AudioAficionado.org  

Go Back   AudioAficionado.org > AudioAficionado News > Member System Forum

Member System Forum System Pictures and Descriptions

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 09-02-2023, 12:35 PM
robfine's Avatar
robfine robfine is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Posts: 1,067
Default Robfine’s System

I made a pretty fundamental change in my system a couple of weeks ago. I was going to listen to it and write about it. So I listened… and listened some more… and I couldn’t find the words, so I listened some more. This has gone on for a couple of weeks now so the heck with it, I’ll just send pictures. The change in sound is significant (for the better) but I am still trying to best describe it so that will come soon… maybe…IMG_2514.jpeg

IMG_2676.jpeg

Note: the PrimaLuna predates the change.
__________________
Office/Music Room
Dynaudio Heritage Special. Uptone Audio EtherRegen Ethernet Switch. Akasa NUC 10i7 with Roon Rock. Bryston BDP-3 Digital Music Player (with 4 Tb Internal SSD and Synology DS920+ NAS)-->Holo Audio May Kitsune Edition DAC-->Shunyata Sigma USB—>Gryphon Diablo 120 Integreted Amp w Transpatent XL PC. Oppo BDP-105D and BDP-203. Power: Shunyata Hydra Sigma S12 PD. Additional Cabling: WW Silver Electra PC, WW Electra PC, Shunyata Venom 3 PC. Digital: WW Starlight Ethernet, WW Gold Starlight AES-EBU, WW Platinum Starlight USB. IC and Speaker: WW Eclipse 8.

Bedroom System
Ipad with MusicStreamer App-->Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp—>Audeze LCD-XC, Focal for Bentley Radiance HO, Massdrop E-MU Teak HP. AK SE 200 DAP.

Mobile Survival Kit
Astell & Kern SP1000M. Noble Kaiser Encore IEM with Double Helix Balanced cable, Westone W80 IEM w ALOaudio Ref 8 cable, Westone W60 IEM, Shure se535 Ltd with Westone Bluetooth Wireless cable-amp. Mark Levinson No. 5909 Wireless HP.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 09-02-2023, 12:41 PM
Masterlu's Avatar
Masterlu Masterlu is offline
AA Founder, Legend AV Owner



 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: South FL & Cape Cod MA
Posts: 78,485
Default

Nicely done, Rob!

Attached Images
File Type: jpeg IMG_8299.jpeg (103.7 KB, 114 views)
__________________
Ivan
FLORIDA
MX136, MC1.2KW(10) MC2KW(2), MCD1100, MS750(2) MVP881, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, HT-2 SUBS(2) HT3F(2) WS350(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) XCS350(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" MOTORIZED SCREEN, CINEMA-TECH SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: ACCUPHASE A300 AMPS, C3900 PRE-AMP, DP1000 CD/SACD TRANSPORT, DC1000 DIGITAL PROCESSOR, DG-68 DIGITAL EQUALIZER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, PS1230 POWER SUPPLY, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, WW PLATINUM CABLES
CAPE COD

MX150, MC501(2) MC1.2KW(10) MC2301(2) MR88, MVP881, MCD1100, MDA1000, C1000C/P/T, MPC1500, ESOTERIC K-01X 30th ANNIVERSARY (BLACK) SACD/CD PLAYER, G02-X CLOCK, HT3F(2) XRT2K, XCS2K, XR27(2) JL GOTHAM v2 SUBS(2) JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(4) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) KALEIDESCAPE STRATO & TERRA SERVERS 80-TB, LUMAGEN RADIANCE SCALER, SONY VPH-G90U 4K PROJECTOR, STEWART 120" SCREEN, SONUS FABER STRADIVARI, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, FORTRESS SEATING, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Analog Rig: CLEARAUDIO INNOVATION WOOD, UNIVERSAL ARM w/ Da VINCI' CART, 2nd UNIVERSAL ARM w/ GOLDFINGER STATEMENT CART, HRS-MXR REFERENCE RACK-GLOSS BLACK w/ M3X SHELVES, AESTHETIX RHEA SIG PHONO-PRE, BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Reference System: BURMESTER 911MK3 AMP(3), 088 PRE-AMP, 089 CD PLAYER, 100 PHONO PRE-AMP, 948 POWER CONDITIONER, ACCUPHASE DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, AVID ACUTUS REFERENCE SP TT, GRAHAM PHANTOM II SUPREME ARM, BENZ MICRO LP-S CART, GRANDIOSO P1X/D1X STACK, G1X RUBIDIUM MASTER CLOCK, N05 NETWORK PLAYER, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS-SXR CUSTOM RACK w/ M3X SHELVES, SONUS FABER AIDA SPEAKERS, JL FATHOM F113v2 SUBS(2) SOUND ANCHOR STANDS(2) WW PLATINUM CABLES

