Mike's Systems

Anatta said:
Mike, when Chord ships the new Hugo TT2 you should try to drive directly with it your Avangarde speakers; it can do 18W@8Ohm from the balanced outputs.

https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/hugott2

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/hugo-tt-2-by-chord-electronics-the-official-thread.879425/
Click to expand...
Eh??
Is there something about it in that 36+ page thread? Signal cable and speaker cables have drastically different electrical properties.
Not even sure such an animal exists, XLR to banana or spades speaker cables? Even if it did, I'd love to see how they got anything more than say 18 gauge in an XLR housing!...and we certainly don't have a shield pin on a speaker. Not a headphone guy, do they do XLR headphones with separate L/R??

Maybe Mike can ask Rob Watts what the heck is going on there. That's usually spec'd in volts.
 
AJ Soundfield said:
Eh??
Is there something about it in that 36+ page thread? Signal cable and speaker cables have drastically different electrical properties.
Not even sure such an animal exists, XLR to banana or spades speaker cables? Even if it did, I'd love to see how they got anything more than say 18 gauge in an XLR housing!...and we certainly don't have a shield pin on a speaker. Not a headphone guy, do they do XLR headphones with separate L/R??

Maybe Mike can ask Rob Watts what the heck is going on there. That's usually spec'd in volts.
Click to expand...

do they do XLR headphones with separate L/R??
Click to expand...
OH yes, my LCD-3 have separate xlr' L/R and there are headphone amps to support it.
attachment.php
 

Attachments

  • l1600.jpg
    l1600.jpg
    77.3 KB · Views: 431
Chris, thanks for posting that photo of Mike's system. Sadly I wasn't allowed to include it in my post-Mike because I haven't accumulated 10 posts as of yet. Mike, you don't know me. My name is Tom S. aka Thetubeguy1954 and I met you when Lukasz brought his new Pacific DAC to your Audio Salon after the RMAF to demonstrate it for us. I came down from Orlando with my friend Phil Abish and I had an absolutely wonderful time. In fact, I even met one of my biggest nemesis' on Audio Asylum aka AJinFla at your shop and just as I told him I was sure would happen if we ever met in person, I thoroughly enjoyed his company during the somewhat brief time we talked.

Mike, I have to admit I had never been to an audio society before that has as many members with systems in the upper echelon of high-end audio systems as the members of the Suncoast Audio Society has! However, the best part about meeting the folks down in Sarasota was how very nice & how very friendly they were to me. I was quite surprised when a couple of guys ---despite the fact they just met me--- invited me to their homes to enjoy a listening session. Francis E. and his invite to come and listen to his Vapor Audio, Jewel speakers immediately comes to mind because of how much I have wanted to hear Vapor Audio speakers!

Now compared to you and I'm sure a great many other members of the Suncoast Audio Society, my audio system is probably viewed as being at the entry-level of true high-end audio. That said, I'd still like to share what my audio system consists of with you and the others reading this. I'll start with my 135 LB, 40W/ch, Mastersound Reference 845 integrated, SET amp from Italy. I'm using Beauhorn Virtuoso speakers that I upgraded by removing their original Lowther DX4 drivers and replacing them with Lowther PM5 drivers with Ticonal magnets! What a significant level of sonic improvement I heard after switching those drivers. My digital audio is restricted to using a YBA Genesis CD4 as a transport to Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC at this time. I hope to be able to include computer audio into my system in 2019. Now while my audio system is not quite up there on the audio mountaintop with you guys, all-in-all for a fellow that's been disabled and living on Social Security Disability since 1987 it's not too shabby of an audio system and I as ex-president Obama would say "It punches way above its weight!"

This somewhat long-winded post was really just to tell you "That's one amazing audio system you have Mike!" (I even noticed a tinge of green at my fingertips as I typed this post :snicker:) I also wanted to share I believe you have a wonderful group of guys down there in Sarasota! You all made my trip extremely enjoyable. I hope if you're going to be having another big audio event like you had when Lukaz of Lampizator was there, you'll let us all know and hopefully my friend Phil will be willing to give me a ride down to Sarasota once again! Thanks for the most enjoyable time I've had in quite some time. Sincerely, Thetubeguy1954 (Tom S)
 
thetubeguy1954 said:
Chris, thanks for posting that photo of Mike's system. Sadly I wasn't allowed to include it in my post-Mike because I haven't accumulated 10 posts as of yet. Mike, you don't know me. My name is Tom S. aka Thetubeguy1954 and I met you when Lukasz brought his new Pacific DAC to your Audio Salon after the RMAF to demonstrate it for us. I came down from Orlando with my friend Phil Abish and I had an absolutely wonderful time. In fact, I even met one of my biggest nemesis' on Audio Asylum aka AJinFla at your shop and just as I told him I was sure would happen if we ever met in person, I thoroughly enjoyed his company during the somewhat brief time we talked.

