A change is gonna come - And it did!

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As promised, here's the pictures, of my new system. The ONLY piece that still remain is the Sooloos C15 Monitor ... while the rest are all new. I will write more later. So, first, the pictures.

1. The System.





2. Firebird With 2 Arms





3. ReBuild Thorens TD125 LB (Long Base)

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4. Ortofon 309DS Tonearm (12 Inch).





5. Triplanar Tonearm.





6. Triplanar Tonearm.





7. Ortofon SPU cartridge.





8. Ortofon Bronze cartridge.





9. Aesthetix Rhea Signature & Avantgarde X Power Amp

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10. Oppo BDP105 Silver & Avantgarde X Pre-Amp





11. Right Duo Mezzo G2 Speaker





12. Left Duo Mezzo G2 Speaker

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OK, the system is finally setup and running ... in.

So, to start with the pictures! The first, a complete overview of how it all looks like as a system. The next picture showing just the components. So, what had changed? Almost all of it, except for the Dr Feickert Turntable, The Triplanar arm with Miyajima Shilabe cartridge, the Meridian Sooloos C15 Monitor. Everything else is new, including a complete Kondo Copper Series Cables that string all of them together, from XLR's to speaker cables and jumpers. Though not exotically priced, but still feel the "punch" in the pocket as all along, I was using ETHERNET CAt 7 cables, which is like a fraction - and standard power cables, those that comes along with the gears.

I have also included the pictures of the Thorens TD125 LB with the SME M2-12R, 12 inch tonearm, holding an Ortofon Rondo Bronze MC cartridge. This is a complete restored/rebuilt vintage turntable. The plinth is solid Bolivian Rosewood, while the top plate is beautifully finished in piano gloss. Of course, there's a new set on cover too.

Moving on, there's the Dr Feickert, now having an Ortofon RS309D carrying the SPU Royal GM MKII cartridge. All 3 cartridges connected to the Aesthetix Rhea signature, which can switch all 3 cartridges.

With some luck, I managed to get the Oppo BDP105 Silver bluray player. Its such a beauty, so different from the usual black colour. To me, Meridian Digital Media System is something I am used to, as such, I had the pair of Meridian Media Source (MS) as well as the matching Media drive (MD) 600. Difference is, it now holds 2x4TB drives, capable of containing some 8k of CD files. With the C15 strung together, I am back to computer music, though I must add, nice as it is, there's still a tad difference when played together via the previous 808.5 CD/Pre (with the ID41 card) and the Meridian DSP8000.2 speakers. However, I must add this does not in any way mar the enjoyment I have with the Avantgarde Duo Mezzo G2 horns, as they are equal in reproducing the media music. BUT when playing vinyl, its top notch! The PRAT, realism, openness, is simply superb! Way better than the Meridian DSP8.2k.

The custom build Avantgarde X Series Pre/Power amplifiers are a beauty to behold. Its solid Jacaranda Rosewood front panel matches to that of the speakers. And it had my name etched in the back panel! They are heavy, both weighing in at 42KG each. The Preamp can also be operated on DC mode (battery), if one wanted absolute "silence". The speakers? Well, all I can say they looked majestic, beautifully crafted and simply gorgeous in their own way. At 107DB/W, even a transistor radio can drive them!

So, how does it sound? For a start, I must admit I am back, heavily into vinyl. Each record sounded SOOOOOO NICE! There's nothing like the "REAL" thing. Vinyl is it! Of course, such performance does require a heavy price, maintenance and absolute discipline and hard work. The cleaning, storing and upkeeping ritual must be adhered to. Something I am more than happy to do, with the help of the fantastic Audio Desk Systeme vinyl cleaner, which makes the job that much easier. The results are simply stupendous! Even my wife, who never spend more than 10 minutes with me on my past systems, said ... I think this is about the most beautiful system you have amassed. I was so afraid she would tell me I am simply taking a step backwards (something I feared immensely) when comparing to the already very good performance Meridian combo I had before.

Will this be the end of my purchases? I dont think so cause somewhere in the back of my mind, I also wanted a great CD/SACD player and on top of my list are the Esoteric K-01/G-01 combo, or if I am crazy, I might just go for the broke for the P-02/D-02/K-01. Plus I will never want to miss a good tuner, a silver front panel Magnum Dynalab MD08 would be nice. These are gears that I would probably look at seriously AFTER spending and listening to this system for some time. 6 months or more maybe ... and till then, I think I am very happy to have this change! Would this be the last, this is one dreaded question I would not be able to answer. On the safe side, I think I can live with this combo for at least 5 years, given I had lived with Meridian for more than 3.

Hope you guys like the pictures I had posted. Do please give your honest opinions. If your experience with any (or all of the gears is not what I had written and do want to give a different opinion, please do so, as I am still learning while listening to the system. Seriously, the 3 different cartridges, thru the various settings the Rhea Signature can provide already had me rooted to the chair, listening to the same music in different perspective. Its like a piece of good steak, cooked in varying phases of "medium rare", ... 50%? 60? 75% ....each had its own nice flavour! And I am savouring it all, moment by moment, day by day.

Cheers!

Jerry, you have evidently put a lot of thought into optimizing your system, as well as presenting a beautiful room. Though I personally prefer conventional point sources, I must say your Avantegarde Duo Mezzo speakers look stunning! (I like the matching color of the horns against your feature wall). Vinyl also isn't my thing, but you have chosen some good value and proven analogue components. The Aesthetix Rhea phono stage - tick. I own an Aesthetix Romulus cdp & am loving it Overall great job mate. You have a system to be proud of

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Pictures of Just the Components and close up shot of the Avantgarde X Preamp.

Noticed the knurl Volume Knob. Such details!

[Still-One]

Jerry
Thanks for the photos and bringing us up to date on your set-up. I bet your wife feels safer with the horns this time around not having to worry about the plasma tweeter.

Congratulations.

[hkval]

WOW!!!! What you have done, how you have done it, is so unique and creative that it becomes inspirational. Your excitement has always been contagious on this forum and we all feel great knowing you are so pleased with this outstanding setup.
I am still enjoying the Cai Cin and other albums that you so generously sent me.
YOU ARE THE BEST,
Howard

[Volks]

Interesting system!

[Jerome W]

WOW WOW WOW WOW !

Jerry, those speakers are freaking awesome ! What a look ! The combination of the wood and the lacquer is to die for.
I felt in love without even hearing them !
Now I HAVE TO LISTEN TO THOSE AVANT GARDE !
Damn ! Damn ! Damn !