New addition time, since getting the R35 phono stage, it’s bugged me having it sit on top of the sa10 player.  So have been looking around for a new rack. The existing sgr is very well made , but  a new shelf is $3500 and not that easily integrated. 
 

after looking at various brands solid tech, extrema, solid steel - I decided to give a Neo Tech tripod a go ( purchased from Art of sound) and installed it last night. Build quality is top notch and the machining and weight of the legs is pretty amazing.  Even things like the quality of the packaging  and foam inserts add to the user  experience.

 

Heights chosen were 27cm for the bottom,  22cm for middle and 17cm for the top, plan was to assemble in that order too, but due to a Cable length issue, ended up being 27, 17, 22. 

 

Fairly straight forward to put together with a couple on hitches - the Michi X5 is so darn deep I could not use the usual bananas, so had to swap over the bare wire until  I sort something out and the extra height of the cd meant my existing 50cm xlr cables were too short.

 

other than that the assembly and fit was spot on. Bonus the extra height means not quite so bent over using the TT , important consideration at my age.

Edited August 28, 20232 yr by cafe67

Lovely photography

Rack looks superb!

 

And things can change again in a short time 

 

Hegel H590  replacing the Michi X5 - sounds good - perhaps and bit more detail (need to listen to some familiar music) but the bass is amazing feels like my speakers grew bigger and the soundstage seems wider. The H590 seems to pair well with the Marten Parker’s. 
 

but also plugged in some new to me Siltech L330 speakers cables - not sure how much they are contributing, but sitting here right now listening to Yello’s Touch album sounds sensational 😎

Those Martens look gorgeous.

4 minutes ago, Steever said:

Those Martens look gorgeous.

They do sound very nice, certainly one of the best I’ve heard and they work really well in my room. 

On 14/10/2023 at 4:18 PM, cafe67 said:

And things can change again in a short time 

 

Hegel H590  replacing the Michi X5 - sounds good - perhaps and bit more detail (need to listen to some familiar music) but the bass is amazing feels like my speakers grew bigger and the soundstage seems wider. The H590 seems to pair well with the Marten Parker’s. 
 

but also plugged in some new to me Siltech L330 speakers cables - not sure how much they are contributing, but sitting here right now listening to Yello’s Touch album sounds sensational 😎

 

Its definitely the Hegel!!! 😉

...Siltech cables are very nice

Latest upgrade , massive $3.80 from Daiso 

Couldve saved the money and made one out of some sticks in your yard! 😉

On 17/10/2023 at 3:32 PM, Steever said:

Those Martens look gorgeous.

Yes, I had a pair. Best bookshelf speaker I’ve had in my system. 

A teeny (by size) upgrade , a Bluesound Node Nano - a cheapy way IG trying streaming again 😊

And a not so teeny change to the system, either in Size and cost - Dail Epicon  6 in the house 

5 minutes ago, cafe67 said:

And a not so teeny change to the system, either in Size and cost - Dail Epicon  6 in the house 

Mmmm, time for a visit 🤗✌️

20 minutes ago, Mendes said:

Mmmm, time for a visit 🤗✌️

Sign me up!

10 hours ago, cafe67 said:

And a not so teeny change to the system, either in Size and cost - Dail Epicon  6 in the house 

The finish in those is quite stunning. I’ve seen the two way version and the build is faultless. 
 

Well done. 

12 hours ago, Mendes said:

Mmmm, time for a visit 🤗✌️

 

12 hours ago, Hydrology said:

Sign me up!

You know you're always welcome 😎 never to far away

Edited November 6, 20241 yr by cafe67

Smaller than the Dali’s, more expensive than the Nano 😎 

Edited November 19, 20241 yr by cafe67

6 minutes ago, cafe67 said:

Smaller than the Dali’s, more expensive than the Nano 😎

 

Please tell us what you think of it. I was considering one but settled on a humble (and more affordable) ART9XA. I want to live vicariously through you...

Edited November 19, 20241 yr by Steever

7 minutes ago, Steever said:

 

Please tell us what you think of it. I was considering one but settled on a humble (and more affordable) ART9XA. I want to live vicariously through you...

Will do , only got installed yesterday (thanks @Douglas HiFi) and only put on a couple of unfamiliar records - but straight out of the box sounds very good - bass is good , mids and highs likewise and so far I haven’t noticed any harshness or similar to the highs.  
 

a friend of mine has the Art9x and enjoys it.
 

lol you ever cross the desert , welcome to come and say hello 😎

Edited November 19, 20241 yr by cafe67

Ok am I the only person who doesn’t know what cart that is?

 

Surely those Dali’s can’t be better than the Martens, did you sell or trade them?

 

Different or better, what are your thoughts?

4 minutes ago, russell66 said:

Ok am I the only person who doesn’t know what cart that is?

 

Surely those Dali’s can’t be better than the Martens, did you sell or trade them?

 

Different or better, what are your thoughts?

Hiya, the cart is the AT Art20. 
 

still have the Martens comparing them to the Dali’s is a work in progress - they are both very good with different strengths  

2 minutes ago, cafe67 said:

Hiya, the cart is the AT Art20. 
 

still have the Martens comparing them to the Dali’s is a work in progress - they are both very good with different strengths  

Oh that’s a nice cart.

Great that you get to compare them, looking forward to hearing your conclusion 

Baby steps for the system today - cd alphabetical dividers and a uber flexlight - installed it sideways at first, but then tried it front on which I like better - all under the careful eye of Nutmeg 😎

Lucky dog, he/she has the best spot in the house!

Edited April 13, 2025Apr 13 by vinilink

Dalis have gone to a new loving home and the martens are back in the system - having a play with positioning - further apart and firing forward. All under the watchful supervision of Nutmeg 🙂

Lovely Dave, I'm pleased that you made up your mind between the two pairs of speakers. I agree those Martens were very good.

 

I see Nutmeg is watching the stereo but keeping an 'eye' on you at the same time, - charming.