Hi All,

 

The system has been through a couple of significant upgrades this year, so I thought it was time to post about it.  The most recent is probably the biggest undertaking I've ever entered into.  Massive shout out to @cheekyboy and @SGR Audio.  Just awesome to deal with Keith, Harry and Stuart.

 

For my 50th I was very lucky to get the Brinkmann Bardo and the upgrade over the Soulines was considerable IMO.  Going from belt to a direct drive mechanism really put an oomph in the sound.  Whilst the Bardo is not what many consider cheap (I don't that's for sure) I reckon it is up there for best value TT.  Just a remarkable machine.  Through Oct and Nov I was discussing upgrades with Keith, we settled on the Acoustical systems Aquilar tonearm, Acoustical systems SDP platter extension and Helox clamp.

 

I sent off the Bardo to Harry and Stuart at SGR and they fitted everything for me.  I'd long threatened to go and visit Harry and Stuart and decided this was the perfect opportunity.  I flew down and booked a car to drive back with the new TT and some BR2 Speakers, plus the Edison which had new tubes installed.  11hrs of 'thrilling' driving along the Hume yesterday - there are some fcktards on our roads who just believe you should move out of their way when merging...  Some real bullies on the roads across Vic, ACT and NSW.  Sydney, being true to form, took almost 2 hours from the M7 turn off..  Anyway, i digress.

 

Harry and Ann put on a great lunch and we listened to my Bardo in the new configuration.  Stuart's MT 3.2 Yellow Lamborghini coloured active speakers would be the best Speakers I've heard. They are stunning and sounded just amazing hooked up the the Brinkmann TT's and Phono stage.  The pics of them included here (taken by Harry in his demo room) show the setup at Harry's place.  Just outstanding clarity and realism.  Both my Bardo and the Balance (with the AS Palladium cart) were played.  HiFi heaven.  Anyone in Melbourne thinking of some serious gear should contact Harry at SGR Audio and have a listen. I know SGR's reputation of excellence may already be well known to many.  It is well deserved - my first visit out there and won't be my last.  Harry, Stuart and Ann are great hosts.  I was also lucky to be taken to Stuart's factory, what a high calibre setup.  Professionalism at the highest order - I didn't take any pics as I didn't think that was the courteous thing to do but the production is world class.

 

I'm not sure if I will keep both phono stages, But have the summer to make that decision...

 

My new TT configuration is detailed below:

 

 

acoustical systems - HELOX reflex record clamp (arche-headshell.de)

acoustical systems - SDP - the sonically most effective upgrade for every turntable (arche-headshell.de)

Acoustical Systems Aquilar 10" Reference Tonearm | Wyndham Audio

Acoustical Systems - Archon LOMC Phono Cartridge | Wyndham Audio

Brinkmann Bardo Turntable. | Wyndham Audio

 

Pics are from Harry and also from my phone (the ones of the system at my place once I setup yesterday afternoon).

 

In Harry's pics - Bardo is on the left, Balance is on the right

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 18, 20205 yr by scuzzii

On ya mate, gobsmacking!

Looking good John! What's on top of the left speaker?

18 minutes ago, Grizzly said:

Looking good John! What's on top of the left speaker?

Cheers Ant, its the currently playing display (where i place the album cover).  Marble cutting board with felt underneath and an ikea cook book display.

Edited December 17, 20205 yr by scuzzii

23 minutes ago, Grizzly said:

Looking good John! What's on top of the left speaker?

A Sydney centric Topper, that's what it is Ant. Only need one in the Emerald City?

1 hour ago, Luc said:

A Sydney centric Topper, that's what it is Ant. Only need one in the Emerald City?

 

Excuse me, Lee, my loudspeakers don't need those BS topper thingies on them!! 

 

@Grizzly The thing is a light curved frame for holding and displaying the album jackets.

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

2 hours ago, scuzzii said:

Hi All,

 

The system has been through a couple of significant upgrades this year, so I thought it was time to post about it.  The most recent is probably the biggest undertaking I've ever entered into.  Massive shout out to @cheekyboy and @SGR Audio.  Just awesome to deal with Keith, Harry and Stuart.

