View Full Version : Hermit's stereo
New thread to replace the one ruined by photobucket. Here are the highlights from that thread. I've recently been culling the horde and everything from systems 1 - 3 below has been sold.
System 1
Audio Note Dac 1.1x sig
Audio Note M1 Preamp
Croft Twinstar 1
Proac Response 2S
https://i.imgur.com/zrzmAAp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/A9QDfiK.jpg
System 2
Sony PS-6750 - Dynavector DV20XH
Kenwood Model 500
Pioneer TX-9500 Tuner
Sony TC-K81 cassette
IMF TLS50 or
JR149 and super woofers
https://i.imgur.com/Pc8x5Sb.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Vjvwzvi.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/r4rGEC4.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/qXqPl98.jpg
System 3
Kenwood KD990 - AT33PTG/ii
Kenwood KHA-50 MC Head amp
Yamaha C4
Yamaha M4
Tannoy Berkeleys
https://i.imgur.com/sACyoTe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/6ceSzro.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yiAEzmx.jpg
Currently
Sony TTS-8000 - SME 310 - Kiseki Purpleheart NOS
Luxman AD8000 / 8020 SUT
Luxman EQ-88 Valve MM phono stage & OPEQ-88 power supply
Luxman L-590ax amp
Yamaha T-7 tuner
Yamaha WXC-50 streamer
Lockwood Majors (MG15s) with RFC reference crossovers
Arm cable and interconnects - Yannis Tome Silvercord Plus
Siltech LS2-60 speaker cable
https://i.imgur.com/myCY52k.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3CdiP5i.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/iNXPxqO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8sUZS0J.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Hl522J8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/3ixQTXS.jpg
The Sony Sony PS-6750 was my very first turntable, second-hand. It loved it. Nice arm bearings.
Nice stuff. But one question: do you have any problems with feedback with the turntable so close to the speaker?
Fortunately, the Sony tt works fine in that position. There's no feedback, lid up or down, even at high volumes. I don't suppose it hurts that the deck weighs 26kg.
I'm expecting my Nakamichi 630 back from the menders soon. It's got a smaller footprint than the Yamaha tuner and will let me move the tt over to the left by a few inches. Every little helps!
Hi Paul. Really nice systems you have there. I am using the Proac Response D Two, very similar to your 2S. In fact with even the same wood finish.
How does it sound with the very nice looking Audionote gear? I am using mine with an Air Tight ATM1-S, really sublime sound with any type of music.
I have not used Audionote, but read a lot of favorable reviews.
Another Paul here...
I don't suppose it hurts that the deck weighs 26kg!
Didn't know that. Wow. Ok, disregard question!
:-)
Chris
Paul, I really enjoyed that AN, Croft, Proac system. It did a lot of things right especially in terms of the midrange, imaging and detail. I've always admired the Air Tight gear but have never heard it. Your description of a really sublime sound with any type of music makes me think I should check out them out when the time comes for an amp change. If later in life I focus more on digital I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Audio Note dac. Very analogue sounding.
HackneyRF
11-11-2017, 08:19
If later in life I focus more on digital.......
Cracking set up as always Paul. Not the end of the end road for you then. 😉
Thanks Loz. I doubt I'll ever reach the end of the road but for now I'm very happy and I'm aiming to leave things as they are for quite some time. With regard to 'later in life' I was thinking that when I find getting out of the chair every 20 minutes too taxing, I will look to improving my digital side but for now I'm happy to focus on records.
A couple of recent additions:
A trio of NOS Mullard CV4004s from Langrex for my phono stage.
http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/original/3X/5/e/5ec8d4142b89046d3d3e347e470e0b5018fc5cf3.jpg
http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/0/b/0b3a74b56f5b1e5cd236dc91b35e8c5171eb4bed_1_690x388 .jpg
Thanks to diceman (JP) of this parish I'm the new owner of his Audiosector NOS dac. It's a major upgrade to the dac in my Yammie streamer.
http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/0/f/0f0040492f1cec3a8c0dd91be5bf0bfd4d6286ff_1_690x388 .jpg
http://audioabattoir.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/6/4/64a372ac1ccebb3f542805a9cc7da030e2faa216_1_690x388 .jpg
You've had/have some nice gear Paul.
Were the Lockwood Majors a significant step up from the Berkeleys?
Thanks Roy. I certainly felt that the Lockwoods were a big improvement on the Berkeleys mainly in terms of midrange clarity and a more natural quality to the bass.
Lockies (with 15" MGs) are very seductive and musically beguiling sounding things, Paul. Congrats on owning a truly wonderful pair of speakers. Next time I'm up in Glasgow, I'd love to hear them (and the rest of your gear) :cool:
Marco.
Lockies (with 15" MGs) are very seductive and musically beguiling sounding things, Paul. Congrats on owning a truly wonderful pair of speakers. Next time I'm up in Glasgow, I'd love to hear them (and the rest of your gear) :cool:
Marco.
Thanks Marco. I couldn't agree more about the Lockwoods. You're very welcome to visit any time you're in town. I'd be very interested in your thoughts.
Cool. I'll look forward to that, as there's so much kit you've got that I like! :cool:
Marco.
After a cock up a few months ago when I bought an SME V and couldn’t get it to align on the Sony plinth, I traded it in for a V-12 and waited for my plinth to be built. Finally got it up and running today with thanks to Charlie who did an amazing job helping me get it spot on.
18kg of Acoustand loveliness - layers of mdf and delrin. 28kg in total.
