Hi Bill, yes the digital source sounds quite natural and enjoyable. I appreciate the tip to try Mojo Audio. The service was first rate and Ben provided excellent communication, a super fast turn-around, and a great sounding product. I will reserve final judgement on just how good it sounds until I can hear it on something other than my headphones.

Regarding my amps, Steve McCormack has my TLC preamp he upgraded over a year ago, and is currently going all out on the upgrade of a DNA-2 LAE amplifier for me. He is using the new Jupiter copper foil caps in strategic locations in both the amp and preamp and he says they are among the finest he has heard.

The preamp was already very good and includes his Shallco discrete resistor volume control, Lundahl transformers and the outboard VRE-1 choke power supply. We revised the faceplate and painted the body as part of the initial upgrade (picture above). He is now replacing some existing caps with the Jupiters and replacing the existing Lundahl transformers with their new Cardas wire version. He is also backing off the gain to +0 out of the transformers to account for the higher gain of the DNA-2 amplifier compared to the Claytons I used to own. This is a buffered preamp and my original concerns about bass from a no-gain design were absolutely unfounded as the bass is one of the many strengths of this preamp.

The amplifier should also be special as he is incorporating all his best work based on everything he has learned by upgrading other DNA-2s over the years, and he is using some parts that were not available in earlier years, like the new Jupiter caps. The LAE was already a hot rodded version of the DNA-2 with thicker circuit boards and higher quality parts like Vishay S-102 bulk-metal-foil resistors. I previously owned both a Standard DNA-2 and the DNA-500 and I considered having modifications performed on a DNA-500. After discussions with Steve, I decided the basic sonic attributes of the DNA-2 were better suited to my listening tastes and he convinced me the upgraded amp would be outstanding.

Below is a quote from Steve, from another, older Audiogon thread that is consistent with how Steve described the DNA-2 to me:

The sound of the DNA-2 is best characterized as clean, open, and relaxed, with tremendous dynamics when required. Bass is deep and powerful, but is a bit rich, with a bit of added warmth in the upper-bass / lower-mid region. This warmth can be very engaging in the right system. Focus and clarity are excellent, and the soundstage is open and deep.

Here is another quote where Steve discusses differences between the DNA-500 and an upgraded DNA-2:

In brief, the DNA-500 is a new design and clearly reflects this in its performance. It is more neutral than the earlier amps, more like a window on the performance. The DNA-2 (including the fully upgraded versions) has more of an identifiable personality, with a bit of roundness and warmth. Both are extremely powerful and are able to drive any speaker with ease and authority, but the dynamic reach of the DNA-500 can be literally frightening. The 500 is also built with an excellent parts complement. On the other hand, the DNA-2 Revision A upgrade is totally rebuilt with the finest parts I have found. This gives it an edge in relaxed liquidity and instrumental texture. It fleshes out voices and instruments in a very seductive way.

To close, I have to add that working with Steve has been a pleasure. His communication is friendly and personable and, even after all these years in the business, his passion for the industry, for his work and for his clients remains strong.

mitch2 April 15, 2014 23:42

That digital front end is quite special and you will like the sound!

grannyring April 15, 2014 02:08

What amps will you be using now?

grannyring April 15, 2014 02:06

Progress...got my upgraded Mac mini back from Ben at Mojo Audio this week with some surprise music loaded.

I will be glad to get the rest of my system back from Steve McCormack so I can hear music again - I know he is hard at work and I expect outstanding results (no pressure).

For now the Mac mini source through a Channel Islands VHP-2 amp with VAC-1 power supply and Sennheiser HD650 headphones sounds fantastic.

The upgrade included shipping my 2012 Mac mini i7 with 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD internal to Ben at Mojo who did the following;
1. Removed the 1TB drive leaving only the SSD internal,
2. Removed the internal SMPS and added the Mojo filter with a hard wired DC power cable,
3. Added a Mojo Joule III power supply with an XLR jack for for connecting the hard wired cable from the mini,
4. Added an external OWC Mercury Elite Pro drive enclosure with a 2 TB AV drive,
5. Included a special Mojo Audio Firewire 800 cable transmitting signal only (no power) to connect the external 2 TB drive to the mini,
5. Powered the external 2 TB drive using the Joule III PS,
6. Optimized the mini for music playback.

The rest of my digital front end is the same as before, with a 3M Wireworld Starlight USB cable from the mini into an ifi Power/ground isolation device (disconnected from power supply) and then the ifi Gemini cable (signal only) into a Metrum Hex (which has an internally powered asynchronous USB input - so doesn't need BUS power on the USB cable). Still using Pure Music as a player, with Memory Play and upsampled to 44.1/88.2.

