Music is playing again after a long hiatus. Vinyl, Reel to Reel, and Digital! [Archive]

charles hidalgo

20-05-2019, 17:37

Room one: Plinius 8200 with Galbo Designs "Ultimate Mod" (currently serving as preamp), James Burgess custom triode monoblocks (2x6550, 1x12SN7, 1x5751), PeachTree Audio 65SE (serving as DAC), Modified AT1240 TT with AT33EV cartridge Cardas wiring straight to the Plinius phono stage, Otari MTR10-2 Reel to Reel, a PC music server with over 10 terabytes of Hi-Rez files, and a pair of Zu Audio Omen MKII loudspeakers. Room is 24x20x8
https://i.ibb.co/4Tp9FhZ/Snapseed-28-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/NNvCWfk/Snapseed-29-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/SmHHK91/AT-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/LnZkxTR/IMG-6960resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/2dRvZLd/Snapseed-27-resize.jpg

Room two:

VPI Industries TNT-4, Cary Audio Design CAD-805c monoblocks , Cary Audio Design SLP-98p preamp , Plinius Jarrah, Immedia RPM, Transfiguration Spirit MKII, VPI MKIV with Origin Live arm and ZU Audio cartridge, Mapleshade Heavy Foot isolation feet, Lovan Classic II audio racks, Pure Note Paragon speaker cables, Pure note Paragon interconnects, Ps Audio xStream Plus SC, ElectraPrint 300B monoblock tube amps, Maple,sand,granite iso box DIY, Thorens TD-124, Decware MG94 speakers , Arcarain Alon Lotus Elite speakers , Custom Altec cabinets have tags on the back of them from Altec dating 3-5-51 ... 803a drivers....288c driver and tar filled horns are Altec 1003B's .... The LX5 x-overs are ugraded.
https://i.ibb.co/HG5LFWD/Snapseed-9.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/MB3fF2f/Snapseed-11.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/VQqH5cZ/Snapseed-13.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/rbs467z/Snapseed-12.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/TMPTbsv/Snapseed-14.jpg

paulf-2007

20-05-2019, 18:35

Charlie, you said they are Zu omen mkll but omen are 12" X 12" and your's look much deeper than the front baffle. Are you sure they are omen.

JohnJo

20-05-2019, 18:41

:stalks::wowzer:

Audio Al

21-05-2019, 03:55

:eek::eek::eek::stalks::stalks::stalks::youtheman: :youtheman::youtheman::wow::respect::gig::drool::w owzer:

Lee Henley

21-05-2019, 07:27

Very nice set up(s) you have there

charles hidalgo

21-05-2019, 15:07

Charlie, you said they are Zu omen mkll but omen are 12" X 12" and your's look much deeper than the front baffle. Are you sure they are omen.

Yes I am sure.
https://i.ibb.co/k5Mw4B9/Snapseed-30.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/WDckCdg/omenbadgeresize.jpg
The MKII upgrade was done including extra internal bracing, higher end mission cable wiring, and clarity cap which brought them up to the MKII version.

charles hidalgo

22-05-2019, 18:07

A James Burgess built EL34 triode amp in the mix today and it's warming up as we speak.
https://i.ibb.co/wJSbdYy/Snapseed-36-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/YQ7yZkG/Snapseed-35-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/54T4Vr5/Snapseed-33-resize.jpg

Macca

22-05-2019, 18:36

So which is your favourite system then Charles? I'm going to guess it's the one with the Altecs.

paulf-2007

22-05-2019, 18:48

Yes I am sure.
https://i.ibb.co/k5Mw4B9/Snapseed-30.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/WDckCdg/omenbadgeresize.jpg
The MKII upgrade was done including extra internal bracing, higher end mission cable wiring, and clarity cap which brought them up to the MKII version.
Photo makes it look like they are deeper than the width but the tape measure doesn't lie.
Why does it have a badge with dirty weekend

Shovel_Knight

22-05-2019, 18:54

Wow. Amazing systems. Clearly a lot of careful thinking and planning went into them.

charles hidalgo

22-05-2019, 19:03

Photo makes it look like they are deeper than the width but the tape measure doesn't lie.
Why does it have a badge with dirty weekend

Dirty Weekend is a model they offer randomly a few times a year in very limited numbers for a weekend.... then to make them an OMEN MKII there is a clarity cap, internal wire, and extra bracing upgrade (which these have). Doing it that way saves around 1,000.00USD. It's just that the dirty weekend's sell out so fast (usually within a few hours) that its often easier to buy the much pricier OMEN MKII badged speakers that are always available.

charles hidalgo

22-05-2019, 19:13

So which is your favourite system then Charles? I'm going to guess it's the one with the Altecs.

The room one setup is a room that I am always trying new gear and it is so much fun. Room two with Altec's is a room that hasn't changed much in years and is what I use to judge a lot of other gear.

charles hidalgo

30-05-2019, 00:10

The Plinius 8200 "Galbo Designs Ultimate Mod) just got an ever better upgrade which I now truly consider the "Ultimate". The previously installed Bennic caps were really really good but these new Auricap XO caps will be even better!

Old caps https://i.ibb.co/Y4CGn8q/Old-Caps.jpg

New caps https://i.ibb.co/R67pPQ8/New-Caps.jpg

charles hidalgo

02-06-2019, 02:18

Enjoying the Plinius as an amp this weekend after the Auricap upgrade. So far it's sounding nice.
https://i.ibb.co/mNbxf2H/Two-TT-Room-Resize.jpg

User211

02-06-2019, 10:51

Ever tried the Altecs in room 1? Would have thought the dispersion of the speaker would suit the larger space, and the Zus would be better in room 2?

Nice setups BTW.

charles hidalgo

05-06-2019, 18:24

Flea power EL84 homebrew/bottlhead build in the mix finally and all I can say is WOW.... these Zu Audio speakers are really loving this amp. 6 watts of SEP magic.
https://i.ibb.co/pbwRCgt/Snapseed-42-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/syLFj2R/Snapseed-41-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

11-06-2019, 18:39

Started on a massive upgrade path on most of my gear (critical components and signal path internals) a few months back and every tube amp, and the main Plinius preamp are all upgraded to their fullest as of last week. Things sound so amazing!
https://i.ibb.co/Ycy85sj/Snapseed-44-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/QKhj4vq/Snapseed-43-resize.jpg

Foreplay preamp built and upgraded for a living room system in the works.
https://i.ibb.co/gFmHgXT/Snapseed-45-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

24-07-2019, 04:37

Having a great experience with the Decware SuperZen SE84CKC in the system. 2wpc and it is truly sounding really good with stock tubes!!The SuperZen uses a single EL84/6BQ5 output tube per channel. It is also compatible with the Russian SV83 and the premium Russian 6P15P-EB extended life tubes. Russian NOS military grade 6N1P-EV are currently being used for input, and alternately you can use 6922’s and which are a touch less warm but slightly more dynamic. Using 6DJ8’s is an option as well. As for rectifier tubes 274B, 5Y3GT, 5U4, and 5AR4 are options. The 5AR4 is an indirectly heated rectifier with a soft start up so it may be a bit more expensive than the 5Y3GT and 5U4.
A popular rectifier tube that many people try to substitute is the 274B which is what I currently have installed. Time for some tube rolling this week.
https://i.ibb.co/RgSCfSP/Snapseed-1-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/VBzwQpB/Snapseedresize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/NFRdmB1/IMG-8062resize.jpg

crimsondonkey

24-07-2019, 08:25

Stunning set ups each one in their own right, congrats.

Churlish to pick out any item but I do love open reel so I'm impressed by your Otari, looks in lovely condition too.

charles hidalgo

26-07-2019, 18:29

Thanks to my good friend James Burgess one of my dream amps was personally delivered last night and is making beautiful music in my home. It's a custom 45/2A3 S.E.T. amp from James (1wpc and 3wpc respectively) with output transformers built especially for this project by Jack Elliano. The chassis is from a 1936 Wurlitzer jukebox. We hooked it up last night and I am glad James only lives 30 minutes from me because he's not often able to listen to his wonderful amplifiers in the customers home systems only in his shop before shipping them out worldwide so this was a treat for both of us. I will just say that it was a moment that did not disappoint. I have known James for over 13 years now and I am very happy to have really got to know him as a person as well as having a chance to own his beautiful creations.

https://i.ibb.co/B42yvkd/IMG-8079resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/sv1pJWp/Snapseed-2-size.jpg

charles hidalgo

28-07-2019, 15:46

2A3 power triode’s along with 12SL7 and 6AX4 tubes performing in all their glory!

https://i.ibb.co/HdwdSfC/Snapseed-4-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

22-10-2019, 18:44

Some upgrading as of late. Current reference setup with the James Burgess 45/2A3 S.E.T. amplifier, easily interchangeable to Burgess Eiclone 6550 triode monoblocks. A James Burgess tube preamp/phono stage, PeachTree Audio 65SE (serving as DAC), Modified AT1240 TT with AT33EV cartridge and Cardas wiring straight to the Burgess phono stage. Media is also served up via an Otari MTR10-2, Teac 1040Sl, Akai 280D-SS and Akai X-150D Reel to Reel machines, a PC music server with over 25 terabytes of Hi-Rez files, and plenty of great vinyl selections. All playing through a pair of 105db efficient Klipschorn loudspeakers with an 18” Velodyne sub crossed over around 40Hz. Room is 24x20x8.

