Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

era's Audio Nirvana System
IP Address: 67.159.33.210	Last Update: February 09, 2009 at 23:16:34
Amplifier:	Two Audiolab 8000MX monoblock power amplifiers. 125 watts each.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Audiolab 8000C Preamplifier. Inputs: MM,MC,CD,Tuner, Video,Tape(x2) Outputs:Headphones, Preamp-amp(x2),Tape (x2).
Speakers:	Monitor Audio Studio 20 SE Celebration
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	CD 1: TEAC VRDS 10 SE, used as transport, because of the excelent VRDS CMK 3.2 transport mechanism (used in Wadia 860) CD 2: Pioneer PD-S06, used also as transport. Great for upgrades. Burr-Brown PCM1702J op-amps. 20 bits. Hi Bit Legato Link S. Stable platter mechanism. DAC: Audiolab 8000 DAX. 24 bits, HDCD. Inputs:Coaxial (x3),AES/EBU(XLR),optical(x3 Toslink), Outputs: 2, Digital output: Coaxial, SPDIF, BNC
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Thorens TD 124 MKI in custom plynth with SME 312 Tonearm. Benz Micro Silver Cartridge (MC High Output). Van del Hul MC 502 phono interconnect with WBT RCA plugs. EAR 834P Phono Preamp with 5751 GE JAN tubes and Alps Blue Velvet volume pot.
Other Source(s):	Tuner: NAD 402 tuner. Really cheap and delivering great sound.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	All the interconnects between the components are Cardas 300B Microtwin. Between the Transport and the DAC Transparent Premium 75 (Coaxial). To the speakers Straigth Wire Flex 4" Biwireable.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Target rack for the whole equipment with marble stands. Target stands for the speakers on marble base. TT on heavy marble base with spikes.
Tweaks:	Dual layer TT mat. Felt on one side and ..cork on the other.
Room Size (LxWxH):	5 m. x 4 m. x 3 m.
Room Comments/Treatments:	At least, I got a room for my system. It is not the ideal room but is better than before. Treatment are based on furniture: carpets, curtain, etc..
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Now only jazz. But also pop, rock, little classic and always ready to listen to something new.
System Goals/Comments:	I began ten years ago with serious hi-fi. Now I have reached a decent level. Almost near what I call audio nirvana. The moment when I'm transported from this world to a place where music is the only important thing.
System Strengths:	It is capable of taking me to the audio nirvana.
System Weaknesses:	I'm in the audio nirvana. So I think my system hasn't any weak. But well, you know... with more money I can afford new speaker cables, a new tuner and... oh! that's all? So, I really have a good system!
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	A Philips 9703 flat TV with all this HD stuff.
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Oh, yes! Now I have one. A second hand Pioneer VSA07 THX Ultra certified just for having fun with action films.
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Front are Epos ES11 and rear Yamaha NX400. Using a crap thing as center and subwoofer to be adquired. All in second hand market.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Ultra cheap DVD player that plays everything.
Other HT Gear:	Some DVDs and cable TV.
Comments on HT System:	HT is not my bussines. I use my TV mainly to watch news.
URL Link: http://www.audio-nirvana.com
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Collecting, restoring, listening to Vintage audio equipment.