System #214 (SL3)

[Bernard]

Member Name: Bernard
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

ML Model: SL3
Year Purchased: 2000
Mods/Changes: Changed one of the electrolytic capacitors in each speaker to a Black Gate capacitor; it made no difference.

Analog: VPI HW19 Mk IV Turntable, VPI JMW 10 Arm, VPI PLC, Koetsu Rosewood Cartridge, Fozgometer, VPI HW 16.5 Record Cleaner, OregonDV spikes under turntable

Digital: Marantz CDR633 CD Recorder/Player

Tuner: Marantz 112

Amplification: ARC SP9 Mk II Preamp (much modified by me), ARC VTM120 monoblock tube power amplifiers

Cables: Cardas Neutral Reference Interconnects and Speaker cables (double run for bi-wire)

Other stuff: VPI Bricks, Salamander rack, IKEA lamp, Dayton OmniMic Measurement System

Comments and/or stories about Martin Logan experience: I used to own Quad 57s, and loved them, except that the soundstage was flat in my room, which I think was too small for them (the soundstage was great in the showroom). Then I listened to a pair of SL3s in a small showroom; the soundstage was deep, and with instruments outside the speakers, so I bought them. I used to drive them with a power amp that was providing an inadequate 50 watts/channel (purchased during my Quad days); the upgrade to the ARCs really made them sing !

I just moved (Sept 2008) from a 16'x12'x8' dedicated music room to a 20'x14'x10.5' living room. Room treatments to come.

[twich54]

Bernard, Welcome ! Glad to see another ARC / Analog fan !!

I too had an SP-9mkII that I sent out to Steve Huntley years ago for 'modding' (caps, resistors, power supply and a tweak in the phono stage), my son now has that pre and it still performs flawlessly.

[Bernard]

Bernard, Welcome ! Glad to see another ARC / Analog fan !!

I too had an SP-9mkII that I sent out to Steve Huntley years ago for 'modding' (caps, resistors, power supply and a tweak in the phono stage), my son now has that pre and it still performs flawlessly.Thanks Dave. I considered the GNS mod many years ago, but found the (I think) $1,800 cost pricey for something I could not listen to beforehand.

[Bernard]

Please note the cheap room treatment - which works superbly well. It consists of swimming pool noodles covered with fabric that I got from the company that supplies Tube Traps. I found that it really cleared up vocals (I listen to a lot of female vocals).

EDIT: This is an old picture, but I thought I'd leave it in just to show the noodles.

[twich54]

Please note the cheap room treatment - which works superbly well. It consists of swimming pool noodles covered with fabric that I got from the company that supplies Tube Traps. I found that it really cleared up vocals (I listen to a lot of female vocals).

Love those 'DIY' projects that yield excellent results !! I've got some goodies coming from ATS Acoustics that I wll be working on over the coming weeks.

[edwinr]

Very nice system - particularly your ARC preamp. It's one of my favorites.

[TomDac]

Welcome aboard!

[Bernard]

I recently purchased a Salamander Synergy rack.

The painting on the wall is entitled, "More Than Tango", but the people who own the art store where I bought it call it "Get a Room" !

[philox]

Bernard, I use to listen to a lot of male singers, maybe because I could relate to what they were singing about, but the last 10 years I turned to female singers...get to hear the other side of the human story? I listen to jazz 180 gram LP's, but most of my rock music is on CD. What female singers are you listening to? What LP's are your favorite? I use to have a pair of SL3 but about a year ago got a pair of Odysseys. Matched them up to some Aragon Palldium mono blocks. Martin Logans always reveal the amps.

