Hi Doug,
Oil is cheap for me, I took an old Vyger turntable in trade and modified the rig a little bit.... 6 feet into the ground and I hit the neighbor's tank..... :-)
Cheerio,
Frank |
Only 15 coatings of oil instead of 50-60!
Chris, did you get a big discount? Oil prices being what they are and all. |
.
Sirspeedy,
.
Short but sweet....start saving for a Reference...It's that simple.
.
Rgds,
Larry
. |
Thanks for the information, Frank, and also for the explanation of how the "same" arm/cart combo could sound different.
Now stop typing. Save your wrists for the tonearms! :) |
Well, it sounds to me like Thom did get pretty close based on your last comments, Doug. And Thom also makes a valid point about the differences in systems and speakers. So I see no reason why someone could not be happy with either tonearm and either cartridge.
BTW, someone did post some pictures of the two new Teres tables over on AA. I guess the DD is a model 400. |
Thom,
You let poor audiophile Dan get away without hearing the best available arm/cartridge combo? We need to talk... ;-)
I haven't heard the Dyna, but I totally concur with Thom's differentiation of the Schroeder Ref and TriPlanar VII. With the same cartridge on each arm, the Schroeder is slightly better at tone and timbre, the TriPlanar is slightly better at leading edge transients and pace.
Even side-by-side these differences are subtle. No one could be unhappy with either arm. Thom's standing advice is very good IMO: chose the arm that suits your budget and style, and that seems most comfortable to set up and live with.
I once urged Tri Mai to drill and tap the TriPlanar's end stub for a fine VTF adjustment screw, as Frank now does on his Model 2. I was disappointed that his recent upgrades to the TP VII didn't include this. O-rings work fine, but they are a bit hokey and they add 59 cents to the cost!
Now back to your regularly scheduled turntable thread...
|
Hi everyone,
Sounds like you all had lots of fun and gained some insight regarding the importance of proper turntable drive systems. Be it rim, tape or direct drive, it's about the right amount of torque vs platter mass with both the compliance of the link: belt, tape, idler( and consider the flux lines in a direct drive arrangement as a compliant link too!) and the frictional losses(bearing surface area, oil) being additional factors in this "equation".
I heard Chris' 380 prototype in march and realized right away that with some additional work, his effort would yield spectacular results. Can't wait for the finished version. RMAF, Chris?....
The Ref.arm that Thom uses has slightly too high an eff. mass to be ideal for the Universe, at least when the cart features the silver base plate. Tonally it will complement the Airy 3 better, since ebony has about the highest high frequency resonance damping properties of all woods suitable for making armwands. You may consider this somewhat of a sonic fingerprint. So pick the right cart(ZYX Airy 3, Lyra Helikon, even an Audio Technica AT OC9 - you get the idea...) and the combination will work like a charm, as long as the fres doesn't end up being too low(it would be difficult to build an ebony arm with an eff. mass below 15gr. without sacrificing stiffness).
Some time ago I tried to post a looong treatise on the correlation between arm design and the perceived differences in bass "authority" and dynamic "attack" between Unipivot, gimballed and "no"-friction-bearing arms. It never got out(moderator, did I do something wrong?). In part I was trying to explain how high frequency structural resonances can lead to the impression of a "faster" attack, just as a heavy bearing structure(often found in more "modern" unipivot arms) store and re-release energy to give that extra(exaggerated) punch on the bottom.
The Triplanar is an excellent gimballed design(if I may say so). Since the energy path is broken up("split" armwand) and the actual moving part has low mass(meaning actual mass, not inertia), it's bass reproduction leaves little to be desired.
The top end of the Triplanar is not entirely free of resonances which manifests itself not in a grainy or ill defined character, but in a slight tendency towards accentuating the leading edge of the note while foreshortening the trailing edge/decay of a signal, slightly diminishing "bloom" or the so-called harmonic envelope of an instrument.
The ZYX Universe is a great, marvelously coherent, musical performer, but also not entirely neutral. It slightly rolls off the top end and it is not as fast as some other contenders, namely the Lyra Olympos SL. It's presentation(particularly the midrange) is nevertheless very lifelike, seductive without being Koetsu-"juicy".It is this trait which make it an excellent match with the Triplanar, so I agree with Thom completely.
