[Axel]

Thanks. The two arms are a Glanz MH-124S with an SPU Century and, yes, in the back a Schick 12 with a vdh Crimson Stradivarius. I mix things up when I want a change but right now the SPU is into the D3a and the vdh into the Zanden. I may downsize at some point as I rarely listen to digital, and two phonos is a little overkill. This Zanden has a true mono input and various mono loadings and equalization settings, so I’d intended to try keeping for a mono setup. But my mono SPU isn’t up to the standards of the other carts. One day I want to try a Miyajima Infinity in that spot before dispensing with a second arm.

I could live with either phono stage. It’s difficult to describe either as having “more” of something than the other, just slightly different presentations. The Zanden leans toward a “beautiful” sound and the Mayer more punchy and authentic. The Crimson Stradivarius helps liven up the Zanden, being very dynamic. I mostly listen to jazz so the Garrard, Glanz, SPU, Mayer chain delivers the most engaging sound that really hits the spot for me. Either provides a platform to try lots of great cartridges.

Love your descriptions. Thanks!
Glanz tonearms are very interesting. They look like a modern-day FR, and seem to be built and sound better than the Ikeda (which I'm not a big fan of).
You should try your mono Jazz records with the Miyajima Infinity. I've heard the SPU mono and other "entry" level mono cartridges, and was never satisfied. The stereo cartridges bettered them.
After listening to the Infinity, I finally understood the advantages of a true mono cartridge. Also looking to get a Tedeska mono.

Does you D3a have only 1 input?

 

[sfoclt]

Yes, only one input on the D3a. If I settled on a single cartridge I could stick with that. But a little more exploration likely still. Would be a shame to not use the Zanden to its full potential with some better mono carts. I’ve tried a number of pre RIAA mono records from the 50’s and the equalization curves made the difference between bland and exciting. I just looked up the Tedeska mono and that looks interesting, although it would likely require a different SUT than the ones I have so the Infinity would come in much cheaper.

 

[Axel]

Yes, only one input on the D3a. If I settled on a single cartridge I could stick with that. But a little more exploration likely still. Would be a shame to not use the Zanden to its full potential with some better mono carts. I’ve tried a number of pre RIAA mono records from the 50’s and the equalization curves made the difference between bland and exciting. I just looked up the Tedeska mono and that looks interesting, although it would likely require a different SUT than the ones I have so the Infinity would come in much cheaper.

Yes, playing with EQ curves for mono records sometimes provides much better results. I know that Thomas makes a phono EQ.
The Tedeska is a little higher on impedance, but it may fit the same SUT setting as the Infinity.

 

[ufospls2]

My core system I posted here 4.5 years ago isn't THAT much different today. Mainly what's changed is that I've collected a lot of extra boxes: amps, preamps, SUTs, cartridges. Endless swapping to find the "right" combinations. Everything has its strength and weaknesses. Matching preamp to power amp brand actually hasn't been a winner for me. So for example I like VAC Master preamp with Phison A2.120SE (solid state) amp, or ARC Reference 6 preamp with VAC 200iQ mono amps. But I need to settle down on a favorite combo soon, because all the swapping is bad for my back - I'm getting old

Here's a pic from the weekend with my old Rogue Apollo Dark amps back in. They're perhaps not *quite* as refined or articulate as the VAC 200iQ monos or Phison A2.120SE, but they still rock like hell and give an extremely enjoyable listen. Plus I've always loved their look with all the exposed KT120 tubes. Even though my other amps are technically better than the Apollos (its noise floor is not the best), recently I've been craving a listen for them which I can't fully explain. I've had them dating back to 2010 (non-Dark back then), and I've noticed any component you enjoy for years will in fact ingrain itself into your brain's sonic processing and influence your preferences going forward.

Sadly my once-beloved headphone gear has been languishing due to issues with various components (constant frustration - my speaker rig has been far more reliable), plus the fact I'd just rather throw a record on the big rig. And there's still NO digital source hookup in the main rig, haha! Vinyl or nothing.

That VAC Master preamp gets a great name. Very cool set up dude, I bet it sounds super!

 

[ufospls2]

Thomas Mayer Da3 phono, 10Y line stage and 801/300B monoblocks. I had Thomas include a headphone connection on the back of the preamp, which works with high impedance phones like the VC. That’s the long cord going to back of preamp. The other unconnected cord goes to the McIntosh amp, which I use with planars. Other sources are the Zanden dac and phono, into which my second arm/cartridge goes. Various speakers but just pulled apart my RCA vintage horns (using MI-9548A drivers) to replace the original radial horn with a new 1803b multicell horn which will take a few months to finalize. Have my old Cube Nenuphars hooked up at moment.

Interesting to see Thomas Meyer here on Head-Fi. Seems to be that his works are at the very forefront of pushing the sound from tubes, in terms of current active builders. Very cool man.

 

[James824]

Not a large system, however gets the job done.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

A DAT deck on the bottom? I haven't seen that one before.

 

[James824]

A DAT deck on the bottom? I haven't seen that one before.

Yes it it.
Sony PCM R500. Performed flawlessly for 20 years. Sold it a few months ago as I no longer used it.

 

[gimmeheadroom]

Yes it it.
Sony PCM R500. Performed flawlessly for 20 years. Sold it a few months ago as I no longer used it.

You're lucky that it gave such long service. On the pro audio sites I read countless stories of anguish about dead and dying DAT decks. Seems like most of the guys have racks full of parts donors. Anyway, quite a handsome piece you had and overall a great looking setup that I'm sure sounds even better than it looks

 

[Strayngs]

 

[Icenine2]

Beautiful!!!

 

[meomap]

You have EVO 300 Integrated Amp.
I have MC275 V.
Wanting to get EVO 400 Integrated Amp for my Mag 3.7i and Tannoy ....

 

[Strayngs]

I am a big fan of both Maggies and Tannoy. Which Tannoy do you have? The EVO 400 would be a beast.

 

[meomap]

I am a big fan of both Maggies and Tannoy. Which Tannoy do you have? The EVO 400 would be a beast.

Tannoy Autograph Mini.
Ordered in Jan but delayed in shipping until May from UK, I think.
Have MA6300 IA. Will try out when Tannoy arrives. If sound not satisfied after 100 hrs burnin then test MC275 with PL Dialog Premium PA before thinking the Evil 400 IA.
Try to save 6K usd in the future for something else....

 

[Strayngs]

Tannoy Autograph Mini.
Ordered in Jan but delayed in shipping until May from UK, I think.
Have MA6300 IA. Will try out when Tannoy arrives. If sound not satisfied after 100 hrs burnin then test MC275 with PL Dialog Premium PA before thinking the Evil 400 IA.
Try to save 6K usd in the future for something else....

Nice I had the Autograph Mini before my Violins. They are exceptional for their price and size.