Getting started again - current lineup

[Riislingen]

Hi guys,

I guess it´s my turn to show what the current state of affairs look like.

I re-discovered the joy of Hifi/Audio about 2 years ago and found that this was to become a long journey. Starting to buy up vinyl again, adding to my shrunken CD collection, new equipment etc.

At this point point both my wife and self have long acknowledged that this will go on for some time (forever?) - it´s getting increasingly enjoyable though with every step. I love this hobby :lol:

First up is a couple of shots of the listening "environment".

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000569.jpg

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000568.jpg

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000560.jpg

My main source is my trusty Systemdek IIX. It has been modded extensively with cork dampening inside, bottom has been replaced with MDF and motor and bearing has been issued some bells and whistles from Stuart at SRM Tech - dampers, thrust bearing for the motor.

I´m using the Hercules II in it´s native MOSE casing for PSU. The arm is an Audio Note Arm one which J7 of AudioOrigami did a tune up.

- New earth pin and cabling
- Brass end stub and low slung custom brass counterweight
- Stripped, polished and damped with foam
- Cardas internal cabling and Michell silver tags
- Audio Note Japan external cabling with Eichmann Silver Plugs
- Arm board custom Aluminium job from Shaun at Sound Supports, custom VTA adjuster from SS as well

Mat is a Herbies Way Excellent II.

Cartridge is currently a Benz Micro Glider SL low output MC. Thinking of switching this one of Len Gregorys Music Makers at the moment.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000571.jpg

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000565.jpg

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000563.jpg

Phono stage is from Danish Holfi. It´s DC powered via a couple of 12 V lead/acid batteries and sounds excellent. Holfi used to be a fine example of Danish audio cottage industry, sadly they are no more. David price did an excellent review of the BattRiaa stage a couple of months ago as well - couldn´t find a link though.

Heres another review of it: http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue24/holfi.htm

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000566.jpg

CD player is from same company and quite old to be honest. The sound is great though. It´s DC powered like the phonostage and uses one of the older Philips designs for DAC.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000573.jpg

Speakers are Snell EIII´s, they replaced a pair of J´s 2 years ago.
Well aware that it´s usually a big no no, I have re-build the filters trying to keep the warm and fluid tone of the Snells. This using Multicaps, Aurocaps, Black Gates, the original inductors and Duelund resistors and cabling. The original X-overs are still intact and can be reinstated if desired.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000572.jpg

Amplification is from Croft :eek:

Great stuff from a very pleasant gentleman.

Using the new Micro 25 and a Vista power amp. Tubes are RCA Black Plate for the line stage and Tungsram for the power amp.

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000561.jpg

Cabling is quite an assortment and is being palyed with from time to time.

Currently it´s like this.

- Audio Note Lexus between amps
- Zu Audio Gede from phono stage to pre
- Tom Fletcher 200 from CD to pre
- Van den Hul The Magnum speaker cables
- Zu Audio Wax jumpers
- Audio Note Japan from TT to Phono Stage
- Power cables from DH Labs

Got an Audio Note AN-V silver cable lying around and just ordered a cable form Grover Huffman to try as well.

http://www.groverhuffman.com/home

That´s kind of it. Feel free to comment or ask questions :eyebrows:

http://i876.photobucket.com/albums/ab327/riislingen/P1000567.jpg

[DSJR]

Another great "one-man" setup as so many of these are :)

Don't downgrade your cartridge to a Music Maker - you'll lose so much sparkle. if you have too much at present, I'd point my finger at the tweeters - those "E's" needed a soft amp to drive them and for you to sit 4 to 5 metres away to minimise the coarseness at crossover (didn't like the ones I had and didn't keep them long).

[Riislingen]

Hi dave,

Thanks ! One man setup indeed :)

Would the change to a Music Maker be considered a downgrade ?

I´m quite happy with the sound of the Benz, was just looking to get a bit more slam. The treble is nice after the filter change, added a bit more resistance to the tweeter and was advised to disconnect the rear firing tweeter - it made them far more coherent and listen able I think.

The Croft being all valve suits the Snell tone very good I think, tight, fluent and deep with the desired "sparkle" on the top end.

[chris@panteg]

Nice system

So you have the EIII ' a friend has the mk2 type E , i have the JII ' i am not quite sure of the difference to be honest , how are you finding the Croft combo with them ' looks good .

Little bit puzzled about the Music Maker remark ' Dave ' i used one a few years back ' the mk1 ,and thought it a fine performer , plenty of sparkle in an SME 310 on my Voyd.

