Ed’s System

[UltraFast69]

Great looking table Ed.

Thanks Jack, they really do build a nice table, a solid workhorse.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

Here are some more pictures of the room and system;












Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Jack]

Ed

Would a simple maple butcher block from Butcher Block Acoustics not serve much of the same purpose as the HRS platform for the Kuzma at a fraction of the cost. I have been using 3" Michigan Maple butcher blocks under TT's for a decade and am happy with the performance. Currently my my 1980 TOTL JVC direct drive TT is sitting on the 3" Maple butcher block separated by Herbie's Big Fat Dots from the 2" Maple shelf of a Timbernation rack. i suspect the whole thing including the rack costs less than the HRS platform alone.

[UltraFast69]

Ed

Would a simple maple butcher block from Butcher Block Acoustics not serve much of the same purpose as the HRS platform for the Kuzma at a fraction of the cost. I have been using 3" Michigan Maple butcher blocks under TT's for a decade and am happy with the performance. Currently my my 1980 TOTL JVC direct drive TT is sitting on the 3" Maple butcher block separated by Herbie's Big Fat Dots from the 2" Maple shelf of a Timbernation rack. i suspect the whole thing including the rack costs less than the HRS platform alone.

Jack thanks for the thought and suggestion! This was a struggle because of the location, there was vibration resonating through the cabinets.

I tried the Butcher Block and it too resonated but only when my digital was playing.

The HRS removed all of the vibrations, all like zero. I use HRS under all components recessed in the cabinet - yes, they are not cheap but in my case perform as intended.

However, my concern is null as the interesting thing with the Kuzma is the base itself which contains the motor, drive and platter is cut from a solid piece of billet and with the platter and arm wing comes in at 80 pounds - this pig is it’s own dampening.

My new platform arrives Monday and we will see if it goes under the Kuzma or the U-Turn that will go in the main living room.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Randy Myers]

This table looks awesome Ed. Congrats!

[UltraFast69]

This table looks awesome Ed. Congrats!

Thanks Randy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Mikado463]

Holy Smokes, I was saving this for my new table, but couldn’t help myself:

UHQR pressing of Jimi Hendrix’s Axis Bold as Love.

Pressed and packaged like no
other that I have seen. It is quality through and through and shows what a good pressing can deliver.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

this, in a nutshell explains why many of us still love and enjoy 'physical media' !

It’s hard to pin point any one specific but overall the sound is crazy good

I am over the top fortunate to enjoy what I have put together and welcome all to enjoy!

Here are some photos:








Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

nicely done Ed .....

[Kuoppis]

Well the Kuzma Stabi R arrived today and it was a breeze to setup!

I did a bunch of homework in anticipation of this, and that proved to be a benefit - for me this was a situation I had to read the manual a few times, all on all it took about a hour and a half to setup and tweak. The longest part was watching the drops of oil drip into the ruby bearing sump, 35 in all.

The difference between this table with a MC cartridge and the U Turn Orbit Special with MM cartridge cannot be compared other than from the standpoint, the Orbit was my first love, albeit short lived but will remain serving duty in the main part of the home.

With that being said, the Kuzma seriously opened things up between soundstage, noise floor and dynamics. The cartridge is wired with Nordost cabling to the DIN connector and from there is a Nordost tonearm cable into the phono, then down the line a Nordost branded loom completing the cable package.

The internal motor is direct drive with the ability to adjust the speed, something I have not checked but from what I hear the factory is meticulous about this. Also, I love the ability to adjust the speeds and go between 33s and 45s at the push of a button, this just saves time! Power is fed through an IEC connection, with a mains power switch using a Nordost Blue Heaven power cable, with a 90 degree connector - this allowed it to fit perfectly in the space I have allotted. I chose an entry level cable as I have read some compelling statements why this can contribute points to the game of sound.