I am looking forward to hearing this upgraded source when I get my gear back but my initial impressions through the headphone set-up are very favorable. Nice work Ben!

mitch2 April 14, 2014 02:14

System edited: Claytons are gone. Preamp is back at SMc. Mini is at Mojo. Headphones still work - thankfully.

mitch2 March 29, 2014 15:46

Hi Lak,
Thank you for the kind words.
Your post prompted me to enter some system updates that I have made since spring centering around adding a computer source using a mac mini and Metrum Hex DAC.
Potential upcoming changes include trying new amps and then possibly some upgrades to the computer source. I am auditioning a pair of Ncore 1200 amps next week and I am also in the process of having another amp upgraded/rebuilt that I will try against the Claytons.
I am using Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ bi-wired speaker cables and for my tastes they sound just fine. They provide great body and a full sounding bass. I like that they use individually insulated, small diameter, solid core, OCC wires since I have definitely come to like the sound of solid core better than stranded. I have had various HT speaker cables apart for reterminations and there is probably more damping stuff inside than needed but the small OCC wires and geometry get the job done. Thanks again for your feedback. - Tim

mitch2 January 25, 2014 21:10

Mitch2,
Very nice looking system!
I've watched it evolve since 2003 and I like what I see. I'll bet it sounds SWEET!
What speaker cables are you using now?

lak January 25, 2014 14:28

System edited: After years of buying and trying equipment and cables, this system hits a sweet spot for me. I am fortunate to have put together such a satisfying system of gear from four top audio designers and I really think I am done this time....well, except for maybe a computer based source in the future.

mitch2 April 08, 2013 00:37

Yes indeed. I have tried going the passive route and while some are very good like the Lightspeed, in the end they left me wanting. I missed the richness and emotion of the music.

Let us know what comes of your new preamp inquiry.

grannyring March 03, 2012 21:10

System edited: More changes - I recommissioned an old stand I had constructed so that I could shorten cables and try some passive preamp options. I added a back shelf for the Tom Evans power supply and some new paint and I am pretty happy with it. Maybe just because it is different, but I do like the ease of everything being out in the open and the ability to use really short cables. I will shortly figure out where to put the cabinet so it is away from the left speaker. I am also working on a new preamp option but it will be awhile before I receive it. Until then, the Tom Evans easily beat out the passive options I tried.

mitch2 March 03, 2012 15:45

Hi Mitch, I have also owned the Vibe preamp and tried it with the Pulse power supply and standard power supply. This is a great preamp. Very natural sounding and relaxed. The music swells as you turn up the volume without sounding loud or in your face. Very quiet also. Most impressive system also. Very well put together and thought out.

I would like to take you up on your offer to try the transformer. My amp is stereo, not mono-block. Like to see if this works. Please email me directly at,

[email protected]

The Dude IMHO is a preamp that may well have you selling the Vibe. The Vibe is the best SS pre I have ever heard or owned. As great as it is, the Dude offers all the same strengths, but brings even more to the sonic table.

Improved dymanics, scale, imaging and bass impact. Uncanny sound of live music and instruments must be heard to be understood fully. The new Dudes are better built and better sounding Mitch. Paul uses a better volume control and transformer in the new Dudes. The build quality is top notch. It would be magic with your wonderful Class A amps.

Email me as I have some other thoughts and experiences that you may find interesting.

Again, nice job on this wonderful system. Enjoy.....

grannyring February 05, 2012 18:57

Ok, some more changes in the works. I recently reintroduced an old DIY single shelf stand that supports the MUSE player. The Ayre player is in the on-deck circle to be substituted in occasionally since the new set-up does not allow for two players at onece. The Tom Evans preamp is now on a Z-slab then a constrained layer platform spiked to the floor with Audio Points to create what appears to be the lower level of the stand. The Pulse power supply is on a shelf between the lower and upper portions of the stand. Moving everything out of the tall wood cabinet has allowed me to shorten all the cables to 1M or less, including speaker cables. I am attempting to post pictures of the new set-up but cannot currently access my virtual system due to the Audiogon site changes and beta testing.

The Harmony buffer did not work out for me. My system sounded clearly better with the preamp run into the Jensen transformers instead of with the buffer in-line. It may work better in other systems.

I am currently trying some Endler balanced in-line attenuators that were loaned to me - and I am intrigued by the sound, especially the mid through high frequencies, which sound very natural. The bass and dynamics seem just a touch soft compared to an active preamp. Unfortunately, I did not have the Harmony Buffer long enough to try it with the in-line attenuators as it would have been interesting to see if having a buffer in-line would improve bass and dynamics.

