jimmy2615's System

by jimmy2615 on

Description

The system has changed a lot over the last 25+ years. After chasing the dragon and getting to the zenith of what I could afford, I realized I much more enjoyed having various cheaper components that I could swap around and enjoy instead of constantly looking for the next bigger, better, and more expensive thing.  Swapping tube and SS component combinations provides variety and scratches the upgrade itch. 
    The Primaluna’s are running NOS Amperex and La Radiotechnique 12AU7s, Mullard rectifiers, and new GOLD lion KT66s, a great combination!  The Cardas speaker cables were a revelation in transparency.  I never had cables that were perhaps even more impactful than a component change, and I’ve owned a full Nordost loom at one point.
     I also use the system to play my digital Hauptwerk organ through, which is cool.
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Room Details

Dimensions: 28’ × 18’  Large
Ceiling: 8’

Components Toggle details

    • NAD M23 Amplifier
    • Isotek Evo3 Sigmas
    • Denon DCD A-110 SACD Player
    • Focal Kanta 3
    • Primaluna Evo 300 monos
    • Cardas Clear Cygnus Speaker Cable
    • Primaluna Evo 400 Preamp
    • Weiss Engineering 501 DAC

Comments 14

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@jimmy2615 ,
Thank You for the detailed response, describing the amplifiers and the strengths of each. It was very helpful.It is impressive that the NAD holds against the "reviewer loved" AHB2s. I have read reviews that indicate that the AHB@s are super neutral, but very boring. Looks like the NAD is also neutral but enjoyable.
I have been trying to understand the differences between Purifi and GaN and which might be better in my system. But lately, based on feedback from users (including yours), my preference is slowly shifting towards Purifi. I heard a podcast which included Bruno Putzeys and it was interesting to hear about his design goals for the Purifi modules. He mentioned that the speaker's impedance does not affect the amplifiers unlike other amplifiers. Not sure how that would work though.

Good to know that you found a DAC of your choice. That is something on top my list, even above the amplifier. Have fun with the beautiful looking (and I am sure, it sounds wonderful) setup. I like the main pic of your syste, You did a great job capturing it!

milpai

Owner
@oldschool1948  I had the Luxman L550-AX.  It was a great match.  I don’t listen loud, but it was never a problem with having enough power.  They do respond well to power though -  I’ve also had the 509x, though not at the same time with the Turnberry’s.  The class AB amps might be a better match in some ways depending on how loud you listen and the size of your room.  I read your post on this subject - I don’t think you could go wrong with any of those choices you are looking at.  You’d just have to see if you could audition to find out which brand’s sound you might prefer.

jimmy2615

Owner
@milpai thanks for the comment.  The NAD M23 is excellent.  I’m extremely impressed with it. I’ve had various class D amps going back to around 2010, including Ice, hypex ncore and Pascal modules.  It seems every few years the latest one comes out and proclaims ‘class D has arrived’.  The NAD is the first time I agree with that. It is super detailed and neutral but unlike many of the others I have tried it is not boring at all, or dry.  I’ve had benchmark AHB2s in my system, and those being super neutral, the NAD has a little more character somehow while also being neutral.  It has texture.  I liked it so much I preordered the M66.  The tube amps are less neutral and less powerful of course, which shows with the Kanta 3s.  The bass on the NAD is faster and tighter.  Midrange is excellent.  The tube amps are more holographic and liquid sounding.  All said, I get about as much listening enjoyment from both amps.  The Kantas are very amp friendly though, not sure how the NAD would sound with other speakers.
   I still have the T+A DAC.  I will keep it to listen to DsD files.  I have read all the info about upsampling and have tried a little bit of it (up to DSD 128) with PCM files and still preferred the Weiss.  But with Actual DSD files it is really good.

jimmy2615

Owner
 @toro3 the Elektor is really good.  It is different though than the Evo400 as you’d expect.  I’ve also had the Benchmark LA4 in my system.  I bring it up because it’s also a Pro-audio heritage company.  The SPL is extremely smooth sounding while also being detailed.  I’d almost call it ‘velvety’.  I’d say it is not as resolving as the LA4, and as far as resolution on par with the Evo400.  The tube preamp is actually not warmer than the SPL in my system.  The Primaluna is more holographic, and the highs are a little airier.  If I had to choose I’d definitely take the Evo400.  But for the money the SPL is very good.

jimmy2615

I’m going to get onto the question bandwagon since you have some great components going on in this setup. 

The SPL Elector Preamp - as good as what some people say given the price? Cant be as good as the Evo 400 - or is it?

toro3

@jimmy2615 
I see you have the NAD M23 ad also some tube amps. Which ones do you prefer running the Focals? Can you share some differences between the sound characteristics between the two and which do you prefer?
It was good to read about your DAC journey and your experience with the Weiss a year later. Thanks for sharing and keeping it to the point. Do you still have the T+A or have you sold it? On the audiophilestyle forum, they have a spcial thread for T+A DACs where people have mentioned that upscaling PCM to at least 256 DSD using HQP or Roon, brings out the best in the T+A DACs.

milpai

Hi There,

I was reading your "Tannoy Turnberry SE vs Kensigton SE - Semi Review" post.  I'm looking to buy Turnberry GR speakers and was wondering which Luxman amp you used with them, or could you recommend an amp? 

Currently, I'm using a PS Audio BHK pre amp and BHK250 power amp.  I plan to move to a SS integrated amp and are considering Luxman or Accuphase.

Regards,
Johnnie

oldschool1948

That is a kick ass system and listening space. I believe synergy comes from trial and error and it looks like you have definitely done the tried part.

jmalen123

Beautiful very tastefully and carefully arranged.

ghdprentice

Clean and orderly...my kind of system. Nice to see high-end gear properly displayed to enhance the visual aspect of listening to music on and audiophile system.

mjcmt

You're welcome and nice keyboard setup too wish I could play an instrument!

jond

Owner
Thanks!

jimmy2615

Fantastic looking system Jimmy and indeed great you can switch between tubes and SS options make the hobby more fun!

jond

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