Room Treatment 5/2016 - New room treatment with absorption for main room modes and lots of diffusion. Now working on improving lateral first reflection room treament. Results tested with my ears and with Earthworks M30/Roland Quadcapture/REW. Performed several mods to the Dunlavy SC-VI speakers: (A) External crossovers with original circuit topology: (i) upgraded caps and inductors to Duelund CAST copper for the main path, (ii) all resistors to Path Audio (sound better than Duelund cast in my crossover), (iii) Duelund RS caps for the secondary path and (iv) Duelund cast/Mylar for the 220uf in the secondary path, (v) Duelund cast silver bypass caps for high and mid CAST copper caps, (vi) Changed binding posts to Furutech FT-806R. (vii) Kept the two original crossovers for reference, and (viii) Final form of external enclosure and vibration control completed in 2017. (B) changed the tweeters to top of the line Seas Crescendo (listened and measured frequency response and impulse response - great improvement, if they did not sound and measure better I would have put back the original Vifa tweeters - yes, this is a radical change), (C) Plan to do internal rewiring of the speakers with top hook up wires from Neotech and Mundorf.
Thanks for your suggestions of additional changes.
SYSTEM HISTORY:
DIGITAL SOURCE
** Totaldac Server (2/2018) f
** Innuos Zenith Statement 4Tb as Roon Core (2019) Innuos Zenith SE as NAS (2017) Caps Zuma with two Mojo Audio Joule III - one for 12V (main) and one for 9V (USB) (2013) Mac Mini 8gb, i7, 256gb SSD (2011) Mark Levinson 37 (1995) Accuphase CDP (1994)
* 2x Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for Echole Power supply for Totaldac DAC
* Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for DAC
* Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for CH X1
* Echole Omnia Power Cable 6ft (2018) for Innuos Zenith SE
Kubala Sosna Realization (2018) for preamp (X1) Genesis Absolute Fidelity (2012) for DAC Kubala Sosna Elation (2015) for Preamp *several NBS Black Label II (2011) - Other components
POWER CONDITIONING ** Synergistic Resarch Blue fuses for preamp and DAC (2018) ** Totaldac Twelve directly to Futurech GTX-X dedicated 110V line (2018) ** Fuse box with Siemens SITOR fuses to dedicated circuits (2015) ** FPB750mcx monoblocks and CH L1+X1 each to a dedicated 220V circuit, three in total with Furutech GTX-R(2013) **PS Audio P10 (2014): for the Innuos Zenith SE, projector, Apple TV and
other components (except for monoblocks, pre, dac and phono that use no
conditioning and have dedicated lines) Synergistic Research Black fuses for preamp, dac and phono (2016) Playback designs DAC, Mastergroove mk.II phono directly to Futurech GTX-X dedicated 110V line (2015) Audience AR6-TS (2011) sold RSA Elgar 220V (for preamp) no longer in use PS Audio Powerplant (2008) no longer in use PS Audio P30 (1998) no longer in use
ACTIVE CROSSOVER for two pairs of mono amps (no longer in use) Pass XVR-1 (2013)
ANALOG FRONT END (on stand-by since 2017, focusing on upgrading digital) Technics SP10 mk3 modded by Steve Dobbins (stand-by) Schroder LT Tonear (stand-by) Lyra Atlas (Sold 2017) Tom Evans Mastergroove mk2 (Sold 2017)
Innuos Zenith Statement is used as Roon core server, feeding the Totaldac Server through its ethernet output using a Sablon Reserva Ethernet cable. It has internal linear power supplies and a 4TB SSD. I previously had a Zenith SE.
For streaming (Tidal) the Innuos is connected to the modem/router using a Synergistic Research Atmosphere X Reference Ethernet cable (with ground connected and no filter).
The cable modem/router is connected directly to the fiber optic cable and is powered by a Mojo Audio Joule V5 linear power supply.
The Zenith Statement is currently on the floor. I have ordered a SRA Virginia Class platform for the CH L1+X1 and will move the Zenith Statement to the lower shelf of the Scuttle mk.3.
Totaldac Server
With two separate power supplies.
Totaldac Gigafilter USB cable
Between Totaldac server processor and its reclocker
Totaldac Twelve SE
Fantastic DAC. The DAC is powered by a three output Echole Power supply.
Echole Limited Edition AES-EBU interconnects
Three Echole Limited Edition AES interconnects for Totaldac Twelve SE and Totaldac Server
Echole Omnia XLR 3ft
from Totaldac Twelve SE to CH Precision L1
Echole Power Supply for the Totaldac Twelve DAC
Three output power supply for the Totaldac Twelve DAC.
CH Precision L1 Preamplifier
Great preamplifier, replaced my Krell Phantom improving soundstange and realism.
I have recently ordered a SRA
Virginia Class platform for the CH L1+X1, and will then move the Zenith
Statement to the lower shelf of the Scuttle mk.3. where the CH L1+X1 currently sits.
