Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

audioNeil's Revel Ultima Studio music and HT System
IP Address: 173.32.146.28	Last Update: April 03, 2012 at 22:24:56
Amplifier:	Linar 250i stereo amp (Mosfet version). 150W into 8 Ohms, 300W into 4 ohms.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Placette Passive Linestage. 2 stereo inputs with volume control, and 1 Home-Theatre bypass.
Speakers:	Revel Ultima Studio.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Onkyo HD805 HD-DVD player as transport to a Bryston BDA-1 DAC.
Turntable/Phono Stage:	VPI scoutmaster (upgraded from scout, but still with scout plinth. Black version of platter), Benz L2 cartridge. VPI JMW-9 Signature armtube with nordost wiring. Also use VPI ring clamp and center weight, and the SDS power supply/speed control. Phone preamp is Graham Slee Reflex, and Elevator EXP. Phono cable is currently Harmonic Technology Magic-Link One. A homebuilt sandbox, with squash-ball isolation feet, sits under the turntable, improving soundstange, detail, and transient decay.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber Bifocal XL (4m) speaker cable. Harmonic Technology Cyber-Link Platinum digital interconnect (1m). Harmonic Tech Pro-Silway MkII, mkIII, and Magic-One RCA interconnects.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	API Powerwedge 116 MkII power conditioner, has outlets for sources and amps. Also use API Power Enhancer I, a parallel filter.
Tweaks:	VPI HW-16.5 Record Cleaning Machine.
Room Size (LxWxH):	18 x 22 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Foam noodle diffuser covered in fabric to outside of one speaker, to stop echo off a fireplace.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical (baroque preferred). Folk. New-age. Choral. Some Jazz. Occasional pop (Alan Parsons Project, Boston, Andrea Bocelli, Aselin Debison).
System Goals/Comments:	I want a clear window into the music. Good soundstage is a must, as is good transient reproduction. I can't stand hashy highs -- so the highs have to be crystal clear and smooth. I listen to vinyl mostly right now, but am going to get into hard-drive music.
System Strengths:	Very clear and dynamic sound, even at low volumes.
System Weaknesses:	Lowest bass octave is slightly weak.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	Pioneer Elite Pro-150FD 1920x1080 60" HDTV (the best consumer tv you can buy as of the beginning of 2008!)
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Anthem Statement D1 pre/pro (routes through Placette Passive Pre's HT bypass). Linar 5x150 Amplifier. Together with stereo mains, make a 7.1 system.
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Revel Ultima Voice center, Nautilus SCM-1 sides, and 2 B&W CDM-SNT rears. Rears use Monster HPXP speaker cable, sides and center use Audioquest Slate cable. Paradigm PW2200 sub for HT, but not used for stereo.
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Onkyo HD805 HD-DVD player, running analog 5.1 outputs to the pre/pro. This way I get the Dolby TrueHD.
Other HT Gear:	Sony BluRay for movies.
Comments on HT System:	Sound is excellent!
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Astronomy, golf