That was the beauty of Butcher Block Acoustics - basically free. I just ordered two more.
See my above post again - I did some editing.
My headphone systems are not in my dedicated 2 channel room and are on top of the classic mid century George Nelson bench. I did not want a dedicated stereo rack so I had to experiment.
I have an HRS record weight but if used it robs some of the life out of the music. It’s also incompatible with an Aro as the headshell hits it at the end of the side.
Once again - sorry for the thread derailment - just replying to some questions
The amplifier in the photo is for dynamic headphones only (not electrostatic) and is a DNA Stratus amplifier made my Donald North in California. Donald builds 2 amps a month and his tube headphone amps are considered end game. I just commissioned his totl Stellaris amplifier - eta June 2022 - however well worth the wait.
As for Stax T8000 as previously mentioned - stay away. Stax amplifier design has been the same for the past 30 years and are not well regarded from a performance or VFM perspective.
If you are interested in TOTL electrostatic amplifiers look to the Mjolnir Carbon (solid state) from Iceland or the HeadAmp Blue Hawaii (tube/ss) from the States. Short of the mythical DIY T2 amplifier which is universally acknowledged to be endgame (my commissioned one should be complete within the next 2 months (6 month wait time) - both the Carbon and Headamp BHSE more or less cost the same as the T8000 while offering SIGNIFICANTLY better performance.
You may want to hold off on your Stax headphone purchase. Stax has posted a teaser (ala Naim) and on Wednesday will be presenting something new.
Now back to the Solstice (and sorry for the sidetrack)
Not what was asked but the manufacturer – Clearaudio – do make some wonderful tonearms under their own branding. Not uni-pivot however and not with the ‘dna’ (as a biotech guy I don’t like using this term but I will anyway) of the Aro.
Yes, the speakers are, as Richard said, Neat Ultimatum XLS and the system sounded absolutely wonderful together with Solstice! Among the best I have ever heard, and I heard some…
Thanks. From the picture, they look like large, big bookshelves. Is it that, because on other pics from the net, they seem smaller ?
They seem to be very interesting speakers to consider, in average rooms.
What Hifi verdict :
When partnered with care, the XLSes are entertainers of the highest order
FOR
Wonderfully entertaining performer
terrific bass weight and power for cabinet size
superb timing and expressive dynamics
AGAINST
Dedicated speaker stands are great but cost a hefty £950