outfits--you won't be disappointed. Their equipment is first rate and the service and support for their clients is second to none. Highly recommended!!

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Room Details

Dimensions: 26’ × 15’  Large
Ceiling: 16’


Components Toggle details

    • Pure Fidelity Harmony
    Pure Fidelity Harmony turntable in custom satin black finish. Very well designed, engineered, and built with quality components throughout--ruby ball and bronze bearing, Delrin platter, compact design with excellent packing--a class product all around. Recent release of the Conductor speed control unit is a major upgrade over the Maestro, which was not on the same level of fit and finish as the table itself.
    • Origin Live Conqueror MK4
    Extraordinary arm in design and execution. Ordered with 2M run of Silver Hybrid IC from the cartridge tags to the RCAs. Pure Fidelity Harmony comes with specified mount for OL arms making set up a breeze. The Conqueror MK4 has a great feel, with form following function without the fiddly downsides often present in other "super arms". The sound is exceptionally transparent and fluid, with ease and detail off the charts. Plays really well with the PF Harmony!
    • Charisma Audio Signature One
    New, top of the line MC cartridge from Canadian designer, manufacturer Bernard Li.
    • Herron Audio VTPH-2A
    The Herron VTPH-2A has been the most satisfying upgrade to my entirely revamped analogue playback system. Quiet, spacious, dynamic with tremendous inner detail. I doubt I'll need or own another phonostage. Stock feet replaced with Stillpoint Ultra Mini's to enhance isolation.
    • Herron Audio VTSP-360 Reference
    Keith Herron's latest linestage is astonishingly good. It has all the features you need and none that you don't and sounds exceptional--super quiet, detailed, natural, with great timing and drive. Improvement over the VTSP-3A (R03) is across the board but particularly in the areas of dynamic agility and soundstaging, Stock feet replaced with Stillpoint Ultra Mini's to enhance isolation. This is the latest "Reference" version of the VTSP-360 circa 2021.
    • Linear Tube Audio Ultralinear Power Amplifier Plus (Monoblocks)
    From the brilliant David Berning perhaps his most compelling low power ZOTL amplifier yet. Uses TV sweep tubes (like the ZH-230) and a radical switching power supply to deliver 20 wpc of extraordinarily clean and musical power. Ideal amplifier for high efficiency loudspeakers like my Daedalus Apollo's. The "Plus" upgrades offer subtle improvements and I added a second UL+ to run monoblocks in the summer of 2021 which stepped up the performance even further!.
    • Daedalus Apollo
    The latest from speaker guru and musician Lou Hinkley and Daedalus Audio. These replaced my beloved, tricked out DA-1.1 V2's. They sound simply phenomenal--so engaging, organic and warm with gobs of musical detail. Paired with the LTA Ultralinear they produce some of the best sound I have ever heard regardless of price. Recently added a set of Track Audio Isolation Feet to raise the speakers to proper listening height and found to be an excellent sonic upgrade over prior Stillpoint Ultra SS.
    • Empirical Design ED-422
    Superior to many cables I've tried at less cost. I ran these against Audience Au-24, Soundstring, Fusion Audio Romance, Dynamic Design and JPS Labs SC-3 and found them to be the best value. The JPS and Fusion Audio sounded slightly more detailed, spacious and natural but are harder to work with and considerably more money. Using between my Esoteric K-03xs and Herron VTPH-2A and linestage.
    • Empirical Design ED-416
    Excellent performance but stiff like their speaker cable. I would not recommend these in tight spaces where multiple turns are required. Using to connect my Ayre L-5xe power conditioner to the wall outlet.
    • Empirical Design ED-316
    The ED-316 has fewer conductors than the ED-416 and is thus thinner and more flexible. Great product for low power sources, easily besting my original version Audience Powerchord. Using with my Esoteric K-03xs, Herron VTSP-360 (ESP), and Herron VTPH-2A.
    • WyWires/Daedalus Audio Speaker Cable Reference Series
    Speaker cables jointly developed by WyWires and Daedalus to provide synergistic performance. Cable topology mirrors Daedalus Apollo internal wiring. I consider these cables a necessity for Daedalus owners as they elevated the performance of my system considerably--much more vivid color and detail but more relaxed and spacious at the same time.
    • Esoteric K-03xs
    Recently upgraded to the new K-03xs after many happy years with my trusty X-03se. Still waiting to connect up and see how it sounds!
    • Ayre Acoustics L-5xe
    Power conditioner used with my front end components. Connected to wall with WyWires Platinum series power cord.
    • WyWires, LLC Platinum Series Interconnect
    Running these between my amps and preamp. Absolutely phenomenal cables--incredible resolution yet tonally correct and laid back. Tremendous balance and musicality. The WyWires are the first interconnects I've found that were worth paying more money for than my Empirical Design cables.
    • WyWires, LLC Silver Series Juice II Power Cord
    Connects the LTA's to the wall. Nice cable but the UL doesn't respond to expensive cords--the power supply is so good I got the same results with the stock cord and an inexpensive Signal Cable PC.
    • Stillpoints LLC Ultra Mini's
    Using 4 Ultra Mini's each under the Herron Reference linestage and Herron VTPH-2A. The Ultra Mini's work perfectly, particularly since I do not have a very high quality rack for my equipment.
    • Arya Audio Revopods
    Using four Revopods as footers for my Sempersonus TE-2. Extremely well designed and manufactured, they allow ultra-precise leveling and provide effective isolation from acoustic and other vibrations. Highly recommended!
    • WyWires Platinum Series Power Cord
    Currently used to power the Pure Fidelity motor controller. Overkill!
    • VTI BL-404-13
    Open tiered rack system. Well made and easy to assemble. I'm using Lovan cable guides to keep things in place.
    • Music Collection Basement Rack
    My collection of vinyl, CD and SACD titles
    • Degritter Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    Got this and love it. I clean all my new and used LPs and experience less surface noise.

