The Summit

by islandmandan on Done For Now

Description

Hello all,

My involvement in audio has been an evolving journey for many years now, but about six years ago, I decided a return to Tannoy speakers was something I had to do. I sold my Dynaudio Contour 5.4's, and purchased some HPD 315 drivers and crossovers on Ebay UK.

I had enclosures built in Pennsylvania by Frank Wyatt, of 1 7/8" net MDF (an inner 3/4" laminated to an outer 1 1/8" layer), with a Sapele Pommelle veneer. They are 150 liter bass-reflex, and weigh 192 lbs. each; sans drivers and crossovers.

I built outboard crossovers using Mundorf SIO caps, 12 gauge Alpha core inductors, and Dueland resistors, with silver solid core 14 gauge hookup wire.

I like them so much, they are the speakers I will have till I leave this earth.

After several years with a VPI Scout Signature, I wanted to venture into the idler wheel turntable world, so again on Ebay UK, I bought my Garrard 401, and did a DIY restoration on it. Frank Wyatt built a plinth for me, which I later modified extensively with Purpleheart side pieces (keeping the original 3/8" thick Bubinga center section), and milled Purpleheart edging on the top edges, and framing the Garrard chassis.

I then installed the Dynavector 501 arm (so nice to not have the VPI wobble!). Several cartridges are available in my collection, two Actutex (LPM 415, LPM 320), the Soundsmith retipped Dynavector XX2MKII, Zu Denon 103R with ESCCO white sapphire cantilever and Paratrace stylus mods, which is my favorite by far.

I bought a used Modwright SWP 9.0 SE phono stage, put NOS tubes in it, and installed an upgraded power supply provided by Dan Wright. I feel no compulsion to change to a different phono stage.

I wanted to try a tube line stage, so I sold my much-loved Sonic Euphoria passive, bought a Transcendent Sound Grounded Grid kit, in which I used NOS Amperex 12AU7 tubes, Clarity Caps output caps, Goldpoint stepped attenuator and switching, mil-spec silver hookup wire, and Bent Audio remote volume control. This is an amazing sounding line stage, I see no need to change.

Next came the Assemblage Audio SET 300B, which I sent to Chris Johnson for upgrades, caps and resistors, using Kiwame film resistors, Jupiter Paper Beeswax caps, and Nichicon caps. With the EML XLS 300B tubes the Tannoys sound lush, detailed, and very much like live music, especially well recorded Jazz LPs.

Lastly, some would say I devolved, but to have a quality backup in case of tube failure, and to save hours on the 300B output tubes, I decided to give Class D Audio a try. I bought a 125 Wpc CDA 254 kit a try, and really enjoyed it. I installed an additional amp module in it, running in bridged mono mode, it bumps the output up to 500 Wpc, which snaps the Tannoys to attention, and they sound excellent.

My old five channel amp gave out, so I built another CDA 254 class D amp, with an added module, and I was able to convert it to a three channel amp, with 125 wpc for the surrounds, and 500 watts for the center channel. All in all, a very cost effective set of amplifiers that are every bit as good as some of the higher priced amps I've used over the years.

At this point, at my age ( I turned 70 in February), I am happy to stand pat with what I have, I am enjoying the best sound I've ever had the pleasure of listening to at home.

As of 9/2016, I've completed additional sanding/polishing of the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. This time, I got it right. Up next, a redo of the Garrard 401 plinth.

Refinishing of the plinth for the Garrard 401 has been completed. Removed face and top pieces, made replacement 1" thick Purpleheart face with inlay, all new top pieces, and new arm board from Purpleheart and Australian Mallee Burl.

Added photos of redone plinth.

Regards, and enjoy,
Dan         

More turntable photos added Mar, 2017 

Added new photos 11/12/2018

Added SET 845 Audio Renaissance 845 integrated amp, just picked up on 4/20. Makes my Tannoys sound the best they ever have.

