Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Curt's Primary Music Listening System System
IP Address: 65.27.74.83	Last Update: October 13, 2009 at 14:30:24
Amplifier:	Fi-X with upgraded transformer. 300B tubes.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audible Illusions Modulus 3a
Speakers:	Fostex single driver speakers, hand-built cabinets. MK V-125 Subwoofer
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Theta Pearl Transport/Exemplar DAC1
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Basis 2100 Turntable, Modded Rega Arm, Benz Glider Med Output cartridge
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Speaker Cables: Shunyata Lyra Preamp>Amp: 1m Shunyata Altair Transport>DAC: 1m Coax provided by John Tucker of Exemplar Audio DAC>Preamp: 1m Shunyata Altair Phono>Preamp: Supplied by Basis Preamp>Subwoofer: 3m Audioquest Topaz
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Dedicated circuit - line runs straight into the power box. VPI 16.5 Record Cleaning Machine
Tweaks:	CD Stoplight (this stuff really does work), Last Record Preservative, Stylast
Room Size (LxWxH):	22 x 12 x 7
Room Comments/Treatments:	Room is L-Shaped and I'm listening on the shorter axis. Listening position is about 10 feet from speakers and there's another 10+ feet behind listening chair. Room is paneled, ceiling is acoustic tile, and floor is carpeted. It's a pretty decent listening area and I can adjust things pretty much as needed.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Most anything except rap and opera. I especially like country rock, bluegrass, classic rock, and some types of jazz.
System Goals/Comments:	I've made several changes over the past year (new analog rig, new DAC, some new cables, replaced 2A3 tubes with 300B tubes). I'm just enjoying the upgrades right now. Maybe I'll replace the subwoofer one of these days.
System Strengths:	Lots of detail and low level resolution, decent bass, very dynamic, lively, and energetic. Very clear and transparent. Superb imaging. Lots of that elusive "you are there" quality. Very coherent too.
System Weaknesses:	Bass is very good for a SET system but solid state is still a bit better in this regard.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	Toshiba 50H12 50' Rear Projection TV
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	TV is hooked into the high-end audio system
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Nothing other than the main music listening system. I'm strictly a 2-channel music person. If the stereo system can improve upon the sound of the TV, fine. But I don't go out of my way to make the TV sound any better than it does straight out of the box.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Digital Cable, DVD, and VCR
Comments on HT System:	Really love the TV. It has a very good picture, especially with DVD. But while the picture is very good, better can now be had from newer LCD sets. But for a 10 year old big-screen, it still holds its own.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Occupation: Restaurateur - Currently own four of them. Hobbies include hunting/shooting, fishing, pyrotechnics (fireworks), working around the house, and spending time with my family. And of course, music and audio.