[Huey]

:welcome: here Bernard, nice system :bowdown: :D

[Bernard]

Bernard, I use to listen to a lot of male singers, maybe because I could relate to what they were singing about, but the last 10 years I turned to female singers...get to hear the other side of the human story? I listen to jazz 180 gram LP's, but most of my rock music is on CD. What female singers are you listening to? What LP's are your favorite? I use to have a pair of SL3 but about a year ago got a pair of Odysseys. Matched them up to some Aragon Palldium mono blocks. Martin Logans always reveal the amps.John, here is a list of my favourite female singers:

ENGLISH/FRENCH:
Judy Collins
Jacintha, from Singapore
Diana Krall, but not her latest stuff (too much rock influence)
Jane Monheit. Great voice, but I hate that she ends phrases with "uh!"
Nana Mouskouri, an old favourite (I'm not a young lad)
Barbara Streisand

LATIN:
Susana Baca - Peruvian
Bia - Brazilian
Soledad Bravo - Venezuelan. I particularly like her later stuff
Ana Caram - Brazilian.
Aline de Lima - Brazilian
Cesaria Evora - Cape Verdean
Astrud Gilberto - Brazilian
Marta Gomez - Colombian. Really love that voice.
Tish Hinojosa - Tejano
Xiomara Laugart - Cuban
Amanda Martinez - Mexican/Canadian
Rosa Passos - Brazilian.
Omara Portuondo - Cuban.
Virginia Rodrigues - Brazilian. A large woman with an amazing voice
Sara Tavares - Portuguese. Lovely voice.
Marta Topferova - Czech, but sings in Spanish

Favourite LPs:
Getz/Gilberto's Girl from Ipanema
Marilyn Horne singing Carmen
Judy Collins "Wildflowers"
Streisand's "Memories"
Beethoven: Symphony #6. Karl Bohm/Vienna PO
Schubert: Impromptus. Kempff

There are single tracks too numerous to name. I do not have too many audiophile LPs; the ones I do have do not get played very much. I tend to buy LPs/CDs more for the music than the sound.

Thanks for all of the words of welcome, guys. I'm really glad I discovered this site.

[kach22i]

The pool noodle thing absolutely rocks!:rocker:

[Bernard]

The pool noodle thing absolutely rocks!:rocker:And they were really easy to make, apart from the sewing (my sister did that for me); I covered the noodles as I could not live with hot pink, lime green, or screaming yellow. :eek:

Support is provided by 1/2-inch dowels fitted into a length of wood at the bottom, and a thin piece of wood at the top holds them together.

[xenonaut]

You have a beautiful system -- in some ways similar to mine, but a bit "bigger". Then of course there's the traditional ARC vs. C-J rivalry, but I'm willing to overlook that if you are ;)

Is that a mk IV with a JWM 9? Sweet!

Also, how do you like the Alpha? I've been considering one of these. I had a Tempest, but sold it. It was really something, except that the bass was a bit loose and woolly. I've missed it ever since, and have been thinking that an Alpha (though a bit shy of the Tempest's 7-tube complement) might be a suitable replacement (and slightly more modern). Any comment?

[MiTT]

You have a beautiful system ...

Is that a mk IV with a JWM 9? Sweet!


Bernard really does have a beautiful system. It always makes me smile when I look at it, and I'm sure it makes him smile every time he listens to it.

I believe his tonearm is either a JMW-10 or possibly a 10.5. It has the VTA adjustment tower and what looks like a dropped counterweight. No VTA adjustment on the JMW-9 as far as I know.

[eknuds01]

I just realized Bernard and I have the same pre-amp

[Bernard]

You have a beautiful system -- in some ways similar to mine, but a bit "bigger". Then of course there's the traditional ARC vs. C-J rivalry, but I'm willing to overlook that if you are ;) Thank you. We can agree to disagree, though I do have to admit that I used to have a CJ Premier 6 head amp (with nuvistors that were on a board supported by elastic bands) and a PV3. They made nice sounds, but the ARC was better to my ears.


Is that a mk IV with a JWM 9? Sweet! It's a Mk IV with a JMW 10. With a Koetsu it's really sweet. However, the audio porn posted by Twich in his system thread has made me now lust over the super platter and periphery ring. Unfortunately the finances are saying no.


Also, how do you like the Alpha? I've been considering one of these. I had a Tempest, but sold it. It was really something, except that the bass was a bit loose and woolly. I've missed it ever since, and have been thinking that an Alpha (though a bit shy of the Tempest's 7-tube complement) might be a suitable replacement (and slightly more modern). Any comment?That is a Sigma II, not an Alpha. I have modified it extensively and it sounds great. I replaced the diodes with fast recovery types, and upgraded the electrolytics to Black Gates. They did not make a huge difference at first, but some months later I realized that it was sounding really marvelous (after burn-in). The single tube is a NOS Telefunken 12AX7. Before I bought the unit a guy at CAL was trying to get me to buy the Alpha instead, saying it was much better. I did not want to spend the shekels.