https://i.ibb.co/XVBkmQn/IMG-8325resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Qv1V1B5/IMG-8326resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/DzXCkDh/IMG-8328resize.png

Will be treating the room in the coming weeks finally. I also have two more bucket list pieces of gear coming. A pair of GPA Altec 604H III speakers, custom crossovers and Stonehenge cabinets and some 300b Thorsten Loesch “Legacy” circuit inspired monoblocks to drive them.

hornucopia

22-10-2019, 19:17

Klipsch often were used with a central speaker as well, I recall. Nice to see a familiar sight-I had a pair for 18 years. Always thought it odd that such a big box needed help below 40cs! They DO need to be sealed to the corners ideally.(No 'skirting'!)

charles hidalgo

22-10-2019, 22:03

Yeah I had a pair for about 5 years back around 2002. I found these 20 minutes away last month and didnt think twice. I have owned almost every Heritage speaker they offer other than the Jubilee.

hornucopia

23-10-2019, 09:25

Ks are much rarer over here than in U.S. Maybe in part because our rooms are smaller -except in 'Victorian' houses (1800-1900)
My 1965 'Scandinavian', split-level house didn't work; no corners! (Doors,etc..)
But my Ocellias are pretty fine and the Leak 3090s in main room.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]26851

Audio Al

23-10-2019, 11:09

Charles , now that's what I call a nice room and I see you have a Otari MTR12 as well :eyebrows:

charles hidalgo

26-10-2019, 03:19

After a long "break in" period my Stonehenge V cabinets with GPA Altec 604H II speakers and custom crossovers are home and sounding amazing.

https://i.ibb.co/x5Rz3rR/IMG-8441resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

31-10-2019, 07:19

Unexpected time off so it's been jazz all day.... set the lights for a blue mood this morning and before I knew it the day was done. Swapped out the 2A3's for some 45's today. Glorious midrange with either but it's fun to hear the 45's and how 1 watt per channel can sing so good!

https://i.ibb.co/8jXGtxJ/Snapseed-24-resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DQfYkSG/Snapseed-23-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

17-11-2019, 17:29

Time for some listening.... it's been a while!
https://i.ibb.co/jR5xLwC/Snapseed-43-resize.jpg

hornucopia

21-11-2019, 14:02

I spy.....a Peachtree amp in there.
(Late addition-I see you've already mentioned it!)
I use an iDecco for headphone at bedtime use, via the speaker outlets (as Wharfedale Isodynamics are rather inefficient, but lovely)

Thinks; must try into my Ocellia Calliopes one day but the Pass F3 is fine.

How do the Altecs compare to the Ks?

charles hidalgo

17-05-2020, 22:50

First phase of room treatments are being experimented with. Full 8 foot corner traps , and cloud panels are on their way soon. These are 8" thick GIK monster traps with the optional scatter plates.

https://i.ibb.co/mtFXRqD/Snapseed-5-resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bKs3183/Snapseed-4-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

20-05-2020, 02:57

The 20x24 room was very "live" and had some big low frequency spikes in a few areas areas. The traps smoothed them out dramatically and mid range benefited greatly with imaging and clarity really improving as a result of a less "muddy" and sometimes "boomy" bass. The room also has a tile floor so it was in need of absorption even though I added a few area rugs most thins like blankets and rugs etc are really not doing much if anything. The panels also have the optional scatter plates for diffusion so they absorb as much bass as possible without disturbing or over-absorbing the high end, which leaves life inside the room. I chose the very thick traps with the diffusion plates as they absorb up to 50% more low frequency (below 60Hz) and retains 75% more high end (from 400Hz and above). The room still needs some very thick shag carpeting as the small area rugs covering only about a third of the tile floor I have down are very thin.

charles hidalgo

31-07-2020, 20:10

Full room treatment finally has been complete for a while now.

50TB’s of High resolution files up to 512 DSD through modified Teac 501 with Time Machine X10 external clock, idler drive, belt drive, and direct drive turntables, Otari, Studer, and Teac reel to reel machines for 15ips master and safety copies-Radu Tarta preamp with 101d tubes selected-James Burgess 45, 46, 2a3, and 6bq5 type amplifiers -custom 104db efficient horn speakers with 2” Eliptrac 400 wooden horns, tweeters, crites cast woofers, and custom ALK crossovers.

This system has real synergy and is sounding amazing!

https://i.ibb.co/C6m4Ysw/116343800-3844149135601179-4893636797291794495-o.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/gJHpdbV/116648872-3844162975599795-3635642641582440029-o.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/L90g2bx/116174164-3844163058933120-2976746972073510670-o.jpg

hornucopia

31-07-2020, 20:47

Lovely horns. But you've had several! And with supertweeters? Have you noticed the weird factor that supertweeters make the bass better?

charles hidalgo

07-08-2020, 15:44

Years of patience has finally paid off. Custom built amps, preamp, and speakers rounded out the rest of the components and the full room treatment was long overdue. Only thing still in the works are a couple turntables that are getting full restorations.

https://i.ibb.co/jfKqL9Y/E183-D057-E29-D-4-D14-9-BD8-A69-A37356-ABC-12005-000007489-F37-D114resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/gmjmNfF/951-F67-D3-FA20-48-F7-B73-B-A7033-C420291-12005-00000748971-AFD4-Fresize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/5Yw1f1t/7309-F718-C3-CB-41-B4-80-BC-DC853-FE97-A43-12005-00000748-AACF767-Fresize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/Nn4ZSYb/697-DE3-CB-6212-4952-B7-B6-3-A840806-AA2-C-12005-00000748-B138-FD8-Cresize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/4TmWnKM/1-AD5-B449-3-C84-443-A-B3-EA-BAC5361-B1-DCF-12005-00000748-B7-AC3-EAEresize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/6mLzG8x/Snapseed-3-resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/cJb4Vpk/8-FA2692-D-55-FE-4-D99-88-A8-156745-DE2523resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

13-08-2020, 17:48

One of the TD-124 tables is together and though not fully restored as it could be it is enough that it's running great! The other ( with a black plinth, Ortofon RMG-212 tonearm, and Ortofon S 15-M/T both rebuilt to new standards) will be put in the system once everything returns from STS. It's time for a custom rack for the tables. :)

https://i.ibb.co/s381JNh/IMG-0101resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/PGZM89s/IMG-0102resize.jpg
https://i.ibb.co/5Wct7kG/Full-Size-Render-1-resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

15-08-2020, 06:09

charles hidalgo

28-09-2020, 14:48

Finally all together and in the system. Greg Metz STS modified Thorens TD124 MKII, rewired Ortofon RMG212 tonearm, with an Andy Kim Needle Clinic rebuilt and retipped Ortofon S15-T MC cartridge with a linear contact diamond tip, and aluminium cantilever. The Ray Brown Trio had the honor of first play.and it didn’t disappoint.
https://i.ibb.co/L1S0yjb/070-DF7-A5-7142-4-CE3-ABD2-D8151-B58-A3-BA.jpg

hornucopia

28-09-2020, 14:56

Hello Chris. I'm not sure I have as of yet but I'm going to be playing with that when I have more time.I added the tweeters around the same time I finished up my room treatments which made everything better. So I will be doing listening soon without then again with the tweeters to compare.

Depends on how old your ears are! My Opera Consonance M15-24th Anniversary horns have tweeter that comes in at 18Khz, so I'll never know if it works! (Bass is good though!)

Barry

28-09-2020, 15:56

Swann36

28-09-2020, 15:57

Great systems ....and better to see your enjoying making use of them again :stalks:

RobbieGong

28-09-2020, 16:00

Great systems ....and better to see your enjoying making use of them again :stalks:

Ditto !

charles hidalgo

28-09-2020, 18:12

Lovely looking Thorens/Ortofon combination. I have one with an Ortofon 309i 12" arm.

I also have an Ortofon S-15T, which I would like to re-tip.

Andy is the best I’ve found.

charles hidalgo

03-10-2020, 22:10

https://i.ibb.co/7zwZPdg/7-CCA3-A43-3514-4-F74-BBB9-F85589-C00-D5-F.jpg
Latest ... Rek-O-Kut Rondine Deluxe with ROK stereo tonearm and Gray Research mono arm options.

