Forums - Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
10/13/19 at 01:24:39

Some upgrading as of late. Current reference setup with the James Burgess 45/2A3 S.E.T. amplifier, easily interchangeable to Burgess Eiclone 6550 triode monoblocks. A James Burgess tube preamp/phono stage, PeachTree Audio 65SE (serving as DAC), Modified AT1240 TT with AT33EV cartridge and Cardas wiring straight to the Burgess phono stage. Media is also served up via an Otari MTR10-2, Teac 1040Sl, Akai 280D-SS and Akai X-150D Reel to Reel machines, a PC music server with over 25 terabytes of Hi-Rez files, and plenty of great vinyl selections. All playing through a pair of 105db efficient Klipschorn loudspeakers with an 18” Velodyne sub crossed over around 40Hz. Room is 24x20x8.

Will be treating the room in the coming weeks finally. I also have two more bucket list pieces of gear coming. A pair of GPA Altec 604H III speakers, custom crossovers and Stonehenge cabinets and some 300b Thorsten Loesch “Legacy” circuit inspired monoblocks to drive them.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

bikehappy1 Seasoned Member Posts: 182	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #1 - 10/13/19 at 06:38:47 Would love to hear your system! You’re welcome to hear mine! We’ll be in the Bay Area the first weekend of Nov.
Back to top	Home: Torii MKIV-25, ZP3-25, HR-1’s, ZLC, DSR, DHC-1, PSA DSD, ZRock2, SA8005, Zenstiyx, VPI Prime, Hana ML, ZMC1. Work: SE84UFO-25, Schiit modi, Trapeziums, MacBook air, Audirvana aiff. Also have a pair of ESS AMT 1C’s in workout room with a cxnv2. IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #2 - 10/14/19 at 00:41:49 Sure. Im 3 hours south of the bay area though. Charlie
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #3 - 10/24/19 at 03:49:06 Charlie, You should post these photos on the Listening Rooms Facebook page. Gosh, it is such a beautiful room!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #4 - 10/25/19 at 19:56:36 After a long "break in" period my Stonehenge V cabinets with GPA Altec 604H II speakers and custom crossovers are home and sounding amazing.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2197	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #5 - 10/25/19 at 22:22:00 Your Stonehenges look real interesting. I'm kind of in a big speaker mode right now, seeing prints online, Hmmmm.
Back to top	Owner of the infamous RED TORII and Dan the Redheaded Amp IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #6 - 10/31/19 at 08:20:10 Unexpected time off so it's been jazz all day.... set the lights for a blue mood this morning and before I knew it the day was done. Swapped out the 2A3's for some 45's today. Glorious midrange with either but it's fun to hear the 45's and how 1 watt per channel can sing so good!
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #7 - 10/31/19 at 15:14:51 Love that room! And your tastes in equipment, as well as decor.
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

Radarek Senior Member Posts: 75	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #8 - 11/02/19 at 00:58:14 Nice setup. Love the speaker choice...
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #9 - 11/04/19 at 18:41:06
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #10 - 11/23/19 at 05:39:19 These Thorsten Loesch "legacy" circuit 300B monoblocks with Tribute iron are going to get a listen with the GPA 604HII's. I have been waiting for this opportunity.
Back to top	Snapseed_45resize.jpg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #11 - 01/08/20 at 07:10:24

Holiday guests are now all gone and things are returning to normal. I am excited to get started on a full room treatment in the next weeks, but for now things are sounding better and better with each little upgrade over the last months. I am excited to hear what the room treatment brings as it is long overdue.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

JD Seasoned Member Posts: 533	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #12 - 01/08/20 at 11:47:44 Charles, Fantastic room, guaranteed the tunes sound great. JD
Back to top	IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #13 - 01/08/20 at 12:10:36 Hi Charlie! I went with a single theatre recliner myself in my listening room. I wouldn’t have anything else now! I look forward to seeing what you do with room treatments. Keep the photos coming - love the room!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 431	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #14 - 01/08/20 at 23:50:43 What are the diffusers on the back wall?
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #15 - 03/16/20 at 23:03:50 Another James Burgess beauty! Type 46 tube amplifier.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #16 - 03/17/20 at 03:00:43 Very nice Charlie. But you’d better watch out that Donnie doesn’t try to swipe it from you. He seems to have an affinity for red amps
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

Delta 77

Senior Member

Posts: 57

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #17 - 03/17/20 at 14:33:18

Hi Charles,
I just saw this same amp on the James Burgess Facebook page..
I was just drooling over this amps looks, and the fact that it was made just 45 minutes away from me..

You have great taste..!
I Moved just a couple weeks ago, and I’m still working on my system setup but I would love to get your ears on my system, and critique it for me..
Some of your advice just might lead to an incredible sounding system..

I have a ZROCK2 shipping this week, and a pair of Tekton subwoofers on order..
Also in the back of my mind, thinking of changing to a SSamp with a nice tube preamp, but when I plugged my Odyssey amp into the system it gave a huge “Ground Loop Noise” so I just put it back in the closet..

Maybe a dedicated circuit would be my next upgrade..?

Anyway happy to see you got a nice new piece, enjoy sir..!!

I’m out of Fresno,and would love to hear from you..

