These speakers use a double tweeter array to produce the midrange. The Be tweeter between the arrays is used as the actual tweeter. Then two big ass woofers are added. Extremely well reviewed and high value speakers!
Innuos PULSE
Network Streamer internal with a RECAP2 power supply by Dr. Sean Jacobs built-in. Uses the innuOS 2.0 and Sense software. Its the best sounding streamer, OS and control software I've every used.
Aria Audio Aria Signature MK2
This is a beautiful hand-built amplifier that puts out100 watts of Class A power with very high current capability. A extremely seductive yet authoritative sound with the Moabs.
Border Patrol DAC
I've recently gone back to the world of Non-oversampling DACs. They simply sound more natural than high-resolution oversampling DACs. This is the USB model with Jupiter caps. It took a couple hundred hours to fully bloom but it was worth the wait.
Network Acoustics Muon System
This is a complete digital cable system (filter, LAN cable, USB cable). This at a higher level than the famed EVO system.
Synergistic Research Powercell 12 UEF
This is a classic power conditioner. It's UEF/EM based and compliments every component plugged in to it!
DIY speaker, interconnects and power cables
DIY speaker, interconnects and power cables. They use multi-strand copper, an open weave, cotton cord in the center and ERS cloth at both ends. It's the formula Danny Richie uses for his cables. They have an open, airy yet very solid sound. The key is to break them in for hundreds of hours and use them as a "full loom" throughout your system.
Synergistic Research Black Box
The Black Box is a Low Frequency Resonator Array that works in conjunction with the Subwoofers, Atmospheres and FEQ X4 to solve bass node issues.
Synergistic Research ART System
This is Synergistic Research's older acoustic system that's based on resonators. It works very well with their current UEF system and provides excellent results. Complete ART systems are getting hard to find.
Townshend Audio Seismic Isolation Podiums
These decouple and "float" your speakers on a spring-loaded metal base. It opens-up the sound and adds solidity to the bass but doesn't make the sound harsh like most metal speaker bases.
The UEF Panels, UEF Dots, Black Box, Risers, ECT and GCT are all types of sound resonators. I use an Atmosphere XL-4 (green ATM), Atmosphere (red ATM), FEQ X4 (2) (red ATMs) and Mini-Atmosphere (green ATM) - when used with the Synergistic Research control software they generate various frequencies of Schumann Resonances around the room. Bottom line they work: create a huge/realistic listening experience!
Synergistic Research Galileo SX Grounding Block
The Galileo SX Grounding Block makes the system absolutely silent at idle and creates very black backgrounds for music. I made my own "high definition" grounding cables.
Akiko Audio Tuning Stick; Kemp QA Plug (2) and Zero One (2)
The Akiko Audio, Kemp and Zero One products treat the signal and power in my system keeping the electrons spinning around the electronic signals as uniform as possible or by adding more standard frequency Schumann Resonances. These products are excellent at making your system sound more "natural".
This company has now closed because the owner has passed away. These products work to achieve a uniform and consistent RF/EMI and electron treatment around my components which greatly helps the sonics.
Synergistic Research Tranquility Bases and Tranquility Pod
I use original MIGs under the Tranquility Bases.
Audio Magic Pulsed Electron Alignment
The PEAs are battery powered. Spintronics is the ability to control or manipulate how electrons spin. Electrons spinning around electronic signals carry audio information. The goal of the PEA devices its to get the electrons spinning as uniformly as possible. It opens up the sound and makes subtle cues in the music even more real.
Puritan 156, ADD-Powr Sorcer and ElectraClear EAU-1
The Puritan is an excellent line conditioner. The ADD-Powr and ElectraClear devices actually add electromagnetics (EM) to the AC line using an active circuit and algorithm. Contrary to popular belief not all EM is bad for sound quality in stereo systems. The proof is in the listening.
Timbernation and Bright Star Audio Platforms
Solid maple platforms stained cherry for electronics and Bright Star platforms for the subs.
Puron AC Line Conditioner
I've added two of these line conditioners into the same outlet that feeds my Puritan 156 line conditioner. They open the sound soundstage, give a more realistic presentation of vocals and reveal a little more texture and impact to the bass. Highly recommended!
Stein H2 Harmonizer system
I have 4 Stein H2s in my system.I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They add layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument being in their own separate but integrated spaces.
Tombo Audio Lotus Harmonic Enhancer
The bell on the top gives high resonance frequency while the tip on the top of the bell performs as a wave guide streaming high frequency up to the ceiling.