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/0/9/09b64a8231c10ceba8129d844f3ddc0023151a66_1_690x388 .jpeg
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/c/e/ce157146f3a86d9442a470542e01aaaa5eff002b_1_690x388 .jpeg
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/6/a/6adfc5ca6311d84962475529471089a0043e99ee_1_690x388 .jpeg
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/4/4/4478ee71216be57b2d249ea6f847be0fd7d90b15_1_690x388 .jpeg
Wow, Paul. *That* is just beyond gorgeous!! :wow::stalks:
I'm not normally a fan of SME's magnesium arms, but the V-12 suits that turntable to a tee... And the style and construction of the plinth is truly inspired. You are a man of impeccable taste, sir!:respect:
Only one thing.... Could you take some closer-up pictures of the whole T/T and post them , so I can get a really good look at the plinth, top to bottom, and also the motor unit? What's the top-plate made from, aluminium? :)
Marco.
RobbieGong
16-09-2018, 20:28
Looking fab Paul, Sweet Sony and a sweet set-up :thumbsup:
Following on from the discussion we've been having on 'The most beautiful and ugliest turntables' thread, Rob, for me that's the perfect example of the former, and not a trace of bling in sight!;)
Marco.
Thanks Marco. Lee built the plinth to my design. He must like it himself as he has put it on his site. The top plate is mdf painted in satin silver. Other layers are more mdf and I believe 50mm of delrin which has excellent vibration damping qualities and a baseboard. The delrin is also very heavy which is why the plinth alone weighs 18kg. I will take better pics of the motor unit etc in daylight but here's a couple of pics to show the construction.
https://i.imgur.com/6wakUAE.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yYwW91p.jpg?1
Looking fab Paul, Sweet Sony and a sweet set-up :thumbsup:
Thanks Robert. I'm really very pleased with it.
Wakefield Turntables
16-09-2018, 20:45
V 12 - Fucking hell, that deserves some of this :clapclapclap: I bet you spent decent wedge on that.
Nice one, Paul. Looks great, and just the type of 'sandwich' construction I like. One question though, who's Lee?
I'll probably get him to do a similar type of plinth for my future 'Hammertone Grey' BBC Garrard 301, as I think it'd suit it perfectly:)
Marco.
Wakefield Turntables
16-09-2018, 20:48
Is that plinth MDF?
Nice one, Paul. Looks great, and just the type of 'sandwich' construction I like. One question though, who's Lee?
I'll probably get him to do a similar type of plinth for my future 'Hammertone Grey' BBC Garrard 301, as I think it'd suit it perfectly:)
Marco.
Lee Drage - Acoustand Audio (https://www.acoustand.co.uk)
I would recommend him to you wholeheartedly. He does good work.
Is that plinth MDF?
The top plate is mdf painted in satin silver. Other layers are more mdf and I believe 50mm of delrin.
Marco, there are a variety of shots of the motor unit in this batch.
https://i.imgur.com/04AFH7E.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/GeXIrJJ.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/04AFH7E.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Wm4Xavx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/jUFF8Pd.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/0RnSLN7.jpg
Lowrider
https://i.imgur.com/hJIJWsi.jpg
Awesome, Paul:thumbsup:
Marco.
RobbieGong
17-09-2018, 19:25
Following on from the discussion we've been having on 'The most beautiful and ugliest turntables' thread, Rob, for me that's the perfect example of the former, and not a trace of bling in sight!;)
Marco.
Indeed Marco, Ticks my boxes too, tis a cracker! :)
The new plinth and arm have been a massive upgrade and I'm starting to think that I might have reached the end of my journey. Some tweaks to come for sure but, in terms of the analogue side components, I think I am done. :)
https://i.imgur.com/xeNbGpe.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Nd5omIx.jpg
The SUT matching my phono stage came up. Failed to resist :rolleyes:
https://i.imgur.com/aahUJVvh.jpg
Fabulous system you've got there Paul, looks very elegant on the sideboard. Is that a G Plan?
Thanks Roy. I don't know the make of the sideboard I'm afraid.
Frazeur1
12-10-2018, 10:44
Very nice Paul, looks absolutely lovely, and sure a very fun system to listen to!
RobbieGong
12-10-2018, 12:41
:thumbsup:
I've tidied up a bit by moving the phono stage power supply into the cupboard under the deck.
https://i.imgur.com/8lyhsE3.jpg
Thanks to Hugo of Ammonite Acoustics who sent me a Phasemation PP-300 to audition. Very nice cartridge. First impressions are very good.
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/6/b/6bbb4a0902b3557970872fd5b4055c78ffc20e86_1_1035x58 2.jpeg
https://audioabattoir.s3.dualstack.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/optimized/3X/4/b/4b3f3a204fe2c995701ed1154dd427399c0681e9_1_1035x58 2.jpeg
I've spent quite a few hours listening to the Phasemation and so far I’ve not been able to fault it. It has a very similar tonal balance to my Kiseki which I’m pleased about.
It’s got a lovely weight to it on piano for example and the texture of a bow on double bass is spot on. Overall it sounds refined and open with plenty of inner detail on cymbals but it’s not forward or etched sounding. Very natural and very good dynamics. Quiet in the groove and forgiving of poor pressings.
First impressions suggest that the Phasemation punches above its weight and I suspect it gives little or nothing away to the Kiseki. I’ll be interested to see how it copes with a variety of material but so far it’s a tempting prospect.
Frazeur1
12-12-2018, 22:42
Love your setup Paul! Looks great and am sure fine music comes out! Enjoy!