Library System: GRANDIOSO M1 MONOBLOCK AMPS, C1 LINESTAGE PRE-AMP, K1X CD/SACD PLAYER, G1 MASTER RUBIDIUM CLOCK, E02 PHONO-PRE, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, AERIAL ACOUSTICS 20T V2, AERIAL SW12 SUBS(2), CANTON REF K1’s, VPI HRX TT w/ SDS POWER SUPPLY, ORTOFON CADENZA BLACK CART, KLAUDIO RCM, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2, SHUNYATA OMEGA QR’s, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Esoteric/Bryston System: ESOTERIC C02-X PRE-AMP, P-02X TRANSPORT, D02-X DAC, G02-X CLOCK, BRYSTON 28B3 CUBED MONOBLOCK AMPS(4), BRYSTON BHA-1 HEADPHONE AMP, SHUNYATA DENALI 6000/S v2(2) EVEREST 8000 POWER CONDITIONER(2) ALTAIRA CG & SG HUBS, AMR-DP777-SE DAC, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, TAD REFERENCE ONE MK2 LOUDSPEAKERS, QUADRASPIRE RACK, WW PLATINUM CABLES
Accuphase/Canton System: ACCUPHASE E800 INTEGRATED, DP570 CD/SACD PLAYER, T1200 FM STEREO TUNER, DG-68 VOICING EQUALIZER, PS530 POWER SUPPLY, CANTON REF K3’s, CANTON REF K5’s, SILENZIO MUSIC SERVER, HRS MXR REFERENCE MAHOGHANY RACK w/ M3X2 SHELVES, WW GOLD CABLES
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 09-02-2023, 09:37 PM
JazzMaster JazzMaster is offline
Andre

 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: San Antonio Texas
Posts: 17
Default

Looks very nice, and I recognize many of your components.
__________________
Two Channel System:Power Amp McIntosh MC 1.2 KW, PreAmp McIntosh C1100, Speakers SF IL Cremonese
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 09-03-2023, 03:27 PM
robfine's Avatar
robfine robfine is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Posts: 1,067
Default

IMG_0477.jpgThanks Ivan, thanks Jazzmaster. Griffon’s motto: “…perfect union of the power of the lion with the grace of the eagle” is not too far off based on two weeks of listening to their “baby” integrated.
__________________
Office/Music Room
Dynaudio Heritage Special. Uptone Audio EtherRegen Ethernet Switch. Akasa NUC 10i7 with Roon Rock. Bryston BDP-3 Digital Music Player (with 4 Tb Internal SSD and Synology DS920+ NAS)-->Holo Audio May Kitsune Edition DAC-->Shunyata Sigma USB—>Gryphon Diablo 120 Integreted Amp w Transpatent XL PC. Oppo BDP-105D and BDP-203. Power: Shunyata Hydra Sigma S12 PD. Additional Cabling: WW Silver Electra PC, WW Electra PC, Shunyata Venom 3 PC. Digital: WW Starlight Ethernet, WW Gold Starlight AES-EBU, WW Platinum Starlight USB. IC and Speaker: WW Eclipse 8.

Bedroom System
Ipad with MusicStreamer App-->Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp—>Audeze LCD-XC, Focal for Bentley Radiance HO, Massdrop E-MU Teak HP. AK SE 200 DAP.

Mobile Survival Kit
Astell & Kern SP1000M. Noble Kaiser Encore IEM with Double Helix Balanced cable, Westone W80 IEM w ALOaudio Ref 8 cable, Westone W60 IEM, Shure se535 Ltd with Westone Bluetooth Wireless cable-amp. Mark Levinson No. 5909 Wireless HP.

Last edited by robfine; 09-03-2023 at 03:36 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 09-03-2023, 11:53 PM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Default

Congratulations! The Gryphon 120 Integrated seems perfect for your excellent system. At 440 watts into 2 ohms, this means it is superbly built and also dual mono in design. This is a hidden gem that might be the best integrated amp on the market in its price range. How did you discover it? I read about it, very impressive. What are the boxes on the wall?

