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Chops
13-01-2012, 11:51
I've really enjoyed reading this forum so thought it about time to join. Friendly and informative. I'm not an active forum member but thought I would take the plunge here.

My current main system is as follows:

Michell Gyro with Orbe platter and HR PSU, Hadcock GH242 Silver arm (not original output cable - needs some TLC), Audionote IQ3 cartridge
Squeezebox Touch with Mains-Cable-R-Us PSU and Soundcheck mods
Chord QBD76 connected via Chord Indigo Plus Digital to SBT
EAR 868PL and 890 amplification, all connected up via Mark Grant G2000HD interconnects (thanks for the recommendation)
PMC PB1i speakers connected via Chord Epic Super Twin
Mark Grant power cables (thanks again)
Clearlight Audio Aspekt rack and One Decent Wallshelf
Dedicated mains spur

My TV system (it'll do!):


Linn Classik amp
Linn Helix speakers
Linn black interconnects and K20 speaker cable

Prior to the EAR/PMC combination, I had some Linn gear; first active LK400 then later AV5125 feeding Ninkas. The EARs gave a very big improvement into the Ninkas, which I still think were pretty good. Pre-amp for this was first the Classik then a Sonic Euphoria passive (very good). I still have an Arcam Alpha Plus CD lying around that was clearly better than the Classik's built-in CD despite the age gap.


As a student in the 80s, I had a Rega Planar 2, AT110, Marantz PM350 integrated and Mission bookshelf speakers. The Rega stayed with me until the Michell and benefitted from some good tweaking along the way (Incognito wiring, Michell weight, acrylic platter, new Rega motor, bearing thrust pad etc).


I listen to many different types of music but can't get on with mainstream pop, soul, reggae and modern jazz. BBC Radio 3 and 6 are my staples when not doing serious listening. Currently really enjoying some lovely baroque coutesy of Avison Ensemble (Vivaldi, Handel, Avison), I Musici (Pergolesi) and Les Musiciens du Louvre (Rameau). I love the latest Jolie Holland effort. The Church, I Am Kloot, Chopin, Nick Drake, Penguin Cafe Ochestra, Mogwai, Wire are often playing, plus many more. Looking forward to visits from Lambchop and Portico Quartet to The Sage.


Chris

Reid Malenfant
13-01-2012, 14:32
Hi Chris, nice introduction there, a warm welcome to AoS from me :)

That's some rather nice equipment you have & what would probably be a superb synergy between valve amplification & the pretty benign impedance load of the PMC transmission lines :eyebrows:

Perhaps at some stage you'd grace the gallery with some pictures as we all love piccies here!

All the best to you & I hope you enjoy your stay :)

Chops
13-01-2012, 15:05
Many thanks for the welcome Mark

I think the valve and PMCs do work very well together, especially as the 890 has a bit more grunt than most, which I guess should help. I feel this is a reasonably neutral sounding setup. It sits in a largish room and I don't think there are major room interactions going on but sometimes I do wish for a tighter bottom end or should I say greater definition in the bass :D. I've wondered whether something like a big balanced mains supply might help - people mention improved impedence, not that I really understand.
Maybe also a bit more transparency - I once heard some Martin Logans and was smitten, but my wife will never such beasts through the front door.

Cheers...Chris

RichB
18-01-2012, 11:36
Hi Chris and welcome from a Gateshead based member of AoS.

Seems like a lovely system you have there. I'm also a big fan of gigs at the sage, looking forward to the Transatlantic Sessions there in Feb. Perhaps our paths will cross at one of these gigs soon.:cool:

all the best

Rich

Chops
18-01-2012, 17:08
Thanks Rich. Guess there's a few of us in the North East. Not a big Floyd fan but might see you around.

Cheers...Chris

Wilbur
18-01-2012, 17:15
Welcome! Just down the road from you both in sunny Easington (shit-hole!)
Always nice to know theres others around here who have the same sickness:lol:

royzak
18-01-2012, 17:41
Hi Chris,pink is good,looks like a lovely system.

Spectral Morn
18-01-2012, 18:39
Welcome to AOS Chris.

Nice system you have there.


Regards D S D L

Chops
19-01-2012, 13:25
Many thanks for the welcome all.

Yes, very happy with it, but like many I guess, there's always things that I'd like improved. Part of the bug....

Hi Wibur. Often drive down the A19. Bought my DAC and some cables at Hifi Sound in Stockton (great experience).:thumbsup:

Hi royzak. Its one of my favourite albums that I've listen to a lot over the years. Also available in blue.;)

Cheers...Chris

Alex_UK
21-01-2012, 12:43
Hi Chris - looks like I've not said hello yet - hello! ;) Welcome to AoS and enjoy the forum. :)

Chops
21-01-2012, 12:52
Many thanks Alex.

I see you're a vinyl dude. Hardly listened to mine since getting the QBD76. Partly convenience of the SBT and quality of the Chord DAC, but I also need to fix a tonearm wiring issue. Note to self - ask the Q on AoS.

Chris