THANKS, BURT..
647-4029

Back to top

INNUOS-ZEN mk3(streamer)
HOLO-Spring3(dac)
DECWARE-Zrock2-25th
DENON-DP59L (TT)
DECWARE-ZP3
ARIC AUDIO-Passive pre
DECWARE-ZMA
TEKTON-Double Impact SE
TEKTON-Enzo sub x 2
PI AUDIO-UberBUSS
PIaudio/Hapa/Zenwave/TWL
DECWARE-CSP3-25th(HP amp)
ZMF ”Auteur”

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #18 - 03/17/20 at 19:49:08 Hey Burt. Yes the amp James posted ia mine. I just brought it home yesterday. Im 30 minutes south of Fresno. I will text you so you can have my number as well. Charlie
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #19 - 03/17/20 at 19:54:07 busterfree.... Here's the link. https://auralex.com/tfusor-3d-sound-diffusor/ I got them for cheap to try from a friend.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #20 - 04/29/20 at 15:15:03 Legacy Audio Whispers
Back to top	E76A8424-2D3C-4D06-949B-7ECE4FC3762B.jpeg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #21 - 05/10/20 at 05:39:46 Not sure why the previous pic looks the way it does color wise. Here's another. Modified Teac 503 DAC with external Time Machine X 10 clock from Steve Davis, Legacy Whisper HD's, Emotiva power amp and other additions as of late.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #22 - 07/08/20 at 08:00:42 2” Eliptrac 400 wooden horns, tweeters, Crites cast woofers, and custom ALK crossovers.
Back to top	31B877FD-1004-45B6-AD65-C3D6C79729BB.jpeg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #23 - 07/08/20 at 17:00:38 Charlie boy, you change equipment like some people change underwear 3 or 4 years ago, I had a pair of Klipsch Forte's that i upgraded with Crites crossovers and tweeters. Bob is a good guy. Also, i've read rave reviews of Al K's crossover work.
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #24 - 07/13/20 at 22:33:06 The last year has been major speaker evaluation and I just received my dream preamp So things are damn near locked in especially after finishing my total room treatment. It sounds the best I personally have ever heard this room sound in 21 years.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2126	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #25 - 07/14/20 at 02:05:29 I have a friend named Hidalgo and I always ask him, “Rene, what did you hide?”
Back to top	MINI TORII & ZROCK2 both anniversaried; 'Lil Audio F-15; TECHNICS SL1200MK2 KAB MODDED TT; ONKYO 6 DISC CD; MARANTZ 2226B; SCHIIT MULTIBIT DAC; SENNHEISER HD-580s IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #26 - 07/14/20 at 07:25:50 26/101D preamp
Back to top	0ECC3298-E26B-48FF-82D7-B05111458F17.jpeg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #27 - 07/14/20 at 12:21:17 That is quite an impressive set up!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #28 - 07/15/20 at 18:04:00 View
Back to top	D3033D1E-AEDF-4AB2-8A7F-A34913610D5A.jpeg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #29 - 07/15/20 at 18:05:09 View
Back to top	F9A5C88F-782E-4068-ACE3-9A7839637050.jpeg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #30 - 08/07/20 at 16:43:14 Years of patience has finally paid off. Custom built amps, preamp, and speakers rounded out the rest of the components and the full room treatment was long overdue. Only thing still in the works are a couple turntables that are getting full restorations.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #31 - 08/07/20 at 19:34:27 Now that is perfection!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #32 - 08/08/20 at 15:33:25 Hi Charlie. Just curious about your room treatments. Did you use a room treatment sound program to test the results? The reason I ask is, it is possible that you have over treated. You may have made the room too dead. I don’t know that, but just curious. Best, Geno
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

beowulf Seasoned Member Posts: 1447	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #33 - 08/12/20 at 07:55:00 Wow, tons of cool toys !!! Very nice components you got there.
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #34 - 08/13/20 at 18:40:49

One of the TD-124 tables is together and though not fully restored as it could be it is enough that it's running great! The other ( with a black plinth, Ortofon RMG-212 tonearm, and Ortofon S 15-M/T both rebuilt to new standards) will be put in the system once everything returns from STS. It's time for a custom rack for the tables.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #35 - 08/13/20 at 18:44:28 Hi Geno. Not over treated as many of those panels also have scatter plates that are diffusing as well as absorbing so as to keep the room live. I ran several test programs and added treatments as needed testing afterwards and so on and so on.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #36 - 08/14/20 at 01:30:22 I should have known you knew what you were doing That turntable is awesome. Is it a Lenco?
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #37 - 08/15/20 at 06:51:20 It's a Thorens TD-124 with an SME 3009II arm aftermarket plinth. It's one of two I have. The other is almost done and is receiving a FULL BLOWN restoration with a 12" Ortofon arm. This one has been restored but not an all out one. All the necessities function great on it though.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #38 - 08/15/20 at 16:59:48 It is just beautiful. Nothing like restored vintage equipment.
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

Brian

Seasoned Member

Posts: 897

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #39 - 09/06/20 at 04:47:37

Charles, you did not tell us how well you liked your 300B amp. Did it give the sort of sound you were after?

46 directly-heated tetrode strapped to triode is one of my favorite amplifier sounds. How well do you like yours?

I imagine the 46 sounds better with your horn speaker than with those earlier speakers you posted.

