User Details - JMCIII1

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Name:
  John Crossett
Details:
  Equipment / Music Reviewer for www.SoundStage.com
Location:
  Vermont / USA
HiFi:
  Front End: Analog; VPI HW-19 MkIV turntable with TNT platter and bearing, Super Arm Board and VPI/Rega VTA adjuster and VPI dropped counterweight, a Butternut Audio Modified Rega RB300 tonearm and Clearaudio Aurum Beta S cartridge. The stock rubber feet on the VPI have been replaced by screw-on Michel Tenderfeet.
Digital; Marantz SACD 8260 for SACD playback, Stello CDA320 CD player, and a Panasonic DVD-F65 for 2-channel DVD-A playback, the Marantz and the Stello connected to the pre-amp via meter lengths of Analysis Plus Copper Oval-In and the Panasonic via Alpha-Core TQ2 interconnects, and to the Monster power strip with Harmonic tech and Analysis Plus power cords replacing the stock units.

Electronics: My pre-amp is the new remote controlled Audio Research SP16, which I found a big improvement over my old, mint Audio Research SP6A, due to the vast improvements in sound quality and the remote (ah, couch-potato heaven). The pre-amp is connected, via a Harmonic Technologies Pro-AC 11 power cord to the power grid, and to my Bryston 4B SST power amp – which uses an Analysis Plus Oval 10 power cord - by another pair of Analysis Plus Copper Oval-In interconnects.

Speakers: My speakers are the much hearalded Magnaplaner MG 1.6 Q/R’s (and rightly so, as they are, in my opinion, THE best buy in speakers under $2000, but only if your room and electronics are up to them) and are connected to the Bryston amp by a bi-wired set of Analysis Plus Big Oval 9 speaker cable, a company whose cables I have found mate superbly with the Maggies. I’ve also placed two pre-fab ficus trees behind the speakers to aid in rear-wave dispersion.

Cables: As noted above, I use Analysis Plus cables due to their innate ability to match-up with any electronics they’re hooked up to. I also keep a set of Alpha Core / Goretz TQ2, Harmonic Technology Pro Silway Mk. II and DH Labs BL-1 interconnects around for comparison proposes.

Accessories: All components, except the power amp, sit on homemade sand isolation boxes on a pair of Salamnder Arcytype two shelf racks. The amp sits on a Symposium Ultra table on a set of Tonecones. Power is filtered and surge protected with a Monster Cable HTS1000. With the exception of the turntable, which I have described above, I use all Symposium isolation products under each component. I clean all my vinyl records on a VPI 16.5 vacuum machine. I also use a Hunt EDA carbon fiber brush or a Radio Shack demagnetizer before doing any listening to either LP’s or CD/SACD’s.
Email:
  johnc@soundstage.com
Web:
  http://www.soundstage.com
Posts:
  0

 
 
Reviews
Found: 3

Duke Ellington: Blues in Orbit        (2 of 2 found this review helpful)
  November 8, 2006

One of the first (and, from the original Mobile Fidelity only and last) hybrid SACD's to come to market. And you know what? It's still one of the best sounding. it's biggest drawback - besides the short playing time - is the left/right feel to the band. Ellington is center stage, but he doesn't play ... more
Stockfisch-Records - Closer to the Music        (3 of 3 found this review helpful)
  October 6, 2006

As samplers go, this is one of the best. An excellent cross section of artists from the Stockfish catalog. I am especially taken by the cuts from Alan Taylor ("The Beat Hotel" in particualr) and Chris Jones. Sonics are clean, clear and crisp, with an exceptional sense of timbre. I've purchased a few ... more
Tiny Island        (4 of 4 found this review helpful)
  October 6, 2006

This has become THE disc I use to demo SACD to anyone foolish enough to inquire as to its ability. Great music - music that suits any time or mood. The sonics are superb, the playing fabulous. I can't give this disc a higher recommendation than to JUST GO BUY IT!!!! John Crossett www.soundstage.com

 
 
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