Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Darek's Main 2 channel System
IP Address: 213.158.199.97	Last Update: November 07, 2009 at 15:41:58
Amplifier:	Art Audio Carissa 16W SET, 845 tubes, with volume control
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	Cabasse Bahia 94 dB/W, 8 Ohm; REL Strata III subwoofer connected at high level (directly to the same amp speaker terminals as the front speakers); Townshend Supertweeters
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Sony SCD XA333ES Multichannel SACD used in stereo only (a European model) modified by Swoboda Audio (S+)
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Cable Talk 3.1/Nordost Heimdall
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	PS Audio Power Plant Premier, Atacama Equinox racks
Tweaks:	Bass Busters & 11' Tube Traps in front corners + Tube Traps behind speakers; Hal-O tube dampeners on small tubes; Ceraballs feet under CDP and amp (great tweak!)
Room Size (LxWxH):	6.5 m x 4.2 m x 2.73 m
Room Comments/Treatments:	The current room is transitional
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Pretty diverse: jazz ('60s, '70s and nu jazz), DJ/electronica/ house, R&B/funk, rock, Latin, female vocal,
System Goals/Comments:	Can I have an SET midrange with no loss of power and bass? I like to play at high volume occassionally and try to reproduce near-concert levels.
System Strengths:	I can now listen for a few hours without fatigue. Great dynamics & detail, musical with a wide range of music. Deep bass is good (but only as good as the room allows). Supertweeters help retrieve detail and add sparkle without being tiresome
System Weaknesses:	Room acoustics... and the tubes are getting old - need to replace them
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Pioneer 50' plasma
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Sony STR
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	n/a
Sources (DVD/VCR):	cheap Samsung; PS3
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	music, books, tennis, skiing