WoodShed Changes

reeltrouble1
reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
edited March 2007 in 2 Channel Audio
Over the past few months I have been making some changes in the shed. I am pretty happy with the rig, especially the core components. Of course I have more plans for the future, particularily the space itself. Plans are under way for an entirely new WoodShed, a bit larger one. Anyway, things are quite woody.

Although I still have some finishing touches to put on the actual rig, the last change I made was moving the rack out from between the Amazings, I very much like the way this looks and did in fact get a bit of a sonic bump in a good way. This was most noticeable with the vinyl. I believe the improvemet in this area is due to less vibration of the rack and related components. However, everthing sounds great.

This rig is almost unbeliveably fast. The VK-500 amplifier has a slew rate of greater than 300 V/u, massive power supplies and a series of storage capacitors nicknamed the BAT-PAK. It has only two gain stages with the Mosfet output being on the N only, this is how it achieves remarkable speed. I had to special order a 5m balanced Shotgun from Joe Abrams, well its fully burned in and I could not be happier with it. For you Power Cord guys/gals the PS Audio Statements delivering the juice are well, Xstreme.

Here is a glimpse of a bit of the gear you can get your ears on at Fest.

RT1
Post edited by reeltrouble1 on
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Comments

  • zombie boy 2000
    zombie boy 2000 Posts: 6,641
    edited February 2007
    I am now doing the parade wave to my concept of a "woodshed"...
    I thought I finally had a grasp on this thing you humans call irony.

    Unbelievably gorgeous set-up RT...
    I never had it like this where I grew up. But I send my kids here because the fact is you go to one of the best schools in the country: Rushmore. Now, for some of you it doesn't matter. You were born rich and you're going to stay rich. But here's my advice to the rest of you: Take dead aim on the rich boys. Get them in the crosshairs and take them down. Just remember, they can buy anything but they can't buy backbone. Don't let them forget it. Thank you.Herman Blume - Rushmore
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  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2007
    Nice work on the rig. It's years (if not lightyears) from where mine is currently at. . . but I look forward to the journey of getting closer to where you are at.

    Speaking of PS Audio, I ponied up for some nicely used PS Audio XStream Plus speaker cables. I'm almost afraid to hook them up. . . they put the rest of my system to shame. 24K gold interchangeable connectors that come in a jewelry box, the cables themselves weight a ton and come in a nicely embroidered Velvet bag. I'm happy with the buy and I haven't even listened to them :)

    ***Wait, I just read your sig and you have the PS Audio Plus cables. . . so, I guess I'm well on my way to big-time audio.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
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  • billbillw
    billbillw Posts: 6,765
    edited February 2007
    Impressive guts on that amp. Very clean layout too. My HCA-2200ii looks sloppy as hell compared to that.
    For rig details, see my profile. Nothing here anymore...
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  • RuSsMaN
    RuSsMaN Posts: 17,987
    edited February 2007
    Slick Ted, slick.
    Check your lips at the door woman. Shake your hips like battleships. Yeah, all the white girls trip when I sing at Sunday service.
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  • McLoki
    McLoki Posts: 5,231
    edited February 2007
    RT - how far apart are the amazings and how far do you sit from them? Just curious about your setup. Do you find the imaging better with the speakers closer together? If so is this just a placement thing with the carvers or room dependent (to get further from the side walls for example)?

    It does look really nice and that is about the most manly looking amp I have ever seen... :)

    Michael
    Mains.............Polk LSi15 (Cherry)
    Center............Polk LSiC (Crossover upgraded)
    Surrounds.......Polk LSi7 (Gloss Black - wood sides removed and crossovers upgraded)
    Subwoofers.....SVS 25-31 CS+ and PC+ (both 20hz tune)
    Pre\Pro...........NAD T163 (Modded with LM4562 opamps)
    Amplifier.........Cinepro 3k6 (6-channel, 500wpc@4ohms)
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  • disneyjoe7
    disneyjoe7 Posts: 11,435
    edited February 2007
    Looking sweet

    Speakers
    Carver Amazing Fronts
    CS400i Center
    RT800i's Rears
    Sub Paradigm Servo 15

    Electronics
    Conrad Johnson PV-5 pre-amp
    Parasound Halo A23
    Pioneer 84TXSi AVR
    Pioneer 79Avi DVD
    Sony CX400 CD changer
    Panasonic 42-PX60U Plasma
    WMC Win7 32bit HD DVR


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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited February 2007
    cant wait to get ears on that!

    that amp is a friggin brute :D

    you know, my Carver Platinums would sound stunning on that rig :D
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    Mac,

    The Amazings placement is room dependent, that said, they sound well, Amazing, just as they sit, I just sort of lucked out on the room sonics, wall/window configuration, particularily the back wall. Listening chair is 11 ft from the speaks which do throw a nice stage outside their placement, with the way the ribbons radiate the Amazings do just fine, although the di-pole woofer configuration can lead to bass cancellation, has not been a problem for me or when BDT had them, but something to watch for. That said one of the reasons for the New Woodshed is to spread things out a bit, hopefully, for the better.

