View Full Version : Finally built the new system! Harbeth, Luxman, Border Collie, Marantz
Whew, it's been an interesting two months building the new stereo!
It's been great joining this community and participating in the Classical records threads, and getting all your expertise on building this sytem.
Here goes:
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/Harbeth1.jpg
Side view
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/Harbeth4.jpg
The Mighty VPI JMW-10 arm
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/VPI.jpg
My audience:
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/Molly.jpg
The wonderful Luxman 505u integrated:
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/Luxman.jpg
Some friends who came over to listen to the local band:
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/albums.jpg
Harbeth 7es3, Luxman 505u, Marantz SA8004, VPI JMW10, custom stands, in the music loft:
http://i1255.photobucket.com/albums/hh632/eljack1/Harbeth2.jpg
Dingdong
05-02-2012, 07:30
That's a very pretty looking system. Hope it sounds as good as it looks.
Those speaker stands suit the Harbeths. Who did them for you?
alex_san78
05-02-2012, 08:28
Nice system Jack! Really like your speakers and stands.
If those stands are similar to the Target R2's (but on steroids) then they must be a hernia inducing lift! The combo with the speakers looks the business. Nice system.
The stands were made by a Canadian gentleman, according to the dealer, who wouldn't tell me his name for fear that his already crowded back orders would expand! They are filled with sand and quite heavy.
I forgot to mention that there's a small REL subwoofer in the system as well.
Now all I need is a new cartridge as I'm running the Shure M97xe [which sounds amazing for the $59 it cost me]. I mght have Soundsmith do a retip on an older Sumiko Blue Point Special I have sitting about.
What about an SAS stylus for the Shure, which should lift it to V15 XMR standards I think, and maybe see of the Luxman's loading can be changed from the ubiquitous 47K to 68K, thus flattening the Shure's response at very high frequencies?
On the UK market, we tend to recommend light but rigid stands for Harbeths such as the custom made Something Solid ones, and "thin-wall" speakers in general. Even the US recommended Skylan stands are now recommended to be filled with rice, rather than cat-litter. Obviously, this can change from room to room, but worth bearing in mind if you can ever be bothered :)
What about an SAS stylus for the Shure, which should lift it to V15 XMR standards I think, and maybe see of the Luxman's loading can be changed from the ubiquitous 47K to 68K, thus flattening the Shure's response at very high frequencies?
On the UK market, we tend to recommend light but rigid stands for Harbeths such as the custom made Something Solid ones, and "thin-wall" speakers in general. Even the US recommended Skylan stands are now recommended to be filled with rice, rather than cat-litter. Obviously, this can change from room to room, but worth bearing in mind if you can ever be bothered :)
I listened to my speakers on those metal frame stands prior to purchase and preferred the black ones.
I'll check into the SAS stylus, thanks
Very nice, I have heard both the Luxman and the VPI but I heard a VPI Scout and liked it,same tone arm.Both are fantastic performers.
What cartridge is that?
Very nice, I have heard both the Luxman and the VPI but I heard a VPI Scout and liked it,same tone arm.Both are fantastic performers.
What cartridge is that?
Would you believe it's a $59 Shure 97? And I can't believe how good it sounds (but, yes, I will upgrade this at some point)
Very nice Jack, I too love the stands.....
Hi Jack (did I really write that? Lol),
What a superb and very well thought out system, which no doubt fills your room very nicely with music... I particularly love the Luxman amp. Lexus-build quality Jap amps with VU meters always get me rather excited! :eyebrows:
Incidentally, is the Luxman Class A? I can't remember.
I listened to my speakers on those metal frame stands prior to purchase and preferred the black ones.
I've heard Harbs and Spendors on both high-mass Target stands and on the light, 'open frame' Something Solids. It depends on the sonic presentation you're after and also how the speakers interract with the room.
High-mass stands will usually add weight to and tighten the bass, and generally give a fuller sound with more 'control', at the expense of agility and 'freedom of expression' in the midrange. Overdo the mass, however (such as sometimes with sand or lead shot-filling) and you can kill the music by adding too much in the way of damping.
Low-mass stands, will usually give a lighter, quicker sound, and open out the midrange more, allowing music to 'breathe' better and thus 'flow' more effortlessly, at the expense of a slight loss of 'control' and ultimate bass extension.
Generally, I prefer BBC heritage speaker designs on light 'open frame' stands, but it's all down to personal taste, what one is looking to achieve, and also even the music one generally listens to. In that respect, since you're mainly a classical fan (and considering the sonic presentation of the Luxman), I can understand why you've chosen the high-mass route.
Enjoy - it's a fabulous system! :cool:
Marco.
Lovely system, Jack. Always nice to see more Luxman lovliness too. Those Harbeths just look so beautifully understated.