Now, a harder wood, with less high frequency damping, like the Jacaranda armwand(also lighter than ebony) featured in Chris' Ref. arm will give you just what is required to work perfectly for the Universe. I had less time than usual to finish the arm for the open house event. So the armwand has only about 15 coatings of oil instead of the usual 50-60. The result: a great match with Chris' Universe.
I've said before that the choice of wood is not one of sound and I'll stick to that. As a designer I'd rather hear what the cart does instead of building it's sonic mirror image. A user usually has a different goal.
But the treatment/damping difference shows how profound the influence of resonance control(armwand and elsewhere, quantitatively and qualitatively) can be. And how critical component matching even at this level is to get the most in terms of musical satisfaction out of it.
Both Thom's and Chris' tables will provide just that: utter musical satisfaction when partnered with the right arm/cart combinations. And if I had to decide, I'd do as my wife does:
"Honey, I bought both handbags".....(her only weakness ;-)
Right, if I had the money and space :-(
I'm well aware that this post might draw all sorts of criticisms/flames or "yeah, he had to defend his product again" replies. Please take it as no more than a personal rambling, a string of thoughts written down to make an excuse for myself for taking a break from work.
And for Dan ed:
Before I forget, the VTF finetuning feature can be added/ordered for all my arms, not just the DPS.
All the best,
Frank Schröder |
Hi Dan,
The photos on the bearing page are a bit confusing. Frank makes fine VTF adjustment available (via the thumbwheel on the counterweight) for both the DPS and the Reference.
It's a no-close option. The only reason it isn't standard is because some folks get the hee-be-jee-bees over the concept of the thumbwheel - either from an aesthetic perspective or a sonic one.
I recently learned that the Model-2 has a threaded end stub for this same purpose. I sometimes learn about these arms from other Schröder customers. It's only fair that I share the info ;-)
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
It's my humble opinion that of the 4 permutations we wanted to listen to on Saturday, the one we didn't get to (Triplanar/ Universe) is the best combination for the Universe. Please see my comments below about mass matching caveats, and the fact that my Ebony Schröder Reference has an 18 gram effective mass.
Everything I've heard tells me that the attributes of the Triplanar and Universe is a match made in heaven. Given that no component is perfect, I'd say that both Triplanar and Dynavector are slightly stronger in "incisiveness factor", while Schröder and ZYX are slightly more about tone color.
Now, the ZYX is fast, and the Dynavectors have tone, so don't take the above comment to the extreme. Realize that this is a broad, sweeping generalization as all 4 products perform to a very high level.
Only when you listen side by side will you hear a difference and will you come to a preference.
I don't know what went on at Chris' house, but I suspect that his Edgarhorns played a significant role in the different results.
I speak from experience of both of the Edgarhorns as well as of my soon to depart Exemplar horns. Before switching to my new Azzolina Audio horns, I would have considered the Edgars/Exemplars to have a correct presentation. Every other cone driver based, front-loaded horn has had tubby colorations. Not so with the Azzolinas, but I digress. Again, we're talking about 3 speaker systems that perform to the level of the arms and cartridges in question, but having said that, this is all about small but significant differences.
Rather than take a side trip into this topic, I think that this worth a rant on my Rants Page - the perilous journey into low power triodes and horns. To quote someone I once used to correspond with: "it's a long and dangerous journey ... bring plenty of milk and cookies".
So ... once again, the poor audiophile is in system matching hell - given the inherent flaws in any transducer (be it a cartridge or a speaker). If it were only more simple, we could make global proclamations. Forums like this give us the opportunity to triangulate on combinations that make magic.
Now that I have what I consider to be speakers that lend a slightly more even hand to the music, I am beginning to ponder whether an 18 gram Ebony Schröder Reference is a bit too heavy for the Universe. My ZYX has the silver base plate, BTW.