[Bernard]

Bernard really does have a beautiful system. It always makes me smile when I look at it, and I'm sure it makes him smile every time he listens to it.

I believe his tonearm is either a JMW-10 or possibly a 10.5. It has the VTA adjustment tower and what looks like a dropped counterweight. No VTA adjustment on the JMW-9 as far as I know.Glad it makes you smile, Tim. I love your system too. I may well see it - if I can swing a trip to RMAF. I have a good friend who lives in Denver and have an open invitation to stay at his place anytime.

It's a JMW 10, but no dropped counterweight.

[Bernard]

I just realized Bernard and I have the same pre-ampAnd it's a sweet one, too.

A few years after I bought it I changed the tubes from the stock Chiinese ones to NOS Valvos. That improved the sound, but shortly after that when I was in San Diego I came across some Gold Aero Platinum Grade Gold Pin 7308s (exact replacement for the 6DJ8) for $35 each (a great find). The improvement over even the Valvos was nothing short of amazing.

If you want to improve your SP9 with only a relatively small cash outlay, I cannot recommend highly enough that you replace the cheap plastic ALPS volume control with a DACT stepped attenuator (24 steps, I think). The improvement is HUGE. You can get the DACT for a little under $200 from www.partsconnexion.com. I think Michael Percy carries it as well. It's not a one-for-one replacement as you have to slightly increase the size of the mounting hole and run short wires from the DACT to the PCB.

[MiTT]

Glad it makes you smile, Tim. I love your system too. I may well see it - if I can swing a trip to RMAF. I have a good friend who lives in Denver and have an open invitation to stay at his place anytime.

It's a JMW 10, but no dropped counterweight.

If you do make it to RMAF it will be my great pleasure to have you over for a listen.

That goes for all folks from the site who may be in Denver for the festival in October. I'll just plan a mini ML Get Together! Food, Beverages, good friends and Tunes!

[eknuds01]

If you do make it to RMAF it will be my great pleasure to have you over for a listen.

That goes for all folks from the site who may be in Denver for the festival in October. I'll just plan a mini ML Get Together! Food, Beverages, good friends and Tunes!


Nice. May have to take you up on that, Tim.

[eknuds01]

And it's a sweet one, too.

A few years after I bought it I changed the tubes from the stock Chiinese ones to NOS Valvos. That improved the sound, but shortly after that when I was in San Diego I came across some Gold Aero Platinum Grade Gold Pin 7308s (exact replacement for the 6DJ8) for $35 each (a great find). The improvement over even the Valvos was nothing short of amazing.

If you want to improve your SP9 with only a relatively small cash outlay, I cannot recommend highly enough that you replace the cheap plastic ALPS volume control with a DACT stepped attenuator (24 steps, I think). The improvement is HUGE. You can get the DACT for a little under $200 from www.partsconnexion.com. I think Michael Percy carries it as well. It's not a one-for-one replacement as you have to slightly increase the size of the mounting hole and run short wires from the DACT to the PCB.

This is something to consider. For the mounting hole, did you have to drill that out? What size bit did you use?

Erik

[Bernard]

This is something to consider. For the mounting hole, did you have to drill that out? What size bit did you use?

ErikThe enlargement was very slight, so I used a round file. You also have to file a small notch into which a tab on the control fits so that the whole assembly does not rotate.

The pin-out arrangement is the same as that of the ALPS.

[VanDaRo]

Nice rig you got there, Bernard. The only comment one could make is to consider replacing the panels with the new ones. The ClearSpar replacements really, really enhance the look of already beautiful speakers -- I get a smile every time I walk past my listening room.

