Hi John

I see you sold your Atlas, do you feel the DCS is your primary source now? Hence you wont miss the Atlas too much.

dctom November 08, 2015 01:59

Hi John

I have been using a Dartzeel phono built into the pre - battery powered- very quiet and transparent.

I should think your new MPS power unit will make a significant improvement when you get it.

dctom July 19, 2015 18:47

I did think a Koda phono stage would be ideal for your system, if one was ever produced, it seems logical he would manufacture one. I have no experience of the Koda gear, hi-end dealers are far and few between over here, it is a mission to get to hear exotic items and very difficult to compare different brands, especially at home.

Yes the Nagra must be performing well to compete with your Vivaldi ensemble. I have not heard the VPS unfortunately, it is almost a "reasonably" priced item in the uk compared to a lot of gear that has appeared in recent years. It shows you don't always have to spent vast amounts to get high performance.

I am taking stock at the moment, the move has been quite expensive and the sound in the new room is very good. I do hope to get a second phono stage module for the Dart in the new year.

Dave

dctom November 20, 2014 12:50

Hi John congratulations, you have certainly moved a long way forward since I contacted you about the BAT PH10se phono stages we both owned a few years ago. Your system and room look amazing.

i moved few months ago and having more space around the system has been an upgrade in its self.

I noticed you were looking at changing the Nagra phono.
I upgraded to the ARC Ref2 phono and used it with my BAT 52se pre - I had the Allnic H3000v at home at the same time. Initially I preferred the Allnic but once the Arc warmed up (takes almost 2hrs) the Arc sounded better, tighter more precise. The Allnic sounded slightly soft in comparison.

I have now gone in a different direction to yourself, I just had the desire to reduce the box count and simplify the set up.

I now have a Dartzeel pre with built in phono it is more transparent and open than the Arc + Bat

I also had the Dcs 2 box Paganini and 3 box Puccini to try - fortunately I preferred my one box Playback MPS5 - I did not relish an increase in boxes. The Vivaldi I am sure must be in another league and more than rivals your vinyl.

The great thing about the Dartzeel, it has an optimised 50 ohm input for the MPS5 which has transformed the digital playback.

I am guessing, as I have not used the Nagra, but the phono stage must be your weakest link now? Have you considered the Arc ref 2 se? I only had the standard one and it was better than the Allnic.

dctom November 18, 2014 22:44

How did you get on with the allnic John?
I tried it in my system and preferred my ARC ref2. Apparently the Allnic external step up improves the 3000v as it enables you to by-pass the allnic's internal transformers which I found added colour.
If you get a chance check out the Dartzeel 18NS, it's internal phono is excellent.

dctom June 09, 2013 13:13

Thanks Lloydelee, do you have any Shindo pre amps?

dctom April 25, 2013 11:10

I agree it is very difficult to compare high end gear. I have not been able to hear a Dart or Shindo. The Dart should be possible but the Shindo is more or less non existant in the UK
I will probably end up with the ARC se as I know it works well within my system already and should deliver more of what I have already.

dctom April 24, 2013 13:43

Hi John

Again congrats on a great looking room. And system.
We communicated over phono stages a while ago, when you got your Nagra instead of BAT.
I noticed you were thinking of looking at the Arc ref se phono and Allnic.
I have the original ARC ref2 and was considering getting the SE version or, possibly something else. I like the ARC and it is rock solid so am tempted to stick with what I know. It also seems to pair well with my BAT 52se.
The Allnic is talked about a lot, also the Aesthetix Eclipse. Wondered if you had the chance to listen to any of the these.
Also see you have a Koda K10 on demo.
I have read the Shindo pre amps, with built in phono, are supposed to be very good and the Dartzeel with built in phono, have you considered a pre with it’s own phono stage?
Dave

dctom April 23, 2013 10:33

Hi John- wow you have moved on since I contacted you about changing from the BAT phono to the Nagra. How does the scarlatti compare with the vinyl?
Your new room looks fantastic, I guess it must sound brilliant as well!
congratulations.

dctom January 20, 2013 22:20

Thanks, I am very pleased with the sound.
I have the earlier benz LP ebony - not the new s class one, I do like the sound it produces, just curious about an alternative.

dctom March 04, 2011 22:41

Hi John

I emailed you earlier this year about your experience with the BAT P10 v nagra VPS and was glad for your input. I have finally gone for an ARC ref 2 phono as one became available at a good price. It has proved a good upgrade with more definition, dynamic swings, it partners my VK52 very well.
looking at your system you have kept the skala cartridge have you considered changing this. I ask as i am considering cartridge possibilities at the moment.

dctom March 02, 2011 11:36