After CES, and at Frank's suggestion, I tried to see if 18 grams was the upper limit for the Universe. I increased it by employing the optional brass cartridge carrier to add 5 more grams (total mass of 23 grams). This slowed things down.
Perhaps 12-15 is truly the magic spot for the Universe? Unfortunately, I don't have a Jacaranda or Bocote version to play with, but Dmailer's Jacaranda arm / Universe combination would point toward this (15 grams) being the true upper limit for optimum performance.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
Thom, I may be completely butchering which model Schroder you were using. I thought that only the DPS had the VTF wheel on the back of the weight but I admit that I'm not really familiar with the differences in Frank's arms.
Doug, leave Nick alone, dammit! :) |
It's my humble opinion that of the 4 permutations we wanted to listen to on Saturday, the one we didn't get to (Triplanar/ Universe) is the best combination for the Universe. Please see my comments below about mass matching caveats, and the fact that my Ebony Schröder Reference has an 18 gram effective mass.
Everything I've heard tells me that the attributes of the Triplanar and Universe is a match made in heaven. Given that no component is perfect, I'd say that both Triplanar and Dynavector are slightly stronger in "incisiveness factor", while Schröder and ZYX are slightly more about tone color.
Now, the ZYX is fast, and the Dynavectors have tone, so don't take the above comment to the extreme. Realize that this is a broad, sweeping generalization as all 4 products perform to a very high level.
Only when you listen side by side will you hear a difference and will you come to a preference.
I don't know what went on at Chris' house, but I suspect that his Edgarhorns played a significant role in the different results.
I speak from experience of both of the Edgarhorns as well as of my soon to depart Exemplar horns. Before switching to my new Azzolina Audio horns, I would have considered the Edgars/Exemplars to have a correct presentation. Every other cone driver based, front-loaded horn has had tubby colorations. Not so with the Azzolinas, but I digress. Again, we're talking about 3 speaker systems that perform to the level of the arms and cartridges in question, but having said that, this is all about small but significant differences.
Rather than take a side trip into this topic, I think that this worth a rant on my Rants Page - the perilous journey into low power triodes and horns. To quote someone I once used to correspond with: "it's a long and dangerous journey ... bring plenty of milk and cookies".
So ... once again, the poor audiophile is in system matching hell - given the inherent flaws in any transducer (be it a cartridge or a speaker). If it were only more simple, we could make global proclamations. Forums like this give us the opportunity to triangulate on combinations that make magic.
Now that I have what I consider to be speakers that lend a slightly more even hand to the music, I am beginning to ponder whether an 18 gram Ebony Schröder Reference is a bit too heavy for the Universe. My ZYX has the silver base plate, BTW.
After CES, and at Frank's suggestion, I tried to see if 18 grams was the upper limit for the Universe. I increased it by employing the optional brass cartridge carrier to add 5 more grams (total mass of 23 grams). This slowed things down.
Perhaps 12-15 is truly the magic spot for the Universe? Unfortunately, I don't have a Jacaranda or Bocote version to play with, but Dmailer's Jacaranda arm / Universe combination would point toward this (15 grams) being the true upper limit for optimum performance.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
Dan,
The 320 and 380 are about the same size? Egad! You'll have to help us out my friend. I just mailed Nick some RatShack resistors for your new preamp and suggested he wire it with lamp cord, instead of that exotic stuff he normally uses. He thanked me for a great cost-control idea and - here's the good news - he's splitting the savings with me. Woo-hoo! We're on our way to a 380! ;-)
Interesting differences you heard between Thom's UNIverse and Chris's. If Thom's was set up on a DPS while Chris's was on a Ref, that alone would cause dynamic differences. The Ref has more powerful magnets. In our direct comparisons at Cello's it had more stability on big dynamic hits and a lower noise floor on trailing edge decays. The DD table probably contributed also, as you said. |
Doug, I thought of you and Paul right off the bat when I heard the pacing of the 380. Sorry to give you the bad news, but you guys need to start saving your spare change for this one. I would say the difference easily surpasses the differences between Nick's pre/phono and the Aesthetix gear by an order of magnitude. Chris has a pot on the controller to vary the torque so we had to play with that. It was very easy to hear the effect that excess torque had on the leading edges. All of us agreed that he should have that adjustment on the finished controller, perhaps with a much smaller range of torque adjustment. The 380 was about the same size as a 320. I wish I had remembered to take a few pictures although it is probably better that I didn't because Chris is not happy with the look. But,hey, it's a prototype. I believe it weighs around 120#.