Right now the HRS M3X I had slated for the original Stabi S is not deep enough for the Kuzma Stabi R, so I repurposed this under the Boulder 508 Phono and used Stillpoints Ultra 6’s under the Kuzma and Ultra SS under the 508.

It’s hard to pin point any one specific but overall the sound is crazy good, and I am pretty proud getting this all together.

Playing Dean Martins, I dream of Dean makes one feel to pour a bourbon for two waiting for him to come off stage and join you for a drink, and this is after 2 hours of settling.

I am over the top fortunate to enjoy what I have put together and welcome all to enjoy!

Here are some photos:




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

Congrats Ed, now we’re talking. Direct drive and all, very impressive.

Enjoy the pleasures of vinyl playback. For me it has something calming to it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[UltraFast69]

Congrats Ed, now we’re talking. Direct drive and all, very impressive.

Enjoy the pleasures of vinyl playback. For me it has something calming to it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Thank you, and I fully agree with the pleasure and calming affect!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

this, in a nutshell explains why many of us still love and enjoy 'physical media' !



nicely done Ed .....

Dave, you can’t beat the physical media aspect, and I’m ok with handling and closing it as still - thank you for the compliment!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Ritmo]

The new table looks great Ed! Happy listening!

[UltraFast69]

The new table looks great Ed! Happy listening!

Thanks Mike for your help and support!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

Brief update;

This weekend Rex (Kingrex) and our friend Joe, a long-term Analog guy came by for an early on critical listen to the new Kuzma Stabi R, and it’s associated components. Also to hear the benefit of the updated dedicated circuit that now has all Furutech cable from the breaker to the receptacle supporting the digital front end.

We listened to several records and streaming from the Aurender and I chose The Rolling Stones, Sticky Fingers and one Rex brought over from a punk band named, National Wake and their album, A walk in Africa, both not your typical audiophile recordings - and that was precisely the point, if it’s good on good, then better will be excellent.

Sticky Fingers, with an almost working zipper, is an original period album;



Digital for Sticky Fingers was streamed over Qobuz 44.1 khz and remastered in 2009.

National Wake may be from 1979 if the album title says anything, I don’t know how it was pressed and it came as a green colored vinyl, first I heard of them but would listen again.

Digital was streamed over Qobuz 44.1 khz and remastered in 2009.

Comparison was easy jumping between sources on the preamp by simply clicking the remote options of DAC and Phono.

Playing the Stones it was easy to pick out the two playback sources and not because one was necessarily better than the other, both played well and each has advantages over the other.

In full disclosure there was about 12 hours on the stylus, wire and cable, and 75 hours on the other cables and the phono.

My comment was the analog sound stage was smaller and focused, sounding natural, raw and good. Rex indicated the soundstage was smaller, but imaged well. Joe’s critical comment was the sound will open up more as hours accumulate, and agreed on all else.

Rex and I believe Joe now has a full appreciation and understanding of what digital can be, showing him it done right, anyway;

We all agreed the Digital is fluently dynamic, quiet and with a well defined wide sound stage.

While hearing National Wake, it was next to impossible picking the two sources apart and I found that odd. Each of us struggled as the album was quiet, other than a beginning scratch making it essentially equal in playback and virtually identical to digital in 44.1

My view point was the album must have been recorded as digital. If I’m right, it may be a reason why the gap is so wide for some, and it doesn’t have to be, and getting the most of digital is talked about in other threads I created.

It was a fun comparison, and talking Hi Fi with like minded people in person is always a fun event.




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

Thanks Ed. Fun visit. The National Wake album was an ear opener. Amazing it was virtually impossible to tell the digital from vinyl. In my mind, it really drives home the importance of source material. Not whether it's vinyl, digital or tape, but how it's mastered.

It is also surprising how quiet vinyl can be. Many times the digital sounds darker, but I question if that is not just a product of how is engineered. FWIW, dark is not necessarily good to me. Quiet and dark are 2 different things. Quiet is the absences on noise. Dark ia almost an imparted sound, or lack of sound. Like something was removed.

