Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

MichaelJR's Solid-State Stereo System System
IP Address: 173.69.165.158	Last Update: August 14, 2011 at 13:12:05
Amplifier:	MJR AUDIO-Modified Adcom GFA-565 Monoblocs: rebuilt input stages (recapped with 105-degree Mallory electrolytics, upgraded OP97 op-amps, cleaned boards, installed PCB terminals and gold-plated headers), rewired with Ag-plated-Cu Teflon-dielectric wiring, Ferrishield Aluminum/Polyester EMI/RFI shielding on all internal planes (top, bottom, front and sides) for over 60dbA attenuation of the 600-1000MHz frequency range, modified fan circuitry and function for cooler and 850-watt at 2-ohm rated operation, and finally input level attenuators have been installed for direct connection to source components. For more information visit www.mjraudio.com
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None! Modified amps accept direct source connection. SIGNAL PATH: DVD/DAC-->AMPLIFIERS-->SPEAKERS
Speakers:	DIY Carbon-Fiber/Titanium MTM 2-Way Speakers (Based on Audax Carbon Fiber 6.5-inch Boomers and Audax 1-inch Titanium Dome Tweeters in an MTM {Midrange-Tweeter-Midrange} configuration and 2-way crossover networks (using Solen Capacitors, Eagle Metal Oxide Film resistors and air core inductors) with an extra bright tweeter rolloff; rear-panel internal padding with Spectra Dynamics Deflex Panels; internal hookup wire 16 awg ofc, 24k gold plated binding posts; 3-inch front-firing ports
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Pioneer ELITE DV-50A DVD/SACD Player (onboard DAC: 24-bit/192kHz, using unbalanced RCA outputs)
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	DIY 1.5M (4.9ft) Unbalanced RCA Ag-plated-Cu ICs from Source to Amplifiers DIY 0.5M (1.6ft) CAT6 16-conductor (24AWG) 12 AWG-aggregate 4-strand braided (for greater CMNR) low-resistance speaker cables. Not expecting miracles, but I want my speaker cables to be as transparent as possible to my amplifiers with the least possible resistance and maximum EMI/RFI shielding, due to a congested electrical environment.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Three 2.5ft tall 4-shelf 19-inch wide by 10-inch deep open wood racks for amplifiers and components Two 30-inch Metal Technology triple-column steel speaker stands on 1-inch steel spikes into the carpet, top plate has 4 .25-inch rubber mini-Foculpods (half-spheres) upon which the speaker cabinets sit Amps do not share the same circuit and are wired to independent 120V/15A breakers. Amps are run through custom-designed DIY capacitized AC 'filtration' devices, which act as AC high-pass filters, providing a -3db rolloff of low frequencies present in mains power.
Tweaks:	I once read an online article about the benefits of placing weights atop a speaker to help stabilize the cabinet. Resting atop each speaker are 3lbs of China and carved wood decor which act to absorb any external cabinet resonances emanating from the cabinets: this added weight atop each speaker makes an audible difference in the accuracy of low frequency reproduction.
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 13 x 14
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Movie and Game Scores (Jesper Kyd {Hitman Blood Money, Contracts, Silent Assassin and Codename 47 scores}, Hans Zimmer {MI-2, The Rock, Hannibal, and Batman Begins scores}, John Powell {The Bourne Identity and Supremacy Scores}, Howard Shore {The Game, The Score and Panic Room scores}, Craig Armstrong {Kiss of the Dragon Score}, Carter Burwell {The Jackal and The Corruptor Scores}, Klaus Badelt {Equilibrium and The Recruit Scores}, Steve Jablonsky {The Island Score}, James Horner {The Perfect Storm Score}, Graeme Revell {The Saint Score}, Bill Brown {Rainbow Six Series and Shadow Watch Scores}), Michael Giacchino {Medal of Honor Score}, Instrumental/Vocal/Rock/Metal (Nacho Sotomayor, Sigur Ros, Massive Attack, Coldplay, Megaherz, OOMPH!, Rammstein, Eisbrecher, Disturbed, Enigma)
System Goals/Comments:	To create a listening experience with exceptional tonal accuracy, realistic timbre of percussion, non-fatiguing synthesized sound playback, fast imaging and sonic response yielding transparency, depth, flat frequency response, and 'tight' bass with no overhanging lows To create a 'pure' stereo system free of any design artifacts, sound coloration and/or signal degradation
System Strengths:	Fast high-end transients, controlled low-end (no 'boominess'), exceptional stereo imaging, large ambience for a small listening room
System Weaknesses:	Internal speaker wire & crossover circuitry requires redesign. CD player's DAC has a poor S/N ratio.
Video/HT System: None
URL Link: http://www.mjraudio.com
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Music, Photography, Guitars, Drums, Motorcycles, SCUBA, Fashion, History, cooking, dinner parties, opera, concerts, friends, family, love, life.