So, I'm not allowed to lift more than 10 lbs for a week, but luckily my friend carried the Line Magnetic LM845IA integrated upstairs. No mean task, about 80 lbs. Anyway, the Balanced Audio Technology VK56SE monoblocks are back in the main 2 channel system. The upstairs system is not too shabby.

I'm still setting things up but here are some pix:

Denon DP45f turntable
Left side cabinet: Line Magnetic LP33 phono stage, cable box, Sony CX777ES CD/SACD player.

Not done setting it up. I have to rummage for some 6' interconnects to hook up the LM phono stage and then will fire it up and report back. While rummaging, I'll be looking for a phono preamp for a fellow Axiom member.

Lol. I love it. Your ‘plan B’ system is top notch.

Not too shabby indeed!!

Hi Trevor

I'm having the outlets replaced, as we chat, found the 6' interconnects for the LM phonostage and will fire it up this evening.

I'll report back!

What outlets? You mean receptacles? Curious now.

Full disclosure Red Seal Electrician.

Electrodolt here!

The outlets (receptacles?) are a bit corroded - Pacific Ocean and all, so, a friend is replacing most of them. I got Acme cryo treated silver outlets and they are going in wherever audio gear gets plugged in ... except for the main 2 channel system. I had a 20 amp dedicated line run for the BATs and all the other good stuff.

I know this about electricity ... never take the toaster into the bathtub unless the toaster is unplugged.

Good idea. Why share a line with a vacuum afterall.

I know a lot of people would chide you for it. I say why not. I always run dedicated for AV installs.

I run my stuff on a UPS remote located in the mech room. Everything runs on battery output here!

I enjoy your pics and adventures. Not my thing, but I’m a ‘one and done’ kinda guy.

Kudos! And thanks for sharing.

Love to share!

Well, the Harbeth/Line Magnetic System is up and running. This is one of the best sounding systems I have ever had in my home.

The magnificent Line Magnetic 845IA, a massive 22 watts per channel. Makes beautiful music!



The Line Magnetic LM33 phono stage, the separate power supply on one side of the cable box, the phono stage, on the other. It is as ugly as a power supply for an industrial soldering station, but is a ridiculously fine sounding phono stage.



The right channel Harbeth 30.2, pushed back, out of danger, until all the fiddling is done.



The Audio Research LS25 preamp is out of rotation. The 845IA is an integrated. I figure I'll try it as a power amp with the LS25 sometime soon and use the better sounding configuration.



Anyway, sounds pretty darn good!!

Spun some vinyl, Impulse recording of Out of the Cool, Bill Evans Orchestra. What a beautiful sound! I'm using a new old stock, Shure M95EDM cartridge that I got on Ebay, shipped from Argentina, for $134. I gotta tell you, this moving magnet cartridge compares favorably to some pretty high buck cartridges. Of course, the crazy good Line Magnetic LM33 tube phono stage doesn't hurt the effort.

Listened to Shelby Lynne's ode to Dusty Springfield, great album, sounded as good as I've ever heard it.

Well, back to work.

Enjoy the Music!

ahh 2x, my cat would love your system ... cosy right in ... tubes are the best!
although you might have to de-hair it afterwords ... just sayin'

I think this system is not cat friendly. Chances are what started as a cat looking to warm itself would end up a smoking raisin. Uh oh.

Or as cousin Eddie says "If that cat had nine lives, he just spent em all"

I've been working on a respondent's appellate brief, from early morning till late at night. But, a friend came over and we listened to the 845 system/Harbeth. Kind of Blue, the amazing Aaron Neville, Kenny Burrell ... holy smoke but it all sounds so good. It's a relatively small room and this system fills it with music.

I'll tell you what ... this beautiful second hand Denon DP45F turntable with its cheap moving magnet Shure M57ED cartridge sounds really great.



The Line Magnetic LM33 tube phonostage (upgraded with Telefunken 12ax7 tubes) compares very favorably with the expensive EAR88pb phonostage in the big system. The LM33 works with either moving magnet or moving coil cartridges. I have not tried the LM33 with the moving coil Koetsu cartridge in the big system. I am going to do a comparison down the road. It should be very interesting.



The Line Magnetic 845IA is breaking in and is one of the best tube amps I've heard. The drive and dynamics from 22 watts is amazing! The Harbeth 30.2 Anniversaries are 4 Ohm/~87db efficient speakers and not the easiest to drive, but the 845 just makes them sing. The bass is shockingly strong in-room, the 30.2 mids are up there with the best speakers in the world, and the highs are sweet, airy and soaring. High hats sparkle, just wonderful.



I know the pictures look familiar, but the music is different!

I wish this system would work in the living room with 25' ceilings. The stand mount Harbeths just are not enough for this room. I could have saved myself a boat load of money.

Happy Kwanza friends ... your holiday brought to you by the FBI and its informant felon.

Happy New Year, that's a real holiday. Peace, good health, no China Virus, prosperity and happiness to all.

PS ENJOY THE MUSIC!!