What did you do to your stereo rig today?

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Comments

  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,342
    It has been a while since I have posted about me rig...

    It still sucks. Working on it as we speak.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,513
    edited January 10
    treitz3 wrote: »
    It has been a while since I have posted about me rig...

    It still sucks. Working on it as we speak.

    Tom

    I keep telling you that Hello Kitty turntables are not for serious listening... If you want to get the most out of it, you need Fisher-Price.
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • newbie308
    newbie308 Posts: 775
    You guys are lucky! I haven't been home long enough over the last 3 months to do much with my rig. I swapped out some Pangea AC9 power cords with the @VR3 prototypes, but haven't spent enough time with the system to evaluate any changes. Monday, I am flying to Kansas for two weeks for work, so my system will be collecting dust for a while.

    @SeleniumFalcon I always enjoy following your builds! I'd love to see and hear your analog collection! Always impressive!
    Sources: Technics SL1200MKII | SME3009 Tonearm | Monster Alpha 1 MC cartridge | Oppo UDP203 disk player | Nikko NT-790 analog tuner | Musical Fidelity Trivista 21 DAC | Preamp: Threshold SL-10 | Amplifier: Threshold Stasis 2 | Speakers: Snell Acoustics C/V | Kimber 12-TC bi wire speakers | Analysis plus Oval 1 preamp to amp | Wireworld Eclipse 7 DAC to Preamp | Wireworld eclipse digital IC Oppo to DAC | Audioquest Quartz tuner to preamp |
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,923
    @newbie308 This has been a fun project, at least once I found a suitable BAT phono stage to adapt. The designer for BAT is Victor Khomenko who is a serious tape head. He has done some YouTube videos on how to improve the sound of tape playback using an external playback preamp. In the early days of audio many components came with an input designed for direct tape playback. You could switch between RIAA and NAB from the front panel, much like people switch between tuner and CD as sources. Companies such as Fisher, Dynaco, Sony, Marantz and Knight all had tape head inputs. In fact, a true tape "deck" meant that it didn't have any electronics included, just the transport.
    So, the idea is to revert to that earlier time and build an external preamp that would allow better fidelity from a tape source. If you look at the EQ for RIAA and NAB there isn't much difference, just an elimination of the 500Hz "0" or flattening of the curve and a different high frequency "pole". The bass pole is pretty similar (the European IEC curve has a different bass pole arrangement, but NAB is close enough).
    So, Victor has offered two approaches. One is to modify either his VK-P5 or P10 phono preamps the second is based upon a clone of the famous Marantz 7C preamp. Since I was having no luck finding a BAT (not many come up for sale) I started working on the 7C project. Then, as I was just about ready to start putting the 7C together a P5 shows up (timing is everything, right?). So, I bought that one, Victor has helped me get a new faceplate and I've made the parts substitute to change from RIAA to NAB and it was ready.
    I'm still going ahead with the 7C project since I've got all the parts and built the board.
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,923
    Here's a photo of the completed circuit board and the power transformer I placed in a steel box to minimize induced noise.

    o3xhh9j3a1bg.jpg
  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,098
    So, it’s been awhile since I’ve done anything to the rig…..about a year ago I moved the Carver Plats in living room and put the L800’s in the cave.

    I picked up a MF Kw phono stage that is pretty stellar….and now am awaiting the Kw550 that’s going to replace the A1008….

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
  • BlueBirdMusic
    BlueBirdMusic Posts: 2,392
    Not a DAMN thing!
    "Sometimes you have to look to the past to understand where you are going in the future"

    Harry / Marietta GA
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,527
    edited January 12
    In the early days of audio many components came with an input designed for direct tape playback. You could switch between RIAA and NAB from the front panel, much like people switch between tuner and CD as sources.

    I remember those days. The Scott 399 showed tape as "NARTB" while the 340 had it as NAB.

    Nice projects you have going!

    k7434p44rrxn.jpg
    pargzlo7khk3.jpg




    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,527
    edited January 12
    Is that a Ferrograph back there?

    6cr2e0jr5ko3.jpg

    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,923
    I can see how similar a Magnecord looks to a Crown. Here is a photo of one from a local Facebook seller:

    yw2lbk5x7nxn.png


  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,342
    edited January 16
    Listened to it for the first time in 4 days. It's been rather cold here lately and my HVAC ignitor was on the fritz. So, I installed a new one and got an unexpected pressure sensor error after install. So, I checked the hose, which was clear. So, it was something else.

    Turned out the blower motor was shot, creating the error. It took two days to source the daggum thing and today, the wife picked it up, as I was out of town all day.

    She arrived shortly after I got home and within 10 minutes, the heat was on again. I had to wait about 2 hours for the temp in the house to get up to somewhat normal (was 61 degrees inside when I got home).

