9 hours ago, mtf said:

It really was fantastic to experience your new acquisitions with you Chanh, what a great morning for everyone involved. It is truly an exceptional room to be in. Once the needle is dropped or the play button is pushed the physical mass of gear disappears and what you are left with is what we all want, engagement with music, of ethereal proportions.

Thanks for your time yesterday, Mark. I felt a bit embarrassed asking you to be here at 7:30am. That said, Dan Cross and his team at Addicted to Audio were here at 7am, or maybe even before my morning coffee. Regarding customer service, these guys have nothing but top-notch service and professionalism. I hope the Penfold Bin 707 2005 vintage was a suitable reward and worth every drop with this new acquisition. The aroma from it was absolutely fantastic. There will one day, I open a bottle of Grange 1997 vintage. I recall the vintage 1997 was sold for up to $75,000.00. Too rich for me, but I manage to secure several in my collection at much more affordable rates. 😊

I reckon this high-end audio and wine collection might have been a bit much! I’d probably find it easier and cheaper to focus on my flying hobby.

Edited Saturday at 10:31 PM1 day by AccMagi7s

Update, I left the new electronics running throughout the night and requested my son to come in briefly for an early listening session to provide his observations. Youthful ears are advantageous, particularly as he is interested in music and participates in a ensemble at Perth Modern School.

Here are his feedback in his own words:

The sound almost felt spacious, there was more room and it did not feel congested or cramped. You could hear the instruments collaborating and forming that roomy sound.

Edited Saturday at 12:18 AM2 days by AccMagi7s

Some logistic photos.

The 707 was both a very generous offering and a fitting way for us all to celebrate the installation of your new upgrades, thanks again!

Dan and his team were indeed outstanding, there were some rather challenging logistics involved to get those beauties in place and they handled and housed them in a very professional and respectful manner.

You can relax and enjoy now mate.

21 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

Thank you Rob.

While it is still early days and the powering method isn't ideal, I was still quite impressed. My previous setup took years to perfect, and there was no doubt that the combination of Accuphase and Gryphon did a very good job. The new electronics take me further with emotion, clearly defining each instrument and artist within a well-formed three-dimensional soundstage. The sonic density is significantly higher, and when a drum kick or vocal attack hits, you can feel it not just through hearing but physically from your listening chair. The attack and decay are unprecedented, making the timing feel truly addictive once you're tuned into these fundamental sonic qualities.

Of course, it’s still early days, and there’s more to come once power and power cables are optimised.

All good early indications thus far!

Not sure if you use any type of stand alone power conditioner or distributor?

If so, I would definitely trial having a separate dedicated high quality circuit installed, dedicated for the new amplifiers. Try removing any of the in line auxiliary conditioners , as one would expect the Goldmund monos will have state of the art power supplies.

Might be worth a try.

I have successfully reinstalled my computer server with Goldmund’s built-in DAC. This DAC supports up to 512 DSD, which has been a significant improvement over the CD transport I previously used. The sound quality is exceptional, with a precise and sharp sound that is both elegant and accurate. The top end is clear and articulate, while the bass is powerful and dynamic. I have consistently found the Gryphon to be the best choice for my listening experience, and I have used it to compare other electronics in various environments.

I am sad to see the Gryphon and C3900 go. This combination offers a sonic synergy that is difficult to match. Unless you are ready to folk out mega coins in the hundreds of thousands ding ding.

For now, I am content with my Goldmund system and the reassurance it provides.

Edited Saturday at 11:41 PM1 day by AccMagi7s

For those unaware, acquiring audio gears for this room has always been a lengthy process that requires considerable effort, including interstate and international travel to explore a wide range of setups locally and abroad. The new additions must be noticeably superior; otherwise, I tend to shy away from them. If you browse through my thread, you'll see that when I was searching for preamps, I tested over 20 different brands, including some of the most renowned ultra-high-end names. The same dedication applied when I finally settled on the Magico M7s. The Goldmund is the last piece of my puzzle—such a decision came with significant financial challenges, but I can honestly say, I’m glad I went for it!

On 23/01/2026 at 5:18 PM, AccMagi7s said:

I have always enjoyed the charcoal seafood charkoay teow in newlane market. I visit this place every time I go to Penang.

Sorry Off topic a bit..

Been reading thru u'r post.. and saw this...

