Valve System 2017

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/AOS%20System%20Feb%202017_zpsh2aqcpz4.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/AOS%20System%20Feb%202017_zpsh2aqcpz4.jpg.html)


This is my system as it stands at 4th February 2017. I have just ordered a Rothwell MC headamp to replace the Pro-Ject phono stage as the preamp has an inbuilt MM phono stage as standard so I may as well put it to good use and, with MM it is much better sound wise than the Pro-Ject DS. This photo is of the system playing vinyl and not CD as I kind of get more pleasure from vinyl most of the time :eyebrows:

Not really sure what change will bring next after the Rothwell but who knows ? It could be big.

[Jimbo]

Nice Shaun, like how you photographed that shot-quality!

You can't beat valves and vinyl. I am listening to something quite special at the moment.:)

[struth]

All good stuff Shaun. Looks attractive too

[farflungstar]

Nothing like the glow of valves to warm the heart - and the whole house.


In perpetual pursuit.

[Marco]

Looking good, mate! :)


Not really sure what change will bring next after the Rothwell but who knows ? It could be big.

I suspect it will be significant (and for the better) ;)

Enjoy, and post a full report when it arrives! :cool:

Marco.

[Haselsh1]

Looking good, mate! :)



I suspect it will be significant (and for the better) ;)

Enjoy, and post a full report when it arrives! :cool:

Marco.

You're correct Marco, the difference is quite significant. I'll post a summary in a few weeks time when I have ironed out a few problems.

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/AOS%20System%203%20Feb%202017_zpscbi163ev.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/AOS%20System%203%20Feb%202017_zpscbi163ev.jpg.html )


In the meantime, here's a shot of the current setup with the Denon DL103 and the Rothwell MC Headamp.
I have finally removed the hum and the RF interference.

[Haselsh1]

OK, so the next big change has happened, thanks to ebay. I have just bought a Nottingham Analogue Interspace deck fitted with a Rega RB250 arm from a guy or gal in London. I've no idea when it will arrive but I am seriously looking forward to getting it. Used to have a Spacedeck back in 1997 and have always been impressed by their engineering.

[walpurgis]

Nice. I like the NA turntables.

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/NA%20AOS_zps3mnqbbnq.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/NA%20AOS_zps3mnqbbnq.jpg.html)


The latest purchase via ebay is our Nottingham Analogue Interspace with Rega RB250 tonearm and our old Denon DL103. It has just taken two bloody hours to install and set up but hell was it worth it.

Playing the first album on it by Mr Scruff 'Friendly Bacteria' there is an immediate difference. The cymbals are much more noticeable by their ring and midrange voices are so very obvious. The whole sound is much more mellow and relaxed however electronic drums have much more authority. The really low sub bass stuff is so much more than with the Stanton.

In all, I'd say well worth the money...!

Oh happy days ;)

[macvisual]

Those NA Interspaces are lovely looking..... I'm sure it sounds amazing! I've a spare Origin Live modded RB250 tonearm spare doing nothing and would love an Interspace TT to fit it onto.

Sorry to ask, what kind of money would a used NA Interspace sell for roughly..?

Cheers;
Peter

[Haselsh1]

Peter, I just paid £850 for this early but mint example. I would expect to pay the same really for a current model secondhand with an Interspace arm. My reason for paying over the odds is because I like the finish of the earlier models over the current grey ones.

[Haselsh1]

OK so I have now used the turntable with and without the Achromat and the difference is staggering. I thought that the deck was a revelation over the Stanton ST.150 but fitting the Achromat is a true revelation. With the Achromat there is a mass of vocal detail that is now just so obvious whereas before it was consumed by this kind of total confusion in the midband. The Achromat has also led to a fine sharpening of the low bass sounds so that they are now so tight and well defined. I now honestly think that the Achromat with this turntable is a must as it completely transforms the sound definitely for the better.

[Haselsh1]

Hey, I also know that the Denon DL103 cartridge is not a perfect match with Rega arms but so far I haven't encountered any problems. I have only played three albums though and have only had the deck for just less than 24 hours.