[Mike Lavigne]

Well the Kuzma Stabi R arrived today and it was a breeze to setup!

I did a bunch of homework in anticipation of this, and that proved to be a benefit - for me this was a situation I had to read the manual a few times, all on all it took about a hour and a half to setup and tweak. The longest part was watching the drops of oil drip into the ruby bearing sump, 35 in all.

The difference between this table with a MC cartridge and the U Turn Orbit Special with MM cartridge cannot be compared other than from the standpoint, the Orbit was my first love, albeit short lived but will remain serving duty in the main part of the home.

With that being said, the Kuzma seriously opened things up between soundstage, noise floor and dynamics. The cartridge is wired with Nordost cabling to the DIN connector and from there is a Nordost tonearm cable into the phono, then down the line a Nordost branded loom completing the cable package.

The internal motor is direct drive with the ability to adjust the speed, something I have not checked but from what I hear the factory is meticulous about this. Also, I love the ability to adjust the speeds and go between 33s and 45s at the push of a button, this just saves time! Power is fed through an IEC connection, with a mains power switch using a Nordost Blue Heaven power cable, with a 90 degree connector - this allowed it to fit perfectly in the space I have allotted. I chose an entry level cable as I have read some compelling statements why this can contribute points to the game of sound.

Right now the HRS M3X I had slated for the original Stabi S is not deep enough for the Kuzma Stabi R, so I repurposed this under the Boulder 508 Phono and used Stillpoints Ultra 6’s under the Kuzma and Ultra SS under the 508.

It’s hard to pin point any one specific but overall the sound is crazy good, and I am pretty proud getting this all together.

Playing Dean Martins, I dream of Dean makes one feel to pour a bourbon for two waiting for him to come off stage and join you for a drink, and this is after 2 hours of settling.

I am over the top fortunate to enjoy what I have put together and welcome all to enjoy!

great pics Ed, and a hearty congrats for this big step!

looks like a great set-up, Kuzma is top stuff.

this is a big boy rig you got and take your time getting a grip on what it can do.

i am excited for you and look forward to your feedback as you go along!

cheers,

Mike

[UltraFast69]

great pics Ed, and a hearty congrats for this big step!

looks like a great set-up, Kuzma is top stuff.

this is a big boy rig you got and take your time getting a grip on what it can do.

i am excited for you and look forward to your feedback as you go along!

cheers,

Mike

Thanks Mike, and note I would not be in this mess if you did not push me over the edge


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

Yep Ultra, like I said to you, it's your fault I went and put an offer on the STST Motus and bought all my new vinyl. You have cost me thousands.

Of course afrer out listening session last night I do wonder if I need a new table. My Rex rigged pile of Groove Tracer, Rega and chemically bonded corian and acrylic do sound pretty damb good. I wonder if high end tone arm wire in my Vertere arm and a better cartridge might not be a big move.

It shocks me to how good my digital is compared to vinyl. They are a little different but both very listenable. If you were herem no one would say the digital sounds digital. It's very fliwing, clean and rich with tone. Natural timber and tonal accuracy are as good as vinyl if not better.

Also surprised how good the UTurn is. I have 2 good copies of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Ed and I were able to put both player into my phono pre and bounce back and forth. UTurn was very quiet. Has decent speed stability. Conpared to my table, it has a little less mid range body. Less harmonic richness. It's a littke more airy, almost bright, but not to fatigue. I still remember Ed playing his Kuzma and thinking how rock solid the pitch, pace and timing were. That high mass direct drive really controls the speed. Has it's own presentation. It's pretty well beyond my table in that regard.

Wizard was tougher for me to hear. My only perception was once again, I was able to play just a little louder. Maybe 1.5 to 3 db per my preamp volume knob. It was also a touch more clean and at ease. Easier to close your eyes and enjoy. I still maintain everyone should try an Electraclear and Symphony. It you have the cash, the Wizard over Symphony is going to be a touch more refined. IMO. Ed may have more to say. He hears pretty good. He sat at my place one day and directed me on speaker positioning. When he was done pointing his finger and giving orders it did sound better.