Added RCA 5693 Red Metal tubes in the SET 845 amp, made for a nice improvement in SQ.

Regards,
Dan

08/09/2019

Added Benchmark DAC 1 Pre, my digital front end sounds very much improved with this DAC. I know there are better ones available, but not in my price range. May be the best $500 purchase yet. I also discovered how much I was missing with a Musical Fidelity X-CAN driving my Sennheiser HD 600's, they sound amazing, who knew how much I was missing? (Not me!)

Regards,
Dan

09/23/2019

Added what is the best line stage I've ever had, the Modwright SWL 9.0. This piece has completed the quest to attain what is my ultimate goal in my system's sound quality. There is now a new liquidity, and completeness to the sound my system never had before. As this category says, "Done For Now", but maybe should be "Done Forever".

Regards,
Dan

04/13/2020

Upgraded surround speaker with very nice Andrew Jones designed Pioneer x-Z9 monitors. Concentric midrange/tweeter with a bass driver, built by KEF. Sound and look beautiful. 
12/04/2019
Added new photos of turntable with red Albert King LP

May 8, 2020

Replaced my old Kef Reference 100 center channel speaker with new KEF Q 650c center channel speaker. This is a very good upgrade in multi-channel music listening, and home theater as well.

June 8, 2020

Just added newly built 3C24 amp, built for me by Paul Birkeland  of Bottlehead. It has the refinement like an SET 300B, but the power response similar to the SET 845 amp. Sounds beautiful, too.

Regards,
Dan

September 12, 2020

Installed new Audio Technica AT440Mlb moving magnet cartridge. Always wanted to know what they may sound like, so I bought this one on Ebay. I'm really enjoying the sound of this rather inexpensive cartridge. Makes me want more.

Sepember 23, 2020

I added an Audio Technica AT ART-9 moving coil cartridge.

It's already my favorite cartridge, with only two hours on it.

Regards,

Dan

06/05/21

Gratefully added Townshend Audio Seismic Podiums under my heavy Tannoy speakers. Effect was immediate and transformative. Made a very good speaker system a great one.

08/17/2021

Added Class D Audio Gallium Nitride amplifier from Class D Audio. It sounds great.

11/01/21

In the process of adding a Herron Audio VTSP 3A/360 six tube preamplifier to the system, scheduled to arrive Friday the fifth. If it sounds as good as it looks, it will be a game-changer.

Regards,
Dan

07/06/22

Added Benchmark DAC 3 DX  
Nice improvement.

2/12/23

Added Herron VTPH-2 Phono Stage 
It's a keeper!

04/23
Hypex UcD 400 Stereo amp, built from kit. Superb sounding amp!

07/02/23

Paul Birkeland changed amp to use 812 output tubes after having some problems with the 3C24 ouput tubes.
 Amp sounds even better now, glad to have it back and even better, thanks to Paul.
The 812 amplifier is now the best sounding amp I have ever heard.
Paul Birkeland should take a bow!
Read more...

Room Details

Dimensions: 34’ × 16’  X large
Ceiling: 11’

Components Toggle details

    • Arcam AV 9 Pre-amp Processor
    Just added to replace defunct Primare SP 31. Excellent, so far.
    • Benchmark Media Systems DAC 3 DX
    Just installed this DAC 3 DX which I bought off US Audiomart. It's sounds great just out of the box, best my digital front end has sounded yet. I'm very happy with this DAC, and now I understand what all the fuss was about. I'm sold.
    • Oppo UDP 203 with Linear Power Supply
    Bought this after my Arcam DV 139 died. Installed a new Linear Power Supply, back to enjoying my multi-channel hi-res music again.
    • Esoteric DV 60 Universal Player
    Universal player, XLR, HDMI connections, multi-channel capability.
    • Herron Audio VTSP-3A (rev02) 360 Line Stage
    VTSP 3A/360 Line Stage