Thanks Timothy. To my ears it is a lovely sounding system which brings great beauty into my life.
Slammed56
15-01-2019, 01:00
Absolutely fantastic system Paul, thanks again for giving me the chance to hear it tonight
You're welcome any time Stuart. It was a pleasure meeting you.
Glad you had some fun guys! Paul's system is one I've promised myself to hear next time I'm up in Glasgow, as 'on paper' it ticks all the right boxes:)
Stuart, what did you make of Paul's Lockwoods? You'll not hear speakers like that everyday!:eek::D
Marco.
Just noticed that my photos no longer appear on post 42 so here they are again. I enjoyed the demo of the Phasemation PP-300 so much that I have ordered a PP-500 from Hugo which will hopefully arrive within the week.
https://i.imgur.com/vRsEeLh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7Lp7bev.jpg
Slammed56
16-01-2019, 21:11
Glad you had some fun guys! Paul's system is one I've promised myself to hear next time I'm up in Glasgow, as 'on paper' it ticks all the right boxes:)
Stuart, what did you make of Paul's Lockwoods? You'll not hear speakers like that everyday!:eek::D
Marco.
That’s very True ,Marco
It’s hard for me to describe the sound of the Lockwoods on there own , pauls system is about as far removed from what I’m used to as possible , belt-drive v direct drive , solid state amplification v all valve ,tannoys v horns,etc
I do believe the speakers have a lot to do the the lovely open engaging sound Paul’s system makes ,where to start !!!!
Huge scale and depth , tuneful bass and that midrange ....just wonderful
Your in for a treat when you manage round to Paul’s for a visit Marco
I needed to replace a socket on my MT-88 SUT so took a pic of the internals.
https://i.imgur.com/UfC6nST.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9TPOpLZ.jpg
In December, I was fortunate enough to get a home demo of a Phasemation PP-300 cartridge courtesy of Hugo of Ammonite Acoustics. I loved it and decided to order a PP-500 which arrived this morning. First impressions are very good.
I'd encourage anyone interested in buying a new cartridge at these sort of price points to contact Hugo and get a loan of his PP-300. It really surprised me at how little it gave away to my Kiseki Purpleheart.
https://i.imgur.com/IQZNT1i.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/hIbI7il.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/X47M4Jr.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kLRJhO6.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5rijYM6.jpg
Trying 1960’s smooth plate Telefunkens in my phono stage in place of Mullard ECC83s.
https://i.imgur.com/Qj4Wicfh.jpg
Should be quite a different sound, Paul. From experience, I'd expect the Teles to sound punchier and a tad brighter/more detailed at the top end, and with tighter bass. However, you may lose some midrange expressiveness and lucidity, which are classic traits of good Mullards.
Enjoy though, as tube-rolling in phono stages is fun!:cool:
Marco.
Should be quite a different sound, Paul. From experience, I'd expect the Teles to sound punchier and a tad brighter/more detailed at the top end, and with tighter bass. However, you may lose some midrange expressiveness and lucidity, which are classic traits of good Mullards.
Enjoy though, as tube-rolling in phono stages is fun!:cool:
Marco.
Ha. You've nailed it Marco.
So, is that what you're hearing?:)
Marco.
Pretty much Marco. I haven't noticed much difference in the bass but I would agree that the Telefunkens are more dynamic and punchy but at the expense of a little of the midrange magic of the Mullards. I also find the Telefunkens a touch brighter at the top end. TBH I like both presentations very much. It is early days but my gut feeling is that the Telefunkens will be better suited to my Kiseki while the Phasemation I think is better matched with the Mullards. Time will tell.
A well used Audiophile Base arrived a couple of weeks ago.
https://i.imgur.com/uOyMeZVh.jpg
Wakefield Turntables
14-03-2019, 08:34
I swapped from telefunkens to the cv4004s in my phonostage. I just preferred them for jazz music, I think the telefunkens sound better for rock/prog. It's horses for courses I suppose.
That's interesting Andrew. I can certainly see why you arrived at that conclusion. I mainly listen to jazz but also blues, funk and electronica. I've started dipping a toe into classical recently too. So I guess I'm looking for a combination that keeps the system sounding balanced across the genres.
Pretty much Marco. I haven't noticed much difference in the bass but I would agree that the Telefunkens are more dynamic and punchy but at the expense of a little of the midrange magic of the Mullards. I also find the Telefunkens a touch brighter at the top end. TBH I like both presentations very much. It is early days but my gut feeling is that the Telefunkens will be better suited to my Kiseki while the Phasemation I think is better matched with the Mullards. Time will tell.
No worries... I've done too much tube-rolling over the years (especially with ECC83s) not to have got a decent handle on the sonic characteristics of those from various manufacturers!
And you're right, certain ones suit certain types of music better than others, which is why now you've scratched this particular itch, the lid on your phono stage is destined to be off more than it's on!:D:eyebrows:
Have fun!
Marco.
Thanks to Clive of this parish, an Aurorasound Vida VI6 has arrived. I’m hoping that it will be an upgrade to my Luxman valve phono stage and step ups.
https://i.imgur.com/cgS8X8B.jpg
AJSki2fly
25-06-2019, 14:55
Thanks to Clive of this parish, an Aurorasound Vida VI6 has arrived. I’m hoping that it will be an upgrade to my Luxman valve phono stage and step ups.
https://i.imgur.com/cgS8X8B.jpg
Paul, just had a read of this thread and I have to say you have/had some lovely kit, I bet you current set up sound stunning.
Thanks for your kind comments Adrian. It sounds quite good.
