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  1. #1
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    Mike Lavigne's System

    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1455456844.595747.jpg

    Dr. David posted this on Positive Feedback:

    "On the audio road to Seattle for PF...today visiting the exceptional listening room of our good audiobud Mike Lavigne.

    Evolution Acoustics MM7 speaker system, plus darTZeel 458 monoblocks.

    Reference-setting.

    Dr. David"
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  2. #2

    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Outstanding.


    Speakeasy

  3. #3
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Mike's sytem kicks butt.

    I have heard the Dart 458s with the old preamp and I heard the new preamp with the stereo Dart power amp. (all with the EA MM3s)

    The 458 plus new preamp MUST be the beez kneez.
    His 2 R2R stations must be sublime and I know his DSD is breathtakingly good.

    He also tells me that his Trinity gives him PCM that he can believe in!

    Mike is a VERY happy camper.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  4. #4
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Mike,
    I have heard Mike Lavigne's system a couple of times (since he lives only about 15 miles from me). It sounds outstanding (as it should considering the amount of money invested in it). I am sure much of the magic is the perfect room but Mike is a perfectionist who wrings the most out of every component.

    Anshul

  5. #5

    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Wow!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  6. #6
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Mike,

    Thanks for posting this photo. ML's system is incredible. The Dart 458 monos must sound sublime. What brand of speakers are those? I've read that he is extremely happy with his Lampi SE GG with Elrog 300B's for DSD and his Trinity for PCM. A no holds barred system for sure.

    Best,
    Ken
    "No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
    --------------------------------------------
    Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
    Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
    Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
    Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords

  7. #7

    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Mike,

    Thanks for posting this photo. ML's system is incredible. The Dart 458 monos must sound sublime. What brand of speakers are those? I've read that he is extremely happy with his Lampi SE GG with Elrog 300B's for DSD and his Trinity for PCM. A no holds barred system for sure.

    Best,
    Ken
    EA MM7s.
    Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.

    Reviewer for Positive Feedback

  8. #8
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System



    Very fine system and setup.
    Dan

    STUDIO - McIntosh C1000C/P, MC2301 (2), MR88, Aurender N10, Esoteric K-01X, Shunyata Sigma spdif digital coax,
    Sonos Connect, Stillpoints Ultra SS & Ultra Mini, PurePower 2000, Furutech Flux 50, Michell Gyro SE, Michell HR Power Supply, SME 309, Ortofon Cadenza Black, Sonus faber Amati Anniversario

    LIVING ROOM - McIntosh C2300, MC75 (2), MR85, Magnum Dynalab 205 Signal Sleuth, Sonos Connect, Simaudio MOON Neo 260D-T, Schiit Audio Yggdrasil, Aurender N100H, Shunyata Sigma USB cable,
    Sony DAT 60ES, Nakamichi BX-300, Micro Seiki DD40 w/m505A tonearm, Ortofon Cadenza Blue, PS Audio P10, Furutech Flux 50, Stillpoints Ultra Mini, PMC EB1i, JL Audio f113

    VINTAGE - McIntosh 4300V, McIntosh MA230, Tandberg 3011A tuner, Olive 04HD, JBL 4312A

  9. #9
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Exquisite!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  10. #10
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    I have been following Mike L set up for years. Been invited to hear his system in person, but never to took the opportunity. Hopefully in the future.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  11. #11

    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by Alpinist View Post
    Mike,

    Thanks for posting this photo. ML's system is incredible. The Dart 458 monos must sound sublime. What brand of speakers are those? I've read that he is extremely happy with his Lampi SE GG with Elrog 300B's for DSD and his Trinity for PCM. A no holds barred system for sure.

    Best,
    Ken
    Hi Ken,

    These are Evolution Acoustics MMSeven. Oh, AFAIK, Mike doesn't have the Trinity anymore.

    I can only imagine how great Mike L's setup might sound, as we have a pair of the speakers Mike used before the Sevens, the Evolution MMthree, paired with darTZeel's integrated, and it's incredibly lifelike!

    cheers,
    alex

  12. #12
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  13. #13
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by asiufy View Post
    Hi Ken,

    These are Evolution Acoustics MMSeven. Oh, AFAIK, Mike doesn't have the Trinity anymore.

    I can only imagine how great Mike L's setup might sound, as we have a pair of the speakers Mike used before the Sevens, the Evolution MMthree, paired with darTZeel's integrated, and it's incredibly lifelike!

    cheers,
    alex
    Alex,

    Didn't you hear the MM3s with the 458s at Chez Herve when you visited a few years back?
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  14. #14

    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    I did, but not the MMSeven, which is what Mike L uses today...

    I'll always remember that visit, Hervé's house is Top 3 in my books

    The bass is already incredible on the MMThrees, that's why I wonder how much better they can get with that extra tower!


    cheers,
    alex

  15. #15
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Totally agreed. I have been there 3 times now and each time we play different setups (sometimes 2 different systems). No 458s there the last time though.
    Yes, top class sound and perhaps in my top 3 as well, definitely in my top 5...along with the Stenheim demo, Goldmund Anatta, AudioCrack's home and some NYC/Philly rooms. I can't forget the FM Acoustics demo either...
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.