    Exceptional sounding phono stage. It mates very well with my Herron line stage.
    • Herron Audio VTPH-2 Vacuum Tube Phono Preamplifier
    Tube Phono Stage
    • Garrard 401 with DIY Plinth
    DIY restoration of a vintage Garrard 401 idler-drive turntable, on which I just completed a six week redo of the custom DIY built plinth, due to problems getting the finish right. I sawed the front off, and removed all the top pieces. A 1" thick slab of Purpleheart with an oval Australian Mallee Burl inlay flanked by a different hardwood species I can't recall were added. A new arm board of Purpleheart and the Mallee Burl was made, and the pivot-to-spindle distance was adjusted to provide for easier cartridge to headshell connections.

    Top pieces were fashioned of Purpleheart, and a new labor-intensive finishing process (new to me, anyway), of Waterlox Tung Oil Sealer/Finish, followed by Waterlox Gloss Tung Oil finish. At least a dozen coats were applied between the two, each coat requiring 24 hours between applications. Thanks to Pierre France for his help in guiding me on the tung oil finish.

    I serviced the motor, cleaning, oiling, and replacing the suspension springs. Glad to finally be done, and finally satisfied. Analog withdrawals were starting to set in, but it now looks better, and sounds better as well.
    • Dynavector DV 501
    Bi-Axis Tonearm. DIY rewire with Cardas wire. This arm works well with a diverse group of cartridges, to my surprise.
    • Audio Technica AT ART-9 Cartridge
    Moving coil cartridge, just installed. After only about two hours of run-in, at 47K, it's already the best cartridge I've ever owned.

    I've determined my analog front end is much better than I realized it was. I've never enjoyed my vinyl as much as I am now,
    • Audio Technica AT 440Mlb
    Recent purchase, new AT MM cartridge. I've always been curious about AT cartridges, so I bought this one off Ebay. I really like the sound of it, actually pretty good, considering the low price.

    Makes me even more curious about AT carts. I may have gotten myself in trouble, as curiosity is expensive in this hobby.
    • Acutex LPM M320 III STR
    Lowest Possible Mass, Tri-Induction Magnetic System, 20-45Khz, channel separation 33db@ 1Khz, weight 5.45g.
    • Denon Zu Denon 103R
    Potted moving coil in 6061 aluminum body/w ESCCO sapphire cantilever/Paratrace stylus upgrade. This cartridge has proven to be the best of all my cartridges, and not by a small amount. Beautiful.
    • Dynavector XX2MKII
    Moving coil cartridge. Just re-tipped by Soundsmith with their top-line OCL re-tip. Made a great cartridge even better.
    • Acutex STR 415
    Ultra-lightweight MM cartridge
    • TTW Copper Mat
    Solid copper machined mat, great addition to 'table.
    • TurnTableWeights VPI Heavy Brass Clamp
    TTW Brass clamp I modified so it will work with their copper mat. (Threads would not engage spindle threads).
    • Pete Riggle VTAF
    VTAF on-the-fly modification by Pete Riggle for Dynavector 501/Garrard 401 Teflon and burnt silver finish options
    • Orsonic AV 101b
    Headshell
    • Mint LP Best Tractor
    Etched-in-glass cartridge set-up tool
    • DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaner
    I've just completed a DIY Ultrasonic Record Cleaning machine, this the creation of BBtx, of DIY Audio. I thought it a very unique design, one that melded convenience, simplicity, and build quality.

    If I were to say I am pleased with it, it would be an understatement. For a couple of hundred bucks, it can't be beat. I've hankered for one of these for years now, and thanks to BBtx my needs have been fulfilled.   
    • VH Audio Flavor 2 DIY Power Cord
    Built this AC cord for use with the Transcendent Grounded Grid preamp. Great sounding AC cord.
    • Paul Birkeland 812 Power Amp
    3C24 tube power amplifier changed output tubes to 812. Paul, the designer/builder, brought over four different amp choices to try out on my custom HPD 315 Tannoy speakers. After having problems with 3C24 tubes, Paul changed the amplifier to run 812 output tubes.