Best

Charles
__________________
__________________________________________
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order: MC2.1KW Anniversary power amplifier; C12000 An preamplifier; MCD12000 An SACD/CD player; AQ 1 meter Dragon balanced IC; 2 meter AQ Hurricane HC power cord; 3 meter AQ Hurricane Source power cord; unspecified 3 meter AQ digital coaxial IC and power cord for my backup MVP851 DVD player given as a surprise gift to me by my dealer
Most recent updates: Latest is the last one posted: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport; Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic; WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection; New plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; Thor is now off my floor; MC3500MKII mono block amps (2) and two custom granite slabs; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover; new 75-ohm multi-directional FM antenna for tuner; total of eight additional Wilson Audio Heavy (red) pedestals placed under the MC3500MKII mono blocks; JRiver Media Center 31
Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII mono blocks (2), McIntosh MC1.25KW’s (3). All amps set on floor on custom made granite slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 31)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; custom made Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie; custom plinth of X material with Wilson Acoustic Diode feet; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from ActivXO crossover to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP881 BR player; MCT500 transport; Wilson Audio ActivXO electronic subwoofer crossover; plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; eight Wilson Audio Heavy (red) Pedestals placed under the MC3500MKII mono blocks (four placed under the rails of each amp)
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.

Last edited by Charles; 09-04-2023 at 02:14 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 09-04-2023, 07:55 PM
robfine's Avatar
robfine robfine is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Posts: 1,067
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Charles View Post
Congratulations! The Gryphon 120 Integrated seems perfect for your excellent system. At 440 watts into 2 ohms, this means it is superbly built and also dual mono in design. This is a hidden gem that might be the best integrated amp on the market in its price range. How did you discover it? I read about it, very impressive. What are the boxes on the wall?

Best

Charles
Hi Charles,

Thanks for the sentiment, and the compliment. When I got my Dyns, they sounded really nice with my PrimaLuna but I kept hearing that without more significant power I was not taking full advantage of what they could do. I got the PrimaLuna from Ivan something like 12 years ago and even though it sounds like new after full break-in, I was thinking maybe it was time for some “updating” as they say on the home improvement shows. For the past several years I have been starting to think about what would be on my “list” keeping in mind my room size, equipment, and importantly, what would be the “caliber” of likely upgrades so that whatever I ended up getting would not get outgrown by other subsequent changes. So on my upgrade list the early favorite was Accuphase E-650 and later the E-800. So what happened to them— climate change! I live in Miami! When I got the Prima, it was shortly after the model came out. A year later PL came out with the HP model (double the power from double the tubes). My room was comfortable with the PL I had gotten but I was not so confident about 8 Golden Lion EL-88s or Tung-Sol KT-120s or 150s.

I had seen some postings on AA by members who had the Diablo 300, the Diablo 12— and also someone who was auditioning the monoblocks (let me tell you, they are the size of Mini-Cooper). Whenever I saw anything about Gryphon there was never a negative word and the description of the sound seemed to be just to my liking. So as I was making up an updated list (to which I added Gryphon) I went to each manufacturer’s website. (Pass Labs lost out to climate change along with Accuphase). If I recall correctly, Gryphon’s website showed it only currently had two dealers in the US— one in San Francisco and the other about 15 minutes from my house— in a commercial wing of a historic hotel that I had gotten married in 36 years ago next week. I called the guy and a couple of weeks later went over and had a listen. I listened to some other equipment there— including Mac (but not like yours— MC w275 with a Mac pre (I forget which) — and I was just smittten. That listening session was with Joseph Audio Pulsars. Thewn I got to hear the Gryphon with my Dyns —> and you know what, them Danes get along with each other really well. So that’s how I ended up with the Gryphon.

The boxes on the wall you ask— would you believe me if I said “Stillpoints”? They are Stillpoints Apertures. They are just the most amazing (IMO) acoustic treatment. They ain’t cheap but I know a dealer who can make you a great deal— you know him too! I actually got mine in the AA Marketplace. My room is fairly small— about 12’6 x 16’3 with my speakers on the long wall. The back of the speakers are about 18” from the wall and each, about 7 feet on the diagonal from my ears. With those Apertures, my soundstage is like the wall the speakers are in front of is not even there— and even with my equipment and TV between them. They are a fabulous addition to listening rooms/spaces and do a number of different things. Ivan could tell you more. Thanks for asking. The room has really “grown up” this year!
__________________
Office/Music Room
Dynaudio Heritage Special. Uptone Audio EtherRegen Ethernet Switch. Akasa NUC 10i7 with Roon Rock. Bryston BDP-3 Digital Music Player (with 4 Tb Internal SSD and Synology DS920+ NAS)-->Holo Audio May Kitsune Edition DAC-->Shunyata Sigma USB—>Gryphon Diablo 120 Integreted Amp w Transpatent XL PC. Oppo BDP-105D and BDP-203. Power: Shunyata Hydra Sigma S12 PD. Additional Cabling: WW Silver Electra PC, WW Electra PC, Shunyata Venom 3 PC. Digital: WW Starlight Ethernet, WW Gold Starlight AES-EBU, WW Platinum Starlight USB. IC and Speaker: WW Eclipse 8.