"Equipment Envy Brian"

Back to top

IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #40 - 09/28/20 at 15:44:11

Finally all together and in the system. Greg Metz STS modified Thorens TD124 MKII, rewired Ortofon RMG212 tonearm, with an Andy Kim Needle Clinic rebuilt and retipped Ortofon S15-T MC cartridge with a linear contact diamond tip, and aluminium cantilever. The Ray Brown Trio had the honor of first play.and it didn’t disappoint.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

Showme Seasoned Member Posts: 302	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #41 - 09/28/20 at 16:21:14 What a beauty. Love the TD'124"s
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #42 - 10/09/20 at 21:04:47 REK-O-KUT Rondine Deluxe mono setup With Gray Research and ROK arms. The 78’s and mono LP’s player.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #43 - 12/23/20 at 14:37:32
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #44 - 12/23/20 at 23:34:57
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #45 - 12/23/20 at 23:56:51 Charlie, what in the world is the cube tube amp??? I’ve never seen anything like it!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #46 - 12/24/20 at 00:47:50 It's a Ken Uesugi 46/47 type tube amp.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #47 - 01/06/21 at 16:19:38

Plain black Tubelab Simple Single Ended EL34 Amp triode wired single-ended amplifier designed by George Anderson. This amplifier has a beefier power supply than usually offered in the basic design and, Obbligato coupling caps, Kiwame and PRP resistors, and Transcendar Output transformers. It's not the prettiest amp but sounds very very good!

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #48 - 01/06/21 at 19:51:25 Love those rectifiers!
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #49 - 01/07/21 at 13:35:23 Ken Uesugi 42 type tube amp/DAC.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #50 - 01/08/21 at 12:23:48 Custom Bottlehead Kaiju 300B amp with DC filament upgrade and Shuguang Audio Treasure Series 300B's.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #51 - 01/08/21 at 14:24:30 Looks as if it sounds very interesting.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #52 - 01/22/21 at 02:35:51 James Burgess 2a3
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #53 - 02/02/21 at 17:20:59 Cleaning up the main room (moved three sets of huge speakers and tons of gear into the office room 2nd system area) in anticipation of my one of a kind Jon Anderson Shindo 604 builds which are almost done. It is very exciting times around here for sure. Tease photo:
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #54 - 02/03/21 at 18:43:22 diytube stereo35
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #55 - 02/08/21 at 23:55:33 Greg Metz STS modified Thorens TD124 MKII in custom plinth, with an Alfred Bokrand Custom Ortofon Tonearm mounted on a black sourced armboard, with a beloved brand new NOS Ortofon SPU Royal A cartridge, topped off with Nordost Quattro-fil phono cable.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #56 - 02/09/21 at 13:51:42
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #57 - 02/10/21 at 21:36:11 Jon Anderson Custom 604's
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #58 - 02/10/21 at 21:41:38 Mr. Hidalgo, you are an audio prince!
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

HockessinKid Seasoned Member Posts: 1094	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #59 - 02/10/21 at 23:32:47 Beautiful Charles. Bet they sound magnificent. HK
Back to top	Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables IP Logged

Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 400	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #60 - 02/11/21 at 23:36:16 Charles, you have an amazing collection!
Back to top	Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods Rachael SE34I.5 Benchmark AHB2 ERRx ZStage, ZRock2 Tascam CD-240 Border Patrol DAC Benchmark DAC3 HGC Bluesound Node Zu Audio Mission speaker cables Decware I/Cs PI Audio MiniBUSS Zenhead, Grado 325e IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #61 - 02/12/21 at 00:27:22 Charlie, you constantly amaze me. Would love a tour if you weren’t on the other side of the country.
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #62 - 02/12/21 at 19:09:29 Kind words everyone thanks. Things have been running now 48 hours non stop and they are sounding better and better and I think by next week they will really be impressive though they sound amazing now. I moved them back closer to the front wall corners also. Damn impressive bass.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #63 - 02/16/21 at 02:05:48 Lenco PTP build... 65 pounds of analog goodness. She’s in the room now and will be fitted with a Fidelity Research arm this week. Three extra arm boards also for easy change out of tonearms.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #64 - 02/16/21 at 02:11:21 Wow! That is an absolute work of art!!!
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #65 - 02/20/21 at 20:02:06 Fidelity Research FR-24 MKII tonearm is setup with an Audio Technica cartridge for starters. I'll be trying several different cartridges in the coming time.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

piezoman Ex Member	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #66 - 02/21/21 at 01:43:34 a lab technician's paradise. incredible!
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #67 - 04/11/21 at 05:17:39 Tascam BR20T wireless control hack. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=_g8Vi59MOcc
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

piezoman Ex Member	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #68 - 04/11/21 at 13:48:48 my draw drops to the ground with drool. you are an obviously very dedicated audiophile. amazing. my hat is off to you.
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #69 - 05/14/21 at 21:38:04

STS serviced with upgrades including a rewired and serviced Ortofon RMG-212 tonearm. A new idler wheel from AudioSilente, A WoodSong Audio thrust bearing kit with an 8mm thick bronze cap, a 6mm thick Torlon thrust pad, and a Grade 5 sapphire ball bearing. An MK2 conversion kit with the Hanze Hi-Fi Motor Spring Suspension kit is also installed. In this conversion, the 3 motor suspension mount studs of the MK1 motor, are replaced with longer motor suspension studs to give more motor suspension travel as well as allowing installation of the Hanze HiFi motor spring suspension system which reduces motor noise into the chassis by -16db over the standard double polymer bushing design which is still installed on most TD124’s. SPH copper mat copper record stabilizer, and Waynes outer ring round things out.