 

For my 50th I was very lucky to get the Brinkmann Bardo and the upgrade over the Soulines was considerable IMO.  Going from belt to a direct drive mechanism really put an oomph in the sound.  Whilst the Bardo is not what many consider cheap (I don't that's for sure) I reckon it is up there for best value TT.  Just a remarkable machine.  Through Oct and Nov I was discussing upgrades with Keith, we settled on the Acoustical systems Aquilar tonearm, Acoustical systems SDP platter extension and Helox clamp.

 

I sent off the Bardo to Harry and Stuart at SGR and they fitted everything for me.  I'd long threatened to go and visit Harry and Stuart and decided this was the perfect opportunity.  I flew down and booked a car to drive back with the new TT and some BR2 Speakers, plus the Edison which had new tubes installed.  11hrs of 'thrilling' driving along the Hume yesterday - there are some fcktards on our roads who just believe you should move out of their way when merging...  Some real bullies on the roads across Vic, ACT and NSW.  Sydney, being true to form, took almost 2 hours from the M7 turn off..  Anyway, i digress.

 

Harry and Ann put on a great lunch and we listened to my Bardo in the new configuration.  Stuart's MT 3.2 Yellow Lamborghini coloured active speakers would be the best Speakers I've heard. They are stunning and sounded just amazing hooked up the the Brinkmann TT's and Phono stage.  The pics of them included here (taken by Harry in his demo room) show the setup at Harry's place.  Just outstanding clarity and realism.  Both my Bardo and the Balance (with the AS Palladium cart) were played.  HiFi heaven.  Anyone in Melbourne thinking of some serious gear should contact Harry at SGR Audio and have a listen. I know SGR's reputation of excellence may already be well known to many.  It is well deserved - my first visit out there and won't be my last.  Harry, Stuart and Ann are great hosts.  I was also lucky to be taken to Stuart's factory, what a high calibre setup.  Professionalism at the highest order - I didn't take any pics as I didn't think that was the courteous thing to do but the production is world class.

 

I'm not sure if I will keep both phono stages, But have the summer to make that decision...

 

My new TT configuration is detailed below:

 

 

acoustical systems - HELOX reflex record clamp (arche-headshell.de)

acoustical systems - SDP - the sonically most effective upgrade for every turntable (arche-headshell.de)

Acoustical Systems Aquilar 10" Reference Tonearm | Wyndham Audio

Acoustical Systems - Archon LOMC Phono Cartridge | Wyndham Audio

Brinkmann Bardo Turntable. | Wyndham Audio

 

Pics are from Harry and also from my phone (the ones of the system at my place once I setup yesterday afternoon).

 

In Harry's pics - Bardo is on the left, Balance is on the right

 

 

 

 

 

 

Looking great, John, and I can't wait to get down there and have a listen to the Bardo with the SDP and Aquilar arm. Your system/room was arguably one of the best I've heard before this upgrade and I'm sure the CH2s will move with the upgrade and produce something absolutely outstanding now.

 

I would like to second John's comments regarding SGR Audio and Harry's room down in Melbourne. There is no argument for me that Harry's room is definitely the best sounding room I've been in and I've been fortunate over the years to be in some great sound rooms and in front of some superb and expensive loudspeakers too. The SGR MT 3.2s are without a doubt, clearly the best loudspeakers I've had the pleasure to listen to. The MT 3.2s are astonishing loudspeakers and if you want to hear the very best, do yourself a favour and give Harry a call and make an appointment to audition them..........you won't be disappointed.

 

Cheers,

 

Keith

Big day ahead...  listening session just kicked off..

 

Jim Sullivan sounding better than before.  Very happy.

 

Thanks again @cheekyboy and @SGR Audio

Looks amazing John.  Enjoy your listening session today ?

6 minutes ago, Bill125812 said:

Looks amazing John.  Enjoy your listening session today ?

Thanks Bill. Your xlr cable is doing the duties between phono and amp.

1 hour ago, scuzzii said:

Big day ahead...  listening session just kicked off..

 

Jim Sullivan sounding better than before.  Very happy.

 

Thanks again @cheekyboy and @SGR Audio

 

I'm not surprised with the improvement in sound and great that the CH2s have stepped up yet again....................must be one sensational sounding system now!

 

I thought I'd post the pic below just to give some perspective of the size of the CH2s and got this good looking bloke to stand next to John's RHS speaker.

 

Edited December 19, 20205 yr by cheekyboy

A few more close ups

I should update this thread..

Some new pics..

 

saw that some liked this thread earlier today. Had forgotten all about it.