[Randy Myers]

I agree with both Ed and Rex, my digital sounds darn good, and I am also enjoying playing with vinyl. The U-Turn is amazingly good for for how little one can be had for. I agree with Rex that it might be a very little on the bright side, however I know that it is still breaking in, and especially the Blue upgrade and the SimAudio phono stage are very much still running in. My experience has taught me that gear smooths out dramatically after some time. Initially most every new piece I have had sound a tad harsh, bright, etc., but do smooth out. I think the vinyl setup is still in this phase.

As Rex stated, and I concur, the digital and the vinyl both sound excellent. Different from each other but both are really good and enjoyable. I guess they both offer something that make them worthy. Obviously I have not jumped off the deep end like Ed has in vinyl , but I am enjoying it immensely!

Talk about cost... I blame Ed directly... 30 albums already (with the ones arriving from Acoustic Sound today)... many higher end remasters, five 45 RPM remasters... grrrr, this shit gets expensive ... not even mentioning record cleaning machine .

[UltraFast69]

Wait a minute, how can Randy and Rex blame me, when I’m blaming Lavigne and now AudioShark.

I’m innocent!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Randy Myers]

I stick by it... it's your fault ....

[Mike Lavigne]

Wait a minute, how can Randy and Rex blame me, when I’m blaming Lavigne and now AudioShark.

I’m innocent!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

hey wait a minute!

i'm guilty! i'm always guilty.

[Randy Myers]

Hey, we have to blame someone .

[Kingrex]

Mike L is partly why I moved from point source to large speakers. Mike, Joe Pitman and a friend in VA with the live sound design altec all moved me to large drivers.

[aKnyght]

ed -- just thought i would check back now that you have had more time with the kuzma -- defintiely a top-notch set-up.

stepping back from analytical listening, i am curious how you would compare the listening experience in terms of engagement, enjoyment and general fun of the kuzma to the u-turn? and, then maybe the same comparison to your digital source?

just trying to "right-size" my 2020 analog project. kuzma has been at the top of my list; however, other's experience with the u-turn really has me interested: if it has all the fun factor of vinyl and is just as engaging... well then, hmmmm.
______________________

btw: if you have sworn off digital in favor of analog, i just might be able to find a loving home for the nyquist

[Kingrex]

I doubt Ed ia swearing off digital. I was playing 15 ips tape all day yesterday. At the end of the day I put on some digital for new content and it honestly was a moment of Ahhh. The sound is damb good coming from my digital. The tape definitly has a sound. And it's great, but in no way would I trade one for the other. I use both as my mood request.

[UltraFast69]

ed -- just thought i would check back now that you have had more time with the kuzma -- defintiely a top-notch set-up.

stepping back from analytical listening, i am curious how you would compare the listening experience in terms of engagement, enjoyment and general fun of the kuzma to the u-turn? and, then maybe the same comparison to your digital source?

just trying to "right-size" my 2020 analog project. kuzma has been at the top of my list; however, other's experience with the u-turn really has me interested: if it has all the fun factor of vinyl and is just as engaging... well then, hmmmm.
______________________

btw: if you have sworn off digital in favor of analog, i just might be able to find a loving home for the nyquist

The U Turn was a great table but it benefited with use of the Boulder external phono, Stillpoint Ultra SS mechanical isolation resting on a HRS M3X platform and a set of Audioquest something cables using Boulders XLR adapters. It also has a few versions of Ortofon MM cartridges.

Now much of that may of been excess, more so with the cost, but it showed the table was no slouch, especially with its solid Walnut table. If this is new for you, it’s a great place to start, I really enjoyed it.