[Haselsh1]

OK, OK, very last item bought for 2017... Origin Live Onyx tonearm with upgraded connecting cable. Should arrive mid next week (Wednesday 01/03/2017).

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/Origin%20Live%2001032017%20AOS_zpswxdda4im.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/Origin%20Live%2001032017%20AOS_zpswxdda4im.jpg.htm l)


This is the Nottingham Analogue Interspace deck now fitted with the Origin Live Onyx tonearm along with an upgraded interconnect tonearm cable.
I have to say that the fitting of the tonearm was a bit of a pig and I ended up having to use a Rega fitting collar in place of the lock nut system of the Origin Live. This was mainly due to the over engineered mounting plate of the Nottingham Analogue. Everything is now fitted and the arm mount is rock steady. I am also using a Funk Firm Achromat on this deck.

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/CM8%20S2%20AOS_zpsurnsx0e3.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/CM8%20S2%20AOS_zpsurnsx0e3.jpg.html)

What was that I said LOL... The very last item bought for 2017...???
OK, I just bought these from the Audio Rooms in Hull. Fantastic dealer with truly excellent service.
They now have around two hours on them so a long way to go methinks but a massive difference to the KEF Q500's.

B&W CM8 S2's - Bloody stunning

[Haselsh1]

OK, the demo of the CM8's in the shop was quite weedy and thin but the Prima Luna power and pre have taken care of that. There is now so much controlled bass it is as though the KEF's never had any at all. These CM8's have corrected the imbalance I had lived with for four years. The CM8's midrange is staggeringly neutral with exceptional detail and the high frequencies are very smooth but quite open.

Keeping these things from becoming covered in scratches is going to be a major headache. I have them covered by cloth when not in use so that hopefully, I won't need to keep polishing them however, a satin wood finish may have been a better option.

I really do think that, with the funds I think hi-fi is worthy of, I have reached the end of the road. I think that the time is right now to invest in a shedload of vinyl and some really good kind of vinyl storage. I may also invest in an aluminium flightcase for my CD's. I like the ones that have sleeves for the disc and the book only so that I can chuck all of those horrible plastic cases and in the process save around fifty percent of my current space.

If anyone out there has anything to comment on, please do, I am open to listening.

[JohnJo]

Very nice Shaun, all lovely looking pieces, bet they sounds as good as they look!

[Haselsh1]

John, thank you for your comment. The system, to my ears, is way in advance of anything I have ever owned since 1979 that I can recall of course. I am highly pleased with the current sound and unless I win the Lotto anytime soon this is the system I shall live with indefinitely. Yes I know there will be quirks that piss me off as I get used to it all but I do not listen every evening so maybe that won't happen very soon. I actually feel as though I have reached the end of a journey. Time will tell I guess.

[Macca]

You've certainly been on a rolling offensive with this set up recently, Shaun. Agree with your comments about the Achromat. It is the only mat of those I have tried that improves the sound rather than just changing it.

Why did you go for the B&W? Did you consider other options?

[Haselsh1]

Martin, I considered mini monitors like the Sterling Broadcast Monitor and also the B&W CM1 but decided I just couldn't live with the lack of low bass. I heard the CM1's at a local hi-fi dealer and really loved their sound but was swayed towards the CM8's by the same dealer. It quickly became apparent that this dealer didn't have any in stock and was expecting me to order and pay for them without even hearing them so I left and went to the dealer I eventually bought them off. Given that I liked my old Kef's so much, I did also seriously consider the KEF R500's but I now think I made the correct decision.

[Haselsh1]

I also listened to floostanders by Dali but their treble was just too extreme.

[alphaGT]

A beautiful system! I'm sure it is everything you say it is. I may be building a second system with tubes. But your last purchase for 2017? The year is young! Never say never. I'm sure your 'table and arm could make great use of a more expensive cartridge. I myself am thinking hard on a low output moving coil. Do you own a record cleaning machine? I waited 30 years to buy one. And now I don't think I could life without it. My Pro-Ject VS-C has made a greater improvement in vinyl playback than my last cartridge upgrade! Even brand new records seem to benefit from a vacuum cleaning.

