Cable loom for Guarneri Evolution

[Glisse]

Originally Posted by larevoj

Hey Glisse, what is the current amplifier and preamplifier you are using?

With the Evos, a Linn Klimax DSM driving a pair of Linn Klimax Solo amps. I did start off with a Burmester 082 integrated - beautiful mids and highs, but not enough control in the bass. Plus this is a bedroom system, and the ease of streaming with Linn DS rather than separate computers, DACs and control points was very appealing.

But I find it a touch too dry. It is the Klimax DSM causing the issue.

So am very interested on how Bavarian evolves his system.

[larevoj]

You have and had some of the best combination with the GE. I think the Burmester has a little warmth on its mids and agree it may not be a good mix with the GE. Certainly a more transparent amplifier will be a nice marriage.

Have always wanted to try out an all in one Linn system...yes a balance tube input somewhere will add a little magic especially at the source or pre

Originally Posted by Glisse

With the Evos, a Linn Klimax DSM driving a pair of Linn Klimax Solo amps. I did start off with a Burmester 082 integrated - beautiful mids and highs, but not enough control in the bass. Plus this is a bedroom system, and the ease of streaming with Linn DS rather than separate computers, DACs and control points was very appealing. But I find it a touch too dry. It is the Klimax DSM causing the issue. So am very interested on how Bavarian evolves his system.

[Glisse]

Originally Posted by larevoj

You have and had some of the best combination with the GE. I think the Burmester has a little warmth on its mids and agree it may not be a good mix with the GE. Certainly a more transparent amplifier will be a nice marriage.

Have always wanted to try out an all in one Linn system...yes a balance tube input somewhere will add a little magic especially at the source or pre

Unfortunately, the Linn Klimax DS/M range is the only one I like. And the Klimax Solo amps are their only amps I like. Their new Klimax Exakt system uses Chakra amps on the active Exakt speaker, and I think these are nowhere as good. The Linn DS system needs to run off its Ethernet stream - the digital inputs are much lower quality in comparison.

You could be right on the tube input. I am going to try an Ayon Stratos, which has a pretty decent tube preamp output. But I am no fan of ESS Sabre DACs, which Ayon now use so they can do DSD. No matter the implementation, they never sound natural to me. We shall see.

I already tried my MSB IV Sig, which has analogue outputs, into the Klimax Solos to GE. It was fantastic, but I am not going to buy a second one

So the MSB Analog is another option. I prefer the Solo amps driven single ended rather than balanced (at least I did with the Klimax DSM). Especially with the AQ Wild Blue Yonder.

I also did try my Berkeley Alpha DAC 2, and was a bit surprised just how good it sounded. Tonally better than the Klimax DSM, very close to the MSB with a slightly less defined bass, but I actually preferred the Berkeley's soundstage which was a bit more recessed than the MSB. Where the Berkeley lost out to the other 2 was in resolution. In part due to the digital volume control being 20dB down at typical listening levels. With a 24bit DAC, you can hear the bit loss. It needs a preamp, and I want a one box solution.

I will try the new Berkeley Ref DAC when it appears here, but I am not sure how they have implemented the output stage

[larevoj]

This is very interesting! I have seen some positive comments on the new Berkeley Ref DAC and given Berkeley's track record I bet it should sound good and if not better then expected. Not sure how MSB will pan out but that's a good option too...I don't see many tube DAC out there and I am only using the CD9 as my source and DAC to satisfy my crave on tube magic

Originally Posted by Glisse

Unfortunately, the Linn Klimax DS/M range is the only one I like. And the Klimax Solo amps are their only amps I like. Their new Klimax Exakt system uses Chakra amps on the active Exakt speaker, and I think these are nowhere as good. The Linn DS system needs to run off its Ethernet stream - the digital inputs are much lower quality in comparison. You could be right on the tube input. I am going to try an Ayon Stratos, which has a pretty decent tube preamp output. But I am no fan of ESS Sabre DACs, which Ayon now use so they can do DSD. No matter the implementation, they never sound natural to me. We shall see. I already tried my MSB IV Sig, which has analogue outputs, into the Klimax Solos to GE. It was fantastic, but I am not going to buy a second one So the MSB Analog is another option. I prefer the Solo amps driven single ended rather than balanced (at least I did with the Klimax DSM). Especially with the AQ Wild Blue Yonder. I also did try my Berkeley Alpha DAC 2, and was a bit surprised just how good it sounded. Tonally better than the Klimax DSM, very close to the MSB with a slightly less defined bass, but I actually preferred the Berkeley's soundstage which was a bit more recessed than the MSB. Where the Berkeley lost out to the other 2 was in resolution. In part due to the digital volume control being 20dB down at typical listening levels. With a 24bit DAC, you can hear the bit loss. It needs a preamp, and I want a one box solution. I will try the new Berkeley Ref DAC when it appears here, but I am not sure how they have implemented the output stage

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by Bavarian05

I have ordered a new set of Nordost Heimdall 2 interconnects, speaker cables with Z plugs and a set of Norse Jumpers today. They are being burned in on a Nordost Vidar machine, so will arrive middle of next week. I think they will really complement and balance the Guarneri EVOs well...

I ordered a new Heimdall 2 Power Cable today to complete the cable loom.
Anxious to see what effect it has. In my past experience, power cabling can have a considerable impact.
This will be the first time I finally bought a complete loom of the same brand and model. We'll see...

[Bavarian05]

New Heimdall 2 Power Cable arrived today along with some NOS 1962 and 1965 Vintage 12AU7s from La RadioTechnique and Cifte.

[Glisse]

This makes me smile, Bavarian.

Only us audiophiles can be equally excited by the arrival of something like the very latest technology in a power cable, along with 50 year old products that had been left behind in someones cupboard

[Bavarian05]

Originally Posted by Glisse

This makes me smile, Bavarian. Only us audiophiles can be equally excited by the arrival of something like the very latest technology in a power cable, along with 50 year old products that had been left behind in someones cupboard

Very true Glisse! :-)