I will shortly be trying a new product from SMc Audio that will take the place of the transformers. It is called the Interocitor One and is supposed to offer a few benefits over the Jensen transformers, including higher input impedance, lower output impedance, and the ability to work with any combination of rca and XLR inputs and outputs. It is said to be made with very high quality components based on what Steve McCormack has learned working with transformers in his amp upgrades and in the VRE-1 (which I would really like to try). I will provide an update on the Interocitor One after I have had it in my system for awhile.

I am continuing to look for a balanced preamp that I like better than the Tom Evans Vibe/Pulse II and Jensen transformer combination. I have tried a bunch of preamps over the years and it seems all the ones I have liked best were single-ended, and most had tubes, except for the Tom Evans. The VRE-1 would certainly be one to try but, due to their new pricing structure, that is not a current option for me. Others I have thought about trying include VTL 6.5 Signature, Levinson 326s and the Purity Reference.

mitch2 February 05, 2012 02:53

System edited: Over the past year or so, my system has become relatively stable. I have achieved my sonic goals without using tubes, which is better for my lifestyle and listening habits. The most recent changes this year included a power supply upgrade to the Clayton M300's, which improved dynamics and bass; switching from the Aerial factory metal speaker bases to custom built Sound Anchor speaker bases with Eden Sound Bear Paw footers that resulted in improvements in physical stability, and sonic focus, clarity, and depth; and switching back to Harmonic Technology Pro 9 Reference 2009 speaker cables, which provide improved body and bass compared to the Furutech FP-Alpha stranded cables I was using (although the FP-Alpha are also quite good).

In 2012 I will be looking at a computer audio source, although I will be patient as things evolve, since I am still satisfied with playing hard discs. As downloads become more available, I can always burn them to a DVD and play them on either of my players.

One new piece I will be trying in early 2012 is the Purity Harmony buffer, which does have two tubes in it. Between my preamp and amps, the buffer would perform the conversion from single-ended to balanced that I am now using Jensen transformers to achieve, and the buffer would also allow the use of long XLR cables since the buffer would be positioned near the preamp and not near the amps, like the transformers.

Best wishes to all for a happy and healthy 2012.

mitch2 December 31, 2011 18:16

Thanks for posting Mingles. I tried these when the original model from Herbie's twisted and didn't work well. I believe Herbie's have improved their offering but it is always fun to try things yourself. My biggest "bang for the buck" was making my own carbon fiber CD mats, although I have also made air platforms, constrained layer platforms, and all my own cables (most recently using bulk cable from Furutech).

mitch2 February 03, 2011 12:10

I just bumped into your DIY Binding Post Washer Tweek. What an excellent idea! We've all wrestled with this problem. This looks like a great solution. Thanks for sharing.

mingles February 03, 2011 02:20

Hi Lewinskih01, thanks for the comments. This system has given me much enjoyment, both listening and also trying new gear and tweeking around. The LL2 D remains competitive with any preamplifier I have heard. It is a wonderful piece but I have decided to sell it and currently have it posted. Even though it works well running through Jensen transformers into the balanced Claytons, I am in the process of receiving a balanced source and I would like to try a fully balanced preamp.

I gave up on the Purist cables a while ago. I couldn't find the sound I was looking for while keeping with their more reasonable priced cables, up through the Venustas. All of the Purist cables I have tried are very quiet, but I found the Venustas to have a very slight touch of edgy silver sound that I didn't care for. Aqueous Anniversary was nice, but I wanted to try something new. I have since been using DIY cables made from Furutech's best bulk cable and connectors, as well as a variety of DIY IC's from raw wire/materials. I have used Oyaide connectors on some bulk Furutech cable PC's with good results. My only manufactured cables are two Isoclean Auto Focus power cords on the Claytons, and AZ Double Barrel speaker cables, which sound very good in my system.

mitch2 November 02, 2010 11:15

Hi Mitch. I see you have been changing your system, but the LL2 remains there. I just purchased an LL2 and I'm psyched.
Was wondering if you still use Purist Audio Venustas from pre to amp and PAD Aqueous Anniv. from source to pre. What power cord has worked better for you? Tubes?

Congrats on a VERY nice system!

lewinskih01 October 31, 2010 11:57

System edited: Clayton M300 Class A monoblock amps replaced Clayton M200 amps. For my speakers, and listening preferences, I cannot imagine much better sounding amps. Also, decided to sell the TEAD Vibe/Pulse II and am continuing to use the very musical Lamm LL2 Deluxe with NOS Mullards.