Mike, I have to admit I had never been to an audio society before that has as many members with systems in the upper echelon of high-end audio systems as the members of the Suncoast Audio Society has! However, the best part about meeting the folks down in Sarasota was how very nice & how very friendly they were to me. I was quite surprised when a couple of guys ---despite the fact they just met me--- invited me to their homes to enjoy a listening session. Francis E. and his invite to come and listen to his Vapor Audio, Jewel speakers immediately comes to mind because of how much I have wanted to hear Vapor Audio speakers!

Now compared to you and I'm sure a great many other members of the Suncoast Audio Society, my audio system is probably viewed as being at the entry-level of true high-end audio. That said, I'd still like to share what my audio system consists of with you and the others reading this. I'll start with my 135 LB, 40W/ch, Mastersound Reference 845 integrated, SET amp from Italy. I'm using Beauhorn Virtuoso speakers that I upgraded by removing their original Lowther DX4 drivers and replacing them with Lowther PM5 drivers with Ticonal magnets! What a significant level of sonic improvement I heard after switching those drivers. My digital audio is restricted to using a YBA Genesis CD4 as a transport to Musical Paradise MP-D2 DAC at this time. I hope to be able to include computer audio into my system in 2019. Now while my audio system is not quite up there on the audio mountaintop with you guys, all-in-all for a fellow that's been disabled and living on Social Security Disability since 1987 it's not too shabby of an audio system and I as ex-president Obama would say "It punches way above its weight!"

This somewhat long-winded post was really just to tell you "That's one amazing audio system you have Mike!" (I even noticed a tinge of green at my fingertips as I typed this post :snicker:) I also wanted to share I believe you have a wonderful group of guys down there in Sarasota! You all made my trip extremely enjoyable. I hope if you're going to be having another big audio event like you had when Lukaz of Lampizator was there, you'll let us all know and hopefully my friend Phil will be willing to give me a ride down to Sarasota once again! Thanks for the most enjoyable time I've had in quite some time. Sincerely, Thetubeguy1954 (Tom S)
Click to expand...

Tom, it was great to meet you and Phil at the Lampizator Pacific event at my store as well. Thank you for the kind words. Your comment about AJ made me chuckle. I hope to see you again at some of our events and maybe even the Florida Audio Expo in February (8-10).
 
Well, not surprised about the comment about AJ.

That is just a guy of a rather low intellect and very big mouth. He usually writes very long responses trying to hide that fact, that he has little of substance to say. There are many of those, so not to worry.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
Kuoppis, OUCH!!!! those are very disparaging comments you made about AJ. Truth be told, I never knew AJ well enough to make those types of judgments about him and when I met in person at Mike's audio salon AJ seemed nice enough. The reason why AJ was my nemesis in Audio Asylum was only that it seemed he always had the exact opposite POV as I would concerning audio! If I liked SET amps (and I really do) AJ didn't and when I supported using high-sensitivity, horn-loaded, single, full-range driver, speakers with those SET amps AJ would provide reasons why those are terrible speakers to use and so on!! It just seemed that we would argue about any topic in audio I supported!?!?! I do remember AJ and another fellow named Pat tag-teaming me when I said I could detect sonic differences in different power cords, but what any of the others topics we argued about were, escapes my memory now. But isn't that exactly the type of behavior that happens in so many, if not most of the audio forums? To prevent that from happening is precisely why I created the SETriodes forum in Yahoo. But, trust me when I tell you my audio forum nowhere near as nice as this Audioshark forum is...


Thetubeguy1954 (Tom)


I'm listening to Sonata by European Jazz Trio


Central Florida Audio Society -- SETriodes Group -- Space Coast Audio Society -- Full-range/Wide-range Drivers
Front & Back-Loaded Horns -- High Sensitivity Speak
=========================================================================================
 
Well I am also at the cusp of high end audio. I can't afford to get to the level that many of these gentlemen play in, but that does not stop me from enjoying, listening, asking questions, and improving where I can.

In our audio club there are folks with ultra high end, there are folks who are 100% DIY, there are most of us who do the best we can. But we all share two things, we love listening to music and talking about gear!

PS... I absolutely love my recent addition of SET amps also!
 
Kuoppis said:
Well, not surprised about the comment about AJ.
That is just a guy of a rather low intellect and very big mouth. He usually writes very long responses trying to hide that fact, that he has little of substance to say. There are many of those, so not to worry.
Click to expand...
From your Dunning-Kruger perspective, I can see why you view things this way. I follow research and understand.;)
 
thetubeguy1954 said:
Kuoppis, OUCH!!!! those are very disparaging comments you made about AJ. Truth be told, I never knew AJ well enough to make those types of judgments about him and when I met in person at Mike's audio salon AJ seemed nice enough. The reason why AJ was my nemesis in Audio Asylum was only that it seemed he always had the exact opposite POV as I would concerning audio! If I liked SET amps (and I really do) AJ didn't and when I supported using high-sensitivity, horn-loaded, single, full-range driver, speakers with those SET amps AJ would provide reasons why those are terrible speakers to use and so on!!
Click to expand...
Tom, I'm a big believer in "proof is in the pudding". Which is why I relish the idea of demoing what I believe in, vs what others do. Hopefully you plan on attending the FL Audio Expo (which I recall you saying you were).
There will be lots of pudding there, nowhere to hide. :D
Look forward to seeing you are the east coast fellas there, since there should be many different types of setups...including my type. Same exact rooms.