The Kuzma Stabi R weight 80 lbs, cut from a block of billet, and is a belt drive like the U Turn. The 4point arm and MC cartridge all work in harmony, and things really are now starting to open up nicely. This thing really is a musical platform, and truly happy to have this in place.

The Stabi S is no slouch either and at a reduced price point, using the same platter and pieced with a 4point you are dialed, and I can help you here.

I find myself listening more to my albums, than my digital. I do find it very easy to tell the difference between the two, and there is a for sure sweetness listening to albums. In reference to digital, the Brinkmann Nyquist MK II is not going anywhere soon, it really does add a touch or analog with its Telefunken NOS 1960’s television tubes.

Both have been a ton of work and expense but in I have zero regrets and the music comes through in spades.

Mike Lavigne introduced me to what tape can be, and now KingRex, Rex just got a R2R and is making me look at getting into this portion of listening, I want to cry ‘cause I thought I would settle in with what I have and listen for a while.







Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[aKnyght]

thanks ed -- sounds like you are really enjoying the rewards from all the time and effort put into your system.

i was not so much looking to compare models or even price points, per se. rather, i was exploring the point where the character, fun and engagement of vinyl was attained. your and others' experience with the u-turn certainly seemed to result in toe-tapping and similes all around. so, really just musing about where one could declare mission accomplished.

secondarily, i was also interested to explore the point where one's analog source became the go-to format versus one's digital source -- convenience and ease of use notwithstanding. sounds like that point is no longer even in the same zip-code for you.

congrats on a tremendous system -- enjoy!!

[UltraFast69]

thanks ed -- sounds like you are really enjoying the rewards from all the time and effort put into your system.

i was not so much looking to compare models or even price points, per se. rather, i was exploring the point where the character, fun and engagement of vinyl was attained. your and others' experience with the u-turn certainly seemed to result in toe-tapping and similes all around. so, really just musing about where one could declare mission accomplished.

secondarily, i was also interested to explore the point where one's analog source became the go-to format versus one's digital source -- convenience and ease of use notwithstanding. sounds like that point is no longer even in the same zip-code for you.

congrats on a tremendous system -- enjoy!!

Character, fun and engagement was attained upon opening the box and playing the first album, both turntables did that - too me it’s the experience, and sound that a turn table adds.

While I’m nudging my time towards vinyl it is to add hours on the setup, it turned a corner last week opening up nicely, and supposedly has many hours to go.

For clarity, having both options is nirvana, especially knowing the importance of source in materials, that’s the key in all of this.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

I never claim to know everything, and also a proponent to go back and refresh various subjects. Not only seeking great sound, but also the work to maintain it is part of the hobby and keeps the music sounding good!

In this case of power, I added a third circuit but forgot about the importance of phase.

After reading the article

https://www.msbtechnology.com/faq/ho...or-good-power/


and speaking with KingRex (Thank you), I quickly got things squared away!

Hope this helps anyone, someone.

Enjoy Your Sound!



Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

Uptone just sent shipping notice on two day delivery on the etherGEN, it will be in for the weekend.

How will it compare to linear power fed with audiophile power and interconnect cables to the 6AWG grounded AQVox with input and output Audioquest Diamond 45’s to a Gigafoil that too is linear powered with audiophile power and interconnects? Don’t know, yet! I’ll run this inside and out and post accordingly.

In support of this I have just gone through the notions of ensuring the breakers are all in phase in both of my electrical panels for anything audio related - there were some issues, now corrected and payback is in spades!

While I learned a bit, and had to double back, triple back and quadruple back it was so worth the time spent - this is an upgrade in itself.

I am convinced all noise from ancillary pieces goes from and back to the origin (breaker) like power to amps - making sure power, phase, grounding is squared away and done right is nothing near the cost of what this stuff all plugs into, like with $500-$1000.00.

You simply can’t condition and regenerate electrical performance, if not fed properly.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

My guess, you find it does nothing as a replacement to the Aqvox as a switch swap. Either/or. Since its supposed to be last in the chan, taking rhe gigafoil out is going to be tough. I would be surprised if its better with just the switch and no gigafoil.

