Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

D Harvey's Unconventional bliss on a budget. System
IP Address: 76.122.190.179	Last Update: October 16, 2021 at 16:02:41
Amplifier:	Mark Levinson automotive amplifier (available to public only as an option in Lexus vehicles.)12 channel amp has digital front end which can be flashed with custom EQs (active crossovers). 8 channels are being used, each powering a separate driver; quasi-quad-amping.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Homebrew package includes phono stage, single-ended to balanced line converter (the Levinson requires balanced inputs) and a stepped attenuator. Li ion battery power sources for both the phono and line stage.
Speakers:	All passive crossovers removed! 1 pair of 5' square Infinity sub drivers in series on each side (20-74Hz)Infinity RS Kappa 5's on Premier floor stands: woofers cover 74-1500 Hz, the Emit tweeters cover 15 kHz and up. There are also three automotive planar speakers wired in series on each side that cover 1500 Hz-15 kHz. All crossovers are in software in the Levinson. Sub/woofer 'interface' is 4th order on both sides, all others are first order. Drivers are also time-aligned in software.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Philips CDR 760. Power supply caps upgraded to Black Gates and rectifiers upgraded to HEXFREDs. Topping E30 DAC w/ low noise wall wart supply. PC used as source at least as often as the CDP
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Rega RP3, RB300, Hana EL, Denon AU-300 SUT, Rega Reference belt, GrooveTracer Reference subplatter. Also use a modified Sony PS-X7 table for playing 78's.
Other Source(s):	Technics RS-TR373 double cassette deck. Lafayette stereo tuner.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Silver Sonic T-14 speaker cables, top-line Radio Shock and Audio Research interconnects.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	High grade steel and glass rack. TT plugged into homebrew power conditioner (1:1 ~150VA xfmr with capacitive filtering both sides). Preamp has separate battery power supplies for phono and driver stages. Levinson amp is powered by a 25Ah automotive grade Li ion battery.
Tweaks:	DH cones under the CD player. All CD's get black marker on inner and outer edges.
Room Size (LxWxH):	28' x 13' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	System occupies corner of large finished basement. No special room treatments.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Anything done well. Mostly jazz and classical, but also a healthy dose of just about everything else except maybe rap/modern r&b.
System Goals/Comments:	The absolute sound. I can think of no other really worthy goal for an audio system, even if it is unattainable. I am always trying to make the system better be it with tweaks or actual upgrades as I can afford them.
System Strengths:	In spite of the modest source components, the system is very detailed, musical, and accurate. Imaging is very good, just barely into 'you are there' territory with the right recordings. Biggest strength is that I got it all cheap or free. For the money I have into it, the sound is incredible.
System Weaknesses:	The phono stage is not up to the level of the rest of the system, need to try some other designs. Sweet spot is fairly small due to the very directional planars, but sound throughout the room is still very good.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	LG 42" LCD
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Harman/Kardon
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Infinity Primus 360 towers, center channel, and rears.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	DVD player, Laptop.
Comments on HT System:	Obviously not a high priority around here. In a different room than the audio system.
URL Link: http://www.duaneharvey.net
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	I am a drummer/percussionist (Bachelor's degree) and an electronics technician (mostly self-taught). I have played many years as a professional drummer-percussionist but am currently pursuing other interests and working as a warranty engineer for a Li io