Discopants

04-10-2020, 22:17

You have a veritable Aladin’s cave there Charles, congratulations.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

charles hidalgo

09-10-2020, 20:01

REK-O-KUT Rondine Deluxe mono setup With Gray Research and ROK arms. The 78’s and mono LP’s player.

https://i.ibb.co/QM5Rhtg/689-B9859-9205-4-A25-9931-04-C379905644-thumb-jpeg-390c1a825e9b30b5f383ed037c22e379resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/D83Q182/8-BBE0977-CA34-4156-AF42-AB5-F74-C12-BB9-thumb-jpeg-a6ab337f81584e921f84af1a94d8936cresize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7jmLPWp/C69-B088-C-0-B75-4-BB7-A4-FB-65113-F21-A8-F5-thumb-jpeg-3b229c1c6e2fb739b59b9c8a1b4168c6resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/K7VTRpB/2513-A09-C-1-EE1-4-E54-8301-79-DD80-D69-F74-thumb-jpeg-767871a7f4504a26e743e6607e82da04resize.jpg

Ali Tait

09-10-2020, 20:06

Fantastic, you are a lucky man Charles, that is one amazing system.

charles hidalgo

23-12-2020, 14:04

https://i.ibb.co/nCz5D3N/IMG-1275.jpg

charles hidalgo

23-12-2020, 14:13

https://i.ibb.co/K713VSJ/IMG-1283resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/JQ6Z1NL/IMG-1254resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/SmmcXy5/IMG-1257resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

06-01-2021, 16:27

Plain black Tubelab Simple Single Ended EL34 Amp triode wired single-ended amplifier designed by George Anderson. This amplifier has a beefier power supply than usually offered in the basic design and, Obbligato coupling caps, Kiwame and PRP resistors, and Transcendar Output transformers. It's not the prettiest amp but sounds very very good!

https://i.ibb.co/6FCXhSG/resize.jpg

Marco

06-01-2021, 17:00

I like the look of the green amp on the bottom, Charles, what's that?:)

Marco.

Marco

06-01-2021, 17:04

https://i.ibb.co/nCz5D3N/IMG-1275.jpg

I also LOVE the look of that! It's right up my street, in terms of how hi-fi gear *should* look: nice clean lines, and above all, PURPOSEFUL, not 'pretty' - it needs to look like it means business. Fabulous ergonomics!

Great colours too, on the buttons and switches - almost like it was part of a film set for a 1970s sci-fi movie:D

Could you describe how it sounds?:)

Marco.

charles hidalgo

06-01-2021, 17:25

It’s a James Burgess PP 45

Marco

06-01-2021, 18:00

Cheers, how does it compare, sonically, with the black one you've just mentioned? And how does the Softone (I presume phono stage?) sound?:)

Marco.

Filterlab

06-01-2021, 18:24

I’ve seen hifi shops with less equipment in them. Those are some grand systems Charles - I’ll bet you barely have time for anything else after listening to and tinkering with that feast of goodies!

Marco

06-01-2021, 19:13

Defo... One of the best systems/collections of equipment on AoS:)

Marco.

Filterlab

06-01-2021, 19:37

Indeed, and that’s saying something. There’s some freakin’ amazing systems owned by our lovely members on here!

RichB

07-01-2021, 00:07

Well this thread is a delight i must say.

Beautiful rooms and kit.

charles hidalgo

07-01-2021, 13:39

Ken Uesugi 42 type tube amp/DAC.

https://i.ibb.co/LnzBtY9/IMG-1425resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/MkRJKSW/IMG-1424resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

08-01-2021, 12:19

Custom Bottlehead Kaiju 300B amp with DC filament upgrade and Shuguang Audio Treasure Series 300B's.

https://i.ibb.co/YTLWzt4/IMG-1462resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/HGN1scs/IMG-1466resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

08-01-2021, 22:05

I also LOVE the look of that! It's right up my street, in terms of how hi-fi gear *should* look: nice clean lines, and above all, PURPOSEFUL, not 'pretty' - it needs to look like it means business. Fabulous ergonomics!

Great colours too, on the buttons and switches - almost like it was part of a film set for a 1970s sci-fi movie:D

Could you describe how it sounds?:)

Marco.

For me in my setup it’s the best sounding phono pre I have owned, with my most pricey phono pre at one point being around 5,000.00usd used. It’s been an underground legend it seems with the Japanese and S.E.T. Tube/horn crowd also.

charles hidalgo

22-01-2021, 02:38

James Burgess 2a3

https://i.ibb.co/G2J45rn/IMG-1712resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/WgwrNqz/IMG-1713resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

03-02-2021, 19:17

diytube stereo35

https://i.ibb.co/fD6SrNM/IMG-1870resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/RY7W16w/IMG-1871resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

09-02-2021, 00:04

Greg Metz STS modified Thorens TD124 MKII in custom plinth, with an*Alfred Bokrand Custom Ortofon Tonearm mounted on a black*sourced armboard, with a beloved brand new NOS Ortofon SPU Royal A cartridge, topped off with Nordost Quattro-fil phono cable.

https://i.ibb.co/4Pwzpmx/IMG-1960resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/F3tGcz4/IMG-1961resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

09-02-2021, 13:56

https://i.ibb.co/102Qmmv/6-B9-D9533-E956-4028-A13-A-CFA0-A7-EB8-EE0resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

10-02-2021, 21:45

Jon Anderson Custom 604's

https://i.ibb.co/ydbXC30/IMG-2005resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jhHwBD1/IMG-2004resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/9bBZxf2/IMG-2003resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

16-02-2021, 02:10

Lenco PTP build... 65 pounds of analog goodness. She’s in the room now and will be fitted with a Fidelity Research arm this week. Three extra arm boards also for easy change out of tonearms.

https://i.ibb.co/y4dtGHs/IMG-2066resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

21-02-2021, 14:39

Fidelity Research FR-24 MKII tonearm is setup with an Audio Technica cartridge for starters. I'll be trying several different cartridges in the coming time.

https://i.ibb.co/0mJ7jDB/IMG-2153resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

16-05-2021, 14:00

STS serviced with upgrades including a rewired and serviced Ortofon RMG-212 tonearm. A new idler wheel from AudioSilente of Italy. A WoodSong Audio thrust bearing kit with an 8mm thick bronze cap, a 6mm thick Torlon thrust pad, and a Grade 5 sapphire ball bearing. An MK2 conversion kit with the Hanze Hi-Fi Motor Spring Suspension kit is also installed. In this conversion, the 3 motor suspension mount studs of the MK1 motor, are replaced with longer motor suspension studs to give more motor suspension travel as well as allowing installation of the Hanze HiFi motor spring suspension system which reduces motor noise into the chassis by -16db over the standard double polymer bushing design which is still installed on most TD124’s. SPH copper mat copper record stabilizer, and Waynes outer ring round things out.

https://i.ibb.co/RNDqwJz/778-CFFDA-A62-D-43-C4-930-F-620-F82-EC80-B8.jpg

Marco

16-05-2021, 19:41

Nice one, Charles. How's it sounding now, then?

And any chance of a (much) bigger pic?? If I get my binoculars out I can just about see it, lol!:eek:;)

Marco.

Barry

16-05-2021, 23:19

A little better:

https://theartofsound.net/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=29450&d=1621174386

Marco

16-05-2021, 23:48

Lol yes, (about as good as you can make it), but what we need is some nice BIG loving close-ups!:exactly:

Charles, get your camera out again and do it right (as you did earlier in the thread):)

Marco (hates thumbnails).

charles hidalgo

17-05-2021, 01:22

Yeah not sure what happened. Here's some better shots I hope.

https://i.ibb.co/KFrNkYH/IMG-3501.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DbCpr0Z/4-B85-ACEA-B041-41-E4-AA93-7-C1-A9-B16-CF55.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7rFp9JL/2-C505-EEB-DAFC-4439-88-D8-6-AE5-DC94-BD73.jpg

Marco

17-05-2021, 08:06

Nothing showing for me, unfortunately, Charles...

Marco.

struth

17-05-2021, 08:16

permissions maybe?

Marco

17-05-2021, 09:28

Don't think so, mate. He managed to post nice big pics earlier on the thread, see here: https://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?64419-Music-is-playing-again-after-a-long-hiatus-Vinyl-Reel-to-Reel-and-Digital!&p=1226695#post1226695

Editing into his last post, he's trying to do something 'fancy' with Google, which isn't working.

Marco.

struth

17-05-2021, 09:33

yeah he is trying to use google content; ie google drive or something like it.. those other ones were from another host.. Not sure google can work that way but it might now, but it may need the files/folder to have permissions changed... was just a guess.. ive never tried to use google as it originally didnt work. might now tho.

Marco

17-05-2021, 09:42

Yup, I think he needs to use a different host, perhaps return to using i.ibb.co

Marco.

charles hidalgo

17-05-2021, 12:21

Previous host (ImageBB) set all my photos to blurry squares after years of use out of the blue so I'm trying my google photos to host instead. Here's my last try. Some sites seem to see the images no problem others do not.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/wwEQrcXprQPKPcidA

https://photos.app.goo.gl/3VnzugX63oQrH7Sv8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/o7NrnS9FftpPLdCt8

struth

17-05-2021, 12:27

can always email me them. i can post them for you charles

Marco

17-05-2021, 12:28

Still not working, Charles. Try this hosting site. It's free and super-easy to use: https://postimages.org/

Marco.

charles hidalgo

17-05-2021, 14:00

Sorry guys. Last try before I have to contact the host.

https://i.ibb.co/KFrNkYH/IMG-3501.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DbCpr0Z/4-B85-ACEA-B041-41-E4-AA93-7-C1-A9-B16-CF55.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7rFp9JL/2-C505-EEB-DAFC-4439-88-D8-6-AE5-DC94-BD73.jpg

struth

17-05-2021, 14:03

working now

charles hidalgo

17-05-2021, 14:07

working now

Thanks for letting me know guys.

struth

17-05-2021, 14:09

huge room and some nice gear there.. lucky you.

charles hidalgo

19-05-2021, 01:52

https://i.ibb.co/R97Kr7M/IMG-3521.jpg

Marco

19-05-2021, 22:36

charles hidalgo

24-05-2021, 14:56

An absolutely mind-blowing system, Charles - and for me ticks so many boxes! Much better now, so we can see it more in all it's glory...;)

The speakers particularly intrigue me. What are they. and how big are the drive units? I'm guessing 15"? Also, which would you say was your favourite turntable, and why?:)

I think I'd take the TD-124, with the 'outrigger' and 3012 arm/SPU..

