Hey Y’all

[analog.distractions]

The 2023 Audio Plans thread got me thinking back over this year and with the free time over the holidays I thought I’d post a few system updates from 2022.

First up, electronics…

I tried a few different amps this year, ending on a Leben CS300F. The other two were the First Watt F7 and an Oliver Sayes 45, both paired with a First Watt B1. While I like them all, I think I prefer the simplicity and convenience of an integrated.

I may eventually move along the F7/B1, but I plan to hang on to the 45 for some SET flavor.

 

[Tlarwa]

The 2023 Audio Plans thread got me thinking back over this year and with the free time over the holidays I thought I’d post a few system updates from 2022.

First up, electronics…

I tried a few different amps this year, ending on a Leben CS300F. The other two were the First Watt F7 and an Oliver Sayes 45, both paired with a First Watt B1. While I like them all, I think I prefer the simplicity and convenience of an integrated.

I may eventually move along the F7/B1, but I plan to hang on to the 45 for some SET flavor.

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Never heard a Leben, but I sure do dig the aesthetic.

 

[analog.distractions]

Got busy over the holidays but following up now with some recent speaker updates.

The only big change since the crossovers is replacing the original yellow cabinet insulation with 5/8” 100% wool felt. I got the idea from here; http://www.planet10-hifi.com/downloads/Hiraga-Onkens-English.pdf

Glad to be rid of the old stuff. Messy job.

I went with the common formula of only insulating opposing walls. Specifically I covered the rear panel behind the speaker (but not the rear bottom half), the top, and the inside sidewall (top and bottom) on both speakers.

I attached it with strong double sided tape so I could move it around to find what placement worked best. I tried a panel on the rear bottom but it muffled the sound quite a bit. I also tried covering top, back, and both sides on only the top half of the cabinet. That was ok but maybe a little too resonant.

I can’t find the order details but I think this is what I went with. 1 yard worked out almost perfect for both speakers with a bit left over.

F-11/13 Wool Felt, 5/8" Thick x 72" Wide

 

[analog.distractions]

I realized I never mentioned the crossovers here. It’s pretty well covered in this thread.

Eventually I’d like to rebuild them (or have them rebuilt) since it was my first DIY attempt at anything electronic and they look a little shoddy.

 

[analog.distractions]

Figured it was about time for a few system updates;

First, the fancy bit. I found a good deal on a used TW Acustic Raven 10.5 tonearm to match the Raven One turntable. So far I’m thrilled with both the performance and visual upgrade. The fit and finish is outstanding and it tracks like a freight train. Replaced a Charisma Audio Musiko (unipivot). Both running a Dynavector 20x2L.



I’ve also been toiling away in cable purgatory looking for the right match with the Leben and Altecs. After getting exhausted by the cable market and pricing I came across Duelund both here and over at Jeff’s Place. So, I picked up a few things from PartsConnexion:

• 1 dca12ga power cord
• 1m dca20ga interconnect with Switchcraft connectors
• 5m of the dual dca16ga for speaker cables

I just swapped out a Nordost Blue Heaven PC, Belden 8402 interconnect, and A23 speaker cables. Interested to compare them after they run in, but mostly just ready to get off of the cable train.

 

[analog.distractions]

The Leben RS-30eq I ordered back in January finally arrived yesterday. The estimated 3-4 month timeline turned into 8, but it’s here now and settling in nicely. That means I also finally got to hook up the @Redboy SUT I picked up a few months ago using the Altec/Peerless 4722 transformers. Sounds great with the Dynavector 20x2l. The matching greens are a nice touch.

Looking forward to spending the rest of the holiday weekend spinning records.

 

[S0und Dragon]

I am loving the aesthetic of the whole system. That repurposed rack is just awesome. Kudos to you. I bet it sounds as good as it looks.

 

[analog.distractions]

I am loving the aesthetic of the whole system. That repurposed rack is just awesome. Kudos to you. I bet it sounds as good as it looks.

Thanks! I’ve flip-flopped on having the amp inside vs on top, but I’m liking how it’s set up now. Just had to relegate the dac and streamer to the floor underneath.

P.s. Love the avatar. I’ve been reading Seneca lately.

 

[S0und Dragon]

Thanks! I’ve flip-flopped on having the amp inside vs on top, but I’m liking how it’s set up now. Just had to relegate the dac and streamer to the floor underneath.

P.s. Love the avatar. I’ve been reading Seneca lately.

And you are well read! I think we will be Fast friends. I have been churning through Meditations by Marcus Aurelius this month.

 

[analog.distractions]

And you are well read! I think we will be Fast friends. I have been churning through Meditations by Marcus Aurelius this month.

Meditations is what got me started on the Stoics. I’m on to Epictetus’ Discourses next to round out the big 3.

 

[asilker]

And you are well read! I think we will be Fast friends. I have been churning through Meditations by Marcus Aurelius this month.

Meditations is what got me started on the Stoics. I’m on to Epictetus’ Discourses next to round out the big 3.

Hey fellas, hopefully this isn't too imposing, but are you able to recommend an entry point to this philisophical world?

I realize I could just check out one of the books you've just mentioned, but sometimes a little guidance can make a difference

 

[MikeO]

The three main stoic texts are Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Epictetus' Discourses and Seneca's Letters. I would definitely read all three of those. If you want a primer I would recommend A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William Irving. If you only wanted to read one I would choose Meditations.

 

[S0und Dragon]

The three main stoic texts are Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Epictetus' Discourses and Seneca's Letters. I would definitely read all three of those. If you want a primer I would recommend A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William Irving. If you only wanted to read one I would choose Meditations.

 

[analog.distractions]

Hey fellas, hopefully this isn't too imposing, but are you able to recommend an entry point to this philisophical world?

@MikeO is right on the money. Here’s a brief article describing those 3.

The Stoic Reading List: 3 Must-Read Books To Get You Started

 

[analog.distractions]

More changes afoot.

Today I swapped in 4 custom power cords from Parts Connexion using Duelund dca12ga 600v and Furutech FI-11M connectors. Thanks for the tip @pdreher!

They replaced 3 Nordost Blue Heaven PCs and 1 Duelund+Marinco on the Leben gear, turntable, and power strip. It’s early but so far I’m happy with the change.

Time to enjoy letting things settle in for a bit.

 

[gortnipper]

More changes afoot.

Today I swapped in 4 custom power cords from Parts Connexion using Duelund dca12ga 600v and Furutech FI-11M connectors. Thanks for the tip @pdreher!

They replaced 3 Nordost Blue Heaven PCs and 1 Duelund+Marinco on the Leben gear, turntable, and power strip. It’s early but so far I’m happy with the change.

Time to enjoy letting things settle in for a bit.

View attachment 67686

Where are you? That looks like an AUS/NZ power plug.

 

[analog.distractions]

Where are you? That looks like an AUS/NZ power plug.

It’s a US plug. It came with a plastic cover on the pins which is still on in the picture.

 

[Shindogreen]

Nice looking set up. My neighbor has the same amp (also with Altecs) and I really like it. Also like the look of the cabinet...my system is in the living room and have gone to great lengths to make it fit in like furniture.

 

[analog.distractions]

Thanks for the compliments. Nice to see other folks are getting good results with a similar set up. I’m pretty happy with the simplicity and balance of where it’s at now.