cheers,

AJ
 
AJ Soundfield said:
Tom, I'm a big believer in "proof is in the pudding". Which is why I relish the idea of demoing what I believe in, vs what others do. Hopefully you plan on attending the FL Audio Expo (which I recall you saying you were).
There will be lots of pudding there, nowhere to hide. :D
Look forward to seeing you are the east coast fellas there, since there should be many different types of setups...including my type. Same exact rooms.

cheers,

AJ
Click to expand...

Hey AJ! I really want to attend the FL Audio Expo but it will depend on health issues. That day after the Lampizator get together I attended at Mike's audio salon, I woke up, took one step and blew out my left knee! That was a year ago now and my doctor is talking about knee replacement surgery. So we'll see what happens. But if I go, I'll look for your room so I can hear all those fully active speakers you design and build...


I'm listening to Use Me by Vanessa Fernandez


Thetubeguy1954 (Tom)


Central Florida Audio Society -- SETriodes Group -- Space Coast Audio Society -- Full-range/Wide-range Drivers -- Front & Back-Loaded Horns -- High Sensitivity Speakers


=============================================================
 
thetubeguy1954 said:
Hey AJ! I really want to attend the FL Audio Expo but it will depend on health issues. That day after the Lampizator get together I attended at Mike's audio salon, I woke up, took one step and blew out my left knee! That was a year ago now and my doctor is talking about knee replacement surgery. So we'll see what happens. But if I go, I'll look for your room so I can hear all those fully active speakers you design and build...


I'm listening to Use Me by Vanessa Fernandez


Thetubeguy1954 (Tom)


Central Florida Audio Society -- SETriodes Group -- Space Coast Audio Society -- Full-range/Wide-range Drivers -- Front & Back-Loaded Horns -- High Sensitivity Speakers
Click to expand...
Wow, sorry to hear that, crazy. After all the years of running, football, motocross etc, I will need "new knees" at some point also, Dr already told me.:(
Yes, will have active tech speakers there in one room, but, ironically, a passive/active sub HE wideband driver design in my 2nd room.
Get well soon...or you'll have to live vicariously through Phil and the east coast gang. hah

cheers,

AJ
 
After many years with the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo’s, I decided to make a change. The AG’s will always remain the speaker that stole my heart, but not unlike the guy who owns his own car dealership, he’s not going to drive the same car for years and years.

I have switched to the MBL 101e mk2’s, with four Noble amps, Noble preamp and Noble CD/DAC/Roon streamer.

I’ve recently added the VAC Statement Phonostage and AVID Acutus DARK turntable with two SME V arms (one 12 inch and one 9 inch). The carts are Lyra Atlas SL and Miyajima Zero Mono.

6011343f2dfc6c36659c15cdaf3ed9ed.jpg
afb4f55e02e14a46dfe85e70bda51c6d.plist
56e52d136f031236f3289c7b26aedce9.plist
68da6305b95a66f2ea9c867f9ef597e7.plist
ae8bbe6fc7a18b6725ef7d3129b9fe6d.plist
2e430c14981cb93df1fa08c6791864fd.plist
b745f6f658f0a84f154eb9e736307141.jpg
4f721d49e8e31b9a8806bc5581f30768.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I’m not surprised that you would choose these. The 101e mk2s are definite winners.
 
Mike said:
After many years with the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo’s, I decided to make a change. The AG’s will always remain the speaker that stole my heart, but not unlike the guy who owns his own car dealership, he’s not going to drive the same car for years and years.

I have switched to the MBL 101e mk2’s, with four Noble amps, Noble preamp and Noble CD/DAC/Roon streamer.

I’ve recently added the VAC Statement Phonostage and AVID Acutus DARK turntable with two SME V arms (one 12 inch and one 9 inch). The carts are Lyra Atlas SL and Miyajima Zero Mono.

6011343f2dfc6c36659c15cdaf3ed9ed.jpg
afb4f55e02e14a46dfe85e70bda51c6d.plist
56e52d136f031236f3289c7b26aedce9.plist
68da6305b95a66f2ea9c867f9ef597e7.plist
ae8bbe6fc7a18b6725ef7d3129b9fe6d.plist
2e430c14981cb93df1fa08c6791864fd.plist
b745f6f658f0a84f154eb9e736307141.jpg
4f721d49e8e31b9a8806bc5581f30768.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Great choices Mike, congrats. I’m sure you are going to have a lots of fun with that combo.

I also made a change recently. Not because the previous choices were bad, but just to try out something new. Also chose something with an airier top-end [emoji3].


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top