Marco.

Thank you. The speakers are Altec 604's, and the cabinets are a project Jon Anderson (my now speaker builder for the last few years) and myself worked on to get the most out of the speaker. I've owned several 604 variations over the last 20 years but the all lacked a bit here or there to me. The Shindo 604 (non field coil version) is where I started and Jon leaned to the Altec 620 cabinet. We put together the best of both and ended up with a cabinet that's tuned to 30hz, is ROCK solid, and with the custom tuned crossovers from Rick at Selah audio these are the best sounding Duplex speakers I have heard or owned. As far as the TT's the Thorens you mentioned is definatly one of my favorites. It and the Alfred Bokrand modified Ortofon 309 with the Ortofon SPU-A Royal cartridge sing beautifully!

Barry

24-05-2021, 21:21

Amazing system you have there Charles. What are the super-tweeters on the top of the loudspeaker cabinets?

I use an Ikeda modified Ortofon 309 with an Ikeda C9 III 'cantileverless' cartridge (best described as a moving-coil 'Decca') on one of my Thorens TD124/II TTs. Sometimes I will swap out the Ikeda cartridge for an Ortofon SPU-GE, for a different 'presentation'.

Marco

24-05-2021, 21:33

Thank you. The speakers are Altec 604's, and the cabinets are a project Jon Anderson (my now speaker builder for the last few years) and myself worked on to get the most out of the speaker. I've owned several 604 variations over the last 20 years but the all lacked a bit here or there to me. The Shindo 604 (non field coil version) is where I started and Jon leaned to the Altec 620 cabinet. We put together the best of both and ended up with a cabinet that's tuned to 30hz, is ROCK solid, and with the custom tuned crossovers from Rick at Selah audio these are the best sounding Duplex speakers I have heard or owned. As far as the TT's the Thorens you mentioned is definatly one of my favorites. It and the Alfred Bokrand modified Ortofon 309 with the Ortofon SPU-A Royal cartridge sing beautifully!

Cheers, Charles. So are the Altecs in question 15-inch?:)

So is idler-drive your preferred type of turntable - not fancy a belt or direct-drive to add to your collection. Oh, and your room is almost as nice as your system!:cool:

Marco.

JohnJo

24-05-2021, 21:52

Wonderful room and equipment Charles.

Love the rosewood fronts on the Altecs.

Marco

24-05-2021, 21:59

Me too - it really sets them off nicely:)

Marco.

charles hidalgo

25-05-2021, 16:00

Wonderful room and equipment Charles.

Love the rosewood fronts on the Altecs.

Thank you. Originally I was going to have Jon do them entirely in rosewood. He said look at them this way first. I was a bit leery but once they were in my room in person I really liked his suggestion.

charles hidalgo

27-05-2021, 04:11

charles hidalgo

10-06-2021, 17:48

All done and setup... I have wanted to do one of these correctly for a long time. A Technics SP10 MKII that has received the Krebs treatment, DAS dual arm plinth, Fidelity Research FR24 MKII 9", Jelco TK-950L MKII 12", Sph copper mat and record stabilizer. Ortofon and Audio Technica carts. Time for a listen tonight hopefully.

https://i.ibb.co/SRs3bYR/IMG-3751.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/c2BZK3k/IMG-3752.jpg

charles hidalgo

17-06-2021, 08:32

https://i.ibb.co/CVQWkPQ/IMG-4001resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Z62SWCq/IMG-3970resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/f14mcWq/IMG-3963resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/yQHB7g9/IMG-3996resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jrg2bwb/IMG-3983resize.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/s3Fq0kR/IMG-3982resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

18-06-2021, 03:04

Thank you John at www.Lynwardwoodworks.com/ for helping make my project a very beautiful and special one!

Audio-Technica LP1240 with bypassed internal phono section and Cardas cable wiring from the tonearm leads directly to the RCA's. An Audio-Technica cartridge on modified stock arm. Black Diamond feet between the TT and neoprene layered MDF internal base with kiln dried domestic hardwood that are at a max of 8% moisture content for the rest of the plinth. This was made from 3/4" curly maple inlayed with curly Claro walnut. Joints are mitered and biscuit joined to add strength. The very bottom and inner base of the the turntable sits on is 3/4" MDF and the base has threaded 1/4 20 inserts for my choice of footers which are currently MapleShade. Copper platter mat and record stabilizer from Sien at SPH.

https://i.ibb.co/LYwmsz6/IMG-3997.jpg

WOStantonCS100

29-06-2021, 17:06

Good golly... That looks like an awesome place to enjoy tunes.

Primare

04-07-2021, 15:00

Really impressive room and gear:wow:

charles hidalgo

12-07-2021, 20:22

Klangfilm KLV204 custom clones. F2a power tube, MU14/UU5 rectifier, and a EF12 as a driver.

https://i.ibb.co/9Trb91z/IMG-4097.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DWjzyzD/IMG-4259.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Lks1pQm/IMG-4260.jpg

charles hidalgo

14-07-2021, 15:51

https://i.ibb.co/48Kn5H6/IMG-4273.jpg

charles hidalgo

24-08-2021, 11:22

Welcome home..... Jon Anderson vertical 9844's

https://i.ibb.co/gzsW1NY/IMG-4906resize.jpg

charles hidalgo

05-09-2021, 00:18

Cain & Cain Supper Abby

https://i.ibb.co/1JMRNWq/IMG-5005rs.jpg

Marco

05-09-2021, 14:20

Welcome home..... Jon Anderson vertical 9844's

https://i.ibb.co/gzsW1NY/IMG-4906resize.jpg

Oh they look interesting... Do they do bass?:D;)

Marco.

charles hidalgo

13-09-2021, 11:30

Oh they look interesting... Do they do bass?:D;)

Marco.

The Altec 414's do very well.

charles hidalgo

14-12-2021, 19:48

Beobloke

16-12-2021, 12:24

I'm more interested in the big speakers either side of them! What are they?

WOStantonCS100

27-12-2021, 18:19

I'm more interested in the big speakers either side of them! What are they?

Legacy Whisper XD's, if I remember correctly. I do not believe they are available anymore/discontinued. I could be wrong.

charles hidalgo

08-03-2022, 17:54

I'm more interested in the big speakers either side of them! What are they?

Legacy Whispers.

(https://hifiheaven.net/shop/Legacy-Audio-Whisper-XDS-Speaker-System-(Premium-Finishes))
https://hifiheaven.net/shop/Legacy-Audio-Whisper-XDS-Speaker-System-(Premium-Finishes)

charles hidalgo

08-03-2022, 19:53

Wilson Audio Sofia II's

https://i.ibb.co/wNbd5pL/IMG-6831.jpg

charles hidalgo

28-03-2022, 18:26

https://i.ibb.co/HPLV3gm/755-CF9-AF-E732-4650-8409-23-E9658-F971-C.png

https://i.ibb.co/x3pX6tJ/IMG-6972.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/LJ8qDnv/4-C43-FEB2-99-E1-48-BD-A41-F-50-AE74-C0-C0-C1.png

https://i.ibb.co/XDKRDBZ/560-BE79-D-89-D4-4549-9-D13-ED730-CF8240-A.jpg

charles hidalgo

17-04-2022, 14:15

https://i.ibb.co/TtPqmmJ/IMG-7196.jpg

charles hidalgo

19-08-2022, 07:48

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5189efb1e4b0c7808a114c20/1660894641212-H5VRV9JCMYXLEK251XD9/IMG_8870.jpeg?format=1500w

It’s been a while. I have settled in to this setup for a while now and believe it or not thinned out a lot of gear.

The Legacy Whispers will be moved out eventually to another room. The Jon Anderson monitors have taken center stage and I am waiting for the bottom bins as the finishing touches to the most amazing set of monitors I have heard. The Jon Anderson built Altecs in the rear are the go to speakers for my favorite tube amps.
The newest addition to the system is the HiFi Rose RS150b DAC/Streamer is an amazing piece of gear that I am enjoying very much. I am an analog person at heart but this piece has had me listening to more music than ever!

Charlie

Alex_UK

22-08-2022, 21:30

Gobsmacked as always looking at your amazing system(s)! Incredible!

