View Full Version : I simply must have one of these babies....!
...for my SPU. Gentlemen, I give you for your delectation, the A23 Homage T1:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/925/auditorium23homage.jpg (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/auditorium23homage.jpg/)
Info here: http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=795 And here: http://www.toneimports.com/auditorium23/a23hommage.html
:stalks: :respect:
1800 Earth Pounds, I believe, for this 'king of SUTs'. We'll see if Santa is good to me this year.... ;)
I can only imagine how good it would make my SPU sound! :eek:
Marco.
Reid Malenfant
01-03-2011, 19:32
We'll see if Santa is good to me this year.... ;)
Something tells me you had better be leaving out the XO Cognac & a load of Harrods mince pies for Santa :D
We'll see if Santa is good to me this year.
And to think we used to be grateful for a pair of socks and a satsuma
Marco, tell me your not already planning to buy it without even having heard it :eek:
Hi John,
I already have its 'little brother', as it were, the A23-SPU, so I'm presuming that the T1 will simply offer more of the same on a higher level :)
Fortunately, too, I know the dealer well who sells them, so should get the opportunity to try before I buy :cool:
Lol, guys, indeed. 'Santa' will be in for a good time this year - I've already got her the outfit (yes, role reversal is no stranger in our house)! :lol:
Marco.
Oh well, I’ll wish you a happy christmas then………………
(what’s he on about with the role reversal stuff? Tranny?) :scratch:
:lolsign:
Hahahahaha.... :lolsign:
Marco.
I saw that as I was perusing the (frankly rubbish) Auditorium website and thought of you, Marco. It doesn't seem that they make a suitable SUT for my Dynavector and I didn't think your standard A23 sounded quite right, although the punchiness was intoxicating.
I'm starting a new thread as I've had an interesting reply to my enquiries from Bob of Bob's Devices. Go here:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=193171#post193171
...for my SPU. Gentlemen, I give you for your delectation, the A23 Homage T1:
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/925/auditorium23homage.jpg (http://img839.imageshack.us/i/auditorium23homage.jpg/)
Info here: http://www.dagogo.com/View-Article.asp?hArticle=795 And here: http://www.toneimports.com/auditorium23/a23hommage.html
:stalks: :respect:
1800 Earth Pounds, I believe, for this 'king of SUTs'. We'll see if Santa is good to me this year.... ;)
I can only imagine how good it would make my SPU sound! :eek:
Marco.
LUST :pub:
LUST
Fancy a time-share? :)
Sorry, don't get that one :scratch:
Marco.
I was only joking that it's too expensive to buy outright :)
Ah - gotacha... Happy 3000th post, dude! :clap:
Marco.
Happy 3000th post, dude! :clap:
Wahay! Do I FINALLY get my framed certificate now? Then I'll be certified...
Timeshare would be nice if we could teleport the unit back and forth from my house to your house, on-demand ;)
You are just a touch distant, Pete :)
You are just a touch distant, Pete :)
haha... that's where the teleporter comes in :)
just pulled the trigger on this:
Choir Audio SUT using the Hashimoto HM-7
After using the Bob's Devices Cinemag unit for a few weeks, I am convinced I like SUTs in my setup.
So I did some reading and have concluded I can get close to top end SUT performance with this unit, for a reasonable price.
I should take delivery in 2-3 weeks. I'll report back what I hear. Nice thing is they offer a 30 day in home try out period.
Some details from the website.
Frequency Range: 10- 80K Hz
Insertion Loss: < 1.5db
Loading/Gain: 2-7 ohms + 29dB / 7-40 ohms + 23dB
RCA: Cardas Pure Silver Contacts (the wbts are no longer offered due to quality issues, this also dropped the price of the unit to $1499 :) )
Internal Wiring: 99.999% Oxygen Free Silver plated Copper with Teflon jacket / WBT Silver solder
Selector Switches: All contacts are constructed from Silver with Gold plating
Recommended Preamplifier Load Impedance: 47K Ohms
Enclosure Formed Mumetal shielding
Internal Enclosure dampening
Dimensions: 6.00" W X 8.5" L X 5.00" T Weight 4lbs
The SUT-H7 uses the ultimate Hashimoto HM-7 transformers, allowing the highest level of details and nuances to be extracted from a cartridge's performance. Please make sure that your source is up to the task as the HM-7 is very revealing and will uncover any weak links in your source components. But, if your system is up to the task, then you are in for an unbelievable level of performance and presentation with the H7.
http://www.choiraudio.com/SUTHp-4.jpg
The rest of us can buy a pair of Sowters for well under £150 and smile ;)
At least Marco sells his cast-offs on at very fair prices - well done old chap...
The rest of us can buy a pair of Sowters for well under £150 and smile ;)
I bet the Sowters are great sounding, as are the cinemags I'm using.