Andrew, SirSpeedy is correct in that we did compare the Triplanar with a DPS. This is just my opinion, but I would go with the Triplanar for no other reason than it is much easier to adjust. The Schroeder is very well thought out and elegant in it's simplicity. Thom was able to tweak the DPS with the Dynavector so that it was very close to the same sound as the Triplanar/Dynavector. It did seem that the Schroeder was not quite up to controlling the edge attacks with piano stikes, but Thom and I both think that it could be done with some diligence in tweaking. The Universe did seem to lack a little dynamically compared with the XV-1s on the same arm. But I heard a very different result latter on at CB's open house. Now, if someone wants to wait for a Schroeder just be aware that the lead time is much greater than it used to be.
Another observation concerning the ZYX Universe. I realize that the arm used has a great deal to do with the outcome, but any talk of the Universe being somewhat slow or rolled-off is not what I heard at all using CB's Reference. This combo was also mounted on the torque monster 380. I can't explain why the Universe I heard at Thom's seemed to lack some dynamics. It could be that it is a better match with the Ref or it could be that the increase in torque unlocks the transient response. The Dynavector gives the Zyx a good run and costs good deal less. |
Dan,
Sounds like it was quite the experience. The rains up north were serious.
You listened to two of the finest TT's. Their high mass, solid design and excecution should should create many similarities as you noted. The fun part is that you're picking from the finest and either way you go you'll be at the very best end of the spectrum.
Andrew |
Dan,
Great report. Glad to hear you made it home okay and that you're high enough not to be flooded. We didn't think about it when we bought our home, but I'm glad we chose one on a ridge line and not down in some valley bottom. Some of our neighbors are suffering, though some of yours are suffering more.
CB told us about his DD project over a year ago and I've been biting my tongue. I kinda wish you'd said it was no big deal. Sigh...
Just out of curiosity, how much bigger/taller/wider is the 380 compared to a 320. (I'm hoping you'll tell me it's the size of a refrigerator, so I'll have a reason to stop thinking about it!)
Regards to you and your incredibly patient wife,
Doug |
Saturday in Denver was, if nothing else, a tremendous amount of fun for me. As you can imagine, traveling almost 3700 miles in one weekend is very tiring and it really took a toll on my wife and me on the way home. Flight delays and cancellations put us back in New Hampshire about 4 hours late. Add to that the fact that we came home to a state of emergency due to some intense rain and subsequent flooding. But we dodged the floods and washouts and made it without serious mishap. We're high and dry but there are many people around us that are going through a very diffcult time up here.
I'll try to hit my main impressions here and then continue with follow up posts because I know more memories will pop as the conversation flows.
As Thom mentioned, I spent good deal of time with his system. We did go through the arm/cartridge combinations he mentioned and I do have some thoughts and observations on those but I want to first get out my impressions of the tables that I heard. I have had the pleasure of hearing Doug Deacon's Teres 320/Triplanar/UNI no too long ago so I was over the initial first impressions of how massive these table are. The first thing I noticed was how much these tables, both Teres and Galibier, just completely remove themselves from the sound. Both at Thom's and again at Chris's some less than pristine LP's were played, because what good is a table that won't allow you to also enjoy those 25 cent garage sale records as well as the expensive audiophile LPs. All of the tables I heard did an excellant job here. So you get to have fun with these tables as well.
I must admit that I did bring some expectations with me concerning what I thought I would hear between an all wood table and an all metal table. There are differences in the sound to be sure, but perhaps not near as much as one might expect. The Galibier, the Stelvio model, was very dynamic across the entire range. Nothing unexpected here at all. Lots of attack and plenty of decay with cymbals. Bass was very detailed and controlled. Several times I heard that bass string growl I'm always listening for.