[Riislingen]

Hi Chris,

To my knowledge the II´s are not quite as "fat" sounding and more tight. The dimensions on the cabinets changed between the two models also. Further the reflex port was in front on the II´s which didn´t have the rear firing tweeter as well.

Between the J´s and the E´s I found the J´s harder to place and with more "bloom" (boom) in the lower registers, it was a great speaker though and it put me on the Snell bandwagon many years ago. It was more or less because of that I went with the E´s when I started over.

Next step for me will most likely be Harbeth HC5´s - contemplating that one at the moment.

I find the Croft/Snell combo to work very well. It sort of a flashback on the classic Audio Innovation & Snell combo - has a lot the same qualities. The easygoing, fluent valve sound combined with Croft speed and cleanliness suits the laid back and warm Snell pretty good I think. The details are excellent as well.

I´m also curious about the MM cartridge :scratch:

[Spectral Morn]

Really nice set up, and you like Boston :)...excellent. Interesting record storage idea.


Regards D S D L

[chris@panteg]

Hi Chris,

To my knowledge the II´s are not quite as "fat" sounding and more tight. The dimensions on the cabinets changed between the two models also. Further the reflex port was in front on the II´s which didn´t have the rear firing tweeter as well.

Between the J´s and the E´s I found the J´s harder to place and with more "bloom" (boom) in the lower registers, it was a great speaker though and it put me on the Snell bandwagon many years ago. It was more or less because of that I went with the E´s when I started over.

Next step for me will most likely be Harbeth HC5´s - contemplating that one at the moment.

I find the Croft/Snell combo to work very well. It sort of a flashback on the classic Audio Innovation & Snell combo - has a lot the same qualities. The easygoing, fluent valve sound combined with Croft speed and cleanliness suits the laid back and warm Snell pretty good I think. The details are excellent as well.

I´m also curious about the MM cartridge :scratch:

Hi mikkel

Yes the J's are awkward ' the only room in my house where they work is the attic ' which is also the largest room .

I must say i liked the Music Maker mk1 ' i know that Len Gregory has been talked about recently ' but i won't make any comment , all i know is it made an enjoyable noise , it seems a bit pricey now , but perhaps hear it 1st then decide !.

[Riislingen]

Really nice set up, and you like Boston :)...excellent. Interesting record storage idea.


Regards D S D L

Hahahaha nicely spotted - I just noticed the Boston record myself.

The storage cubes are stackable and the size fits perfect, so I decided to move the books and use them for records instead.

They look like this close up: http://www.in-design.dk/montana/Panton/Panton.htm

[Riislingen]

@Chris

Quite right. I have arranged to borrow a sample from the Danish distributor - it´s the only way.

True on the J´s, needs lots of space to be at their best.

[Alex_UK]

Lovely looking system, lovely looking room too! Thanks for sharing Mikkel.

[Beechwoods]

I like that room. You're a lucky man! The gear looks lovely too. Mucho respecto, Mikkel!

[Jonboy]

Very nice set up Mikkel, i love the record racks

[Riislingen]

Thanks guys, appreciate the kind comments both on my place and the humble gear.

[jandl100]

The gear's not so humble - looks good! I've a Croft amp, too, at the moment.

I tried a Music Maker mk1 (I think it was a mk1) and found it very forward and 'inyerface' - this was mounted in a SME5 on a Voyd Point5 deck. It also hummed like crazy as the cartridge moved in over one of the Voyd's under-platter motors toward the end of side - and thank goodness for that - LG wouldn't have taken it back otherwise! :eyebrows:

The Benz has a good rep although I've not heard one (I would like to though!). Stay with the Benz is my advice! :)

[Riislingen]

Hi Jerry,

Thank you.

I guess the humming is a reminiscence of the Grado legacy :eyebrows:

I had one of the Grado Gold a couple of years ago, it was susceptible to slight humming on some decks as well, no shielding apparently.

I´ll consider your advise on keeping the Benz, it appears that that is the common understanding when comparing the two carts.

[DSJR]

Don't get me wrong, but what exactly is the Music Maker? Are the coils re-wound and the entire stylus assembly re-built from scratch (sorry), or is it basically an EsCo'd Grado Gold with a massive markup?

[Riislingen]

Hi Dave,

To my knowledge it´s just the housing from the Grado that is being used.

The coils, suspension and dampening around the cantilever is supposed to be Lens design, further the stylus is an in-house job as well.

Perhaps the lack of shielding together with the housing is all that´s shared with the Grado ??

[goraman]

Peter of AN UK would give you a wink and a nod,your kit would remind him of where he came from.

[Butuz]

Very nice!!!!!

Butuz