Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

stevenk's MG IIIA System System
IP Address: 63.246.1.47	Last Update: April 01, 2011 at 10:01:30
Amplifier:	Bi-amp setup with Class D Audio Stereo 125 watt amp on mids/highs and Class D Audio Stereo 400 watt amp on bass panels. crossover: Dahlquist LP-1
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	VTL 5.5 with MC phono stage
Speakers:	Magnepan MGIIIA's heavily modified with outboard mid/high crossovers (Solen and Alphacore Inductors, Sonicap Gen I caps with Jensen PIO bypass caps and Blackgates) I also reversed the panels on the IIIA's so the magnets are at the rear like the 3.5-3.6 series. Replaced stock binding posts with Cardas copper and eliminated the midrange fuse. Ribbons are rewired internally with 20 ga. magnet wire.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Slim Devices Squeezebox and Pioneer PD-65 transport with Museatex Bitstream DAC (modded by John Wright)
Turntable/Phono Stage:	VPI HW-19 JR with TNT 3.3 platter, Audiomods arm, and Grado Reference Sonata cartridge, VPI SDS Line Conditioner
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest GBC 12 Ga. speaker cables, Harmonic Technology Siltech II IC's. Shunyata Diamondback Platinum Power Cords on Amps and Vinyl Rig, Taipan Helixes on DAC, Preamp and Transport.
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	AudioPrism QuietLines line conditioners, Shuyata Hydra.
Tweaks:	Herbie's HALO tube dampers amd tenderfeet
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 24' x 7'
Room Comments/Treatments:	DIY Wood Quadratic Diffusor on wall behind speakers. Fabric Wall hangings on wall behind listening chair.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Classical, Rock, Female Vocals, Electronic
System Goals/Comments:	Biamping has been the single best overall improvement to my system. I can't recommend it enough with IIIA's. It provides a rock solid soundstage between the speakers and beyond; the speakers disappear and there is much more space in the soundstage. The characteristics of each individual instrument are delineated much more clearly now.
System Strengths:	I like to think that I get a reasonably accurate, detailed yet musical sound from my system. It's smooth, musical, very three-dimensional and room filling.
System Weaknesses:	The room's too small, the speakers aren't Magnepan 20.1's.
Video/HT System: None
URL Link: http://www.audiocircle.com/gallery/albums/userpics/12504/rehabbed_maggies_012.jpg
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	music of course, photography, cycling, carpentry, architecture.