Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

213Cobra's Triodes System
IP Address: 64.60.30.242	Last Update: February 28, 2008 at 14:03:30
Amplifier:	Audion Golden Dream Parallel Single-Ended 300B tube monoblocks
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audion Premier 1.0 tube preamplifier
Speakers:	Zu Druid Mk 3.5 pair. Also Stax SR5 electrostatic earspeakers (headphones) with a vintage Stax SRA3 tube preamp/phoneamp to drive them.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	NAD M55 Master Series universal disc player
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Luxman PD441 turntable / Rega RB600 tonearm w/ Michell Tecnoweight / Denon DL-103D cartridge / Bel Canto Phono 1 phono stage
Other Source(s):	Transcriptors Vestigal Tonearm w/ Denon DL-103C cartridge; Luxman T110 tuner; Tandberg TCD440A cassette deck
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Zu Ibis speaker cables; Zu Varial interconnects.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Monster AVS2000 Signature voltage stabilizer; Monster HTPS7000 Signature power conditioner;
Tweaks:	Platter Matter pad on Luxman PD441; turntable sits on 2 inches of rock maple; various NOS line level tubes for preamp and Audion amps input stages
Room Size (LxWxH):	23' x 12' x 8' - 12'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Pioneer Elite 1120HD 50 inch high-def plasma
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	ominivorous music consumer
System Goals/Comments:	Expression + Resolution + Tone + Presence, all in balance. This is achieved and upgrades that disrupt this balance are not allowed. Both systems must be fully integrated in the family living space -- I do not endorse dedicated listening rooms for home hifi.
System Strengths:	Tonal & spatial intimacy; simplicity; emotionally satisfying to listen to. Very involving. Uniform bottom to top tonal & transient behavior. The Zu speakers are notable for utter absence of fatigue from sustained listening. The Audion triode power amplifiers are key to the outstanding musicality of this system. Same strengths apply to separate HT/Audio system using Zu Definitions + Audiopax amps.
System Weaknesses:	System has excellent balance. Recent upgrades in speakers and power amplifiers put focus for next upgrades on sources. However, am choosing carefully to avoid 'hi-fi characteristics' undermining musicality.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Pioneer Elite PRO-150FD 60 inch 1080p plasma TV Room is 20' x 14' x 8.5'
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Strictly 2 channel: Klimo Merlino Gold tube preamplifier > Audion Black Shadow 845 tube monoblocks, also Audiopax 88 monoblocks (alternate); Jasmine LP 2.0 phono preamp
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Zu Definitions. 2 Channels are enough.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Pioneer Elite BDP-95FD Blu-Ray/CD player; Luxman PD444 turntable/Rega RB1000 w Heavyweight/ ZU 103 cartridge; Denon DL103D cartridge.
Other HT Gear:	Monster AVS2000 Signature voltage stabilizer Panamax 5510PRO power conditioner Full Zu Varial + Ibis signal wire chain
Comments on HT System:	Dynamic, impactful theater attributes with sensational music-only performance. Modest physical footprint for overall effect achieved.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	muscle cars, guitars, music, astronomy, history, politics; computing