What makes it tough is that I heard much of the same from the Teres 320. I do think there is a smoothing effect that may be the characteristic Teres sound. Keep in mind I'm trying to relay what I heard from the tables in two different systems and with a good two hours in between. I should also point out that the 320 was set up with a Moerch DP 6. No slouch at all but no where near the dynamics of the Triplanar and DPS. I think it possible to totally screw up the presentation of either table with the wrong arm and cartrige. Naturally, screw up is entirely subjective but I have no doubt that both tables will give you exactly what you ask for.
If you haven't caught on by now here it is. I'm not going to decide this for anyone because I can't even do that for myself at this point. If I take a bit off of the Stelvio to get to to the Gavia (I have not heard the Gavia) and then try to hold that up against the 320, now try to compesate for two different systems and rooms. I cannot make a real stand either way. Everyone is going to have a slight preference one way or the other. Anyone considering Galibier and Teres (Redpoint as well) owes it to themselves to make the trip out and hear for themselves which table they might prefer. If nothing else you get to meet two of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet. They would be Chris's and Thom's wives! They're both good guys, too.
Here's some even more fun stuff. Chris has a new, all Birch model (280 I believe) that is really cool to watch spin. The platter is made from the good, multi-layered, cabinet grade birch plywood sandwiched between birch hardwood top and bottom. Nicknamed "The Blonde", it gives this iredescent strobe effect as the end grain spins by. Some of us are quite sure there are subliminal messages implanted within. This table has the characteristic Teres smoothing but it is a step down in dynamics from the 320. But it is also a big step down in cost. Really could be something of interest to the mid-market owners looking to upgrade.
Here is where the rubber hits the road. The most profound experience of the weekend for me was the new Teres Direct Drive 380! Hands down the best sound of any table I heard. The attack and tempo this new beastie puts out is awesome! Dynamics were very good but I expect this since there was Schroeder Reference and ZYX Universe mounted on it. These don't account for the obvious superiority in timing. Naturally, the cost is much higher starting around $9K. Every genre was played on this table and it just powered right through them. Classical, jazz, piano, mandolin, big band, even Stevie Ray Vaughn could not make the 380 even break a sweat. Chris says he has some more improvements to make to the controller and the final form of the platter and plinth to get to where he believes the table has the potential to go. |
Thom,
That sounds great. Looks like you covered all of the key bases. I'm looking forward to the report from Dan. Sorry I couldn't make it this time.
Andrew |
Hi Andrew,
Dan spent from about 10am until 5pm chez Galibier. We listened to:
1. Schröder / ZYX Universe
2. Triplanar / Dynavector XV-1s
3. Schröder / Dynavector XV-1s
We ran out of time for the 4th permutation.
We'll let Dan report on his vist both to me and Chris.
BTW, there were indeed very few constants between Chris' and my rigs other than tonearms and cartridges.
One other shared reference point is the Artemis Labs phono stages (PH-1, PL-1) which both Chris and I love.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
Andrew,Dan never made a Triplanar vs Shroeder Ref comparison,because the Shroeder Ref actually doesn't exist!!
Of course that could change,should CELLO("CALLING CELLO")decide to come out of hibernation and report on what was told to me.Which was he was to get a REF,in March!He has a 2.2 too,so I'd love to have him update us!
PLEEEASE!!
Best! |
Dan,
I hope you had a chance to compare the Triplanar to the Schroeder Ref!
Andrew |
I'm not telling you guys nuttin' without yooze each send a small donation to my favorite charity. That being me. For an extra $5 I've give the audiophile approved cryo'd version.
I'll probably post something tonight. I want to get my thoughts together as there was just so much to take in. The trip was very, very much worth it! |
I just found this thread and the references to my comments on my audition of the Teres 360 and Galibier tables last year.
First, I've owned Koetsu cartridges for 20 years and have a fond affection for their lushness. When I heard the Teres dem, the overall tonal presentation was fine and I've enough experience to make allowances for the cartridge.
For me the difference between the 360 and the Galibier was that the Teres didn't have the same leading edge clarity and natural decay of the notes in the lower registers - it was kind of smeary.
