Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Jorge F's Current System
IP Address: 213.141.22.58	Last Update: December 29, 2010 at 04:12:45
Amplifier:	LM4780 DIY Chipamp. (A new amp is on its way, hope to get it soon!)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None.
Speakers:	Heavily modified old B&W P5.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Heavily modified old Pioneer PD-91 (former Marantz CD-65 MkII Gold in the pic).
Turntable/Phono Stage:	- Basis 1400 turntable - Basis RB250 tonearm with Incognito kit upgrade - Audio-Technica OC-9 LO cartridge - Pro-ject Speed Box SE speed controller (230V) - DIY phono stage based on a Rotel RQ-970BX
Other Source(s):	Modified Sansui T-60 tuner.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	CAT5/CAT6 24awg interconnects, stripped TV cable as speaker cable.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	None. Actually, the amplifier has a power bypass that feeds the sources.
Tweaks:	Difficult to list, given almost all components are modified ones :-) It's a multiple source system and is supposed to remain like that. That implies some compromises. Anyway... • Interconnects are made from the wires of network cables. • Speaker cables are made from cable TV wires. • The CD player has been hugely modified, having had almost every gadget and facility removed, such as digital out and headphones circuitry, in a word, "minimised". Special care has been taken in what concerns ground loops. • The tonearm got the Incognito kit, including the separate earth wire lacking in the original OEM RB250. • The Basis 1400 as a custom dust cover, inspired by the Basis original one. A special turntable base might appear, unless I opt for a Target wall-mount rack I have in the attic. • The Basis 1400 motor is fed by a Project Speed Box SE controller. • The Sansui tuner had equalization changes and ground loops have been chased. • The amplifier has been hand made by me, with a huge help from my friends. It has modified Audio Sector PCBs, toroidal (due the lack of space) transformer, and although having source selection and volume control (10 K Noble potentiometer), it has been done as simple as possible. • A new amp is on its way, hope to get it soon! • The speakers had the treble components removed from the crossover PCB and moved away from it. All the wiring has been replaced by similar to speaker cables. The original spikes have been replaced by Soundcare Superspikes with custom bolts. A new DIY plinth, larger than the speaker, was added. • The room doesn't need sonic treatment given it's small and filled up with the room common furniture (even the computer and a small TV are in there).
Room Size (LxWxH):	3.7 M x 3.3 M x 2.7 M
Room Comments/Treatments:	Unusually full room (common room furniture), due its small size.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Mostly classical. I also listen to almost anything, mainly sixties rock and also jazz. Although, pop and reggae aren't allowed...
System Goals/Comments:	Still trying to get the best of the system, which implies simplifying it. It's not easy with a multiple source system, but I keep trying. Gave up high-end long ago (couldn't really afford it anyway), and I guess I was very lucky with my choices, given the huge sound improvement, but I'd like to have it even simpler...
System Strengths:	Clarity, detail, speed, attack, low noise, excellent dynamics.
System Weaknesses:	The amplifier is too limited for my overall goal, and also too short for the current speakers. A new amp is on its way, hope to get it soon!
Video/HT System: None
TV/Projector:	The same old Sony small TV, always close to the ceiling (cable TV anyway).
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	(Cable TV box)
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	None
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sometimes I pick the living room cheap DVD player, and there's also and old stereo VCR around. The computer sound card can also be connected to the amplifer.
Other HT Gear:	None
Comments on HT System:	None
URL Link: http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u22/one_o_six/Gainclone/IMAG0422.jpg
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	- Main hobby used to reading John E postings! - Get the dirt off my Snipe (www.snipe.org) once or twice a year. - Reading. - Attending live concerts. - Driving my small but fast car (used to...).