My System at the Moment......

by kevemaher on
Electronics
SL-1200G with outboard MA-505L arm
Speakers and Traps
Revel F208 Speakers and Traps
Listening Position and Scatterer/Traps

Description

Revised March, 2026.
AR and ML components of the 80s and 90s. I can afford the used ones now.
I have spent a few years warming the sound system up. The BAT VK-33SE is the latest and most complete addition. The #27 amp is surprisingly smooth and has enough ooommpf to easily drive the f208s. Tube amps never worked as well nor sounded as good.
I had been using an HSU sub, but found I like the Revels running full range better.
No digital EQ. I could never get it to work very well. 

I usually cue up records. I've got nothing against digital, I just prefer the sound of records.
EQ is tweaked with the guidance of REW and my ears.
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 14’ × 19’  Medium
Ceiling: 8’

Components Toggle details

    • Technics SL-1200G
    Either the Umami Red or ML cartridges can be chosen by a homemade switch. This way, signals from both use the same electronics path.
    • Hana Umami Red
    • Benz Micro LP-S
    Mounted on a Micro Seiki MA-505L arm on an outboard pod
    • Marantz SACD 30n
    I'm very fond of the sound. The dynamics and punch are better than the Bryston BDA-3. And it is warmer sounding.
    • Rane ME60 Graphic Equalizer
    Although I have extensive passive room treatment, I need the EQ to bump the mid to lower bass region to help create a warmer sound.
    • Home Made Using Cinemag Transformers SUT (2)
    Both set to 100 ohms.
    • Paragon System E
    Late 70s tube preamp. Very basic. Unregulated supply. Phono section only. I am only owner. Recently rebuilt and recapped the entire power supply. Recapped the audio capacitors. Four  NOS Mullard 12AX7 tubes in the phono section.  

    This guy sat for 25+ years until I figured out how to repair it. Warm, comforting sound. Similar to the ARC SP-6B but more tube warmth.

    I switch back and forth between this and the ARC SP-6B.

    Just wonderful!
    • KAB RF-1
    Subsonic Filter for TT
    • Audio Research SP-6B Preamp
    Early 80s Tube preamp. filly refurbished to all specs by AR. Three NOS 12AX7 Mullard tubes in phono section, EH in the gain section (not used)
    Used exclusively as a Phono Preamp
    • Mark Levinson #27
    All Power Supply caps replaced 3/25
    • Revel f208
    Run full range without sub
    • Oppo BDP-105
    For Opera videos
    • Cables Balanced and Unbalanced
    All cables custom made by moi. Unbalanced uses Belden 1505F. Balanced uses Mogami 2552.
    Unbal to Bal converter - Transformer coupled. Home made with Jensen Transformers
    • BAT VK-33SE
    Wonderfully functional preamp. Incredibly well-made. Balanced sound. Preserves the warmth of the phono preamps. 
    Very user-friendly!
    • Custom Homebrew SE to Bal Converter
    This is a simple transformer based device that converts the single ended cartridge cable output to fully balanced cable output. This greatly reduces the AC noise from the cartridge and table.
    The only down side is a 2dB insertion loss.
    This is the last component in the phono section. Output is to to the VK-33SE balanced inputs. It is housed in an EMI-shielded metal box.
    Jensen Transformers.

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