System
05 September 2000
"Re-Visit":
01 July 2001
|
System |
|
05 September 2000 "Re-Visit": |
|
Frank J. Alles
|
Next to music, I love writing. My poetry has been published in newspapers and magazines, and I earn my living as a freelance web-writer and as Assistant Editor at a medical advertising agency. Over the years I've heard and owned many excellent audio systems. My preference seems to be for planar and electrostatic loudspeakers and I currently enjoy both digital and analogue sources, and tube as well as solid-state electronics. I believe there are superb products to be heard in all genres and that the latest upsampling DACs now offer a level of performance comparable to my heavy-duty analog turntable system. My listening room is in a
large L-shaped finished basement with a drop-ceiling and
partial carpeting. It is not quite the equal of my
previous listening room (which was marvelous in terms of its
construction and dimensions) but careful speaker placement
and the use of acoustic room treatments, such as Room Tunes
and Sonex panels, has yielded surprisingly good sonic
performance. Best of all, it affords me privacy, and I
am able to run wires along the floor and put equipment all
over the place--no matter how cluttered and unsightly it
gets at times. My wife allows this because it keeps my
gear out of our main living space. COOL!!! I hate to categorize my musical taste or to break each category down to a percentile figure, but I generally listen to a mix of popular music, indie, rock, fusion, jazz, blues and classical (symphonic works mostly). I rarely listen to opera or chamber music, and I haven't much use for metal or rap--other than aluminum wrap to keep my leftovers fresh and crispy. Some of my favorite
recordings that I often use to evaluate systems are:
Stravinsky's L' Histoire du Soldat (Everest EVC 9049), the
Ray Brown Trio's Summerwind (Concord Jazz CCD-4426), US 3's
hand on the torch (Blue Note CDP 0777 7 80883 2 5), and
Witches Brew (RCA LSC-2225)--the Classic Records reissue (on
vinyl). System's
Components
Frank's comments about his System: AA: "Frank, how would you describe your system's sound?" FJA: "My system's sound is wonderfully transparent and lifelike, with a natural tonality, excellent dynamic range, and good power and extension at both frequency extremes. It can play at very loud room-filling levels without strain or constriction. Sometimes (in the good seats) live concerts sound almost as natural as the system. ;-D" AA: "Do you think there is room for improvement?" FJA: "Being in this hobby for so many years and witnessing the continuous evolution of tweaks and of new equipment, I would have to say that there's always room for improvement. And even though I am very satisfied with the sound I've achieved, I'm certain that improvements are possible." AA: "Have you got plans for upgrading?" FJA: "Well, I have recently upgraded to the Bel Canto DAC-1 upsampling DAC and that has made a nice improvement over my Parasound D/AC-2000. Also, I recently went from Townshend Audio's Mk-III Rock turntable to a VPI Aries with "extras" and the latest bearings. But of course, as a bona fide card-carrying audiophile I'll need to change something else soon--perhaps a new phono cartridge, or an amp..." Over the past 10 months I've had the opportunity
to review some very excellent equipment and to make
some major changes in my system. With the exception
of my Parasound C/BD-2000 belt-drive transport, my
entire front end, both digital and analog has
changed. My Bel Canto DAC-1 has been superceded by the
Perpetual Technologies P-1A and P-3A
digital duo, and I have also purchased the
Monolithic P3 upgrade power supply.
Additionally, I have had the P-3A DAC modified by
Dan Wright of ModWright LLC. This
digital setup offers tighter bass and more detail
than the Bel Canto and provides more features like
the potential for Perpetual Tech's digital speaker
and room correction. On the analog front, my VPI/JMW/ClearAudio vinyl
spinner was replaced by the opulently intriguing
Michell Gyro SE turntable, with Origin
Live modified Rega RB250 arm and
Benz-Micro Ruby 2 cartridge. I may be
reacting mostly to the sound of the cartridge, but
overall this combination is much more natural and
impressive in my system. It is the best-sounding
analog rig I've ever owned. Plus it is lighter and
more compact than the VPI Aries with the extra
flywheel and isolation base. On the amplification front, I made a sideways
move by going to the Monarchy Audio SE 160
class A hybrid monoblocks. Their sound is a little
softer and more liquid than the InnerSound ESL amp,
if not quite as dynamic. They proved to be an
excellent match for my InnerSound Eros speakers.
Meanwhile, I had my InnerSound amp updated
and the bass is much better integrated on this
latest version. I am still using the InnerSound amp
with great success to drive the new Manger
Zerobox 109 speakers in a second system. I'm
presently reviewing these gems and may eventually
purchase them. The German-made Manger speakers feature
the proprietary Manger bending-wave driver, which I
find to offer amazing clarity, super-fast
transients, and stunning dynamic range. Their sound
is captivating and Manger's "UltraGlo" finish over
African Bubinga wood looks like deep-lacquered
Tiger-eye. It's just gorgeous! At the end of March 2001, I stepped down from my
position as Executive Editor of StereoTimes.com in
hopes of having more time to spend with my family
and to devote to my writing. |
Home