    The amp sounds much better, more powerful, and I like it even better now. My thanks to Paul Birkeland!
    • Audio Assemblage (Sonic Frontiers) SET 300B
    300B SET Factory Upgraded, with EML XLS 300B Tubes. Just serviced by Paul Birkeland. All critical measurements were taken, two bad Blackgate bypass caps were replaced with higher-rated Nichicon caps, and the filament voltage was optimized to better suit the EML XLS 300B tubes.

    This amp now sounds incredible. Paul informed me the transformers in this amp are Magnaquest, to him about as good as you can get. He also informed me this amp sounds as good as any $5000 SET 300B amp available in today's market.
    • Emission Labs 300B XLS
    Robust drop-in replacement for 300B.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Kit built Class D amplifier. Running two, in bridged mode, providing 500 Wpc into 8 ohms.
    • Class D Audio CDA 254
    Two channel amp converted into three channel by virtue of adding an additional CDA 254 amp module, RCA input, and single channel speaker terminals. Price for parts for modification: $194
    • Musical Surroundings Fosgometer
    Azimuth adjustment tool.
    • Custom built crossovers Custom DIY
    I've just completed an update on the crossovers for the custom HPD drivers. I actually used all the parts over again, including much of the solid silver hook-up wire. I made new mounting boards, and ran the wiring under the board, for a much cleaner look. I used heavy copper terminal lugs, which I modified to use a flat male spade connector, rather than wire. Wire runs are much shorter as well.

    I made new outlet cables, using Furutech locking bananas, and Cardas binding posts. I can't tell why, but this update improved the sound of these speakers much more than I expected. I've never heard electric guitar sound as it did on Steve Cropper and Felix Caviliere's "Nudge It Up A Notch", Cropper's guitar sounding just as he had wanted it to sound, with gorgeous tone, unlike anything I've heard before on a recording.

    Next is an internal speaker wiring update.

    I've just completed changing some components in the crossovers back to their original values. 27ohm resistors changed back to 47ohm, .68mh inductors reverted back to the original .82mh. I'm beyond pleased.
    • Tannoy HPD 315 w/Hard Edge Conversion
    Twelve inch Dual Concentric HPD driver in custom enclosure.1 7/8" wall thickness with custom designed and built crossovers. Weight is 200lbs. each. Finished in Pommelle Sapele.

    A complete rewire of the internal wiring was just completed. I made a 1/4" X 1/2" Teflon terminal board, with double-ended male spade connectors at the speaker. Wiring was completed at the input end with new crimped and silver soldered connectors with color-coded heat shrink tubing, and color-coded electricians tape.

    The results are a major improvement in clarity, detail and dynamics. These great speakers have just gotten much better at the things I love about them.

    After further study of fine wood finishing methods, and purchase of additional sanding/polishing medium, I again sanded and polished the enclosures for my Tannoy HPD 315 drivers. Got it right this time, now they are done. Next is the plinth for the Garrard 401.

    Dan

    8/3/19
    Some of you may recall my changing resistor values in my Tannoys back to the original value, to good effect. In that same vein, I just modified the .68mh inductors back to their original value of .82mh. I felt at the time when the crossovers were first built, the high frequency output was out of line, so I reduced it to better suit how my system sounded at the time.

    I had saved the .82mh Alpha Core ribbon inductors, and I changed them out yesterday. The results have shown me how much my system, as a whole, has improved, due to how well it sounds now as opposed to back 8-10 years ago. I feel I'm now getting what I was supposed be hearing all along. It's a great feeling. Now I no longer wonder what Dr. Arthur Loesch was thinking when he gave me this crossover design so many years ago now.

