After 30 years My Audio Dreams Are Realized, maybe...!

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by jeff kleinberg, Aug 11, 2017.

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  1. Coricama

    Coricama Classic Rocker

    Location:
    Marietta, GA
    Congratulations, I hope you get many years of enjoyment out of your new gear!
     
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  2. timind

    timind phorum rezident

    It's a beautiful setup. In that room though, you really need to investigate some acoustic treatments. The link to the AudioCircle web site should prove helpful. If you ask for advice on the GIK sponsored circle, you will receive a response from a company rep.

    Some bass trapping and reflection management will amaze you.
     
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  3. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Well I was lucky enough to come across a nice trade for a ClearAudio Innovation Compact Wood with 9" Universal. I'm now running that with the Koetsu RSP. Will be selling the VPI soon, Love the Clearaudio arm. Less interdependence of settings. Will post pics soon.
     
  4. Tullman

    Tullman Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    Looking forward to Pics. You have a great setup.
     
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  5. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Thanks, here are some pics. I am really liking the universal arm, using it now without the ring clamp and with a Koetsu RSP instead of the Dynavector XV1T. I wanted to compare the tables and didn't want to set up 3 carts. The Clearaudio is more explosive and dynamic. There is less mid bass though,but that may be cable dependent as the tonearm has a captive cable, and when I switch to the Nordost Tyr 2 from the Cardas Clear, I get changes in a similar range(among another things). The VPI is using a Valhalla 2 Tonearm cable connected to the MC input on my Lamm, which I plan to move between the SUT and the MM input on the Phono pre once I sell the VPI system, so I'll see where that puts the tonal balance, still need to adjust VTF a bit. Also having trouble getting arm parallell it seems a bit tail up and its base is already abutting the armboard. The Clearaudio goes into the SUT with its captive cable and then a Tyr 2 out to phono pre and a Clear to my Naim, PRE. In all configurations(sut/MCin) I prefer the Clearaudio, though the VPI does some things in a way that I like more, but I suspect most of that is like getting used to your TV after your first ISF adjustment. I'm tapping my foot and singing more than I have in a while(I listen almost nightly at least an hour for years), that was my main hope.[​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG]
     
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  6. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    This clearaudio table has eclipsed all my expectations. I feel no need to f@@k with the sound! Just sit back and sip, smile, and repeat. Sound stage is bigger with all records, the center image is much more stable and focused. Bass is deeper and cleaner, I can crank to 11 and I get no more feedback with huge bass!!! Just that alone makes it a worthwhile upgrade. This is also without the new pulley/flat belt upgrade and outer ring clamp. With the Classic 3 the periphery ring was a HUGE upgrade, I had never heard vinyl so quiet. The pulley and 3 belts made a big difference as well. I miss the eagle power supply and tach as I like to see the numbers. I listened to NY Cellar Door last night and the piano sustains were right on to my ears longs and deeply emotional. I have had no desire to mount the dynavector, the Koetsu is really nice on this arm and I'm sure the VTA is off as I need the base lower(not possible) , maybe add shims under the headshell. The XV1 is taller so VTA should be more accurate. Listening to Blackberry Bell white vinyl that I purchased on release day, never heard it like this, I could actually hear wtf was going on in all the different parts of teenage wristband. Dynamic, huge, I was singing like an ass. I'll miss the VPI it has served me very well, and I'll never forget the first time I hooked up an original Aries 6 or 7 years ago(from a MMF7). My mind was offically blown, I had never heard music like that before and forced everyone I know or was related to, to listen with me. The clearaudio is on another planet in every aspect, especially PRAT. Dream officially has come true!
     
  7. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    [​IMG] [​IMG] [​IMG] I have really been enjoying this table. Finally packed up the VPI as I just wasn't enjoying the sound as much, even with a better cart. I have some new pics, just put on my old Benz RubyH, and it seems to fit much better than the Koetsu. Thought I would just leave it for a bit and then switch to to the Dynavector, but I am liking this euphonic sound for now. No hurry to change it. Got some new RSD releases to spin tonight. Cheers.
     
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  8. Metralla

    Metralla Joined Jan 13, 2002

    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Looks like a Silent Running power conditioner there (I have a Maxim but only need the 4 outlets). I admire and envy your SRA stand.
     
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  9. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Thanks, yes I love my Dmitri and Scuttle 3. You pointed out the two items in my system I was most anxious about buying! Funny. I didn't really "believe" in the whole power thing, the Dmitri was a leap of faith, can't really AB it too well with another unit. The Scuttle too, 8K or something insane, no way to test in your system. I was terrified it would be a 400# waste of cash, I didn't even love the looks of it 8 years ago(now I adore it). I was VERY relieved when the difference in sound was easily heard and much improved to my ears.
    The Dmitri is caddy cornered because I'm trying to decide between my amp straight to my dedicated line, or the Dmitri. I think I like straight to the wall, but I need to switch back to confirm. A new longer CH Acoustic cable(they made the cable for Running Springs) is serious green, so its sideways for now. Do you have a HZ to your Maxim? Haven't yet found a cable that bests it, different yes, better no.
     
