Seldom one comes across such an exotic ultra-high-end audio system as owned by Ertugrul Dalkiran (Amadeus Audio). This is the exact reason for an exclusive Mono and Stereo article and industry feature. I’ve asked Ertugrul to explain in-depth how he sees the upper echelon high-end audio and more importantly why he has chosen these particular brands and products…
How it all started for you and when did you enter into the high-end audio realms?
When I was 10,11 years old I’ve deeply admired classical music, particularly Beethoven and consequently started to buy second-hand records. Following this passion, I’ve started to combine different types and brands of speakers with the same receiver trying to get better sound. In due time my passion has grown and all of the money I’ve received from my mother for instance for Ice cream and Movies was spent for acquiring second hand Classical Records… Later on, I’ve bought my first SE Tube amplifier and the rest is history. I was infected for a lifetime…
Do you consider yourself an audiophile?
I do believe, that there are two types of audiophiles:
Type ONE is attracted to (the) sound(s) and has a passionate affection with the High-end electronic gear. This relationship with music is limited to the achievement of (an) impressive sound(s). Such audiophile buy and explore the music for the sake of audio system and not the other way around!
Type TWO is also attracted to sound, but for him, the more important and starting point is the genuine passion for the music, composers, music’s styles and instrumentalists. The love for High-end audio gear comes as a bonus. They audio quest is driven by the music and not the gear.
I may describe my self as a musicophile, who learned to use, love and appreciate high-end audio and becoming a passionate audiophile, later on, came as a gradual consequence.
Who are your inspirations?
Beethoven, Bill Evans, Bach, Miles Davis, Keith Jarret, Chick Corea, Mozart, David Oistrakh, Wladimir Horowitz…..
Would you say, that one love for music reflects in his system and selections of the components?
Definitely!
Digital vs Analog. What is your take on these opposite sides?
The High Quality properly matched digital System can sound very Natural and “Analog”. If it fits in the system and is a part of the system’s synergy, 9 of the 10 CDs (tracks) should sound from very good to excellent.
On the other hand, a highly balanced analog setup with a proper turntable, tonearm, cartridge, and phono stage will never sound follow the same ratio. But… When it all works well together a vinyl record can sound almost perfect and at these rare moments, nothing else can beat the pure beauty of the analog. For me, along with the live performance, this is the most beautiful way to listen to music.
Do you think that it’s possible to portray an illusion of the real world impact with a high-end audio system?
If you mean that a State Of Art System fine-tuned to perfection can reproduce music close to “Live” performance my answer is YES! I do believe how sometimes I come very close to the real thing. Sometimes it’s even it is scary real!
Any last thoughts for our readers?
High-end is Servant of Music and not opposite.
PREAMPLIFIER – ZANDEN CHUKOH
Mr. Yamada and his way of hearing/tuning have always attracted me. Back in 2007 when Zanden Audio was practically unknown in Europe, I was probably the first customer who ordered a full Zanden System (CD Transport 2000, DAC 5000, 3000 Preamp and 9500 MKIII power amplifier). At that time I was a proud owner of Rockport Hyperion speakers. This system from 2007 was and is still one the best sound I have ever heard with the mind-blowing synergy resolution and naturalness. I swear, that sometimes it sounded better than the real thing… I own the Chukoh for few weeks need to burn in before making real comments.
PREAMPLIFIER – ROBERT KODA TAKUMI K10 G2
Robert Koch is the one who made me believe that to have speed, Naturalness and Organic flow you do not need the Tubes. His Takumi K10 Preamplifier is from day one still one of my favorite preamps and combines the best of two worlds.
PHONOSTAGE – ROBERT KODA MC ONE
I didn’t compare many phono stages and I am not really able to say this one is the best but I believe I have a sensitive hearing and I know exactly what I like to hear. Again, from day one this phono stage sounds direct, honest, dynamic and organic. By knowing Robert Koda and the way he creates I don’t think I am interested in any other Phono Stage in the very near future.
The only minus is a sole input as I want to play around with different arms and cartridges. For that reason, I’ve added a custom made high-end switch box, that gives me the ability to have up to three tonearms I will start using it soon.
POWER AMPLIFIER – ROBERT KODA K70II
Very special (three chassis power amp). One unit is a power supply, that feeds two hybrid mono blocks with double WE417A tubes on the input of each channel. These are my number one reference amplifiers, that possesses everything you want and a bit more.
POWER AMPLIFIER – KONDO AUDIO NOTE JAPAN KAGURA
Creation of Masaki Ashizawa the chief designer of Kondo Audio Note Kondo Japan. Very powerful and high musical amps.
CD TRANSPORT – KALISTA DREAMPLAY
I must hear a better Cd transport if it exists.
DAC – GRYPHON KALLIOPE
Very Analog sounding.
SPEAKERS – PEAK CONSULT DRAGON LEGEND
The peak Consult Dragon speakers are a part of a different story. My goal was to order the Rockport Arrakis speakers from Andy Payor, but Andy decided to discontinue them, leaving me with the choice of Rockport Lyra, which is a nearly perfect sounding speaker and in my opinion definitely a Magico killer.
As mentioned before, I’ve already owned Rockport Hyperion speakers back in 2007 and I know what to expect from medium/small sized speakers. Although I’ll never forget them the similarity of the design led me to the Peak Consult Dragon Legend speakers. The outer looks are different, but the rest is in my opinion almost a clone of the Rockport Hyperion speakers. The same Dippolito design, similar 2 x 13″ and 2 x 9″ drivers as well as a single tweeter. Peak Consult Dragon Legend speakers are also very sensitive (95db) and that is surely a bonus. I like them but we’ll see what the future will bring. Maybe a used Rockport Arrakis or even Gryphon Kodo…
CABLES – STEALTH AUDIO SAKRA V17LE / STEALTH AUDIO DREAM ROYAL
Stealth Audio cables are no-nonsense cables. For me, the Dream Royale and the Stealth Sakra V16 and V17 LE belong to the worlds best.
TURNTABLE – AUDIO TEKNE ACP-8801 TURNTABLE / AUDIO TEKNE CARBON ARM
This is an unbelievable turntable Turntable with a separate motor, power supply (300B tubes) and air pump. Combined, it weights around 135 kg and is almost completely made from the carbon. I do believe, that I still didn’t explore the full potential of this masterwork.
The full Carbon Audio Tekne Arm can compete whit all other world class Arms like Acoustical System Axiom or Sat arms.
TONEARM – THALES STATEMENT ARM
Great arm one of the best analog instruments on the market.
CARTRIDGES – Miyabi Fuuga (still bunting inn very promising), Topwing Blue Dragon, Koetsu Coral Stone,Lyra Atlas SL.
Different tastes…
Photos by : Kaan Sensoy Photographer
CONTACT
Ertugrul Dalkiran
Phone:+31651892144