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  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    8

    Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    I love music: the history, the culture, the variety, the instruments, the venues, the tools and techniques, the power, the embedded emotions, the controversy, the debates, and so on.

    My folks enrolled me in Suzuki method piano lessons at age four and insisted that I endure classical piano instruction until age 13. I am grateful for the experience, especially the gains in understanding music theory, operating limbs and digits independently, listening critically, and translating written pieces. Unfortunately for my folks, AC/DC had been saluting me the entire time - yes, I was about to rock.

    But, to which instrument would I transition? John Bonham, Stewart Copeland, Mitch Mitchell, Phil Collins, Alex Van Halen, Danny Carey, Jimmy Chamberlin, Matt Cameron, and other drumming greats became heroes and teachers. Later in life I began to appreciate the virtuosity of myriad jazz drummers, but not until substantial rocking had occurred. I recall fondly the first rock concert attended without adult supervision: Hum in Champaign, Illinois. I had not expected the experience to be so physical, the air surrounding me seemingly electrified by crushing guitar tones and the concussive drumming of Bryan St. Pere. I was hooked, and drumming became my passion.

    Fast-forward to graduate school, specifically my pursuit of a Master of Accounting degree. I know, not very rock-'n'-roll, but the path I chose which has served my family well. My journey in this hobby really began when I purchased a pair of used Vandersteen Model 3A Signature's upon securing a job. Admittedly I lacked financial wisdom at the time and likely should have deferred investment in high-end audio equipment until savings had accumulated. It was a "had to have them" situation that snowballed into subsequent upgrades to amplification, sources, and room treatments, as is often the case with this hobby. Those speakers rocked and served as a gateway to exploring countless other genres and artists. I ran with a crowd of mostly musicians at the time, as I was still a performing drummer and percussionist, and I recall fondly the looks of surprise, wonderment, and engagement on friends' faces during a first listen to my odd-looking Vandersteen towers. Great memories.

    My two-channel audio system continues to be a source of pride and joy. Currently my configuration allows me to relatively painlessly switch between two excellent speakers (Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT and JBL L300 Summit) as well as between tube and solid-state power amplification (Balanced Audio Technology VK-76SE mono blocks and VK-255SE stereo, respectively). The flexibility is great.

    The Vandersteen's sound glorious powered by the BAT VK-76SE tube amplifiers (150 watts per channel). When powered by the BAT VK-255SE solid-state amplifier, the sound from the Vandersteen's is by comparison a bit less dreamy and dimensional, but I feel more comfortable increasing the volume to achieve gripping room pressurization.

    The JBL's were manufactured circa 1980 but perform like a very accomplished modern speaker. The unique driver array provides for an exciting listen with loads of body and dynamics. Most importantly, the JBL's are fun!

    The rest of the system:

    - BAT VK-33SE preamplifier
    - MOON (Simaudio) 610LP phono preamplifier
    - Rega Planar 10 turntable with Apheta 3 cartridge
    - Bryston BCD-3 CD player
    - PS Audio DirectStream DAC
    - AURALiC Aries G2 streamer
    - Naim Uniti Core server
    - Bryston and Torus power isolation transformers
    - REL 212/SX subwoofers (2)
    - Room treatments and equipment isolation by Stillpoints, Acoustic Sciences, Shunyata Research, A/V Roomservice, and Herbie’s Audio Lab
    - Equipment racks and stands by Quadraspire

    I have enjoyed the PS Audio DAC for several years but am investigating alternatives with a slight leaning toward the MSB Discrete. Frankly the sheer number of highly competent DACs either on the market or entering the market soon has prevented me from replacing the PS Audio. Somewhat illogical, I know.

    Glad to be here! A few pics follow...
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    west Michigan
    Posts
    713

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome.
    Nice introduction.
    Particularly like your pair of woofers.
    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.

  3. #3
    Audioshark
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Sarasota, FL
    Posts
    30,027

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome!


    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/

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2014
    Location
    Ormond Beach, Plantation Bay CC
    Posts
    5,168

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome !
    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)

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    May 2013
    Location
    Bucks County PA
    Posts
    3,702

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome aboard, enjoy your stay. Great intro, gear, and pics!
    -----------------
    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


  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    8

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    Welcome.
    Nice introduction.
    Particularly like your pair of woofers.
    Ah, yes…the Cairn (Pax) and the Doodle (Mezzi). A couple of solid woofers.


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

  7. #7
    Super Moderator
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    NY
    Posts
    18,726

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome to the forum, great introduction and system. Thank you!
    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.

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Location
    Central FL
    Posts
    791

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Welcome!
    Main System - Lumin U2, Modwright LS36.5 DM Preamp, VTV Purifi 1ET-7040SA with tube buffer, EMM Labs DAC 2X (ver. 2), Torus RM-20, Thiel CS 3.7s, 2 Rel S/812 subs
    Back-up 1 - Premium Audio mini Gan Amp, Oppo 103D, 2 Richard Gray cond, Selah SA-2s, Sumiko S5 sub, Teac UD-503 DAC, Carver (modded) C-9
    Back-up 2 - Onkyo TX-NR797, Panasonic DP-UB820, Vansevers cond, B&W P6s, PowerSoundAudio S1500 sub

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Nov 2013
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    3,041

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Hello & welcome

    The right JBL with a competent amp can do percussion justice. ATC is another
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    8

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Hello & welcome

    The right JBL with a competent amp can do percussion justice. ATC is another
    I agree, and I see that you run JBL 4367's which I imagine convey transients very well. My JBL L300's are not the last word in stereo imaging or soundstage depth, but they do many other things that keep me planted in my listening seat.

    I have been impressed by ATC over the years, including in recording studio settings where encountered most often. ATC's soft-dome midrange driver is exceptional to my ears. Perhaps I will give them a go in my home system in the future.

  11. #11

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Nice system. Where in Oregon? I am in Bend.

  12. #12
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2021
    Location
    Oregon
    Posts
    8

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    Quote Originally Posted by gshelley View Post
    Nice system. Where in Oregon? I am in Bend.
    Thanks! I am in West Linn, so about 12 miles south of Portland. Bend is lovely, as are the surroundings.

  13. #13

    Re: Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

    If you make it to Bend, look me up.

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Lurking No More - Howdy from Oregon

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