Thanks for the responses. I like the idea of upgrading my power cables but not sure where to start. I definitely don’t want to spend a fortune in cables but am willing to pony up some. Here’s where I’m currently at: Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II - tubes rolled from stock JJs to Gold Lion 12AX7 and 12AU7s with a Brimer 12AU7 in the center position. With running the Phonomena II+ preamp, I'm not sure if I'm even utilizing the tubes anymore? I upgraded the Phonomena to accommodate the Hana SL Moving Coil cartridge. My turntable is a Clear Audio Concept table. Speakers are B&W 805d3 stand mounts with a REL T9i sub. Kimber Kable speaker and interconnects. |
You guys, I am absolutely enjoying my stereo - as stated above, I love it! I’ve been living with it as-is for about a year now and still love it. I listen to it every day.
I recognize that just going to floor standing from stand mounts would change things (likely for the better) but maybe not? I’ve read that the 804d3 is actually less detailed because of the two in cabinet woofers vs. the 805d3. I wonder if trying a second Rel sub is a better route? I agree - I just need to experiment a bit. Or maybe I go back to an all tube phono stage? So many options for sure. |
Some straightforward advice here. I like it. I’m gonna get a second sub to see how that changes things. Can’t wait! |
Four subwoofers is definitely not an option for me. I have one currently, which I’ve hidden from sight. I actually don’t like what “gear” or stereo equipment. I love minimal, clean layout and interfaces. I love analog.
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LOL - yeah that’s sorta how I feel about power cables, ceramic elevation discs, etc. I don’t do any of that and have entry level Kimber speaker cables and interconnects. Funny. |
Zavato, I hear ya. The only thing I’d like to explore is going back to an all tube signal path and stereo subwoofers |
Haha what?! Bob Dylan doesn’t say that at the end of all his records. |
Kudelka813 - yes!
1: Already done. I had some RF feedback issue and replaced the outlet with a hospital grade unit. All gone!
2: I could benefit from some slightly longer speaker cables. I’d like to play with placement a bit but my current cables are just long enough to accommodate their current position.
3: Vibration / isolation is critical! I could see myself playing around more in this regard to achieve better sound across the board.
We are in the same page. I like it!
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Hahaha you guys got yelled at by mom. I love it! - so I added a second sub yesterday and I’m still on fence as to weather I like it or not. The stereo sub setup shares the the right and left signals vs. the single sub which was carrying the load of both signals making it seems tighter, punchier. Maybe I just need more time to play with the crossover settings, etc. |
So is your pre section of the Rogue totally bypassed ? If not NOS Telefunkens are fantastic. I’m not sure if the pre in the Rogue is totally bypassed. I would assume that it is given that I’m now using the aux in to run the MS Phonomena II+ pre. The MS pre is a solid state unit that is super quiet and sounds great but I’d really love to get back to an all tube signal path. I’ve been considering either the Rogue Ares Pre or the Herron vtph-2a. They’re both roughly the same price and both get great reviews. The Herron might get a few more positive reviews than the Ares tho... hard to decide! |
You added a second Sub to your speaker set up, which I agree with (I have a pair of B2s) however you seem to feel they are a little off ? I will point out that Rel recommends the S/510, the next model up from the T9i as an appropriate match to your B&W 805s.
Yes! I do feel that the low end is off! I think I’m going to upgrade to the S/510s. Thanks! |
Damn that sounds you have an incredible set up! I doubt I’ll ever take things that far but good for you! That’s awesome. I love people who take things to the extreme. As I’ve stated I do love how my stereo sounds and I’m not really chasing a “live” performance sound, I just want it to sounds great! I feel I’m pretty good at enjoying the music and subjectively analyzing the sound quality at the same time. The sweet spot is when it sounds so damn good you forget to analyze and just enjoy. |
I do agree that once you get into higher end audio it’s amazing how the smallest change can affect things for better or worse. So sensitive! |
Really?! You cannot swear here? Soft people |
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I think I’m still a music listener. My new music consumption has slowed over the years but I do sit down and actually listen to music or go for a walk with headphones almost every day. I have enjoyed building my hifi and I recognize the rabbit hole and am conscious of the law of diminishing returns, snake oil products, etc. I think I am very close to arriving at an endpoint in regards to upgrading equipment, at least for awhile. I love music. I have many musician clients - I design and print concert posters on the side as well for bands like Wilco, The National, Bon Iver, etc. |
Are you still salty about the sub springs that I shot down? |
@sgordon1 I was neighbors with the Coen Brothers. Grew up in St. Louis Park. God they make great films! |
Just upgraded to the Herron VTPH2-A Phono stage. I was wrong. It does get better! All I can say is WOW just wow! This thing is stunning! Good god! Everything is better. Beautiful midrange and fast bass without any loss of detail. Gorgeous tight transients too. I’ve only had it in my system for an hour now but already I love love love it!
Prior to adding the Herron I’d been having what seems to be RF interference. Fast intermittent clicks and pops. It’s much louder with the Herron. I’ve ordered some clip on ferrite magnets for my power, speaker cables and interconnects to see if that helps. Any other suggestions I might try?
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