Today Angus, ‘Phonomac', delivered an SP10 motor unit which he has totally rebuilt from top to bottom. I couldn’t be happier with it. Thanks Angus. Top man :)
https://i.imgur.com/cSpzYVth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CG3XWlHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ysUvClwh.jpg
Today Angus, ‘Phonomac', delivered an SP10 motor unit which he has totally rebuilt from top to bottom. I couldn’t be happier with it. Thanks Angus. Top man :)
https://i.imgur.com/cSpzYVth.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/CG3XWlHh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ysUvClwh.jpgOne of the greats. What was involved in the rebuild?
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Angus recapped the deck and power supply and rebuilt the bearing. I had the chassis repainted by Lee at Acoustand but I think Angus can also take care of that.
Angus is currently fettling my TTS-8000. I'm really enjoying the Technics but it's been so long since I heard the Sony it's hard to compare them. It'll be interesting when the Sony returns. Certainly I could live with either.
They're both top flight decks from the peak era of deck design, IMO.
A little Leben CS300xs arrived today.
https://i.imgur.com/4Vra5wIh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/DSHV9kch.jpg
nice Paul. was that the one on sale here?
Yes Grant. Ivan was great to deal with.
Lovely set up you have there Paul. Always wanted to hear a Leben.
Thanks Mark. First impressions of the Leben are very good.
killie99
01-03-2020, 10:12
Crikey Paul, turn my back for 2 minutes - Sony gone, Luxman gone!
Any chance of coming over for a listen? I lusted after a Leben for years but fortunately I got over my valve infatuation :lol:
Crikey Paul, turn my back for 2 minutes - Sony gone, Luxman gone!
Any chance of coming over for a listen? I lusted after a Leben for years but fortunately I got over my valve infatuation :lol:
Stuart, you're very welcome to come over for a listen. I'll give you a call after the football and we can fix something up.
The Sony hasn't gone and nor has the Luxman. Angus is fettling the Sony and I'm hopeful it will make a return in the coming weeks. I don't plan on keeping both the Leben and the Luxman so one of them will be sold in the coming months. I just don't know which one yet. It's early days with the Leben but it has made an excellent first impression.
Slammed56
09-03-2020, 19:37
Lovely New Setup Paul, bet its sounding wonderful
Thanks Stuart. I'm very pleased with the little Leben. It seems to suit the Tannoys very well.
Very very nice set up.... I've heard both the Luxman and Leben on big Tannoys being my own 15's and my friends Windsors....
Knew which I preferred and it was not even a difficult decision surprisingly....
Enjoy the Music....
Knew which I preferred and it was not even a difficult decision surprisingly..
Please do tell. I'd value your input Paul. I've only had the opportunity for limited sessions since the Leben arrived. My first impressions favoured the Leben and the first few sessions reinforced that feeling but I've been away for a week now and, in the absence of listening, doubts have crept in. :)
hornucopia
14-03-2020, 11:55
Trust your OWN ears? It takes time, sometimes though. everyone is different.
Better? Who can say?
Different model? https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/first-listening-impressions-of-the-new-leben-cs600x-integrated-amplifier/
Please do tell. I'd value your input Paul.
The Leben just as easily as Fury beat Wilder.... The Luxman just sounded 'over engineered' and had no particular strengths....
Also, for jazz it was not as harmonious or 'musical' as the Leben.... Truth be told my friend sold his one week after the listening session....
As Hornucopia said "trust your ears"...
Trust your OWN ears? It takes time, sometimes though. everyone is different.
Better? Who can say?
Different model? https://jeffsplace.positive-feedback.com/first-listening-impressions-of-the-new-leben-cs600x-integrated-amplifier/
Good advice. Thank you. Ultimately, I do trust my own ears but it's good to find out if others share your view.
It is a different model. It's the big brother of the 300. One for the future maybe?
The Leben just as easily as Fury beat Wilder.... The Luxman just sounded 'over engineered' and had no particular strengths....
Also, for jazz it was not as harmonious or 'musical' as the Leben.... Truth be told my friend sold his one week after the listening session....
As Hornucopia said "trust your ears"...
Thanks for expanding. It is greatly appreciated. What you say ties in with my first impressions and I take some comfort from that.
So are your drivers 3828, 3838's or ?? I still have the pair of 3828's in the garage as a project so am looking at custom XO's. Yours look very expensive!
So are your drivers 3828, 3838's or ?? I still have the pair of 3828's in the garage as a project so am looking at custom XO's. Yours look very expensive!
My drivers are 15" Monitor Golds. My crossovers are Paul at RFC's top of the line offering but he offers more economical options. I feel that even the most expensive option is very good value.
A Luxman LX-380 arrived today on demo for a couple of weeks. It’s bigger than I expected.
https://i.imgur.com/4mxUBzdh.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kfHHcyfh.jpg
RobbieGong
26-06-2020, 20:15
Very nice Paul, very nice !
Luxman stuff is superbly made
killie99
27-06-2020, 09:15
:wow:
Just need lockdown to finish so I can come for a listen....
I love the look of it, surprised it only has 20 watts given the enormous size.
I never heard a Luxman I didn't rate, valve or solid state.
I’ve always hated the black tv dominating visually while I’m listening to music. So I was delighted when a friend told me that Samsung (https://www.johnlewis.com/samsung-the-frame-2020-qled-art-mode-tv-with-no-gap-wall-mount-50-inch/p4929588) had brought out a TV that mimics a picture when it’s on standby.
