DCC Archive Tell us about your audio system

Hello all,...hey, I don't think we all need a super high fi to enjoy the music, or a DCC...after about 2 or 3 grand for a system...the utility gains take a dive. Big bucks for splitting hairs. I recently listened to a 50 grand Mark Levinson setup, and I actually preffered mine for some reason...It's not as clinical sounding.....Okydoky..here goes...

Amps: A pair of Dynaco MK III's(beautiful)
Phase Linear 400 series

Preamps: Van Alstines tubed Super Pas 3
Phase Linear

phono: Phonomena by Musical Surroundings

CD player: Theta Miles

record player: Rega Planar 3, Elyss Cartridge

Cables: Kimber

Speakers: Advents, and I'm waiting on a pair of Stirling LS3/5A monitors. I'm pretty excited about those........

-Wes

 

VPI HW-19 Mk. III w/ JMW10 tonearm
Clearaudio Aurum BetaS cartridge
Sony KA1ESA Cassette Deck
Pioneer DV-414 DVD player
Rotel RA-970BX (int. amp) w/ RQ-970BX (phono amp)
Sony MDP-333 Laserdisc Player
JVC S-VHS VCR
Toshiba 32" TV
Sound Dynamics 300ti Loudspeakers
AudioQuest cables

 

My system:

Marantz 7C Preamp

Marantz 9 Amp (pair)

Marantz 10B tuner (currently in closet because Detroit has NO FM radio stations worth listening to)

FMI "J" Speakers (huge speakers made by a guy named Robert Fulton in the late 1970's).

McKay Dymek AM radio tuner (a "high fidelity" AM tuner from the late 1970's).

Sony SCD-1 SACD Player (what a GREAT CD player -- I wish Steve would do some SACD's!!!)

Linn Sondek LP-12/Lingo/Ekos I/Benz Glider High Output

Big satellite dish with 4DTV receiver (gets me WFMT from Chicago for radio listening and lots of TV)

About 10000 LP's, 3000 CD's, 300 SACD's

 

Steve: can you or anyone here give any tips on posting a pic here? I'm not familiar on converting a file(jpg or?) to a URL. I have posted a few pics on a guitar site but it uses a different system than DCC.

 

Here's mine - No particular order for the main upstairs entertainment unit:

JVC HR-J610U Stereo VCR "Hi Spec" drive
Sony CD Player (Single) CDP-361. w/ optical
Technics Carosel SL-PD847
Sony MiniDisc MDS JB930 ('Pro' Deck)
Technics Dbl Cass PS-TR333
Pioneer LD Player CLD-S201
Sima Color Corrector Model SCC
Apex DVD AD500W
Proscan TV (RCA) 28"
Haffler SS P-225 POWER AMP (175w/ea 4 oHms) 2 channel (front)
Rotel SS Preamp RTC 965
Acoustat 3's Electrostatic speakers
Dynaco ST70 vintage tube amp (rear)
Boston Acoustics (rebuilt w/new drivers) rear surround bookshelf speakers (small)
KLH Powered Subwoofer ASW10-100 (I rebuilt with new caps)
Electronic Audio Supply PH-1 Phono pre (tube)
Rega P3 w/ RB300 arm. Bais cart (for now)

[ December 24, 2001: Message edited by: Sckott ]

 

Best to post the photo on maybe your "given" public webspace. Ask your ISP (or check their site) on how you can FTP jpg's to your god-given webspace on their server. If you're having problems and you just want to post 2-3 photos, email them to me and I'll post them for a couple a' weeks so people can see.

Oh, when you upload the pipcs to your server space, you can easilly use the "Instant UBB CODE" buttons to reference the files on the server. This picture is of my SS Hafler before I got it at an eBay auction. Needed something with lots'a power for the electrostatics. Still very nice sound!! Enjoy.

 

Adcom GTP-500II Preamp/Tuner
Adcom GFA 535 Amplifier
Hitatchi HT350 Direct Drive Turntable
Shure 97XE Cartridge
Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble Speaker System
Sony TCWA8ESA Cassette Deck
Denon CDR-W1500 CD player/recorder (does HDCD)
Sennheiser HD580 Headphones

 

Since Steve asked nicely...

Been through a lot of gear in the last 10 years. Going back to 1991:

GE boombox (still works)

Then Carver HR732 receiver (gimmicky) with Denon DCM320 CD changer (crap) with tiny KEF speakers (crap). Then I ran through crappy huge Pioneer speakers, large Cerwin Vegas (crap), and finally settled on Polk S4s for a few years (OK).

In the meantime, picked up Yamaha cassette deck second-hand. Also picked up a crappy Sansui dual well deck (sold it) and a neat looking Sony tape changer, which was stolen from me, but they left the remote.

