Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Quint's Gets the job done System
IP Address: 107.10.210.120	Last Update: June 09, 2011 at 07:30:58
Amplifier:	Coda S12.5 (modded)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	Jena Labs Studio Reference (pending); Rhythmik Audio 15" subwoofer (EQ'd)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Marantz SA-7S1 (modded)
Turntable/Phono Stage:	n/a
Other Source(s):	n/a
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Jena Labs Awakening (between SA-7S1 and amp), Jena Labs Dreamdancer speaker cables
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Silent Running Audio Craz-4 rack and platforms, 6 dedicated 20-amp lines, Jena Labs Model 6.1 line conditioner and Model One PCs
Tweaks:	Ultrabit Platinum Plus CD treatment, Nespa Pro, and others
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 20' x 7'
Room Comments/Treatments:	ASC tube traps and Echobuster panels
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classic rock, new wave, 70s funk/soul, old-style country, most blues, etc. If it moves me, I'll listen to it—regardless of genre.
System Goals/Comments:	I'm no longer interested in getting the band in the room with me. I haven't heard a system, regardless of price, that can fool me in that regard. Instead, I just want something that can involve me without me obssessing over how to improve it.
System Strengths:	System not up and running yet—waiting for Jena Labs to finish the speakers. The Marantz is running in my second system, and is simply the best source I've ever heard. It combines the strengths of the best digital with the benefits of the best analog. Jennifer at Jena has a similar system that IS running, and she says that it's incredibly resolving and transparent and highly musical. The room isn't perfect, but has some key open spaces and a nice blend of absorption and diffusion. The inclusion of a top-notch volume control on the SA-7S1 is a huge benefit. It allows me to bypass a preamp entirely, which is a big plus. I've always liked CD players with that capability.
System Weaknesses:	Doesn't possess the initial WOW! factor of my $150k old system, but might be even better overall. Doesn't have the wall-collapsing bass of my old VR-9s, but is pretty good nonetheless. EQ helps a LOT. Marantz might not have the uber-resolving power of something like the Meitner XDS1 or dCS Scarlatti, but I think it's much more involving and natural sounding than those players.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Panasonic 50' plasma
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Coda CSi-B integrated
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Definitive Technology Mythos STS, Dayton 15" subwoofer
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Oppo BDP-83SE (modified)
Comments on HT System:	No fuss, no muss. Nothing particularly spectacular, but terrific picture and surprisingly good sound.
URL Link: http://solidgrooves.wordpress.com
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Rock biographies, marine biology, outdoor pursuits, microbrews.