Also got a new listening chair and I retrieved my old rug which I lent to a friend some years ago.
https://i.imgur.com/UILZCiX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/f3E54eB.jpg
Lovely looking system, one of the best on here I'd say.
That telly's a brilliant idea.
Lawrence001
29-08-2020, 08:51
I love the look of it, surprised it only has 20 watts given the enormous size.
I never heard a Luxman I didn't rate, valve or solid state.It's a valve amp I think
Sent from my HRY-LX1 using Tapatalk
Lovely looking system, one of the best on here I'd say.
That telly's a brilliant idea.
It is. I suppose you could always just pick a TV programme and freeze frame on something, would work the same way.
It is. I suppose you could always just pick a TV programme and freeze frame on something, would work the same way.
you can use you tube to do this sort of thing but its nice to have it in one package.
looking good paul :)
I can do this sort of thing
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200829/6c9d9a2df77d8188274be4fb2c56fddd.jpg
I dare say you can but your hair's not long enough to have those braids put in though.
Thanks gents for all the positive comments. I think I've pretty much reached journey's end with regard to my system. The LX-380 was the last piece of the jigsaw. I'm just looking forward to a visit from Angus in the coming weeks with my freshly renovated Sony TTS-8000.
I dare say you can but your hair's not long enough to have those braids put in though.
:lol:
Grant's on the right in the floral bonnet.
Thanks gents for all the positive comments. I think I've pretty much reached journey's end with regard to my system. The LX-380 was the last piece of the jigsaw. I'm just looking forward to a visit from Angus in the coming weeks with my freshly renovated Sony TTS-8000.
What do you prefer about the sound of the valve Luxman compared with the solid state one you had?
Roy, the valve amp just suits the Monitor Golds better. It sounds more natural, more convincing on jazz which constitutes most of my listening. These things are all system dependant. It's not that I think the LX-380 is a better amp than my old L-590AX per se, just that it has better synergy in my system.
Over the last few months I've been picking up various bits of mid century furniture to go with the sideboard and dining table which I had already. The idea was to make the room suit the hifi :lol: The last piece, a 60's sofa arrived yesterday. I'm very pleased with the results.
https://i.imgur.com/waGuZZO.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/yTE63tB.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/gyxX4nE.jpg
brian2957
12-09-2020, 15:54
That's a beautiful space Paul . You have excellent taste sir :)
Thanks Brian. Too much time spent watching Salvage Hunters :lol:
brian2957
12-09-2020, 17:28
Yup , that's one of my favourite shows too Paul . That and The Repair Shop :)
Looks great. Furniture from back then had style and character. I'd have gone with orange for the lampshades though.
Are those dining chairs G-Plan?
That's a beautiful space Paul . You have excellent taste sir :)
Indeed... I particularly like how none of the furniture 'matches' (in reality it does), but rather isn't some soulless mass-produced shite from DFS (or such like), totally bereft of character or individuality!:doh:
Even more importantly, for me, the furniture reflects the personality of the owner... It oozes class. And the system's not three bad either!:D
Marco.
Looks great. Furniture from back then had style and character. I'd have gone with orange for the lampshades though.
Are those dining chairs G-Plan?
Thanks Martin. The orange lampshades were bought after the ceiling lights which are actually a pair - the other one hangs above the dining table. I saw them on ebay and l couldn't resist. Pairs of retro lamps complete with all the fittings are quite hard to find. They don't work quite as well as I'd hoped in the room but I love them so they can stay. :)
The dining table, chairs and sideboard were bought in 1959 by my late parents when they got married. There's no manufacturer's label on any of it unfortunately.
Talking of chairs I picked up this Bo Concept Chaise Long used on eBay for £300.
I would guess retail would be ten times that if they still made it.
It was a bit dirty but carpet cleaner got every single mark out of the suede. Dead chuffed with it.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200912/f10eafc71b0f3ee7500b78e60bb871bc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200912/2cb0595a1a2a5756c02b832c30ef741c.jpg
Roy, the valve amp just suits the Monitor Golds better. It sounds more natural, more convincing on jazz which constitutes most of my listening. These things are all system dependant. It's not that I think the LX-380 is a better amp than my old L-590AX per se, just that it has better synergy in my system.Congrats looks lovely. I use a Luxman C-800F and M-800A and can honestly say it the best amp combo ever to hit my speakers. And believe me I have tried a lot of gear on them.
Thanks for your kind comments Marco.
Talking of chairs I picked up this Bo Concept Chaise Long used on eBay for £300.
That's a gorgeous chair Justin. Cheap at twice the price.
Congrats looks lovely. I use a Luxman C-800F and M-800A and can honestly say it the best amp combo ever to hit my speakers. And believe me I have tried a lot of gear on them.
They look like lovely amps. I'd imagine they sound divine. They must be good to have displaced your gorgeous Accuphase monoblocks.
That's a gorgeous chair Justin. Cheap at twice the price.You can pick up furniture on eBay for nothing. Especially collection only stuff.
Any marks then I recommend this on fabric and suede sofas. It is amazing stuff.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20200912/8de5e2c343e8cc8a4d3dae2cc9b575e2.jpg
They look like lovely amps. I'd imagine they sound divine. They must be good to have displaced your gorgeous Accuphase monoblocks.It s a close call between the two. They sound really quite different to each other.
What is surprising is how good the Accuphase sound considering they are all original internally and made in 1975.
What is surprising is how good the Accuphase sound considering they are all original internally and made in 1975.
Such longevity really is testament to the Accuphase's build quality.