[UltraFast69]

My guess, you find it does nothing as a replacement to the Aqvox as a switch swap. Either/or. Since its supposed to be last in the chan, taking rhe gigafoil out is going to be tough. I would be surprised if its better with just the switch and no gigafoil.

Possibly.

What I do like is it’s purpose built and not a modified DLink switch.

It’s a lot to do with noise, so I’ll play with it in different areas with and without the Optical filter


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

Well the etherGEN showed up overnight, first I am going to try it before Gigafoil and then take out Gigafoil to see what it does.

UpTone indicates there was no real gain changing out power supplies and made a comment on passive grounding I need to re-read.

Will play with this more possibly tonight, and for sure tomorrow.

Here are some pic’s, nicely packed and appears well built:




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

You said your busy. Just drop it at my house and I will let you know how it sounds.

[UltraFast69]

Adding this link to the thread as my recents activity related to digital is a part of my system in order for everyone to see the pieces that have gone into building my system.

In the end, it all matters but most importantly it’s only you that matters most!


Uptone EtherREGEN released Oct 8th
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink/top...ink_source=app


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[SCAudiophile]

Here are some more pictures of the room and system;












Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

You have an amazing system and beautiful room, it just keeps getting better!

What is the axe hanging out ready to play,....is that a 50's Les Paul?

[UltraFast69]

You have an amazing system and beautiful room, it just keeps getting better!

What is the axe hanging out ready to play,....is that a 50's Les Paul?

Mark, thank you!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Willco]

Ed, did you test the EtherRegen and Gigafoil together?

[UltraFast69]

Ed, did you test the EtherRegen and Gigafoil together?

Hello,

Yes, with and without.

I found it best with the Gigafoil placed in the same location, just prior to the Aurender. In my system, using the optical filter is tough to beat!

The crazy part using Gigafoil is it adds another cable, but it doesn’t matter, the sound quality is not diminished.

I used the second port of the LPS to power the etherREGEN in addition to the GigaFoil and provided passive grounding to the etherREGEN with the Nordost QKore 6 - It took all this to make things better, not different.

I’m thinking the clocked signal sent from the AQVox at 45 feet is reclocked by the etherREGEN sent to the Aurender OCXO clock pushed to the DAC via AES. Noise was already reduced by the grounding between sub panels, cold water pipes and the Nordost QKore 6.

While I achieved a better sound, I just can’t believe it takes all this to hear it, not that it doesn’t, cause it does, but it’s still a lot of pieces.

End result, my streaming against download is very close and if your not a critical listener, it’s easy to miss - it’s that good, but again it took all this to reach that level.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

I dont understand what you did. It sounds like you used the gigafoil but did not.
So, is your system with the etherregen -

AQVox to Ether Regen to Ggafoil. In short you added a component, cable and LPS (if you did not have an extra port).

Or did you just replace the gigafoil with the Ether Regen.

[Willco]

I believe he's using Switch > eR > Giga > Dac.

Just from reading the descriptions of what the Gigafoil and EtherRegen are designed to do:

Gigafoil: filter EMI by 100db in a range from 10 kHz to 10ghz.

EtherRegen: block all external leakage currents and reduction of clock phase noise.

I don't have any idea of -- how or if-- these techs compliment each other or if they might be redundant. I know John Swenson said he believed the Gigafoil would be superfluous to the eR.

To me, it sounds conceivable that they are addressing different noise issues and with different tech.

[Kingrex]

I think he has the Giga in there to. It really sounds to me like I need to get a Gigafoil.

[UltraFast69]

I think he has the Giga in there to. It really sounds to me like I need to get a Gigafoil.

Rex, Willco is close:

AQ Vox SE > EtherREGEN > Gigafoil V4 > Aurender > DAC


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[UltraFast69]

I believe he's using Switch > eR > Giga > Dac.

