New 2 channel setup on the way

nikolas812
nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
edited August 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
Well... I'm bored...

I thought I would share with you guys the things to come for my 2 channel world.

After building a HT setup and realizing that I was not enjoying it near as much as I did my 2 channel rig. I decided it had to go.


So... Maybe you guys can tell me what you think of my choices.

I'll start with the Pre. Its a Dodd Audio ELP. I'm sure it needs no introduction here. But thats what I got and have always wanted one. Next it will be mated to a Odyssey Audio Khartago Extreme Amp which will be driving my first pair of Lsi's ever!!:D A wonderful looking pair of Lsi9's. The source is sort of a weak link in my mind and will be ungraded to a Jolida JD100 or something better later. But right now I will be using a Denon 2900. The IC's are being provided by BW Audio(Ben) silver IC's. The speaker cables are monster terminated with nanners and will be ungraded later.

So whatcha yall think?

Everything should be here by Tuesday or wendsday.

Pics of everything will come as soon as everything gets here.

Dodd Audio ELP http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?preatube&1220059934


Odyssey Audio Khartago Extreme http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstran&1221247727


Nick
Post edited by nikolas812 on
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Comments

  • Mike Reeter
    Mike Reeter Posts: 4,315
    edited July 2008
    I think you are on the right track...your 2900 is not a bad source,you might try a good DAC behind it.
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    We shall see....
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited July 2008
    Not to knock on Ben's cables. I've used them. They are great. I've also used Silver Signal Interconnects, but I think the Lsis sound better with copper cabling.

    Ask around the forum. I think others would agree here, including Frank Dai. You might also save a few bucks for a new CDP or DAC if you go this route.
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  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited July 2008
    Sounds like quite the setup! Speaker stands?
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    You should be very happy with the Dodd, Odyssey and 9s. Should sound terrific. Once you get the Jolida, it'll be even better.

    Congrats.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    madmax wrote: »
    Sounds like quite the setup! Speaker stands?
    madmax


    I am using some kind of cheap Sanus stand I got off Amazon. I plan on upgrading those later as well....


    Thanks for the kind words. I am extremely excited and can't wait to get it up and running.


    Nick
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Sounds very nice.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • phuz
    phuz Posts: 2,372
    edited July 2008
    Dodd is shipping tomorrow Nik. I'll see what it'll take to get it there by wednesday. Keep an eye out for a tracking number tomorrow.
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited July 2008
    Sounds good, but we need pics! Check out www.racksandstands.com for some cheap, fillable speaker stands.
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited July 2008
    I think that you are going to be happy with the dodd/odyssey matchup, you'll have plenty of current/power to drive those 9's, and will have nothing short of a very respectable 2ch setup. Be proud,,enjoy. ;)
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    Thanks, Thanks and Thanks.:)

    Thanks for pointing out some speaker stands.. I was just getting ready to ask you guys were to get some.

    I will post pics of everything as soon as it is all here. The 9's and the Denon are here and I am waiting on the Pre and the Amp. Should all be here by Wendsday hopefully.


    My last two channel setup consist of a Jolida 302 tube amp, a pair of Monitor 7B's and a Jolida JD100 CDP.

    I am hoping this is going to be a big step up from my last rig.


    Nick
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    I got them amp today and snapped a couple pics...


    [URL="[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0053.jpg[/IMG]"]IMG_0053.jpg[/URL]

    [URL="[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0059.jpg[/IMG]"]IMG_0059.jpg[/URL]

    [URL="[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0060.jpg[/IMG]"]IMG_0060.jpg[/URL]
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    I just got the Dodd a couple of hours ago.:) Thanks Phuz!;) It's in pristine condition.:eek: So I've finally got to hear it all together. It sounds fantastic!!:D I am not going to go into details just yet. But I think this system is going to be the best one yet!

    I snapped a couple more pics...

    [URL="[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0069.jpg[/IMG]"]IMG_0069.jpg[/URL]

    [URL="[IMG]http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj162/nikolas812/IMG_0074.jpg[/IMG]"]IMG_0074.jpg[/URL]
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    Very nice, congrats!
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    Face wrote: »
    Very nice, congrats!



    Thanks!! I'm as happy as a clam right now.:)


    By the way your remote went out today. It should be there Monday or Tuesday at the latest.


    Nick
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited July 2008
    I likes it.

    Lucky!

    Chuck
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    What tubes are ya using in da Dodd? Looks to be some kind of A-Frame.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    What tubes are ya using in da Dodd? Looks to be some kind of A-Frame.



    Phuz sent me a bunch of tubes with unit. I put the Ei Elites in first. So that is probably what is in the pic. I don't know why I put the Ei's in first. I hate the Ei's!!! I always have. I guess because they get such great reviews here. I thought... Well.... Maybe this time they'll sound good...... Nope... They didn't... He sent me a pair of Jan Phillips blue labels, Jan Phillips Green labels, Amperex Green labels with gold pins, JJ's, Ei Elites with gold pins, and a pair of Jolida 6dj8's.

    So far the Amperex sound the best to me... By a lot actually..


    Once again thanks for everything Phuz!!!



    Nick
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    Are those Amp Green labels 7308s?

    After trying literally dozens of different 6DJ8 variants over the years, in the ELP, I found the Amperex Bugle Boys and Orange label w/ halo getters to be the best.

    Man, Klaus sure makes a nice, clean, no-nonsense amp, doesn't he?
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited July 2008
    Wow looks great!
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    Man, Klaus sure makes a nice, clean, no-nonsense amp, doesn't he?


    You aren't kidding!!