Marco, I believe the 505u, like my 509u, is not Class A. The 550 and 590 both are Class A.
Hi Nick,
Thanks for the clarification :)
Marco.
Lovely system, Jack. Always nice to see more Luxman lovliness too. Those Harbeths just look so beautifully understated.
Marco, I believe the 505u, like my 509u, is not Class A. The 550 and 590 both are Class A.
That's right. I did audition the Class A integrated from Luxman. Gorgeous midrange, of course, but just a bit flabby in the bass.
I was leaving a Class A valve setup (Cary monos and Conrad Johnson preamp) so I had already assumed that I would be surrendering a little midrange magic but I'm not at all dissapointed in that regard.
Hi Jack (did I really write that? Lol),
What a superb and very well thought out system, which no doubt fills your room very nicely with music... I particularly love the Luxman amp. Lexus-build quality Jap amps with VU meters always get me rather excited! :eyebrows:
Incidentally, is the Luxman Class A? I can't remember.
I've heard Harbs and Spendors on both high-mass Target stands and on the light, 'open frame' Something Solids. It depends on the sonic presentation you're after and also how the speakers interract with the room.
High-mass stands will usually add weight to and tighten the bass, and generally give a fuller sound with more 'control', at the expense of agility and 'freedom of expression' in the midrange. Overdo the mass, however (such as sometimes with sand or lead shot-filling) and you can kill the music by adding too much in the way of damping.
Low-mass stands, will usually give a lighter, quicker sound, and open out the midrange more, allowing music to 'breathe' better and thus 'flow' more effortlessly, at the expense of a slight loss of 'control' and ultimate bass extension.
Generally, I prefer BBC heritage speaker designs on light 'open frame' stands, but it's all down to personal taste, what one is looking to achieve, and also even the music one generally listens to. In that respect, since you're mainly a classical fan (and considering the sonic presentation of the Luxman), I can understand why you've chosen the high-mass route.
Enjoy - it's a fabulous system! :cool:
Marco.
Thanks! I like it a lot. And now you see that I have a fairly substantial equipment rack (referring to my other thread in the Artists Palette).
I do think that I was looking for the firmer bass control that I found with the higher-mass speaker stands.
In any event, I worked in a small REL subwoofer for the big orchestral pieces. I'm actually very surprised by how well it keeps pace while subtly filling out the range from 30-50 hz.
It's so small that it's completely hidden by the Swan Lake LP that I leaned against it.
Well that system would get me jumping Jack! Lovely!
Nice system there Jack and I'm a fan of the Harbeth sound too. Enjoy :)
Nice system there Jack and I'm a fan of the Harbeth sound too. Enjoy :)
I'm enjoying it a great deal
Jack, I have heard a Sumiko black bird on that arm and it was stunning. http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Sumiko-Phono-Cartridges
They make a blue point for less $$$ but I'm told it dose not sound quite the same.
A nice inexpensive cart that works well on most belt drives with medium mass arms is the Grado Gold and if you break a needle or bend a cantilever it can be easily replaced with out having to remove the cartridge from the head and sending it out then realigning the whole dammed thing again.and there not horribly over priced a new needle is around $80.00 U.S.
and you just slide the old one out and the new one in. http://www.needledoctor.com/Grado-Gold1-Prestige-Series-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=893
I replaced a Goldring Eroca H that came new on my Music Hall MMF7 with the Grado Gold it just sounded boring and didn't have much dynamics,look at the price! price is not everything. http://www.needledoctor.com/Goldring-Eroica-H-Cartridge?sc=2&category=373 I sold the $750.00 cart with less than 60 hours to a guy in Washington for $200.00 he was very happy to get it,I was equally happy to get it off my turntable.
Jack, I have heard a Sumiko black bird on that arm and it was stunning. http://www.needledoctor.com/Online-Store/Sumiko-Phono-Cartridges
They make a blue point for less $$$ but I'm told it dose not sound quite the same.
A nice inexpensive cart that works well on most belt drives with medium mass arms is the Grado Gold and if you break a needle or bend a cantilever it can be easily replaced with out having to remove the cartridge from the head and sending it out then realigning the whole dammed thing again.and there not horribly over priced a new needle is around $80.00 U.S.
and you just slide the old one out and the new one in. http://www.needledoctor.com/Grado-Gold1-Prestige-Series-Phono-Cartridge?sc=2&category=893
I replaced a Goldring Eroca H that came new on my Music Hall MMF7 with the Grado Gold it just sounded boring and didn't have much dynamics,look at the price! price is not everything. http://www.needledoctor.com/Goldring-Eroica-H-Cartridge?sc=2&category=373 I sold the $750.00 cart with less than 60 hours to a guy in Washington for $200.00 he was very happy to get it,I was equally happy to get it off my turntable.