Damn.. I'm missing my CKT.. a year and counting for my next feed..

Edited yesterday at 01:09 AM1 day by oukouk

@AccMagi7s

I'm late to the party. Can you list your current setup please. The imagery looks amazing.

Regards Cazzesman

15 minutes ago, cazzesman said:

@AccMagi7s

I'm late to the party. Can you list your current setup please. The imagery looks amazing.

Regards Cazzesman

Digital front-end - my diy server with HQPlayer and Jplay. Previously Roon.

Preamp: Glodmund Excellence

Amps: 4800s

Edited yesterday at 05:44 AM1 day by AccMagi7s
Wrong preamps

Doesnt get better than this!

Congrats!

Hope you get lots of enjoyment for you, your family, and lucky friends.

51 minutes ago, AccMagi7s said:

Digital front-end - my diy server with HQPlayer and Jplay. Previously Roon.

Preamp: https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/goldmund-mimesis-reference-full-analog-pre-amplifier

Amps:

https://addictedtoaudio.com.au/products/goldmund-telos-4800-mono-power-amplifier

Speakers:

Magico M7 Floorstanding Loudspeakers

What improvement did you find switching from Roon?

Clarity, speed, coherence, micro and macro dynamics, and improved imaging.

Overall, sound more engaging and musical.

That said, this observation is based on my hearing ability and my setup synergy. It is bound to have different opinions, for sure. Best to conduct this in your setup with your well-known tracks.

Obviously I have no idea how good your DIY server is, but just wondering if you have compared it to a top end server like the Antipodes Oladra or the like?

Were you tempted to buy the taiko that was for sale here 6.months back?

Regards Cazzesman

So my first guest arrived. @Grimmie

My DIY server may not sound as great as my turntable, but it definitely surpasses my flagship Accuphase CD-Transport when using the same DAC.

Regarding servers in general, I haven't yet tried the JCat Toplevel Shelf that Leon mentioned, but I've explored others like Taiko and Aurender W20. The Esoteric flagship N1T had just a slight edge over my DIY setup—nothing significant enough to justify spending $65k for such a small upgrade. Of course, newer models from Taiko, Aurender, and others might offer a different experience. However, with digital front ends, there’s only so much improvement to be gained, despite plenty of funding.

I’d love for anyone to bring over a server for a direct comparison. I always enjoy discovering new innovations and learning more.

3 hours ago, AccMagi7s said:

Digital front-end - my diy server with HQPlayer and Jplay. Previously Roon.

Preamp: Glodmund Excellence

Amps: 4800s

A correction here. Thanks to @mtf ! He is actually reading my post! 😊😁

The preamp is the Goldmund Excellence. Not the Reference!

Setup looks amazing and definitely next level gear. A level which (without a big lotto win) I will not be able to attain. But hoping I can visit sometime this year and appreciate all your hard work and end result in putting this stellar system together.

See the stunned mullet expression on my face? see the pinned in the seat posture? see the green-eyed monster sitting there? No not the misses next to me, I'm talking about the thunder struck Grimmie!

Of course, I have been here a few times before over the last few years and naturally the incredible sound has struck me goose-pimply and speechless each time. There's no point in my trying to be smart-arse'd and point out invented faults, AFAI'm concerned it's faultless. Didn't have time for an extended listen. A couple of audiophile tracks via streaming and the wonderful Technics vinyl spinner was about all we had time for but man! what an impression those songs had on both of us.

Here's a whinge... I requested a track on Chanh's streaming player Paul Young 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' which he duly found. It's a beautiful song that we both love and I played the vinyl version just the other day at home. On start up the bloody thing ketp dropping out and gapping to the exasperation of all and Chanh had to resort to downloading it prior to proper playing. Thank God I don't have a streamer, that would sheet me to tears. Now, - forgive me here Chanh, but I swear once we heard the download, in fact, as soon as it started I felt it was not to the standard I heard when it was playing in two second bursts and had to be stopped. Was it the storage, the transfer? my imagination? I don't have golden ears but....

