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VANDERSTEENS ARE BACK IN STUDIO A

1/22/2017

Some of you have been asking to hear the Vandersteen Quatros, so back into the front room they go (now known as Studio A, the carpeted room cleverly called Studio B ).
The Quatros, being #5 in the product line (1's, 2's, 3's, Treos ) followed by the 5A Carbon and Seven Mkll, are also where the powered subwoofers start, having a built in 200w solid state amplifier. The Quatro, as well as the 5 and Seven, require an adjustable crossover, the M5-HP- comes single ended $895, balanced $995 a pair. They are easily adjustable to match the impedance of your amp. Once set, that's it.
The Quatros are fairly easy to set up, yet take some time and effort, hence are not one to just press into service at a moment's notice, or your whim. Another reason why scheduled appointments for a particular piece are important, so the unit is up and running at its best. So do make an appointment and hear what all the recent press is about.

The Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT (carbon tweeter), shown here in walnut, being driven by Ayre VX-5 Twenty amp, Ayre KX-5 Twenty preamp, Brinkmann Bardo turntable/arm, Leben RS30 phono stage w Auditorium Hommage T2 stepup driving the EMT JSD6 Gold cartridge, wired with Audioquest WEL Signature, properly supported by a Harmonic Resolution Systems RXR double rack

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Cable trials....

1/22/2017

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I'm always asked what cables I use here. For a long time, even before I started the Haven, I became a huge fan of Auditorium A23, the beloved green cable. I say green because the speaker cable only, not the interconnect, is wrapped in a green woven cloth. The interconnect is a supple solid blackish wrap. I've never had the speaker cable apart, yet from where the shrink meets the ends you can tell there are several thin wires beneath the green cloth. As a hobbyist I changed cables as often as some hipsters these days change their jeans. I had most of the commercial brands, and some of the underground and specialty cables as well. None has stayed as long as the Auditorium, and I think they'll be here for years to come. I do also sell quite a bit of the Audioquest, which has a cable for every need. They're exceptionally good with Vandersteens, and their digital cables have rousted many a comer here.
There are many good cables on the market today, so I'll usually not get into cable wars with anyone, it's all too meaningless. In the end, you'll buy what you like, and that will be the end of it. If you ask me, I will tell you of cables which are just flat out boring, or too analytical, or overpriced, or in some cases just plain evil, like Transparent. It is fun to try different cables, so you are more than welcome to bring anything in for a comparison, but no leg wrestling over it, okay?

Today was a listening trial with some new cables, and someone just wasn't having it. Notice the disdain! I think these cables, no matter how much burn in time, are going back....trust your nose! And ears......

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Too Much Tube Rolling....

1/14/2017

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As I keep telling you, the factory tubes for most of these brands are very good, especially with the Line Magnetics. And yes, newcomers, you do get tubes with the units. However, you can sometimes do quite a bit better by going to aftermarket tubes. And the best place to start is with input tubes (12AX7's, 12AU7's, etc.) And my favorite person to deal with so far has been Brent Jesse of Brent Jesse Recordings and Supplies in Hoffman Estates, IL. Very knowledgable, very helpful, and most importantly very patient. Give him a try, and tell him I sent you. (you won't get any special deals, nor will I, but it will make him laugh)
Just do not drive yourself crazy tube rolling. I can tell when some of you get the disease. You text or call at all hours of the day and night. OMG! You won't believe how it sounds now. I believe, trust me. Just don't get too spendy and try to reinvent the wheel.
Obviously somebody who lays on carpets has had too much of it for today......
be careful out there! You've been warned.....

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Line Magnetic behemoth back in action...

1/14/2017

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Pressed back in to service, the LM219 is wonderful with the new Solo speakers from Consonance. A truly wonderful match. As I keep telling you, there's an amp out there that's going to make your speaker sing, and usually only a good dealer can help you find it. The hunt and peck method that many of you choose is generally a sure way to lose money.

to further sweeten the pot, I'm using the Psvane WE300B reproductions in the driver tube spot....heavenly bliss...

and on the opposite end of the LM spectrum the LM211- El34 based- also works amazingly well with the Solos. So there you have it, the Haven tip of the day...

having a little Saturday fun here, using KT66's instead of El34's. Just be sure to bias the amp after tube swapping...the KT66 runs much hotter, and have to be turned down. Easy to do. The toggle switch on the lower corner of each side controls the left two and right two output tubes. Toggle back and forth and watch your yellow meter. You'll want to be right in the marked spot for optimum bias. The two holes to the left and right of each set of output tubes are where you place a flatheaded screwdriver in to set bias. Very easy, even I can do it. The Line Magnetic 211 is a wonderful amp musically, and also easy for first timers to tube amps.

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LOTS OF DELIVERIES LATELY

1/14/2017

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Gert handles all deliveries....for all the bashing and trashing at the warehouses, my UPS and FEDEX drivers are superb...and very helpful.

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TLC Shoutout...

1/13/2017

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VANDERSTEENS ARE BACK IN STUDIO A

Cable trials....

Too Much Tube Rolling....

Line Magnetic behemoth back in action...

LOTS OF DELIVERIES LATELY

TLC Shoutout...

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