Its this disease: upgradeitis, related to audiophilia :lol:
Hi Pete
I was only just talking about these in my Dynavector thread. Nice going, they may be one of the best SUTs made. I believe they're 20x/40x gain, which is a shame as I need 30x gain. I'm in discussion with Bob over whether he can make me some 'super CineMags'.
Do let us know how the Hashimotos sound.
The Hasimoto HM-7 has a gain of 28x or 14x :)
perfect for you :eyebrows:
The Hasimoto HM-7 has a gain of 28x or 14x :)
Aha! I must have been looking at the HM3 specs. In that case, do tell what they sound like when you get them :)
Some brief impressions of the Choir Audio Hashimoto HM-7 based SUT.
http://www.choiraudio.com/IMG_5268.JPG
Lifted this pic off their website, and it is actually of my unit.
The fit and finish is top notch.
I opted for the Cardas Silver outputs, since John at Choir Audio mentioned that he prefers them, and that the WBT connectors have been having quality problems.
I burned the SUT in for 100 hours using the Granite Audio MC burn-in CD track.
Disconnected the CD player, reconnected the phono cable, and voila, time to listen.
My previous SUT was the Bobs Devices Cinemag, a well respected and reviewed unit, and rightly so.
I noticed right off, a more refined sound with more resolution/transparency and detail in the treble and mids, especially low level details. A bit wider and deeper soundstage. Plenty of deep bass and dynamics, but no bloat, and no bass roll off that I can detect, or treble roll off for that matter. Plenty of color and musicality and super quiet. A nice step up from the Cinemag.
Truly an audio bargain at $1500. Not sure what I could get that would better it by any margin for any price. My search for phono stage components is over.
I built myself a phono cable to go from the SUT to my phono stage. At first I tried some normal RCA ICs I had, and they killed the sound, lost frequency extension and dynamics and transparency. So I got some OHNO UPOCC Silver 28g teflon cryoed wire from Take Five Audio, along with some silver braid shield and Eichmann bullets. Turned out very nice sounding, comparable sounding to my Grover phono cable I am using from the SME V tonearm to the SUT. I burned the cable in along with the SUT and CJ phono stage for the 100 hours. The CJ got a teflon cap upgrade and only had about 200 hours on it, and I hear that those caps need about 400 hours break in, so I figured an extra hundred hours of wear on the tubes was worth it.
Anyway really enjoying my system now. I would heartily recommend the Hashimoto HM-7 SUT in conjunction with the MM inputs to your favorite phono stage for a fantastic sonic experience.
Cheers
Pete
Very interesting, Pete, it does sound like you've discovered the natural upgrade from the CineMags. The HM-7's 28x gain would suit my system perfectly. Remind me what cartridge you are using, and which gain position?
Very interesting, Pete, it does sound like you've discovered the natural upgrade from the CineMags. The HM-7's 28x gain would suit my system perfectly. Remind me what cartridge you are using, and which gain position?
Hi Martin,
I am using the Zyx Airy 3x, 0.34mv output and 4 ohms impedance.
I have the SUT set for 23db (14x). Even though theoretically the impedance matches better at the 28x setting, it sounds just fine at the 14x setting, and I really can't use the extra gain as my system has a lot of gain already, listening at the 9:30 position on the volume pot...
Cheers
Pete
I'm still thinking seriously about one of these, Pete. Obviously, being in the UK I must buy blind as I cannot take advantage of Choir Audio's trial offer. Now that you've really got used to the sound, do you have any overall feelings about where you have benefitted over the CineMags?
I would say its more resolving, lots of detail, and a bigger soundstage.
Of course I am going from memory on the Cinemag,
since I sold it when I got the Hashimoto HM-7.
I don't think you would be disappointed, at least I wasn't.
Right after the Tsunami, John indicated that he was unsure of his supply of transformers,
but when I ordered he had two pairs of HM-7 in stock, I got one pair.
Probably not a factor at this point.
Cheers
Pete
Thanks. I'm just awaiting pricing from John before I make the final decision.
Ok, I've gone ahead and ordered a Choir Audio SUT-H7.
See, that's what comes of having a good month and getting a refund from my energy company. Blow it on hi-fi :doh:
Anyone want a Bob's Devices CineMag soon...?
Reid Malenfant
21-04-2011, 19:00
Anyone want a Bob's Devices CineMag soon...?
Give you a quid plus postage :eyebrows:
Sure. The postage will be £200 :eyebrows:
Ok, I've gone ahead and ordered a Choir Audio SUT-H7.
Anyone want a Bob's Devices CineMag soon...?
YAY!!!! :mex:
:cool:
Nice one, Martin. I sense some truly joyous music listening is ahead.... ;)
Marco.
The Choir Audio/Hashimoto SUT seems to have been sent by rowing boat. John Parker of Choir and I have been joking about how bloody long it can take to send a parcel by aeroplane. The carrier tracking service shows a week between departure US and arrival here, and another week to go into customs. At this rate, I should have it by next month. Frustrating!
