Fantastic piece of music. I use the Mercedes Sosa recording to demonstrate the quality of massed voices on the equipment being auditioned. I’ll look for the version you mention. As for the ERC recordings, I’m sure you are right. I have been collecting records for almost 40 years now and it’s rare to have that moment of pure joy as you hold a record in your hand for the first time. I was in New York last year and happened into Generation Records and wandered aimlessly around as carrying vinyl around whilst traveling is something I have been caught out with and it was one of those moments of looking across a crowded room and our eyes met and I knew she was perfect. High on the wall was an original of “Casino Royals” and after a somewhat surly exchange with the counter hopper, she was brought down and placed on the counter in front of me. As mint as the day she was pressed and $25 flew across the counter in the blink of an eye and joy, you have no idea. As I turned to leave, the surly hopper flipped out that her twin might be downstairs in the soundtrack section and she might be $15. ERC records contain the same elixir, one step records do not. I still buy them and enjoy them but they are not cut from the same cloth.
One of the joys of this hobby--discovering new music (unless you're living in PQ's audio hell*) I didn't know that composition. Tidal has both the Philips issue and the Carreras version. I liked them both, frankly--Carreras' singing wasn't nearly as *classical' as I had expected from what you wrote. And his voice was quite nice sounding, actually. As opposed to the admittedly few opera recordings I have heard with him where sounded congested. But I can see why you prefer the Philips issue--the lead voice blends more into the whole. I need to listen some more times to get an informed opinion. Looking forward to that *EDIT: Not implying that PQ lives in audio hell But he coined the term, and I know exactly what he means. I was never quite there but for a while I was close ...
In our new reality, I am spending a lot more time in my office, so I wanted to have my music sound great. After more than a year of searching around, I finally have my office system put together. Sounds pretty amazing. AN-J SEC Silver speakers AN Meishu Tonmeister Phono Silver Signature Balanced w/4300Es Audio Note TT Three with ARM Three/II and PSU3 Audio Note IO Gold with AN-S8L Step Up transformer AN CDT-4 transport AN DAC4.1x Balanced Signature Sonos streamer w/ AN 0.1X DAC
Very Sweet office setup. Is that the Wyred 4 Sound modified Sonus ? Also, can't really make out the photo that well but it appears that the TT3 and the CDT-4 are sitting on some kind of isolation feet. BTW - glad to see you survived the fires.
Yes, it has the W4S reclocker/better PS. Makes a difference. The TT3 and the Tonmeister are on HRS pucks. The CDT is on IsoAcoustics Orea series pucks, although I'll probably swap them out at some point. And, thank you, it was pretty scary up here for a while.
Yes, a quad run of the Lexus 96 strand. And a balanced cable between the DAC and the Amp. I know that it measures better, but I am not sure I can tell the difference with that one. (But I did finally get to use that little switch on the back of the DAC )
Great system! I don't think I'd be able to concentrate if I had that in front of me while working. What rack is that? It's joined in the middle right? It looks very attractive and functional. Did you find the rack to have any noticeable difference on the sound of your system?
This is the HRS RXR series rack, and yes it is joined in the middle. They can be configured a variety of different ways. Although my house is a concrete slab with slate on top, the previous rack - a solidsteel - transmitted vibrations and the TT3, wonderful though it is, is sensitive to vibration. The HRS rack is rock solid. You can hear the difference (in a good way) on records. Not so much on CDs, but it probably helps there, too.
I have some questions about the implementation... Do you know how the speaker screws must be tightened? When you have the choice between AES / EBU or S / PDIF input on an AN Dac, which one do you choose and for what reason? Thank you!
I am gratuitously posting this pic of my system, nothings changed, but pretty sure this thread has never had 3 pics of AN-J's in a row before!
First, let me say that I am not an expert on vibration. Some changes are obvious - like moving from the Solidsteel rack to the HRS rack. Other things - I may not have trained ears enough to really identify things. But, I believe the theory is that putting good pucks directly under the 3 motors on the TT3 will absorb some of the vibration.
Can anybody offer advice if it’s safe to stack my CD2 directly on top of my M3 Pre? It’s not an option to put the CD underneath as it’s shallower than the M3, plus the M3 is considerably heavier. The plastic feet on the CD player give about 25mm clearance. Is that enough ventilation - I don’t want to fry it!
I’ve just had my head turned by a second hand CD3.1 x Apparently this has never been used and is in as new condition. I’ve searched on line but can find virtually no information about this or any reviews. Is anybody using one of these? When was this model replaced? It’s advertised at 995 euros Any thoughts?
My thought is that seems like a great deal especially if the player is in, as described, new condition.
I have a 3.1x that I run into my AN 1.1 Dac. I quite like the combo but I can’t tell you how the 3.1x sounds on its own. I bought my used for a little (but not a lot) more than your price. I haven’t regretted buying it.
That’s interesting that you only use it for transport. On a simple level I would have thought the DAC in the 3.1x would be superior to the 1.1 DAC?
Audio Note CD 3.1x/II CD player - FULL REVIEW • The Sound Advocate I will be moving up to one in the next year or so. It's a good value and probably the sweet spot as far as the all-in-one AN players.
I am very sorry if I complicate things, my intention is only to share knowledge that might help you make the right choice for you: I've heard the CD 3 and 4, and the 4 is the one I could live with for years.