    Regards,
    Dan
    • Townshend Audio Number Four Size Seismic Podium
    Large Podium to fit under my 200lb. Custom Tannoy speakers. They are 17" W X 20" D X 48" H.

    These isolation podiums have made my speakers sound as never before. Just better wouldn't describe it. I have never before heard anything sound this way in this room, or perhaps any room I have visited.

    These Seismic Isolation Podiums are very special in what they do. They're expensive, but worth it for what they do for speaker systems. 
    • KEF Q 650c
    Newly added Kef Q 650c center channel to upgrade from my old Kef Reference 100 Center Channel speaker. The Q 650c is all I could have wanted or hoped for. Multi-channel music is way better now, as is Home Theater listening.
    • Pioneer S-Z9 Designed by Andrew Jones
    Nicely made small monitor speaker. Dual Concentric midrange/tweeter with an additional bass driver. Gloss Black, and a nice upgrade as my surround sound speakers, replacing the nearly twenty year old KEF Q 15.2 speakers I was using for surrounds. Multi-channel music now has better depth and clarity to it.
    • Crown International XTI 2002
    Running bridged to single channel. This amplifier (rated @1600 watts into 8 ohms) has taken charge of the Tannoy 15" passive sub, and turned it into the most musical sub I've yet heard.
    • Tannoy Sub 15i
    15" Passive Tannoy subwoofer. with the Crown XTi 2002, does a superb job of matching, and augmenting, frequencies below 50 Hz.
    • Tempo Electric Big Twist Silver/ pair for each amp
    12 gauge solid-core silver in teflon tubing, 3 meters
    • Synergistic Research Various cable models
    Interconnects, speaker cables, and power cords different models.
    • DH Labs Silver Matrix
    From phono to phono stage, internal cabling in speakers and crossovers.
    • Vibra Pods various
    Pods and cones under amps and most components.
    • Walker Audio Reference Hi-Def Links
    Eliminates ultra high frequency hash in signal.
    • Audio Metallurgy AG-0
    Silver coated oxygen free 22ga. copper
    • Quasi-DIY Velodyne/Eminence
    An old Velodyne 1250-X sub that had a 12
    • Tannoy Crossover Schematic
    Crossover design donated to me by Dr. Arthur Loesch.
    • Dynaudio Sub 500
    Just purchased, this thing is bad to the bone, in a very good way. Sounds great for Music and Home Theater both.
    • Panamax M5400-PM
    Voltage regulator.
    • Hypex Electronics UcD 400 Stereo Amplifier
    Just built from a kit. Great souunding amplifier.

Comments 604

Sign in to comment
I've had this CD for a long time and as my system has evolved this recording just continues to sound better as a reflection of the improvements. So I give much credit to the recording engineer who obviously had good ears and talent.
Charles,

charles1dad

Interesting that when the Tenor Sax comes in, I don't feel the same magic. Perhaps a lesser player with a less compelling tone.

jetrexpro

Charles/Dan, I am listening to "Jim" on vinyl as I write this and struck by the sheer presence of the trumpet. I hear the air and space around it that makes for that in the room feeling. Sarah's voice has that same presence. What is striking about this album is how it sounds old, but also sounds fully extended in the bass and treble. The mid range is glorious!

It goes to show how important the information from 100Hz to 10kHz is. What an amazing sound engineer and wonderful tube equipment that was used to record this record. Not to mention the almost perfect god given tone of Sarah's voice and Clifford's trumpet. As a musician, you either have that gift or you don't. The flute just entered on "He's My Guy" and wow such a fully realized flute sound. Glorious stuff that is 60 years old.

jetrexpro

Hey Dan,
Good to hear that! Enjoying your music is the sole reason for this fun hobby of ours.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Hi Charles,

Yes, Clifford's playing is superb. Funny situation last night, I changed back to the Zu Denon 103R/ESCCO-modded cartridge, and checked every set up parameter again. Everything was spot-on, the only thing that changed, was a bit less VTF, and a bit of VTA change. (With the Dynavector arm, Riggle VTAF system, and carts all mounted on their own headshells, change-outs are quick and painless.