Ammonite Audio
21-05-2011, 08:55
The Choir Audio/Hashimoto SUT seems to have been sent by rowing boat. John Parker of Choir and I have been joking about how bloody long it can take to send a parcel by aeroplane. The carrier tracking service shows a week between departure US and arrival here, and another week to go into customs. At this rate, I should have it by next month. Frustrating!
My new Thorens TD124 plinth is on its way from the States via US Mail Priority, so I do hope it arrives more quickly than your SUT!
Sorry to tell you this but my shipment was sent by USPS :(
Ammonite Audio
21-05-2011, 20:17
My last shipment via USPS from the States arrived in only 7 days, so I am clinging to an optimistic view, for the moment. This new order will not escape import duty and VAT, though, so I will have to wait for the letter from ParcelForce inviting me to pay the taxes and their £8 charge.
Hi Hugo (and Martin),
I've had numerous parcels sent recently from the States via USPS (around a dozen in total, all containing valves), and nearly all of them arrived within five working days, so it might not take as long as you think.
I've also never paid an £8 charge, so I'm not sure what that is? I've always just paid Import VAT and a 'Clearance Fee', perhaps because I don't let the Royal Mail deliver it to me, and instead collect it from my local depot?
If you want to do this, and save a day's waiting, then when you're tracking the parcel on the USPS website, and it says 'Attempted Delivery Abroad (at such-and-such a time)', it doesn't mean that there's been an attempted delivery at your house, but rather it's arrived at your local depot.
What I do then is phone my local depot (which is in Deeside), confirm the parcel is there, and how much is to be paid, and then simply go and collect it. Most depots are open until 7pm Mon-Fri, and 8am-12.30pm on a Saturday, so there should be plenty of time to go after work.
As I said, doing this cuts the delivery time to your door by a day, and also (crucially for me) removes one less opportunity for anything to get damaged!
Just a thought, chaps, if you fancy it :cool:
Marco.
Ammonite Audio
22-05-2011, 09:27
Hi Marco
Unfortunately, in this part of the country at least, ParcelForce seem to act as agents for Customs & Excise, at least for stuff originating in the USA. I'm well used to waiting for their notification letter and paying their £8 handling charge :( Luckily, the ParcelForce depot is only a few miles from here.
The chap in the States who made my new Thorens plinth seems reluctant to use FedEx or other quality carriers. My last lot of stuff was sent in two packets using US standard Air Mail and Priority Mail respectively, and guess what, the standard mail packet arrived several days quicker than the Priority one! I'd rather pay the extra for FedEx and know precisely where a delivery is at any time; also they process and send the tax bill on behalf of Customs & Excise after delivery.
Agreed, Hugo, I've had several ParcelForce 'handling fees' and there's nothing you can do about it once they have their mitts on it. FedEx are much better and do bill you after delivery - much more civilised.
The problem with USPS, Marco, is that you're never sure which carrier they hook up with this end. Even Choir Audio, enquiring at a US Post Office, couldn't get sense from them about who is used in the UK and what the tracking messages really mean. Why my parcel spent 7 days in the US before being sent abroad, and then 7 days 'getting here', is anyone's guess.
I guess things can get held up in customs at both ends sometimes.
However, for goods coming via USPS, it's always Parcelforce who handle the delivery for me - not once in over 30 occasions has it been anyone else :)
Marco.
Hi Hugo,
Unfortunately, in this part of the country at least, ParcelForce seem to act as agents for Customs & Excise, at least for stuff originating in the USA. I'm well used to waiting for their notification letter and paying their £8 handling charge :( Luckily, the ParcelForce depot is only a few miles from here.
Yup, I'm not disputing that, simply the £8 charge, which I've never paid since going to the depot and collecting the goods, rather than waiting on their collection letter to arrive, and then Royal Mail delivering the goods (via the postie).
I simply pay the Import Duty, etc, at the Parcelforce depot and collect my goods there, thus saving waiting a day more. Since you're near your local depot, you can do this too, if you follow the USPS tracking info diligently enough on-line.
As soon as I see the message 'Delivery attempted abroad', I'm on to my local Parcelforce depot like a flash! :cool:
Marco.
Reid Malenfant
22-05-2011, 11:39
Yup, I'm not disputing that, simply the £8 charge, which I've never paid since going to the depot and collecting the goods, rather than waiting on their collection letter to arrive, and then Royal Mail delivering the goods (via the postie).
It doesn't work like that this way Marco, whatever it is will be held at the post sorting depot & you have to go down there & pay the £8 charge & any customs fees, VAT etc & then they'll give you your item. It never gets delivered because you have to pay the fees.
However, i do remember when i imported some large ABRs that i payed the fees over the phone on some automated thing that took my card details. These were then delivered via parcel force.