Back to top

778CFFDA-A62D-43C4-930F-620F82EC80B8resize.jpeg

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #70 - 06/09/21 at 22:39:00 I have wanted to do one of these correctly for a long time. Krebs Upgraded Technics SP10 MKII, DAS dual arm plinth, Fidelity Research FR24 MKII 9", Jelco TK-950L MKII 12", Sph copper mat and record stabilizer. Ortofon and Audio Technica carts.
Back to top	IMG_3751resize.jpg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #71 - 06/09/21 at 22:40:14 ....
Back to top	IMG_3752resize.jpg SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Archie Seasoned Member Posts: 2731	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #72 - 06/10/21 at 16:10:18 I've often wondered, why two arms? Is it only so you can have two carts mounted? I've been under the impression that a 12" arm is superior to a 9". If so, why one of each?
Back to top	ZLC Technics 1200G TT w/ Ortofon Jubilee MC cart ZMC1 ZP3 (25th A Mods) ZR2 (25th A Mods) CSP3 (25th A mods) ZMA (25th A mods) Homemade Big Betsy Speakers (F15s) Silver Cabling DIY Isolation platforms under amps & TT. IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #73 - 06/11/21 at 17:03:20

Personal preferences over 25 years of searching for arm/cart matches that suite my taste for different types of music. 12" is amazing but it can be easier for a 12" to sound amazingly bad if all things are not right. Some surprisingly very inexpensive carts sound amazing with my FR24 MKII arm on less than great rock recording from the 70's and 80's. There are just soooo many factors involved from the source media to what makes it to my ears and these arms, carts, and tables represent years of experimentation. It's still fun, and interesting after all these years.

Back to top

bd344618-476b-47dd-a355-2306e722c028bw_decware_001.png

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #74 - 06/16/21 at 21:36:24
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Donnie Seasoned Member Why does it hurt when I pee? Posts: 2197	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #75 - 06/16/21 at 22:13:23 All of that and yet not a 8-track player in sight. Sigh....
Back to top	Owner of the infamous RED TORII and Dan the Redheaded Amp IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #76 - 06/18/21 at 03:55:38

Thank you John at Lynwardwoodworks.com/ for helping make my project a very beautiful and special one!

Audio-Technica LP1240 with bypassed internal phono section and Cardas cable wiring from the tonearm leads directly to the RCA's. An Audio-Technica cartridge on modified stock arm. Black Diamond feet between the TT and neoprene layered MDF internal base with kiln dried domestic hardwood that are at a max of 8% moisture content for the rest of the plinth. This was made from 3/4" curly maple inlayed with curly Claro walnut. Joints are mitered and biscuit joined to add strength. The very bottom and inner base of the the turntable sits on is 3/4" MDF and the base has threaded 1/4 20 inserts for my choice of footers which are currently Mapleshade. Copper platter mat and record stabilizer from Sien at SPH.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #77 - 07/14/21 at 16:49:57
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #78 - 08/24/21 at 12:23:34 Welcome home..... Jon Anderson vertical 9844's
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #79 - 09/04/21 at 20:33:28 Cain & Cain Supper Abby
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

ScottGA

Verified Member

Posts: 6

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #80 - 11/09/21 at 17:18:28

Charles,
When can we get some comparative reviews on all these amazing speakers? Give us something about what you like about each and why you prefer one over the others or some such. Strengths versus weaknesses and rankings or anything like that as I for one will never hear these amazing speakers and have to live vicariously through you. Are you familiar with Glow In The Dark Audio's web page? http://www.glowinthedarkaudio.com I would love to see something like that from you with whatever you wanted to post and when the DIY projects die down.
Thanks

Back to top

Martin Logan CLS/Crown CDi100 amp/Audio Research SP9 pre/CAL Aria tube CD/DAC-X6MKII BT/USB/Eminent Technology LFT-11 speakers/AMC 3050 integrated/Gallo Due & Micros surround/HD-600 & AMBEO Smartheadset for binaural recording

IP Logged

Tony Seasoned Member "Life without ..music is inconceivable" A.Einsteln Posts: 627	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #81 - 11/09/21 at 19:18:29 Scott, Thanks for the link. Can you say anything more about the web site? Have you found it useful, and how so? Thanks. BTW, Great playlist on this site.
Back to top	SE84UFO25 \| Ic0n4 Passive Preamp \| ZBIT \| Cambr. CXNv2 \| Denafrips Pontus II \| Denafrips Gaia \| Decware I/Cs \| Decware Pwr Cbls \| ZWIRE Speaker Cbls \| Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 \| Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt IP Logged