Yesterday my amp came back from a warranty repair at Luxman and today my turntable arrived back from Angus fully fettled. Great timing! Today is the first time I’ve had the chance to hear the tt and amp together. I had been using an SP10 that I bought to tide me over while the Sony was away.
Happy days.
https://i.imgur.com/v5WWitp.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/ofsGsKq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/t0JrIGs.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/NYM8ZD5.jpg
That really is a beautiful room and set up, all top class sounding equipment too. Doesn't get much better.
AJSki2fly
05-12-2020, 14:04
As Martin says, it looks great, I bet it sounds good as well:D
Thanks for the kind comments Martin and Adrian. It does sound as good as it looks. It's been a very long time in the making but I really couldn't be happier. It feels great to have both the room and the system all done.
Yes I would echo ALL of that... But a vital part for me is that the *room itself* looks COSY AND INVITING/'lived in', or whatever other word you want to use. It makes you WANT to spend time in there, even if it was simply to read a book - never mind listen to one of the best systems on AoS!:)
So often in these 'system pics' threads, the system itself looks great, but the room is about as warm and welcoming as the inside of a Finnish fridge!:doh: 'Minimalist', yes, but in totally the wrong way!
Anyway, Paul, enjoy. It's a lovely space to spend quality time in:cool:
Marco.
Cheers Marco. That's very kind of you. Appreciate it.
No system changes since I last posted but I was finally able to source a mid century Ladderax record cabinet locally. This has allowed me to fit all my records on the Ladderax unit and so I’ve managed to get rid of the Zomo record storage units that were either side of my speakers. They were the last modern pieces of furniture in the room. Not that I’m obsessive or anything. :)
So here are a few updated pictures of the room. My favourite piece is this sputnik rocket lamp on tripod legs which I think is stunning.
https://i.imgur.com/8L0sjiI.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/UbPZofL.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8a1xXpP.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/kmJxhMk.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/b96aiqK.jpg
I’ve still got to get rid of the pink carpet and replace a couple of the double glazing panes which have blown and are a bit cloudy. Other than that the room and system are finished. It’s come together better than I could have hoped for and I really couldn’t be happier.
very good. we used to have a ladderex.. it was different th that although similar in size.. fits in well
brian2957
26-03-2021, 16:38
Gorgeous room Paul, peaceful and inviting. You have impeccable taste sir. System looks wonderful too :)
HackneyRF
27-03-2021, 06:30
Yes, very nicely done Paul. Looks classy.
Thanks chaps for all your kind comments.
Slammed56
28-03-2021, 23:15
The room and Systems looking great Paul :)
Thanks Stuart. You're welcome to pop over for another session when the madness finally ends. I've stopped smoking so it ought to be a more pleasant experience next time. :) How are you enjoying your Lockwoods?
Slammed56
29-03-2021, 20:40
Likewise Paul , will be good to get something sorted out when possible ,I think your Lockwoods are the only thing in the system that’s remained the same since my last visit :lol:
That turntable looks simply stunning !!!
It took me a bit of shuffling systems around to get my Lockwoods singing ...... my plan originally was to have them in the big lounge but there now in the smaller 5x4 “Hifi” room , surprisingly they seem to sound better in this room for some reason , they look a bit daft but , hey it’s the sound that counts
RFC xovers are next on the plans for the Lockwoods then I’m going to start a new Horn project for the lounge ..... loads of space in there to go a bit crazy :eyebrows:
Likewise Paul , will be good to get something sorted out when possible ,I think your Lockwoods are the only thing in the system that’s remained the same since my last visit :lol:
That turntable looks simply stunning !!!
Yes indeed. It's a funny old game. One minute you think you've a settled system and the next thing you know it's all change. I've had the Sony for years but it needed some fettling and that took quite a while. It's been great having it back.
It took me a bit of shuffling systems around to get my Lockwoods singing ...... my plan originally was to have them in the big lounge but there now in the smaller 5x4 “Hifi” room , surprisingly they seem to sound better in this room for some reason , they look a bit daft but , hey it’s the sound that counts
RFC xovers are next on the plans for the Lockwoods
It's always a pleasant surprise when you see how well the big Lockwoods do in smallish rooms. As you know my room is far from massive. I think you'll be amazed at Paul's crossovers. He really knows what he's doing.
then I’m going to start a new Horn project for the lounge ..... loads of space in there to go a bit crazy :eyebrows:
You're a braver man than me. :eek:
It might seem like there haven't been any system changes since my last post but a few weeks ago a brand new Luxman LX-380 arrived to replace the long term loan amp from Luxman HQ. Also, my Monitor Golds have been reconed by Nick at Lockwood Audio. He did a great job and they're sounding fantastic.
On the room front, I finally replaced the pink carpet which was a great relief. Also the two 1960's leather armchairs have been replaced by a pair of 1950's recliners in a nice teal fabric that are more suited to the rest of my furniture which is also mainly from the 50's. I am just ever so slightly obsessive about these sort of things. :) I suspect that the room will always be a work in progress.
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a lovely looking room mate!
The Black Adder
20-07-2021, 04:50
Lovely... you can't beat them Lockwoods :)
you can't beat them Lockwoods :)
I can't argue with that. I love the Lockwoods. They're definitely my end game speakers. Now that they've been re-coned I imagine they're good for another 50 years and will certainly see me out. :lol:
Light Capture
04-08-2021, 11:29
Such a beautiful mid-century furnished room and complimenting stereo system. Enjoy!
