Welcome to the AudioShark Forums.
Results 1 to 28 of 28
  1. #1
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Cool Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Is how I feel posting here... y'all got some killer systems.

    I'm a little more music aficionado rather than gear head, but it's all good. Good gear=better sounding music!

    speakers: Harbeth C7ES-3 30th Anniversary, on Resonant Woods stands
    amp: Pass Labs XA-30.5
    pre-amp: McIntosh C220 (with vintage Telefunken long-plates)
    turntable: VPI Scout w/JWM-9 tonearm and Nagaoka MP-500 cartridge
    CD player: Sony/ModWright SCD-XA5400ES w/PS 9.0 power supply
    DAC: Topping D70 (modified)
    tuner(s): McIntosh MR74 and MR78 (both restored/upgraded)
    speaker cables: Acoustic Zen Satori
    interconnects: mostly AudioQuest King Cobras
    power cables: mostly Pangea and PS Audio

    Let me tidy the joint up a bit and I'll snap a couple photos...
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  2. #2
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,098

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Don’t be silly. You have a turntable, so you’re ok by me!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    west Michigan
    Posts
    713

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    A very respectable system.
    Looks like it has been well thought out.
    I'll bet it sounds good,
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Don’t be silly. You have a turntable, so you’re ok by me!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Ha! Thanks... nice place you have here! I should re-visit more often.
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  6. #6
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,098

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Don C View Post
    Ha! Thanks... nice place you have here! I should re-visit more often.
    You should. Love your pics! Great musical system you have there.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    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.

    https://suncoastaudio.com/
    Phone: 941-932-0282
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    A very respectable system.
    Looks like it has been well thought out.
    I'll bet it sounds good,
    Thanks! I'm actually very happy with the system performance and sound. Tweaks here and there still to be done, but I've definitely reached a relative plateau and am blissfully spinning albums.
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    west Michigan
    Posts
    713

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    It's nice to get to the enjoyment stage.
    You have decent gear.
    Often a Lot can be gained from proper room set up and acoustic treatment.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2017
    Location
    Seattle
    Posts
    1,964

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Knives can kill too!


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro
    Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
    Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
    Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
    Speakers: Wilson Alexias
    Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
    Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS









  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
    Posts
    9,413

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Don C View Post
    Your photos are real nice...pro looks.
    ~ Bob ~
    "And it Stoned me to my Soul" Van Morrison
    ClickAudiophile Audition
    Snoopy as the Red Baron attack
    Avatar = The Alan Parsons Project - Eye in the Sky (1982 - orbiting)

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,951

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    You have a very nice system. Just because some of these guys are driving Farrari's does not mean that my Mercedes is not good .
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  12. #12
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    You have a very nice system. Just because some of these guys are driving Farrari's does not mean that my Mercedes is not good .
    Thanks! What about my “Plymouth Volaré” system?
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,951

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Don C View Post
    Thanks! What about my “Plymouth Volaré” system?
    ... yours is a solid BMW or Benz .
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  14. #14
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    ... yours is a solid BMW or Benz .
    Sounds good, I’ll go with that.
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  15. #15
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Ormond Beach, Plantation Bay CC
    Posts
    5,185

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    You stuff is cool with me.
    2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)

  16. #16
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    I think your system is awesome. One that I would love to live with. You've done well in picking components.
    Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.

    Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE

    NAD C 658 streamer.

    First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)

    Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.

    Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.

  17. #17
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2015
    Location
    MN
    Posts
    187

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    I'd say way better than "decent" gear. Enjoy DC! Setup + room are really key.
    Main:
    Room: Dedicated 25 x 14 x 8 treated room | Computers (headless in utility room): Wkst #1 Ubuntu running lifetime ROON server. High end wkst #2 High end wkst running HQE image | Network rack (in utility room): Managed Fiber Switch, QNAP NAS | Endpoint: Fiber to SONORE OpticalRendu w/ LPS, Sbooster USB vbus2 |DAC: Lampi Lite7, Holo Audio S3 KTE, Aqua La Scala MKII Optologic | Pre: Atma-Sphere MP-3 Mk3.3 Pre | Amps: Pass XA100.5 Mono's | Speakers: Revel Ultima Studio2 (Townshend seismic posiums) with Dual PSA X15 sealed subs | Isolation: Components on custom roller bearings + compression springs | Cables: Wireworld Platinum USB / Analysis Plus PC / Gotham 4/4 XLR / AQ spkr / Revelation audiolabs I2s | Server Streamer: Aqua LinQ using HQP modules > I2s to Aqua La Scala


    Office: Win10 wkst with Spotify or ROON controller > VDAC-II > VLINK 192 > Yamaha RX integrated > Polk audio signature Monitors >12" sub

  18. #18

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    I agree with everyone, you are WAY ahead of most, especially the yahoos on Audiogon and other websites spewing their opinions on gear they have never owned. Enjoy, listen, learn from others experiences and grow your system over time.