Delta 77 Senior Member Posts: 57	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #82 - 03/23/22 at 18:34:22 Wow that last one is Very Interesting..!! Hope your doing Okay Charlie, haven't seen anything from you in a while..
Back to top	INNUOS-ZEN mk3(streamer) HOLO-Spring3(dac) DECWARE-Zrock2-25th DENON-DP59L (TT) DECWARE-ZP3 ARIC AUDIO-Passive pre DECWARE-ZMA TEKTON-Double Impact SE TEKTON-Enzo sub x 2 PI AUDIO-UberBUSS PIaudio/Hapa/Zenwave/TWL DECWARE-CSP3-25th(HP amp) ZMF ”Auteur” IP Logged

Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 400	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #83 - 04/21/22 at 15:50:46 Hey Charles, those Jon Anderson speakers are interesting. Can you share any information on your 604s or 9844s?
Back to top	Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods Rachael SE34I.5 Benchmark AHB2 ERRx ZStage, ZRock2 Tascam CD-240 Border Patrol DAC Benchmark DAC3 HGC Bluesound Node Zu Audio Mission speaker cables Decware I/Cs PI Audio MiniBUSS Zenhead, Grado 325e IP Logged

piezoman Ex Member	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #84 - 04/21/22 at 21:16:19 don't feed the monster.
Back to top	IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #85 - 04/26/22 at 02:21:44

Hey Charles, those Jon Anderson speakers are interesting.
Can you share any information on your 604s or 9844s?

The "604's" are birch/maple with Rosewood veneered front baffles. The crossovers were built for me by Rick Craig at Selah Audio who recently passed away. The started at 620 cabinets but were built much better and ended up being almost 11cf. They use a PAS audio speaker with Renkus Heinz drivers.

The 9844's were a mint set of speakers/drivers that were pulled from a set of Altec cabinets that were an estate sale purchase. . Jon again built the vertical cabinets to be better than the factory built quality ever was and built new crossovers with very high end parts. The wood Yuichi horns have the Altec drivers on them and sound amazing to me.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #86 - 04/26/22 at 02:26:38 Wow that last one is Very Interesting..!! Hope your doing Okay Charlie, haven't seen anything from you in a while.. Doing good and thank you. I have not had much new to post and I have sold off a lot of what I accumulated and settled into pretty much one set of speakers as of late.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #87 - 04/26/22 at 02:34:23 don't feed the monster. ?
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

BicycleJoe Lo-Fi Seasoned Member It's all in one note, Just Listen Posts: 534	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #88 - 05/03/22 at 10:14:34 Excelsior!!!
Back to top	"Once there was a note, pure and easy,playing so free like a breath rippling by,the note is eternal, I hear it, it sees me,forever we blend and forever we die". IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #89 - 01/24/23 at 16:46:51
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Tommy Freefall Seasoned Member Posts: 400	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #90 - 01/24/23 at 20:44:06 Very nice, Charles! Photos from a couple of years ago showed tube amps all over the place. Have you pared down your equipment inventory?
Back to top	Torii MkIV w/ 25th ann mods Rachael SE34I.5 Benchmark AHB2 ERRx ZStage, ZRock2 Tascam CD-240 Border Patrol DAC Benchmark DAC3 HGC Bluesound Node Zu Audio Mission speaker cables Decware I/Cs PI Audio MiniBUSS Zenhead, Grado 325e IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #91 - 01/24/23 at 21:17:12 Still plenty tube gear. It has overflowed into an office, but I pull out whatever speakers and pieces as desired when the urges hit.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #92 - 01/24/23 at 22:32:35 One thing is for sure Charlie boy - you got style... It is always a treat to see your setups! Best, Geno
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #93 - 02/02/23 at 13:57:33 Stonehenge GPA build project is in the final stages and hopefully will be in the main room very soon. :)
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Tony Seasoned Member "Life without ..music is inconceivable" A.Einsteln Posts: 627	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #94 - 02/02/23 at 14:23:18 Charles, Great looking setup!
Back to top	SE84UFO25 \| Ic0n4 Passive Preamp \| ZBIT \| Cambr. CXNv2 \| Denafrips Pontus II \| Denafrips Gaia \| Decware I/Cs \| Decware Pwr Cbls \| ZWIRE Speaker Cbls \| Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 \| Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #95 - 03/06/23 at 01:10:08 Here they are at home now for a few days.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

GroovySauce Seasoned Member Posts: 818	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #96 - 03/06/23 at 11:16:14 Thanks for sharing. Love seeing peoples setups. Are those super tweeters on top of the speakers? who makes them?
Back to top	Maximus NEO TT\|ViV Rigid Float TA \| Phasemation PP-200 or Hana ML \| Sutherland Little Loco MK2 \| Innuos ZENith MK3 \| LampizatOr GA TRP \| EMIA Remote Autoformer \| STL "Super Tube Rectifier" STR-1002 \| SRA Cables \| PAP Quintet 15 1.6 Voxativ \|Torus AVR15 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #97 - 03/06/23 at 17:01:40 Tweeters yes. They are Aperion Audio and have been great. They are more versatile, more sensitive, and are a 1/3 the price of my Townshend tweeters. The make some nice stuff. https://www.aperionaudio.com/collections/super-tweeter-speaker/products/copy-of-...
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

DrewDays

Senior Member

Posts: 53

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #98 - 03/06/23 at 22:01:39

Beautiful setup, Charles! :D

Are you a big reel-to-reel guy? I'm thinking about purchasing a tape machine. Curious what you'd recommend for a tape noob like myself.

