Description

This is the result of about 4 years of trial and error, mismatched pieces, buying and selling, trading, building, rebuilding, and generally having lots of fun in the process. Learning through many knowledgeable people and friends, has been a very exciting adventure I hope continues for a long time.

The Garrard 301 is finally set up in the newly built "open" plinth, and sounds far better than it's previous enclosed plinth. I'm enjoying it so much, I don't want to tear it down to finish the plinth. Clearcoating and adding a second arm still to come.

Now using Morrow Audio's MA3 interconnect with Eichman copper connections.
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Components Toggle details

    • Shengya CS-6
    fully balanced, complete dual channel design using 4 x 6922 tubes/per channel. custom zebra wood panels hand made to match system.
    • Shuguang S845mk
    845 tube mono blocks. custom finished in brandywine with zebra wood faces. 25 w/output SET amps
    • Grant Fidelity RBS-1
    2-way using Morel drivers and second order crossovers. Solid cherry wood cabinets. Customs built stands.
    • Grant Fidelity Impressions II
    Tube cdp, with built in headphone amp, tube,ss, and xlr outputs.
    • Opera Consonance D-Linear8
    wireless dac
    • garrard 301
    white, grease bearing, with a skeletal plinth(Not finished yet, but sounds so good I can't tear it down to finish it) with an Opera ST600 arm/Shelter 501II, and a Clearaudio Satisfy arm/Melody cartridge. The ST600 now replaced with an SME3014 by Radgear, and an Ortofon SPU GM mono cartridge.
    • Lenco L70
    fully customized with an SME3014 with Shelter 501II, and Orsonic 101B headshell, Padauk wood plinth, solid 2
    • Thorens TD-124
    TD124 from 1958. Done in pro white and Padauk wood plinth. Infinity Blk. Widow tin Soundsmith Boheme finish it off.
    • Clearaudio Melody
    MC cartridge
    • Ortofon SPU Mono GM
    original mono cartridge
    • Opera Consonance PM-8
    mm/mc phono preamp with dip switch adjustments. Seperate power supply
    • Opera Consonance D-Linear 15 conditioner
    D-Linear is close in design concept as a power synthesizer, but with built-in voltage stablizing circuit for source equipment and pre-amplifier.
    • Elrod power systems Statement Silver power cable.
    Elrod pc made a tremendous difference. I use it from wall outlet to conditioner.
    • opera Consonance PS-1 speed controller
    the model says it all
    • Nobility WMP-1A MKII
    magnetic levitation stand
    • DIY main stand
    gear stands are diy, and for the most part are finished in brandywine.

Comments 35

Owner
thanks for that info. I actually made 2 leather mats today. A thin and thicker leather. The thin really brings out detail, but find I loose a bit of the "Garrard" sound. The thicker seems to give good detail and keep the signature sound. So far the best mat I've tried on any of my tables. I think I still want to try the copper mat though. I suppose a call to TTW is in order.
I had a look at your system Dan. Very impressive indeed.

guystp

I have a couple of other mats, a Funkfirm Acro-Mat, and a mat from Trans-Fi, which raises the LP from the platter on points.

I always come back to the copper mat, although I must admit, I haven't heard a great deal of difference between them. The copper is best, and the preferred mat for me.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Thanks Dan, the higher end Chinese gear is very well built, and the prices are on the affordable side. I've been very impressed with sound quality, as have others who have come for a listen.
How do you like the copper platter mat? Did you find it to be an improvement over the rubber. I've tried way too many mats and really am not happy with any of them. Next one to try will be leather, but I've wondered about the copper.

guystp

Though I'm unfamiliar with Shengya equipment, it looks well made, and at very reasonable prices. All of your gear is on the affordable side, yet it is all seemingly high performance, and attractive as well.

Having a Garrard 401, I appreciate your turntable, and can relate to how much you are enjoying your 301.

Well done, and enjoy!
Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Black Widow arm moved to the Garrard 301 along with my Boheme high compliance cartridge.

guystp

Owner
System edited: stand has been changed to allow for better space. Main turntable has had the Infinity Black widow arm added on.

guystp

Owner
Thanks Glenhifi, You have a nice collection yourself. I spend a lot of time in this room as I'm not much for television. For a small room, it works quite nicely. The acoustics are surprisingly good. I'm still messing around with bass traps, but all in all am pretty happy this system.

guystp

Nice collection of gear. Looks to be a nice room to kick back and take in some tunes. Enjoyed viewing you pictures as I sip some kool aid.

glenfihi

Owner
Thanks Cedman. Yours comments are very much appreciated!

guystp

Looks very good. Nice main stand too!

cedman1

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