[Update May 08] Mr Wonderful’s high-end system went higher from May 08. First of all he got rid of the bulky furniture  with 3 respectable racks for his serious gears. Then he touched up the digital gears, supporting platforms, power conditioner and most important of all - the all new, all conquering Basis 2200 Signature with Vector Model 4 tonearm.
The marginally higher investment in the analogue source upgrade yielded very significant jump in the overall enjoyment and it is not even run-in yet! |
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This is the new look system. Playing in the playing right-wing is the 2-box digital (Wadia, Harmonix), power conditioner and on the left, the analogue rig. On the top left is the towering, all-clear, modern looking and sounding Basis 2200 Signature turntable, ASR Basis Exclusive and Clearaudio Syncro. In the middle sits the vintage Cello pre and power amp.
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This Kharma CRM 3.2FE has the ability to throw a wide, tall and deep soundstage and is equally comfortable in smallish rooms as well as medium sized hall like the one Mr. Wonderful has. The magic of Kharma speaker is the accuracy, tonality and refinement.
[Updated May 08] Still in our opinion, the 2-way speaker to beat, Kharma 3.2FE is as elegant, outstanding sounding as its stylish, attention getting exterior. It is as cool as a Steinway piano in your hall. Pure pleasure. |
The Basis 2200 Signature turntable with Vector Model 4 tonearm (with optional VTA micrometer for VTA adjustment). If the previous SME10/2 is handsome, this all-clear acrylic based turntable is absolutely stunning. Mr. Wonderful is amazed with the upgrade in sound which he could easily identify as we have fixed back his trusty Ortofon Jubilee cartridge. Comparing to the previous table, Basis sounded more refine, youthful and oozes PRaT - and that’s from the very 1st track played..
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A closer look at the Basis turntable from the side view. Just by looking at the top grade machining, refinement, fit and finish, you will know this is no ordinary turntable. You certainly get what you pay for.
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Back view of the classy turntable with a nice backdrop of Mr. Wonderful’s living room. The thoughtful, well engineered Calibrator Base supporting the motor and Basis very own PSTT tonearm cable.. |
The Vector Model 4 tonearm is wired with a single run of wire - an unbroken lead from cartridge clips to the male RCAs. The PSTT wire is the company's own design and a no compromise one. Consider Mr. Wonderful can now finance this purchase by selling the previous high-end PAD phono cable speaks volume of this clever move. |
The Clearaudio Syncro sat quietly in the middle facilitating timing accuracy for the turntable motor and easy minute speed adjustment.
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These are just some of the hard to find treasures (read: expensive) that Mr. Wonderful owns and there are many more... Do you know why I coined him this name? On the lower left hand corner is the highly desirable “Mr. Wonderful” by Ayako Hosokawa and he has more than one spare copy...
[Updated May 08] While installing his setup we found 3 mint copies of LA4 Going Home and 2 copies of Elvis 24k DCC (one opened and another sealed). Holy Molly! |
