Another Woman's Perspective

by sc53 on Done For Now

Description

I had owned various Audio Research preamps w/tubes over the years, but never a tube amp or any tubed components like a CD player etc. This year (2001) I took the plunge with the VT100 Mk III, and then because of my shocked amazement I had to keep going, with the BAT pre, the ARC phono pre, and then the vintage tube tuner too! The sound I hear is so rich, full, liquid, and detailed, whether I'm listening to CD, SACD, LP, or tuner, that I am amazed and awe-struck. Is this what they mean by the "tube sound?" I used to run a Goldmund Mimesis 29 SS power amp w/these speakers and an ARC LS-15 pre, both excellent products, but the sound was NOT like this. I wonder what tube monoblocks would do for my speakers (the Genesis have their own built-in amps for the woofers so the tubes are only on the mids and tops)? I am perfectly satisfied with this sound now, however, and could live with it forever (and because of the time and expense i've invested, i pray I do!). The Ensemble interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, and power conditioning products finished off a strikingly musical-sounding system, to my ears. After they broke in (1-2 months), the Ensemble products added another several degrees/levels of depth, liquidity, and detail, to my ears. I would love to add another Isolink to the preamp, but other than that I have no urge to add or change anything! That is a milestone for me. This system and sound just suits me. I hope my hearing will always allow me to appreciate it. Comments, suggestions appreciated. Sarah

SYSTEM EDITED: I got another Ensemble Isolink for the preamp (thanks Audiogon) and I changed my ARC phono pre to the Linn Linto for the full Linn treatment of vinyl. Very very nice. I'm wondering about a new universal player like the Ayre CX-5e but otherwise everything is just perfect for me.
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Components Toggle details

    • Logitech Squeezebox Touch
    An excellent music streamer especially when used with a DAC.
    • PS Audio Transport
    Used with a PS Audio triad of transport, DACII, and bridge.
    • PS Audio DACII with Bridge
    Using this with the PS Audio transport and bridge to see how it compares with the Squeezebox as a streamer and with the Marantz for CDs.
    • Marantz SA-11S2
    I still play SACDs from my modest collection and this player does a great job on them and on redbook CDs as well.
    • Meridian 204
    Shoebox sized tuner bought new years ago--still sounds great.
    • Nakamichi CR-7A
    Bought this back in the late 80's and have lots of mix tapes I made back in those days. Can't say I play them much anymore but this is my heritage and I can't just get rid of it!
    • Balanced Audio Technology (BAT) VK-55SE monoblocks
    These replaced my trusty ARC VT100 MKIII but not sure for the better. They are very good but not as punchy as I remember the ARC.
    • Balanced Audio VK32-SE
    Beautiful looking and sounding preamp.
    • Linn LP-12 full
    w/ Ekos and Akiva cartridge, Lingo II power supply, and Linto phono preamp.
    • Linn Linto and Lingo
    dead quiet high gain phono preamp and Linn power supply
    • Genesis Technologies 500
    pair
    • Audio Art SE-5 SE
    1 ft pair for my mono blocks, heavy duty gold spades
    • Ensemble Dynaflux
    balanced interconnects
    • Ensemble Masterflux
    RCA interconnect for Meridian tuner
    • Sonoran Plateau
    RCA interconnect
    • Wireworld Silver Starlight (x3)
    HDMI between PS Audio transport and DAC, USB for laptop streaming, and coaxial between Squeezebox Touch and DAC.
    • Audience Au24
    10 ft power cords from Genesis speakers to dedicated outlets
    • Ensemble FSF Megaflux
    1 m power cords for amp, SACD, preamp
    • Sonoran Plateau
    power cord for DAC
    • Ensemble Isolink (x 2)
    power transformers for SACD player and BAT preamp. I found both units used on Audiogon, fantastic value.
    • Richard Gray 1200C
    12 outlet power conditioner
    • Audiopoints Sistrum
    5 metal shelves on audiopoints
    • Solid Steel 5-shelf rack
    Rack for my analog gear.
    • Audiopoints Sistrum platform speaker stands
    w/audiopoints top and bottom
    • Audiopoints cones/points
    under each component
    • Goldmund Cones
    set of cones between amp and stand
    • Ayre Myrtle blocks
    little wooden blocks between Lingo and Linto
    • Audionut Cable Elevators
    ceramic things to hold your cables off the floor!

Comments 34

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You're welcome, Sarah. I have 3 dedicated lines installed for each of my components but this has nothing directly to do with line conditioning.

As for the Foundation Research LC-1 and LC-2 passive in-line power conditioners, these are basically power cables with a little 2" x 7" by 4" block box in the middle of the power cable. These act as bi-directional line conditioners / filters. The bi-directional certainly helps in the case of digital noise going from the digital source back into the wall and then into other components (assuming they are sharing the same circuit).

Marty DeWulf of Bound of Sound reviewed these in August, 2003. He's been a stickler for proper line conditioning for perhaps the past 10 years or so and he claimed this to be the best he's ever heard and purchased them for his 'big rig'.

There's actually 3 or 4 for sale on Agon right now. Rarely have I ever seen even one for sale used.

I have some pics of these in my virtual system if you care to see what one looks like.

BTW, an LC-1 or LC-2 costs only about as much as a decent power cable and since they include a power cable, are well worth the investment.

-IMO

stehno

Owner
Thank you for your comments, Stehno. You're right, I am sold on the Sistrum ideas. I'm not familiar with the Foundation Research gear you mention; do you have an electrician install it in your wall, or are these boxes you plug your equipment into, then into the wall? I do have dedicated lines in the room, about 5 altogether, and I use the Ensemble Isolink on my CD player and Powerpoint on the other components. What does the Foundation Research stuff do?

sc53

Excellent aesthetics, Sarah. and I'll bet it sounds as good as it looks.

It's hard to find a system here in Agon that has put as much attention to sonic detail as you have. You have the Sistrum rack, the Audio Points, excellent wall behind the speakers, thoughtful speaker placement, etc.. It also appears that you have the dedicated lines as well.

Perhaps the one thing I'd recommend is Foundation Research LC-1 and LC-2 passive (dedicated) in-line power conditioners for each of your components.

-IMO

stehno

Great system Sarah. Classic in every sense of the word. I can almost imagine what it sounds like. Nice to look at too.

I'm using the vk-5i with my ARC vt100. Amps and preamps come and go, but I always hang onto a set of these. There is a synergy between the bat pre's and arc amps for sure. By the way, your old Terra Set amp is still alive and well in my home office.

That marantz is one of the very best cd's player's I've heard too. You might want to give an audio aero a try someday - if you are looking for even more tube sound from your cd's.

Outstanding system !

john_l

Hey Sc53 I have just placed an order with Audionut for a set of eight pocelain cable elevators. Did it blind based purely on enthusiastic responses by customers.

I would really be interested as to your impressions when you first put them into your system and how you feel about them now.

Thanks.

smp

Owner
System edited: Added pictures of this system. Note the Audionut Cable Elevators and the audionut dog, Scallywag.

sc53

I plan on buying some porcelian light fixtures, and dress them up and use them as elevators. I can't stomach spending that much on something I can surely do as well and much cheaper. I doubt the reviews that claim this will change the sound, but hey, it's something to do;)

Did you find a difference in sound?

mdomnick

Owner
System edited: I just purchased a set of Audionut Cable Elevators to get my longest length of cables off the carpeting. I think they look cool, but the wife of the man who sold them to me thought NOT.

sc53

Very nice. I hope to one day own a BAT preamp. And thanks for the advice, I'll check out Ensemble.

m-

mdomnick

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