But I agree, every now and then, we need to concentrate on our music collections, and that's hard to do when monies keep buying new gear.

But your rig looks awesome, congrats!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Macca]

Martin, I considered mini monitors like the Sterling Broadcast Monitor and also the B&W CM1 but decided I just couldn't live with the lack of low bass. I heard the CM1's at a local hi-fi dealer and really loved their sound but was swayed towards the CM8's by the same dealer. It quickly became apparent that this dealer didn't have any in stock and was expecting me to order and pay for them without even hearing them so I left and went to the dealer I eventually bought them off. Given that I liked my old Kef's so much, I did also seriously consider the KEF R500's but I now think I made the correct decision.

These people are crazy. It is a wonder they make any sales at all.

I think you made the right decision sticking with bigger boxes; if the room is suitable then there is no good reason not to go large.

[Haselsh1]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/Prima%20Luna%20Dialogue%20Premium%20valve%20amp_zp se4g0gdso.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/Prima%20Luna%20Dialogue%20Premium%20valve%20amp_zp se4g0gdso.jpg.html)


OK, so I know that when it comes to valves, this is what everyone wants to see.
Prima Luna Dialogue Premium valve power amp
This is my current (geddit) pride and joy along with the Interspace deck. I honestly do think I now have the finest system I have ever had since becoming involved with hi-fi after a motorcycle smash around 1977.
The one thing that music played this way enables me to do is to completely zone out and relax so much that I am almost asleep.
Of course maybe not Metallica.

[nuff]

:drool::youtheman:

You have a very very nice system there and I'm totally jealous.

[Haselsh1]

:drool::youtheman:

You have a very very nice system there and I'm totally jealous.

Nathan, I am quite sure my system would be totally wrong for you or anyone else, please do not be jealous.

;)

I see though that we share the same gorgeous turntable.

[nuff]

Nathan, I am quite sure my system would be totally wrong for you or anyone else, please do not be jealous.

;)

I see though that we share the same gorgeous turntable.

We do indeed and I'm very very happy with it. It's the best performer for me yet.
I've just decided to let go my SME 3009 S2 and have just bought myself a Jelco SA-750E 10"
I have a Denon DL-103C1.cartridge so a perfect match. It's in need of a re-tip but should sound great once expert stylus have fitted a paratrace stylus for me.

I have a spare NA badge here if you would like 1? An AoS member made them for me but the spare is just sat here. Yours if you want it. Just PM your address.

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo14/nuff3rs/image_zpskczszmdo.jpeg (http://s357.photobucket.com/user/nuff3rs/media/image_zpskczszmdo.jpeg.html)

[Haselsh1]

Hey, many thanks for the offer but my Interspace already has a badge on it.

[nuff]

Hey, many thanks for the offer but my Interspace already has a badge on it.

Thats ok then.
Enjoy!

[AlfaGTV]

Very nice setup Shaun! Love the photography too.
Bet it sounds luverly!

[Hammer]

Hi Shaun How are you finding the Origin Live tonearm i have itch to upgrade my modded RB300 and was thinking either an SME 309 or one of the Origin Lives hard to compare tonearms these days by demo so some input from people who have any of these t/a,s would be much appreciated

Martin
Lovely system by the way

[Parkie37]

http://i867.photobucket.com/albums/ab240/Haselsh1/Origin%20Live%2001032017%20AOS_zpswxdda4im.jpg (http://s867.photobucket.com/user/Haselsh1/media/Origin%20Live%2001032017%20AOS_zpswxdda4im.jpg.htm l)

This is the Nottingham Analogue Interspace deck now fitted with the Origin Live Onyx tonearm along with an upgraded interconnect tonearm cable.
I have to say that the fitting of the tonearm was a bit of a pig and I ended up having to use a Rega fitting collar in place of the lock nut system of the Origin Live. This was mainly due to the over engineered mounting plate of the Nottingham Analogue. Everything is now fitted and the arm mount is rock steady. I am also using a Funk Firm Achromat on this deck.


