Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Audiophilander's Reference System, audio w/video System
IP Address: 70.243.208.93	Last Update: February 15, 2010 at 12:53:32
Amplifier:	Transcendent Super Compact 150 monoblock tubed amps (hand-built by Bruce Rozenblit); in process of augmenting with high-end solid state (probably Odyssey Audio Stratos mono-blocks)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audible Illusions L2 (added 1/17/06; latest model, hand built by Art Ferris; replaces AIM3A)
Speakers:	Gallo Nucleus Reference 3 (main), supplemented in lowest octave by the Reference SA amp. Note: Gallo Nucleus Solo & Micros employed in surround Hi-Rez/HT system; in process of upgrading to new 3.5 Reference speakers
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Parasound C/DP-2000 Ultra Compact Disc Player w/HDCD Oppo BDP-83 SE (modified for multi-region/zone access; plays SACD, DVD-A and CD as well as all video formats) Oppo BDP-83 (modified for multi-region/zone access; plays SACD, DVD-A and CD as well as all video formats) in second system SONY SCD-CE775 CD/SACD Player modified by Matthew Anker (SACDmods) as back-up in second system
Turntable/Phono Stage:	None, to date; mostly into CDs & Hi-Rez digital playback mediums, but considering Rega P-3 and undetermined phono stage for vinyl that is unavailable in a digital format or hasn't been adequately mastered for the medium.
Other Source(s):	See video system comments below.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	VansEvers tfc Network Type III speaker cable; Grover Huffman custom-made (silver wire & contact) interconnects for SACD/CD, MSB high-grade Toslink, good quality HDMI and interconnects for A/V, also Acoustic Research and Monster Cable interconnects for misc. A/V (second system) & subwoofer.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	computer grade surge protection & back-up power supply for A/V components and amps. 6 Shelf Vantage Point Rack
Tweaks:	Tube rolling the pre-amp input tubes in my Transcendent Super Compacts; I've found that the NOS clear-top 12AU7 and NOS (Westinghouse labled) 5751 (12AX7 with less gain) seem to have a good synergistic balance in these amps
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 24' x 20'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Audio/video storage cases (irregular sizes & shapes). New residence has fine acoustic properties (listening room/living room has vaulted ceiling, irregular wood paneling to break up standing waves & tightly woven carpet over padded concrete foundation.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	[Rock (remasters)] - Joe Bonamassa, UFO, Argent, Dire Straits, Jimi Hendrix, Jethro Tull, ELP, Yes, Led Zeppelin, Santana (SACD), Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult (SACD), Doors (HDCD) James Gang, King Crimson (HDCD), Genesis, Grand Funk, Ten Years After, The Who, Deep Purple (Machine Head SACD), Pink Floyd (Dark Side of the Moon SACD, favoring the black label Harvest import CD), Rolling Stones (SACD), CCR (SACD), etc., [Classical & classically influenced] - Holst (Planets), Copland (Bernstein, cond. - SACD), Beethoven, Rimsky-Korsakov, Vanessa Mae, California Guitar Trio, Andreas Vollenweider, etc., [Female vocalists] - Diana Krall, Joan Osborne, Kate Bush, Pat Benatar, etc., [jazz] such as Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Art Blakey Jazz Messengers, Charlie Parker, Dave Brubeck (note: mostly older jazz, especially those that are well recorded; just say 'NO' to free form). Accumulating HDCD & SACD titles in various genres and some DVD-A software. Note: Thus far have been unimpressed by the musicality of most DVD-A titles purchased.
System Goals/Comments:	Occasional refinement of sound through tweaking to obtain that extra nuance of musical satisfaction. My system is very satisfying to my musical tastes. Overall, I am quite happy with my system as it is now. Note: I've added relatively unobtrusive surround speakers (Gallo Micros) for use with video sources, utilizing one of my older Solos for the center channel. Upgrade main system with better surround options and enhance second system (objective for later this year and next)
System Strengths:	The Oppo BDP-83 SE is a wonderful multi-disc, multi-format SACD/DVD-A/CD/BD/DVD player with the latest digital processing codecs backed up by my old reference standard Parasound C/DP-2000 Ultra belt-driven HDCD player, the Transcendent SC-150 mono-block amplifiers have provided excellent tube amplification for 12 years and the Audible Illusions Modulus L2 is a flexible full function line stage pre-amp that adds the perfect touch of warmth and detail resolving ability that makes it an excellent match for this system, the Gallo Reference 3 speakers are superb performers worthy of upgrading to 3.5 as soon as available, and recently added Hsu Research ULS-15 subwoofer adds clean, tight low octave augmentation to this sound system for HT.
System Weaknesses:	Transcendent SC150 monoblocks require occasional tweaking and power tubes are no longer being manufactured, but are very good performers with the right pre-amp input tube combinations; not so much a weakness, but these are more neutral to analytical than warm in tone. Currently I'm quite satisfied with my system although I may audition other amp designs at some point.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	Main system: Panasonic PT-AE2000U 1080P projector. Second system: Samsung LN46A650A1F 1080P (adjusted with Digital Video Essentials)
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Marantz HD receiver for surround (main system). Denon HD-receiver (second system)
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Gallo A'Diva surrounds (in process of upgrading); Nucleus Solo (center) HSU Research ULS-15 subwoofer (main system)
Sources (DVD/VCR):	TiVo (30/120 hour HD/standard definition hard drive recorder - one in each system) Oppo BDP-83 SE modified for all region and zone access (main system; second system has an OPPO BDP-83, also modified, but without SE upgrade) Samsung HD-DVD (main system) Samsung HD-DVD (spare, second system)
Other HT Gear:	Saaria Grey Magic 120' screen; Oppo HDMI switcher (main system)
Comments on HT System:	Excellent for movie watching, stereo & surround listening enjoyment (full NTSC and PAL conversion capability; Blu-ray & HD-DVD).
URL Link: http://www.artistsinresidence.com/cat
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Tennis, music, movies, esp. classic silent films & old movie serials (cinema & DVD), historical literature, film history, scientific journals & SF, political debate, fine food and drink (Belgian ales; Islay single malt scotches), collecting (nostalgia/res