  19. #19
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2020
    Location
    Argentina
    Posts
    193

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Seems to be a really good system... Please more pics..!!!!
    McIntosh C302 + C2600 - Lumin A1 - Lenco L75 - Marantz SR6007 - Paradigm S6 - Gaia II - Chord Epic Twin Speaker Cable + Jumpers - Bada LB5500

  20. #20
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Bucks County PA
    Posts
    3,704

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Welcome aboard Don. Nice setup.

    Some of us still have some dreams to fulfill
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  21. #21
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    SE Pa
    Posts
    2,037

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Well, if it's a knife, it's one hell of a 'sharp' one !

    Welcome aboard !
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  22. #22
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2019
    Location
    ChicagoLand
    Posts
    4

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    You forgot to mention you are a photography too! Great pics!

  23. #23
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quick "knife" pics:

    (Wish it were bigger, but it is what it is. )


    DSC_0051.JPG

    DSC_0054.JPG
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

  24. #24
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2015
    Location
    Kansas
    Posts
    5,951

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    I would not call that a knife, maybe a machine gun... or even a bazooka ....
    McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105

    “One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
    "You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
    ― Neil deGrasse Tyson

  25. #25
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2014
    Location
    Apache Junction, Arizona
    Posts
    140

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Great looking system, Don! I think you've made some great gear choices.

    I to am more a music lover than gear lover. I have what I have because they were the components that sounded best to me.

    I have the same speaker cables, in a bi-wire configuration, attached to my Aerial Acoustic Model 8 speakers and I think you'll agree they are fantastic cables.
    MICHAEL
    Main|Samsung QLED 4K|McIntosh MC501 - MX151 - MR85 - D100|Aerial Acoustics|Roon|RPI|
    Sitting Room|Yamaha|Oppo|NHT|
    Glass Studio|Yamaha|JBL|
    Shop|Sony|

  26. #26
    Member
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Location
    Winter Springs, Fl
    Posts
    60

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Hey Don! Good to see you over here.
    Amplification: BAT VK-3i, BAT VK-200
    Speakers: Infinity RS7 Kappa
    Analog: Sota Star, SME M2-9, Sound Smith Aida, BAT VK-P5 6 Pak Plus
    Digital: Audirvana/Tidal, Sonos Connect, Denon DCD-1560, Emotiva XDA-1
    Power: ​PS Audio Power Plant Premier
    Cable:Harmonic Technology AC-11 Power, Audio Sensibility Impact SE PC OCC phono, Neotech NEI-3002 PC OCC balanced Interconnects, Acoustic Zen Satori PC OCC speaker cable.

  27. #27
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    3,381

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Hi Don,

    Pass Labs amp and Harbeth speakers. Terrific gear!

    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

  28. #28
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    189

    Re: Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

    Quote Originally Posted by Yamaki View Post
    Great looking system, Don! I think you've made some great gear choices.

    I to am more a music lover than gear lover. I have what I have because they were the components that sounded best to me.

    I have the same speaker cables, in a bi-wire configuration, attached to my Aerial Acoustic Model 8 speakers and I think you'll agree they are fantastic cables.
    Thanks! And I do agree! I mentioned to a friend that they were the closest thing to a "component upgrade" I'd ever heard in... cables. And speaker cables at that. They really are something.
    Harbeth C7ES-3/30 • Pass Labs XA30.5 • McIntosh C220 • Modwright/Sony SCD-XA5400ES • VPI Scout+ADS/JMW-9/Nagaoka MP-500
    "[N]ot everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." -William Bruce Cameron
    "Measurements do not lie, but neither do they tell the whole truth." -John Atkinson

AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.

AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.

The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.

At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.

We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!

Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com

Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.

Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team

Showing up with a knife to a gunfight...

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •