Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Cousin_Dupree's '09v1.0 System
IP Address: 98.71.78.55	Last Update: August 21, 2009 at 12:36:09
Amplifier:	McCormack Power Drive DNA-0.5 Deluxe Edition with SMc Audio (Aka Steve McCormack Audio) Revision B+ (FOR SALE 8-21-09)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	CODA Technologies FET Control Buffer 05r McCormack TLC-1 (FOR SALE 8-21-09)
Speakers:	North Creek Music Systems Rhythm Revelators w/.5 dB matched Scan-Speak drivers and external ultra-premium crossovers.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	ART D/IO
Other Source(s):	Quad FM tuner
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Digital Coax: CopyCat S/PDIF (of course) which is crimped Canare RCAP C4F terminated Belden 1506A with a capacitor coupled additional shield. Interconnects: 2 pairs of each listed--all 1 M and balanced: audioquest Python, 89248/89259, XLO 26 ga 6N with TFE dielectric, and Kimber SF23. The Belden, XLO & Kimber cables are all unshielded twisted pairs terminated by me with Neutrik NC3F/MX-Bs and Wonder Solder. I've also got a pair of pure silver TFE insulated WBT RCA terminated cables that I use for single ended comparisons. Speaker cables: audioquest Midnight III, though I'll be trying some home brews as time allows. I'm still toying with PCs, but have the Bob Crump cable on my DAC and amp right now. As time allows I'll do more with this as well.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	My rack is a DIY welded steel frame with solid wood shelves. It's a "low boy" configuration, and my tv sits on the top on one side. I've left it unfinished so it is slowly developing a true rust patina. It's phat and draws comments from every visitor.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	I mainly listen to Rock and its various derivatives. However, I do enjoy jazz and classical as well. Favorite bands are Steely Dan, Uncle Tupelo & Wilco.
System Goals/Comments:	I'd like to learn to speak in iambic pentameter contemporaneously.
System Strengths:	Yes.
System Weaknesses:	This is self-serving, and if I had more audiophile friends I could rely on their comments to enlighten me, but I'm not hearing many any more. I'm extremely satisfied. I do have several musician friends who are fequently astounded. I'm not saying it's perfect, but when I hear comparably priced systems at retailers I'm rarely impressed. In fact, I've never heard one I like more. I'm probably just getting tuned into the way my system sounds, and therefore anything that sounds different sounds wrong at first. I've gotten so much new stuff in the last few months I think it'll take me a short while to hear patterns that are problematic and need improving.
Video/HT System: Integrated
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sony DVP-S560
Comments on HT System:	The picture is outrageously good for the money. All I've done is tuned it to NTSC standard, turned off velocity modulation, and made some service menu adjustments per recommendations from a video guru.