Firebottle

23-08-2022, 06:28

That's still a lot of kit!
Good news that you are listening to more music, it feeds the soul.

The Black Adder

23-08-2022, 06:44

Having fun on a much needed rainy day. These speakers from Troels Gravesen are pretty amazing! If you visit the site these are his personal speakers that are featured in the build photos.

http://troelsgravesen.dk/Faital-3WC-10.htm

https://i.ibb.co/r01T3st/IMG-5888rs.jpgThese speakers are very interesting to me. How do they compare with the other speakers you use? I'm curious to know if they do nice focused bass with plenty of slam. It would be great to review them for my website at some point.

Your system is a pleasure to look at, Charles. I've been shedding equipment recently rather than adding to it. Lol... Comes a time I suppose.

Thanks for posting with us on AOS. Please keep the pics coming.

Sent from my 9001X using Tapatalk

charles hidalgo

15-09-2022, 03:56

That's still a lot of kit!
Good news that you are listening to more music, it feeds the soul.

Yes indeed! :) Things just sound so nice. The music is most important, and the range of emotions that comes with it.

rigger67

16-09-2022, 19:37

The thing that struck me was your listening chair - it's ORANGE :eyebrows:

I have an orange sofa and it's a bit of theme throughout my house - can I ask where it came from ?

charles hidalgo

05-10-2022, 13:09

The thing that struck me was your listening chair - it's ORANGE :eyebrows:

I have an orange sofa and it's a bit of theme throughout my house - can I ask where it came from ?

It's a recliner/ottoman from a company named Selig of Monroe and is from circa 1969-1970 I believe. I found it used and bought it from the original owner who was over 80 at the time a few years ago.

charles hidalgo

05-10-2022, 13:12

New addition. After many years yesterday I found a nice (circa 1968 tags and research but not positive yet) Percival Lafer Brazilian Rosewood/Suede Lounge Chair and Ottoman. It is very very comfortable.

https://i.ibb.co/LSj7WWX/IMG-9756.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/xzcCQcy/IMG-9755.jpg

Puffin

05-10-2022, 17:43

rigger67

05-10-2022, 18:10

I thought it might be a novel take on the Barcelona chair from the Bauhaus, but looking at the picture above it does have elements of that classic design but also of a recliner, like a fusion of the two.

I love what I can see :)
Thanks for getting back to me about it.

charles hidalgo

17-11-2022, 22:23

Anticipating these coming together for some time now. I'll say that it was worth the time and I don't want to even break things down again to veneer the bins. Just wow. Iphone B&W for maximum artsy fartsyness. :rolleyes:

https://i.ibb.co/HxxYGtj/Snapseed.jpg

charles hidalgo

17-11-2022, 22:37

A nice chair to fall asleep in..........unless the system is sooo good that you don't want to miss anything:eek:

What are the stand mounted speakers in the picture? What sort of music do you mainly listen to?

I have fell asleep on the regular in this room over the last 20 years so many times but more than ever now. The monitors are CSS Criton 1TD-X models. I just posted a newer photo with the additional 3-Way Bass Modules from CSS also. Custom built by Jon Anderson. Anticipating these coming together for some time now. I'll say that it was worth the time and I don't want to even break things down again to veneer the bins. Just wow. Iphone B&W for maximum artsy fartsyness. :rolleyes:
The monitors are CSS Criton 1TD-X models. I had them in the office for a year built and untested sitting on the floor. I put them in the system this year finally and they sounded amazing. Enough so to immediately ask my speaker builder and friend Jon Anderson if he could build me the bins to go along with his gorgeous built monitors. Yesterday Jon said take the bins home for final room testing! I added the anticipated 3-Way Bass Modules from CSS and wow. They have the tunable passive radiators also and that is nice. I believe I finally have found my "Non Horn" speaker. So I have to part with them to have the final matching walnut veneer.

https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Fully-Finished-Pair-p115270078
Bass modules
https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/3-Way-Bass-Module-Add-On-Pair-p350688026

https://i.ibb.co/HxxYGtj/Snapseed.jpg

CSS Monitors
https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/CSS-Criton-1TD-X-Fully-Finished-Pair-p115270078

Bass modules
https://www.css-audio.com/online-store/3-Way-Bass-Module-Add-On-Pair-p350688026

struth

18-11-2022, 06:39

Great stuff Charles

Puffin

18-11-2022, 17:28

For someone who doesn't really seem to care about serious hifi you seem to be doing pretty well:eek::lol::lol:

charles hidalgo

23-11-2022, 16:01

Then he said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And he saw that the light was good.

Not anything to do with sound but I have completed a twenty three year search for some appropriate lamps for this room. Finding lamps tall enough, in pairs, and that are all original at give or take 70 years old has been a task. They are out there but seem to always be out of my comfortable spending range or gone on two seconds. These sat in the same home in the same spot since the day the sellers mother brought them home. They are in their new forever home now. ��

https://i.ibb.co/8bP1zn4/IMG-0394.jpg

Puffin

24-11-2022, 08:06

Nice.

charles hidalgo

18-01-2023, 00:04

https://i.ibb.co/b71C5GP/IMG-1361.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/jTV3PwC/IMG-1331.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7gVFtr4/IMG-1330.jpg

Jimbo

18-01-2023, 06:05

Great room, lots of acoustic treatment. Very nice vibe you have there, got a 70's feel.

charles hidalgo

25-01-2023, 02:29

https://www.flickfilosopher.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/just-when-i-thought-i-was-out-gif.gif

https://i.ibb.co/5TL7fdb/IMG-0997.jpg

charles hidalgo

26-01-2023, 00:21

https://i.ibb.co/D9LGj3p/IMG-0995.jpg

charles hidalgo

30-01-2023, 20:30

Test run in till the GPA drivers arrives. Man oh man... :)

https://i.ibb.co/9WRJ96F/IMG-0999.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/12BHHjc/IMG-1504.jpg

Jimbo

30-01-2023, 20:37

What size are the drivers Charles, they look BIG?

charles hidalgo

30-01-2023, 21:30

16" Drivers. The cabinets are 200 pounds a piece.
The above are PAS CXL-1580C drivers. These were put in the cabs last week.

These should be here this week
https://great-plains-audio.myshopify.com/products/604-8h-iii

hornucopia

31-01-2023, 09:44

I guess you mean 200 lbs? Don't forget,in UK,pounds are currency,like dollars!

AJSki2fly

31-01-2023, 10:27

Test run in till the GPA drivers arrives. Man oh man... :)

https://i.ibb.co/9WRJ96F/IMG-0999.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/12BHHjc/IMG-1504.jpg

Well they look impressive and very nicely made! I was a bit shocked at the driver cost, but I bet they will sound good. Be interesting to see what you think when finished and bedded in.

hornucopia

31-01-2023, 10:48

Having got the lights......you need a listening chair?
https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/nirvana-hanging-chair-the-ultimate-listening-seat.112130/
Pity we're so far away!

charles hidalgo

31-01-2023, 14:16

I guess you mean 200 lbs? Don't forget,in UK,pounds are currency,like dollars!

Been to the UK a few times so yes I understand, just like a pound here as you know is a weight equal to around 0.454 kilograms.

charles hidalgo

31-01-2023, 14:22

Having got the lights......you need a listening chair?
https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/nirvana-hanging-chair-the-ultimate-listening-seat.112130/
Pity we're so far away!

Oh my! :)

AJSki2fly

31-01-2023, 15:08

Having got the lights......you need a listening chair?
https://www.hifiwigwam.com/threads/nirvana-hanging-chair-the-ultimate-listening-seat.112130/
Pity we're so far away!

Hi Chris, I wish I had purchased it from you when you offered it to me when I was there, never mind. :doh:

charles hidalgo

31-01-2023, 16:32

Well they look impressive and very nicely made! I was a bit shocked at the driver cost, but I bet they will sound good. Be interesting to see what you think when finished and bedded in.