Small stuff is via the post office round here & you pay on collection :rolleyes:
It appears that things are done differently all over the UK :scratch:
Hi Mark,
It doesn't work like that this way Marco, whatever it is will be held at the post sorting depot & you have to go down there & pay the £8 charge & any customs fees, VAT etc & then they'll give you your item. It never gets delivered because you have to pay the fees.
For some reason I don't seem to be making myself clear... Goods I've ordered via USPS from the States are ALWAYS held at my local MAIN Parcelforce depot UNTIL I pay the fees, either over the phone with my credit card, or on collection of the goods at the MAIN depot. If I don't pay the fees, I don't get the goods.
However, if I choose to collect the goods at my local MAIN Parcelforce depot in Deeside, some 30 mins away, (not the local sorting office in Wrexham), and not have them delivered to my house by the postie, after payment of the fees, then there is no £8 charge. I've never paid an £8 charge. All I pay then is Import VAT and what is called a 'Clearance Fee'.
I hope I've now made myself clear :cool:
Marco.
Ammonite Audio
22-05-2011, 12:37
I shall try arguing for the 'clearance fee' when I have to collect my plinth!
Reid Malenfant
22-05-2011, 12:43
Perfectly understood ;)
One thing i can't understand though is how you manage to track items via USPS as whenever i try the last port of call is always USA itself. I'm not sure about expidited shipping, this may well track to the UK, but standard tracked delivery won't give info beyond USA :scratch:
Ah well...
Probably because I pay for 'Priority Service' shipping, or whatever is the quickest and best way to get the goods here. I don't believe in farting about (causing delays), just to save a fiver, or something.... ;)
Marco.
One thing i can't understand though is how you manage to track items via USPS as whenever i try the last port of call is always USA itself
Actually, I've got tracking into the UK. The problem now is that I have to wait for (presumably) ParcelForce to contact me. I might try Marco's trick of phoning them first:
Into Foreign Customs, May 19, 2011, 2:15 pm, GREAT BRITAIN
Into Foreign Customs, May 19, 2011, 2:14 pm, GREAT BRITAIN
Arrived Abroad, May 19, 2011, 1:57 pm, GREAT BRITAIN
International Dispatch, May 12, 2011, 5:33 am, FOREIGN CENTERJERSEY CITY NJ 099
Arrival
Processed through Sort Facility, May 11, 2011, 8:43 am, KEARNY, NJ 07032
Acceptance, May 05, 2011, 4:22 pm, LA FAYETTE, GA 30728
Hi Martin,
Just wait for the 'Attempted Delivery Abroad' bit to appear on the tracking info, usually after something like 'Into Foreign Delivery Unit'.
Judging by the info you've got so far (and from experience of how progress is usually made), it's likely that you will be able to phone your local main depot on Tuesday and collect your parcel, should you wish to do so :)
Marco.
Mike_New
24-05-2011, 09:26
I have been following this thread for some time now and have suddenly realised that maybe I could benefit from a SUT upgrade for my Benz MC. But my Father Christmas isn't as unbelievably rich as Marco's. I guess his supreme choice of SUT will go with his Maserati parked outside his villa in the south of France.
I curently have the WD Phono-3 amp with the SUTs which are priced at Stg150.00
I have further upgraded this with my own "keep-warm" circuit and of course the usual selection of superior caps.
However one thing that does concern me is this. Is it possible to obtain any of these super duper SUTs in there naked form ie just the transformer?
My reasoning being that if one has to connect the SUTs to both the MC outputs (from the arm) and then into the Pre-Amp. This requires two sets of interconnects with all the problems of noise and hum that this entails, not to mention cost.
What I would like I believe, is the SUTs that Pete has purchased, but just the transforners not all the input and output socketry and the box.
This way they could be easily wired into the existing valve circuitry.
Has anyone done this??
This way I can incorporate them into my WD phono amp, which actually is a very good design. And now that I have the keep-warm circuit I can use it almost instantly after switching from standby.
Mike - if you can get hold of Hashimoto HM-7 transformers, they are what you need. Alternatively, you could try to get hold of CineMag CMQEE-3440A transformers directly, which are a lot cheaper and sound very good.
Indeed - and I notice that Bob's now joined, too! ;)
How's the USPS tracking going, btw?
Mike, your idea is a very good one, and something I've thought about for a long time. If you can implement it properly (and shield the transformers effectively from sources of hum), then I think the results would be superb!
Marco.
How's the USPS tracking going, btw?
No update :(
Mike,
I was considering doing just what you plan with the Hashimoto HM-7s.
Jerry Siegel on 10Audio did the same to his CJ Premier 15 with great results.
I ended up going to the separate box solution because I have a tendency to change components and did not want to hard-wire the transformers into my CJ unit (thus possibly affecting its resale potential).
Mike_New
25-05-2011, 00:57
Hi Pete,
Mike,
I was considering doing just what you plan with the Hashimoto HM-7s.
Jerry Siegel on 10Audio did the same to his CJ Premier 15 with great results.