Bedroom System
Ipad with MusicStreamer App-->Schiit Jotunheim DAC/Amp—>Audeze LCD-XC, Focal for Bentley Radiance HO, Massdrop E-MU Teak HP. AK SE 200 DAP.

Mobile Survival Kit
Astell & Kern SP1000M. Noble Kaiser Encore IEM with Double Helix Balanced cable, Westone W80 IEM w ALOaudio Ref 8 cable, Westone W60 IEM, Shure se535 Ltd with Westone Bluetooth Wireless cable-amp. Mark Levinson No. 5909 Wireless HP.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 09-05-2023, 11:23 AM
Audiophilehi's Avatar
Audiophilehi Audiophilehi is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Staten Island, NY
Posts: 1,695
Default

That's a mighty Fine system! (Pun intended)
__________________
Paul

Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
Music Server: Aurender N100H
Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 09-05-2023, 12:21 PM
Charles Charles is offline
Senior Member

 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 3,230
Talking

Quote:
Originally Posted by robfine View Post
Hi Charles,

Thanks for the sentiment, and the compliment. When I got my Dyns, they sounded really nice with my PrimaLuna but I kept hearing that without more significant power I was not taking full advantage of what they could do. I got the PrimaLuna from Ivan something like 12 years ago and even though it sounds like new after full break-in, I was thinking maybe it was time for some “updating” as they say on the home improvement shows. For the past several years I have been starting to think about what would be on my “list” keeping in mind my room size, equipment, and importantly, what would be the “caliber” of likely upgrades so that whatever I ended up getting would not get outgrown by other subsequent changes. So on my upgrade list the early favorite was Accuphase E-650 and later the E-800. So what happened to them— climate change! I live in Miami! When I got the Prima, it was shortly after the model came out. A year later PL came out with the HP model (double the power from double the tubes). My room was comfortable with the PL I had gotten but I was not so confident about 8 Golden Lion EL-88s or Tung-Sol KT-120s or 150s.

I had seen some postings on AA by members who had the Diablo 300, the Diablo 12— and also someone who was auditioning the monoblocks (let me tell you, they are the size of Mini-Cooper). Whenever I saw anything about Gryphon there was never a negative word and the description of the sound seemed to be just to my liking. So as I was making up an updated list (to which I added Gryphon) I went to each manufacturer’s website. (Pass Labs lost out to climate change along with Accuphase). If I recall correctly, Gryphon’s website showed it only currently had two dealers in the US— one in San Francisco and the other about 15 minutes from my house— in a commercial wing of a historic hotel that I had gotten married in 36 years ago next week. I called the guy and a couple of weeks later went over and had a listen. I listened to some other equipment there— including Mac (but not like yours— MC w275 with a Mac pre (I forget which) — and I was just smittten. That listening session was with Joseph Audio Pulsars. Thewn I got to hear the Gryphon with my Dyns —> and you know what, them Danes get along with each other really well. So that’s how I ended up with the Gryphon.

The boxes on the wall you ask— would you believe me if I said “Stillpoints”? They are Stillpoints Apertures. They are just the most amazing (IMO) acoustic treatment. They ain’t cheap but I know a dealer who can make you a great deal— you know him too! I actually got mine in the AA Marketplace. My room is fairly small— about 12’6 x 16’3 with my speakers on the long wall. The back of the speakers are about 18” from the wall and each, about 7 feet on the diagonal from my ears. With those Apertures, my soundstage is like the wall the speakers are in front of is not even there— and even with my equipment and TV between them. They are a fabulous addition to listening rooms/spaces and do a number of different things. Ivan could tell you more. Thanks for asking. The room has really “grown up” this year!
Rob, what an interesting story about how you discovered Gryphon.