CH Precision X1
Power Supply for the CH L1
Echole Limited Edition XLR 7ft
from CH Precision L1 to Krell 750mcx monos
Krell FPB-750mcx
These Class A monoblocks are the best I have ever heard. Each has a dedicated 20amp 220V line. The amps were changed (at Krell Dealer) to 220V (improved sound) and Furutech power receptacles. The monoblocks have custom SRA VR3 platforms under them. They were fully re-capped in 2013.
Kubala Sosna Realization 2m Spades
Great speaker cables from top to bottom
Duelund CAST external crossover
Pair of external crossovers for the Dunlavy SC-VIs using Duelund CAST caps and inductors (for the main signal path), Duelund RS caps (for secondary paths). Path Audio resistors.
The two external crossovers are now on top of Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference mk.2 platforms (8/2019).
Dunlavy Audio Labs SC-VI
with upgraded Duelund external crossovers, upgraded tweeters, and other upgrades.
Echole Omnia Power Cord - Five cables
Power cables for: (i) Echole/Absolare power supply for Totaldac DAC (2 cables), (ii) Totaldac 3x power supply for Totaldac Server and reclocker (1 cable), (iii) CH Precision X1, (iv) Innuos Zenith SE
Telos Audio Design GNR 3.1 Grounding Box
For the Innuos, Totaldac, and CH Precision preamp. I got the unit with six spades to mini spades cables.
I am waiting to receive two USB and four RCA cables for the Telos.
Running Springs Audio Scuttle Mk.3 rack
For the DAC and preamp. Makes a big difference.
Running Springs Audio VR 3
Two dedicated, custom supports/vibration control for 2xKrell fpb750mcx
Finite Elemente Pagode Master Reference Mk.II Platform
Two Pagode Master Reference plaforms. One under each of the external crossovers. Improved timbre and soundstage.
Varios Accoustic Treatment
Wall on back of speakers: - Center with 3 difusers - Center with lateral difusers - Center with 150hz absortion for room mode - Corners: two 40hz ressonators for room mode Ceiling: Difuser Side wails: Two sets of Difuser/Absortion for first reflection Floor: Rug and large foot stool
Stewart Filmscreen Model A Firehawk 100
electric tensioned screen. Planning to upgrade to 120"
audiodharma Cable Cooker Anniversary Ed. 3.5
Cooks interconnects, cables, and capacitors
Earthworks M30, Roland Quadcapture, REW
Room accoustic measurement, for speaker positioning, room treatment, and maybe DRC
Cara 2.2 plus
Room Simulation and positional optimization software
So I've been really intrigued by your Dunlavy upgrades, having read about them here, at WhatsBestForum, and AVSForum. After spending years, on and off, searching the world over for the best drop in tweeter I ended up coming to the same conclusion you did. So that's cool. Thanks for sharing all of your experiences.
I'm going to finally embark on overhauling my SC-V by replacing the tweeters, crossovers and wiring. Going to do it all at once.
My hope was to simply duplicate the existing crossovers so that I always had the originals as untouched backups. The one thing standing in my way is the inductors that John used in the resonant circuits. They are the hand wound units that had both a specific inductance and resistance. I'm wondering what your solution was for these specifically. Did you manage to find suitable replacements or were you forced to pull the originals? While I'm asking about those, since the resonant frequency of the Seas is about 400-500 Hz lower than the D27TG, did you ever consider replacing the inductor in the tweeter circuit that is specifically tuned to this? Or maybe it was close enough not to bother?
Thank you for any assistance/advice you feel like offering. Very much appreciated. And thank you, again, for taking the time to post your project for us all to see!
Thanks! I just read what you wrote on your system page, and I will try some of your ideas/mods. Great work!
So far I have not found power cables for the Krell 750mcx that sounded better than the original cables in my system, and I tried some very expensive cables. I hope to try the Shunyata at some point.
Great system! I am sure that it sounds amazing and that you had a lot of fun modifying your gear.
This is so weird...I did basically the similar mods on my system. I own the Krell FBP-350MCX, of which I disconnected the original internally wired power cord to install a Furutech Rhodium power inlet. I also installed Synergistic Research Blue Fuse inside the Krells to great benefit.
The Krell amps are powered from a dedicated 20 A circuit on 240V (sounds much better than 120V) using Shunyata Research Anaconda CX power cord, which sounds much better than the Krell cord via a Furutech GTX-R wall plate.
I also modified my Duetta Signature Xovers with Mundorf Supreme capacitors, Alphacore ribbon inductors, Duelund metal-wound resistors and replaced internal wiring with Neotech solid silver wire. Also replaced speaker connectors with top of the line silver WBT binding post.
I purchased the L1 first and then had the opportunity to hear the X1 in my system for a week before deciding whether to purchase. The improvement brought by the X1 is very easy to hear. Better soundstage (deeper), more ambiance, better bass.
