Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

DerekVa's Primary System (April 2024) System
IP Address: 24.16.16.207	Last Update: June 11, 2024 at 10:38:43
Amplifier:	Dynaco Stereo 35 w/ EFB (17.5WPC) Heathkit W4-AM EL34 triode monoblocks (12WPC) DiyTube GetSETGo 6B4G amplifier (3.5WPC)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Yamaha C-4 Natural Sound Stereo Control Amplifier
Speakers:	Altec 753c - Altec 808-8b compression drivers / Altec 32c 90-degree horns / Altec 414z woofers (102dB 1W/m) NHT 1259 Subwoofer w/ Yung SD200 plate amplifier (200W) Klipsch KHW-5 (kitchen) (92dB 1W/m)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Pioneer Elite DV-59AVi SACD/DVD player Magnavox CDB-650 Redbook CD player (recapped, op-amps replaced with OPA2604s) Raspberry Pi 4B 1GB Moode rendering endpoint Denafrips ARES II R-2R D/A processor
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Technics SP10 Mk2 turntable - Fidelity Research FR24-MKII tonearm - Technics EPC-205C Mk2 moving-magnet cartridge - Lyra Delos moving-coil cartridge - Lyra Helikon Mono moving-coil cartridge - Denon DL103r + Aluminum body cap - Microtran MC SUT (into Yamaha C-4 MM phono input) Technics SL10 + EPS310mc Yamaha C-4 MC phono input
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	- BlueJeans Cable interconnects - BlueJeans Cable 75-ohm S/PDIF cable - BlueJeans BJC12 White speaker cable
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	- AdaFruit Powerswitch Tail 2 relay system - H.P. Hansen M�belindustri teak credenza - UTC A-43 isolation transformers for CDB-650 outputs.
Tweaks:	None
Room Size (LxWxH):	17 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	The electronics are in a 8-foot long 1960's H.P. Hansen M�belindustri Danish-modern teak credenza. The preamplifier and power amplifier are flanking the turntable on top, everything else is closed up inside. Speakers are flanking the credenza while the subwoofer is tucked in the corner next to the left channel. Large sectional, large oil paintings on canvases on the walls, bookshelves adjacent to the couch and a trio of sleeping dogs.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Just about anything except approved Audiophile 'musician of the month' shit. The performance always takes precedence over the medium. Some of the best recordings I have are on old, scratched up vinyl or (gasp) cassette. Anything from The Clash to Cash, from Marsallis to Mozart. If I'm ever playing 'garage door tracks,' somebody please shoot me. Currently in heavy rotation: Sharon van Etten (LP), King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard (LP), Nick Drake (LP), Janelle Monae (LP), Slowdive (LP), Minutemen (LP), The Clash (LP / CD), Mary Timony (CD), Sleater-Kinney (LP / CD), First Aid Kit (LP), SAULT (LP), Little Simz (LP), English Teacher (LP), Tropical Fuck Storm (LP) David Bowie (LP), Husker Du (LP), Say She She (LP), XTC (LP), Idles (LP), Wire (LP), Beyonce (LP)
System Goals/Comments:	Musical enjoyment. I know my system will never be considered 'high end' (considering what I budget for it--and is that necessarily a worthwhile goal, especially in this economy?), but it's nice to be able to relax and listen to music. I'm going for the emotional aspects of the performance, not the ability to tell that the first chair 2nd violin was 6'3' to the left of the conductor and happens to have a wooden leg. If I really want the 'you are there' sensation, I'll drive into Seattle and catch a concert. See you in the mosh pit or the orchestra circle.
System Strengths:	Midrange, dynamics, weight - visceral qualities. Soundstaging is quite good, but I'd rather have dynamic range and tonal accuracy, especially since half the time I'm listening to monophonic recordings.
System Weaknesses:	Less system than room - need to redo the fireplace surround so I can pivot the speaker / listening layout by 90 degrees counter-clockwise.
Video/HT System: None
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Reading, music, BMWs, computers, building tube gear, green power and sustainability, remodeling, micro-farming, DIY and raising my kids.