mitch2 May 01, 2010 15:11

System edited: More changes for the new year. I recently replaced my Lamm M1.1's with Clayton M200 monoblocks, which provide a more neutral presentation, tighter bass, better extended high frequencies, and never run out of steam with my 90dB Aerials. The trade-off is less of that powerful, full, rich Lamm sound that was very seductive, although a little dark sounding and maybe richer than life. The Clayton's also lean a slight bit to the warm, rich, full side of things, but nowhere near as far over as the Lamm's. Both are very fun to listen to, and it would be hard for me to declare a clear preference. In the final equation, the Claytons are newer, do not have tubes to mess with, and came with a warranty vs. the Lamm's that were 12 years old. I have also changed out my Lamm LL2 Deluxe preamp for the Tom Evans Vibe with Pulse 2 that I have owned before. The TEAD is IMO one of the best sounding SS preamps, and also the quietest preamp I have owned. It is very musical with well-balanced dynamics and good dimensionality. I am currently messing around with a variety of DIY cables, but otherwise I am pleased with the changes.

mitch2 January 01, 2010 16:56

Ok, but if you ever do want to evaluate, the offer is open. OTOH, I don't see my set-up changing much, so I may sell them since they are longer than I currently need.

I have made a variety of Chris' power cords since he first came out with the recipes using the 12awg Belden fire wire. They all sound pretty good. Right now, I have one VH Audio made Flavor 4 in the house and several of my versions using his star quad wire, some shielded and some not. I run two 1M versions of the micro-bearing Flavor 4 (unshielded) directly from two dedicated lines - one to each of my monoblocks. I think the 10awg star quad wire is very good in that application.

The rubber hose Chris uses, damps his cords pretty well, so they are quiet, but they also don't bend worth a darn. My micro-bearing versions are just as quiet, more flexible, and possibly more immune to vibration. Although there are probably differences, I cannot honestly say one is significantly better than the other, and the terminations may make an even bigger difference. I have used Wattgate regular and gold plugs, but I like the Furutech Gold and used those on my monoblock cords. I used Oyaide P-079 and C-079's on my two newer cords that I made using the Furutech alpha wire for my source and preamp, and I would probably go with Oyaide on any future cords. Differences in the sound of the Flavor 4 cords between the VH Audio version and my micro-bearing version could be greater in systems that struggle with power issues, since my system has; short cord lengths, dedicated lines, lack of RFI/EMI (our neighborhood power/phone is underground and we are not in an urban environment), and possibly less vibration due to the system being in a slab-on-grade room with carpet.

mitch2 September 13, 2009 14:47

Hi Mitch,
I appreciate the offer, but I'm set with power cords for now. I am so busy with work as well so I wouldn't have much time for evaluation. I was mainly wondering about the difference with and without the micro-bearing. I have a basic Flavor 4 not currently being used in my system. I would imagine that the micro-bearing should give the cord better dynamics and lower noise floor by providing better damping characteristics.

sherod September 13, 2009 04:16

System edited: After neglecting this page for awhile, I have finally updated my virtual system to reflect the equipment I am using now. Based on my listening preferences, things are pretty close to an ideal, although I am sure I can still find stuff to try and change (just can't give it up!). Cables and CD player are two areas I have been looking at. Finally, I just realized I have neglected to reply to Sherod who posted back in May about my DIY Flavor 4 power cords, so Sherod if you want to try one, I will ship it to you as long as you send it back. I have a couple that are too long (about 2M) for my present set up - just let me know if you are interested.

mitch2 September 12, 2009 16:47

I'm curious if you compared your Flavor 4 power cords both with and without the micro-bearing. I'd like to hear your comparative notes of each.

sherod May 03, 2009 03:41

Hi Karel - I really do have to update this page soon. I have sold the McCormack and now use Cary 500MB monos, and my preamp is a Lamm LL2, which I find to sound a touch similar but overall better than the TEAD Vibe/Pulse. I sold my Venustas speaker cables because I believed the silver/copper cables were tonally tipping up the midrange. I am not a fan of silver, in general. After trying a couple of others, I settled in on Purist Aqueous Anniversary speaker cables (copper and gold) in a true bi-wire run 6 feet in length. I am fortunate I can use short cables, and could possibly go as short as 1M. I would really like to try Proteus Provectus speaker cables but wow - $$$! I am still using Venustas IC's from my preamp to the amps and Aqueous Anniversary from my CDP to the preamp, and that combination seems to be fine. The Purist line has a lot going for it in my opinion.

mitch2 September 15, 2008 11:23

Hi, thanks again for your very helpful reply to my inquiry on the Lector. I was even more pleased when I visited your system to find that you're using Purist Venustas and Aqueous Anniversary. I use Venustas ICs between cdp and pre-amp as well as Venustas speaker cable in my main system. For some time I have been thinking of applying Venustas or Aqueous Anniversary between pre-amp and amp. Any thoughts on the combination of the two that you can share?

Btw, in my main system I have a tubed cpd as you do and my amplifiers are ss.
Karel

karelfd September 14, 2008 15:43