Mine now have about 15 to 20 hours of break-in on them and they have calmed down considerably :music:. In another 20 hours, they should sound as smooth as silk:guitarman:

~VDR

[Bernard]

Nice rig you got there, Bernard. The only comment one could make is to consider replacing the panels with the new ones. The ClearSpar replacements really, really enhance the look of already beautiful speakers Thanks VDR. Yeah, I would love to replace those panels, but it's not in the budget right now, and besides, the existing ones still sound great. :music:

[eknuds01]

The enlargement was very slight, so I used a round file. You also have to file a small notch into which a tab on the control fits so that the whole assembly does not rotate.

The pin-out arrangement is the same as that of the ALPS.

I am a little confused as to how this thing fits into pre-amp. Are there any fasteners involved?

I understand the need for the tab, because that will prevent the whole unit fom rotating when you want to change the volume. Also, I take it you used the stock nob. So the stock ARC nob fits onto the new volume controller?

In what way did this mod improve the system? What made you want to change this of all things? Also, with respect to running the wires from the DACT to the PCB, did that entail soldering?

thanks,
Erik

[Bernard]

I am a little confused as to how this thing fits into pre-amp. Are there any fasteners involved?

I understand the need for the tab, because that will prevent the whole unit fom rotating when you want to change the volume. Also, I take it you used the stock nob. So the stock ARC nob fits onto the new volume controller?
It fits the way any other volume control fits; it has a threaded shaft. You take off the volume control knob and undo the nut around the threaded shaft of the old control. This releases the old control, so you can remove it and replace it with the new. And yes, the stock ARC knob fits the new one fine; the shaft of the new one is very slightly longer. Note: before this process you have to unsolder the old pot from the PCB.

In what way did this mod improve the system? What made you want to change this of all things? Also, with respect to running the wires from the DACT to the PCB, did that entail soldering?

thanks,
ErikThis mod improved the clarity of the system top to bottom. My non-audiophile wife noticed it immediately. There were instrumental lines I had never heard before; voices were more alive.

I changed this as the old control got dirty and made a scratching sound when turned. I sprayed it with a cleaner, but the problem returned soon after. When looking for a replacement I read a bunch of threads on audioasylum, where the concensus was that a stepped attenuator is superior to any pot. Believe me, it is.

Yes, there is soldering involved.

[TrumpetDoug]

Bernard,
Why the cigar box looking on your electronics. Perhaps you just like cigars? That would be great I love em to. Or maybe something else is going on? Let me know.
BTW- I love the look of the Marantz stuff myself. I had at one time a Marantz receiver that looked just like your piece.

Doug - out

[Bernard]

Bernard,
Why the cigar box looking on your electronics. Perhaps you just like cigars? That would be great I love em to. Or maybe something else is going on? Let me know.
BTW- I love the look of the Marantz stuff myself. I had at one time a Marantz receiver that looked just like your piece.

Doug - outThose "cigar boxes" are VPI Bricks. They are to damp out the covers of the equipment; they ring like bells (especially my ARC monoblocks). In the case of the VPI PLC it is to reduce the buzz of the transformer.

I got two of the Bricks free from VPI; I traded with Harry Weisfeld for my old Syrinx PU3 arm that I would have discarded when I bought a VPI arm; Harry collects old tonearms. Pre-9/11 I hand-carried the arm across the border on a business trip to D.C., and Harry shipped the bricks to my hotel. Worked out well. Imagine trying to carry that on a flight now! :eek:

[Bernard]

I recently picked up the PrimaLuna Prologue Eight CDP, after auditioning it in Montreal; it is an advance Christmas gift from my wife.

On connecting it up into my system I could not help but think that the singers seemed to have loosened their underwear ! Everything seemed to be less constricted and flow much better. I also got a better bass foundation; the cello really growls now. Everything is so much clearer top to bottom. I plan to do some tube rolling after living with it for a few months. I did buy all of the super board upgrades with it.

I also moved recently, so have updated my system pics (first few posts). I do not yet have the room dialed in; room treatments are in the works. I now have a problem in that my front wall is an expanse of glass. I do, however, have a much larger room (20x14x10.5), which is great.

[Bernard]

I had two mismatched stands for my monoblocks, and was looking for two identical stands. I noticed that the two end panels of an old record cabinet I was throwing out were in great shape, so I disassembled the cabinet and trimmed the panels to size, then affixed spikes I got from OregonDV. This stands meet with my wife's approval; she prefers them to the old black metal stands I used to have.