    As far as the amp guts I should note the BAT-PAK is an option, Khomenko (BAT's Co-founder), stated nearly all of them were sold with the BAT-PAK as another 800 for the option was not a big deal to folks buying them new, but if you look for one, make sure. Besides increasing energy storage this series of many small capacitors will reduce overall unwanted inductance, thereby preserving the signal. An amplifier can never improve a signal, only prevent it from being altered/degraded. The spec is the BAT_PAK allows for energy storage to 1100 joules up from the standard 350 which is still very powerful.

    Lou, I have a set of Platinum's waiting for me in Tejas......they should definetly be here for the fest.
    RT1
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  • Deadof_knight
    Deadof_knight Posts: 980
    edited February 2007
    When reel powers it up for some reason the rest of the neighborhood suffers from a brown out.

    reel LOOKING SWEET!
    :cool: " He who dies with the most equipment wins Right ? "

    Denon 3300 Adcom 535 BBe w/sub out 1 pr 4.6s 2 pr of 4 jrs Recent additions Samsung Lns-4095D LCD, Samsung hd-960 DVD, Monster HT-5000 Power center    ,HPSA-1000 18" sealed DiY home sub.:D
    Black Laquer 1.2tl's w/ upgraded x-overs and Tweets BI-Amped with 2 Carver tfm-35's Knukonceptz 10ga cables
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,554
    edited February 2007
    Sweeeeeet!!!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • ohskigod
    ohskigod Posts: 6,502
    edited February 2007
    reeltrouble1 wrote:

    Lou, I have a set of Platinum's waiting for me in Tejas......they should definetly be here for the fest.
    RT1


    SWEET!
    Living Room 2 Channel -
    Schiit SYS Passive Pre. Jolida CD player. Songbird streamer. California Audio Labs Sigma II DAC, DIY 300as1/a1 Ice modules Class D amp. LSi15 with MM842 woofer upgrade, Nordost Blue Heaven and Unity interconnects.

    Upstairs 2 Channel Rig -
    Prometheus Ref. TVC passive pre, SAE A-205 Amp, Wiim pro streamer and Topping E50 DAC, California Audio Labs DX1 CD player, Von Schweikert VR3.5 speakers.

    Studio Rig - Scarlett 18i20(Gen3) DAW, Mac Mini, Aiyma A07 Max (BridgedX2), Totem Mites
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,497
    edited February 2007
    A 105 pound brute. BAT makes awesome gear. High marks.
    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 *
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited February 2007
    Very nice Ted..................Very nice!!! I just took my bib off, it caught most of my drool!!!!! I love big beefy man amps and the associated innerds. :D

    BAT is a company I don't hear about too often.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    heiney9 wrote:
    BAT is a company I don't hear about too often.

    I don't normally toot the horn of many manufacture's, there are just so many audio companies out there and everbody has their favorites.

    I find BAT to be exceptional. They only make very good to outstanding gear. There Customer Service is top notch, many times when I call, the Co-Founder Steve Bednarski answers the friggen phone, ask a question and you will get your response and a bit of a tutorial as to why it is like it is. Ask about other gear for synergy, same thing. One of the companies core values is that all customers be treated with respect.

    BAT is located in Newark/Wilmington Deleware area, the product designs are innovative and for what you get although expensive not out of this world. I highly recommend getting your audio groove on with some of their gear.

    RT1
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  • TN_Polk_Lover
    TN_Polk_Lover Posts: 243
    edited February 2007
    Nice, very, very nice . . .
    Robert
    zombie boy 2000 wrote:
    You are officially in the high-end of the deep-end of the top-end.

    Bonus Room Over Garage:
    Toshiba 27" CRT TV
    Digital Source: Sony DVP-NS3100ES
    DVR: Panasonic DMR-ES15
    Denon 3806 AV Receiver
    - L/R Preamp out to Parasound HCA-1200 Amp
    Polk RTi70's, CSi40 Center, RTi38 Side Surrounds, RTi38 Back Surrounds

    Living Room: (2ch only)
    TV: Sony KV20-FV12
    DVD Player: Sony DVP-NS715P
    Yamaha R9 Receiver Polk RTi38's
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2007
    very nice rig..

    I dig that amp !
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited February 2007
    reeltrouble1 wrote:
    Although I still have some finishing touches to put on the actual rig, the last change I made was moving the rack out from between the Amazings, I very much like the way this looks and did in fact get a bit of a sonic bump in a good way. This was most noticeable with the vinyl. I believe the improvemet in this area is due to less vibration of the rack and related components. However, everthing sounds great.

    RT1


    When you moved it from between the speakers where did you put it that it would cause less vibrations?

    I purposely placed my gear between the 1.2tls because I thought that anywhere else in the room would be too much vibration because of the direct projection of sound from the speakers anywhere in front of them.

