I have discovered that the source makes or breaks the system, therefore I put some time into improving the turntable. It started off when I made my own platters out of acrylic and within the platter made cylindrical encasements to hold leadshot. I also replaced the feet with my custom made acrylic tubes again filled with leadshot. I kept using acrylic and leadshot for the tonearm board support and the bearing holding structure to avoid drilling out the original plinth since I was installing the latest vpi hr-x platter weighing in at 33 pounds or thereabouts and the bearing is much wider in diameter than the original bearing. Each time I made an improvement the source became quieter and so much more was coming out. Very happy to say the least. Also need to point out that the turntable is swinging off steel cables, so I like to think of it as the tt being somewhat decoupled from the room. There are some bungie chords as part of the suspension system for the turntable. The whole thing weighs right around 400 pounds some of it as part of the flywheel assembly. I would say the turntable is about 250 pounds. Also on top of the platter rests a weight also composed of you guessed it acrylic and leadshot, well there was this sale and I couldn't resist. Also using the periphery ring. And on top of the cartridge is oh I hate to say it so I'll let you figure it out. How it sounds is all that counts, so I can say enthusiastically it's beautiful. Not the end all, but it never will be in this crazy hobby, gottta love it!!
Far from what I had purchased 2 years ago used here on gon. It's total weight around 430 pounds with custom flywheel assembly.
VPI Industries TNT-5
Another view of the flywheel (from old tnt model) that needs 4 motors (3 motors shown here from previous setup, added motor since then) to spin the 95 lbs. of rotational mass. An intermediary pulley (old flywheel) is used to transfer rotational force to record loading platter. Cannot find belt long enough to span two platters hence the in between pulley.
VPI Industries TNT-5
An old incarnation of this ongoing project. This picture was taken before leadshot donut was attached to underside of platter.
Flywheel VPI
String driven figure 8 to create better trcation
Flywheel VPI
Stand alone Flywheel
Modification Magnetic Repulsion to platter
Since adding leadshot encased in acrylic to underside of platter I needed to lessen load on bearing with this magnetic repulsion system.
VPI Industries Vpi
With tons of lead shot
VPI Another veiw
Lots of lead shot
Modification to Graham 2.2t
Leadshot stuffed into little canister and straw attached to wand of tonearm.
Denon Denon/zu 103r
103r
K&K Phono stage kit
Awesome, totally awesome. One of the best at this price point, highly recommended!
JLTI Phono
Excellent phono, beats my ear 834p and approaches the K&K phono stage
EAR 834P
Awesome phono stage for the money, should be modified with better caps and tubes!
oppo 980
An out right bargain of a cd/dvd player, highly recommended!!
Sony DVP-S9000es
Nice player.
audio experience a2 se
Very nice preamp for the money, was quite surprised.
Sim Audio Moon P-5
Suspended by bungie chords and loaded with lead shot.
Sim Audio Moon W-5
Awesome ss amp, most highly recommended!
Atma-Sphere ma60 mark II
Lights up the room in more than one way WOW!!
Merlin Music Systems VSM-GEN III RC
Suspended by cables to keep floor from resonating
Merlin Music Systems VSM-GEN III RC
Another view of the suspended system
Martin Logan Depth
Suspended with steel cables from ceiling above full range.
Alesis Masterlink 9600
Cd burner with hard drive to pre-record (to do editting or equalization) before transferring over to cd.
Merlin Bbam, Balanced
Makes the speakers sing as they were designed to with this bbam.
"The thing that amazes me is how the system has alot of resolution but without a hint of brightness. The reproduction of instruments is very natural and alive ... The strings and brass were so sweet sounding that I didn't want to stop listening. Even the poor recordings that I am familiar with were beautiful to listen to."
That's fine, but the thing that make phase coherent omnis sound "live" in a unique way has nothing to do with low end extension. Its about how the omnis reproduce the original signal in a more three dimensional manner that enables the original three dimensional waveforms of the live performance be heard in a more convincing manner.
There are many very excellent box designs out there and I own a couple as well, but with all due respect, I have never heard any produce the sound equivalent of a more omnidirectional design like the Ohms and I'm certain also the MBLs, German Physiks, and Duevels as well (and vice versa).
If you like the sound of a more omni design, you have to go with an omni design IMHO.
Maybe some of the largest more directional designs out there can cut it in terms of dynamics, impact, resolution and delivering "meat on the bones" more like a live performance, but I still think it is a different sound in lieu of a more omni-directional dispersion pattern.
"I am very happy but still convinced this is speakers and not live, and the only system that sounded live IMHO are the mbls. Hoping to take it to that level."
Ohms will definitely accomplish the goal of sounding live and not like speakers. That is their true primary appeal and has always been the basis around which the Walsh line is coveted.
If you are serious about making a move, I really think you should try them in home audition, especially before spending more on something else. That is standard procedure for Ohm. If you live close enough, you could probably even pick a pair up and avoid shipping cost and hassles. Then if they don't float your boat, you could easily return them and move on.
You should give them a call and see what model would be recommended for your room(s).
Glad you like the 103R. Was my review a factor in going that way?
I am pretty confident that if you like the MBLs and think they would work in your room that the Ohms will take to the room easier and that you would take to them as well also.
Unless perhaps you plan to listen from behind the speaks or from some other unique location. MBLs, properly tuned in, would probably have an edge there being true omnis.
I would like to know more about your room and listening location though. Room acoustics are a bigger factor with Ohms and omnis especially if you are looking for a listening experience out of line with what your room inherently delivers.
Sounds like its doing something good for you relating to the 103R.
Any suggestions regarding the 103R setup on the Lin Axis in my system?
It sounds good to my ears but I was wondering if there is anything easily reversible worth trying with my tonearm to increase mass and experiment a bit for the Denon?
