SteveW
27-05-2011, 12:05
Pretty much a full scale change.
I'd always been fairly happy with my Linn Active system, but knew that I could do better, particularly the speakers...and I have!
Loads of people to thank for helping me on the journey
First of all AOS for having members who do not get overly hide bound in approach to equipment, apart from the occasional anti Linn/Naim/solid state episodes that break out !:eek:
First to change was the the turntable, and acquiring Hugo's (Shuggie) Kenwood 750. Great bit of kit, but also like to thank Dave (DSJR) for persuading me to stick with the original arm...it was worth it.
However, the deck didn't really come on 'song' till I'd re-set up my Mana supports with some stainless steel spikes I'd picked up along the way. Blimey...what a difference...also helped by a tonearm cable from Marco, a new achromat and a 2nd hand AT OC-9.
(Hugo had already had Johnnie re-wire the arm..)...(oh edit to add), not to underestimate the EAR phono added !
Now the deck was wonderfully detailed and knocked the spots of the LP12 I still have awaiting a 2nd system set-up.
Also at Hugos I heard his Lyngdorf 2200.
I realised there, that it gave me the sound and inbuilt DAC I wanted...but I had yet to experience how good the Lyngdorf room correction would be.
so..lucky enough to pick one up with the module off of a nice guy over on Wigwam.
A truly great amp, that plays all sorts of party tricks !
Along with all this, but actually probably key to getting the sound I wanted and all round massive improvements was getting a pair of Harbeth 3PESR's.
I'm extremely grateful to HiFi Dave for giving me a fantastic rate for a pair, and also not having to wait very long from the point I'd placed the order.
And of course they sound sublime.
Even my wife , who asked me not to ask her and come and listen to hear the improvements ( claiming she could never tell!), just said 'good grief'.
The latest improvement I've discovered was replacing the mains cable to the amp (on Hugo's suggestion) - Dave Brook over at Mains Cables R Us gave me a great deal (and the AOS discount code worked!) on a pre-loved Nordost Visnu mains cable.
Suddenly everything sounds more natural and balanced...which was a pleasant surprise. So again great service and even emails to check its arrival. Thankyou Dave.
Brilliant service and highly recommended.
So from my 'old system' all that remains is the Linn ikemi cd player and Kremlin tuner. Both sound vastly better than they ever did. The ikemi acts just as a transport, and sounds lovely ..and the Kremlin is revealed as the superb tuner it always was.
I've started to listen to vinyl again...it just sounds so good. Even took a trip into Manchester yesterday specifically to pick up vinyl copies of Laura Marling's "I Speak.." album along with John Grants.
So...overall a hobby has been re-kindled.
Thanks
The change begins.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0001-1.jpg
I wonder if it would sound better with good supports?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0028.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0027-1.jpg
Tht's better !
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSCF0045.jpg
I'd always been fairly happy with my Linn Active system, but knew that I could do better, particularly the speakers...and I have!
Loads of people to thank for helping me on the journey
First of all AOS for having members who do not get overly hide bound in approach to equipment, apart from the occasional anti Linn/Naim/solid state episodes that break out !:eek:
First to change was the the turntable, and acquiring Hugo's (Shuggie) Kenwood 750. Great bit of kit, but also like to thank Dave (DSJR) for persuading me to stick with the original arm...it was worth it.
However, the deck didn't really come on 'song' till I'd re-set up my Mana supports with some stainless steel spikes I'd picked up along the way. Blimey...what a difference...also helped by a tonearm cable from Marco, a new achromat and a 2nd hand AT OC-9.
(Hugo had already had Johnnie re-wire the arm..)...(oh edit to add), not to underestimate the EAR phono added !
Now the deck was wonderfully detailed and knocked the spots of the LP12 I still have awaiting a 2nd system set-up.
Also at Hugos I heard his Lyngdorf 2200.
I realised there, that it gave me the sound and inbuilt DAC I wanted...but I had yet to experience how good the Lyngdorf room correction would be.
so..lucky enough to pick one up with the module off of a nice guy over on Wigwam.
A truly great amp, that plays all sorts of party tricks !
Along with all this, but actually probably key to getting the sound I wanted and all round massive improvements was getting a pair of Harbeth 3PESR's.
I'm extremely grateful to HiFi Dave for giving me a fantastic rate for a pair, and also not having to wait very long from the point I'd placed the order.
And of course they sound sublime.
Even my wife , who asked me not to ask her and come and listen to hear the improvements ( claiming she could never tell!), just said 'good grief'.
The latest improvement I've discovered was replacing the mains cable to the amp (on Hugo's suggestion) - Dave Brook over at Mains Cables R Us gave me a great deal (and the AOS discount code worked!) on a pre-loved Nordost Visnu mains cable.
Suddenly everything sounds more natural and balanced...which was a pleasant surprise. So again great service and even emails to check its arrival. Thankyou Dave.
Brilliant service and highly recommended.
So from my 'old system' all that remains is the Linn ikemi cd player and Kremlin tuner. Both sound vastly better than they ever did. The ikemi acts just as a transport, and sounds lovely ..and the Kremlin is revealed as the superb tuner it always was.
I've started to listen to vinyl again...it just sounds so good. Even took a trip into Manchester yesterday specifically to pick up vinyl copies of Laura Marling's "I Speak.." album along with John Grants.
So...overall a hobby has been re-kindled.
Thanks
The change begins.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0001-1.jpg
I wonder if it would sound better with good supports?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0028.jpg
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSC_0027-1.jpg
Tht's better !
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j280/Stevewaller/DSCF0045.jpg