    I am so glad I got this amp. SolidSqual(Mike) has been helping my put this system together. I gave him a price range and and told him I needed a amp. He immediately found this on A-gon for a killer price. I couldn't pass. I bought it immediately. I am glad I did. It sounds fantastic!! Thanks Mike!!


    The system still isn't quite as refined as I would like.... Its up and running and thats about it... I have got a pretty good idea of what its sound is like. Now it needs to be fine tuned so to speak. I need stands, IC's, and speaker cables.. I also need to be play around with speaker location.. From what it sounds like right now. I can already tell there is a ton of potential in it.. With the right cables and tweaks... I think it might stay around a lot longer than all my other systems in the past..


    I am really looking forward to getting it dialed in..:)


    Nick
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    Are those Amp Green labels 7308s?



    The labels are completely warn off of them. But on the box he has written in pen "6922".


    So I don't know.. But they sound amazing.. The difference was not subtle like the other tubes. I knew in the first 5 secs of a CD that these were the ones that were staying in the Pre.


    Nick
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    Just remember, when it comes to cables, there are actually some real "silver bullets" out there. I've found that buying cables/ICs used(from a reputable seller) is by far the best way to go. They are, almost always, already burnt in, so you can immediately evaluate them in your rig.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    ND13 wrote: »
    Just remember, when it comes to cables, there are actually some real "silver bullets" out there. I've found that buying cables/ICs used(from a reputable seller) is by far the best way to go. They are, almost always, already burnt in, so you can immediately evaluate them in your rig.





    Yeah I hear ya.. I rarely buy anything new anymore...

    I am thinking of going with the Audioquest Type 4 speakers cables.... Although MIT Shotgun S3's are a possibility also. I also have two pairs of Ben's Silver IC's comeing shortly... I plan to pick up a couple other Pairs of IC's also to compare. I'll probably get some upgraded PCs for the Dodd and Odyssey.. A better PC made a BIG difference on my Jolida Tube Amp.



    Nick
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  • dmaic
    dmaic Posts: 8
    edited July 2008
    very clean, good work!
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  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited July 2008
    Hey Nick,

    The system is looking excellent, but you need to change the configuration. If I remember correctly, the room you are listening in is actually a long rectangle. Your current setup is messing up all the reflection points despite being pointed at your main listening area.

    I would recommend putting the system on the short wall next to the hallway with your back to the kitchen. Move the couches accordingly. You should probably hang some drapes as well if you don't already have some GIK Acoustic treatments or the like.

    How's the noise floor with that Dodd?

    Looks like we made a good choice with that Odyssey! It's as good as new.

    Mike
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  • nikolas812
    nikolas812 Posts: 2,915
    edited July 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    Hey Nick,

    The system is looking excellent, but you need to change the configuration. If I remember correctly, the room you are listening in is actually a long rectangle. Your current setup is messing up all the reflection points despite being pointed at your main listening area.

    I would recommend putting the system on the short wall next to the hallway with your back to the kitchen. Move the couches accordingly. You should probably hang some drapes as well if you don't already have some GIK Acoustic treatments or the like.

    How's the noise floor with that Dodd?

    Looks like we made a good choice with that Odyssey! It's as good as new.

    Mike


    Well..... I can only do so much to the living room until my dads house is done and he moves out. Theres no way in hell he is going to let me get crazy with the living room while he is still here. I have six acoustical panels in my listening room that I can use when he moves.

    I really need to get you here to help me out. I want you to listen to it and tell me what you think. Because so far I am at a loss. My old Jolida tube amp and Monitor 7's beat the snot out of this system.... So far anyway.... I think this system is cable of beating the snot out of the old rig but I just can't seem to get a handle on it. The old system had a lot going for it that this was doesn't though. Many months of tuning went into the system to finally get it right.

    I just don't know whats going on with the current setup. I think it is a number of things though.. I almost think the living room is too big for the nines ( 16 x 30 ) is a rough estimate of the size. They seem to be struggling at times.

    So far the things I think need to be changed are: Better IC's / Ben's are the way - Better speaker cables / Frank is sending out a set Friday. I need to get rid of that damn Denon and get a Jolida CDP. I need stands that can be filled with lead shot. I think that will fix a lot but I still think the room is the biggest problem. I think I am going to move everything into the listening the first chance I get to see what happens.. I know when I did the acoustical panels it made a MAJOR difference with the old rig. So maybe getting it in a treated room where I can position the speaker anywhere might be the ticket. I would really like to keep things in the living room but doesn't look likes going to work out. At least not until my dad moves out and I can do thing the way I want.


    You need to get down here and give me your opinion on things .:)



    By the way I think I will have to send the Dodd to Gary have it upgraded to a separate power supply setup. It has a pretty bad hum. I knew this going into the deal but I didn't think it would bother me as bad as it does. Other than that its great.


    Nick
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  • ND13
    ND13 Posts: 7,601
    edited July 2008
    I had the same humming issue(only heard between songs) with my first ELP. I found that certain amps will not synergize real well with it and swapping out ICs made a HUGE difference in noise. My Cobalt Ultimates didn't work well with it(between pre and amp). The Outlaws actually worked really well in that position. The Rapports did also.
    "SOME PEOPLE CALL ME MAURICE,
    CAUSE I SPEAK OF THE POMPITIOUS OF LOVE"
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  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited July 2008
    I found MIT's are excellent at removing hum.
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited July 2008
    you have an impedance mis-match between the pre and amp, happens with tube/ss matches, I do not think Gary Dodd does an upgrade, I think he built some new units with seperate power supplies which reduced the noise.

    I recall a tubed input ss output Anthem amp at one of the Fests which played very nice with the Dodd.

    RT1
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