Back to why the misses along-side? well, tactics dear friends, tactics. I am currently upgrading a few bits. Well, replacing and upgrading actually as my AMR DAC Pre has crapped itself requiring replacing and due to a very generous offer to from Chanh to purchase a super classy MC cart from him I've had to find a better phono stage for it rather than my Vincent PHO 701, which is great for MM carts, acquitting itself admirably with the Ortofon 2M Black and Shure V15III but for this thing I wanted to push the purse as far as I could, so gone for a Ultrafidelity OAD UP1. Untried and untested but very well reviewed and fingers crossed a suitable match.

The misses, Oh yes! well, I figure being awestruck by Mr AccMagi's incredible system and its associated total purchase price she won't be so critical of my paltry spend. - And it worked! Not quite encouraged but definitely no more complaining. - Down there for dancing.

3 hours ago, frednork said:

Setup looks amazing and definitely next level gear. A level which (without a big lotto win) I will not be able to attain. But hoping I can visit sometime this year and appreciate all your hard work and end result in putting this stellar system together.

Thanks so much, Mark! I'm really looking forward to seeing you here. I'm sure many of us are excited to meet and say hello too.

Thank you so much for your kind feedback, Ged. It was truly a pleasure meeting your boss today as well. I believe our current impressions might change in a few weeks, once the room is more organised and tidy—it's definitely helpful to have a great ambience. I'm really excited about the possibility of an even higher sonic bar once I can get the power cables sorted and the room reconfigured. A very exciting time ahead!

I hope you enjoy the golden/champagne cart. 😁

Here's an update from a friend in Noranda: he kindly offered to send over several Shunyata power cables with C15 and C19 for my new amps, along with all the turntable accessories to enjoy. Plus, he lent me a couple of popular books on achieving great sound. I'm truly blessed and feel so loved by my wonderful circle of friends here in SNA.

Edited yesterday at 01:50 PM1 day by AccMagi7s

(This is not to you Chanh.)

I've been mulling over (assisted by a few spiced rum and gingers) what I heard at Chanh's place earlier today and am cursing that I only had such a brief listen. I keep wondering what my favorite music would sound like played through those M7's powered by the mighty Goldmunds, golden spoon-fed by the Technics SP10Mk.3 and silver coil cart . I must admit I would love to hear 'Angel' by Massive Attack, 'All Things to All Men' Cinematic Orchestra, 'So What' Miles Davis, 'Melange Bleu' Lars Danielssen, 'Peaches en Regalia' Frank Zappa, the list goes on. The fabulous bass tones would gut rumble 'Angel', imagine the ring of the harp in 'All Things'. - Ian Underwoods keys, holy crap! It would be quite incredible.

Chanh has all this now at his fingertips. Do I sound jealous? well, no, not quite. My system is enough for me but I am pleased for him. Such obsession deserves reward for sure. Worried? a little as I'm not sure his ambition has an end. Can he appreciate what he has enough to say, "that'll do pig" (I hope he get's the 'Babe' reference).

I've heard a few fabulous systems, Jone99, SteveM, Pat O'Brian, Tasso, all with systems that amaze. This one is the dog's bollocks, the absolute pinnacle. Well done to the feller, - can he stop and smell the roses?

Edited yesterday at 03:25 PM1 day by Grimmie

Balancing time and money often feels like a real conundrum. Thanks to @Grimmie for dropping by on a Sunday—that gave me a rare opportunity to join him and his wife for a quick respite. As soon as he left, I was back at my desk, reviewing and signing a couple of reports. This is where my hobby—that passionate pursuit of electronics—comes into play. It’s something I’d love to enjoy on a Sunday, but instead, I find myself deep in work, trying to earn a living to keep food on the table and meet the weekend meet.

Since the Goldmund arrival, they have been fully active—not on standby, but in operational mode. Just last night, with only 15 minutes before midnight, I managed to catch a glimpse of an exciting opportunity before bed. The sound quality was astonishing—such a revelation! It immediately brought a smile to my face, transforming my expectations into a genuine anticipation for what’s to come. Was I imagining things, or was this real? Whatever the case, I was thrilled—so much so that sleep became a waste of time. Yet, I knew I had to get up the next day and get back to the routine: putting food on the table, managing the kids’ education, and supporting my wife’s high-end handbags—her way of staying focused amid the chaos of this room.

In summary, it was incredible—really, the sound was simply amazing. Thinking of this moment reminds me of Dan Cross at Addicted to Audio, a man who always did everything possible to help me enjoy my hobby to the fullest. This is what passion looks like.

So thank you Dan!