Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Ned's 2 ch. stereo System
IP Address: 70.19.40.212	Last Update: January 05, 2009 at 19:19:26
Amplifier:	Pass Labs X150.5
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Reference Line Preeminence One, Series II (passive linestage), or: Benchmark DAC-1 used as a preamp for digital sources directly into amp and as a headphone amp.
Speakers:	Magnepan 3.6R planar speakers, modded with bypassed fuse and tweeter attenuators, and Cardas jumpers from crossovers Phones: AKG 701, Shure E5C
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Proceed CDD transport, Benchmark DAC-1
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Empire 598 (presently unused)
Other Source(s):	Sony DVP-NS500V sacd/cd/dvd Aiwa 810 3 head cassette deck Onkyo Integra T-9090II tuner with modded power supply & audio ouput section
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Nordost Frey interconnects Nordost Heimdall speaker cables Kimber Illuminations Orchid and D-60 digital cables Powercords: Synergistic Research AC Master Coupler, Harmonic Tech. Pro AC-11, Audioquest AC 12
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	-Shunyata Hydra power conditioner -Sound Anchor speaker stands with spikes -Home made amp stand (2" thick MDF)
Tweaks:	-Audio Prism Quiet Line filters (12) -Powerwraps -Audioquest ferrite chokes -Caig Pro Gold -HI Fi Tuning Fuses in Benchmark DAC1 and amp -Straight shot of frozen vodka, or maybe scotch or nice glass of wine.
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 17 x 8.2'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Oriental rugs, large abstract paintings (cotton canvas, artist me), fake ficus ('fakus') tree back of Maggies
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Acoustic jazz, rock & soul, latin, classical
System Goals/Comments:	Musicality, natural timber, transparency and detail, soundstage, realism
System Strengths:	See above. I think I've come very close to my goals.
System Weaknesses:	I'm extremely satisfied and sometimes can't believe the system sounds so good. But, I occasionally miss the bass impact of a dynamic speaker. Also, as an apartment dweller I can't play the system quite as loud as I would like so the Maggies sometimes don't get a chance to do their best.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	Sony Bravia LCD 40" 1080p.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sony DVP-NS500V
Comments on HT System:	Not very interested in HT
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Occupation: corporate finance. Also artist, workout loony, ex trombone player, jokester, amateur this and that