Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

bondmanp's bondmanp's main HT/Music System System
IP Address: 199.67.138.154	Last Update: February 29, 2008 at 07:10:11
Amplifier:	Odyssey Audio HT3 w/cap upgrade running the L/C/R channels of a combo 2-channel/HT system
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Conrad-Johnson PV-11 for 2-channel sources, Sherwood-Newcastle P-965 for multichannel sources.
Speakers:	Vandersteen 1C mains w/ stands, pair of Vandersteen 2Wq subwoofers (one each for mains) VCC-1 Center, Def Tech PF-15 sub (for center and surround channels), Vandersteen 1Cs for surround channels, Paradigm Atoms for back channels.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Rotel RCD-02
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Thorens TD-160 MkII w/ Ortofon OM-10 Super cartridge, using C-J PV11's phono stage
Other Source(s):	Cheap Sony DVD/CD player, Onkyo TA-2600 Cassette Deck, Marantz CDR-632 CD recorder, Pioneer DVD recorder.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Kimber intro-level speaker cables for L/C/R. Monster Z1, Reference and Interlink III interconnects, subwoofer cable.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Paradigm X-30 Sub Controller, Behringer 1124P Feedback Destroyer Pro/Parametric Digital EQ (for Def Tech subwoofer only). Kenwood Graphic/Parametric EQ. 2 Monster AV800 power centers, Universal Home Theater Master MX-500 remote, Grado SR-60 headphones
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 20' x 6'
Room Comments/Treatments:	This basement HT/Listening room occupies an 8 foot wide alcove in an open finished basement. The ceiling is only 6' (remember to duck under the steam pipes!). Floor is carpet over concrete. Room modes and resonances are an issue yet to be addressed (the Behringer/Paradigm gear was step 1)
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Enjoy most EXCEPT: Opera, country, blues, top 40, rap. Favorite artists include Elvis Costello, Catherine Wheel, Tori Amos, Suzanne Vega, Joe Jackson, Bryan Ferry, Peter Gabriel, Veruca Salt
System Goals/Comments:	Upgrade priorities: 1) Speakers - L-C-R, budget about $3K 2) CD player - budget about $1250 3) phono cartridge (better MM)
System Strengths:	With good source material, my system sings! The Vandy's have, for the money, incredibly smooth, balanced, grain-free sound with great soundstage width and good depth. Analog performance is not bad.
System Weaknesses:	Dynamics limited - the Vandys can sound congested and harsh when pushed. Uneven room-response. Big RPTV in between mains limits soundstage depth.
Video/HT System: Integrated
TV/Projector:	1994-model Toshiba 55" std def 4:3 RPTV
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	See above
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	see above
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sony DVD player Pioneer DVD recorder JVC S-VHS VCR DISH 500 DBS system w/ digital audio output
Comments on HT System:	Remarkably good picture for an older RPTV, but eventually will UG to HiDef. Surround sound quality is more than adequate for this music lover.
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Who in the Asylum has time or money for any other interests/hobbies?