[User211]

I have determind that holding your palms against the window panes to be a most effective form of damping. Therefore, before you listen, be sure to do it.:)

You might need some friends to help you out, of course...

Then again, there's always the dots!:devil::devil::devil::devil:

BTW: very nice pics. A pornographer in the making.

Is that speaker cable? Wow!

[Bernard]

Then again, there's always the dots!:devil::devil::devil::devil:I may well have to go that route. Then again, if I can block the wave before it gets to the window.....


BTW: very nice pics. A pornographer in the making.Thanks; I'll consider that a compliment, coming from a self-professed pornographer.


Is that speaker cable? Wow!Yes, the much-hated-by-Nsgarch Cardas Neutral Reference. I like it.

[jfm]

nice system and room!

I'm looking with great interest at your ARC monoblocks. I still have those V140s on offer from my dealer, that I asked about in the ARC/CJ thread.

Could you please comment on your VTM120s, how they are to live with and what you like/not like about them. Thanks!

[Bernard]

Could you please comment on your VTM120s, how they are to live with and what you like/not like about them. Thanks!Nothing to not like about them. They mate well with my SL3's; I bought them off a guy who told me that they did not mate well with his CLS. They let me hear the results of any changes I make. Recently, before getting the long interconnects I needed I was using an el cheapo interconnect; as soon as I installed the new one I heard the improvement. Same with the PrimaLuna. It seems like the ARC is not the limiting factor in the system. They are very reliable as well. That said, I just replaced the power switch on one of them.

[MiTT]

Recently, before getting the long interconnects I needed I was using an el cheapo interconnect; as soon as I installed the new one I heard the improvement.

WHAT!?!?! That's impossible!:confused:;):ROFL:

[Bernard]

WHAT!?!?! That's impossible!:confused:;):ROFL:EW! Why do you say that ? !

[twich54]

EW! Why do you say that ? !

Bernard, Tim is such a "cable skeptic", LOL ! ........... NOT !!

I believe he's busting your stones a wee bit !!

[Bernard]

Bernard, Tim is such a "cable skeptic", LOL ! ........... NOT !!

I believe he's busting your stones a wee bit !!Yeah, I know !

BTW Dave, my CDP is already broken in (100 hours just left on, not necessarily playing a CD). Imagine it after 500 hours !! :devil:

[amey01]

I just moved from a 16'x12'x8' dedicated music room to a 20'x14'x10.5' living room. Room treatments to come.

OUCH! That's gotta hurt - or does it? Why the move? I'd kill for a dedicated room (of decent size anyway).

[amey01]

I have determind that holding your palms against the window panes to be a most effective form of damping.

After the thread about which you are speaking - I've decided that removing the fr1gg1n window panes is the best bet. Listening rooms should be window free and everyone will live in harmony ever after.

[User211]

Now that really did make me laugh out loud!:)

Cables? They do measure differently. Therefore, they sound different. Easy!:)

[Bernard]

OUCH! That's gotta hurt - or does it? Why the move? I'd kill for a dedicated room (of decent size anyway).For health reasons I had to sell the house and move to an apartment (no stairs). The move away from a dedicated room does not hurt as I have a very understanding wife when it comes to this hobby. She was the instigator behind my buying my Logans, my Koetsu, and my PrimaLuna. She also understands that the Logans have to be a few feet into the room to sound their best.

[Bernard]

Now that really did make me laugh out loud!:)

Cables? They do measure differently. Therefore, they sound different. Easy!:)What if the difference is insignificant but they still sound different? Not so easy, huh?

I have even heard huge differences between digital cables, and that makes no sense to me as once you get a steady-state stream of pulses there should be no difference. BUT, I hear what I hear.

[User211]

Well, EW must realise the insignificant difference must be significant.:D

Bernard, I'll be brutally honest hear - I have never heard a difference between any optical cable. Nor would I expect to, unless it blocks light:D

For normal analogue ICs, the material employed seems to make a big diff to the sound i.e. silver versus copper versus hybrids. Did I say big dif? I meant subtle - but it is there.