I ended up going to the separate box solution because I have a tendency to change components and did not want to hard-wire the transformers into my CJ unit (thus possibly affecting its resale potential).
Are you saying that Hashimoto sell the SUTs separately from the box?
Do you know how much Jerry Siegal paid for his?
Mike_New
25-05-2011, 07:00
Sorry for the last post I should have done a bit of googling!
Yes I can buy just the MC trannys.
However one thing does puzzle me, not that one should always use price as the indicator of performance/quality; at the current price of about $400 for the Hashimotos this compares favouably with the WD SUTs that I paid Stg150.00. Which in todays money is about $300.00.
Can I ask what are the specs in terms of the type of wire used and core materials?
Martin, you mention the HM-7, I can only locate the HM-3 on their web site. Is the HM-7 a better unit or has it been supeceded?
Mike_New
25-05-2011, 07:57
Hi Martin,
Mike - if you can get hold of Hashimoto HM-7 transformers, they are what you need. Alternatively, you could try to get hold of CineMag CMQEE-3440A transformers directly, which are a lot cheaper and sound very good.
I have spent the last hour trying to locate the Hashimoto HM-7; but mostly I get info on the desease he invented.
I get lots of hits on the HM-3 but can find little on the HM-7, except that what I have found would seem to indicate that, as you say the HM-7 is the one I should be considering.
I can't find much directly, Mike, but you can read here about the HM-7 and John Parker's (of Choir Audio) responses.
http://www.hawthorneaudio.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=3371
Marco - I did as you suggested, waited for Parcelfarce tracking to say 'Awaiting payment of charges', which appeared today on their website. I rang them up, got transferred around the houses but finally spoke to someone who took my customs + VAT payment (£94!) and arranged for me to collect it from the Aldershot depot.
Hopefully, I should have it this evening :)
Nice one, mate. At least there'll be one less chance of it getting damaged, and you'll have it a day earlier!
Let's hope it was worth the wait - I'm sure it will be! :cool:
Marco.
http://mtc.me.uk/images/ChoirSUTH7_1.jpg
http://mtc.me.uk/images/ChoirSUTH7_2.jpg
:) :) :) :) :)
YAY Martin!! Welcome to the HM-7 club :cool:
When able tell us your impressions
Cheers
Pete
I couldn't stop listening to music tonight. I'll write up a report when I've gathered my thoughts. Right now I'm stunned at what I'm hearing.
Oh, and this is with the AT33PTG. I'm expecting something very special to arrive soon so the Dynavector DV-20X2L and Shelter 501-II are no longer with me.
Mike_New
27-05-2011, 00:00
Hi Pete and Martin,
Having tracked down the person to talk to on the subject of the separate freestanding SUT-H7s
A Mr Isao Asakura, He has been very helpful and sent me PDFs of matching impedence curves. The H-7s actually cost $800.00 inc postage to OZ so I think I will go ahead a get a pair.
Mike, that seems about right.
For those looking at an encased solution, I thought the $1500 Choiraudio charges was quite reasonable, and well worth it for the quality case that you get. And the packing job equals the quality of the SUT enclosure as well, if that makes sense, must see to be believed.
Mike_New
27-05-2011, 01:46
Hi Pete,
I couldn't agree more. Anything to do with metal working and fitting is labour intensive so the extra $700.00 is probably good value.
It's just that I felt wiring the SUTs directly into my Valve phono stage would perhaps give me even better performance. And obviate the need for a second set of quality cables. Especially since I have just put to work the silver interconnects for the V.
Mike, you're not going to be disappointed. The HM-7s are very special indeed.
I couldn't stop listening to music tonight. I'll write up a report when I've gathered my thoughts. Right now I'm stunned at what I'm hearing.
Hehehe... Nice one, Martin - I'm glad it was worth the wait (thought it would be), so enjoy! :)
I'll just have to treat myself now to the original subject of this thread ;)
Marco.
How about this for hand made?
http://www.tube-amps.net/images/Hashimoto_Plant/DSCN0270_800.jpg
I'll just have to treat myself now to the original subject of this thread ;)
Sorry we hijacked your thread, Marco. It seemed the place to discuss high end SUTs. Don't buy a Homage until you've heard the Hashimotos, please! If you can borrow a Homage we can do a SUT shootout to help you decide.
How about this for hand made?
http://www.tube-amps.net/images/Hashimoto_Plant/DSCN0270_800.jpg
Awesome - and also the sheer dedication.... The bloke's clearly doing an 'all-nighter', and still in his pyjamas! :eyebrows:
Marco.
Sorry we hijacked your thread, Marco. It seemed the place to discuss high end SUTs. Don't buy a Homage until you've heard the Hashimotos, please! If you can borrow a Homage we can do a SUT shootout to help you decide.
Worry not, shweety - 'tis the AoS way! :eyebrows:
Guess I'll have to pop down to yours first and hear how the Hashimotos work with my SPU :cool:
Marco.
