I will start this post with a big thank you to Peter Swain of Cymbiosis. He has just completed a variety of changes and upgrades to my system and it is sounding absolutely superb.

Over a two day period he:

Installed an Ekos SE/Keel/Trampolin2.
Serviced a TT.
Moved a fraim rack.
Installed a second fraim rack.
Devised and executed a plan of installation for which box was to go where on the six shelves of the two racks.
Dressed no less than 20 various leads.
Wrestled with 60m of NACA5.
Fine-tuned the system.

In line with other's experiences, I found Peter's methodical and meticulous approach to his art a delight to observe. I was thoroughly fascinated with the work done on the LP12 especially. He is truly enthusiastic about what he does, and he is more than happy to share his wisdom and experiences. I found it particularly useful that he could perform practical demonstrations of how sound damping in various places around the room for example would have an effect on the sound. The benefit of these demonstrations is that I have a better idea of the things I can do to further improve the sound of my system by addressing issues in the room.

The result of Peter's visit is that the system is sounding sweeter than ever and there is the delight of knowing that there is more to come as items settle and the boxes recover from a four hour power down and the brand new lengths of NACA5 burn in.

Peter took some shots of the fraim building and cable dressing as he went along; he may be persuaded to post a couple of the shots.

I am going to shy away from gilding the lily by describing the brilliant performance of the 555/552, but I will mention two points of interest (maybe).

Firstly we had the chance to compare the before and after effects of adding a tramp2 to the TT. The finding was the tramp2 does help remove a layer of hash from the music allowing more fine detail to emerge across the frequency range. It just shows how much of an effect invasive vibration can have on the overall performance of a TT. Certainly in my case as the TT was close to the speakers, there was a lot of incoming sound energy that the TT had to try and dissipate. The Tramp2 rose to the challenge and as a result, the resolution of the TT is noticeably improved. So a big vote from me for the performance of the Trampolin2.

Secondly, we tried running my hydra from an experience filtration mains block and the result was we both preferred the sound of the system with the hydra directly into the mains socket. We had hoped that I would benefit from the best of both worlds, but that has not been the experience.

So, a huge public thanks to Peter for the work and time he has invested in my system. The man is a star!

Cheers

Rob

Rob:

Did you A/B the Tramp2 vs hard feet or vs a Tramp1?

Keith

Congratulations on your Ekos SE/Keel, Rob. I'm also thinking of having the Tramp 2 upgrade (the Keel is a long way off for me yet) so I'm interested in what you were comparing it to as well.

Regards

Mark

Hi Guys,

And thank you Mark.

The comparison was with the standard baseboard and hard feet and the new Tramp2; Peter's experience supplied the insight to the relative performance of the original Tramp.

The tracks we were using were Suzanne Vega; Tom's Diner, and Gilmore's Living on an Island. With both tracks the move to the tramp2 was immediately obvious as an improvement as the music became clearer and more detail was being revealed.

The interesting thing about the upgrade path we followed was that I had the chance to hear what the Ekos SE did, then what the Tramp added, then the full monty with the Keel. Each upgrade adds its benefits and the point I wanted to make was the Trampolin2 is not just a new baseboard, it does help deal with errant vibrations affecting the ability of the diamond to do its job. For consistency the comparisons were done with the TT on the wall shelf before any of the changes to the system were made.

It is difficult to say how the LP12 is getting on with now sitting on the fraim, as the new NACA5 is green and will take some time to let the music through fully. However, early indications, as they say, are positive.

I think you would both find the Tramp2 of benefit, and it is an upgrade that can be done without breaking the bank – plus you get a couple of nice new screwdrivers in the box.

Cheers

Rob

quote:

Originally posted by Rob B:
plus you get a couple of nice new screwdrivers in the box.

That's the clincher! I'm off to get it done tomorrow!

Thanks for posting your thoughts, Rob, very helpful. I think JWM was also having a Tramp 2 demo this week courtesy of Peter. I wonder how he got on?

Mark

Rob,
Thanks for your helpful and encouraging comments re Tramp2.

As Mark says, I've got the good doctor coming this week (Wednesday afternoon in fact - goody!) to do some more surgery on my LP12, including Tramp2 - with before and after demos (vs baseboard) if time permits.

My only sadness () is that I won't get the full glory until my 82 comes back from its full service and pots upgrade (been away five weeks already and parts not due in until 15th May!!).

But it'll be good to see Peter again, as always. I'll take your tip about Suzanne Vega; but we don't have the Gilmour on vinyl - Dire Straits, Sultans of Swing, will get a spin instead, no doubt, as will Dave Brubeck, Take Five.

James

Hi Rob,

I'm pleased you are happy with the weekend's work. Setting up active systems are always very rewarding, but it was particularly nice to have some time to sit back, listen and enjoy the results of one's labours. It was also very useful to have the chance to evaluate the improvements to the LP12 as the upgrades were fitted. I'm glad you found my comments and illustrations on damping within your room useful, as they will bring big improvements once permanently in place.

Regarding the Linn baseboard changes made to your deck before I fitted the Keel: You were using a modern Solid Baseboard with recent spec feet, in good condition (no cracks in them). Prior to the launch of the Tramplin 2, this has been considered to be the best sounding baseboard for the LP12 by many owners, in preference to the original Trampolin by a considerable margin. As you pointed out above, the new Trampolin was very clearly better and I'm glad we took the time and made the effort to hear the improvements this simple change made....no doubt about it. Clearly better in every way as far as I could tell. A very cost - effective upgrade indeed. - One thing though; the screwdrivers come with the Keel, not the Trampolin 2, but you do get the base washers, sticky strips and all the extra screws one needs

Anyway, here is a picture of Rob's system. I have before and during shots if anyone wishes to see them? I'll post a picture of the cable dressing for Northpole et al on the burndey dressing thread:

Kind regards,

Peter