[Bernard]

Bernard, I'll be brutally honest hear - I have never heard a difference between any optical cable. Nor would I expect to, unless it blocks light:D
Sorry, I was not clear - I was not talking about optical cables; I was talking about the normal digital coaxial stuff.

[User211]

I did think as much. It's not an area I have explored much as I always seem to go Toslink.

[Bernard]

I'm pleased to have eliminated one cable by going to the PrimaLuna.

[Bernard]

I like pictures of turntables, so thought I would post one of mine, an older VPI.

[User211]

What can we say, Bernard? Very nice - is that a cork mat or something on the platter?

[Bernard]

Justin, it is some thin flexible material - may be plastic of some sort; the dealer gave it to me. I just use it to protect the surface from dust when not in use, as I don't have a cover. I take it off to play an LP.

[amey01]

I like pictures of turntables, so thought I would post one of mine, an older VPI.

We like pictures of turntables, but we like pictures of ARC better!!! How about one of the preamp too?

[User211]

Looks like it's using a threaded spindle and a clamp with a raised centre - like my GyroOrbe.

I wonder who first came up with that idea - cos it works. Anyone know?

[twich54]

I could not help but think that the singers seemed to have loosened their underwear ! Everything seemed to be less constricted and flow much better.

Whoa !!!!!! Now Bernard I'm not even through my first cup of 'joe' this morning, not sure how one is supposed to take that !! LOL ! I'm not getting a good 'sight picture' !

Seriously though, congrats on your early X-Mas present ! It sounds as if your initial impressions back up what I have read about it, look forward to listening impressions a couple months down the road.

[Bernard]

We like pictures of turntables, but we like pictures of ARC better!!! How about one of the preamp too?Here you go ! :music:

[Bernard]

Whoa !!!!!! Now Bernard I'm not even through my first cup of 'joe' this morning, not sure how one is supposed to take that !! LOL ! I'm not getting a good 'sight picture' !Sorry Dave; re-reading it now it does sound a bit strange, but cinch up your Fruit of the Looms and sing a few bars and you will understand what I mean.

[User211]

Why do I like that ARC pre so much? It looks fab!

Great photo, too. You must go to the next major Canadian show, Bernard, and post the pics!

[Bernard]

Why do I like that ARC pre so much? It looks fab!

Great photo, too. You must go to the next major Canadian show, Bernard, and post the pics!Yes, I'll do that. Probably Montreal next April.

[amey01]

Why do I like that ARC pre so much? It looks fab!


I don't know, but I just "get" it - that's a DAMN NICE PREAMP Bernard!

I--LIKE--ARC--!

Even if the power switch is the wrong way around (In Australia, up should be OFF, down should be on - I'm sure Justin agrees)!

[Bernard]

I don't know, but I just "get" it - that's a DAMN NICE PREAMP Bernard!

I--LIKE--ARC--! Yeah, I like ARC too. However, I wish it were the Ref 3/PH 7 combo (muchos pesos).


Even if the power switch is the wrong way around (In Australia, up should be OFF, down should be on - I'm sure Justin agrees)!I was born in East Africa, and that's how it was there too.

[amey01]

I was born in East Africa, and that's how it was there too.

The US likes to do everything differently to everyone else the world over!

[tonepub]

SP-9 is a great preamp, I had one for a while when I had my D-79.
That was a great combination...

[Bernard]

My SP9 is even better with the mods I have made to it - fast recovery diodes and DACT stepped attenuator, not to mention the wonderful 7308 tubes. I have not yet touched the caps; time to get to them.

[RichTeer]

My SP9 is even better with the mods I have made to it - fast recovery diodes and DACT stepped attenuator, not to mention the wonderful 7308 tubes. I have not yet touched the caps; time to get to them.

I love my SP9. If you haven't already done so, make sure when you're playing with caps that you replace the electrolytic caps. Electrolytics tend to die when they get as old as those in our SP9s. I had my SP9 recently retubed by ARC, and had them replace the electrolytic caps at the same time.

[Bernard]

I love my SP9. If you haven't already done so, make sure when you're playing with caps that you replace the electrolytic caps. Electrolytics tend to die when they get as old as those in our SP9s. I had my SP9 recently retubed by ARC, and had them replace the electrolytic caps at the same time.Did you hear an improvement? The last time I talked to Leonard at ARC, he thought that I did not have to replace the caps in my monoblocks, and I think they are older than my SP9. I may well replace them anyway.