While the Denon changer was busy breaking constantly, I borrowed my bro-in-law's Dual and started playing vinyl. Then bought myself a Linn Axis used at a great price.

Then I bought Polk RT8s and relegated the S4s to a second system.

Then I picked up a Rotel RA930AX II used for a really good price and used it for years, eventually selling the Carver receiver.

In the meantime, I was given a cheap Rat Shack CD player (gave it away), vintage Marantz 5220 tape deck and 2220B receiver, and mid-70s Dual TT with plastic base.

Sold the Dual TT, got the 5220 fixed up and sold it, and sold the 2220B just this year.

At some point, I found an AR TA 'table by a dumpster, picked it up, let it sit for 2 years, then started restoring. I sold it just this year, arm-less. I picked up a used Rega 250 for it, which I still have.

At some other point, I helped my cousin buy a Thorens TD316, which I then purchased from him, still have, and will probably sell.

And I was given a Rotel RCD940BX CD player and Denon DCM520. So I gave the DCM320 away, and now wish I could unload the 520 on someone.

Just this year, sold the Rotel RA930AX II, bought a RQ970BX and have since sold it, bought an Adcom GFP555 and Adcom GFA535, and bought the ART DI/O, which I still use as my DAC and as ADC for LP rips.

What was the question?

 

Oh yeah, and add Grado SR60s in there somewhere.

I also picked up a lightning damaged Mitsubishi 35" TV for free two years ago, got it fixed for $245, and have been using it since.

[ December 24, 2001: Message edited by: Patrick M ]

 

My Proscan 28" I bought for less than $200 back around 1990. It was a "van drop". Meaning some knucklehead at Circuit City (seller's quote) dropped a bunch of perfectly new TVs. This local guy is a DIY nut, still fixes TVs old and new and now has a bigger racket and also reconditions old Jukeboxes. Still use it, great picture, even with stereo sound (barely use it for that). He used to have this garage connected to a small home. Now he has a proper home and office.

Something to be said for a great buy on a TV... no I mean great buy FOR a TV.

 

Which is still in your coffee table drawer, right?

 

Hi everyone - Here's mine:

Amplifier: Belles 150A "Hot Rod" Solid State.

Preamplifier: Rotel RC 980BX.

Loudspeakers: AR 302's (these are the Ken Kantor redesigns of the AR-5's). I also own a vintage pair of Bozak B302A's that I would like to maybe build new cabinets for someday. How's that for a model # coincidence!

Turntable: Dual CS 431 belt-driven fitted with an Audio-Technica 440ML moving magnet cartridge. I'm especially happy with this current setup. I previously had a Rega 2 with the stock 250 arm and Sumiko Blue Point but sold it due to audible W&F and motor noise problems that eventually drove me crazy. The ultra low mass arm on the Dual coupled with the very high compliance microridge AT is the best tracking setup I've had yet...who'd have thunk it! : )

CD player: Rotel RCD 950.

Laserdisc Player: Pioneer LD-V4400 Industrial Model.

DVD Player: Toshiba SD-1200.

Headphones: Fostex T20 RP.

Beta Hi-Fi machine: Sony SL-HF 300.

Cassette Deck: Aiwa AD-F300.

Record Cleaning machine: Audio Advisor Record Doctor.

misc:
Panamax Line Conditioner 1000+.

JVC HR-VP59U VHS Hi-Fi machine.

Panasonic U-matic 3/4 in. editing system. I guess this counts as audio because I have some very old music related stuff stored on those tapes.

Leslie Solid State 825 speaker and preamp. Anyone wanna buy it for there old Hammond B-3...lol ???

Turtle Beach Santa Cruz computer soundcard. I had to plug this...a nice sounding, transparent budget card IMO.


Overall, I'm pleased with this current setup. The AR speakers are the antithesis of high resolution, "audiophile" music gear...easy on the ears. Anyway, I consider myself more of a music lover than an audiophile, per se. Unfortunately, over the past 20 years I've purchased (and mistakenly sold) more equipment than I'd ever care to admit. Hopefully, the "disease" won't bite again for a LONG time...lol!


Happy holidays to all!
http://home.att.net/~dmodny/arspeakers.jpg

 

My stereo system includes:
Studer D730 CD player
Stax SRM 1 Mk 2 Professional energiser/Lambda Nova Signature electrostatic earspeakers
old Rotel integrated amp
JJ Float/PS2 electrostatic phones
EPI 70C speakers

 

OK, here's my some 10 years old stuff (from source to speakers):
- Audiolab 8000 CDM Transport
- via Gotham AES/EBU cable
- into a Krell Studio DAC
- via Monster Interlink Reference cable
- into a modified Conrad-Johnson PV 11-L (no more source switching, only volume setting with Monster Interlink Ref. cables between input, selected tubes and output)
- via Monster Interlink Reference (lifted from the floor with plastic cups and foam rolls; ok, I'm a sick guy...)
- into a Krell KSA-150 SE
- via Monster M1 (also lifted from the floor)
- into Apogee Caliper Signature Speakers with Enacoms, some 4 feet from the rear wall.
I have a book flat on top of my transport and one on top of the CJ pre-amp. I think it helps to prevent from housing resonances...

