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




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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

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Owner
Hi Peter,

I will be considering the Pass XS Pre along with the Purity Audio Design Ultra series Tube pre. It will be a spring project. I have not ruled out the Allnic L5000 DHT preamp, especially if I can get "tape in" jacks in addition to the tape out jacks (already offered) so I can have a complete tape loop for EQ use when needed.

rockitman

HI Christian,

Have you had a chance to listen to the Allnic H5000 with the Philips Valvo GZ34 rectifier tubes? If so, any initial impressions?

Arnie

babybear

Great pictures Rockitman. I also saw them over at WBF. The system must really sound great these days. I'm curious if you are considering the Pass XS Pre to replace the XP30? I've heard that it is a worthwhile upgrade if you can afford it. Congratulations on the system and the new photos really give a great impression of the room and the great equipment.

peterayer

Owner
System edited: Current System pics added.

rockitman

Dev, I followed your advice and borrowed the TimeLine from Albert. The video results are on two other Audiogon threads on turntable speed. I don't want to derail Rockitman's system thread any longer.

peterayer

Hi Peterayer,

no problem, sorry Christian - ya there's been allot discussed on another thread as you pointed out and many wrote this and that and I find some are just in denial or don't know, some seem to want to discredit and suggest one is in audible and that's okay - Best you barrow Albert's TimeLine and see for yourself or maybe best you don't because if your table isn't holding or can't hold an accurate speed may drive you nuts.

Wall to spindle was approx 30 inches.

What ever the table is it can either hold an accurate speed or not - one can either hear the effect of such or not - I know I can and others like Albert can. I'm sure Albert can share some experience with you, notice he declined to get pot on any of those threads.

I'll briefly try to describe, say when you are setting up your cart and the sound just appears to lock in, if you have experienced this then you know what I'm talking about. It's one of those instances, until one has experienced they won't know what they have been missing.

Effects the entire spectrum - pace - rhythm - images - air around performers and instruments and more ...

The way I look at it is if the table in question can't hold an accurate speed from the get go the sound is compromised, carts transmit such a small signal.

dev

Thanks Dev. Do you have specifics about how your friend did the test of his 30/12? How far away was the strobe dot from the spindle, for instance. Also, how much was it too fast or too slow by?

I can't do the math, but if the strobe light falls say 15 feet away from the device and it drifts off of the reference mark by 1cm over five minutes, that could be off on the order of 1/1000th of an rpm. Would that inaccuracy be audible?

Did your friends dot drift to either side of the mark or was it consistent in one direction, etc?

It will be interesting to learn how this device works and how it compares to my KAB. I think there are some other dedicated threads on the subject. The results I've read about so far don't seem to have a consistent testing methodology. Sorry to highjack this system thread, Christian. I'll look for other threads.

peterayer

Peterayer, hopefully yours will fare better than my friends (has same model as you) either ran too fast or too slow.

This TimeLine just shows more accurately what the table in question is doing - my Micro Seiki is spot on also with either belt or thread.

dev

Albert, will do. Thanks.

peterayer

Peter,

Contact me, I will loan you my TimeLine.

albertporter

Dev, I'm pleased to read your report of the TimeLine test on this impressive TechDas belt drive turntable. It confirms that some belt drives are able to maintain proper speed accuracy. At some point I'd like to borrow a TimeLine to test my belt drive.

peterayer

Hi Rockitman,

Thx, I have a large Minus K platform so best I try, it worked very well with any other tables I owned and I'm aware of Micro Seiki owners who have air bearing table designs and using with positive results. I also have the HRS platform so I will place that on top.

Rear slot, ya I know you have that combo :)

Two potentials that interest me is the Schroeder Linear tracking arm or DaVinci Master Reference Virtu. I'm also waiting to see what TechDAS brings out and possibly pair up with their cart.

The AF-1 table is truly amazing - I could tell it held an accurate speed from my fist time listening, recently a friend was over and wanted to see the Sutherland TimeLine in action to test this. It operates spot on with both speeds along with playing - two thumbs up for them for getting this right because many other manufactures don't. Reminds me of my past TW Acustic Black Knight table and it couldn't using this tool even without playing, same friend happened to drop by when I was trying to set the speed but in the end either ran too fast or slow and when the battery mode kicked in even worse.

You must be really looking forward to receiving the 5000, I'm curious in general along with the noise comparison difference coming from your speakers.