I completely agree. I've said it before: a great system and a beautiful, tastefully decorated room [defo my kind of thing] in which to enjoy it. Great to see a genuine audio enthusiast and music lover who also cares about the living space that houses his system!:)
For me, you can't enjoy your system to the full unless you're 100% comfortable in the environment it's in. In that respect, it's so nice to see someone who cares for the latter, and has a real passion for it, and so it's not ALL just about the hi-fi gear. Oh, and not a huge, ugly flat screen TV in sight!:respect:
Enjoy your lovely system and living space, Paul, and be proud of what you've achieved!:cool:
Marco.
Such a beautiful mid-century furnished room and complimenting stereo system. Enjoy!
Thanks for the positive feedback Mike. I'm glad that you like the room.
I completely agree. I've said it before: a great system and a beautiful, tastefully decorated room [defo my kind of thing] in which to enjoy it. Great to see a genuine audio enthusiast and music lover who also cares about the living space that houses his system!:)
For me, you can't enjoy your system to the full unless you're 100% comfortable in the environment it's in. In that respect, it's so nice to see someone who cares for the latter, and has a real passion for it, and so it's not ALL just about the hi-fi gear. Oh, and not a huge, ugly flat screen TV in sight!:respect:
Enjoy your lovely system and living space, Paul, and be proud of what you've achieved!:cool:
Marco.
Thanks for all the kind words and encouraging comments Marco. It's much appreciated. I've said it before the covid nightmare but no harm in saying again that it would be great to meet you if you could spare the time when you next visit the dear green place. :)
No worries - I'll defo give you a shout next time I'm up!:cool:
Marco.
I bought a lovely SME 3012 a few weeks ago to use with my SP10 which had been lurking unused under the bed for the last year.
I thought the 3012 would fit fine on my plinth which had no armboard but had a cut-out for my SME V-12. Unfortunately it wouldn’t align due to the incorrect pivot to spindle distance for the 3012 and the limited back and forth movement thanks to the modified base on the 3012.
A big shout out to Lee Drage at Acoustand Audio who came to my rescue. I don’t particularly like the plinth and didn’t want to spend too much making it fit the 3012. Lee fitted a gorgeous armboard and resprayed the plinth as it was looking tatty. As you can see, he did a lovely job and for a very reasonable price. I couldn’t be happier with it.
Thanks also to Johnny at Audio Origami who rewired the arm for me after a clumsy moment.
It’s been an adventure but I finally got it up and running today. Very pleased. It’s sounding good.
https://i.imgur.com/DqdmXi8.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/XHRPAIC.jpg
Thanks Grant. I think that it's too good a deck to be languishing unused but it was a major pain moving the V-12 back and forth from the Sony to the Technics. I've always loved the look of the 3012 so I'm pleased to finally have found a good one. I've long fancied an SPU and it's an ideal arm for it. I'll start saving and hopefully get one next year sometime.
they are great decks and thats a nice arm too. also they look good together. youve a great system
Looks fabulous Paul :cool:
Glad that you are now enjoying your deck, looks very good :)
Lovely looking set up Paul.
The 12" SME arms are a great match for the Ortofon SPUs. I use either an 3012/II or M-12R arm with an Ortofon SPU GME cartridge.
Just one thing, on your arm it looks as though the l-shaped transverse balance and VTF weigh rod lays above the centre line of the main arm tube. On all of my SME 3000 series arms the weigh rod lays below the arm tube.
Lovely looking set up Paul.
The 12" SME arms are a great match for the Ortofon SPUs. I use either an 3012/II or M-12R arm with an Ortofon SPU GME cartridge.
Just one thing, on your arm it looks as though the l-shaped transverse balance and VTF weigh rod lays above the centre line of the main arm tube. On all of my SME 3000 series arms the weigh rod lays below the arm tube.
Thanks Barry for confirming that the SPUs are a good match for my arm. Good to know.
Also thanks for pointing out my rookie error with the wayrod. Someone else on another forum did the same and I've just sorted it. I'm grateful to you though. It looks a lot better now it has been underslung.
https://i.imgur.com/rjkEkIw.jpg
Lawrence001
19-03-2022, 07:56
Have a look at the brochure covers at the end here..
http://www.analogue-classics.com/html/sme_3009___3012.html
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Lots of useful info there, thanks Lawrence. I've saved a copy.
I was wondering why are you drawing my attention to the brochure covers at the end of the brochure? Those arms are all later versions than mine which is an early series 2 i.e. not improved.
I think Lawrence was pointing you to the two or three photos which show the L-shaped weighrod having the wrong orientation (i.e. not underslung) with respect to the counterweight.
Despite being a useful site for most things SME, and having some nice photographs, it is not free from errors. One error is the designation of the perforated SME headshell shown third from the left:
http://www.analogue-classics.com/assets/images/smeheadshells.jpg
It is simply a later version of the S2 headshell which originally had a 'raised' badge , as in the second headshell shown. The S2R headshell was pressed out of a thicker gauge aluminium and had a captive fingerlift.
I think Lawrence was pointing you to the two or three photos which show the L-shaped weighrod having the wrong orientation (i.e. not underslung) with respect to the counterweight.
Thanks Barry. I hadn't spotted that. Now that you have mentioned it I noticed that there is also a pic in there of a series 2 showing the wayrod in the wrong orientation.
Lawrence001
21-03-2022, 10:55
Thanks Barry my point was that, if the SME brochure shows it the "wrong" way, maybe it's not wrong at all?
