Rockitman's System

by rockitman on All Out Assault

Description

My "All Out Assault" on two channel reproduction started back in 2009 with the acquisition of Wilson Audio W/P 8's. Prior to getting those speakers my system remained pretty much static from 1994-2009. It was a Mark Levinson system consisting of No.27.5, No.36, No.380s. Speakers were Aerial Acoustic 10t's. It was a digital only system. After the W/P's came the PS Audio Perfect Wav DAC/Trans. This was my first time being exposed to hi-rez playback. It only took a few hi-rez needle drops for me determine that analog was the way to go for best sounding audio. 

System tour on YouTube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?list=LL8mwfiB_0vQtdPPbBJv0EMQ&v=pd1JYxBZS3s




Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • American Sound AS-2000 Turntable
    Belt driven (Pabst Capstan) super high mass turtable. It is the absolute state of the art in vinyl spinners. Using NOS SME 3012R’s as primary arms. Knife edge bearing from the early1970’s. Original NOS cables for the arms too. Total weight...approximately 500lbs. Air platter, no bearing.
    • TechDAS Air Force One
    Ripple free air bearing, air suspension and vacuum hold down. Running 12" Graham Supreme rear slot and Phantom Elite (Not here yet) with Nordost Odin wiring and tone arm cable. (DIN->RCA)
    • Clearaudio Master Innovation
    Belt-driven magnetic drive. Ceramic Magnetic bearing.
    • Technics RS 1500
    Nortronics Pro 1/2 tack, head wired out to external tape preamp (King/Cello NAB/IEC, 15 ips). All inferior Technics electronics are bypassed.
    • Otari MTR-10 RTR Tape Deck
    2 Channel, 1/4" tape, head wired out for use with King/Cello tape preamp.
    • King/Cello Tape Pre IEC/NAB
    adjustible Hi Freq. EQ
    • Studer A810
    2 units...one fully stock, the other with a JRF Magnetics repro head upgrade.
    • Otari MX 5050 Bll-2
    1/4" two track RTR player/recorder
    • Lamm Industries LP-1 Signature Phono
    The LP1 Signature is a vacuum tube preamplifier that employs a high current pure class A operation from input to output.  No loop feedback is employed.  Other features include:
    • Audibly neutral power supplies (one for each channel) featuring full-wave vacuum rectifiers, choke contained filters, vacuum tube high-voltage regulators, and solid-state low-voltage analogue non-switching regulators used as the heater supplies
    • Three separate inputs for MM and MC (two inputs) cartridges
    • All amplification stages utilize high transconductance super low noise high-current vacuum triodes
    • Very accurate RIAA EQ network

    Each preamplifier is carefully handcrafted of the finest materials and hand selected top quality parts like military-grade DALE metal-film resistors, RCD wire-wound resistors, BOURNS multi-turn potentiometers; ELECTROCUBE, CORNELL DUBILIER and ROEDERSTEIN film capacitors; high frequency switching grade CORNELL DUBILIER electrolytic capacitors; HAMMOND chokes; gold-plated NEUTRIC connectors; and military-grade low-noise long-life vacuum tubes.

    A custom-designed massive damping panel installed in the preamplifier unit significantly reduces all types of mechanical vibrations which, in turn, leads to a more extended, coherent and natural bass reproduction.
    The LP1 Signature features a custom-designed super-low noise power transformer.