Just from reading the descriptions of what the Gigafoil and EtherRegen are designed to do:

Gigafoil: filter EMI by 100db in a range from 10 kHz to 10ghz.

EtherRegen: block all external leakage currents and reduction of clock phase noise.

I don't have any idea of -- how or if-- these techs compliment each other or if they might be redundant. I know John Swenson said he believed the Gigafoil would be superfluous to the eR.

To me, it sounds conceivable that they are addressing different noise issues and with different tech.

I think your right, and belief is best at church.

It’s very obvious in my system the Gigafoil optical filter simply makes things sound more natural, and should be highly considered by who ever does not use one.

Speaking of Gigafoil, you mentioned yours failed - did you contact them? It will interesting to hear the reason why and if they will help.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Willco]

Ha, I think I inadvertently set the voltage too high in the Keces psu and burned the Giga out. They're sending me a replacement at no charge. Pretty nice!!

[UltraFast69]

Ha, I think I inadvertently set the voltage too high in the Keces psu and burned the Giga out. They're sending me a replacement at no charge. Pretty nice!!

Excellent, That is standup in book!

You probably now know, but I am almost certain it is 5V.

Look forward to hearing your experience.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Willco]

Yes, It's very cool that they replaced it as it was I who clearly fried the unit. To my defense, it happened when I was reconnecting stuff in a dark corner behind stuff while contorted in an uncomfortable yoga pose.

[UltraFast69]

My system for the most part checked all the boxes. But just when you thought you were done and couldn’t wring out anything more without changing speakers, components or cables, it happens.

So my good friend KingRex, the forum instigator, installed a new Square D sub-panel early March 2020. The panels new location is still in the gym, but located 20’ now on the other side of room adjacent to the music room wall, a much straighter and shorter path, the branch circuit runs are now 12’ to my systems center. The new external sub panel is fed 4 AWG copper for power and grounding from the main panel, a step forward from the previous panel which ran aluminum.

This gave me the opportunity to tri-section the existing 45’ (down, over, up) Furutech FP S55N cable from the previous sub-panel, reterminate the OFC cable in all spades connected to additional Furutech GTX NCF R and G receptacles with plates and covers.

The new circuits allowed me now to plug the monos direct, and to group the phono and preamp, separate the DAC and server, and still run a separate circuit supporting the digital front ends foundation.



Now adding more sweetness:

From a tip by friends, I researched a company Environmental Potentials, and one of their products is the EP2050 waveform filter and surge protector - it’s 3” diameter case mounts onto the service panel.

The processes of rectifying AC to DC, and inverting DC to AC, are responsible for generating 85% of power pollution. This pollution equals losses, unreliable performance, decreased asset lifespans, malfunctions, increased maintenance, and downtime. The 2050 installed on a 30 amp breaker converts pollution into heat within the unit rather than relying on ground, other system conductors, or even loads to provide the required attenuation. This eliminates harmful and unusable energy from your system and home.

King Rex and I installed 2050s in the main, and both sub panels, you supposedly only need one but they appear to be cumulative in performance.

Now here is were it gets crazy with the 2050s.

My amps are running cooler and louder. Prior they would hit 92 degrees reported from a hanging thermostat in under a couple of hours, it’s not a laser reading but does illustrate the ranges. They now run at 85 degrees after 6/8 hours of play they will approach 87/89 degrees - this means to me a gain in operating efficiency and when electronics run cooler, they are happy

New listening levels; How do you know your doing things right and the sound is not playing tricks on you and all the jargon above is subjective? When you achieve louder volumes at lower settings. I am getting sound just over the bottom of D’Agostino’s analog meter, prior it was closer to 25% proving efficiency - the EP 2050s was a big contributor to this.

Further we march;

Last week, I decided to relocate the LPS, modem and switch from the mechanical room and relocate this closer to the new audio room and make use of the new panel. I used the open receptacle that hosts ADD POWRs WIZARD for distribution in support of the movement of the digital foundation - this turned out to be another benefit.

