Ayre in the Air! Don't dread the Dreadnaught :)

[Mike Osadciw]

2-channel system updated to reflect current setup. The Theta Dreadnaught seen in the picture is now powering the home theater.

[John72953]

Just a gorgeous system! Well done, Sir! Any reason you're not doing analogue (LP -R2R)?

[Mike Osadciw]

...actually, that's my next step! I've been buying new vinyl for a while now, of new music...with the intention of picking up a turntable (I don't have one that works...well, actually I do, but it's rigged to play 78s only in this system...it's an old Gerrard in a new box "chassis"...I have some 350 78rpms...) The Ayre is ready to go with the phono...just need a good turntable...I have a few in mind

[John72953]

As you know, the last few years has seen a resurgence of the vinyl format, and TT sales are up substantially as a result. Sadly though, many of those sales are for inexpensive USB tables that aren't much better than your basic Fisher-Price toy! But I digress. LOL!

Good thing is that for those interested in a quality TT, the options have never been as good as they are today. For around $1,000 you can get a TT that could very well be classified as almost audiophile quality....they are that good. It's a really good time right now to get into the world of vinyl!

Keep us posted please on any progress!

[Suave]

You should definitely add a turntable to your system Mike! Any specific brands or models that you have in mind? I'm very pleased with my Clearaudio Concept TT that I bought recently and have been spending all kinds of money on records

BTW - I just noticed that you updated the pic of your system - it looks totaly crazy with the giant Dunlavy speakers and those new amps!!
Here's a jump to the message that has the pic (for everyone else): http://canadahifi.com/forum/showthre...&p=508#post508

[John72953]

The Clearaudio Concept is a wonderful turntable Suave, as I'm sure you can well attest. Another TT from Clearaudio, but made for Marantz, the TT-15S1, and based on the Emotion TT's is another wonderful choice. I almost bit on that one, but then I got a super, super deal on my current Nottingham that I just couldn't pass up.

[Mike Osadciw]

I've now parted out the Meridian CD player as it wasn't reliable anymore. I've replaced it with the Ayre D-1xe CD/DVD player. Fully balanced multi-bit DACs...outboard power supply. Fantastic sounding unit. The Meridian was extremely good value...I have been used to that sound...but this Ayre is slightly more resolving on my system. Still no turntable...looking at VPI as an option...Clearaudio maybe...ProJect maybe... we shall see...

[tohifi]

Hello Mike,

I am a new member, just search around and saw your pictures, love your Dunlavy, I am a fan of Mr Dunlavy design, I have a small pair of Duntech Opal from Australia which are still my reference. They are classic and still one of the best speakers out there. (attach picture my Duntech on stage)

Enjoy and cheers,
Hiep To - tohifi

I'm a two channel lover as well. Glad to be spending time here with some fellow Canadians who love two channel just as much.

My system comprises of:

- Ayre K-1xe with phono stage preamp
- Theta Enterprise monoblocks (3)
- Ayre D-1xe CD/DVD Player
- Panasonic DMP-BD10A 2-ch Blu-ray Audio player
- Sim Audio Moon 100D asynchronous USB DAC
- Dunlavy SC-IV/A speakers
- Dunlavy TSW-VI subwoofer
- Transparent MusicWave Plus BiWire speaker cables
- Transparent MusicLink Super interconnects
- Transparent PowerLink Super power cables on Enterprises
- Acoustic Zen El Nino power cable on Ayre K-1xe

Fully balanced input through output. After years of listening to a wide variety of equipment, I can say that I'm completely satisfied with the sound of this system

[Mike Osadciw]

Hello ToHiFI - thanks for the comments! This current system has been slowly put together since 2006...other than adding a turntable, I'm done. Actually, I just added in an Apple TV for my iTunes radio controlled from my computer in the other room that is fed to the Moon. In between I dug up an old AudioAlchemy DTI*Plus anti-jitter device. So far so good. I haven't fully investigated in power items, but that's not a priority at the moment. Controlling the room is!

Nice Duntechs! Ahhhh...if Dunlavy were still alive and kicking today. How I'd love to see the brand resurrected and take on his philosophy, and in addition focus on using high quality parts rather than parts that just measured well at his targets. It was all a great start - but many of us believe he could have done so much better as time moved on.

[tohifi]

Hello Mike,

As same with you Mike, I like to see Dunlavy's philosophy, design and measurement is applied to present and future speakers. Unfortunately, just few companies to do so but their prices are unreachable. Duntech in Australia is still produce the classics line flagship speakers Sovereign, Princess, Marquis and new studios monitor DSM15. They are still one of "talk about speakers" in South East Asia country and still highly recognize by high-end and die-hard audiophile who care about what music should sound. They sound event better with new drivers as today technology has greatly improved on the quality of the drivers, and Duntech is one of the speakers builder like to have the best drivers in the world to build with their measurement and philosophy to have the most accurate speakers as they can build.

I wish I have a great big room to have a pair of Princess (same size as your Dunlavy)... One day

Cheers.

Hello ToHiFI - thanks for the comments! This current system has been slowly put together since 2006...other than adding a turntable, I'm done. Actually, I just added in an Apple TV for my iTunes radio controlled from my computer in the other room that is fed to the Moon. In between I dug up an old AudioAlchemy DTI*Plus anti-jitter device. So far so good. I haven't fully investigated in power items, but that's not a priority at the moment. Controlling the room is!

Nice Duntechs! Ahhhh...if Dunlavy were still alive and kicking today. How I'd love to see the brand resurrected and take on his philosophy, and in addition focus on using high quality parts rather than parts that just measured well at his targets. It was all a great start - but many of us believe he could have done so much better as time moved on.