    • Allnic H-5000 DHT Phono
    LCR. Adjustable EQ, direct heated triode phono stage. 1950-1960 RCA Miltary spec 5U4G tubes used for rectification. Voltage regulation via Takatsuki 300B tubes.
    • Allnic HA-3000 Head Amp
    Nuvistor tube based moving coil head amp.
    • SME 3012R Phono pick up arm
    1970’s NOS with knife edge bearing...not the shit gimbal bearing design that came out later.
    • Graham Engineering Phantom Elite 10 inch
    Grahams new reference arm with improved bearing, wiring, bearing house, arm tube
    • Graham Engineering Phantom II Supreme
    Fluid damped, uni-pivot design. 10 & 12 inch arm wand x 2.
    • Clearaudio Universal Tone Arm with VTA Lifter
    • Nordost Odin Supreme Reference Cabling
    2-1.25 meter DIN to RCA phono cables. 1-1.5 meter XLR for phono stage to main pre. 1-5 meter XLR for main pre to amps. 1.5 meter RCA, 4-2.5 meter Power Cords. 4 meter speaker cable.
    • Nordost Valhalla Reference DIN phono
    Used with Graham arm.
    • Koetsu Coralstone Platinum
    understated beauty of the petrified coral bodes…so rare is the material that cartridges in this guise will only be available in the US, priced at $15000 with production unlikely to exceed a couple of dozen…stunning naturalness and presence…a sense of substance and stability to the image…big and rich and vibrant…There's a rightness, an immediately convincing quality to its presentation that draws you into the music. Specifications: Body: Coral Stone Type: Moving Coil Coil Wiring: Silverplated Copper Magnet: Platinum Magnet Cantilever: Boron Cantilever Output Volts: 0.3mV Frequency Range: 20Hz to 100kHz Channel Seperation: 25db/1kHz Inner Impedance: 5 Ohm Channel Balance: 0.5db/1kHz Recommended Impednace: 30 Ohm Weight: 12g Compliance: 5 x 10-6 cm/dyne at 100 hz
    • Koetsu Tiger Eye Platinum
    Koetsu Tigereye Technical Data •Body: Tigereye •Type: moving coil •Coil wiring: silver-plated copper •Magnet: platinum •Cantilever: boron •Output: .3mV •Frequency range: 20Hz-100kHz •Channel separation: 25dB/1kHz •Inner impedance: 5 ohms •Channel balance: .5dB/1kHz •Recommended impedance: 30 ohms •Weight: 12.5 •Compliance: 5x10-6cm/dyne at 100Hz
    • Dynavector DRT XV-1t
    Urushi bamboo body. Dynavectors statement cartridge.
    • Ortofon MC A90
    Two units...One still Sealed for the future.
    • Shelter Harmony
    Shelter Phono Cartridge
    Output Voltage: 0.5 mV at 1Khz 5 cm/sec.
    Weight: 8.5 grams
    Channel Balance: within 0.8 dB at 1Khz
    Tracking Force: 1.4 to 2.2 grams
    Stylus Tip: 1.6 X 0.3 mil Line Contact Nude Diamond
    DC Resistance: 15 Ohm
    Recommended Load Impedance:
    Step Up Transformer - 10 to 30 Ohms
    Head Amplifier - within 100 Ohms
    High Gain EQ-amp - within 47K Ohms
    Compliance - 9 ìm/mN
    • Benz Micro Gullwing SLR
    MOMC
    • Lyra Olympos - Mono Phono Cartridge

    One of 4 mono versions ever made. SL single coil design. Output: .15mV

    Truly the Holy Grail for mono record playback.

    • Ikeda 9TT - Mono
    LOMC
    • PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC

    Stereophile Recommended Component 2015

    Class A+ Stereophile rated DirectStream DAC converts any digital input format, such as PCM or DSD to a pure DSD stream and outputs near-perfect analog directly to your power amplifier or preamplifier. Whatever the format, whatever the sample rate, DirectStream is a pure DSD based solution that fulfills the promise of a high-resolution analog performance standard the originators of CDs promised over 30 years ago. Hear what’s been missing in your music for all these years. If you know the sound of music and instruments, and want to hear what’s been missing on your discs, then this DAC is right for you.

    • PS Audio PerfectWave PWT
    Buffered Memory player. 24/192 capable
    • Pass Labs XS Preamp - Dual Chassis
    It is a large two chassis preamp built in a true dual mono arrangement. The circuit board materials are optimized for performance in each area, a power supply circuit board has different requirements
    • Pass Labs XS-150 Dual Chassis Monoblocks
    Class A solid state dual chassis mono-blocks Xs These are Pass Laboratories ultimate expression of Power Amplifiers the perfect blend of science and visceral emotion. The successor to our already lavishly praised and well regarded Supersymmetry patent. Every technical effort has been made to assure exceptional specifications, among these: Separate chassis for lower electromagnetic noise Power supplies with greatly enhanced storage capacitance Banks of redundantly parallel high speed / soft recovery rectifiers Improved high frequency noise filters Larger / quieter transformers Improved passive decoupling Lower power standby Input impedances of 200 k-ohm balanced with negligible capacitance These amplifiers will drive any load, while being driven from any source. If there’s a more emotionally satisfying amplifier anywhere, we’re not aware of it. Xs 150 / Specifications Gain (db)26 Power Output /ch (8 ohm)150 Power Output /ch (4 ohm)300 Maximum Output (Amps)30 Input Impedance,(Kohms)200k Balanced, 100k single-ended Power Consumption (W)500 Number of Chassis2 Dimensions (W x H x D)19 x 11.5 x 21.5 (each) Unit Weight (LBS)130 + 100
    • Wilson Audio Alexandria X2.2
    almandine black metallic with Black Grills
    • Table Stable TS-140
    Active Isolation table
    • Millennia Media NSEQ-4
    Profesional Level Parametric Utilized via tape loop on main pre when needed. EQ World’s first all-discrete, true differential Class-A input buffer/amplifier Selectable balanced or unbalanced input Greatly improved 3rd generation FSA-03 all-discrete EQ amplifier Improved output stage, no muting required (as with Twin Topology) True hard-wire bypass when EQ not selected Upgraded power supply leading to improved sonic performance
    • PS Audio P5 Power Plant
    Clean AC power Regenerator for source components only. Amps plugged directly into wall.
    • Stillpoints Ultra 5
    Used under Pass XS 150 amps, Wilson X-2.2 speakers and Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Stillpoints LP1
    Used on top of all music chain components and as record weights for both turntables.
    • Stillpoints Ultra SS
    Isolation/Vibration control component footers
    • KL Audio Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    The best ultrasonic record cleaner. Uses only distilled water.
    • Entreq Silver Tellus
    Signal grounding box. I use two...one dedicated to main preamp and the other dedicated to the phono preamp.
    • Entreq Atlantis Grounding Cables
    Two pairs for main preamp, one pair for phono stage
    • Clearaudio ACCUDRIVE
    Battery power supply for Clearaudio Master Innovation turntable.
    • Western Electric 422A Rectifiers
    Purchased NOS (1960 MFG Date)Used for rectification in the Allnic H5000 DHT phono preamp
    • Takatsuki 300B Tubes
    Hi-End 300B tube made in Japan. Used for voltage regulation in the Allnic H5000 DHT Phono preamp. These make a big difference on the performance of the tubes in the gain stage.
    • Torus Power RM-15 Plus Isolation Transformer
    2 units....one for each power amp channel.