Ive owned these drivers in the version II and I have had several Altec, Urei, Pas, and similar duplex/coaxial speakers over the years. I didn't have the cabinets nor crossovers to do them justice at the time so they were traded. This build is a final build situation for me and my high efficiency quest of over 40 years of trial, error, and in between some success. These will be on my flea powered SET amps and the other CSS speakers in my late photos will be my solid state setup. This is 40 years of listening being summed up in what will be my permanent speaker setup. There will always be trials Im sure as its in the blood but these are my dream builds done exactly the way I wanted. I feel so fortunate. I was going to keep my PAS/Altec 620 builds (rosewood and maple in many previous posts) but I cannot keep everything and these GPA drivers are in my opinion the best of the best and I own several original Altec versions. Again it is in my blood as seen here in Japan circa 1970. ;)

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5189efb1e4b0c7808a114c20/1557205255936-8CI3275CV1R9S0Y3SVQH/download+%281%29.jpg?format=750w

AJSki2fly

31-01-2023, 16:58

Ive owned these drivers in the version II and I have had several Altec, Urei, Pas, and similar duplex/coaxial speakers over the years. I didn't have the cabinets nor crossovers to do them justice at the time so they were traded. This build is a final build situation for me and my high efficiency quest of over 40 years of trial, error, and in between some success. These will be on my flea powered SET amps and the other CSS speakers in my late photos will be my solid state setup. This is 40 years of listening being summed up in what will be my permanent speaker setup. There will always be trials Im sure as its in the blood but these are my dream builds done exactly the way I wanted. I feel so fortunate. I was going to keep my PAS/Altec 620 builds (rosewood and maple in many previous posts) but I cannot keep everything and these GPA drivers are in my opinion the best of the best and I own several original Altec versions. Again it is in my blood as seen here in Japan circa 1970. ;)

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5189efb1e4b0c7808a114c20/1557205255936-8CI3275CV1R9S0Y3SVQH/download+%281%29.jpg?format=750w

Absolutely great pic :lol:

hornucopia

01-02-2023, 10:42

Do Great Plains provide the design for the box as well?
Is it sealed, or open backed?
Despite the size i'd bet it works well at low volume as well.

charles hidalgo

01-02-2023, 14:16

It is a Stonehenge design. Bottom ported. Amazing low level detail.

hornucopia

01-02-2023, 17:09

Thanks Charles.
Did some research, though it just made me wish we had a few over here in UK.
After owning Klipschorns, I'm not afraid of big boxes!

charles hidalgo

01-02-2023, 17:22

Thanks Charles.
Did some research, though it just made me wish we had a few over here in UK.
After owning Klipschorns, I'm not afraid of big boxes!

I totally understand... ;)

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5189efb1e4b0c7808a114c20/1579037146910-5DMDYUS2RCKPVUPB0FGQ/Snapseed+%2864%29.jpg?format=1500w

charles hidalgo

01-02-2023, 17:31

Stretching their legs with some SS power then its in the main room with tubes. :)

https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5189efb1e4b0c7808a114c20/1675272512727-N9G8SGBRVP73I9CFF3RW/IMG_1621.jpg?format=1000w

charles hidalgo

03-03-2023, 17:34

BIG day today. Huge for me! Jon Anderson built Altec Stonhenges will be in the main room. I feel like I did in around 1976 when I got to put my dad's system gear in my room. One last photo from his room of the final versions. They are stunning in person. Just drop dead stunning!

https://i.ibb.co/wdm2r2z/IMG-2135.jpg

Jimbo

03-03-2023, 17:38

They do look fantastic Charles and I can imagine they produce a BIG sound!

struth

03-03-2023, 17:38

he did some verticals for you i think...

those look great

charles hidalgo

03-03-2023, 17:46

he did some verticals for you i think...

those look great

Yes. Since I met him years ago he has built everything for me. I am very fortunate to have some amazing friends. He likes cigars too so thats a plus. ;)

struth

03-03-2023, 17:58

Yes. Since I met him years ago he has built everything for me. I am very fortunate to have some amazing friends. He likes cigars too so thats a plus. ;)

lol.. good on him. i liked a cigar when younger myself but dont smoke now.

charles hidalgo

05-03-2023, 06:56

Just a photo before I dim the lights. I hope you are enjoying the music as much as I am currently.

https://i.ibb.co/jT6rk0v/IMG-2211.jpg

struth

05-03-2023, 07:12

the concert hall:)

Macca

05-03-2023, 10:38

god they really are monsters. Enjoy!

Pigmy Pony

05-03-2023, 11:59

It's like Linn's insistence on single speaker dem rooms never happened. Looks great :)

Barry

05-03-2023, 18:42

It's like Linn's insistence on single speaker dem rooms never happened. Looks great :)

Linn spouted a lot of nonsense when it came to audio matters; regardless of whether it was at the start, or at the end of the chain. They even claimed that a digital alarm watch would spoil the acoustics! :doh:

charles hidalgo

06-03-2023, 20:09

charles hidalgo

31-03-2023, 05:44

https://i.ibb.co/tmTThd1/IMG-2625.jpg

hornucopia

31-03-2023, 15:46

Thinks……have we progressed far-speaker-wise -since(say) 1975?
Oldies still sounding great.

Lawrence001

31-03-2023, 16:33

I forgot to mention the gear as I was asked.

GPA 604-8H-III
GPA N604-8C Crossover
John Anderson Stonhenge 5 Cabinets in American Walnut
James Burgess 45 tube amp
Audio-GD HE-1 MKII
Schitt Loki Maxx
HiFi Rose RS150B DAC
Technics SP-10, ATP arm, Denon carts
Teac A-3340 S Reel to Reel
Klipsch subwoofers

https://i.ibb.co/F0z17H8/IMG-2234.jpgInteresting you went for an Audio Gd Pre when they are best known for their DACs, how is it and did you try one of their DACs as well? I've got 4 of their DACs but no amps.

charles hidalgo

02-04-2023, 22:48

Amps/Speakers change frequently for auditioning but I'm happy to say the core system and pictured speakers are my main reference setup.

GIK, Real Traps, and Vicoustic, treated room:

GPA 604-8H-III

GPA N604-8C Crossover

John Anderson custom Stonehenge 5 Cabinets in American Walnut

Decware Mini Torii II

Audio-GD HE-1 MKII

Schitt Loki Maxx

HiFi Rose RS150B DAC

Technics SP-10, ATP12T 10" arm, Denon stereo/mono carts

Softone phono pre

Teac A-3340 S Reel to Reel

SVS/Klipsch subwoofers

https://i.ibb.co/tmTThd1/IMG-2625.jpg

charles hidalgo

05-04-2023, 08:27

A brief audio journey through photos.

https://youtu.be/WO09rDuMmAE

struth

05-04-2023, 08:56

some great gear on show for sure, and a lot of moneys' worth too. great youve got these memories charles

charles hidalgo

28-04-2023, 10:06

Currently:
Decware Mini Torii with 5933/807w tubes
Schiit Freya+ with Tung Sol 6sn7 tubes
Schiit Loki Max
HiFi Rose RS150B Streamer/DAC
GPA 604-8H III Jon Anderson designed Stonehenge V cabinets
GPA matching crossovers
TEAC and Otari tape machines
SVS Pro 1000 12" subs
Nordost Blue Heaven cables

Everything from 30hz to the supertweeters is fully on the fly adjustable from the listening position. Things just float around the room in a sometimes 360 degree audio presentation that disappears into a wall of sound that is deeper and wider by far than the actual dimensions of the room. It is the best audio I personally have heard. Organic, natural, unbloated, and just head bobbing/toe tapping audio joy.

https://i.ibb.co/khZ8vWG/IMG-3180.jpg

Gazjam

28-04-2023, 12:24

charles hidalgo

28-04-2023, 19:54

Great system Charles, love it.

Did you compare the Hifi Rose streamer to Aurender, Lumin, Melco etc. before buying?
Obviously you have one, so you like it. :)

but I’m interested in your opinion of it as a digital source (no Dac or preamp function), if I can ask?

thanks.

Hello. Yes I have several including a few Aurender models. In fact the HiFiRose replaced an Aurender with a Teac dac and external 10mhz clock. I had that combo for almost two years and it was hard to beat but the Rose for me was a huge leap in a positive way. I have never liked the sound of a dac/streamer or similar going directly to an amp but I did live with my Rose to the decware amp and it was the best that I had heard without a preamp. It has adjustable output voltages in the software to help match for just a situation. Many like the screen on the Rose also and I agree it's again the best display I have ever seen period but most of the time I turn it off which is a great feature. It has very cool VU meters recreated digitally from classic gear which is really neat visually but again I'm not a big flashy person and the display is off most of the time.

Lawrence001

28-04-2023, 20:12

I do like smart and discreet components but I'm flashy when it comes to meters!

charles hidalgo

28-04-2023, 20:57

If looking then I can highly recommend the rose. It checked all the boxes and more for me. It's so good in here now I might put a drop down screen back in just to watch videos on the Rose. 4k hdmi and Rose compiles playlists in high resolution audio also for the ultimate in viewing and listening in true hifi. It has a selection of VU meters as I said and clocks also with weather, time, temp etc. It does more than I use but it's fun when one wants to flashy like you said.

Gazjam

29-04-2023, 04:39

Thanks very much for that insight Charles, most helpful.

I’m currently using an Oppo 203 with its HDMI input as digital hub (Roon Endpoint, AirPlay bridge etc) and it works great.
It’s kind of a ‘kludge’ though, and the Rose 150 ticks all the boxes for me going forward.

I don’t need its Dac or Preamp functions but use solely as a streamer,
As it’s quite new though, I hadn’t read any hot takes on its sound quality compared to similar level gear?

So you’ve just solved the case on that one, thanks.
https://i.imgur.com/lfE8lgt.jpg

Oh,
just one more thing… :)

The Display - is it noisy?
Did you find having it on impacted sound quality at all, and if so did it even matter?

I switch off the displays on my Dac and preamp when listening for that reason (Real or imagined, who knows?)
just wondering about any impact that awesome display on the Rose might have, if any.

Thanks again.

charles hidalgo

29-04-2023, 13:50

No impact on SQ at all that I could notice.

Gazjam

29-04-2023, 14:25

Thanks,
great to know.