Prior the modem and separate router located in the mechanical room adjacent to the gym had AudioQuest Diamond in and out to the AQVOX SE Switch that hosted a 45’ run of RJ45 Belkin cable made by Ghent (great value and quality) to the etherREGEN then AQ Diamond to Gigafoil, then a AQ Diamond to the Aurender - it still sounded good in comparison to many other systems, but going back and revisiting the theory of, “less can be more”, it was easily proved!

The 45’ span of coaxial allowed me to take out the AQVox SE feeding the etherREGEN and repurpose the AQVox SE and the 45’ of Belkin into the homes main network, another gain.

With a shorter RJ45 path allowing now use of one switch, the etherREGEN was chosen over the AQVox SE and plumbed with Audioquest Diamond RJ45s before and after the switch - it has made it getting off the couch embarrassing when people start to come over again.





Results:

Conditioners, regenerators, transformers all may have their place, but not at the sacrifice of sound.

Starting with the basics is the electrical foundation, arguably one of the least expensive things you can do in audio, and the further you get to the panel, the better - it will make more of your system... after all electricity is what you here.

Blending in the EP2050 and restructuring the modem and switch path with the new panel all was cumulative to what I’m hearing and it can all be conducted in parts, so no stress.

Right now the amps have a King Kong grip on the speakers, it is very clear to hear deeper, tighter bass, a more pronounced mid-range that images voice and instruments with clear articulation of dynamics embraced with believable timbre, the top-end end blends effortlessly into the overall sound with not running bright or warm, it really is amazing what noise hides in a system.

The system has so much more controlled punch and vigor bringing out the best in music recordings. The sound has opened up revealing more detail, timbre and firm drive. It really has changed so much for the better, I can easily argue I overhauled the entire system. While I should have done this at the onset can be argued as a hindsight statement, you live and learn. This system has taken just shy of 4 years to accomplish, and while there a still a few things I could do, I’m ecstatic!

I hope this helps others think about their system and not to settle as I believe by not addressing the basics, the ones you can’t see, (think jewelry and bling), you are leaving a lot of sound locked into your system that it is totally capable of producing, dollars be damned!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Pro

[Kingrex]

Thank Ed. Good report. I need to play with my power some more. Since our last conversations I to went to 2 circuits. 1 feeds my amps and the other the front end gear. Actually 3 as I have a third on the digital backbone.

I need to try my symphony at my panel. With the amps on their own feed, the impact of the unit is not as pronounced as when it was all on one.

Also need to try that EP2050.

I am still amazed how much smal changes make. I was having a little fatigue on my digital with my ew Audion Black Shadow amps. In a chat the other night a friend mentioned power. Owe yea. I put those Ching Ching or what have you cords on my digital. I moved them to my preamp and put my Fkund Music power cords to the digital. Eliminated the fatigue. Doesn't jump out as a sonic change, but it is clearly more relaxing and pleasant.

Thanks for all you feedback and sharing of ideas. Your inspiration helps me tune my system. Maybe some day my wife will let guests over again. Audio is more fun when hanging out with friends.

[Spock]

... just when you thought you were done and couldn’t wring out anything more without changing speakers, components or cables, it happens.

Results:

Starting with the basics is the electrical foundation, arguably one of the least expensive things you can do in audio, and the further you get to the panel, the better - it will make more of your system... after all electricity is what you here.

And I think this is the way.
Good gear is great for sure, but these are the details that can make the difference between a good sound and a truly top sound.


Can i make a suggestion?


With the help of Kingrex certainly would be easy.
Try to switc the circuit breaker by a fuse holder.
Just don´t ask me why. Me too, i have the questions not the answers!


I have these (Version III)

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Ahp-Klangmo...wAAOSwsRVb7WkS

https://www.ebay.com/itm/AHP-Cylindr...UAAOSwxMFeiiD4