Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

peetpete's First System Evolving System
IP Address: 74.190.34.243	Last Update: April 13, 2009 at 11:52:03
Amplifier:	Luxman L-80V Luxman L-100 Onkyo 9555 Amp
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	JML Lab Tantal 509 w Plateau K stands Added a little Mirage subwoofer. Kef XQ1
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Music Hall CD-25
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Connoisseur BD-2 Onkyo CP-1130F
Other Source(s):	T-400 Luxman Tuner
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest Speaker Cable
Room Size (LxWxH):	19 x 12 x 10
Room Comments/Treatments:	New room has a dumb alcove that I'm sure is creating standing waves.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Indie Rock, Avant-garde and Electronica
System Goals/Comments:	This is my first system and my goal was to allow both decent analog and digital playback combined with new budget speakers with reasonable bass reproduction. I just added the stands last month---the bass immediately tightened and was faster. I want to have a decent reference so that if I ever took the plunge on newer equipment, I would have something to compare it too. I wanted the system to look nice and classy that's why the amps and the turntable are minty. (Ok, the speakers are kinda ugly.) Everything was ebay, except the stands (local) and the speakers were from audioadvisor. I haven't had everything together at once--the turntable needed tweaking and the L-80V is in repair right now. I will be able to test out the higher wattage L-100 next week sometime. So currently I don't know the analog sound but digital is good at this point, especially Jazz and vocals. In the future I want to add a power conditioner, audiorack and maybe try out a different cartridge on the Connie. I have also been trying to find a reasonably priced Luxman tuner. I kind of like the slow build approach. UPDATE: Everything is in place now and I have to say I'm very please with my system. I purchase new belts and upgrade motor for the Connie. I also tested the L-100 in the system and it has a little too much power to control the listening level. If I find some less sensitive speakers I might use it some day. Other than that ordered the tuner that I'm waiting for.
System Strengths:	Vocals and Jazz. It does other things decently but the Luxman seems to have that forwardness that really accentuates a decent vocal performance. The Tantals seem to like that mid-range jazz vocal tone. It is the same with Diana Krall, Eva Cassidy, Nina Simone Billy Holiday or even Cat Power. Very intimate and warm. This applies to all sorts of jazz as well.
System Weaknesses:	The XQ1 are not the best for harder rcok, lacking punch. Extremely detailed on everything else.
Video/HT System: None