  16. #16
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    good morning. thanks for all the kind words.

    above is a better picture than the facebook capture from David.

    it was a fun visit from David and 2 other friends Friday night and Saturday.

    some recent changes have taken things over the top for me. this last year I've completed tuning the room acoustically. it's made a significant difference.....likely the largest. you can see the cloth on the walls and ceiling in certain spots. that was a 9 month trial and error process.

    then in late December I added the Tripoint Troy Signature grounding box. previously I already had both the Entreq Silver Tellus and Poseidon. the Troy kicked things up a few notches.

    in January I had 7 new Furutech GTX-D NCP (R) duplex outlets and the Furutech frames and covers. that was another significant step up.

    then this last week I added 9 sets of the new Furutech FI-50 NPC male and IEC plugs to each of my power cords. the final caper to the tuning process.

    'NPC' stands for Nano Crystal Particles. basically the heat in the circuit triggers negative ions which clean up EMI/RFI and other noise. the 'agent' is tourmaline crystals which you would find in some hair dryers to reduce static.

    anyway it really works.

    I'm pretty damn happy.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  17. #17
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    a few more pictures...

    the Furutech GTX-D NPC (R) outlets, with the Furutech frames and covers, and the NI-50 NPC male plugs.....

    next, the NI-50 IEC plug...

    next, the Troy Signature and Entreq Silver Tellus....

    and last the Entreq Poseidon sitting behind the dart 458's

    Attached Images Attached Images

  18. #18
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Congrats on a magnificent setup, both room and gear

    This makes mine look like a Bose Wave radio.
    Mark


    Kharma DB9 Signature
    Pass Labs XP32......incoming
    Pass Labs X350.8
    Esoteric N-05XD
    VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
    Manley Chinook Phono Pre
    Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
    Kharma Elegance speaker cables
    Kharma Elegance interconnects
    REL Subs

  19. #19
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne View Post

    in January I had 7 new Furutech GTX-D NCP (R) duplex outlets and the Furutech frames and covers. that was another significant step up.

    then this last week I added 9 sets of the new Furutech FI-50 NPC male and IEC plugs to each of my power cords. the final caper to the tuning process.

    'NPC' stands for Nano Crystal Particles. basically the heat in the circuit triggers negative ions which clean up EMI/RFI and other noise. the 'agent' is tourmaline crystals which you would find in some hair dryers to reduce static.

    anyway it really works.

    I'm pretty damn happy.

    Hello Mike,

    I am hoping you can give me some insight on the Nano Plugs from Furutech.

    I have purchased Furutech Nano cables to run from my Torus Wall Mount Transformer to 5 new GTX-D NCP(R) duplex outlets, frames and covers for installation in my new room. Also, all of my power cords are Furutech Nano Power Cables, however, they are terminated with the original (non NCP) Furutech FI-50 (R) male and IEC plugs.

    So here is my question: Was the change from your original connectors to the NCP's a big step up in your incremental process? I appreciate these things can be marginal; nonetheless, I would greatly appreciate your view on whether changing the connectors will be significant (particularly since I have the Furutech Nano technology going all the way from the transformer to equipment).

    Thank you very much in advance,

  20. #20
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio View Post
    Hello Mike,

    I am hoping you can give me some insight on the Nano Plugs from Furutech.

    I have purchased Furutech Nano cables to run from my Torus Wall Mount Transformer to 5 new GTX-D NCP(R) duplex outlets, frames and covers for installation in my new room. Also, all of my power cords are Furutech Nano Power Cables, however, they are terminated with the original (non NCP) Furutech FI-50 (R) male and IEC plugs.

    So here is my question: Was the change from your original connectors to the NCP's a big step up in your incremental process? I appreciate these things can be marginal; nonetheless, I would greatly appreciate your view on whether changing the connectors will be significant (particularly since I have the Furutech Nano technology going all the way from the transformer to equipment).

    Thank you very much in advance,
    hi Paul,

    since I never used the previous FI-11 plugs I can't really help you about that difference.

    OTOH my dealer who installed the NPC plugs and outlets, Joe Pittman, posted something on WBF this morning that should be helpful here;

    http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post379115

    Joe is a very smart guy I've known for 15 years. his on line audio business is;

    http://www.kosmic.us/

    if you have questions contact him.

  21. #21
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike Lavigne View Post
    hi Paul,

    since I never used the previous FI-11 plugs I can't really help you about that difference.

    OTOH my dealer who installed the NPC plugs and outlets, Joe Pittman, posted something on WBF this morning that should be helpful here;

    http://www.whatsbestforum.com/showth...l=1#post379115

    Joe is a very smart guy I've known for 15 years. his on line audio business is;

    http://www.kosmic.us/

    if you have questions contact him.
    Awesome Mike, thanks.

  22. #22
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    Re: Mike Lavigne's System

    Quote Originally Posted by FlexibleAudio View Post
    Awesome Mike, thanks.
    you are most welcome. I hope they work out well for you.

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Mike Lavigne's System

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