Comments 46

Ok Dodgealum, we're 2/3 into Q1-2014 and looking forward to your feedback on the Version-2 upgrades to your speaks.

What parts/design are changed going from V1 to V2?

I have to assume that I have V1.

barrelchief

Owner
Just sent my DA-1.1AP's back to Lou for the "Version 2" upgrades. Really looking forward to the improvements based on what others have reported. I'll post something once I get them back and broken in--sometime after the holidays.

dodgealum

Great system! I am thinking of buying a Scout 1.1 so I arrived here reading thread comments regarding cartridges for it. I agree phono pre-amp is crucial to get best sound from any combination. Again, great system - enjoy!!

moofoo

Owner
Sure! I had the LS36.5 when you were last here and have since owned the LS100 (6SN7 design). The Herron is in another league sonically--I think you will enjoy hearing it.

dodgealum

Dodgealum, when you're ready we'd like to come by and hear your system again. Last time we were at your home you had the ModWright preamp - not the 6SN7 version.

Let me know
[email protected]

bigkidz

Owner
System edited: Just added Keith Herron's latest linestage--the VTSP-3A R02. The new unit is said to surpass the prior VTSP-3A in clarity, bass, dynamics and soundstage. Straight out of the box it is a glorious sounding unit--I'll report back in detail once I have a few more weeks of serious listening under my belt.

dodgealum

Owner
System edited: I recently had my Modwright KWA150 upgraded to a "Signature Edition". I really wasn't expecting such a significant improvement in the sound (though many users have reported this result). Wow! The KWA150SE is a revelation--much more relaxed, dynamic and effortless with a very spacious presentation that adds several layers to the soundstage. Though not inexpensive, I would certainly recommend this upgrade to owners of standard KWA150's who are looking to elevate system performance in a meaningful way. This may be the best $2K I ever spent on my system!

dodgealum

Owner
It sure does! The angle of the photo and the lens of the cheap point and shoot I used really makes it appear higher than it really is. I'm 6'3" and when standing in front of the table it is about chin level so I guess maybe for some folks it would be too high--all the better to deter little people from mucking around with it.