Guess I'll have to pop down to yours first and hear how the Hashimotos work with my SPU :cool:
Any time, Marco.
Can't say I'd be unhappy to hear the SPU in my system again. I should have the Shelter 5000 soon, too. Damn - I've given the game away :)
Oooh... You've slipped the cat out of the bag :eyebrows:
Yes, I think that the SPU would make a very interesting comparison with the Shelter, using both my A23 and your Hashimotos. It certainly has the makings of another excellent sesh! :cool:
Marco.
Damn... makes me want to jump the puddle for this one :)
That is a nice pic. Gives you that feeling of how quality craftsmanship used to be.
Damn... makes me want to jump the puddle for this one :)
You only live once ;)
alfie2902
27-05-2011, 19:18
So how's it sounding Martin? or are you waiting for the Shelter 5000 before any thoughts?
Tried my SPU with a Kondo KSL-SFz SUT last weekend sounded very nice indeed, shame I'll never afford one though!!
Review coming soon, Alfie. I'm still evaluating it and my new cartridge will be arriving soon, so I will be better able to assess what the step-up is doing against the cartridge's strengths.
What I can say about the Kondo is that I heard some great strengths in it but I could not eliminate all hum. The Choir Audio, however, is as quiet as the CineMags.
alfie2902
30-05-2011, 22:31
I'll look forward to the review Martin. There's still not alot written about the HM-7's, not even on Hashimoto's website, unlike the HM-3 which seems highly thought of & well written about. I've been tempted to buy a pair of HM-3's & box them myself, so it will be interesting to hear your thoughts.
The best results i'd had with my SPU were with a pair of Altec Peerless 4722's until hearing the Kondo KSL, which was totally quiet with the SPU (3ohm setting) & with an Io Ltd & Io Gold. We also tried both Shelter 901 & 501 the next morning but I'm not 100% if we used the Kondo SUT with those.
alfie2902
09-06-2011, 18:29
:popcorn:
Reid Malenfant
09-06-2011, 18:55
:popcorn:
:lolsign: Something gives me the impression that Martin is enjoying the music, maybe that says it all :cool:
alfie2902
09-06-2011, 19:28
:lolsign: Something gives me the impression that Martin is enjoying the music, maybe that says it all :cool:
I suspect you're right Mark! :cool:
I've started writing my thoughts and I've formed a good impression of what the SUT-H7 is doing. However, my Shelter 5000 cartridge despatched today from Hong Kong and I'm waiting to hear that in action before I finish the review.
It'll be worth the wait, I promise :)
pure sound
12-06-2011, 13:21
The best results i'd had with my SPU were with a pair of Altec Peerless 4722's until hearing the Kondo KSL, which was totally quiet with the SPU (3ohm setting) & with an Io Ltd & Io Gold. We also tried both Shelter 901 & 501 the next morning but I'm not 100% if we used the Kondo SUT with those.
We did. On the highest impedance setting.
I suspect the HM7 will be excellent if my experience with their pre-amp opt's is anything to go by. They do make some nice things.
It's 10 days since the Shelter left Hong Kong but an enquiry today of ParcelForce gave the response "no tracking so it's not in the country". Yeah right, it's just hovering mid-air. Useless gits.
Come the revolution, they'd be first against the wall.
Mike_New
20-06-2011, 23:34
You'r a hard man Martin,
In fact the delay may be due to the Volcanic cloud of ash that is circling the globe. Here downunder all flights were cancelled for three days last week, just like in the UK.
In fact I have just shipped out 11 of my bearings to people in Europe and am concerned that they will suffer delays in getting them.
Canetoad
21-06-2011, 06:38
Received mine last Friday Mike. No problems with delivery. :)
Mike_New
21-06-2011, 07:02
Hi Bernie,
That must be an absolute record. I posted one to a guy in Spain some time ago, and it took 4 weeks!!
You'r a hard man Martin
I know, it's impatience. I should just say that me and ParcelForce have 'history'.
Canetoad
21-06-2011, 12:16
Hi Bernie,
That must be an absolute record. I posted one to a guy in Spain some time ago, and it took 4 weeks!!
It's usually stuff I've ordered in the UK that takes ages to arrive Mike. :lol:
The cartridge is in the country!! Just awaiting customs clearance now...
My Shelter 5000 is arriving today!
I will start a new thread for the cartridge and will complete the promised Choir Audio SUT-H7 review :)
My Shelter 5000 is arriving today!
I will start a new thread for the cartridge and will complete the promised Choir Audio SUT-H7 review :)
Nice one Martin, I bet you're excited! Look forward to reading about it... :popcorn: :)
Here's a quick shot taken at work to whet the appetite. I can't wait to get home this evening...
http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/Shelter 5000.jpg
Rare Bird
27-06-2011, 12:10
The cartridge is in the country!! Just awaiting customs clearance now...
How long did it take after indication that it was in the UK?