BTW what did ARC replace your 6DJ8's with ?

Have you posted your system here yet?

[RichTeer]

Did you hear an improvement? The last time I talked to Leonard at ARC, he thought that I did not have to replace the caps in my monoblocks, and I think they are older than my SP9. I may well replace them anyway.

BTW what did ARC replace your 6DJ8's with ?

Have you posted your system here yet?

I've not posted my system here yet because it's missing one vital component: a pair of MartinLogan speakers! I have a pair of Spires on order, so I'll be posting my system "soon".

I didn't notice any huge difference in sound quality, but there might have been a slight improvement. I was sans preamp for about a month, so my memory might have faded. I think ARC replaced the tubes with a pair of Harmonix 6DJ8s; I'm tempted to try tube-rolling, but have to attend to other stuff first.

[Bernard]

Thought I should post a picture of my LP collection - trivial compared to MiTT's !

[MiTT]

When it comes to the music that you love Bernard, nothing is trivial. I bet you have many absolute gems in there!

[grubbleDave]

Bonjour Bernard!

Lovely looking system there and love the shots of your different pieces of gear. The VPI must be really sweet sounding. Once those rigs are dialed in, I've heard an older VPI turntable with the JMW tonearm and a Japanese cartridge (whose name and model escapes me) beat the pants off anything else I've heard!

[Bernard]

I bet you have many absolute gems in there!That I do, including some stuff that is not available on CD, and which I am looking forward to trasnferring to CD for safekeeping - I once dropped a Discwasher brush on an LP, cracking it, and had to look long and hard for a replacement.

[Bernard]

Bonjour Bernard!

Lovely looking system there and love the shots of your different pieces of gear. The VPI must be really sweet sounding. Once those rigs are dialed in, I've heard an older VPI turntable with the JMW tonearm and a Japanese cartridge (whose name and model escapes me) beat the pants off anything else I've heard!Thanks. Yes, the VPI does sound wonderful with the Koetsu, tubes, and Logans.

[amey01]

That I do, including some stuff that is not available on CD, and which I am looking forward to trasnferring to CD for safekeeping - I once dropped a Discwasher brush on an LP, cracking it, and had to look long and hard for a replacement.

That's going to be a monumental task!

[User211]

Yup. That it is. And with the knowledge you have the original, that's the one you are going to want to play.

But it's good for a few key discs - ones you want to play in the car etc... and ones you can't replace easily.

[Bernard]

But it's good for a few key discs - ones you want to play in the car etc... and ones you can't replace easily.Yes, I don't intend to transfer all of my LP's to CD.

[Bernard]

I thought Adam (amey01) would like this.

[amey01]

I thought Adam (amey01) would like this.

You thought right........!

[User211]

Maybe we need a "post the insides of your amp" thread.

So many thread possibilities, so little time...:)

[Bernard]

Maybe we need a "post the insides of your amp" thread.You have to admit that with amplifiers toobs look pretty mundane until you take off their tops !

[RichTeer]

You have to admit that with amplifiers toobs look pretty mundane until you take off their tops !

That's the main reason why I run my PrimaLuna ProLogue 7s nekkid! :-)

[User211]

You have to admit that with amplifiers toobs look pretty mundane until you take off their tops !

Do they? Compared to most boring SS amps, I think not! But there are some SS amps I do like the looks of quite a bit.

Must get a good SS amp, actually. Thinking about a Gamut - simply because they sound great and I like the design philosophy - keep the transistor count down to a minimum.

A change is as good as a rest...

[amey01]

Do they? Compared to most boring SS amps, I think not! But there are some SS amps I do like the looks of quite a bit.

Must get a good SS amp, actually. Thinking about a Gamut - simply because they sound great and I like the design philosophy - keep the transistor count down to a minimum.

A change is as good as a rest...

What are you doing with them Austria Analogues??

[tonepub]

Do they? Compared to most boring SS amps, I think not! But there are some SS amps I do like the looks of quite a bit.