I'm really enjoying my Burmester 100 phono but always have room for another outstanding phono :)

Look forward to your new updates, I'm currently working on my designated room so lots of changes coming - will be approx 19'6" x 35' with over 9ft ceiling clearance.

dev

Owner
Hi Dev, The difference with the TS-140 is obvious. More transparency, lower noise floor (Which is already amazing) and clearer more defined low to mid bass. It is a no brainer if you want to maximize the AF1, imho. I use the HRS TechDas base on top of the TS-140. The elite arm will come in January hopefully. The 12" Graham Supreme with Koetsu Coralstone in the rear slot sounds great.

I plan to update pics and impressions of my component changes soon. I am looking forward to no more component changes. With the turntable at least, I have achieved that.

rockitman

Hi Rockitman,

I read you placed your AF-1 on top of your TS-140, do you currently still have it there.

What differences have you noticed by doing this, are they very obvious or slight?

Your Elite arm, do you have a confirmed date as of yet.

Look forward to reading your impressions of the Allnic 5000, others so far seem to be really liking. Should offer a different flavour than your XP-25 :)

dev

Great to hear from you, thank you for the feedback.

number95

Owner
Hi 95,

It's been a while since I heard the A90 and even longer for the Shelter. I feel the Shelter Harmony is closer to the Koetsu than the A90. The A90 seems to do everything well, great air up top, sweet mids but with a bass that is a bit leaner than that of the shelter or Koetsu. The A90 is a bit more audiophile/hi-fi sounding whereas the others...still audiophile seem to be more musical to me. I will be setting up my A90 again soon, but not on a Graham, rather a Clearaudio Universal arm. Since my system has changed quite a bit since it was last mounted, I will share my impressions again on how it stacks up against my Koetsu Coralstone.

rockitman

Hi Christian,

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for your efforts to build up a great setup with carefully selected components. You must be almost in audio heaven.

I would like to ask about Shelter Harmony MC, which I see you have that but currently do not use it. I am in the process of adding a second cartridge to my system to be used with Graham Phantom II Supreme (9 inch). Currently I have Transfiguration Phoenix with 9" Graham Phantom with Acoustic Solid Royal turntable (ARC Ref 2 SE as phono pre). Alternatives are Koetsu Azule Platinum, Airtight PC-1 Supreme or Ortofon PW. Could you please give some feedback as how your Shelter plays against your Koetsu Coralstone and/or Ortofon A90? I heard good feedback for all of those. Btw, I realized that Shelter uses an aluminum cantilever for its top model while most of the high end cartridges are having either boron or ruby cantilevers, have you had a chance to get some information about the preference of using aluminum rather than boron for Harmony?

Best Regards.

number95

Owner
Thanks for the compliment Robert. I'm getting close to the finish line...hopefully. :-)

rockitman

Thanks for the link to Kessler's review. I like the technical reporting in Hi-Fi News. It seems like a most impressive turntable.

peterayer

Hi Rockitman,

You have superb taste and have built a tremendous system,enjoy it to the max in good health.I just love the new Pass amps and the Koetsu cart. and that turntable looks incredible.

Regards Robert

strapper211

Owner
Ken Kessler's AF1 review from Brit mag Hi-Fi News..
http://www.absolutesounds.com/pdf/main/press/AirForceOne_HiFiNews_June2013.pdf

These reviews were done with the original hybrid air and gel bladder suspension. The current production which I have is an air chamber. I am trying to get more specifics if in fact it's a bladder or piston with gasket type arrangement.

rockitman

Rockitman, I just reread MF's review in Stereophile. Man that table is full of technical features and seems very sophisticated. He describes the same sense of music exploding out of jet black backgrounds.

Would you consider selling your second turntable if you end up preferring the TechDas by a large margin? You could then focus your energies and listening time on just two arms, two cartridges and one phono amp. Put the extra resources into LPs or tapes. I'm just curious why some keep gear that is not often used because they prefer the other unit much more.

I'm sure it's too early to decide that right now. I'm also interested in how the TechDas will perform on your Herzan versus the HRS platform.

peterayer

I'm looking forward to receiving mine too. I have Rick's H5000 again for a few days, I can tell it's unhappy about traveling in my car even thought trip was short.

It will be interesting to compare notes on break in since we should be going through this about the same time. I'm already wondering about tubes, especially the 300B. I understand the Japan Takatsuki is supposed to be the ultimate version.

albertporter

Owner
speaking of tubes...I am salivating over the notion of getting my H5000 in the near future. The final missing piece in the reproduction change...well almost..lol

rockitman

I wish I could hear that turntable comparison, your description is vivid and I believe every word.

I spoke to Peter Ayer over the weekend about Pass Labs, he is as pleased as you are with their performance. I love tubes but am always drawn to the idea of no maintenance and Pass seems to be the choice among top systems with solid state.

albertporter

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