Exterior design by Flemming E. Rasmussen
Electronics design by Tom Møller
True Dual Mono configuration
Zero negative feedback
Microprocessor-controlled 46-step relay volume attenuator for best sonic performance featuring only up to 6 resistors in series with signal at all levels
Optional phonostage MM/MC module
Optional DAC PCM/DSD module with one USB, 1 BNC S/PDIF, 1 AES/EBU and 1 optical input
Digital formats. USB: PCM: 44.1kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 9 6kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz, 352.8 kHz and 384 kHz up to 32-bit.
USB: DSD (DoP); DSD64 (2.822 MHz, 3.072 MHz), DSD128 (5.644 MHz, 6.144 MHz).
USB Native DSD: DSD256* (11.2896 MHz) and DSD512* (22.5792 MHz) (currently, DSD256 and DSD512 only on Windows OS)
BNC S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital inputs: up to 192 kHz/32-bit
TOSLink: up to 96 kHz/24-bit
One optional module can be installed at time of purchase or later, either phonostage or DAC
Ultra-short signal path
Minimal internal wiring
Two to four-layer printed circuit boards up to 70µm copper
Dual Mono Holmgren toroidal transformer
PCB-mounted sockets eliminate wiring and shorten signal path
Gold-plated Swiss Neutric XLR sockets for one balanced source
Gold-plated phono sockets with Teflon insulation for four inputs and one Tape output
Fixed-level AV throughput for uncompromising integration with surround preamplifier
Graphical Vacuum Fluorescent Display with larger font for improved legibility
Adjustable display intensity (100%, 75%, 50%, 25%, Off)
12VDC link input and output
Flash memory upgrades via Key-Fob
Non-invasive protection system
Infrared remote control
EU CE approval
Standby power consumption < 0.5 W
Designed and built in Denmark
2 x 120 W @ 8Ω, 2 x 240 W @ 4Ω, 2 x 440 W @ 2Ω
Output impedance: 0.030Ω
Bandwidth (-3 dB): 0.1 Hz to 250 kHz
Power Supply Capacity: 2 x 60,000 µF
Gain: +38 dB
Input Impedance, balanced (20-20,000 Hz): 40 kΩ
Input Impedance, single-ended (20-20,000 Hz): 8 kΩ

I was trying to find something to eliminate from the above but couldn't. All this goody for only 11K! This has to be one of the best integrated's available today. I think your comments on climate change are on point. Although my MC3500's put out about 500 watts they run cool as a cucumber, probably no hotter than your 120's (maybe less) although they have 8 high power output tubes/ch. I think manufacturers must consider the heat their big amps are radiating into the environment. My 1.25KW's put out more heat than my 3500's. My XVX require a lot of current especially when driven to high sound levels and the 1.25's can get so hot they are hard to touch. The 3500's only become slightly warm. I never notice the heat radiated by either amp. I am considering a large purchase: MCD12000 DAC+ C12000 pre. Since I bought my 3500's I can't get them out of my system. My hope would be to wake my big boys on either end up by running the tube signal path provided by these new Mac's and thus eliminate that slight midrange/treble edge that I don't hear through my 3500's; also to ripen up the upper bass, i.e. to make my 1.25's sound like my 3500's.

