Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

andyr's Linn / Graham / Benz / AKSA / Maggie IIIa System
IP Address: 157.128.218.206	Last Update: November 26, 2008 at 21:32:24
Amplifier:	6 x AKSA Lifeforce monobloc power amps for active tri-amping. Each side has 25w/55w/100w (into 8 ohms) amp modules.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	AKSA GK-1R remote-controlled, tube/ss hybrid pre-amp. With TKD stepped attenuator upgrade.
Speakers:	Maggie IIIAs. First off, modified internal and external crossovers, using Solo coils and Solen / Infinicaps. Then replaced all this with 3-way, 24dB L-R active Xover from Rod Elliott. This was replaced by Rod's crossover, configured to give the original IIIa passive slopes, with slightly altered crossover points (to smooth out the overall frequency response). Recently had the stock MDF frames replaced by custom-made hardwood frames and strutted stands (which hold the frames rigid).
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	H-K CDR-20 for recording my LPs (for the car!).
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Linn LP12, Lingo/Graham 2.2 arm/Benz Ebony LP cartridge. Now with CF-composite subchassis and armboard on the LP12. Bill Beard BBP100 discrete ss phono stage with new power supply.
Other Source(s):	Yamaha T2 FM tuner.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	ICs from 'The Super Cable Cookbook' put out by Allen Wright (Vacuum State Electronics). Each channel consist of 2 strands of XLO Teflon-insulated, solid-core Cu wrapped around a 4mm teflon tube ... kinda like a 'lightweight racing' XLO.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Nitty Gritty RCM. DIY isolation platforms for phonostage and preamp. These consist of a 20kg slab of slate resting on 12 squash balls (see www.enjoythemusic.com for the basic idea).
Room Size (LxWxH):	27 ft x 17 ft x 9-16 ft
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room has /\ ceiling, 9 ft at walls and 16 ft in the centre. Cork board covering most of one side, stopping 'flutter echo'.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Baroque to Pink Floyd, Bob Marley and Jean Michel Jarre, opera and some jazz.
System Goals/Comments:	IMO, superb vinyl reproduction ... missing only some of the lowest octave.
System Strengths:	Very coherent reproduction for small forces.
System Weaknesses:	Deep bass (<30Hz) and bass "punchiness".
Video/HT System: None