Jaap Pees is - in the Netherlands - a very well known and respected audio engineer (and a tube lover as well).
My Little Barn
- Thread starter dcc
- Start date
Yes am aware I have visited Hanse hifi before where he worked and was scheduled to visit him again which got cancelled, will do so at some stage
Indeed he works for Hanze Hifi but only parttime. Apart from Hanze Hifi he designs and repairs mostly tube equipment. He has been around in Dutch hifi world for a very long time. Very nice person as well.
Through Hanze Hifi, I commissioned him to build me the best specced TD124 he could. I had to wait several months but it was worth it. The cocobolo wood/panzerholz plinth is from Artisan Fidelity.
I also had a spare TD124 that I was keeping for parts. I then asked him to get it fully overhauled and he did a fantastic job as well.
His power supplies for TD124 are a must have.
I also had a spare TD124 that I was keeping for parts. I then asked him to get it fully overhauled and he did a fantastic job as well.
His power supplies for TD124 are a must have.
I always liked the TD124 and this is an extremely musical system despite the obvious room issues that can be seen in the video. The music just flows and there is no loss of scale. Sure cube audio in a small cabinet is never going to give same extension, but it was quite something to keep the music together in the confines of that room
The very reason why I chose full range driver speakers for this room.
Roy Gregory reviewed the Ethernet Control and the USB Control filters from Computer Audio Design (CAD). https://gy8.eu/review/threes-a-charm/4/
I had the chance to test them in my system and I must say that I have been quite impressed by the improvement.
The most significant improvement came from the Ethernet Control. Though the sockets on the Merging NADAC are recessed, I just had enough room to plug it directly to the RJ45 connector. I had a jump in dynamics and clarity.
With the USB Control, I got better controlled bass.
Finally, I tested the new version of the ethernet cable from Acoustic Revive LAN Quadrant Triple C against its previous iteration that I have had for several years. The differences were not subtle particularly on voices. I am keeping the old version that will migrate to my secondary system.
I had the chance to test them in my system and I must say that I have been quite impressed by the improvement.
The most significant improvement came from the Ethernet Control. Though the sockets on the Merging NADAC are recessed, I just had enough room to plug it directly to the RJ45 connector. I had a jump in dynamics and clarity.
With the USB Control, I got better controlled bass.
Finally, I tested the new version of the ethernet cable from Acoustic Revive LAN Quadrant Triple C against its previous iteration that I have had for several years. The differences were not subtle particularly on voices. I am keeping the old version that will migrate to my secondary system.
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I recently spent a few days in Paris and paid a visit to Ana Mighty Sound where François was demoing some cartridges that he recently brought into his vast inventory among others the new Koetsus.
All cartridges were mounted on a CS Port LFT1 turntable and its linear tracking tone arm.
The loudspeakers were the Stenheim Alumine V SX driven by two sets of electronics: a full tube combo from Phasemation comprising the SA-1500 amp paired with the hybrid-passive CM-1500 preamp and the EA-2000 phono stage, and a full solid state Boulder combo with the 1151 mono blocks, the 1110 preamp and the 1108 phono stage.
We started with the new Koetsu Rosewood Signature that we could compare to an old version. The new one had a better definition. It was a typical Koetsu sound with soft tones without being too mellow. We then swapped to the Urushi Tsugaru that was more convincing. François had also an old Onyx Platinum which was superior. I understand that stone bodies are in the pipeline.
Whereas 20 year ago, the Koetsus were my go to cartridges, I have to admit that it is no more the case and if I wanted having a similar sound, I would opt for a Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux. A quick swap to the My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum which I used to own confirmed that this is the kind of cartridges that I now prefer.
I was actually more impressed by two other cartridges, the new Mutech Hayata and the Aidas Mammoth Gold which I found the best out of the four new cartridges we tested. It is fast, dynamic and detailed without being aggressive.
We also listened to two cartridges that I know very well as I have them in my system: the Etsuro Urushi Gold and the My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond. This listening session confirmed that these two carts are exceptional.
Out of the electronics, I preferred the Phasemation combo. It is hard to believe that a 9 Watts per channel 300B SE amp could drive the Stenheim Alumine V with ease. The Boulder combo was no slouch but it was lacking some tube magic.
Many thanks to François for his availability.
All cartridges were mounted on a CS Port LFT1 turntable and its linear tracking tone arm.
The loudspeakers were the Stenheim Alumine V SX driven by two sets of electronics: a full tube combo from Phasemation comprising the SA-1500 amp paired with the hybrid-passive CM-1500 preamp and the EA-2000 phono stage, and a full solid state Boulder combo with the 1151 mono blocks, the 1110 preamp and the 1108 phono stage.
We started with the new Koetsu Rosewood Signature that we could compare to an old version. The new one had a better definition. It was a typical Koetsu sound with soft tones without being too mellow. We then swapped to the Urushi Tsugaru that was more convincing. François had also an old Onyx Platinum which was superior. I understand that stone bodies are in the pipeline.
Whereas 20 year ago, the Koetsus were my go to cartridges, I have to admit that it is no more the case and if I wanted having a similar sound, I would opt for a Etsuro Urushi Bordeaux. A quick swap to the My Sonic Lab Signature Platinum which I used to own confirmed that this is the kind of cartridges that I now prefer.
I was actually more impressed by two other cartridges, the new Mutech Hayata and the Aidas Mammoth Gold which I found the best out of the four new cartridges we tested. It is fast, dynamic and detailed without being aggressive.
We also listened to two cartridges that I know very well as I have them in my system: the Etsuro Urushi Gold and the My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond. This listening session confirmed that these two carts are exceptional.