Another box ticked.

charles hidalgo

12-05-2023, 03:25

Brought in a very old friend. Decware Taboo has been very lucid. ;)
https://i.ibb.co/0tZNXk9/IMG-3581.jpg

Light Capture

15-05-2023, 22:48

Well thought out listening space!

charles hidalgo

27-05-2023, 21:29

https://i.ibb.co/dmmcspK/IMG-3853-1.jpg

Jimbo

28-05-2023, 06:35

One of your speakers looks to be at slightly the wrong angle.

Pigmy Pony

28-05-2023, 06:47

Might be offset to a degree by the chair being slightly off centre :D But better than the arrangement in my living room, I sometimes think I may as well listen from the kitchen

charles hidalgo

29-05-2023, 16:19

One of your speakers looks to be at slightly the wrong angle.

Off angle iPhone pic. :uhho:

Jimbo

29-05-2023, 16:51

Off angle iPhone pic. :uhho:

Only Kidding, looks great Charles.:)

Gazjam

10-06-2023, 16:38

I see Charles theres a new Hifi Rose product out, same form factor as yours but purely a streamer i think?

That was on my wishlist,
always loved the Interface but no need for the Preamp and Dac functions, just need an Airplay/Roon endpoint with a nice "10 foot" display.

Officially interested in that,
I think with digital it's a different version, but similar, aspect of the "hands on" experience as with vinyl?

With digital its about the big display, Album art n stuff.
Ironically, exactly the same as with Vinyl.

Bit less hands on but hey, convenience is a thing too.

charles hidalgo

29-08-2023, 22:21

https://i.ibb.co/47RtB3k/IMG-5253.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/sHyLZW9/IMG-5236.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/bdjrvH0/IMG-5278.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/XsQpnhP/IMG-5277.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Xz2wwT3/IMG-5276.jpg

Puffin

30-08-2023, 17:48

You need to get some serious speakers in that auditorium:lol:

https://i.imgur.com/mcbNBaL.png

charles hidalgo

30-08-2023, 22:37

I see not a single tube in that photo of the glorious horns. Now that's just wrong. :mental:

Puffin

31-08-2023, 06:28

I see not a single tube in that photo of the glorious horns. Now that's just wrong. :mental:

Well the Kleinhorns were designed by Nelson Pass and I think his Class A amps sound lovely.....even without tubes.

charles hidalgo

31-08-2023, 16:19

I tease. They are indeed lovely, and I have a few Pass Labs' Nelson Pass designs. I like them also. I am also familiar with "The Claw" although it's been a while.

BTW: I ended up watching that entire youtube video in your link. I'm not sure why I couldn't walk away but I watched the entire thing. Life is funny that way indeed. My wife has never sat in my audio room sweet spot. She has no desire. People have flown in from other cities, states, and a few countries just to do that. She doesn't care as long as her wireless headphones work or the soundbar in the living room connects when she wants. She keeps me grounded at times. :mental:

Thanks for the video. :)

Charlie

charles hidalgo

25-09-2023, 20:17

Sarah has arrived... Decware 300b

https://i.ibb.co/PhLMVFD/IMG-5868.jpg

charles hidalgo

28-09-2023, 01:14

Zen abound... The Decware SEWE300B Zen Sarah is finally here.

https://i.ibb.co/3CD16Xg/bw-IMG-5891.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/zPhZd4f/IMG-5896.jpg

charles hidalgo

25-10-2023, 16:42

https://i.ibb.co/MDk4XKj/IMG-6201.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Df9Wyvp/IMG-6218.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/7tgbchw/IMG-6109.jpg

struth

25-10-2023, 16:45

impressive... especialy with lack of dust even with a light on it... bravo:)

Puffin

26-10-2023, 06:28

Nice, which make is it? I have just seen your comments on the Hi End Store. I chanced upon this some years ago and it cracked me up especially where he says he will go into the back room and stick an ice pick through his head:eek:!

Jimbo

26-10-2023, 06:55

What's the cartridge?

charles hidalgo

27-10-2023, 22:05

impressive... especialy with lack of dust even with a light on it... bravo:)
You always notice the little things... that's a big thing. :)

charles hidalgo

27-10-2023, 22:28

what's the cartridge?

at vm530en

Barry

28-10-2023, 17:18

[/IMG]

https://i.ibb.co/7tgbchw/IMG-6109.jpg

Lovely! I have always admired Crown reel-to-reel recorders. :)

Expect you know that the first reel-reel recorder made by Crown was commissioned by a missionary in Brazil.

I see there is a Crown D-40 power amplifier under the tape deck. Was that a standard fixture, or was it optional? Either way, I have always admired the Crown power amplifiers with their slim profiles, and now have one myself: the D-60.

https://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/crown_d-60_dual_channel_power_amplifier.jpg

charles hidalgo

02-11-2023, 12:19

Lovely! I have always admired Crown reel-to-reel recorders. :)

Expect you know that the first reel-reel recorder made by Crown was commissioned by a missionary in Brazil.

I see there is a Crown D-40 power amplifier under the tape deck. Was that a standard fixture, or was it optional? Either way, I have always admired the Crown power amplifiers with their slim profiles, and now have one myself: the D-60.

https://www.hifiengine.com/images/model/crown_d-60_dual_channel_power_amplifier.jpg

Optional.

Mika K

05-11-2023, 16:24

Impressive system and always nice to see other person at the forum having JBLs or Altecs at the system!

The Black Adder

05-11-2023, 19:13

The D60 is a very nice amp. I went through a few pro amps early this year. I was lucky enough to coincide with the Ultrafide which are the home brand of MC2. The best of everything 'pro' but more user friendly for the home.

Sent from my moto g13 using Tapatalk

charles hidalgo

05-12-2023, 01:32

https://i.ibb.co/rQ5NTLr/IMG-6702.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/zVSvhhd/IMG-6703.jpg

Decware SEWE300B a.k.a Sarah

https://www.decwareproducts.com/sarah

charles hidalgo

08-12-2023, 00:33

Today we do high power tubes. Middle: Audio Research VT100 MKII, and Sonic Frontiers SFM-160's. Halcyon-Mark Audio floorstanders custom built by Jon Anderson!
https://cdn.imagearchive.com/avforums/data/attach/32/32252-IMG-6740.jpg

https://cdn.imagearchive.com/avforums/data/attach/32/32251-IMG-6748.jpg

charles hidalgo

08-01-2024, 07:58

Tonight was again yet another benchmark, and some of the most pleasant audio I have encountered in many years. There is a very big surprise coming also. For now these Lii Audio F-6S speakers are the reason for a big possible change coming. I am speechless for now in the best way. :)

https://i.ibb.co/SNhRYxq/IMG-7197.jpg (https://ibb.co/p2tJVPC)

https://i.ibb.co/2kHxX9h/IMG-7203.jpg (https://ibb.co/QKtLsgQ)

walpurgis

08-01-2024, 08:42

Yes, Lii Audio, along with other Chinese sellers of full-range speaker units offer some interesting and often surprisingly good value products.

struth

08-01-2024, 12:27

i like full range sound... its different and less tiring.

charles hidalgo

20-01-2024, 06:11

Today was a special day. After listening to a pair of 6" Lii Audio speakers I was really impressed. I feel very fortunate to have had a sneak peek session with these amazing speakers. I took Sarah to meet with the HDTvII's and it was probably the best I have heard that room sound. That room belongs to my friend, and speaker builder Jon Anderson. I cannot wait to hear them in my main room next week.

Sarah+HDTv2=WOW!

https://i.ibb.co/Gtv67zj/IMG-7379.png (https://ibb.co/D8DJ40n)

https://i.ibb.co/p3CNkWL/IMG-7382.jpg (https://ibb.co/sFLcX5V)

charles hidalgo

26-01-2024, 07:54

These are in my room now and have about 24 solid hours over a few days. After finally getting them where they are to stay for now, toeing in them more than I originally had them, a few clicks here and there these things are .....

My goodness.... ��

https://i.ibb.co/kDbx8kB/IMG-7450-1-dw.jpg

hornucopia

28-01-2024, 14:02

Never say ‘this is my ‘end point’…….I think is the lesson we learn here?

Gazjam

28-01-2024, 17:31

Charles,
have you moved on from the Hifi Rose 130?

charles hidalgo

03-02-2024, 11:55

Never say ‘this is my ‘end point’…….I think is the lesson we learn here?

Agreed, and I never have. What has been seen here the last few years is me retiring and having time to cull out a collection of favorite gear over the last 45 years. My ears have settled in with this core group gear with the Decware 300B/HDTv2 combo as the main stars. I have been very fortunate. This is a lifetime of trials and building.

Charlie

charles hidalgo

03-02-2024, 11:56

Never say ‘this is my ‘end point’…….I think is the lesson we learn here?

Yes I have moved on from the RS150B dac/streamer. I am now using an Eversolo dac/streamer combo. The Z8 and DMP-6 to be exact.

charles hidalgo

05-02-2024, 20:07

https://i.ibb.co/4Kgdb8p/IMG-7568.jpg

Jimbo

05-02-2024, 20:16

A few words on how it sounds would be nice.

charles hidalgo

07-02-2024, 15:34

A few words on how it sounds would be nice.