    Back in the day I placed the rack on the wall directly across from the speakers but in the room behind it.

    That is an awesome rig I can't wait to experience it this fall.
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  • schwarcw
    schwarcw Posts: 7,335
    edited February 2007
    Congrats Ted! The woodshed rig is awesome! I see that little MF tube buffer on the bottom. The MF power supply would be a nice option:D

    Incredible setup! I'm familiar with the Amazings and the sound they can produce. First class electronics. I'm doing an endzone dance around your rig!
    Carl

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  • W WALDECKER
    W WALDECKER Posts: 900
    edited February 2007
    Really nice Gear Big Daddy! :cool: i think that Balanced Audio Technology is one of the best manufacturers out there and i am pretty sure that i will buy some more of thier gear in the near future....WCW III
    Rogue Audio stereo 100 tube amplifier - Lector Zoe preamplifier with 6H30 pi's
    .Audience AU24SE speaker and ic cables- Chord Qutest DAC - Black Cat Silverstar II 75ohm digital cable-Tyler Acoustics Linbrook Signature system with large bass cabinets to accommodate 10" Seas magnesium woofers.2xhmpsuownoj.jpg
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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited February 2007
    Looking awsome. Cant wait to hear it at PF07.
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  • Tour2ma
    Tour2ma Posts: 10,177
    edited February 2007
    When did the original CA's reappear? I can keep those nasty, old Plat's with the botched refoam job, if you're happy with the originals.


    Given the back wall width limiting the separation, have you ever tried them with the ribbons to the outside? I heard a pair like this in a smallish room once. Sounded good and the owner said the soundstage was improved. Doro and I were going to try swapping his now departed CA's last time I visited him, but we never got 'round to it.
    More later,
    Tour...
    Vox Copuli
    Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. - Old English Proverb

    "Death doesn't come with a Uhaul." - Dennis Gardner
    "It's easy to get lost in price vs performance vs ego vs illusion." - doro
    "There is a certain entertainment value in ripping the occaisonal (sic) buttmunch..." - TroyD
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2007
    What size is that room?
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    Chuck,

    The room is 11'6" x 14 x 8'. The speaks need to go on the 11'6" wall, which has a door opening onto it. Also, you can see the Acoustech in the pic, still a great phono-pre, taking all I can give it.

    Bruce,

    Waaaaaaaaa.........just keep those Plats warmed up. I have had the Original Amazings for well over a year now, the Plats will replace them. I thought about swapping them (Originals) and putting the ribbons on the outside but they sound great like they are, since I go large or not at all, just decided to build a new Shed. I guess I will sell one set of the Amazings, but who knows??

    RT1
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  • louthewiz
    louthewiz Posts: 581
    edited February 2007
    :eek: WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:
    My gear,
    Acer PH530 720P PJ
    100 inch Da-Lite Video Spectra screen
    Yamaha HTR 5790
    Toshiba HD-A3
    Denon 1600 dvd player with sdi out,
    DVDO iSCAN HD+
    Panasonic Dmr E-80H
    Dishnetwork HD pvr
    1 Audiosource amp300 150 wpc Fronts
    1 Audiosource ampone bridged 200 watts powering center
    1 Onkyo M-282 105 wpc amplifier sides
    polk cs400 center
    polk RT400 mains
    Polk mkII back surrounds,
    Polk FX300fxi dipole surrounds
    Velodyne DPS-10 sub
    Klipsch KSW-10 sub.:cool:
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2007
    Does that seem to be a good size room for the amazings? Just wondering, I have some amazings I need to put back together, a room that size and have been wondering if it was worth the effort of moving stuff out of the room to set up the speakers.
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    Chuck,

    They sound excellent in the room. The ribbons are capable of great detail and transparency. the woofers can dig below 20hz, you just need a quality high power amp to drive them, especially if your talking Originals.

    RT1
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  • dorokusai
    dorokusai Posts: 25,577
    edited February 2007
    I think it's about time to get a decent rack to show off that top notch gear.

    If I saw the BAT pre/amp combo and the MF TV in the same spot I think I might pee myself....at least a small squirt.
    CTC BBQ Amplifier, Sonic Frontiers Line3 Pre-Amplifier and Wadia 581 SACD player. Speakers? Always changing but for now, Mission Argonauts I picked up for $50 bucks, mint.
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited February 2007
    There go the pants...

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • treitz3
    treitz3 Posts: 19,029
    edited February 2007
    zzzzzzzzziiiiiiiiiip!
    ~ 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. ~
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited February 2007
    dorokusai wrote:
    I think it's about time to get a decent rack to show off that top notch gear.

    AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D

    Its on my list, but then what isn't??????????? well, OK, I am happy for now with the pre/amp/sacd source, improvements are readily available for the other areas although the Rega/Acoustech setup is no slouch.

    I am getting a chance to demo a Shunyata Guardian for a while with the amp, have to see how it does as the PS Audio were just not right for my amp application, they do though work great for the gear in the rack.

    RT1
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