Sent from my BKL-L09 using Tapatalk
Certainly looking at the brochures, both the SME Improved models and the SME "-R" versions would appear to have the weighrod slightly above the centre line of the arm tube. Normally in any balanced beam system, the centre of gravity of the whole should lay below the pivot point for reasons of stability.
I have no direct experience of the R versions, but I am using a 3009 (Improved)/S2 at the moment. I'll have a good look at the counterweight/weighrod arrangement on my arm and report back.
Thanks to Peter of this parish a 2m Atlas Hyper Integra tonearm interconnect arrived this morning. Two hours of faffing later and I now have two working turntables. The Sony, after many years on the right side of the sideboard, has migrated left. The Sony is connected to the Vida and the Technics connects to the MC stage of the Luxman.
https://i.imgur.com/BaqhuoX.jpg
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karma1967
02-04-2022, 06:33
what differences do you find between the sony tts and the sp10?
Oh BTW, I have had a look at the weighrod assembly on my SME (improved) arm, and the centre line is indeed slightly above the centre line of the main arm. I can only assume the lack of stability this causes is more than offset by the lowered C of G of the entire assembly due to the mass of the cartridge.
Anyway you will have no problems with your SME 3012/S2. :)
what differences do you find between the sony tts and the sp10?
To be honest, they're both great decks and I'd be happy with either. That said, there's something about the Sony's presentation that gives it a slight edge in my opinion. I find it hard to articulate and I hate using terms like musical or flow but....:)
Oh BTW, I have had a look at the weighrod assembly on my SME (improved) arm, and the centre line is indeed slightly above the centre line of the main arm. I can only assume the lack of stability this causes is more than offset by the lowered C of G of the entire assembly due to the mass of the cartridge.
Anyway you will have no problems with your SME 3012/S2. :)
Thanks for the clarification Barry. I just prefer the look of the arm with the wayrod underslung so I'll stick with that position. By contrast, I think it looks slightly ungainly the way I had it originally.
karma1967
02-04-2022, 17:44
To be honest, they're both great decks and I'd be happy with either. That said, there's something about the Sony's presentation that gives it a slight edge in my opinion. I find it hard to articulate and I hate using terms like musical or flow but....:)
im so glad im not alone!
i totally get what you're saying,to me the sp10 delivers more micro detail but theres something the sony just does right that has the edge for me too. if you switch between the two imo the sony has a stronger fuller mid range.
karma1967
02-04-2022, 18:23
i should point out that the reason im glad is i have going back and forth between the 2 for the last month and its been doing my head in lol
i should point out that the reason im glad is i have going back and forth between the 2 for the last month and its been doing my head in lol
Jamie, it probably won't help with regard to the comparison doing your head in but, for what its worth, I'll expand a little on where I'm at.
First a little history. I bought the SP10, fully rebuilt, from Angus (Phonomac) when my Sony started playing up as I needed a decent deck to tide me over while Angus was fettling the Sony. So I went from listening to the Sony with my SME V-12 and Phasemation PP-500 to listening to the Technics with the same arm and cartridge.
The Sony was away for around a year so I spent plenty of time with the Technics and found I was really happy with it. It's a very capable deck, powerful, detailed and a solidly neutral platform for the arm and cartridge. No question it's a deck I can live with and enjoy.
The Sony has long been a dream deck for me and I don't know how much that colours my thoughts but on its return I immediately preferred it to the Technics even though I would struggle to say exactly why. To me it's just more engaging. It lets the music flow and I found my listening sessions were considerably longer.
For the last year or so I have really stopped listening analytically. I'm not listening to the hifi any more. I've just been playing records and enjoying the music. I thinks it's because I've got the system to the point where I'm happy with it and I'm not really looking to change anything.
A couple of months ago I was talking to a friend and I was saying that I really couldn't be bothered transferring the V-12 to the Technics just to give it a spin for a month or two. The Technics had been languishing under the bed for about 15 months and I was feeling guilty about its lack of use. I think its important to keep these old decks in regular use. It's not good for them to sit idle from one year to the next. He suggested that I should buy an arm for the Technics and that is what prompted me to get the 3012 and resurrect the SP10.
This is the first time that I have been able to play both decks and I must say the performance of the SP10 / SME 3012 / Kiseki has really surprised me. I thought the TTS-8000 / SME V-12 / Phasemation would blow it away but the reality is that both decks are excellent in their own way.
It's been at least 15 months since I heard the V-12 on the Technics so my memory could be playing tricks but I think I actually prefer it with the 3012. It seems to suit the SP10 very well.
All of that said, I'm still not listening too analytically. I'm just finding that I'm really enjoying both decks and that's no bad thing.
karma1967
03-04-2022, 07:59
yes mate,you are in a happy place,all credit too you. i have just put the sony back in the system,i should mention it has torlon bearings fitted which raise its performance up a run so maybe its not a fair comparison.
Hi Jamie, what isolation are you using for your turntable now? I have been experimenting a fair bit recently and had some very good results, each step improving my TT performance considerably.
I'm currently enjoying an Ortofon SPU Mono GM MkII cartridge. I’ve never heard an SPU before. It's a lovely thing. I’ve been wanting to try one for years but I’ve not had a suitable arm until the SME 3012 arrived earlier this year.
Stuart, Slammed 56 of this parish, was kind enough to loan me his SPU Mono and I was so impressed with it that I bought one. I’m really enjoying it and happy to have the Sony TTS-8000 / SME V-12 for stereo and to keep the SP10 / SME 3012 for mono. It has been a real treat being able to listen to my mono records on a mono cartridge for the first time. Simple things make me happy. :)
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