Townshend Audio Allegri
The Allegri is an autoformer based passive preamp. There is absolutely no noise but with with excellent soundstaging and dynamics.
Cayin Audio Mini-CD MK2
This is an excellent little CD player. I mostly stream but I still have hundreds of CDs.
I've added a SR Galileo SX Grounding Block to my system. The system is absolutely quiet at idle and music just seems to pop a little more from the background. Getting good grounding cables for it has been challenging so I've been working on making my own. The micro-banana connection is the main obstacle.
milpai - Yep, I had the same problem. If you look closely at the picture I have the power cord in the top outlet into the wall and the 3 prong in the bottom plug so there is no space issues. However, I did find one on Amazon which would probably work well because of its a 3 sided design. I tried posting the link but Audiogon wouldn't let me. Try searching
@sbayne , what is that connector you are using to connect the 2 Purons together? I had the same idea. But it did not work, because the connector from the power cord is pretty big and the square 3-way adapter does not fit in the space.
I've been asked if I still use subs with my Moabs. Previously, I used a distributed sub array with 4 subs. After a lot of listening with my new Aria amp I decided to take the sub array out for a while. My system may not play quite as low but its a little faster now in the bass. Not that it was slugging along before just a slightly more coherent realistic sound. I still think sub arrays are worthwhile but I'm learning it probably depends on your speakers and especially your amp. You really NEED an amp that can deliver large amounts of CURRENT in order to get the bass right. The verdict is still out though - I may start using the sub array again.
The latest change I've made is to incorporate a Tombo Audio resonator into my system. I use LOTS of resonators. Some of them I've made myself and some from Synergistic Research. The Tombo Audio works very well in the midrange region especially on vocals. Vocals are slightly more rounded yet direct sounding. Like you would hear in real life.
I'm now using a Border Patrol DAC that is R2R non-oversampling. It has a tube rectified power supply, choke input and Jupiter caps. The sound is very natural and pure with a very large sound stage.
Here is the review I sent to Aria Audio regarding their amazing Signature MK2 amp:
"The Aria Signature MK2 power amp is gorgeous! The contrast of the large blue meters with the slight gold finish is very classy. The build quality is obviously top-notch. Even though its capable of 100 watts into Class A its amazing this amp never gets too hot-to-touch. I let it play for a couple of weeks and checked the sound quality everyday, It immediately sounded very nice but as time went on the bass extended deeper and the highs opened-up a little more. Now with over 200 hours on the amp the bass is truly authoritative and the midrange/treble smooth as silk. Details in the music are excellent but never edgy or analytical. The area the amp really excels in, however, is soundstaging. The layering of sound is eerie. There are sound images playing in-front, between, behind and to the side of the speakers. My 6 feet tall speakers literally disappear with this amp! I have no idea how you can sell it for $1,450. Wow!!"
The Townshend Audio Allegri passive preamp is autoformer based. It gives you vivid transparency but with excellent dynamics and not a hint of harshness. I've used passives in the past but nothing as good as this.
I've been messing with the location of resonators in my system. Ted Denney recently suggested I lower the Vibratron from where I had it higher up on the wall. I finally settled with it on top of my preamp! It's really brought a lushness to the lower midrange and upper bass region. Amazing what resonators can do!
Audio reviewer Steven Lefkowicz suggested I use a laser ruler to get my chair placement, speaker distance and toe-in exactly symmetrical. I'm now at 35 degrees toe-in, my listening chair is 10.5 feet from the speakers, the speakers are 10.5 feet a part, the front wall is 4 feet behind the speakers and my listening chair is 4 feet from the back wall. This is moved the soundstage slightly to the right so it is exactly centered (it seemed like it was before but now its clearly spot-on) and added these precise measurements added more depth to the sound. This is a cheap and very easy tweek that I'm sure will help many systems.
I've been messing with speaker toe-in and listening chair placement. I did this when I originally set-up my system but thought I'd check it again. I'm now a little farther from the speakers and have them just slightly toed-in. Splitting hairs but just a little more natural sound. I'm going to live with it for a while and then check it again.
I've been in watts v. current wars with a number of people on other forums. They literally have no idea how a speaker is powered. It's current that drives the cones not watts!! Loudness has very little do with sound quality! It seems audiophiles are kind of stupid...sorry to say that...but....
I had some time so I made some interconnects for my subs so they would match the rest of my system. I use GR Research's ideas on cable design (multi-strand, open air with cotton). I was a little surprised but it added more texture and refinement to the lower mids and bass.