Comments 277

Sign in to comment
Owner
I have recently delved into reel to reel after gaining access to 15 ips dubs of some studio master safety dubs. I have 3 machines now. Technic's 1500 with a Nortronics 1/2 track head wired out to my tape preamp (King/Cello), a Otari MTR-10 with it's repro head wired out and a stock Otari MX 5050 that I am keeping stock. In my opinion, RTR tape is the top of the heap sound quality wise as long as the tape source sound quality is there (15 ips master safety dubs, ect.). My turntable still beats quite handily any 7 1/2 ips pre-recorded tapes and as such, I have stopped wasting my time and money purchasing them at ridiculous prices on ebay.

rockitman

Hi Rockitman, How is the Graham compared to the Clearaudio Tonearm. Kind Regards Bigpond

bigpond

Owner
Hi Kevin,

I do not have any acoustic measurment tools but may look into them. A diffuser in the middle of the wall behind my speakers may be in the future. My room has a few more absorber's since that last photo's shown here along with the addition of Reel to Reel tape machines. I plan to update my system photo's sometime in the near future. Thanks for the nice comments.

rockitman

Hi Rocketman,
Great system! While I know the brands but haven't heard them together, I'm sure it all sounds very good. I like your attention to acoustical treatments. Have you considered diffusion as I seem to see only absorption? Do you use an acoustical measurement tool to see what your ears hear? Like you, I have invested heavilly in treatments and found a measurement tool - the OmniMic in my case - very helpful in subwoofer placement, fine tuning of treatment placement, and noting the overal system frequency response and reverb levels at granular levels.

Have you pictures of the rest of your room you can upload (i.e. rear wall)? Congrats again!

kevinzoe

Hello Rockitman,

thanks vm for your kind answer.

Yes, I have a Clearaudio innovation.
Actually I am living in Germany and I did buy the armboard for the Graham Phantom direct from Clearaudio.
It has actually the same shape like the one for the Universal tonearm but with the hole and screw threads drilled for the Graham; so the Graham sits too low.

Your info about the different pod heights available helps me a lot and I will contact them tomorrow.

Thaanks again vm

Helmut

hatro

Owner
01-02-12: Hatro
Hi Rockitman,

can you be so kind and tell me where you bought the tonearm base for the Phantom. Is it custom made?
With the tonearm base which I bought from Clearaudio the tone arm is sitting much too low.

Thanks vm in advance and a happy new year

Helmut

Hello Helmut,

I purchased my tonearm arm board via Musical Surroundings (Clear Audio & Graham US Distributor) who then did the deal for payment through a retailer. Are you using a clearaudio innovation table ? If so, the standard Graham compatible arm bopard is the same thicknesss as the standard clearaudio arm compatible board. Height is determined by the pod height that the arm board affixes too. Clearaudio can aslo provide various arm board pod heights. Speak to Joe at Musical Surroundings. He is very accomodating.

rockitman

Hi Rockitman,

can you be so kind and tell me where you bought the tonearm base for the Phantom. Is it custom made?
With the tonearm base which I bought from Clearaudio the tone arm is sitting much too low.

