I would love to have a DAC with a triode output stage that also accepted DSD from an SACD and converted it directly to analogue the way the AGD does (I bought a used MK, 2). Not aware of any including the the Acuhorn R2R T which, if I am understanding what's on he website, converts DSD ro PCM...
That's great. Congratulations. As I've posted, I had the opportunity when I moved into my current home to have my first built from scratch dedicated listening room. Its not a large space, but it is giving me the most satisfying sound I have experienced. Enjoy!
Not sure if the spike portion on the Yamamoto cones is long enough - worth a try. The ebony/mpingo cones on ebay are typically well made and inexpensive, and sound similar to the Yamamoto.
The obvious improvement to make which would obviate the need for the piece of wood, would be to replace the aluminum cones (which are $20 for a set of eight at ebay) with a set made of ebony/mpingo,(also available at ebay). Both would transfer resonance (although I'm not sure to what extent the...
Hijack? So there are restrictions on the comments forum members can make? Don't own either and don't have a dog in this hunt. Just think it would be a logical and interesting comparison between two "pinnacle" products. If I was in the market for high end turntable isolation I would want to...
According to Wellfloat the patented, passive Babel controls vibrations down to the molecular level measured by nanometer. The Seismion may do more on a measured basis, but absent a direct comparison no one knows where the audibe impacts start and end. If you turn off the active isolation you...
I have listened to the world's best headphones, and have heard none that provide the accurate spatial presentation of either a live performance or a good system with speakers. I will never use them except in emergencies.
To each his own. Personally don't like the sonic presentation of headphones which don't/can't reproduce even a basic spatial illusion of a live performance (music coming from in front of you because that is where the performers are, instead of from inside of the middle of your head). Can't stand...
FYI: These two Alexus SET amps are also outstanding:
https://alexusaudio.com/products/tube-power-amplifier
https://alexusaudio.com/products/845se-sigle-ended-power-amplifier
https://www.stereotimes.com/post/alexus-audio-845se-singleended-mono-amplifiers/
Don't have a dog in this hunt, and not getting into any of the technical stuff. But it is interesting to compare how the sonic attributes of SET amps tend to be described in language compared to everything else. FYI - two reviews of the same SET amp, from two different reviewers, 18 years apart...
I've heard both and prefer the Dalby, which are more neutral and improved the sound of every component I've heard them under. I've heard the Shun Mook sound spectacular under some components, but also too warm with unrealistically extended decay under others. Note the difference in design - with...
So imagine an Inpol amp upgraded by the late Bill Thalman in consultation with the Pathos factory, using "worlds best" parts. That's what I have the pleasure of listening to every day.
Missing from your list is Pathos' unique single ended, zero feedback, Class A, OTL, "Inpol" hybrid topology, the best sounding implementation of which to my ears is still the 20+ year old "TT" integrated amp design.
Modified/upgraded Bache speakers are pretty close to perfect for my small (16'd x 9.5'w x 8'h) dedicated listening room. Together with the DHDI ZR Acoustics panels behind them, they have gotten me off of the speaker "merry-go-round". Their size is right, their spatial performance superb, their...
The comparison that would be interesting would be the Seismion vs. the Wellfloat Babel with optional Babel Base. I would not be surprised if the passive Babel's performance was competitive with the Seismion and other active platforms.
FYI: https://wellfloat-global.com/wellfloat-babel/
FYI...
PB9/10 combo works well with most components. For larger/heavier components use PB20/21. Results are component specific as the reviews note. If you get too much bloom, decay, or warmth with a specific component, mixing an ebony cone with brass spike cup may help bring things into balance. In...
The legendary Dalby vinyl stabilizer is available in ebony and lignum Vitae, and a number of the Dalby cables feature ebony or lignum vitae separators, collars, and connector covers. See also the extensive use of ebony, lignum vitae, and maple in the cost no object, designed from scratch "Akasu"...
In my main system I use Dalby Audio D7-LVE90SE Lignum Vitae wood feet (best sounding footers I've ever heard at any price) and the less expensive, similarly designed maple and rosewood ASI Top Line Feet, both in combination with Wellfloat isolation platforms. These two footers drain and...
Easier to just order Yamamoto ebony cones/cups than trying to make them from blanks. Been using them for 20+ years:
FYI: https://www.tnt-audio.com/accessories/yamamoto_pb_series_e.html
https://6moons.com/audioreviews/yamamoto3/footers.html
Very sad to hear that. Bill did a superb job of modifying/upgrading my Pathos TT several years back, and multiple smaller scale upgrades and repairs over the years. He was an expert technician and a class act. He will be missed.
Currently:
Hemingway Z-Core Beta (to Pathos TT), Echole Omnia (to Audio-GD R7 HE Mk.2 DAC), Allnic ZL5000 (from wall to Dark Matter Stealth power conditioner), and Lessloss CMARC Entropic (to PS Audio Perfectwave SACD Transport) power cabes.
Shunyata Alpha V2 interconnects from DAC to amp...
Gregory Porter's new Christmas CD, which I heard him sing several of his own compositions from at his New Year's Eve concert at the Kennedy Center:
https://jazzbluesnews.com/2023/11/06/cd-review-gregory-porter-christmas-wish-2023-video-cd-cover/...