DARUMAS: FYI

Tweakers' Asylum

Tweaks for systems, rooms and Do It Yourself (DIY) help. FAQ.

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Background: System is AI M3A tube pre, ARC VT100MkII tube amp, Sony 777, Magnum Etude, Well-Tempered TT/Arm (with mods) + Benz Glider HO, Maggie 1.6s w/Hsu mod, RoomLens, PS Audio PP300, Pure Silver Sound IC and speaker cable (ex TT lead out which is Silver Audio). In carpetted 14' x 24' room.
Now, to Darumas. After pondering Aurios vs. Darumas for some time, I went with two sets of Darumas (if they were less than expected, they would surely work in my home office HT setup). I put them under my Sony 777 and my AI M3A tube preamp. I did a pretty good job of leveling the two shelves in my Sonus stand. The M3A was on an MDF board supported by Vibrapods, so the Darumas went between the preamp and MDF board. Set up took some time -- these little devils have a mind of their own, especially re getting all three alligned at the same time -- but finally I had pretty good "play" and oscillation on both the M3A and 777, in all directions (NOTE: I will eventually suspend ICs and A/C cords to take the "strain" off both components).
Before commenting, let me note that I have been in high end audio since 1960 -- when I built Dynakits and stuck JBLs in boxes -- and especially since 1964, when I first met and became friends with Bill Johnson (then Electronic Industries, famous for ARC). I've tried a whole lot of stuff in 40 years, some of which made a difference (my first Pickering cartridge, my first Koetsu, my first run of Fulton Cable, RoomLens, the PS Audio Power Plant, the XO mod on my 1.6s -- and a lot of good, basic equipment along the way). I have yet to seriously sputter on AA or any site about any tweak or accessory, although some are quite nice. But.....
I must say, I doubt I have been as startled by anything as by the effect of the Darumas. I said, "Holy #$^%$!" a lot. There was a noticeable increase in definition, body and air. Much more involving. More dynamics. More slam. And MUCH more (and more defined) bass (the 777 is good in this category). And all this was on Redbook CDs (none of my new SACDs -- didn't want to confuse myself). I tried a number of CDs I know well and like -- over and over again I was a happy fellow.
Perhaps the most intriguing moment was the start of band 7 on LOCAL HERO -- I could hear detail in the oh-so-soft waves washing up on the shore, instead of a shhhhhhhhhh-sounding blur. Or was it the clarity and dynamics of CARMEN BALLET? Or the "whacks" on COUNTRY? Or understanding the words to "Eternal Father" on CRIMSON TIDE. Or the propulsion of RUSSIAN EASTER OVERTURE? Or.....
I'm not going to overdo this. Simply worth hearing and trying. This weekend I will slip Darumas under my VT100MkII and my turntable and see if it gets even better. I think Paco had some good stuff to say about Darumas earlier -- Paco, it's better than you led me to believe!
I suspect Aurios would do quite well, too -- maybe even better. I don't care.......
Off to listen. Best!

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WEET Music Caps

Topic - DARUMAS: FYI - Larry C 23:36:28 02/07/01 (6)

Re: DARUMAS: FYI - kwhilden 00:48:20 02/08/01 (5)

One of the great things.............. - Paul Tobin 05:47:39 02/08/01 (0)

i second too; why people don't believe us?? (nt) - paco 03:08:29 02/08/01 (3)

Re: i second too; why people don't believe us?? (nt) - I Don't Know Paco......... 07:56:52 02/08/01 (2)

hi Jose, thanks! do visit us in the planar asylum (nt) - paco 18:30:54 02/08/01 (0)

Sorry..it should said "I Don't Know Paco".....Jose Garcia.(nt). - Jose Garcia 08:01:45 02/08/01 (0)

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