you might also talk w Keith about some custom loading R for your Hana, take a whisker off the top end….
I am a purely resistive load robot
How to identify my weakest link?
I really love my Hi-Fi system. It makes me real happy. It sounds so good but lately I’ve been feeling like I’d like to try something new. But what would I upgrade? How do I identify the weakest link? My gut tells me I should be looking at upgrading my amp but maybe not? If I do upgrade the amp I’d like to stay with an integrated amp due to space constraints. Any recommendations? Here’s where I’m currently at. I’m only interested in playing records on this system so no digital.
Hana SL Moving Coil cartridge
Clearaudio Ovation w/ Magnify tonearm
Herron Audio VTPH-2A Phono Preamp
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II integrated - tubes rolled from stock JJs to Gold Lion 12AX7 and 12AU7s with a Brimer 12AU7 in the center position.
Speakers are B&W 805d3 stand mounts with a pair of REL S/510 subs.
Kimber Kable speaker, power cables and interconnects.
I should also mention that I’ve been seriously considering pulling the trigger on a Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge, although $3500 is a lot for a cartridge. Would definitely take the leap if I could find one for a little less. Any ideas where I might find a “deal”? LOL
Thanks in advance for any ideas provided here. Love reading AG threads!
Showing 5 responses by tomic601
@paulgardner Yes a Herron on Stillpoints with a custom ambrosia maple faceplate. I auditioned 12 phono pre, the Herron was the best sounding that also could fit in < 17”. Keith is a real gentleman. The live edge California Walnut amp stand contains HRS Nimbus couplers between amp and wood and also between floor and wood. The Bardo table is on an HRS base. Greg gives excellent seasoned advice on the +/- of a grey market cartridge. Frankly your system, IF you are stuck on the B&W screams wood body Grado…. I have a Lyra but they hue to very fast and neutral. Enjoy the journey and the music ;-) on your Nobo springs, pay attention to @oldhvymec modification advice, he has more experience than ego…and a rabbit. |
you might also widen your perspective on isolation. May excellent made in USA isolation. I like HRS but there are others…many others…..nice to see others are giving you more diverse advice… The high end Hana is worlds away from purple heart lush romantic, you seem focused on a deal vs defining where you want the system sound to go… IF you don’t know where you are going, any positive review will get you there. You can somewhat tame the tweeter you have w felt sheets, use a star pattern around the dome. |
First my compliments, sounds well thought out system w some astute tweaks and choices. I get that you have an itch to scratch. Where are you trying to go ? Rather than recommending a blizzard of tweaks, how is your room ( treatments ) How is your record cleaning machine ? Enjoy the music and the journey ! jim I am a robot running a humble inquiry subroutine |