Thanks vm in advance and a happy new year

Helmut

hatro

Owner
^^ Calloway...I ordered/paid when first available, hence my update to my system info here. I have not received it as of yet. I did get my supreme hi-fi tuning fuses that I plan to use when I put in the new board.

rockitman

rockitman..you have the PWD II already..can you give me an idea of the differences in the 2 gererations..?..thanks..dave

calloway

Owner
The Clearaudio Master Innovation is in the house. It is providing a glorious musical experience. I will share my impressions in more detail after I have had it a bit. Here is a photo album I put together of the assembly process (29) pics.

http://gallery.rennlist.com/gallery/view_album.php?page=1&set_albumName=album850

rockitman

Owner
^^^ Hi Peter,

I have not owned the XP-20 or XP-15. Previous pre was a Levinson No.380S. The XP-30 and XP-25 are staying. I'm in love with the XP-30. Huge glorious sound stage, articulate, airy and detailed, yet very musically involving. The XP-25 is just a great all around phono section. Very extended throughout the frequency range and not analytical/cool sounding. I would say it leans a bit on the warm side of neutral.

rockitman

Rockitman,
What are your latest impressions of the XP-30 and XP-25? Are you keeping them or just trying them out? Are they significant improvements over the XP-20 and XP-15 or Xono? Thanks.

peterayer

Wow over the top! What a great system. Those Pass amps look like they could power the Starship Enterprise. The turnable is out of this world. Happy listening.

glenfihi

Owner
^^^ Thank you Srwooten. I see you are a fan of Pass Gear... I have had the XP-30 for over a week now. The performance is stunning although the unit still isn't quite broken in yet. The ML 380S is now mothballed.

rockitman

Very nice system, set up, and room!

srwooten

Owner
Preamp Time.:-) When I thought I would stick with Pass ( I may still ), I am also considering the following. Any advice/experiences from the "All Out Assaulters" would be appreciated based on my system components:

Pass Labs XP-30 (I can audition this) $16,500
Spectral DMC-30SS SERIES 2 $10,000
Audio Research Reference Anniversary $24,995
Lamm Model L2 Reference $13,690
DarTZeel NHB-18NS $23,250
Allnic L4000 $10,900

Was looking at VTL, but I hear their customer service sucks. That I don't need in a reference preamp.

rockitman

Owner
The final missing piece is a preamp upgrade. As much as I love my ML 380S, I don't think is can be listed as a reference component anymore given the advances in technology since the 380S.

My first choice and to better maintain synergy with my system is the Pass Labs new reference, the XP-30 3 chassis preamp. I would be interested in any impressions if anyone has been lucky enough to hear it. I am also interested in peoples opinions on the 380S and how it might compare to the XP-30 or even the previous Pass reference, the XP-20. The preamp will be the last major item addressed on my all out assault other than analog carts and arms.

rockitman

Owner
Making room for another rack, I purchased Siltech Classic G7 series, 3 meter xlr interconnects so that I could move my mono block amps to the outside of my speakers to make room for a second Adona Zero GXT rack (slightly shorter) to suopport my new turntable that arrives towards the end of December (Clearaudio Master Innovation). In addition to that, I purchased 2 more PS Audio Power Plant Premier power regerators so that each amp has it's own dedicated clean, stable power. That in itself made a signicant contribution in sound quality by opening the amps up even more. The bass is more effortless, tight and the soundstage is wider and deeper. Updated pics to follow once the rack arrives and is set up.

rockitman

Owner
Hi 10-30-11: Jtimothya, indeed. I purchased 4 more 2x4 micro traps and hung them off the ceiling (2 for each channel) and it did make a significant difference for the better in terms of imaging and sound stage depth. I need to revise my picture of the room.

rockitman

I had a similar experience with RealTraps. Just a suggestion ... find the reflection points off the ceiling and hang a couple 2x4 MicroTraps there. You're building a nice system.

jtimothya

Owner
System edited: Some system pics up...

rockitman

Owner
So I installed my bass traps...reflection free zones (Realtraps)... Holy Moly, I had no idea on how good the system can sound. It is clear to me, with any room, without treatment to flatten the frequency response, your not getting the most out of your system period. This is not a subtle tweak. It's a game changer. It's amazing to me that anyone could give a credible review of any equpipment in an untreated room.

rockitman

Owner
Ortofon will do re-tips on the A90. Good news:

Hello Christian, yes, A90 stylus can be replaced if and when worn out as a part of Repair Service Exclusive Series.
Best regards
Katarina H. Nielsen
Ortofon A/S

rockitman

Owner
So I purchased the "New" Clearaudio Master Innovation yesterday. I will be the first one in the country to get a unit, which supposedly will ship in mid December. The prototype table will be at RMAF this October. Anyone who attends and hears it, I would appreciate your thoughts shared here. Thanks in Advance.

Prototype picture: http://gallery.rennlist.com/albums/album830/clearaudio_master_innovation.jpg

rockitman

Owner
My latest tweak which will arrive in a week or so are room treatments, finally. I have an assortment of bass traps and RFZ traps coming from Realtraps. Once they are in, I will start photographing my system/room for pics to post here.

rockitman

Showing 251 - 275 of 277 posts
  • 269.2K
  • 277
  •  6
Similiar items on Audiogon
Latest forum discussions
© 2024 Audiogon.com