Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Astronut's Work in Progress System
IP Address: 98.210.150.131	Last Update: June 09, 2011 at 09:38:26
Amplifier:	For now they will be running on a modified DH-500 Hafler until I find the one! Also I got my hands on a couple of JD202BRC Integrated Stereo Tube Amplifiers 40x2 channels that I'm going to try bridging to mono.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Hafler Model ??? I'll know soon.
Speakers:	Martin Logan CLS IIs (Vintage but new to me) ESS AMT1Bs (pyramid shaped) With Heil Air Motion transformers. In my opinion, they are solid rock speakers. Sensitivity 104 dB, power 20-400 watts, 2-way frequency response 30Hz-23 KHz (Heils 800 Hz-23Khz)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	TBD
Other Source(s):	Music library (Un-ripped CD audio files ) streaming from 2TB Gigabit NAS device, Apple Lossless files streaming via, a DIY media server ASUS MB, Intel Core i7 860 proc, 8 GB DDR3 1600 Mhz Dual Channel RAM, over gigabit Ethernet to an Xbox as a net-extender, coupled to Denon via Component level connectors. For casual listening. (iphone controls the system from anywhere in the house via the “Remote App”)
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	TBD Any good ideas for some home spun cables I'm all ears, I am curious about doing some twisted wire cat6 ethernet cables.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Tripp Lite Line Stabilizer/Conditioner tolerates input from 87-140V, 1800 watts max. 15amps.
Tweaks:	TBD I'm sure there will be many!
Room Size (LxWxH):	20 x 14 x
Room Comments/Treatments:	The room is rectangular, with a secondary 15x12 Dining area doglegged at the walled end the other end actually opens into the homes entry hall, it’s going to be difficult. I’ll probably experiment with some free standing partitions? It will be a challenge.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical, Jazz, Classic Rock, Big Band, mainstream Rock, R&B, Easy Rock, Guitar Rock, 60's Psychedelic, Southern Rock Alternative Rock, (To many to say my iTunes lists at 25 genres in my library...
System Goals/Comments:	Achieve a respectable critical listening system for less than the price of a mid-priced sedan! And chill with some fine whiskey!
System Strengths:	TBD... Hopefully a great listening experience.
System Weaknesses:	TBD as few as possible.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	Panasonic 48" Wide Screen resverse projector set. Its getting old, it’s going to be time for a new Plasma or LCD soon. Although I replaced the entire video amp sections IC's a while ago with higher quality IC's and was surprised at the considerable improvement in color depth and contrast. I’m handy with a soldering tool ;-)
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Denon AVR-5803a 170 watts x 8 channels, 7x200 watts at 6 ohms, 1080p upconverting, 16 BB DAC's 2 per channel for very clean, smooth, and natural sound in Pure Direct Stereo Mode. THX Ultra2 Certified THX Surround EX/DTS ES 6.1 Discrete/Dolby Digital EX Pro Logic II/DTS,I think this receiver is basically absent the typical brightness and edginess of most receivers.
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	KEF KHT3005SE Surround Sound Speaker System with,250 watt powered KEF HTB 12" Subwoofer
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Oppo 980H, Media server Streaming HQ video.
Other HT Gear:	Logitech Harmony One Remote, awesome piece of equipment.
Comments on HT System:	It's a fairly immersing audio visual experience, The Denon 5803a processing is spectacular for movie play, and the Denon does a very nice job for audio listening when it's switched to Pure Direct Stereo Mode utilizing 4 24 bit, 192 kHz Burr Brown DACs per channel. The background is very black and I can't pin any particular coloration or signature to it. I'm sure a better trained ear could find some deficiencies, but I'm pleased. The little KEF KHT3005SE eggs produce a surprisingly detailed and well-staged presence, with considerable detailed and well defined imaging, across the entire sound stage, and the 12" KEF HTB Subwoofer, powered by a 250W built-in Class-D amp blends amazingly well with the front the 2 way KEF Eggs KEF's Uni-Q point source driver array does a very good job of opening up the listening area. In all they do a surprisingly good job of delivering a high fidelity experience from a small foot print and reasonable price.
URL Link: http://www.ois-online.com
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Astronomy, FlyFishing