That equipment rack is incredible!
4 Likes
That stand is sick! May I ask where you got it?
4 Likes
Thanks! I purchased it from a friend. But here is a link to the manufacturer’s website: X Rack Desktop System - Tempo Series DX-2 - Audio Bastion
3 Likes
I see you’re not keeping the Susvara on the Woo Audio stand. Is that on purpose? I’m looking for stands for my LCD-5 and Susvara and not really happy with I’m seeing available…
Here’s my pimped out TOTL Koss PortaPro:
- Mini XLR for use with Hart cables
- Yaxi pads in “Hornet” black and yellow colors
Jealous?
15 Likes
Huh, how did I not realize that you can just mix and match different colored Yaxi pads!
The bee colors are great, that portrapro should be perfect with the bee iPod.
Now with the Iris DDC and WA22 as the balanced preamp it feels like all the pieces of the puzzle finally arrived.
Fluance RT85 and ifi Zen Phono are on their way but this digital chain is amazing to my ears already.
20 Likes
Nice, I was actually preparing to mod my Porta Pros do get onto my Hart cables system. Looks like Min XLR is the way to go and not mmcx?
2 Likes
I cut off the 3.5mm jack and soldered on a mini XLR connector. I kept the factory wires in place. First, I didn’t think the probable quality gains would be worth installing new wires (mmcx at the cups). Second, the XLR connector met my goal of allowing cable extensions and use with any amp regardless of connector type.
The combo of Yaxi pads, the right amp, and a warmer DAC helps keep the PortaPro’s whining treble under control. But, even after the mods they are still outclassed in every way by the HD-58X.
4 Likes
Well, the HD-58x is about 3 to 4 times the price before the mods. And itself can stand a pad roll. In comparison to a Porta-Pro, the HD-58x will weigh down your head and make your ears sweat.
2 Likes
Yep. I converted the PortaPro to Hart XLR in part because its audio quirks are similar to the HD-600’s quirks, and the 600 responds well to balanced amps. I can now test that theory, and I may pull the THX AAA 789 out of its box for additional testing. The PortaPro is amazing as a $35 product with drivers that cannot cost more than $5 or $10…yet we discuss it in the same breath as things that sell for 3x to 10x the price.
6 Likes
Those little tables stacked look great!
4 Likes
Really enjoying this chain. HD650 and HD580 make appearances as well and still sound great.
Eventually I’ll add a solid state (maybe) and some type of streamer.
26 Likes
Wow!!
That is some set-up; my dream is to get exactly that, but the Woo33 is just so damned expensive. Is it the standard version and tubes or did you upgrade?
Is it a Serene at the bottom?
1 Like
It’s been a journey to get here.
It’s the standard, I really can’t justify that jump 
The tubes are stock other than the rectifier (Tak 274b). It’s a really good rectifier for me/my chain.
Below is the holo may and it’s power supply. I’ll stack them together if I ever need additional room on the shelves.
3 Likes
Ofc it is the May, I just didn’t make that thought when the PS is seperated.
Very cool set-up for sure 
Re streamer, then I use the Innuos Zen mini with the PS upgrade. It is great as it can rip Cd’s and the quality is next level. (There are 3 more levels above this…) And there is an OS for playback, that is the best I have tried so far. I can highly rec it.
https://innuos.com/zen_mini_mk3/
3 Likes
Awesome, good info. I’ve looked at those and some from antipodes, but they get really pricey.
Many like them and say they’re awesome but man they cost a lot. Probably leaning more towards the innuos for price reasons.
1 Like