Well after hearing similar speakers and drivers over the last year I became very interested. These impressed me enough for me to put my eggs in this new basket, and sold a few other pairs without much regret. I want to give the Sarah and HDTv2's time together. The amp has less than 400 hours and the drivers and brand new with maybe 100 hours on them as of this post. I am looking forward to the results. They are the probably smallest floorstanders I have owned I believe yet the depth and size of the stage is like nothing I have encountered so far in over 45+ years. My friend and amp builder James Burgess was over last night and commented that he was hearing the vocals outside of the room in all directions. He looked behind him a few times, and I saw a lot of facial expressions going on that let me know he was hearing what I had been trying to describe with these new speakers and amp. The pinpoint accuracy, huge stage, and holographic 3d ambience from these speakers and their 4-6 watt 300B companion is the finest I have heard to date. I have been told, and firmly believe things will do nothing but get better, and I am looking forward to the journey.

Jimbo

07-02-2024, 17:08

Sounds like you have hit the mark with this latest set up? Your description of the soundstage is impressive and I presume detaches the sound from the speakers as it were. I like holographic ambience and transparency in my system and it sounds like you have achieved this with these speakers.

Very interesting , I must check the Lii Audio speakers out. I cannot see the F6S on their site?

charles hidalgo

08-02-2024, 03:41

Today has been surreal.. I'm jittery still. It was just an incredible christening with Jon. We listened all day to these beautiful speakers
that he built. We discussed what we were hearing and it was just "another world experience for me. He felt the same, and if he didn't feel that way he wouldn't say it.

Steve Deckert has a winner in this speaker he calls the HDT v 2.

Charlie

https://i.ibb.co/HtFWwdv/IMG-7616.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/qssGkCk/IMG-7614.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/WP84pCn/IMG-7611.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/Ycp2cJ5/IMG-7612.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/8NNnk8r/IMG-7613.jpg

hornucopia

15-02-2024, 17:35

charles hidalgo

26-02-2024, 09:09

What a surprise! After the range of speakers you’ve owned. Made me think of making (having made!I don’t have the space)
Though I DID make Zigmahornets….from polystyrene! AND they sounded excellent to the surprise of a few who heard them!
Muses…..I wonder if making HDT V2s from polystyrene would work……or plastic faced (‘Formica’) poly.
Also, I’d wonder how Ocellia .30 Grandis Calliopes would compare,(concentric units similarly)
Must have been a big surprise to you,finding just how good relatively lowly speakers can sound!
Long may it continue. Sometimes it’s good to settle…I keep telling myself,especially with cars!
Hifi? I may be there just in terms of being too old to change!
Chris in Bristol

Pic of Zigmahornets,though now in ply.

Well surprising yes. Other than that these are as far from "lowly" and far from settling. Two days with them and I sold two pairs of speakers for that were not by any means slouches and at my cost were over five times what these cost. It's more for me what this world class room (others words not mine) has become. The bonus that I have less in my setup now than I have had in cables in the past, and it was a journey I personally had to take. The listening chair speaks for itself and I always welcome others to come on by.

Charlie

hornucopia

26-02-2024, 11:42

Well I did say ‘relatively’ lowly!
It’s great to have found something special.
Plus -as you intimate- not huge cost.
Enjoy the music.
It’s great to read of this.
Chris.

charles hidalgo

26-02-2024, 12:30

I was so impressed I had a few "full range" people over (one with 50 years pus experience) and they all said these were the smoothest out of the box drivers they have heard at any price. In fact one is pursuing these speakers in the same build and will have a nice pair of Ac-2.6's for sale soon ($4300.00usd a pair no cabinets) as a result of hearing these. The Lii Audio Silvers are $500.00usd.

Puffin

26-02-2024, 13:24

I can't believe that such a small room and rubbish kit could sound any good?:lol:

charles hidalgo

27-02-2024, 08:57

I realized I may be about 60 miles away from you Rob next year. Hopefully I'll be heading back to Bicester for a visit. I have not been there since 2007.

Puffin

28-02-2024, 14:05

I realized I may be about 60 miles away from you Rob next year. Hopefully I'll be heading back to Bicester for a visit. I have not been there since 2007.

Oh dear, should I get a tin helmet as a result of my comment:eek:

Oh so you are from the UK originally? Bicester now has a big swanky outlet village (called a Mall over there) so you can fill your boots with some new gear.

charles hidalgo

28-02-2024, 15:01

Yes you owe me a drink! I'm not from your area but I have dear dear friends who are my second family that live there. My sister married my brother-in-law almost 30 years ago that she met while being a nanny there in England. I still remember the bangers and mash at the Red Lion Inn somewhere close to that area. :)

Great memories.

As a 4th generation farmer I couldn't get over how green everything was there. I was 36 last visit and I'm 53 now. Long overdue for a visit I'd say.

Charlie

Puffin

28-02-2024, 18:41

There is a Red Lion near here at Fernhurst ? We are post coded Surrey but just into W,Sussex and on the the borders of Surrey, W.Sussex and Hampshire.

charles hidalgo

28-06-2024, 08:43

Some amazing sound... thanks for the window tip Steve Deckert. I have been listening this way for quite a while now and things are just dialed in like no other and break in is amazing! The photo is from behind the sweet spot listening chair and yet the sound is incredible. For the first time ever this is as close as two people can come to being in the sweet spot at the same time! The rear seat is a bit bass heavy compared to the sweet spot seat when going directly back and forth but it still is incredible!!

https://i.ibb.co/whqjW92/Full-Size-Render-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/N2qbj8G)

https://i.ibb.co/9tGvk4X/Full-Size-Render.jpg (https://ibb.co/KwmGpsZ)

charles hidalgo

11-07-2024, 00:37

I'm in a Cobalt kind of mood lately.... cobalt/M4 Magnequest TFA-2004JR parallel feed output transformers, M4 EXO-003 plate chokes, Magnequest filament chokes, Mundorf and Auricap coupling caps, Cardas posts and jacks, and meters for good measure.
Sofia Electric Princess 300b mesh plates at 2.5v ��

https://i.ibb.co/myznDtZ/IMG-1175.jpg (https://ibb.co/R6HXvPr)

https://i.ibb.co/cCc5kZ7/Full-Size-Render.jpg (https://ibb.co/QCFBpT1)

charles hidalgo

23-07-2024, 03:07

813 monoblocks

https://i.ibb.co/9bJwBVc/IMG-1642.jpg (https://ibb.co/gSGvQPm)

https://i.ibb.co/gJjwBfn/IMG-1641-1.jpg (https://ibb.co/6FnbfTd)

https://i.ibb.co/rcZKGtd/Full-Size-Render-2.jpg (https://ibb.co/D87PDbr)

charles hidalgo

02-08-2024, 07:14

https://i.ibb.co/b6yBR6j/IMG-1745.jpg

Gazjam

02-08-2024, 18:10

Looks great Charles.

Can I ask,
whats your current digital front end, think you've moved oon from the Hifi Rose?

Thanks.

Wakefield Turntables

02-08-2024, 19:01

Very nice Charles, it's lovely to see some of the more exotic stuff. It's also nice to hear from a fellow Audiophile from over the pond!! Please keep updating your blog.

charles hidalgo

05-08-2024, 02:37

Looks great Charles.

Can I ask,
whats your current digital front end, think you've moved oon from the Hifi Rose?

Thanks.

I went to an Eversolo DMP-6 as the streamer/server, and the Eversolo Z8 for the DAC. The first 48 hours of listening to the combo and I listed my HiFi Rose 150B without regret and pocketed 2,000.00 dollars. I have never missed it. It was great but I did not need 8k video and such.

Charlie

charles hidalgo

06-09-2024, 16:43

Some video to go with the 2 channel…

https://i.ibb.co/f436SzJ/IMG-1987.jpg (https://ibb.co/FgQZWLp)

https://i.ibb.co/1X1GLQP/IMG-1996.jpg (https://ibb.co/pKcjxwM)

https://i.ibb.co/QY7FY2c/IMG-1999.jpg (https://ibb.co/p46v4tP)

Gazjam

07-09-2024, 12:24

I went to an Eversolo DMP-6 as the streamer/server, and the Eversolo Z8 for the DAC. The first 48 hours of listening to the combo and I listed my HiFi Rose 150B without regret and pocketed 2,000.00 dollars. I have never missed it. It was great but I did not need 8k video and such.

Charlie

Thanks.

rmcin626

07-09-2024, 16:34

Thanks.

Quite happy with my Eversolo DMP-6 also

Gazjam

06-12-2024, 23:32

Quite happy with my Eversolo DMP-6 also

Ooh...

A fellow Scots chappie with a bit of kit I'd like to hear... :eek:

rmcin626

07-12-2024, 08:55

Ooh...

A fellow Scots chappie with a bit of kit I'd like to hear... :eek:

Happy to oblige, if you would like a listen, if you have some spare time for a trip down the M8, its not my main source, which if the Orgin Live, I am quite happy with the Eversolo as it fills a role for me, allowing me to audition new or old releases before splashing the cash on the vinyl.