Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Sordidman 's Cats and System
IP Address: 173.228.44.152	Last Update: November 11, 2011 at 09:27:39
Amplifier:	Blue Circle BC204 hybrid stereo power amp.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	none
Speakers:	Merlin VSM-MX in Piano Black Gloss
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	APL redesigned and remanufactured Denon 3910 AKM DAC based universal player with built in 'H-attenuator' preamp.
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Dual 506
Other Source(s):	MacMini playing Apple Lossless-ITunes server based files from an IBook to an USB port (via M2Tech HiFace) and digital input on the APL. (Mini connected to the server in the basement via CAT5).
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Cardas Golden Reference speaker cables. Blue Circle balanced Interconnects. APL Digital coax cable from USB/Digital converter.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Blue Circle BC62 AC cord to APL Denon.
Tweaks:	Aurios roller bearings with Tungsten Carbide bearings under the APL. SSC Pucks under the Corda. Mapleshade Heavy feet and SSC pucks under a Mapleshade board and APL/SYG rollerblocks under the BAM module. Cat fuzz everywhere.
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 13 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments:	5 1/2 ft by 3 ft. throw rug. Plants in front of the windows. Speakers set up along the long room axis. Futon coach with big painting on the wall behind the listener(s).
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Experimental British Pop. Downtempo Electronica, House, Dance Lounge, Jazz Lounge, Modern World/Arabic/Eastern/Latin downtempo, Post punk and post punk dance. Ambient, some drum & bass. Some old Prog-rock, commercial jazz and a little classical and choral. I generally avoid most music and musicians from the USA. Cats lounging everywhere.
System Goals/Comments:	True sounding instrumentation and musical gestalt. It is extremely difficult to achieve a system that is great for all music types. I have attempted to acquire a system that sounds good with the majority of my CDs. Much of my favorite music can be labeled agressive, but I would call my components 'romantic,' but they don't over romanticize agressive music. I endeavor to prevent the cats from sleeping on the power amp.
System Strengths:	Detail and sense of 'air' around the highs. Good instrument separation. Lovely midrange balance. Much more realistic instrument weight after acquiring new components.
System Weaknesses:	None: with the possible exception that some folks might the room to sound a bit 'live.' But I prefer the excitement of a live-like venue.
Video/HT System: None
TV/Projector:	Hitachi LCD, 35' (Can't remember the model number).
Sources (DVD/VCR):	APL Universal and Sony BluRay. Kimber HDMI switcher cause there's no love on the Hitachi TV audio/video pre.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	competitive cyclist, (Dolce Vita Racing), songwriter/lead bass guitar player, (and sometimes 6 string, {sic}). Philosophy student and IT Manager/Coach.