vivianbl

Just a Linn Sondek LP12 with an Ekos1 arm. But it’s been mine since 1989! Along the way it had a Cirkus Kit Transplant and a Trampolin 2 added, but the motor is still going strong! It’s been adorned with a Linn Troika and a Dynavector XXMk2 over the years and a WSS Kabel Platin Line (Silver)Tonearm cable. Two new adornments have just been installed- a Lenehan Audio Foilflex/ Spiroground tonearm cable and a Kiseki cartridge. My ears have been burning in for about 35 hrs and my brain is now processing a sense of joy! [emoji2]

I didn’t realise that the your ICs were not shielded. Did not even think to ask as I’ve always had shielded and that was the norm! I have been using the internet search today to get a better understanding of shielded vs unshielded. Wow, found out this was another cable related debate with many audiophiles having polar opposite views on many forums Eg: “There is no (sane) reason to choose unshielded interconnect cables.” “In ALL cases, unshielded interconnects should NOT be used for audio systems.” “Never, EVER try to use unshielded interconnects with phono cables. The result will always be tears.” I don’t want to start another cable war here, but I have inadvertently done a completely blind test!🤣

I was so pleased with the SQ improvement on inclusion of the Foilflex RCA - RCA interconnect between the phono stage and amplifier- to complement the Foilflex speaker cable- that I took the plunge and asked Mike to construct a 1.5mt Din to RCA interconnect for my Naim CDS3 to Amplifier. Just superb! Hard to find the words to describe the presentation, but the sheer musicality, subtlety of detail, transparency and precise imaging was astounding. The emotionally and soul of the music was really engaging. The words “joy” and “beautiful” kept coming into my head!! I know the SQ that comes is a result of the whole system and its interaction with the room acoustics, but the impact of the combined Foilflex “loom” was significant! So much so that I spoke to Mike about the possibility of constructing a tonearm to phonostage to complete the Foilflex loom for my vinyl playback. I use an Linn Ekos 1 tonearm on a Linn Sondek lp12. I have just got it installed!

Great active Naim System! Wondering what the main reason for not using that Naim system and what your main system components are? Regards

Wow, the Naim Nac 12s preamp and Naim Nap 160 were the combination I started off with in the 1970s. They sounded excellent and only traded them in for 32.5/ 250 in the 1980s, because I needed better capacity to drive Linn Isobariks. Many are still using them and have a following. Have you got the Interconnect leads for them?The 12s derives it’s power from the 160. Flashback Sales have got all the Naim type leads you might need to connect to other equipment. Perhaps you could let us know what source and speaker you intend to use and what queries you may have. You could also have it checked and serviced to make sure it is operating optimally. Enjoy

Great to get a list of people in Victoria who can repair/ service QUAD 11s. I’ve got two pairs in very good condition that are still going strong. I assume those with knowledge and skills with older valves should also be okay with other amps - I’ve got two Leak Stereo 20s! I use a VTL Ultimate preamplifier- the phono stage- in my main listening system and looking for someone who could upgrade the coupling caps.

Not sure what you mean by “followers”, but I have gathered quite a few Naim boxes over the years and use a Naim CDS3/ XPS2 in my main system. Now trying to consolidate and set up an active system with a pair of Chrome bumper Naim NAP 135s, and 250s, and Olive NAC 72/ Hicap /Naxo, CDS/CDPS. Just need to get more lines of speaker cable! Intend to use it with a pair of Linn Isobariks. I’m in Victoria!

Oh yes, I hadn’t noticed that as the power cable is behind the curtains! Will readjust to give more seperation. I was trying to layout the near side speaker cable to avoid forming a coil!

Decided to give my QUAD ESL 2057s ( modernised 57s) an Aussie present! 😁 With ribbons😃. I’ve had to run the speaker cable in front of the near speaker, because my components are on the side wall. Needed a slightly longer cable. Decided after 12 years with Chord Epic Twin to try something different a ribbon type cable from Australia - Lenehan Audio Foilflex SC with KLIE Copper Harmony bananas and ETI Copper spades. They sound absolutely superb! ps. Note my high end cable lifters!😳

Yes that question was foremost in mind when I was considering the Foilflex SC. Having QUAD ESls and 18wpc SET/PSE amplifier to drive them, compatibility and maximising SQ from the set up, were major issues. Had a lengthy discussion with Mike about this. Fortunately, he knew the characteristics of Quad ESLs ( I think he said he used a pair of stacked Quads at one stage) and my amplifiers as well. So I was reassured! Anyway, in the end, the proof is how it sounds in your own system.

I’m a newbie user, but The Foilflex Speaker cables are superb with my QUAD electrostatics as explained in earlier post. Have now introduced IC between phono pre and amplifiers and on Thursday installed a Din to RCA from a Naim CDS to amplifier.

The Foilflex 1.5mt RCA interconnects have now had about 45 hrs of use between the moving coil phono stage of a VTL Ultimate preamp and Audion 300B PSE Silver Anniversary Mono Blocks. The Foilflex speaker cables are connected to a pair of Quad ESL 2057s (“modernised” 57s) - One of the four that John Hall built. These have an extended bass and treble frequency response, wider treble dispersion and can be used with higher power amps and played louder. The set up in the room with acoustic treatment gave a good balanced and dynamic response and good imaging with the previous cables -Chord Epic Twin SC and WSS Kabel Platin line ICs with WBT Nextgen connectors. The source used so far has been vinyl. The Foilflex combination lowered the noise floor and expanded the sound stage- width and depth. The lower details and timbre of instruments were exquisite, especially with classical music and opera. The ambience and placement of instruments in the orchestra front to back was amazing. High frequency detail was presented without any “tizz”, edge or harshness. Very natural. The other noticeable feature was the spaciousness and ease of the presentation, particularly of complex and dynamic components of the music. Very musical. And The PRAT was there too!😃 Vocals/ voice across a range from -voice and guitar, to opera - just sounded superb. It seems like the cables have gotten out of the way of the system! Very pleased with results and really enjoying the music.

That’s interesting, I found the SC wider than they looked in the photos And much better cosmetically! The Foilflex “Ribbon” is somewhat “see through”, holding them up to the light, but could not see any wire in them. Mike assured me there was!😉 Don’t know the theory behind the construction, but very pleased with the SQ outcome. I have spade termination at the amplifier end and Lenehan banana at the speaker. I toyed with using the WBT Nextgen Banana that I had, but in the end decided to go with with the Lenehan banana. 075Congo your feedback on how these compare with your previous speaker cable will be interesting. I had been using a set of Chord Epic Twin for about 12 years and had been quite happy with them. I hadn’t contemplated replacing them, but after reading the type of SQ feedback on SN and discussing with Mike, took the plunge!😉 Have now decided to tryout an IC as well- should be arriving this week. 😳

Yep, I got a set of Foilflex speaker cables 3 weeks ago! [emoji4] About 50hrs run time since connecting up.

Tubes have been used with ESL 57s from its inception - Quad 11s were used as were Leak Stereo 20s. Push pull designs were the traditional recommendation There was more debate about the suitability of SET/ PSE amplifiers for the 57s in particular due to impedance related issues. These Audions are 300B PSE and a conservative 18wpc. They have no problem with the 57s. John Hall came over just before Xmas, to have a listen and commented that was the best he has heard from 57s. So even SET/PSE valve amplifiers shouldn’t be discounted for Quad ESL 57s.