 

My system dates back to 1982, added the Mission in '83. My serious system started with what is now my second tape deck, a great old Sony TC-153SD, dating from 1977. This thing actually has a strap to lug it around, but boy is it heavy. Precursor to boom boxes

 

Actually, no. I tried to sell it on ebay unsuccessfully, then gave it to a repair guy in case someone needed it.

I failed to mention that this same person stole a cordless screwdriver, but left the battery charger. Not the smartest move.

 

Hello,

Here goes....

Telefunken Sonata 5083WK (another one!)
complete with little extention speaker
and all of the paperwork. My first stereo.
Given to me by my parents. They bought it
while my father was stationed in Spain.
Works pefectly!

Tuners:
Marantz 10B
Sumo Charlie
Yamaha T-2
Yamaha T-7
SAE MK VI
Sansui TU-717
Kenwood KT-7001 (modified to include AM
stereo)
Dynaco FM-3
Harmon Kardon Citation III W/Fisher MPX
Teac T-H500 (with AM stereo - not available
in the US)

The Marantz and the Sumo are amongst the
best tuners ever made. The Sequerra Model 1
and the Tandberg 3001 are probably in this
same class. The Yamaha T-2 would be the
next step down. The current Teac sounds
OK but the front end just isn't in the
league of classic tube and good, vintage
solid state tuners. Has a nice AM stereo
section, though.

Pre-Amp:
GAS Thaedra
SAE Mk I
Dynaco PAT-3
Harmon Kardon Citation I

The GAS Theadra is the best of this lot and
probably the best of any lot. Listen to
a well-cared for Thaedra before spending
a lot of money on anything else.

Integrated Amp:
Fuji-Tech (Monarchy imported tube LUXKIT
w/EL34 - output, 12AX7 - preamp, 12AU7
and 6AQ5 -- driver and phase splitter.
Except for 6AQ5 tubes are JJ Valve)
Wired for push-pull triode for a
*whopping* 15 watts. Heavily modified
with improved wiring and ALPS volume
and balance controls.
McIntosh MA-6100
Marant Model 30
Kenwood KA-6000
Teac A-H500

The Fuji-Tech is the reference here but
astonishingly, the rebuilt Kenwood KA-6000
is surprisingly musical for a 1968
transistorized amplifier. The reasonably
well built (these days) Teac is a surprise.
The audio sections are almost all discrete
and it has a phono section.

Power Amp:
Harmon Kardon Citation V

CD:
Sony CDP-X77ES
Sony CDP-102 (love that linear motor tracking!)
Phase Linear 9500
Teac RW-H500
Hitach DA-100

The X77ES is a reference model from 1990
that still holds up well. Extremely well
built it almost tracks as fast as the
lightning fast CDP-102. Along with the
CDP-302 the CDP-102 was a remarkable
acheivement for CD players in 1985.
The Phase Linear and Hitachi are OK
vintage players from 1983 and 1984.
Both a just a bit crude both sonically and
operationally for serious listening.
Both are early 14-bit players, I believe.
The current Teac RW-500 is a nice surprise.
Well built and tracks almost as fast
as the Sony. It has a clean, neutral
sound. Very pleasant to listen to.

Turntable:
Technics SL-10
Technics SL-7
Technics SL-D3
Rega Planar 3

The Technics SL-10 is amazing. Flying in
the face of present audiophile sensibilities
the linear tracing, direct drive with
Technics boron shafted MC cartridge, is
incredibly musical easily besting the
Rega Planar 3. It's a cinch to use as
well.

Tape:

Reel to Reel:
Pioneer RT-707
Revox G-36 (Works great with the
Telefunken!)
Tandberg 64X

The refurbished Revox G-36 stil performs
within the original factory specs and
has held up remarkably well. Lush, tube
sound. The Pioneer has a solid tape
handling mechanism. Will play "problem"
tapes with ease. Sound not as good as
the Revox.

Cassette:
Technics M-234X

Has DBX, works well. Cassettes just aren't
my "thing".

Receivers:
Sansui 9001 (Quadraphonic!)
Fisher 400
Sony DA333ES

The Sony is used for (ugh) home theater.
The Fisher 400 is a competent, vintage
all tube receiver. The FM isn't the
most sensitive or selective but it works
well and is reliable. The 400, 500c, and
800c are probably the best tube receivers
out there.