The way I characterized it at the time was that it sounded like the bass player was playing behind the beat. This was particularly apparent on complex rock music. Ymmv.
If Chris has improved the line then I look forward to hearing for myself at RMAF in October. |
Boy,are we fanatical geeks,or what??!No wonder my wife or kids have absolutely no interest in this stuff!!
That just leaves "little old me" to lose myself in my pathetic dedicated room,and "bathe" in the plethora of varied music,that I've picked up over the years.Heard on a system that I've "tinkered" with,to the point of exhaustion!And have come to LOVE!As all of us fellow fanatical geeks have succombed to!
We are a "sorry,and incredibly happy lot"!!Are we not??
Best! |
Hi Sirspeedy......the audition of the Shindo/Garrard is a month away. I will call you and we can see it together. But, I can't wait for Dan's reviews ...oh the perssure.....he may be holding my analog future in his hands........oh the pressure....heheheheh! |
Dan,remember to use the "light side of the force",once you start to audition!!The "dark side" may try to influence you,but you MUST remember you will have a captive audience upon return.The responsibility to post something with real "meat" must be overwhelming -:)!!
Rick,what happened to the Shindo Garrard,you were considering?
Best of luck!!
|
|
Rick! You dirty rat! (My best James Cagne!) :)
I'm posting here from Denver, up before the rooster since I'm still on eastern time. Just to be clear I don't really see this as a shootout so much since there won't be a a/b in the same system with all other components being the same. I think of it more as some really great auditions of choice quality stuff.
I'll try to post this weekend but in reality it may not be until monday. |
Wishing Dan_ed well!!!!!
Dan is off to Denver for a shootout of Galibier-Teres-Schroder-Tri-Planer and maybe more this weekend. I know we will ALL benefit from his trip! I wish him a good safe, happy time and I awiat a full report for us all when he returns....boy now isn't that pressure!!
Rick |
Please see my comments under "Schroeder vs Tri-Planer Vll sonic differences" Thank you! |
RWD - The platter was the graphite Stelvio. Nicely machined and slick looking. The table was an anodized gray. Understated, not striking. Redpoint's red anodizing looks more nifty to me. But it's just aesthetics. BTW, Thom's right about the Micro Seiki arm. My mistake. |
Hi Richard...one more question about the Gavia table you heard. What platter was it using: the Selac, Gavia or Stelvio?? Much appreciated! |
Thom - Thanks for responding. I really liked your table. Do you think your platform will effect sonics negatively in any way? |
Hi Richard,
I'm working on a self-leveling 18 x 24 shelf that can sit on top of an existing equipment rack.
The minimum shelf size for these 'tables is actually 16" x 22". The Teres, BTW can get by with approximately the same footprint. To help you visualize how a Galibier (or Teres for that matter) sets up, I put together the following drawing to show the footprint:
http://www.galibierdesign.com/faqs_shelf_size_22_16.html
You can easily visualize overlaying the Teres teardrop shape over this image.
Al in Sanibel is running a very nice Micro Seiki MA-505 Mk III tonearm until his Schröder arrives. This particular Micro is not the last word in resolution, but it is indeed a very nice tonearm - getting the core of the music very right.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
A guy in South Florida (Sanibel Island). Nice set-up. |
Rich, where did you hear the Galibier table?? |
Haha! Didn't think about table rumble. I was worried some would think there was going to be fisticuffs! |
Well, I spent 3 hours listening to the Galibier Gavia with a Moerch arm and a Van Den Hull Black Beuty. Black background and a very tight sense of image focus. It's tough to point out the sonic attributes of the table because all of the electronics were of very high quality as well. But the Galabier was solid and very nicely machined. I was impressed. Because of the seperate motor unit, your rack will require a minimum 23" base to hold both components. My Sistrum rack, as is, would only hold the table. |
Just one correction Dan ... NO Rumble with any of these turntables.
I just put up a Boulder Travelog page if anyone is interested in attractions in our wonderful town.
