Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

JoshT's My two systems System
IP Address: 24.62.60.249	Last Update: November 08, 2009 at 19:33:33
Amplifier:	Conrad Johnson CA200 control amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	Renaissance Preludes (formerly Morel Acoustics USA)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Simaudio Moon CD5.3
Turntable/Phono Stage:	VPI Scout, JMW-9 and Benz Micro Ace HO with Juicy Music Tercel vacuum tube phono preamp
Other Source(s):	Accuphase T-100 tuner Nakamichi CA-1 tape deck
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Siltech LS8iQ speaker cables (Siltech entry level bulk speaker cable) with WBT spade connectors; Siltech Mx London from CD Player to control amp, from turntable to phonostage, and from phonostage to control amp; Custom House Baracuda from tape deck to control amp; Custom House Benchmark from Tuner to control amp.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Rotel RLC 900 power line conditioner; Sanus Systems equipment racks.
Tweaks:	None
Room Size (LxWxH):	16 x 16 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	No treatments. (typical bedroom furniture; window treatments; hard wood floor covered by Pakistani rug)
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	American Jazz (mostly 1950s and 1960s), Classical, Blues, Funk, Latin Jazz, Modern Rock, Classic Rock, Rap/Hip Hop (from most listened to least listened)
System Goals/Comments:	I want a dynamic system that sounds open, detailed and, most of all, musical. Overall I'm happy with the sound. Just upgraded my TT to a VPI Scout and Benz Ace and moved the Rega to the HT system. Also just upgraded my CD player from a Rotel RCD971 to the Moon CD5.3, after auditioning 7 other players. It's quite nice.
System Strengths:	Open, airy and musical. The CA200 control amp is leaner and faster, and more transparent, then a lot of CJ gear. It sacrifices some warmth to my older 17LS/MF2250 comb, but is still sweet and musical and LPs sound FANTASTIC through it. And the new Moon CD5.3 is a great match, as it has a very full sound. I also really dig the Preludes - nice upgrade from my CDM1SEs and no need for a subwoofer. Live FM broadcasts on WGBH are breathtaking on the Accuphase.
System Weaknesses:	Oh, who knows. Nothing's perfect. But I really enjoy this system.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Samsung 52 inch LCD (52LN650) - my wife's Korean, which helped me convince her to get a big Samsung LCD. Loving it!
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Rotel RSP 1066 procesor; Rotel 985 MKII 100 watts x 5 for center and rear surrounds; Conrad Johnson MF2250 for front right and left.
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Klipsch KLF 20s, KLF C-7 and KS-6s. Paradigm Servo 15 subwoofer
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Thorens TD 126 MKIII with Signet 7LCa (replacement stylus from LP Gear); Creek OBH-8 phono preamp; NAD universal player (DVD, DVDA, CD and SACD).
Other HT Gear:	Siltech Mx London, Monster M850i and Custom House Baracuda and Benchmark interconnects (some Monster digital cable for AC3 and DTS -- don't remember and don't care which). TL-4 speaker cables (dealer's inexpensive house brand speaker cable - since discontinued).
Comments on HT System:	For the most part I love this system. The Rotel processor is especially fine, both for movies and music. I love the fact that it has pure analog bypass for its stereo inputs. The KLF 20s are very dynamic and the sound stage is HUGE. I use it about equally for TV/movies and for music, and find I can listen for hours with no fatigue (except with some really bad, or hot sounding, CDs). And for movies, the horns are breathtaking.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Russian language, literature and history. 1960s Fords. Vintage watches. Corporate lawyer, specializing in drug discovery and development licensing and collaborations. Trying to find the time and discipline to study Korean.