Audionerd

Item: Musical Surroundings Fosgate Signature All Tube MM/MC Phono Amp Location: Melbourne Price: Reduced from $2850 to $2650. Purchased directly from the importer with RRP of $4500 Item Condition: Like new with original carton and manual Reason for selling: Sacrificing analogue for digital funds Payment Method: Cash, Bank Transfer or Paypal Extra Info: This acclaimed Top of Range model has now become a collector's item, the best this US phono specialist has ever produced. It is a beautifully made piece of analogue history with up-to-date high end performance. Superbly musical and ultra-quiet with both MM and MC cartridges, featuring easily adjustable impedance settings. Original packaging for safe transport at buyer's expense is available. General Technical Information: This model is the culmination of over 100 different circuits built by legendary designer Jim Fosgate since the 1970s, all tube in push-pull configuration for the best possible linearity, while minimising noise and distortion. There are no solid-state devices, regulated power supplies or transformers in the signal path to degrade performance, with a tube also being used for the high voltage rectifier. The unusual power supply contributes to its quality, each valve stage being powered by a separate oversize storage capacitor that acts like a battery. The P/S simply holds the voltage across the capacitors like a "trickle charger". PCB layout is dual mono, each channel located on opposite sides in near mirror image with a row of dual triodes down the centre. Importantly, the first stage has no negative feedback to interact with the cartridge. Second and third stages are enclosed in a single feedback loop using both positive and negative feedback. The RIAA network is divided into 2 sections, one passive and one active. The upper half (above 1 KHz) is accomplished with a passive network between stage 1 and 2, the lower half with an active network around stages 2 and 3. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Sorry my mailbox was full, but I've now deleted enough messages to receive new PMs.

Item: Latest Version ATC SCM11 Version 2 Bookshelf Speakers Location: Melbourne Price: Reduced from $1850 to $1550. RRP was $2999 when I bought them. Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: Need funds Payment Method: Cash, Bank Transfer or Paypal Extra Info: While the reputation of ATC needs no explanation, the SCM11s are often regarded as the sweet spot of their current range, with substantial uncoloured bass from a moderately sized enclosure at considerable savings over the larger bookshelf SCM19. Typical ATC accuracy and information retrieval highlights some of the reasons why they are commonly used by British reviewers as a reference, as well as in professional studios. This particular pair is as good an example as one can expect from standmount speakers, perfect in every way apart from minor underside scratching from sitting on stands. They come in black ash with original carton, magnetic grilles, manual and all paperwork. Safe postage at buyer's expense is available. Discover what all the fuss is about at a bargain price! If these don't sell I'll be listing my SCM7s as well. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Luxman A522 Belt Drive Turntable fitted with Grace G-707 Tonearm & Denon DL103 Moving Coil Cartridge Location: Melbourne Price: Reduced from $1150 to $850!! FIRM because this is already a bargain Item Condition: Beautiful clean condition apart from some scratching to the lid. Operationally perfect and set up ready to play Reason for selling: FAR too many turntables Payment Method: Cash, Bank Transfer or Paypal Extra Info: A superb example of this rare turntable, with classic looks but serviced and upgraded to current audiophile standards by turntable maestro Rick Powell. Adjusted for optimum performance with correct VTA, azimuth, overhang, offset angle, tracking force and bias correction under test conditions. Refurbishment of all electrical contacts and cabling, horizontal and vertical relocation of the arm via the locking collar and re-aligning the bearing has resulted in the best performing sample of this combination you will find. It will certainly surpass more expensive units that are not properly set up. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Bryston B-60R Integrated Amplifier Location: Melbourne Price: Reduced from $2450 to $1850!! RRP $7,999. Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Excellent apart from some rubbed off letters on front panel. Selections still clear Reason for selling: NLR Payment Method: Cash, Bank Transfer or Paypal Extra Info: Superbly engineered Canadian amp with 20 year warranty when new. Close to the quietest I've heard, with neutral and non-fatiguing yet dynamic sound. Understated slimline construction is surprisingly heavy, with output over 60W RMS @ 8 ohms and 100W RMS @ 4 ohms. Features 4 pairs of RCA inputs plus Tape Monitor Loop, Headphone socket and removable Pre Out/Main In links. All switches, contacts and connectors are gold plated. This unit in silver comes complete with manual, individual test report and motorised volume control via the optional remote handset. All original packaging means that safe postage at buyer's expense is an option. This is a rare opportunity to secure a highly regarded amp at a small fraction of new retail price, as they hardly ever appear on the used market. Many favourable views including MasterSwitch. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: Leema Acoustics Antila CD Player Location: Melbourne Price: Reduced from $3500 to $2850!! RRP about $7,000. Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Excellent Reason for selling: NLR Payment Method: Cash, Bank Transfer or Paypal Extra Info: Beautifully engineered former top of range Redbook player from this renowned high end British manufacturer. Rarely available in this condition with original packaging for safe postage at buyer's expense, remote and manual. With heavyweight construction and Balanced, RCA and digital outputs, this multi-award winner is known for its detailed and dynamic performance without harshness. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

REL subs are designed to receive a high level signal from the output of a power amp if possible. Although they will work with a low level signal from a pre out as well, REL maintain that having the same power amp that drives the main speakers also driving the sub will produce more sonic coherency. If no-one wants to buy the lovely little Brio outright, I'd be quite happy to trade it for an amp with headphone socket. Several to choose from.

