My 2019 Update Thread - My final system I think.

[rmcin626]

Update on the vinyl front?

Due to a "mishap" the record players been out of action for a while now, but decided to get it back up n running, and call it done.
Two things?
Getting Jony at Audio Origami to rewire my tonearm with some of his "secret sauce" and upgrading the stock cart that came with my Project X8 balanced turntable.

One of these incoming, a Hana ML Moving Coil cartridge.


From reviews and forum opinion, this seems to be (like how I try to plan most of my gear) the Sweet Spot diminishing returns wise, and for me nowadays I just need vinyl to be "good enough", so not a rabbit hole I need to go down again.
Been there done that?
The "Dream combo" Michell Gorbe/SME V with top end Dynavector cart didn't get me to where my digital is now, so not chasing the "Vinyl Dream" like you might read about.

Where I am vinyl wise is where Im staying.

Just wanted to stick a fork in it and call it done with making the most of the platform I've got.
A fully balanced turntable and phonostage, make the most of the great arm I've got with a rewire, and get a "call it done" cartridge.

More a digital guy nowadays but have a substantial bunch of records,
every single one of them I remember where I was when THAT track hit hard, or where and when I bought them...

And thats never a bad thing, the smiles you get when you remember makes it worth it!
Sometimes its not always about chasing absolute sound quality, theres other stuff too

So did my research as always and getting a "one and done" MC Cartridge and an arm rewire.
Happy days.

Always good to have Johnny at AO, work his magic.

The Hana was something I have looked at, along with changing my Pathos amp and ART speakers but cant make my mind up on what if any changes to make. To be honest happy with the sound I have , so might just spent the money on something else.

[Ali Tait]

I wonder how many folk use night-time headphone listening as their main usage?
I bought my Ether2s from Ali,I recall, after years of Wharfedale planar-magnetics.
The Wharfedale are excellent even though over 60 years old, though you do have
To run them from speaker outlets to get a reasonable volume.i
Use a Peachtree iDecco amp which has a built-in iPod socket.


Like Ali, I have a 686 amp, but remember the CADBURY 286!

Good cans those, hope you're still enjoying them. I don't use cans much but I do have a Stax system now which sounds great. Done some work on the energiser and got some RCA Cleartops which are meant to be the best 6fq7 around.

[Jimbo]

Which phono stage are you using with the Hana ML Gary?

Great cartridge by all accounts and look forward to your feedback once in situ.

[Gazjam]

Which phono stage are you using with the Hana ML Gary?

Great cartridge by all accounts and look forward to your feedback once in situ.

Will update my thread here when it’s all set up.
Read it was a good ‘un, been on my radar for a while.

I use a Pro-Ject DS3B balanced phonostage Jim,
with a separate Pro-Ject RS2 linear Power supply feeding both the X8 Turntable and phonostage.

[Jimbo]

Will update my thread here when it’s all set up.
Read it was a good ‘un, been on my radar for a while.

I use a Pro-Ject DS3B balanced phonostage Jim,
with a separate Pro-Jet RS2 Power supply feeding both the X8 Turntable and phonostage.

Sounds good although never heard Pro-ject gear. They do take vinyl very seriously and have plenty of resource so imaging the DS3B is a great bit of kit?

[Gazjam]

Sounds good although never heard Pro-ject gear. They do take vinyl very seriously and have plenty of resource so imaging the DS3B is a great bit of kit?

Massive bang for buck, sounds terrific, especially with the optional matching linear PSU.
Makes for a really nice 2 box balanced solution.

[Gazjam]

Posties been...
Meze 109 Pro












Need to wait till the Holo Preamp drops, and I sort out a balanced cable for them.
Just need to look good on the wall for now.

[Macca]

That's a pretty fancy set of 'phones!

[Gazjam]

That's a pretty fancy set of 'phones!

Nipper approved!.

[Jimbo]

Had some Meze phones a while back but cheaper version. They were nice. I believe their top gear is astronomical price and sound!