Headphones:
Stax SR-5 (electrostatic)
Stax SR-X (electrostatic)
Stax SR-40 (electret)
Koss ESP-9 (electrostatic)
Grado SR-80 (dynamic)

The Stax electrostatic sound the best
here. It's a toss-up between the SR-5
and the SR-X. The "5" have air and
sound gorgeous with orchestras and
vocals in a live setting. The SR-X have
superior bass and a sound that suits
rock music well.

Radio:
AOR AR7030
JRC NRD-525
JRC NRD-505 (w/speaker)
Kenwood R-1000
EAC R-390a
Collins R-392

The all tube R-390a is probably the best
shortwave receiver ever built. Remarkable
specifications today -- it was a miracle
in 1954. While reliable, mainanence is
not for the faint of heart. The AOR has
top-notch specs and synchronous detection.
The rare NRD-505 has OK specs and is a
joy to use.

DVD:
Sony DVP-S7000
Toshiba SD-P1000 (The BEST portable
DVD player, PERIOD!)
The Sony is a solid performer -- an early
reference DVD player that still holds up
well. Does not pass DTS movies but will
play DTS encoded CDs. The Toshiba is
the best performing portable DVD player.
I have seen the so-called "top" portables
with the large screens. This smaller
player BLOWS them away. Why? The
progressive scan player coupled with the
LCD screen. It's the only player with
this combination and the results are
impressive and obvious. If the 5.8"
screen can be tolerated this is THE player.

Misc:
McIntosh MI-3
Kenwood KC-6060a
MCS-VTR

Video displays for audio. The McIntosh
and Kenwood are essentially "audio
oscilloscopes". The J.C. Penney's
(that right) MCS-VTR adds a small
television into the mix. Really unique.

Whew! That's it. Merry Christmas!

 

Hey Pat! Why don't you show off your DIY speakers you've fought so hard to build, so far?

 

This is more of a macho, bragging, one-upsmanship, game of see what i've got and what you don't-I make lots of money so there kind of thread!

Anyway, Why are you interested in what we hear music on, Steve?

I'm married so I have:

MIT Terminator 2 interconnects
Kimber Kable PBJ interconnects
Tributaries 12 guage speaker cable

an old 1981 JVC DD turntable w/Grado Black point cartridge (even their cheaper ones sound better than many more expensive!)

Sony 670 DAT

Sony TC-K717ES Dolby S 3-head cassette deck

1989 Sanyo 100 watt-2ch reciever with real knobs

Sony CDP-C545 CD player w/digital outs

Technics SLPD967 CD changer with pitch control

Polk Audio RT-55 bookshelf monitors

Sony MDR7506 Pro studio monitor 'phones

TB Santa Cruz soundcard

[ December 24, 2001: Message edited by: Grant T. ]

 

oh man, isn't it amazing how much equipment (or for most sane people: junk!) one can accumulate!!

I won't list everything in my house since a lot IS junk but this is my setup for serious listening:

Sony SCD-777ES sacd player

Tannoy Reveal Studio Monitors (I listen nearfield)

Antique Sound Labs MG-SPM25DT Mono Blocks
(using 2 KT88, 1 12AX7), 25 watt single ended

and for the junk part: a Radio Shack SW-12 passive subwoofer!! hah! I ripped out the original xover, sealed the port and got a Paradigm X30 active xover and its being powered by a JVC receiver. Obviously this is something I want to upgrade eventually.

Also Grado RS-1 headphones with a Antique Sound Labs MG-HeadDT tube headphone amp.

 

Nah, well you can if you want, but I bought some Radio Shack bookshelf speakers while in college to "get by", and I couldn't stand the 8" drivers. They would stress on most anything. I got pissed and replaced them using "DIY" style Radio Shack Drivers. The sound and imporovement was REALLY nice, believe it or not!!

So I used a dremmel and sawed out a long, rectangular place and replaced the tweeters with the horn-pezio style used for PA systems. Not sure if I replaced the crossover, but I still own these suckers for the tube amps in the basement, and they're really good. To this day, they still get a lot of miles. My Acoustats are for the main floor (living room).

Then when I saw Jeremy Epstein build acoustic tube-type speakers using Radio Shack drivers, I knew it wasn't just "me".

Pat's speakers, as his "now" running experiment is true DIY from the wood, like Jeremy's. They're still in the works. Mine were merely in-cabinet rebuilds. I was introduced to Radio Shack speakers this way. I'm not dissapointed at all. Yeah, Radio Shack has a lot of crap, but thier home-drivers for DIY are not to be laughed at, IMHO.

I did the same thing to my Boston Acoustic speakers. My god! You would not BELIEVE what crappy drivers were in those babies (someone in China got rich quick!). Put in some Radio Shack drivers, and they're solid as a rock again, and sound even a little better. Believe it ..... or NOT!