Anyway, I played the Sarah Vaugn/Clifford Brown LP again, and damned if it didn't sound a whole lot better! No trace of sibilance, just gorgeous music-making. Go figure.

I also broke out the King James Sheffield Labs, really had my toes tapping! Also Lee Morgan's "Tom Cat" (45 RPM version) and Oliver Nelson's "The Blues and The Absolute Truth" (also 45 RPM). Now I think I better check the XX2MKII.

So, it turned out to be one of the best nights of listening for some time, and the best the 103R has sounded yet. Very happy camper.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,
I only meant did you like Clifford Brown's playing as much as Sarah's singing. His trumpet sounds so good on this recording, nothing more. I share your thoughts regarding all genres of music should be handled well by a good system.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Hi Charles,

I haven't heard all that many different systems (I don't get out much!), but Clifford's trumpet sounds, to me, like a trumpet should. I know that's somewhat of an inane response, but I'm tucked away on an island, 100 miles away from the nearest large city (Seattle), so it's very rare I get to listen and compare systems. (and trumpets!)

I've got friends in Portland five or six hours away, and one friend on Camano Island, about an hour and a half drive, and that's it. Pretty much cloistered away here, new audio friends are always welcome.

I don't know, my system sounds good to me with any type of music I throw at it, which to me is a requirement of any good system. I think trying to optomize a system to suit a particular type of music is defeating the purpose of having a good, all-around system. That's what I think anyway, but whatever floats your particular boat is what's right for you.

I don't know if that answers your question, I hope so, aside from being overly long, for which I apologize.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Hi Dan,
How does Clifford's trumpet come across with your system? I love the entire CD but his solo on the song "Jim" just connects with me no matter how often I've heard it, pure emotion in his horn. Paul Quinichette's tenor saxophone is beautifully played and captured, what a lovely full tone he had.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
After reading Charles1dad's comments regarding Sarah Vaugn's Emarcy MG-36004, I decided it was time to revisit this recording. I had swapped the Dynavector XX2MKII back in, and had a listen.

As most of you know, this is a very "hot" recording, that will make you fully aware of any shortfalls in your playback chain.

It sounded the best it's ever sounded, with some sibilance on one of Sarah's vocal tracks. The extremely hard to track flute crescendo on the end of side two was nearly perfect, just the slightest bit of sibilance.

Prior to that I played Black Lion's reissue of Dexter Gordon's "Both Sides Of Midnight", which comes with both 33 1/3, and 45 RPM versions. The 45 RPM was what I played, each time I play this, the more I come to appreciate the job Black Lion did on the reissue, and, of course, the excellent playing on this live date in Copenhagen.

This all made me realize I need to revisit cartridge set-up on the ESCCO modded Zu 103R, as it sounds a bit "grainy", compared to the XX2. Or, the Dynavector is just that much better, but it bears some checking out to be sure. Good stuff.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dave: Honey,... Having me sleep on the couch last night made me realize something...... YOUR NEW CABLES ARE FANTASTIC!!!

isochronism

Her birthday is coming up, great idea Brett!! The perfect present. And yes I'll be sleeping on the couch.

jetrexpro

What is the worst that can happen? She make's you sleep on the couch...
.... which just happens to be in the sweet spot..... HA

isochronism

Since your wife's career is music oriented, order them in pink (Joe offers a variety of colored Teflon sleeves) add a pretty bow on them and tell her they were specially designed for women's hearing abilities. You know, the same type of BS that Audiophiles have been believing for years...

isochronism

When I come over.... introduce me as Harry

isochronism

If I do order them immediately I will blame you and Brett when my wife asks why I spent MORE money on my stereo :)

jetrexpro

Owner
I will be interested in your impressions of the Tempo Silver cable. I won't be at all surprised if you order your own immediately. Thousands can be spendt, but for my money, these can't be bettered.

