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Original Message

RE: Really Dennis?

Posted by tube wrangler on March 25, 2017 at 18:25:54:
Hi Gusser!

The truth is, I'm not into the
internet like most of you are.

Perhaps you've noted this-- I don't
really know how to load pictures onto
the forum with the expected finesse.

I know-- what an idiot I must be! I can
take pictures, but haven't posted any.

OK, now you know about that, I'll see
if I can get some good ones-- that is,
after I get my taxes done.

My Home Theatre is simple-- something I
really enjoy without much fuss. A good old
Panasonic Plasma T.V. is all I have and
really need, although OLED T.V.s and the
new SONY XBR series, and that big Samsung
78-incher curved T.V. interest me.

I like Blu-Ray and DVD movies, and what
I can get off-the-air-- I don't pay per-
month on services I don't need.

Most of the system you might have seen
at audio shows-- a pair of my amps, my
big GPA transmission-line speakers, computer
audio, (library is Media Center-- J. River.

A P.C. running Windows 7-- modified to
eliminate all non-audio functions. I built
a 12VDC X 3 power supply to run the processor,
the sound card output, and the microprocessor.
All 3 are in one box, and all 3 are Linear-Tech.
regulated-- each has its own FWB rectification.
Output from each reg. goes straight into a choke,
then a cap, then more choke, and then a Foil-cap.
Power is routed into the computer using 3 Belden
12ga. shielded fire alarm wire pairs, cryogenically
treated. Bleeder resistors are across the outputs
internally.

I just used plain old Neutrik XLR connectors for the
12V runs. Makes it nice to unplug.

This P.S. made the whole thing into a superior sound
source. I wouldn't run any audio computer without it.

Blu-Ray player is Pioneer Elite's latest flagship,
their BDP-88FD. I really like this thing-- good
picture, and it sounds good. Audio goes into Berkeley
Audio Designs Alpha-DAC2 via SPDIF/BNC. Computer audio
gets into the same DAC via Berkeley's USB link, which
bypasses USB problems, and sports asynchronicity.

Recently I acquired a Pioneer PLX-1000 DJ turntable.
I was attracted to this thing because it has a nice
Direct-Drive base with fast stop and start controls.
I don't like belt drives because they delay and distort
music. A Direct Drive, DRIVES! I also like something
rugged that doesn't break easily.

I knew this thing would need help, so I called SME
up in Canada. Sent Alfred the stock tonearm-- I was
too lazy to tear it down myself, I think.

Alfred changed the tonearm wire to Cardas gold litz.
Al tossed the RCA connectors and ran the tonearm wires
all the way to the phono stage. I got that from Kevin
at K & K. I had a great design to build one, but had
to make it to RMAF first. I looked at it all over and
decided how to modify Kevin's phono stage. It got lots
of silver wire, more chokes, more small film caps, and
better RIAA parts from Rel-Caps Teflon stash. RIAA
resistors I changed later. THAT sure helped!

An Extreme Phono doughnut and mat really helped the
lowly TT, as did a new ClearAudio Maestro Ebony V-2
cartridge. Michael Fremer (at Stereophile) intimated
it to be world's most expensive Moving Magnet cart,
he was hinting at going further, but I read between
the lines-- got it, Dude! It's GOOD! (REALLY good, I
found out later). I love it more everyday.

I had a collection of Grado signatures, Shure items,
Stantons, Pickerings, Ortofons, Hanas, etc., but I'm
happy with the Clearaudio. Kicks ASS, and sounds
very dynamic, but lovely.

I'd say buy one....

All the sources go into a passive Ladder Attenuator, and out
to the 2 amps. The Alpha-DAC2 has remote volume control, but
I run the thing wide-open. Let the passive handle it-- better.

All levels match very nicely and close, so manual V.C. isn't
a chore.

It's a simple little system, but sounds very dynamic and
powerful-- movies certainly have lots of "bang" when called
for, and it's very clean, dialogue stays sharp through it all.

When I get rich, I'll get a huge Hi-Rez T.V. I'm waiting
for them to get better and more realistic in pricing.

I don't have any quarrel with introductory pricing--
development cosst get paid that way-- it's very good.

This system isn't Mega-Buck, but it's very good. Know
anybody with a deal on that new Samsung 78-incher,
curved screen model? It's dropped from $10,000.00 to
about $6900.00

I Still can't justify it.

Whoa! End of letter.... love your system!

-Dennis-