Superb top of the range cartridge with a great price and honest seller

Item: McIntosh MA252 Integrated Amp Location: Melbourne 3079 Price: $5800 $5495. Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Mint with all packaging, manual & remote Reason for selling: Selling for friend Payment Method: Cash, Bank transfer or Paypal Extra Info: Recently released hybrid model combining the best of valve (preamp) and solid-state (power amp) circuit design in a visually and sonically stunning package. With a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis, McIntosh has taken retro design cues from its legendary tube power amps and incorporated modern conveniences like comprehensive remote control adjustments, overload protection and inbuilt phono stage. These features make the amplifier very flexible and easy to use, without sacrificing the musicality for which McIntosh is famous. Advanced high current output transistors are coupled to the heat sinks in a way which allegedly eliminates warm-up time. Bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can be adjusted using front panel knobs or remote control with an advanced microprocessor. All 4 inputs (1 pair balanced, 2 pairs RCA and 1 pair MM phono) can be electronically selected, labelled or adjusted and displayed on the OLED screen. While the valve front end imparts typical sweetness and warmth, the 100W RMS @ 8 ohms (160W RMS @ 4 ohms) output is enough to drive all but the most power hungry speakers. Several recently patented technologies have been included in this model, including "Power Guard, Sentry Monitor, High Drive (headphone amplifier) and Monogrammed Heatsinks" making it the best value McIntosh model ever produced. This particular unit is a virtually flawless example of the model and therefore a great option for someone wanting a versatile and beautifully made amplifier using current technologies, without the high price tag. As the original carton is included, freight at the buyer's expense is an option. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Incredible styling to match performance. This is serious gear that doesn't come along every day!

From my experience, Dynaudios tend to have a sweet and restrained top end as well as rich mid to upper bass, lowish sensitivity and impedance. All these characteristics gravitate away from matching with valve power amps. On the other hand, a hybrid design such as the McIntosh I posted on behalf of a friend (or separate valve pre and transistor power if budget allowed) could be a nice compromise. Keeping the bass tight and controlled with the higher damping factor and current capability at lower impedances of a solid state power amp stage should mitigate the speaker's tendency to bloom, and slightly drier tonality should balance the valve preamp's warmth while maintaining the advantage in inner detail and ambience over transistor preamps in this price range. I mention all this because the original owner of the MA252 used Dynaudios.

This model has only 4 tubes, 2 x 12AX7 and 2 x 12AT7. Being low current devices in the preamp stage, the amp should not require any maintenance for many years.

Item: Nordost Valhalla Speaker Cables 9ft (2.7m) spade-spade factory terminated pair Location: Melbourne Price: $3400 FIRM. No offers or tyre kickers please. Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Good. No damage Reason for selling: Selling for a friend who is moving and getting out of high end. More items (a whole system) will be listed as I find time Payment Method: Cash, Bank transfer or Paypal Extra Info: No introduction should be needed for these legendary cables, which became an industry standard through the abundance of reviews. Renowned for detail, clarity and soundstage. They were Nordost's top model until the introduction of the even more extravagantly priced Odins. There is no box, but these cables are 100% guaranteed original Nordost manufacture, as indicated by the serial numbers on one end and green heat shrink on the other. The green labels denote "shop demo" and not for resale until the model is about to be superseded, in this case by the current Valhalla V2 at approx $20K RRP. I've also connected them to my reference system and confirmed that they are Valhalla standard in performance. If you've dreamed of owning almost the best that Nordost have to offer at a feasible price, this is a rare opportunity! Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

Item: McIntosh MA252 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Location: Melbourne Price: $5800 (RRP $7495). Donation to SNA on sale Item Condition: Mint with all packaging, manual & remote Reason for selling: Selling for friend Payment Method: Cash, Bank transfer or Paypal Extra Info: Recently released hybrid model combining the best of valve (preamp) and solid-state (power amp) circuit design in a visually and sonically stunning package. With a beautiful polished stainless steel chassis, McIntosh has taken retro design cues from its legendary tube power amps and incorporated modern conveniences like comprehensive remote control adjustments, overload protection and inbuilt phono stage. These features make the amplifier very flexible and easy to use, without sacrificing the musicality for which McIntosh is famous. Advanced high current output transistors are coupled to the heat sinks in a way which allegedly eliminates warm-up time. Bass, treble, tone bypass, balance and input offset levels can be adjusted using front panel knobs or remote control with an advanced microprocessor. All 4 inputs (1 pair balanced, 2 pairs RCA and 1 pair MM phono) can be electronically selected, labelled or adjusted and displayed on the OLED screen. While the valve front end imparts typical sweetness and warmth, the 100W RMS @ 8 ohms (160W RMS @ 4 ohms) output is enough to drive all but the most power hungry speakers. Several recently patented technologies have been included in this model, including "Power Guard, Sentry Monitor, High Drive (headphone amplifier) and Monogrammed Heatsinks" making it the best value McIntosh model ever produced. This particular unit is a virtually flawless example of the model and therefore a great option for someone wanting a versatile and beautifully made amplifier using current technologies, without the high price tag. As the original carton is included, freight at the buyer's expense is an option. Photos: Advertisements without photos of the actual item will not be approved.

There is no box for these cables, but they are 100% guaranteed original Nordost manufacture. The serial numbers on one end of the cables and green shrink on the other end indicate this. The green labels denote shop demo (not prototype) and not intended for resale until the model is about to be superseded, in this case by the current Valhalla v2 at about $20K RRP. I have also connected them to my reference system and confirmed that they are Valhalla standard in performance. Knowing the owner, I never had any doubts about their provenance. There are copies around of course. I bought some "Odins" from Hong Kong out of curiosity. Knowing they couldn't be original at the price, I was not surprised that they didn't sound anything like the real thing. Still, for the price and appearance, I reckon I got my money's worth in materials!