I'm looking to buy some of the tapes Steve and Acoustic Productions sell. I pretty much stick to jazz and classical these days.

I'm chasing Steve's experience here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHvdt8EgEt8&list=FLji1cBfA2yu35roYdVB4lKA&index=...

Cheers,
Andrew

Back to top

VPI Prime, Ortofon Bronze/Black, ZP3, ZROCK2, Rachael (SE34I.5), Caintuck Audio Lii F-15 Open Baffles

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #99 - 03/15/23 at 06:44:47 I do enjoy tape, and have for some time. I'm not sure about any recommendations as the budget would determine a big part of choices. Charlie C.1970
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

DrewDays Senior Member Posts: 53	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #100 - 03/15/23 at 17:38:21 Very true. Budget is a major factor in the equation. I'm torn between a completely refurbished Otari MX-5050 BII and a J-Corda Technics RS1500 at the moment. They got you hooked when you were young. ;D
Back to top	VPI Prime, Ortofon Bronze/Black, ZP3, ZROCK2, Rachael (SE34I.5), Caintuck Audio Lii F-15 Open Baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #101 - 03/15/23 at 19:50:26

I really enjoy the Otari's and always have. I have only heard a Technics and never had one personally but I know they are coveted. The Otari with say an external head amp (if you get that deep) would probably be end game for anyone who has access to recordings done properly, in a nice proper as possible room. I know what Steve is experiencing when I see his reactions or hear him speak. It is "another plane" stuff and I feel blessed to have experienced it even if I never do again. Just incredible.

Good luck on the tape journey.

Charlie

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #102 - 04/01/23 at 20:10:35
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #103 - 04/27/23 at 15:44:09

Currently:
Decware Mini Torii with 5933/807w tubes
Schiit Freya+ with Tung Sol 6sn7 tubes
Schiit Loki Max
HiFi Rose RS150B Streamer/DAC
GPA 604-8H III Jon Anderson designed Stonehenge V cabinets
GPA matching crossovers
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 12" subs
Nordost Blue Heaven cables

Everything from 30hz to the supertweeters is fully on the fly adjustable from the listening position. Things just float around the room in a sometimes 360 degree audio presentation that disappears into a wall of sound that is deeper and wider by far than the actual dimensions of the room. It is the best audio I personally have heard. Organic, natural, unbloated, and just head bobbing/toe tapping audio joy.

2023 find/finish a turntable, and decide on a centerpiece amplifier or upgrade the one pictured to wrap it all up.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

4krow

Seasoned Member

IMAGINE WHIRLLED
PEAS

Posts: 1607

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #104 - 04/27/23 at 15:57:26

Meant totally in the right way, some systems are fun to look at. It took a second to see the RTR machines hiding back there.
TBH, this looks like one of the very few systems where someone has actually addressed important room issues, and I can imagine that the presentation of the music reflects that. Great job.

Back to top

Decware 34I.3 integrated amp/Forte' 3 bass amp/Velodyne SMS-1 bass mngmnt system/Decware ZOB speakers/Audio Nirvana 8" bass drivers/Xiang Seng DAC/ LR Audio Computer/Rega Apollo R CDP/Emotiva ERC3 CDP/BPT 3.0 power cond.

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #105 - 05/09/23 at 05:06:11 Lucid tonight......
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

ArtMan Seasoned Member Posts: 170	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #106 - 05/09/23 at 07:23:35 Sweet.
Back to top	Acer Laptop, Curious USB cable, Holo Audio May L2 DAC, ZRock 2, SE84UFO25, Fast 15 Network, Caintuck Audio Fast 15, Decware DSR3S/DHC2/ZFOCUS cables, Swiss Digital Fuse Boxes, Cryotone tubes (5AR4-WC, EL84-WC X 2, ECC88-WC, 0A3-WC X 2, 0D3-WC, 12AU7-WCL) IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #107 - 05/27/23 at 11:15:59
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Dominick Seasoned Member Still like that old time Rock and Roll!! Posts: 1162	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #108 - 05/28/23 at 05:26:53 Charles…..stunning is an understatement!! I would never want to leave. I’m sure the room treatment makes that room sing!! Dom
Back to top	Rasp. Pi 4 [Roon], Schiit Bifrost True Multibit DAC, ZBIT, ZROCK2, My Audio Cables Ultra Silver+, ZSB, CSP2+ 25th, DAG Cables, DHC1, Torii MKIV 25th /2 White Zen SE84C+ 25th mono’s, Rega P2 Turntable,Rega Fono MK5, Velodyne Dual Firing Sub, ERR’s [Bubbinga Wood] IP Logged