dodgealum

it seems the Turntable is very high, how do you manage to use it?

kapa11

Owner
Hey, thank you! Dan was great to work with and very helpful with post-sale support. The Modwright electronics mate very well with Lou's Daedalus speakers, which are very satisfying. I appreciate your comments.

dodgealum

Wonderful system. Definitely has the Dan Wright glow-from-within. Color me blue with envy.

bgeofft

Owner
System edited: Please see system changes completed over the last 6 months. I always appreciate your comments!

dodgealum

Owner
System edited: Finally added a phonostage after being without vinyl for far too long. The Whest PS.30 is dynamite!

dodgealum

Owner
Well, I've got about two weeks on the SD135 and am please to say that this is one fine amplifier. While the LS26 represented a significant improvement over the linestage of my old SP16 the SD135 is in an entirely different league when compared to the 150.2 it replaced. The SD135 is much, much more refined in its presentation of the music. It manages to provide far greater insight into the music (detail, separation of instrumental lines, texture and body, inflection of voice and instruments, ETC) and yet does so in a much more organic way. By comparison the 150.2 was less dimensional and added a glare or hardness to the sound. You can really hear it when a vocalist pushes hard--the SD135 remains pure and true. The SD135 is also very dynamic and throws a much wider and deeper soundstage. It really brings together the best of tube and solid state designs in a ruggedly built package that can be placed in any location. I couldn't be happier with the SD135--it mates superbly with the LS26 and offers truly reference quality sound without an absurd price tag or the hassles of high power tube designs. That this amp has never been reviewed is astonishing--I wonder how long it will take the audiophile community to discover this hidden gem.

dodgealum

Owner
System edited: Recently added an ARC LS26 and SD135 to my system, which replaced an SP16 and 150.2. The LS26 was a huge upgrade, adding dynamics, soundstage depth and width and tremendous clarity and ease. The SD135 is now breaking in, having been installed just hours ago. Casual listening suggests this amp may be something special. I'll add comments on the SD135 after it has broken in and I've had a chance to do some critical listening.

dodgealum

Owner
I ran the ED cables against the Au24, Wireworld Polaris 5 and Ridge Street Pioma so nothing outrageously expensive but well regarded cables all. The ED cables were markedly better and for less money than all of them. Not sure how things will pan out in your system and against much more expensive cables but let me know.

dodgealum

Thanks for the feedback. My office is probably about six miles from ED. I think I'm going to demo a pair of their speaker wires. Right now I'm demoing a pair of PAD Proteus Provectus bi-wire speaker wires. A big time brand, with a big time rep and price tag. The pair I have were used as demo units at CES, and as a result I can get them at half price (refurbished by PAD w/warranty). They are definitely an improvement over the AU24s (better be at 4x the price), but I'm not completely sold. I have this nagging feeling that there are cables out there that come very close performance wise for much less coin. I hope ED comes through in my system

cbd0815

Owner
Cbd0815:

That is exactly what I got in my system when I went from Au24 all around to Empirical Design. Even more detail (slightly) but, more importantly, more texture, body and "thereness". Very highly recommended and a great company to deal with. Karl is a great guy who really knows his stuff.

dodgealum

Nice rig. How do you like the Empirical Design cables? I'm currently using AU24 cables and looking for something with a little more body.

Thanks.

cbd0815

Owner
Photon46:

Thanks so much. I've replaced the MDF platform from the Target wall shelf with a Symposium Svelte Shelf. They make a model that drops right in to the oversized Target. Really mates well with the VPI in this configuration. Thanks for looking!

dodgealum

The only thing I'd suggest is to site your Scout on an additional isolation base if you've got the room in your cabinet. I've found the Scout to respond very favorably to being placed on something other than thin mdf or plywood. A Gingko base or additional maple platform (replace stock Target shelf with maple maybe?) very possibly might elevate your performance to the point you're less inclined to replace the Scout so soon. You've got classy looking sytem/room.

photon46

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