Thread: Mike's Systems

Originally Posted by Mike

I’ve made several changes the past year since this thread was updated.

I put Critical Mass Center Stage 2 feet under all my components, including amps.

I added the Shunyata Everest 8000/Omega XC.

I changed all my digital cables to Shunyata Omega USB and Omega Ethernet with Omega Clock BNC cables - 50ohm and 75ohm, as well as a 35 foot Ethernet run coming soon.

I changed out the MBL N31 CD/DAC/Streamer for a Esoteric Grandioso K1X with Esoteric PS1 and a Cybershaft Clock. The Aurender W20SE/Aurender ACS10 is the network transport/ripper/storage I’m using and my NAS is simply now a backup in case of failure.

I replaced my MBL Noble Preamp and amps with the Reference MBL 6010D and 9008a monos.

I added the VAC Statement Phonostage about a year ago as well as an Avid Acutus DARK Turntable with two SME V arms, a MySonicLabs cart and a mono cart. This table augments my Kronos/ZYX setup.

During the lockdown, I undertook a major project of updating my home theater. I went with a JVC NX7 projector, the latest Stewart Screen, re-did all the Inwall wiring with the best in-wall wiring from AudioQuest. Ran two runs of AudioQuest Cherry Cola HDMI from the projector to the new Trinnov Altitude SSP, added two Hegel C55 power amps, replaced all my short run HDMI cables with AudioQuest Diamond’s, moved my Niagara 5000 to the home theater system, added a Panasonic 900 BluRay Player, replaced all my in-wall speakers with the best B&W in-wall speakers, added the B&W HTM1 D3 center and two B&W DB1D subs. Also upgraded all XLR IC’s in the home theater system and received a professional color calibration for the projector.

So, pretty much status quo.

That’s taking the bull by the horns - sonically speaking, did your efforts harbor any regrets?


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Originally Posted by UltraFast69

That’s taking the bull by the horns - sonically speaking, did your efforts harbor any regrets?


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Sort of. I love my VAC Statement Phonostage, it’s the absolute best, but it might not be the best for my MBL’s. I’m looking for a SS alternative.


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Originally Posted by brad225

So basically, you still have the 101 X-Treme and a couple of miscellaneous other items and most everything else changed.

It is a pleasure to watch you put together ultimate systems.

I have the MBL 101e mk2 at home. Xtremes wouldn’t fit in my room.


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Originally Posted by Mike

Sort of. I love my VAC Statement Phonostage, it’s the absolute best, but it might not be the best for my MBL’s. I’m looking for a SS alternative.

Do you have one of the high end SimAudio's in the shop that you could take home and give it a try... maybe an 810? From some mentions in other reviews it appears as if the 810 could hold its own against some pretty stiff competition.

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Do you have one of the high end SimAudio's in the shop that you could take home and give it a try... maybe an 810? From some mentions in other reviews it appears as if the 810 could hold its own against some pretty stiff competition.

I don’t. We have a VAC REN V phono, Pass XP27, three Avid Phonostages, etc. The 810 is definitely a superb performer I’ve heard, but with only one input, I’m kind of limited. I need at least three inputs. I have two tables and three arms. My VAC has four. I also really need front loading/gain adjustments. The XS Phono from pass has my eye. My home system is far from a priority with all the work to be done to help customers before the end of the year, so I’ll keep noodling away and come up with something down the road.

Yea, I could see the use of multiple inputs. Obviously a different level, but having two tables now it would be nice if my 310 had two inputs. Also doing adjustments from the front would be wonderful since even if the 310 had multiple inputs it would be of no use since the adjustments are made with jumpers on the board inside .

I have read good things on the Pass. Anyway, have fun and good luck in the holiday season. I hope it is a crazy time for you... ahhhh I mean busy time .