Kamran Seasoned Member Posts: 945	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #109 - 05/30/23 at 03:03:47 Fantastic setup Charles!
Back to top	Innuos Pulse Streaming Transport and Phoenix Net Switch-Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC-Ic0n4 Autoformer Passive Pre-Sarah 300B SET Amp-ZBIT-GIK Room Treatment-Caintuck Audio Magnum Baffles—Li Audio Fast 15 Drivers-P.I. Audio MajikBuss & Puritan PSM 156 Conditioners IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #110 - 08/08/23 at 10:10:58 Speakers disappear and it's simply the music and you!
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #111 - 08/29/23 at 03:59:14 My ohhhh my.... SE84UFO25
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Tony Seasoned Member "Life without ..music is inconceivable" A.Einsteln Posts: 627	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #112 - 08/29/23 at 04:09:11 Charles, If you don't mind me asking, what components are to the left and right of the SE84UFO25? BTW, the room looks great.
Back to top	SE84UFO25 \| Ic0n4 Passive Preamp \| ZBIT \| Cambr. CXNv2 \| Denafrips Pontus II \| Denafrips Gaia \| Decware I/Cs \| Decware Pwr Cbls \| ZWIRE Speaker Cbls \| Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 \| Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #113 - 08/29/23 at 04:22:42 Quicksilver Horn Monoblock amplifiers.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #114 - 08/30/23 at 00:43:58
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Kamran Seasoned Member Posts: 945	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #115 - 09/01/23 at 03:52:22 Love your room and equipment Charles. I noticed that you’re selling your cream top Rachael! Good luck. Would love to know your take on the various amps (Rachel, UFO25, Quicksilver) you have used over the years.
Back to top	Innuos Pulse Streaming Transport and Phoenix Net Switch-Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC-Ic0n4 Autoformer Passive Pre-Sarah 300B SET Amp-ZBIT-GIK Room Treatment-Caintuck Audio Magnum Baffles—Li Audio Fast 15 Drivers-P.I. Audio MajikBuss & Puritan PSM 156 Conditioners IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #116 - 09/01/23 at 08:49:03 Keeping it. ;)
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #117 - 09/25/23 at 21:30:02 Sarah has arrived and I must say....... well I'm not saying anything right now, but I am full of thoughts so until I sort them out I'll keep them to myself. This is a gorgeous amp.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #118 - 09/25/23 at 22:02:30 This forum has no “like” option so…
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

HockessinKid Seasoned Member Posts: 1094	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #119 - 09/25/23 at 22:52:52 [Congratulations Charles. Just enjoy the ride. HK
Back to top	Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #120 - 09/25/23 at 23:29:56 Congrats Charles! Saw this on one of the other forums. You're going to be happy.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

Sean Seasoned Member Posts: 285	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #121 - 09/26/23 at 01:06:04 Looks great!!!
Back to top	Technics 1210G, AT OC9III, Cinemag 1254 SUT, ZP3, CSP2+, SE84UFO, Tekton Pendragon Schiit Bifrost, Mac Mini, Roon IP Logged

Ghostship Seasoned Member Posts: 155	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #122 - 09/26/23 at 10:00:46 Congrats!!
Back to top	Paul Pang Quad Network Switch & Fiber MSB Premier DAC Zen Sarah SEWE300B Cryotone Bundle Tekton 2-12 Perfect SET Speakers w/ BE Tweeters and Cap & Wiring upgrades Tekton 2-10 Sub IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #123 - 09/26/23 at 22:16:00
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

HockessinKid Seasoned Member Posts: 1094	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #124 - 09/27/23 at 00:13:33 Beautiful Charles. What is the base wood you selected? HK
Back to top	Nottingham Interspace TT w/ Audio Technica AT-OC9XML cart + Modwright PH 9.0XT phono OR Modwright modded Cambridge CNX V2 > CSP3-25th Ann. preamp > ZMA-25th Ann. amp > PI Audio UberBUSS > Caintuck Audio Lii15 Magnum speakers > Snake River Audio & ZenWave cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #125 - 09/27/23 at 04:56:25 Zen............ This SEWE300B Zen Sarah is really outstanding.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #126 - 09/27/23 at 06:09:10
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #127 - 09/27/23 at 08:04:34 Definitely agree. . .outstanding.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #128 - 10/04/23 at 00:33:20
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #129 - 10/04/23 at 00:49:28 Wish I had a room like that for my system! Maybe in the next life.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

Matchstikman

Seasoned Member

Posts: 759

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #130 - 10/04/23 at 04:02:42

Nice system.

I think there is a post by Steve where he suggest putting a rug in front of your speakers. I have one in front of my Cornwalls and helps with the focus.

This is the mat I purchased of Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08JCZDZXZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?i...

It may help that tiny bit.