    After 4 days and starting cold? Oh, dear lawd....did it sound like crap. Wow, did it sound bad. Almost unlistenable. After 15 minutes, it improved but was still severely lacking. 3 hours later, oh yeah!!!

    I know full well that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but this sounds better than I remember. Such good sound!

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • VR3
    VR3 Posts: 28,861
    I could have brought the 33s over to keep you guys warm, gotta tell me!

    Glad the heat is on and tunes are flowing!
    - Not Tom ::::::: Any system can play Diana Krall. Only the best can play Limp Bizkit.
  • HzTweaker
    HzTweaker Posts: 795
    The back story is a week before new years eve I disconnected the LRSs and the living room surround speakers (bookies on stands). I stored them in my bedroom closet. This was because I had company coming over to celebrate bringing in 2025. This was my brother, his girl friend and my nephews (ages 3 and 5). Its just easier to do than be worried the whole time if they were going to get knocked over etc.

    Then I had company this past weekend and I think we were rowdier than the kids :D . So I was really glad the speaker were put up.

    So yesterday once they left and I had cleaned the house I set both pairs of speakers back up.

    I cant wait to get a good listening session in!
    2ch rig: Speakers: Magnepan LRS w/Magna Riser stands Preamplifier: Parasound P5 Amplifier: Parasound A23 CDP: Pioneer DV-563A Cables: Wireworld Equinox 7 XLR ICs, Wireworld Ultraviolet 7 USB, AudioQuest Q2s, AudioQuest NRG X(preamp)

    Standby: LSi9s with VR3's Fortress mods
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,342
    I ordered a Mutec clock cable....don't know when it will arrive (special order) but we shall see if a clock cable makes any change whatsoever. Time will tell...

    John Swinson/Alex recommended my current cable, so I am not expecting to be blown away or anything. I just ordered it to satisfy my curiosity.

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • jdjohn
    jdjohn Posts: 3,195
    It was actually during the holiday break, but I ripped a dozen or so SACD discs to DSD files. The 'burner' I used was a Sony BDP-S6500 Blu-ray player. The process wasn't too bad, once I downloaded and installed the necessary files, and, after I got the first one done.

    I'm happy to rip discs for other forum members. Just give me a shout.

    Btw, I recently noticed that online vendor ImportCDs offers a large selection of SACD discs. Has anyone here tried those? I've purchased new vinyl from those cats before, and been pleased. I mean, are all SACD discs the same?
    "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
    "Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
    Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon
  • pitdogg2
    pitdogg2 Posts: 25,852
    I didn't see anything I couldn't get a Mobile Fidelity or Acoustic Sounds, prices are on par with both of those.
    But hey I now have a third place to look for SACD.
  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,513
    Not really something I did to the rig itself, but I am in the process of installing some large bookcases in the room…

    tyop55j0y2r0.jpeg
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 941
    Trying several different amps with a pair of Sonor Claro 6.2 speakers.

    cuwy6zgg75wm.jpg
  • xsmi
    xsmi Posts: 1,799
    So last October, my son was driving his car out of his apartment complex when it caught on fire. In his trunk was my Belles preamp. He was taking it to repair it for me because my solding game is nonexistant. Well, his insurance company was not willing to replace it, so I found an inexpensive Yaqin to replace it for the time being. It sounds ok, but the soundstage hasn't opened up yet like the Belles. It's been in the system since December.
    2-channelBelles 22A Pre, Emotiva XPA-2 Gen 2, Marantz SA8005, Pro-Ject RPM-10 Turntable, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3B, Polk Audio Legend L800's, AudioQuest Cable throughout.
  • skipshot12
    skipshot12 Posts: 1,317
    ^ Oh man, sorry to hear that. Hope all works out well.
  • SeleniumFalcon
    SeleniumFalcon Posts: 3,923
    Repaired a selector switch on my Tandberg TD20a:

    olnnf75cjf3a.png
  • Wardsweb
    Wardsweb Posts: 941
    Replaced the the passive preamp with a Parasound P3 and the 845 mono blocks with a DIY stereo 2A3.

    83tcurysigph.jpg
  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,342
    Why is it, that starting about 4 days ago ?when the, "Awesome" feature came back....

    That I get an e-mail saying that my question has been answered? The past 6 or 7 people have, "answered my question".

    The question was not a Vanilla type question and I don't need to recieve an email about it everytime someone responds to this thread.

    Vanilla...get yo' chit straight man! Damn!

    Tom
    ~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~
  • Conradicles
    Conradicles Posts: 6,154
    u7isnsanvba6.jpg

    SDAs are gone on to visit VR3, so I put the budget monitors in the mix...