I heard the same recommendation from my dealer on the Blackbird, but it was just out of my price range. I've ordered a Dynavector 20 which should be here early next week. Thanks for the input
Firebottle
02-12-2012, 08:02
I spotted the sub straight away, hiding behind the sleeve.
Looks great, I bet it sounds it too!
A lovely setup Jack! Have always been a big fan of the Luxman stuff, but have still to hear the "new" series amps. I do, however, have a minty L-530 which gets aired frequently! (High bias Class A/B so it leaves some 12W in pure Class A) and that really gets your heart intothe music!
And i am thouroughly impressed with those stands! :)
:respect:
Regards Mike
Audio Al
02-12-2012, 08:50
Hi
Some nice quality items :eyebrows:
Very nice :)
tannoyman
02-12-2012, 08:59
Hi Jack
The system looks terrific and I am it will sound awesome. The Luxman has long been a piece of kit I wopuld love to own. Looking at you record sleeves in your photos the listening material looks pretty fine too
David:stalks::stalks:
Thanks everyone. I have to say that this system is keeping me away from the upgrade bug. I'll probably keep this intact for 5-7 years without touching anything once I get the new cartridge mounted.
The funny thing is that I'm really getting into "classic" recordings, which are often in terrible sound!
Light Capture
10-02-2013, 01:54
Yah man! You got all the good stuff in your system. Not too much stuff, just classic choices, and a sound I'd love to hear. Well done!
mad-moon
10-02-2013, 08:00
Very nice system....can you tell me the precise colour and make of that nice green colour you have on your walls...that is also very nice...
Lovely system you have going on there Jack!! Top quality stuff! I'm sure you must be enjoying the hell out of it - as should your lovely "audience" (so, so cute by the way).
What are your thoughts/impressions of the VPI tonearm? I am considering an upgrade on mine - and I've heard and read lots of good things about it. It's Rega geometry, no?
Anyway - enjoy that lovely system of yours!:cool:
Like like like. My dream system. I am a big fan of Luxman 550A and Harbeth.
There must be so much enjoyment being in the room and listening to the system.
+1 on the components. Something tells me that the whole shebang would jell quite well. The Luxman got a great write up in Stereophile.
Do you play SACDs? If so I would be interested in your assessment of the SA8004.
TIA
offthewall
06-03-2013, 16:57
Nice speakers and stands.
Well matched system Jack, congratulations. I have a Luxman 550aii amp (sadly now for sale) and they are indeed wonderful amplifiers...built like the proverbial brick outhouse, muscular sounding and a great match for the Harbeths I reckon.
panos_adgr
06-03-2013, 22:01
Very nice system!
I wish you many hours of music joy with your set up!
I'm also a Luxman owner, owing a tube amplifier.
Very nice system....can you tell me the precise colour and make of that nice green colour you have on your walls...that is also very nice...
Quite tardy in my reply - if memory serves it's a Benjamin Moore paint. It's sand-based, quite hard to apply because it's so thick with sand, but it leaves a neat color.
Lovely system you have going on there Jack!! Top quality stuff! I'm sure you must be enjoying the hell out of it - as should your lovely "audience" (so, so cute by the way).
What are your thoughts/impressions of the VPI tonearm? I am considering an upgrade on mine - and I've heard and read lots of good things about it. It's Rega geometry, no?
Anyway - enjoy that lovely system of yours!:cool:
I haven't been posting in a long time.
Anyway, the VPI arm is the original 10-inch version from the late-1990s. I bought it new based on the Anthony Cordesman review in The Absolute Sound (I think) and my audition at the dealer. I believe the current model is now 10.5 inches, and they also make a 12 inch arm.
I love the arm, and have been using it for about 15 years, on cartridges ranging from a $79 Shure to a $2700 Van den hul. Its signature sound would tend toward the smooth, with a full, warm bass but also tremendous resolution. It's quite different from any Rega arm (my prior table was a Rega 2). I would say it's in another league up from the Rega 300 arm (which is a great arm).
So, as the mainstay of my system for 15 years I can't find fault with it. It's kind of the opposite of the Linn sound, which fits me.
+1 on the components. Something tells me that the whole shebang would jell quite well. The Luxman got a great write up in Stereophile.
Do you play SACDs? If so I would be interested in your assessment of the SA8004.
TIA
Yes indeed I do play SACDs. I was an "early adapter" to SACD, and bought a Sony 555 ES player that I had for years.
The Marantz is certainly an upgrade from my main reference (the Sony). I auditioned a great many players last year before I bought the Marantz. I am a big fan of the format, especially for classical, and I think the Marantz is very tough to beat unless you're spending big, big money for MSB or something like that. I auditioned it extensively against the then-current Oppo (103?) and preferred the Marantz, although differences were slight.
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