It was 10 days in 'limbo', neither in HK nor the UK according to tracking. Then from entering customs to my payment over the phone and then delivery was pretty fast - four days including the weekend.
Rare Bird
27-06-2011, 13:12
Aye i know how you feel
I bought a DAC from overseas a bit back i was climbing the walls because i couldnt get any tracking for over a week.
alfie2902
27-06-2011, 13:22
Nice one Martin! I can see a sickie coming on tomorrow :lol:
If only! Instead I have to go to a conference in Highgate :(
That's going to be at least 1.5 hours travel by train after I've already got in to work, which is a 28 mile drive.
Still, I may be late to bed tonight :)
New thread for the 5000:
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=228481#post228481
The Choir Audio SUT-H7 review is done.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?p=229181#post229181
:)
Ammonite Audio
06-08-2011, 16:08
Based on Martin's experience, I am quite keen to hear what the Hashimoto HM-7 SUTs do with my Ortofon Kontrapunkt B, particularly since their overall gain is rather lower than the Bob's Devices SUT that I have - the lower gain would almost certainly suit my Lyngdorf amplification better (the amp's ADC card will sometimes overload unless I select the 'low' option in the ADC menu; however that setting does take quite a bit of life away from the music compared with the un-attenuated input).
That aside, a family member is going to be spending some time in the States this autumn, so I have a chance to get a pair of HM-7 SUTs at sensible cost and without the hassle of waiting for international delivery etc. But where do I get the HM-7s from? Tube-Amps do not list the HM-7, but presumably they can provide; maybe Choir Audio will sell the bare SUTs? I'm just exploring options here, but has anyone got any suggestions regarding who's best to deal with?
Cheers!
I can't answer your question, Hugo, but if you want to hear the SUT-H7 with your Ortofon then I can bring it round or you could come over with your turntable. Let me know :)
Mike_New
06-08-2011, 23:32
Hi Shuggi,
This will put you in touch directly with Isao Asakura who sells the SUTs direct.
support@obsinc.us
Web Site:
http://www.tube-amps.net
http://www.sansui.us
http://www.obsinc.us/Dep_VOVS_Literatures.htm
Ammonite Audio
19-08-2011, 11:45
I went over to Martin's last night with the TD124 to hear how well my Kontrapunkt B works with his Choir Audio SUT. My Bob's Devices Cinemag SUT is undoubtedly very good, but in my system I have to deal with excess gain. The Hashimoto HM-7 SUT has slightly lower gain, which is potentially good. I'm pleased to report that the Kontrapunkt B is a lovely match for the HM-7 SUTs, producing some really lovely sounds.
I took over a few LPs, including Sinatra's "Come Dance With Me", a bit of Keb Mo, and "Hope" by Hugh Masekela. The Sinatra LP was most revealing - there is some quality musicianship on this LP and it's well-recorded too. Through my Bob's SUT it sounded good, but when we switched over to the Choir Audio SUT, the soundstage expanded, surface noise became less intrusive, but more importantly the different elements in the band were portrayed clearly, in time with each other and Sinatra. It was rather captivating listening experience and convinced me that I don't need to look any further for a more suitable SUT - the HM-7 will do very nicely indeed!
So, thanks to Martin for letting me hear his SUT.
The Sinatra LP came from http://www.outoftimerecords.co.uk/ in Norwich who sell used vinyl at sensible prices and are highly recommended. The most I've paid is £8, but that was for a quite collectable LP. They are very good at weeding out the damaged LPs, and pretty much everything I've bought has been very playable, at least after a couple of spins on the RCM.
Hugo's lovely Thorens TD124 at mine last night. I agree, the Ortofon Kontrapunkt B sounded superb through my Choir Audio SUT-H7. I think Hugo will be spending some money soon :)
http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/Hugo TD124.jpg
I found a small source of hum this morning: one of Mark Grant's WBTs had not engaged properly and was causing low level hum. Fixed it and all is well again.
Your visit, Hugo, has caused me once again to think about my cables; that Canare balanced cable between my Whest phono amp and Pass preamp vexes me. It's the only non-Kimber I have and I'm certain it's a bottleneck.
I've just checked the price of a 1m length of Kimber KS-1121 and it's £1003, so I'm looking at other avenues. I wish MG would produce his planned balanced cable based on the G2000HD as it might solve my problem, but I'm going to have a long think about it all.
Hi Martin,
I do agree with your suspicion... Having heard these Oyaide recently, I would thoroughly recommend them:
http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/hifi-cables/85-oyaide-tunami-terzo-rr-1-metre-interconnects.html
Trust me, Martin, they are VERY good indeed! David can terminate them in male or female XLRs :cool:
Marco.
Oh dear Marco, you're so going to whip me... :whippin:
I researched the price of the Kimber KS-1121 that I already use in my system, and when you add duty & VAT they are no cheaper from any other country than they are here, so the UK prices are representative. I also swapped things around and wherever I put the Canare cable in the Kimber whips it comprehensively. The thing is, my system works well with Kimber, I love the sound of hybrid silver/copper and I'm not into economising where sound quality is concerned.
