Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

mcguirek's RetroRack System
IP Address: 75.158.206.197	Last Update: July 27, 2023 at 07:20:39
Amplifier:	Bob Latino (DIY) Dynaco-clone VTA ST-120 (2 NOS Siemens ECC801S and 1 rare NOS Mullard driver tubes, Genalex Gold Lion KT-88 power tubes and NOS Amperex 5AR4 rectifier).
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	DB Systems DB-8 phone preamp; DIY vacuum tube line stage preamp with Aikido line stage. NOS Amperex Bugle Boy 12AU7s in line stage. Herbie's tube dampers. Mundorf Silver/Oil coupling caps.
Speakers:	Zaph Audio ZRT 2-Way, Revelator Tower (Madisound kit using Scan-Speak Revelator drivers)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Cambridge Azur 640C
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Modified Technics SL1210 with Dynavector XX2 MkII. Stock headshell modified with DH Labs Silver HS-1 leads. DIY SUT using CineMag 3440A transformers. Modifications to 'table incl. brass pointy feet. DIY isolation platform. KAB tonearm fluid damper; Cardas-rewired arm; TTWeights record weight; Herbie's Way Excellent II mat.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	DIY speaker cable (using Furutech μ-4.1T wire); Audio Envy interconnect (preamp - amp), Audio Sensibility custom Statement Silver phono cable, various other interconnects (SUT to phono preamp to line stage).
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Zero Surge 8R15W-I surge protector; hospital-grade unplated AC receptacles; Cambre Timbre audio rack.
Tweaks:	Use EAR Isodamp for vibration damping whenever possible, brass plates with EAR Isodamp on top of CD player and preamp.
Room Size (LxWxH):	12 x 21 x ~8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room ceiling slopes from 7' - 9'. I have speakers on long wall with listening seat on wall with higher ceiling, about 9' from speaker face. Floor is carpeted while room has mixture of soft and hard furnishings.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Pop/Rock, some Blues.
System Goals/Comments:	My goal was to obtain as realistic a sound as I could achieve in my room, on my budget, and learn a thing or two about audio and electronics along the way. I think I've reached (maybe?) my goal.
System Strengths:	To my ears, instruments have proper timbre, speed, decay; vocals reflect real people; soundstage is wide, deep and (sometimes) has height; imaging is precise. Importantly the Technics turntable is easy to use, set-up and adjust.
System Weaknesses:	I don't feel that my system has any weaknesses, though I assume that full range speakers in a room that can accommodate them would be another step up.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Samsung 55"
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sony DVD
Comments on HT System:
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Retired but enjoy learning.