That is a beautiful turntable! I also quite like your Prima Luna amp and preamp. B&W has never been one of my favourites, but it looks like a very enjoyable system!

I think that you were given some good advice to get a RCM. I have a well loved Loricraft and it is working as well as the day it left the showroom! Fantastic addition to the system. Also, the Denon is good but you have quite a bit of potential with that turntable. A low output MC would be a terrific addition!

[Haselsh1]

That is a beautiful turntable! I also quite like your Prima Luna amp and preamp. B&W has never been one of my favourites, but it looks like a very enjoyable system!

I think that you were given some good advice to get a RCM. I have a well loved Loricraft and it is working as well as the day it left the showroom! Fantastic addition to the system. Also, the Denon is good but you have quite a bit of potential with that turntable. A low output MC would be a terrific addition!

The Denon is a low output MC.

[Haselsh1]

Hi Shaun How are you finding the Origin Live tonearm i have itch to upgrade my modded RB300 and was thinking either an SME 309 or one of the Origin Lives hard to compare tonearms these days by demo so some input from people who have any of these t/a,s would be much appreciated

Martin
Lovely system by the way

Martin, before the Origin Live I was using a rather lowly RB250 and I was then of the opinion that it wasn't a good match with the DL103 however when I changed to the Origin Live I was surprised to hear that the differences were minimal.
There were subtle improvements to the overall sound but nothing like a change of cartridge for example. I think the biggest difference we noticed was a higher level of resolution and fine detail. Also, the engineering of the Origin Live is much better than was the RB250. A really nice tonearm but worth over 500 quid...? Maybe not depending on your view.

[Hammer]

Thanks for that Shaun always helpful to get input from someone with hands on experience i maybe have to try and get some like for like demos to get some idea of the best fit for my system

[Haselsh1]

That is a beautiful turntable! I also quite like your Prima Luna amp and preamp. B&W has never been one of my favourites, but it looks like a very enjoyable system!

I think that you were given some good advice to get a RCM. I have a well loved Loricraft and it is working as well as the day it left the showroom! Fantastic addition to the system. Also, the Denon is good but you have quite a bit of potential with that turntable. A low output MC would be a terrific addition!

Yeah, B&W have never been one of my favourites and until now I have never owned any but the midrange of these loudspeakers is staggeringly neutral and the low frequencies have a nice solid thwack to them. Until I heard these at the local dealer my favourite ever loudspeakers were Audio Note AZ-2's but these CM8 S2's walk all over those. So far, with the exception of QLN Mk1's these are the best loudspeakers I have ever owned.

[Haselsh1]

I am now awaiting the arrival of a Dynavector P75 MkIII phono stage to replace the Rothwell Headspace and the inbuilt Prima Luna phono stage which I always thought was maybe a bit of a bottleneck for the sound.

[Haselsh1]

Well, the Dynavector P75 MkIII was bought through ebay as an ex dem unit from Ceritech Audio but appears to not work. I set up the jumpers for low output moving coil and no output. I set it up for phono enhancer and no output. I used two different inputs on the preamp and no sound. I then put the Rothwell back in circuit and brilliant, works perfectly. I put CD output through the same inputs and there was sound on all occasions. It has to be the P75.

[AlfaGTV]

'Disappointed!' :(
I was very much looking forward to reading about your findings with the P75... It has a current based amplification mode i believe, that makes it punch well above it's weight class.
Oh well, they'll sort if for you, i'm sure.

[Haselsh1]

'Disappointed!' :(
I was very much looking forward to reading about your findings with the P75... It has a current based amplification mode i believe, that makes it punch well above it's weight class.
Oh well, they'll sort if for you, i'm sure.

Yes Mike, it's called phono enhancer mode which is how I wished to use it. Ceritech have asked for me to return it to them. It'll be sent back tomorrow.