Based on the strong recommendation from the talk in the Forums I've added 2 Puron AC line conditioners to my system. They are in the same outlet as my Puritan 156. They are rather remarkable. They've opened the soundstage, made vocals more real and revealed more texture plus impact to the bass. Very high value products!
I've added a Stein H2 harmonizer system. I went with one in each of corner of the room with a Stein stone at each and a Stein diamond on the ceiling in the center of the room. They work exactly like advertised and as described in the reviews. Layers and layers of depth with each vocalist/instrument in their own separate but integrated spaces.
I've revamped my digital front end by going to an Innuos PULSE streamer and Network Acoustics Muon system directly to my DAC. Previously, I was running a ZENmini MK3 into an Audio-GD DI-20HE digital interface and an XLR digital cable to the DAC. After getting the PULSE, and doing extensive listening, the sound is slightly better without the DI-20HE and with the Muon system feeding the DAC directly with its included Muon USB cable.
I've added a couple more Synergistic Research FEQ X4 and and Atmosphere XL4 to my system. People are selling them to move up to the carbon series. Interestingly, the soundstage really hasn't changed that much but the overall presentation of the music has relaxed yet the detail and very low bass information has increased.
I'd been reading that the Puritan PSM156 Studio Master power conditioner is very susceptible to power cord upgrades. I knew that Puritan offered different grades of power cords but I guess it slipped my mind. So, I made a 20 amp cord based on the GR Research formula I've been using. I've never heard my system go through so many gyrations in sound! It sounded terrible for a couple days (I almost took it out), then very good, took a couple steps back and then slowly started to open-up and solidify. At about 150 hours its fully bloomed. I can't under state how important good AC power is to the sound quality your your system.
I had a good audiophile friend over last night and we listened to the Audio-GD R-7HE for about an hour. He is a BIG analog guy - his analog rig is over $50K. He has chastised me for getting rid of my analog system and albums. He said the Audio-GD is at least "listenable" Haha, thats pretty high praise coming from him!
I've now been running the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 DAC 24/7 for a week. I've listened to it everyday along the way. Like in all audio equipment good power supplies need a lot of run time to sound their best. It was great straight out the box but its now over-the-top good. It's also very susceptible to different power cords. Every change being easily heard.
Thank You for the details and sharing your experience sbayne.
Good to know that you have finally found a DAC that suits your listening preference. While 5-6 years is huge in "digital life" terms, it is still a valid experience and it helps others understand what the reviewer's preference is. I am not surprised because I have read a few user discussions that stated that mega $$$$ DACs not necessarily impressed them. It also probably, depends on system matching.
And like you said - far too many choices in DACs with new ones coming either monthly or weekly. But I think you landed with a long term keeper. Have fun listening to your music!
Thanks milpai! I use this as my personal blog to document the changes I've made in my system over the years. I've gone through a lot of gear and I haven't put every step of the way in here. As to DACs, I've found my strong previous is for non-oversampling (NOS) R2R ladder DACs. And, like most gear, that have robust power supplies.
Back 5 or 6 years ago, I had a friend (who as now dropped out of high-end audio) who owned a very expensive DCS stack and I listened to it fairly extensively. It was excellent but its just not as natural sounding as a good NOS in my opinion. Same with PS Audio but I have not heard their latest offerings/software upgrades. I've owned older models of Esoteric and Wavelength DACs and, at the time, my analog rig walked all over them. As to analog, I was really into idler turntables for many years having owned various Garrard 301 and Thorens TD-124.
I've owned a number of cheaper NOS and TDA1541A DACs from Chinese companies including a couple from MHDT Labs. They are excellent for the money. I've heard the Denafrip Ares II and it also seemed to be very good for the money. I had an Auralic for awhile and it sounded great but eventually got fatiguing sound-wise. So, I bought an Audio GD R8 NOS DAC, without hearing it first, and it was the best DAC I'd ever had in my system. Next, I made the mistake of buying a Denafrip Pontus II thinking it would be better than the R8 - I was wrong. The Pontus II sounded very analytical and dry to me (I realize its gotten great reviews). I bought it used and the seller very graciously let me return it to him.
I recently got a great deal on the Audio-GD R-7HE MK2 otherwise I would have stayed with the R8. I have not heard the most recent Denafrips Terminator II or the HoloAudio DACs - its rather "hard keeping up with the Jones" - I assume the Stereophile review is correct.
So, thats my digital journey so far - thanks for checking in.