Important to have both the L1 and X1 on some vibration absortion (like the SRA Scuttle mk3 rack). You have to try with and without the connecting spickes, because using the internal spikes makes a big difference (L1 yes X1 yes, L1 no X1 yes, L1 yes X1 no, L1 no X1 no), I prefer L1 no spikes and X1 no pikes (but on the SRA Scuttle).
So, definetly go for the X1, or upgrade directly to the CH L10.
Did you upgrade to the CH L1 & X1 simultaneously, or did you get a chance to hear the L1 with and without the X1. I'm currently considering the X1 upgrade for my L1/P1's...
Regarding the CH + Krell, the CH L1+X1 was an important upgrade vs. the Krell Phantom which is already a great preamplifier. I heard lots of top preampliers and power amplifiers in my system, and the CH preamp was a great move. The CH L1+X1 improved the quality of the bass, extended and improved the soundstage and detail.
The Krell and CH work very well together. Some people say that the Krell FBP750mcx has a bit of hardness and darkness, but I know it is not their fault, but the fault of the cables people used 20 years ago, and lack of other ajustments.
There are several things that are necessary to make the 750mcx achieve their full potential, to produce beautful sound, very open, powerfull, extended, no hardness, just excellent:
a) Each monoblock with dedicated 20amp 220V circuit. b) Directly into the power outlets, no power filters c) Have dealer change them to 220V d) recapping by a Krell dealer e) top amp stands such as SRA, HRS or Finite Elements (I use SRA VR 3.0) f) great interconnects and speaker cables such as Echole Omnia and Kubala Realization g) The Krell dealer installed furutech power cable receptacles in them, so I will be trying different power cables. I recently purchased two 20amp Kubala Realization to compare, and I am waiting to receive them soon. h) Have great front end, preamp, speakers, cables, room, so that they do not limit the great sound that the 750mcx monoblocs can produce.
a) Added Totaldac Twelve SE DAC plus Totaldac Server. Now the Innuos Zenith SE is used as a NAS. The Playback Designs was sounding great with the Innuos, but the Totaldac Twelve is even better: more detail, better soundstange and realism.
b) Upgraded speaker cables to Kubala Sosna Realization. Upgraded CH X1 power cable to Kubala Sosna Realization. The Realization sounds better than the Elation: better extension and air on top and better realism on bottom, better soundstage focus.
a) Added CH Precision L1 + X1 preamp. Improvement over the excellent Krell Phantom in terms of detail, imaging, realistic timbre, and more open sound.
b) Added 2 pairs of Echole Omnia interconnects, replacing Echole Obsession. Improved realism of instruments, detail, and more open sound.
c) Added Innuos Zenith SE (2Tb SSD) as server, replacing CAPS Zuma. Big improvement in soundstage and low frequencies.
d) Put my Playback Designs MPS-5 DAC on the RSA Scuttle mk.3 rack, replacing the turntable. Big improvement for the DAC sound.
e) Put my analog front end rig in stand-by. Sold Lyra Atlas and Tom Evams Mastergroove mk.2. I will focus on upgrading my digital front end for a while.
One
of my photos above show two 56uF Duelund CAST-cu capacitors being cooked using
the power cable configuration. The minimum time will vary depending on the size
of the cap, but usually a minimum of 4 to 6 days.
Alan Kafton sent me detailed instructions. Instead of copying and pasting his long email, I suggest you ask him directly at [email protected] and I am sure he will send you the instructions.
After I installed the caps in the crossovers, it took a few more days playing actual music to finish the conditioning.
New room treatment. Removed the previous, mostly absorption, treament in the wall behing the speakers and replaced with: - Center with 3 difusers - Lateral difusers - Top and bottom with 150hz absortion for room mode - Corners: two 40hz ressonators for room mode
The sound now has more air, more detail, and the bass is more controlled and faster. Had to ajust a bit the speakers positioning and toe in. Very good improvement.
Thank you. Yes, I have bees using a laser distance meter for a while. Positioning and toe-in of speakers is fundamental, besides positioning and height of listening position. Cheers,
Hello VPN! Wow those Duelunds are big. Very nice job on the crossover. I see you have cooked the parts - they never would have broken in without that extra step. Oh, when you like the final speaker locations, try a laser distance meter to assure that each one is the exact same distance from the listening position. You'll be amazed at the soundstage benefits. Analog setup is great too.
After many years without one, I purchased an analog front-end: (i) Technics SP10 mk3
modded by Steve Dobbins, (ii) Schroder LT tonearm, (iii) Lyra Atlas, (iv) Tom Evans Mastergroove mk2 phono preamp, (v) SRA Scuttle mk3 rack.
Steve Dobbins came here to setup the turntable/tonearm/cartridge. Great guy, knows a lot about turntables.
