System Pics 2015

Looks gorgeous, Lewis. How are the deck's mechanicals? Is it standing on the best support? And where are the grilles for those SBLs?

Chris

Thanks guys. 

I replaced the feet on the Sondek too while I was at it as the old ones were starting to perish.  I may get some new sub chassis springs at some point, but otherwise mechanically it seems fine and runs silently and keeps time well etc.  Sound wise it's not as amazing as some of the Sondeks I auditioned previously but they were well over £1500 and this was less than 800 with full boxing too.  It was cheap as Sondeks go and does the biz.  I may upgrade it when funds allow.  In the meantime it allows me to revisit my vinyl collection and looks fantastic too.

Otherwise I am happy with the Qute 2 and Nap 100.  Sounds great and does everything I want.  Famous last words ha, we shall see but for the moment I am pleased with it

RE:  The lid, I will try and get some photos up of it but I didn't take any pre polish, knew I should have but kinda got too involved doing it if that makes sense.

I have to admit that looks like a lovely set up. It all cleaned up beautifully. It all works well. I wonder what the CB Nait 2 would have added.
Where next I ask???

I'm also wondering that...

Originally Posted by Faux75:

I have to admit that looks like a lovely set up. It all cleaned up beautifully. It all works well. I wonder what the CB Nait 2 would have added.
Where next I ask???

I'm also wondering that...

Ha ha, well I did love the Nait but was far too lazy to keep getting out of the chair to adjust the volume whenever the wife got annoyed with how loud it was, whereas the Qute 2 does that and a lot more!

Hi Lewis,

your LP12 looks great.

I am considering following a similar path to you, with a vintage LP12, what at phono amp are you using?

david 

There are sum stunning set-ups in some equally stunning properties shown on this forum and I think its a great insight into likeminded folks lives, something which I love. I wouldn't ever feel embarrassed though, everyone starts somewhere and that's usually at the bottom and then work there way up, just like building a better system but on a far grander scale.  That's how I see it anyway 

Probably stems from an early experience of shower room anxiety. Don't worry about it, you're amongst friends.

Ha Ha!  Thanks a lot! 

Come on, show us what you've got.

My simple set up with tuner (NAT05), cd (CD5italic), TT (LP12), Spotify (Sonos Connect/Arcam rLink DAC) and Allaes. Please ignore the wallpaper, Ikea cabinets and all the other reds

Hi all,

Latest update of my different systems.

Primary (Lounge) System:

Second (Office) System:

Headphone (Bedroom) System:

On-The-Move (Portable) System:

Interested in hearing your thoughts

Paul.

I recognise the 1028be's, Paul, but what are you driving them with and what are those things they are standing on?

Hi MDS,

The amps are from Exposure (Pre/Combo - XVII/XVIII) - the last John Farlowe designs prior to him selling Exposure to whoever owns them now - very similar in sound to Naim (although slightly warmer sounding)

The stands are a bespoke, made for the guy I bought these speakers from earlier this week and are extremely impressive, improving the overall presentation somewhat

Hi Paul, I have the 1038 be's - I keep grills on. Mostly for aesthetics and some mild concern about sun exposure drying the drivers/surrounds over time. 

Also, not sure they sounded better sans grills. 

You notice much of a difference without grills?

I have mine toed in just a bit.

same color as yours. Very happy with them, david

Thanks, Paul.  Nice set-up.  The 1028be's are very efficient and an easy drive. Like you, I use my without grills.

Hi David

Once I'd put a 555PS on my nDac, which almost turbo-charged the dynamics of my system, my dealer advised using my 1028be's without grills on the basis that at reasonably high volumes the plastic structure of the grills could interfere with the sound waves. I've always popped off the little cap on the tweeters as being magnetic it's a quick job, though I leave them on when not using the system.

I hadn't thought about your point about sun exposure, though mine are in a room with a north-facing window so not a problem for me.

Thanks MDS,

I mix so far with the speakers, at lower volumes I generally listen with the covers on but with high volumes and proper sessions I'll take the covers off.

The Exposure amps drive the Focals very well and significantly easier than my previous speakers, Epos ES-14... next plan is to upgrade the streaming source and currently deciding whether to go for a new NDX and the gradually buy a second-hand 282/250/Supercap combo or go for a N-272 as the pre/streamer and the buy a second hand 250.2/XPS2 or 555 And eventually 252.

My concern is whether a N-272 is significantly better than my XVIII as a pre amp, it should be if you look at price alone and wouldn't/shouldn't an NDX be significantly better than the 272 in terms of streaming...

Hi David,

Not sure whether I notice the difference between having the grills on or off, if I'm entirely honest

How do you find the 1038's toed in? I tried mine but wasn't quite sure... Will have to experiment a little further.

I am extremely happy with them so far... I always loved my previous speakers (Epos ES14) but these are not only in a different league but easily have the best vocal I have heard at this price point

p.

Hello Lewis,

Lovely LP12. You probably know that you are compromising its performance on a massy support. A Trampolin base would help to provide some decoupling, or try it on a sheet of glass supported by three nuts and ball-bearings - Fraim style.

It wouldn't look as neat of course, but that's the eternal paradox of wringing the best out of Hi-Fi kit.

Enjoy.

John.

Paul, just slight toe in gives a focus to the vocals - avoids hole in center since my speakers are 9 ft apart.  David

Aha I see, with mine so close I don't suffer that issue

If I might be so bold, Mr. Bartman, what you need is Fraim.

System above post recent amp upgrade: 202/Napsc2/HCDR/200 to new 252/SC/300.  

Also changed speakers from PMC GB1i to some SH Shahinian Arcs.  Very pleased with the changes.  Wish I could split the right hand pile into two, but space and WAF is against me.

Nigel - your old Quadraspire is serving me well.  I don't think Fraim would go down well while the system is in our sitting room, but when I get my dedicated listening room it would be a possibility.  Obelisk 2s next I think, although I'm very pleased with the Arcs.  David

Compromises, compromises! I'm so pleased the Evo is serving you well.