bslon's System

bybslon on

Description

Fun with high-end audio and a work in progress for many years, the system sounds so good now that I’m afraid to change anything. The most recent upgrade was moving from a Sony HAP HDD player to a Cary DMS-700 Network Player. The Cary has a non-fatiguing analog-like sound that is very enjoyable. It also streams Qobuz, Tidal and Spotify or anything else through AirPlay. The HAP was limited to Spotify.

I’m on my second round of Bryston and VPI gear, I like the sound, I like the dependability. The previous versions were a BP25MC pre and a 4bST amp, which I sold after 19 1/2 trouble-free years with 6 months left on the warranty. The VPI TT was a HW19 MkIII, nice sounding but the Classic is several steps up.

The 7T’s are a recent addition (from 20 year old Joseph Audio RM25 Sig MkII), really wonderful sounding loudspeakers that work very well with the 4b3. They turned out to be a great choice.

Other gear from the past; Carver, ESS, Infinity, Empire, Rotel, Ayre, Project, Mytek, Classe, Sony, Sansui, Garrard, Parasound. I’ve probably forgotten some others.

Few things in life are as pleasant as relaxing with some treasured music playing on a nice sounding stereo system. Life is good!


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Room Details

Dimensions: 20’ × 16’  Medium
Ceiling: 13’

Components Toggle details

    • VPI Classic 3 Signature Edition
    • VPI SDS controller
    • Lyra Delos
    • Sumiko Blackbird
    • ModWright PH 9.0X phono
    • ModWright Outboard power supply
    • Cary DMS-700 Network Player
    • Bryston BP-26 pre-amp
    • Bryston MPS-2 power supply
    • Bryston 4B3 amplifier
    • Aerial Acoustics Model 7T loudspeakers
    • Bryston BHA-1 headphone amp
    • Sennheiser HD 800 headphones
    • Sennheiser HD 820 headphones
    • Shunyata Research Hydra 8
    • Audiodesksysteme Glass Record Cleaner
    • SolidSteel S-4 equipment stand
    • AudioQuest Water, Columbia IC
    • AudioQuest Oak speaker cables
    • Shunyata Research Power Cables
    • PS Audio Power Port AC receptacle

Comments 18

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80x80
Well done, Bill! 
I used to own Aerial 7s, so I can only imagine how great the 7Ts are. 
Dying to hear the 9.0X some day. That's on my short wishlist. 

Love the album art around the room...a man after my own heart. Cheers,
Spencer

sbank

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Bill,

Thanks for the nice comments.  Really enjoying the Scansonics.  Your system looks great too.  I lusted after the Modwright but didn’t want to spend that much at the time.  Great reviews on the Aerials.  Haven’t had the chance to hear them though.  Enjoy!

Nick

nicks25

80x80
awesome !,,,,,,

tomic601

80x80
Owner
Hi, noromance!
I’m torn on the speaker placement, moving them out gains a bit of imaging but loses bass and I really like the bass they put out. I’m trying to avoid adding a sub system for now. Thanks for your comment and the suggestion.

bslon

80x80
Hi Bill. Looks superb. Would the speakers benefit from another foot into the room?

noromance

80x80
Owner

Hello rixthetrick,

Getting the best sound and performance out of the gear is paramount, but aesthetics are important, too. To me, anyway.

Your comments are appreciated!

Bill

bslon

80x80
Great looking system. You've taken some good shots of classy looking gear.
Enjoy the music.

rixthetrick

80x80
Owner
Thanks, slaw!
What’s on the turntable tonight?

bslon

80x80
Nice system!

slaw

80x80
Owner
Great comments Jon, thanks! The Aerials can kick it out in a surprising and satisfying way, and pair really well with the 4b3 amp. Years of careful upgrades have given me a system that I really enjoy. Chilehed likes the 7T’s too, has a pair in his system. If you get a chance to hear them sometime, be prepared—there’s a Wow Factor! :-)
Cheers!

bslon

80x80
Excellent looking system Bill my first ever serious  hifi component was a Bryston B-60 back in the late 90s, sweet little amp I know how good Bryston can sound. And those 7T's look the business I've read about Ariel speakers for years never been fortunate to hear any. I also love your record storage and the whole room vibe!

jond

80x80
bslon, great setup and beautiful room! Love the 7Ts...happy listening.

chilehed

80x80
Owner
jrw1971, thanks for your reply and advice—it’s appreciated! The Fat Boy gimbal looks like my next upgrade. Vinyl Rules!

bslon

Gravatar placeholder
Bill -- Love the rig, and the vinyl.  You asked me a question about swapping in the gimbal arm.  It's pretty easy.  I also did it on my Classic 3.  The half-dollar sized nut under the tonearm assembly plate (if that's the right term) can be a pain to loosen, and you don't want to mar it with plier marks, but you can wrap some duct tape around before using any tools if that's a concern.  VPI also answers their phone, I've learned, and they can be helpful.

jrw1971

80x80
Owner
John, at least you’ve kept your sense of humor!!
I’m afraid to make a list of old gear, my wife could find it!  :-)
Bill

bslon

Gravatar placeholder
Nice system.
I wish I had kept a list of all the amps, speakers, CDPs, cables and what ever else has passed through these hands in 40+ years. But then again I'd probably get depressed and what I have sold. I'm crying already

johnvin01

80x80
Owner

I’m fortunate to have retailers nearby where I was able to see and hear my gear and ended up with gratifying sound, even with the headphones. Some high-enders may say move the speakers out, add room treatments or subs but I’m happy with it as is…for now. You know how that is.

Thanks for your comment!

bslon

80x80
Nice!!

earlflynn

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