  10. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    That is one beautiful system you've got there Jeff. :drool:
     
  11. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    [​IMG]



    This Sin'e release is currently blowing my mind. Moved several times already. I was initially annoyed they kept the banter, but it's actually quite thrilling to hear him talk, almost get chills, great sense of realism with this system. I feel so spoiled with all the great vinyl coming out now.
     
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  12. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Thanks for the kind words, many many years in the making. The speakers never cease to amaze me.
     
    Dave likes this.
  13. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Anyone know how to remove blutac stains from RSA shelving? The stains in the picture are bugging me a bit, luckily I cant see it from my listening position and I have a fresh side to flip over to if I have to sell. Was thinking maybe
    Goo Gone, can't look much worse.
     
  14. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    If it's smooth and not porous but very sticky you might try [​IMG]
    Keep in mind it will take days to deodorize after application. Or maybe this if it will break down easily.
    [​IMG]
     
  15. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    It is not sticky, seems more like an oil stain on paper kind of situation. The surface is very porous with lots of small crevices(not palpable), better to reduce vibration, I have found no reason to argue. I added the second SRA component specific stand because I was getting a transformer hum from the Lamm, disappears with the base. I should post a video to show the difference, I bet some members would be stunned at the difference, not sure I would have believed it 10 years ago. they have earned my respect and confidence. The designer used to silence subs for the navy.
     
  16. Shiver

    Shiver Forum Resident

    Location:
    UK
    Lovely set-up and room :thumbsup:
     
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  17. Leggs91203

    Leggs91203 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Indiana
    Awesome set up. I am not even sure what most of the components even are.

    One thing the photos do not show but i hope you have is a good insurance policy on all that. Understandable if you do not wish to say how much was spent on the speakers alone but it had to be five figures.
     
  18. allied333

    allied333 Audiophile

    Location:
    nowhere
    Congrats on new speakers.
     
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  19. Tim 2

    Tim 2 MORE MUSIC PLEASE

    Location:
    Alberta Canada
    Very nice indeed. :tiphat:
     
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  20. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    Definitely the Isopopyl 99% then because the Lectric uses a type of lubricant to assist in getting things off. :shh: I've used the Isopropyl to remove nicotine stains from CD booklets and nothing else can even come close but you have to cautious with text ink.
     
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  21. Metralla

    Metralla Joined Jan 13, 2002

    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    You have to be very careful with the material that SRA use for their shelves. It's called steatite - or soapstone. The material has a number of unique characteristics. I bought a slab for the top of my PolyCrystal stand to replace the original which had bowed. My slab is 2 inches thick.

    About Soapstone
     
  22. Metralla

    Metralla Joined Jan 13, 2002

    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    No - I have tried to buy one on AudiogoN a couple of times. I missed out on one, and on the second, the buyer ended up backing out. My Maxim came with the Cardas cord but I would love the High Zoot (CH Acoustic). Bloody hard to find.
     
  23. LitHum05

    LitHum05 El Disco es Cultura

    Location:
    Virginia
    The turntable is badass. The one time I tried using a clamp though I felt like it was sucking the air out of record playback. Obviously your turntable doesn’t do anything like this. But can you comment on that feature at all compared to a non-clamp turntable?
     
  24. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    Yes definitely keep an eye out for the HZ, it will thoroughly blow your mind. I was in such doubt of the power conditioners, I used the stock 20 amp cord that came with the dmitri for a few months, bad move. I picked most of mine up second hand, set up a audioshark search and you'll get an email when one lists on all the major sites. I've paid between 8-1100. They come up every few months. I've tried many power cables, nothing has touched the HZ, have them on all components now. When I pay off the new components(gotta love fee free balance transfers) I'll probably look into the CH x20, but the upgrade bug is dead for now.
     
  25. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member Thread Starter

    Location:
    Ct
    I have used several clamps, my Aries had a screw on. which seemed to exacerbate warps, not sure I heard much sonic benefit though no detriment either. The Classic with the HRX I heard some differences, not sure I could clearly say better. The periphery ring clamp was a game changer though on the Classic, background was much quieter and a more stable image. Dramatic. Waiting for the ring clamp for my new table, anxious to hear the difference, plus I hate watching my stylus ride up and down. I added the HRS clamp to classic as a tweak to try, I found it significantly improved the sound over the vpi. The vpi doesn't fit the Clearaudio spindle, but the HRS beats the standard Clearaudio model handily. An interesting thing about my table is different weights of clamps and rings will change the VTA slightly. It has a magnetic air gap bearing so a heavier load on the platter makes this gap smaller thus lowering platter height slightly. That must be taken into account when comparing. I'd like to believe that the extra weight of the 180 gram records will close the magnetic gap just enough to match the 120g VTA;)
     
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