Currently, you can only reach this page from the small thumbnail photo of Boulder on the left side of the home page.
Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier |
Hi Richard....I'm all ears!!!!
Dan, I am going to see what I can do that weekend. Another 'goner may be interested also. I have to check the schedules with everyone in the house! |
Hi Richard,
Are you still considering or just curious.
Dan |
I'm going to see my first Galibier table today. I'll report on my impressions tonight. |
I wanted to resurrect this post just to let people know that there is a date planned, May 13, for a Rumble in the Rockies! On tap is half a day of Galibier and half a day of Teres, with some special Schroeder sauce and TriPlanar garnishments thrown in.
Also, and most special, is the chance to meet many of the Denver area audiophiles.
Anyone who can is more than welcome join in! |
Since Cello's moniker has been brought up, I've been trying to reach you off and on as well, like for the last year! And I live in South Florida!! Cello/Larry, are you alive or do you have a beard typing for you? |
BTW-Cello,if you are following this.I lost your E-mail address,so have not contacted you,other than phone,and I do realise you are a busy guy,and maybe not a "phone guy".Sorry!I wanted to buy the "guitar/singer" who's album you played,but the web-site you gave me isn't available,to me.That being said,I do get the impression,sadly, of us kind of losing touch,as I did make attempts to stay in touch.I did call you recently,but am not going to second guess any lack of return calls,based on my last attempts,and don't want to get too analytical.Hope none of my post stuff was the culprit,and you seemed way above that,anyway(though the timing of my "dumb period" was not too good),as I do believe I made it my business to be nothing but complementary, of you personally.Always!!So,I will let all this go,with this post,but do admit to being somewhat surprised(mainly because you were a nice host,and a good dude overall)!!.Hope all is well!
Best!
|
HI guys - being the person who started this thread I thought I'd keep you up to date on my decision making and fact gathering. First, I've yet to make any analog changes but I've added a power conditioner and super tweeters. Strange but true. But what is amazing is that the combination of these two budget tweeks have improved my sound a real lot. The conditioner (Chang Lightspeed) has blackened the background with no apparent strangling of dynamics. The super tweeters have improved the overall imaging and coherence, not really just the high treble.
Where I'm leaning analog wise is to keep my Avid table and upgrade my motor and cartridge when budget allows. After all my fact finding, without hearing a damn thing, I dont believe an approximate 8K investment in a high mass table will give me a high enough percent improvement to warrent the bucks. Believe me, I'd like to see a 150 pound table on my rack but opinions are down the middle on the above questions. But tomorrow I may change my mind. |
Thanks Rwd. I noticed a more forward presentation/increase soundstage out of the box. Critical listenibg won't occur for approx 100 hours/this Tues. I still think it would be wise to purchase the TT/Arm/Cart 1st, live with PH-3 for a bit, then by the Rhea. A dealer said that the Io is in a completely different league. He says it even betters the ARC Ref Phono stage. Hmmmm? |
Cello,
Thanks very much for your input. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble responding to your email. Perhaps try to respond through the A'gon system and that will work? I do look forward to hearing from you.
Dan |
Hi Rich. Yes. It seems when you get towards the northwestern side of Denver you would end up about half way between Teres and Galibier based on my current understanding of where these guys are located. If we assume a weekend trip this is probably 30-45 min. max between. I'm also assuming a decent motel location, which by my research is not a problem at all. |
Hey Xagwell, you should fall in love with the Rhea!! I have mine (no tube rolling on mine Dan) over a year and it replaced an ARC PH3 SE (pretty good phono amp itself). The difference was like putting the flesh on some very strong bones! The Rhea created the sence of the concert hall air. A bit difficult to describe but never the less you will (or should) hear the difference and like what you hear.
Dan, are both Thom and Chris located in Denver?? |
Guys, if any of you can join me it looks like my trip will be no earlier than the last week of April. It is very exciting! As of this post I have been in touch with both Thom and Chris. I can't tell you what I don't know but it seems there is a very good possibility that new and promising developments will be available from both Thom and Chris. There is always more fun in numbers so if any one else can, please let me know so that we can coordinate. |