Must get a good SS amp, actually. Thinking about a Gamut - simply because they sound great and I like the design philosophy - keep the transistor count down to a minimum.

A change is as good as a rest...


Lars makes great stuff!

Might want to check out that new high profile SS amp from Rega! Could be very interesting...

[User211]

What are you doing with them Austria Analogues??

Keeping them til they drop dead, I suspect! I like the idea of having both tube and SS options to swap between, though the SS just might end up driving the bass on the Ascents. Really not sure how well that'll blend with the Austria's, though.

Rega - not seen it - will do some investigation. I'm not a massive Rega fan, though they do make good kit.

[Bernard]

..........though the SS just might end up driving the bass on the Ascents. Really not sure how well that'll blend with the Austria's, though.I'm surprised you have not already tried this, Justin.

[gregadd]

Did you just change your avitar or did you change cart.?:confused:

[Bernard]

Did you just change your avitar or did you change cart.?:confused:I just changed my avatar (needed a change); can't afford the cartridge, which lists for $4300. The new avatar is a cartridge to aim for (I have a thing for blue)....another Koetsu, of course :)

[Bernard]

I was asked by FISH_MAN to post a list of my favourite classical music, so I am doing so. Caveat is that most of it is on vinyl, so some may not be available on CD.

I will start the list and update it as I think about other titles. I am a big Beethoven fan, so the list is Beethoven-heavy.

- Beethoven: Symphony #6. Boehm/Vienna Philharmonic
- Beethoven: Symphony #9. Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic. 1962 recording.
- Beethoven: Triple Concerto
- Beethoven: Piano Concerto #4. Pollini/Boehm.
- Beethoven: Choral Fantasia
- Beethoven: Sonatas - Moonlight, Pathetique, Appassionata, Hammerklavier
- Beethoven: Mass in C
- Beethoven: Missa Solemnis
- Beethoven: "Farewell to the Piano"
- Bizet: Carmen. Bernstein
- Brahms: The 2 piano concerti
- Brahms: Hungarian Dances. Played on the piano by Alfons and Aloys Kontarsky.
- Bruch: Violin Concerto #1
- Dvorak: Cello Concerto. Rostropovick/Karajan/Berlin Philharmonic.
- Dvorak: New World Symphony. Kubelik/Berlin
- Faure: Requiem
- Faure: Pavane
- Faure: Apres Un Reve
- Liszt: The 2 piano concerti.
- Mozart: Requiem
- Mozart: Eine Kleine Nachtsmusik
- Mozart: The Horn Concertos
- Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante
- Orff: Carmina Burana
- Rimsky-Korsakov: Scheherazade. Reiner/Chicago.
- Schubert: The Famous Serenade ("Standchen"). Murray Perahia (Piano). Also, Mischa Maisky (cello).
- Schubert: Impromptus. Wilhelm Kempff
- Schubert: Works for 4 hands
- Schubert: Notturno
- Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto #1
- Tchaikovsky: Symphony #4
- Vivaldi: The Four Seasons. Marriner/ASMIF

[FISH_MAN]

thanks a lot !

[jojomtn]

bernard I was checking out your gear and saw the marantz tuner. Brought so much memories of my dad. havent seen that tuner in a long2x time. I guess just wanted to say thanks for the memories?

[Bernard]

bernard I was checking out your gear and saw the marantz tuner. Brought so much memories of my dad. havent seen that tuner in a long2x time. I guess just wanted to say thanks for the memories?You're welcome. It's great when a piece of hi-fi equipment can bring back pleasant memories.

[jojomtn]

If you dont mind may I ask how much you got it and when?

[Bernard]

I bought it maybe 10 years ago from a used hi-fi store here in Ottawa for about $120 IIRC.

[jojomtn]

thanks bernard.

[Bernard]

Here's something I made to kill the back wave as my speakers are in front of a wall of glass.

I'm very pleased with the results. Bass seems to be better (a bit bloated, though, on some songs), and there is a lot more clarity and detail in instruments and vocals. In some cases I hear new instruments in the mix.

Details here:
http://www.martinloganowners.com/forum/showthread.php?13214-Using-a-High-WAF-Design-to-Block-the-Back-Wave&p=142285#post142285

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