So I've gone ahead and ordered two lengths of DCT treated 1m XLR KS-1121 cables to replace that Canare and also the 3m length betwen preamp and power amp. I have already put the 3m cable on eBay and, judging by previous sales and the rarity of that length, I should make a grand on it to go back into the pot.
What I will definitely do is evaluate both Mark Grant's forthcoming balanced G2000HD and Paul Hynes' fine silver XLR cable against the Kimbers. Maybe I should try the Oyaide, too? If they sound better, I will re-cable the system with them and sell the Kimbers. That's a promise that's easily made as I want the best, no matter what the brand. Was it Oscar Wilde who said "I have the simplest of tastes. I am always satisfied with the best"?
Reid Malenfant
19-08-2011, 20:44
Was it Oscar Wilde who said "I have the simplest of tastes. I am always satisfied with the best"?
I like it :)
Hugo's lovely Thorens TD124 at mine last night. I agree, The Ortofon Kontrapunkt B sounded superb through my Choir Audio SUT-H7. I think Hugo will be spending some money soon :)
http://www.mtc.me.uk/images/Hugo TD124.jpg
I wished this forum has a "like" button.
Very nice TD124 there. Love it.
Good luck with the cables, Martin.
Was it Oscar Wilde who said "I have the simplest of tastes. I am always satisfied with the best"?
I believe it was - though I prefer his last words: "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has got to go" Needless to say, the wallpaper won!
Ammonite Audio
20-08-2011, 06:24
Good luck with the cables, Martin.
I believe it was - though I prefer his last words: "My wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. One or other of us has got to go" Needless to say, the wallpaper won!
Could have applied to Napoleon!
No lashing, Marco? ;)
I have 28 watchers on the 3m cable now.
Lol - soz, just catchng up. No, dude, do what you need to do. I shall follow with interest :)
The one I'm most keen to find out what you think is the Paul Hynes silver DC cable, so get yer soldering iron out pronto, stop fannying about, and fit the fecker! :lol: ;)
Trust me, you'll thank me when you do.........
Marco.
Slight misunderstanding on the DC cable, Paul had sent me a cable for the Techie but it's not a fine silver one like yours. I have now ordered one and will install it as soon as it arrives.
I'll report on the Kimber going in place of the Canare. This 1121 will be one of the new DCT (Deep Cryo Treated) ones.
Ah, I see....
I'll report on the Kimber going in place of the Canare. This 1121 will be one of the new DCT (Deep Cryo Treated) ones.
Nice one. I expect it to be a non-contest! You're doing the right thing improving those (crucial) interconnects, Martin, as with the system you've got, you're a little 'under budget', cable-wise. We've discussed this before.
The next thing I'd look at is your mains leads, but leave that one for when I visit with my MCRU 'Ultimates'. Make sure you keep a space on your credit card though for those, as trust me, when you hear them, you'll want them!! ;)
Marco.
MCRU 'Ultimates'.
Furutech, right? That will be very interesting indeed. If you have a long one (say 2m), I could try replacing the one that feeds the Powerplant Premier, which feeds the whole system, as it is very critical.
These, dude: http://www.mains-cables-r-us.co.uk/mains-cables-/11-mains-cables-r-us-ultimate-mains-power-lead.html
The cable itself is actually Furukawa Pure Ohno Continuous Cast Copper (you can read about this on David's website), and David terminates the cable with a selection of quality IEC and mains plugs. I use the best Furutech ones (the FI-50 IECs are essential), which brings the cable to £695 for a 1.5M length.
It's not cheap that way, but quite honestly, when you're talking about something which outperforms Nordost Valhalla, at £2200, it makes it a veritable hi-end bargain!
And once you hear the huge fundamental improvement it has on your music listening (I'm really not exaggerating here), you'll realise that the 'Ultimates' should be considered the de-facto mains lead choice for discerning enthusiasts running genuinely wide-open, high-resolution systems, who wish to ensure that their carefully chosen equipment is allowed to realise its full potential.
Marco.
Now I know (again) why I like Kimber cables so much. I had to take the 3m run out of circuit between preamp and power amp last night as I've sold it. I tried both the 1m Canare in that position and a 1m silver plated cable which shall remain nameless as it was a prototype. I gritted my teeth as I heard a rather horrible splashy, tonally tilted sound from the latter and dullness from the former.
I just put in a new 1m Kimber KS-1121 cryo-treated, burned-in hybrid silver/copper cable back into that position and it all sounds wonderful again - those effortless dynamics, the extended treble and the sheer richness of it all. I love it and I don't care that I had to pay silly money for it.
Interesting that you think I am 'under-cabled' for the value of my system, Marco. I calculate I have about £8,000 of cables in the main system, although skewed towards speaker & interconnects as my power cables are mostly RA Reference Powerkords.
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.