Best

Charles

__________________
__________________________________________
Charles Updated System: Wilson McIntosh Audioquest
New gear on order: MC2.1KW Anniversary power amplifier; C12000 An preamplifier; MCD12000 An SACD/CD player; AQ 1 meter Dragon balanced IC; 2 meter AQ Hurricane HC power cord; 3 meter AQ Hurricane Source power cord; unspecified 3 meter AQ digital coaxial IC and power cord for my backup MVP851 DVD player given as a surprise gift to me by my dealer
Most recent updates: Latest is the last one posted: AQ Diamond USB replaces AQ Coffee; Wilson Audio Specialties Alexx replaced by Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; new subwoofer crossover; new Galaxy Grey Thors Hammer; Wilson Pedestals; heating and cooling completely reworked and reinsulated resulting in a much quieter, cooler, and more efficient room (cost about 10,000.00). McIntosh MCT 500 SACD/CD transport; Wilson Audio Acoustic Diode for XVX Chronosonic; WEL Signature digital Coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection replacing the optical connection; New plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; Thor is now off my floor; MC3500MKII mono block amps (2) and two custom granite slabs; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover; new 75-ohm multi-directional FM antenna for tuner; total of eight additional Wilson Audio Heavy (red) pedestals placed under the MC3500MKII mono blocks; JRiver Media Center 31
Amps: McIntosh MC3500MKII mono blocks (2), McIntosh MC1.25KW’s (3). All amps set on floor on custom made granite slabs
Preamp and DAC: McIntosh D1100
Sources: McIntosh MCT500 SACD/CD Transport, MVP881 BR player, MVP851 DVD player, MR87 tuner, Marantz 510LV Laser Disc player, ASUS laptop USB (JRiver Media Center 31)
Speakers: Wilson Audio Specialties XVX Chronosonic; custom made Wilson Acoustic Diodes
Sub-woofer: Wilson Audio Specialties Thor’s Hammer (1) horizontal lie; custom plinth of X material with Wilson Acoustic Diode feet; Wilson ActivXO Stereo Electronic Crossover
Cables main system: Audioquest WEL Signature speaker cables and balanced IC (preamp to amps); WEL Signature AES/EBU balanced digital IC for CD playback; WEL Signature digital coaxial cable for MVP 881/D1100 digital connection; Audioquest Diamond optical (1) for tuner, (1) for MVP 851 DVD player, and (1) for LD player for total of (3); Audioquest Diamond USB cable; McIntosh MCT cable for SACD playback; Dragon power cords (5 HC cords and 3 source cords for total of 8); Thunder HC power cord for MR87 tuner
Cables subwoofer system: Audioquest Redwood speaker cable (1); Wolf balanced subwoofer IC from ActivXO crossover to amp; Wind balanced IC from preamp to ActivXO; Hurricane HC (2) and Dragon HC (1) power cords
Power conditioners: Audioquest Niagara 7000 (1) and Niagara 5000 (3); (4) dedicated 20-amp lines with no. 10 wire straight out of fuse box
Isolation: Wilson Pedestals for D1100; MVP881 BR player; MCT500 transport; Wilson Audio ActivXO electronic subwoofer crossover; plinth for Thor subwoofer made of X material with the Wilson Acoustic Diodes; eight Wilson Audio Heavy (red) Pedestals placed under the MC3500MKII mono blocks (four placed under the rails of each amp)
Cabinet: Double Custom Woodwork & Design (CWD) solid walnut cabinet on large casters; holds all sources and preamp; also, Niagara 7000; 11 feet minimum distance from speakers
Acoustic Treatments: Room and Echo Tunes
AC: Dedicated to this room only, an ultra-high efficiency and quiet recently installed Ruud split system 3-ton heat pump.

Last edited by Charles; 09-05-2023 at 12:31 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 09-06-2023, 05:47 PM
audiogear's Avatar
audiogear audiogear is online now
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 421
Default

Rob, beautiful Dyns and Gryphon combo! These are a couple brands I would love to someday demo. Congratulations and enjoy!

Charles, the MCD12000+C12000+MC3500 MkIIs would be a killer setup, literally!

Attached Images
File Type: jpeg IMG_0013.jpeg (102.6 KB, 46 views)
__________________
Main System: Sf Amati Tradition, B&W DB1 sub, McIntosh C2300, MC501s, MA12000, MCD500, HiFi Rose RS150B, Oppo 105, Niagara 5000, AQ Tornado/Thunder/Blizzard PCs, Robin Hood BiWire (zero+bass), Gibraltar SCs, Water ICs, Cinnamon RJ/E, Solidsteel HF-3 racks.
2nd System: Sf Cremona Auditor M, McIntosh C50, MC275(VI), MA6600, Node 2i, Oppo 95, AQ NRG-4 PCs, Robin Hood Zero SC, Cobra/Nordost Heimdall ICs.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Audioaficionado.org tested by Norton Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:42 AM.



Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
©Copyright 2009-2023 AudioAficionado.org.Privately owned, All Rights Reserved.
Audio Aficionado Sponsors
AudioAficionado Subscriber
AudioAficionado Subscriber
Inspire By Dennis Had
Inspire By Dennis Had
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Harmonic Resolution Systems
Wyred4Sound
Wyred4Sound
Dragonfire Acoustics
Dragonfire Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
GIK Acoustics
Esoteric
Esoteric
AC Infinity
AC Infinity
JL Audio
JL Audio
Add Powr
Add Powr
Accuphase - Soulution
Accuphase - Soulution
Audio by E
Audio by E
Canton
Canton
Bryston
Bryston
WireWorld Cables
WireWorld Cables
Stillpoints
Stillpoints
Bricasti Design
Bricasti Design
Furutech
Furutech
Shunyata Research
Shunyata Research
Legend Audio & Video
Legend Audio & Video