Back to top

IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #131 - 10/04/23 at 06:02:29 Funny you mentioned it as I ordered one this morning for that area. 8-) Man I secretly hope to find a set of Cornwall I's again someday within a reasonable drive. I miss mine I had almost 20 years ago.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Tony Seasoned Member "Life without ..music is inconceivable" A.Einsteln Posts: 627	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #132 - 10/04/23 at 06:54:59 If I remember correctly, Steve recommended that the direction of the stripes on the rug made a difference. The short side of the rug goes along the base of the speaker and the long side points directly at the listening position. That way the stripes point at the listener.
Back to top	SE84UFO25 \| Ic0n4 Passive Preamp \| ZBIT \| Cambr. CXNv2 \| Denafrips Pontus II \| Denafrips Gaia \| Decware I/Cs \| Decware Pwr Cbls \| ZWIRE Speaker Cbls \| Omega SAHOM & KEF KC62 \| Furman Cond l GIK Room Trmt IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #133 - 12/04/23 at 23:10:12
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #134 - 12/04/23 at 23:25:52 Charles, have you tried 75C1 yet? I took my trio out one at a time then two at a time substituting 0C2 . . . and I couldn't return to a trio of 75C1 fast enough. At least for my system they are very special!
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #135 - 12/04/23 at 23:29:51 Quote: Charles, have you tried 75C1 yet? Not yet. I have a half dozen new ones that came in a few weeks back when my amp was with Steve though.
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Lon Seasoned Member "Love without guts is worthless!" Philip K. Dick Posts: 23524	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #136 - 12/04/23 at 23:31:56 Good. I love those tubes. I used to use them as voltage regulation for the input tubes in my SE84UFO3 Monoblocks and they really shined there as well. There's a richness to them I haven't found in other voltage regulation tubes--not mud, just a full sound.
Back to top	HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK2,SEWE300B,CSP3-25mod; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II, P15,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3; VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects, IsoPods; headphones: Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1 IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #137 - 12/08/23 at 04:58:39 Finishing up on a totally different system variation, with high powered tube amps, and speaker placement. I'm again, blown away right now. Middle: Audio Research VT100 MKII, and/or Sonic Frontiers SFM-160 monoblocks. Halcyon-Mark Audio floorstanders custom built by Jon Anderson!
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

charles hidalgo Seasoned Member Posts: 494	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #138 - 02/05/24 at 16:17:06 Holy Moses!
Back to top	SEWE300B #004 HDTv2 Zbit Schiit Freya+ Schiit Loki Max EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo Custom AT turntable Softone phone stage TEAC and Otari tape machines SVS Pro 1000 subs Nordost cables IP Logged

Steve Deckert

Administrator

If the 1st watt
sucks why continue?

Posts: 6246

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #139 - 02/06/24 at 16:17:30

I have an imaging enhancement for you. Let's talk about drapes... To understand how much sound they absorb and at what frequencies vs. bare glass there is a simple and effective test.

Turn on your stereo -- open the drapes and stand with your back against the glass -- listen to your room. Shut your eyes. Now close the drapes over your face and see what you hear change. If nothing changes, you can hear the sound perfectly, then it can be assumed the drapes do nothing.

My guess is that will probably happen, and it would likely take at least 10 layers of those drapes to make an audible difference. If the drapes are never opened, you could hang some moving blankets behind the drapes. If they are opened then I would encourage you to make heavy heavy drapes your next audio purchase.

Steve : )

Back to top

IP Logged

Geno Seasoned Member Without music, life would be a mistake. Posts: 2000	Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises! Reply #140 - 02/06/24 at 19:44:32 Quote: heavy heavy drapes Heavy drapes rather than diffusion?
Back to top	(2)SE84UFO(Balanced Monoblocs) OR Sansui AU-222 Crown sub amp Cambridge Audio CXN(ModWright) • ZBIT SL-1210MK5(KAB Mods) Soundsmith Aida MKll cart • Darlington Labs MP-7 Otari MX5050-Bll2 R2R ZLC Power Cond. Lii Audio PT-10/W-15 in open baffles IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #141 - 02/07/24 at 00:05:31

Quote:

I have an imaging enhancement for you. Let's talk about drapes... To understand how much sound they absorb and at what frequencies vs. bare glass there is a simple and effective test.

Turn on your stereo -- open the drapes and stand with your back against the glass -- listen to your room. Shut your eyes. Now close the drapes over your face and see what you hear change. If nothing changes, you can hear the sound perfectly, then it can be assumed the drapes do nothing.

My guess is that will probably happen, and it would likely take at least 10 layers of those drapes to make an audible difference. If the drapes are never opened, you could hang some moving blankets behind the drapes. If they are opened then I would encourage you to make heavy heavy drapes your next audio purchase.

Steve : )

My plan at some point was to experiment with a window "plug" to slide in the recessed window area as I almost never open things, and it could be squeezed in for a perfect fit and depth of around 4". I did had a few "quilt hangers" (8' long with two 1x2 flat pieces of hardwood you mount the blanket in then use screws to compress the boards flat and not harm the blanket when hanging) to choose from in the closet and one was almost the exact same width as the window (roughly 8'). I mounted a heavy moving blanket ( yes I had some of those too.. imagine that). I will listen tonight but I admit, it at least fits like it was made to order inside the window area and the regular curtains (not real thick but they were doing a bit) cover the entire thing as nothing changed. After Steve's suggestions I checked. The window area is dark now totally dark for that "night time" like listening in the day. I am a huge believer of listening with as little distractions visually as well and this allows me to do that anytime of the day now at least. I turn off all fancy displays when I can and always have. I had thought of this before but thanks Steve for the little nudge.

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged

charles hidalgo

Seasoned Member

Posts: 494

Re: Recent upgrades as of late.. With a few surprises!
Reply #142 - 02/08/24 at 08:06:38

Today has been surreal.. I'm jittery still. It was a full on digital, vinyl and 15ips tape day, and It was just an incredible christening with Jon. We listened all day to these beautiful speakers that he built. We discussed what we were hearing and it was an "another world" experience for me. He felt the same.

Charlie

Back to top

SEWE300B #004
HDTv2
Zbit
Schiit Freya+
Schiit Loki Max
EverSolo Streamer/DAC combo
Custom AT turntable
Softone phone stage
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 subs
Nordost cables

IP Logged