They make those EML's sound even better!

Enjoy,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,
I have talked Brett into bringing his Tempo Electric speaker cables over next time he visits. BTW, The lower mids of these EML300bXLS is beguiling! Your comment about cello came to mind tonight while listening after a very cold day here in the east. So much depth, inner resolution and richness. Viola and Cello sound wonderfully real. So much expression, I can see and feel the bow on the string. Whoa!
jet

jetrexpro

Owner
System edited: Added Tempo Electric 12 gauge solid-core siver speaker cables (two pair, one pair for each power amp). This has made for resolution and detail I didn't know my Tannoys were capable of. Amazing cables, at a very down-to-earth price. Also added a Velodyne eq Max 15" subwoofer. Tympanis, when struck, now have all the impact they should have, without an artificial "boom", as many lesser subs have. Regards, Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Charles, with the silvers, the VAC sounded better than I ever knew it could. Detail, resolution, and presence that I did not know it, and the Tannoys were capable of.

The VAC doesn't quite equal the SET, I don't think, due to the nature of 300B tubes in general, and the XLS 300B in specific. It is astonishingly good, though, it makes me very, very glad I didn't sell it. Kevin and Brent at VAC can be proud of the upgrade work they did on it for me.

This is the kind of performance I was hoping to have for all the many years I have enjoyed and been in audio. The VAC and SET 300B are very close in performance (in fact, the VAC sounds very SET-like with the silver cables).

What the silver did for the VAC, it does for the SET. I believe I am now getting the full measure of what the EML 300B XLS tubes are capable of (at least with my little modded Assemblage SET 300B).

This, to me, is an incredible turn of events. Hearing music like this in my home was not something I thought I would ever experience, due to shallow pockets. It goes to show, it's not how much you spend, it's what you spend it on.

Dave, I didn't have any specific reason to choose 12 gauge for the silver cables, I have just always used 10-12 gauge speaker cables. It has nothing to do with specific electrical values, just personal preference. I am a real layperson when it comes the very technical stuff.

I can't say enough about Tannoys.

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,
Does your VAC set up with silver cable now equals the SET amplifier system?
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
Hello Brett, Charles, Dave,

I tried the VAC/Auditorium A 23 together last night, and while it sounded very good, it's not in the same league as with the TE Silvers. Guess I'll have to give Joe Levy a call for another set of silver TE cables.

While I would love to get together for some quality listening here, we are unfortunately quite a far-flung group. Maybe some day!

Best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Dan,
Tempo Electric also sells several gauges of speaker wire. What influenced your decision to get 12 gauge? On their site they recommend 16 gauge for 1-19 watt amps.

Thanks!

jetrexpro

Dan, As you may know that I also use the same Tempo SC's. (un-terminated at both ends) With much research I had decided on these and also went Tempo IC's (XLR-RCA, pre to amps) I have not compared these to any other cables in these two positions. I recently considered the Audioquest Everest (SC's) They use "counter spiraling technology" and "spread spectrum technology" so they got to be good and are only $21,000, tho, they are not silver, so I held off.
I agree with your good taste in music and equipment !

isochronism

Hi Dan,
Not surprised at your solid core silver cable-SET success, I find this combination an ideal match. Natural, beautiful and real.
Charles,

charles1dad

Owner
The Tempo Electric solid core/teflon tube cable went on the SET 300B/Tannoy setup last night, and the improvements were on the same level as with the VAC/Tannoys.

Cello and piano were huge in my listening room with Onslow sonatas, acoustic jazz was reproduced in the same fashion.

I heard detail that I did not know Tannoys were capable of. Needless to say, the Tempo Electric silver cables will stay on the SET/Tannoy combination. I will decide after I listen to the VAC/Auditorium A23, if that matchup works well enough to keep it that way.

Regards,
Dan

islandmandan

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