This is an end of the road unit. A very high torque motor and a high resistance noise free bearing is one of the big advantages of this extremely capable suspended turntable. Pitch stability is amazing and is not the only one. Starts and stops faster than a DD one. Attention to detail is off the charts and i bet that Willibald Bauer will think of something more to improve it even further. The truth is that it would be a very difficult and time consuming task.

My deck has the very latest and higher spec bearing,  improved oil for the bearing and the new higher spec belt, all worthwhile changes. An example of how to transform an exemplary turntable into something very special.

This is the higher output (0,48mv) copper version with the silver top base and ZN nut & screws. Not a night and day difference between the two versions (L & H), listened to both, actually they are very close, tracking is excellent and perfect between 1,85-1,91gr (easily surpassing manufacturers trackability claimed figures on Ortofon test record) and i guess it can get even lower. It is dead quiet, never sounding nervous whatever the material, is a natural performer with a touch of warmth. Speed, bass, imaging, instrument placing, and info retrieval are completing the picture. This is my second ZYX cartridge and in many ways  better than my previous Yatra 2 mkII. When in need for a change it would still be at the top of my list (in exceed version).

Very Impressive and equally quiet, neutral, accurate. Super sounding phono stage at more than a fair price. A very big mistake if they are overlooked as they are excellent engineered units even if lacking any MC loading adjustments.

Reason for not going with the MM/MC version is the slightly bigger image dimensions offered, especially in width, by using separate MM stage and separate step up unit.

So far i am very pleased with what i hear with this one, i find it has an engaging and immediate sound, offers plenty of detail being very quiet, sounds neutral with excellent impact and good dimensions. A true value component.

Most important though it shows to be good match with my power amp and with Bryston's own phono stage.

A game changer. A tool, simple and pure with attention to detail, i would call it elegant engineering. There is more offered here though apart from elegance. Main strength is the absence of character attributing to great transparency and extension with a very big and open soundstage. Natural speed and warmth with fine attack, dynamics and a rock solid bass complete the picture of this wonderful mosfet amp. It seems that these amps circa 2000 were something special and not many of those were made.

Finally for me it is a very good looking beast, a rare feat in Audio. Definitely a keeper.

This XA9000ES is still in service since 2004 and shares equal listening time with the rest of my sources. A slight increase in transparency and depth of midrange was noted after isolating the i-link function completely by disconnecting both the supply and ribbon cables, from its DAC board. 

I enjoyed and owned in the past some of the big integrated Sony players like, XA707es, XA7es, SCD1, XA777es. 

From the above i sometimes miss the XA7ES.

I really enjoy jazz, funk, ambient, electronica on this FM only tuner, late night listening is a very good experience. IF selectivity is exceptional in wide and outstanding in narrow mode.

A good calibration is required after all these years and an external antena is a must.

All ageing parts, plus more (all electrolytic caps, regulators, op amps, lamps)  have been replaced. Resistors not touched. A great sound from an elegant design, another keeper.

The disappearing act and being there effect so easily performed.

Acoustic Revive Power Max 10000.

(2m) DIY, 10 awg PCOCC-A, power cable, with PSA-100 silk absorber, and Acoustic Revive rhodium plugs. Wall outlet to Power distributor.

(1,5m) DIY, 12 awg PC-Triple-C, power cable, with CSF-10, PSA-100 silk absorber, and Acoustic Revive rhodium plugs. SACD/CD player.

(1,5m) DIY, 12 awg PC Triple C power cable terminated with FI-E38R/FI-28R plugs. Top value Furutech power cable and power plugs.

Wall outlet to Power amp.

(1,5m) 12 awg PC Triple C, power cable. (1,5m) 14 awg PC Triple-C power cable. Power distributor for sources and preamp.

MD at its best, a great recording machine especially from analogue sources (excellent DA converter?).

Not connected lately.

• Bassocontinuo Reference line Accordeon.

Have tried in the past many DIY solutions, different platforms, different racks, various vibration control tweeks but nothing comes close to a well executed designed rack. This is modular, rigid, and elegant. Yes, they are expensive, but is money well spent and better value in the long term.

• Bassocontinuo Audio Systems Ultra Feet Level 2.

• Acoustic Revive QR-8 Quartz Resonators.

• AudioQuest Fog Lifters.

I have enjoyed tubed gear for over 30 years and tried nearly everything in ecc81, ecc88 and 5687 families but i have kept only some pairs of the ones listed below, for their excellent contribution to sonics, at least in the components i have used, and for their condition status. My top favourites are the 6n23p Voskhods made in mid 70's. The 6n23p Reflektor same period could be slightly better but i never had the chance to live with those.

Siemens E81CC Triple Mica (1967, 1969), Valvo 6201 (1971), Mullard M8162 (1974), Amperex ECC88 Bugle Boy D-getter (1958), Amperex ECC88 orange o getter (1967), Amperex ECC88 orange A Frame (1970), Amperex ECC88 PQ orange A Frame (1972), Siemens ECC88 (1965), Bell ECC88 (1969), Telefunken PCC88 (1968), Philips Miniwatt E88CC SQ IMPORT (1961), Philips Miniwatt E88CC SQ (1963), Dario Miniwatt E188CC (1962), Dario Miniwatt E88CC (1970), Valvo E188CC RED (1962), Philips Miniwatt E188CC SQ (1960,1962), RT E188CC (1960, 1962), Mullard CV2493 Disc getter (1970), Siemens E188CC (1965, 1969), Siemens E188CC A frame (1970, 1971), Tesla E88CC gold grid (1965), Tesla PCC88 (1980), 6N23P-EV Reflektor (1982, 1985), 6N23P Voskhod  Rocket logo (1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1979, 1982, 1985, 1987).