Out of the electronics, I preferred the Phasemation combo. It is hard to believe that a 9 Watts per channel 300B SE amp could drive the Stenheim Alumine V with ease. The Boulder combo was no slouch but it was lacking some tube magic.
Many thanks to François for his availability.
@dcc I really appreciate the run down on impressive collection of cartridges. Since I currently own Etsuro-Urushi Bordeaux, I am particularly keen on hearing further on your experience with Etsuro Urushi Gold and the My Sonic Lab Signature Diamond. I got my eyes on Urushi Gold as next upgrade. My listening preferences, 90% Jazz. Would you pick Gold over MSL Sig. Diamond given my listening preferences?
I reported on a comparison between the two and some other high end cartridges a while ago https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/my-little-barn.26426/page-12
If I had to only keep one, it would be the Etsuro Urushi Gold but luckily I am not facing that dilemma. On some pressings, the MSL Signature Diamond will sound better but I have not been able to identify the drivers for this (label, type of music, etc.). I tend to alternate between sides.
Nice photo report!
The Aidas Mammoth Gold is my current go-to cartridge on the SME 3012R. The Hayata is an effort to pick up where Transfiguration left off -- I'd like to try one.
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I liked the Mammoth Gold very much on the Durand ToscaTonearm
I am progressing in upgrading my secondary system.
Though digital is a little bit secondary as I am a die hard analog guy, it is still necessary as recent interpretations of early/baroque music that are only available on digital are usually way better than the ones on vinyl.
I swapped the Etalon ethernet filter for a SOtM switch with a iFi Power X power supply. Combined with the Acoustic Revive Revive LAN Quadrant Triple C ethernet cable, the improvement were not subtle.
But the big icing on the cake is the addition of the CAD Ethernet Control and USB Control filters. I tested them with the Weiss DAC501 which I am using as a Roon Enpoint. The results were as impressive as with the NADAC in the main system. So I acquired a second set.
Finally, I tested the ORB ORB Mg-RS JAPAN record stabilizer that I had brought back from my visit at Ana Mighty Sound. Compared to the Thorens one, the differences were impressive with way more weight and clarity. This would be due to the properties of magnesium and the shape of the record stabilizer.
Though digital is a little bit secondary as I am a die hard analog guy, it is still necessary as recent interpretations of early/baroque music that are only available on digital are usually way better than the ones on vinyl.
I swapped the Etalon ethernet filter for a SOtM switch with a iFi Power X power supply. Combined with the Acoustic Revive Revive LAN Quadrant Triple C ethernet cable, the improvement were not subtle.
But the big icing on the cake is the addition of the CAD Ethernet Control and USB Control filters. I tested them with the Weiss DAC501 which I am using as a Roon Enpoint. The results were as impressive as with the NADAC in the main system. So I acquired a second set.
Finally, I tested the ORB ORB Mg-RS JAPAN record stabilizer that I had brought back from my visit at Ana Mighty Sound. Compared to the Thorens one, the differences were impressive with way more weight and clarity. This would be due to the properties of magnesium and the shape of the record stabilizer.
Appreciate your insights on CAD USB and Ethernet Control Filters. I am curious about their installation in your system. I own merging full stack, how would a USB control filter like CAD improving sound if you’re streaming via Ethernet only and not using USB port?I am progressing in upgrading my secondary system.
Though digital is a little bit secondary as I am a die hard analog guy, it is still necessary as recent interpretations of early/baroque music that are only available on digital are usually way better than the ones on vinyl.
I swapped the Etalon ethernet filter for a SOtM switch with a iFi Power X power supply. Combined with the Acoustic Revive Revive LAN Quadrant Triple C ethernet cable, the improvement were not subtle.
But the big icing on the cake is the addition of the CAD Ethernet Control and USB Control filters. I tested them with the Weiss DAC501 which I am using as a Roon Enpoint. The results were as impressive as with the NADAC in the main system. So I acquired a second set.
View attachment 157197
Finally, I tested the ORB ORB Mg-RS JAPAN record stabilizer that I had brought back from my visit at Ana Mighty Sound. Compared to the Thorens one, the differences were impressive with way more weight and clarity. This would be due to the properties of magnesium and the shape of the record stabilizer.
View attachment 157198
I am considering record stabilizer so your impressions of ORB was timely and helpful.
The CAD USB Control should not be confused with the USB In Line filter.
I understand that the CAD USB Control eliminates the noise associated to open/unused USB ports. The NADAC has two USB ports. I am using one that is connected to a SSD. I plugged the CAD USB Control to the second USB port.
I understand that the CAD USB Control eliminates the noise associated to open/unused USB ports. The NADAC has two USB ports. I am using one that is connected to a SSD. I plugged the CAD USB Control to the second USB port.
I’ve also got a Nadac stack. This is the Chord product I use in an open XLR jack on my Nadac.
Works great!
Though I have slightly reduced my purchases of vinyl in favor of tapes, I am still buying vinyl as well as SACDs to a point that I was short of storage space.
Luckily, I have small room adjacent to the main storage area. It used to be my office but I don't use it anymore as I have converted one of my kids' bedroom into an office.
I commissioned a bespoke storage mainly dedicated to tapes. It serves as a utility room for cleaning my vinyl. There is also a small home theater.
I should be alright for some time.
Luckily, I have small room adjacent to the main storage area. It used to be my office but I don't use it anymore as I have converted one of my kids' bedroom into an office.
I commissioned a bespoke storage mainly dedicated to tapes. It serves as a utility room for cleaning my vinyl. There is also a small home theater.
I should be alright for some time.
@dcc Your collection and storage solution is inspiring. Media storage is becoming a growing concern for me as well — I’ve managed to triple my record collection in the past year, even though I’ve been very selective… lol! The last thing I want is for my room to end up looking like Michael Fremer’s in a few years.
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