Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

waldenpuddle 's Still tinkering but VERY satisfied System
IP Address: 71.135.59.255	Last Update: February 07, 2008 at 14:57:10
Amplifier:	Fully restored pair of Ampex 6973 monoblock amps. Wyetech Labs KT88 based amp (1 off design by Wyetech company founder Roger Hebert) w/matching preamp (see below)
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	1.) Musical Fidelity Nu-Vista preamp / outboard power supply. 2.) Wyetech labs P-6 (that's how it's labeled) Prototype preamp with phono stage. As I understand it...it is sort of a HIGHLY upgraded MFA luminescence. Uses ALL octal based triodes (6EM7, 6DN7, 6SN7 etc....) ENORMOUS power supply using 6AS7 / 6080 Tubes! This preamp is currently being upgrdaded by Michael Samra.
Speakers:	4 x QUAD ESL 57's in custom Stack Racks. ABsoutely beautiful! LS3/5A's with upgraded outboard crossovers.
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Musical Fidelity X-RAY (bought at a thrift store!!) Genesis Digital Lens and MF X-24K DAC (great upgrade from original X-DAC)
Turntable/Phono Stage:	Sold in 2006
Other Source(s):	Previous tuners: Musical Fidelity X-Plora: While swapping components during a listening test I touched a live wire to it. POOF!!! (now I just use the cool chassis for a plantholder!) Fisher FM-1000 tuner / Fisher Doc Modified Scott 4310 Tuner (sold to Asylum member) Fisher R-200 tuner / using this one right now. Fisher FM-200 (NOT FM-200B) This tuner and the 202-R are both VERY, VERY sensitive Mono tuners. Kind of like Mono versions of the FM-1000. Fisher FM-200-C Fisher FM-90X Rel (Radio Engineering labs) Loctal based 645 receiver. REL Precedent Mono tuner
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	IC's: Wasatch Cable Works 105 interconnects all the way around. Speakers: Wasatch and Kimber Power = 4 x Absolute power cords for the Quads
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Bybee Signature power conditioner for the components and a seperate Bybee TAD (older model) condition for the 4 Quad ESL's Bybee TAD power conditioner 1 side digital / 1 side analog Bybee RCA Filters Bybee Speaker Filters for all 4 quads and LS3/5A's Salamander Rack
Tweaks:	Bybee speaker filters All kinds of cones Weights on speakers and extra bracing in the Quad frames Some antivibration mats ERS applied sparingly to CD and DAC Bybee IC filters Custom Brass / Ebony vibration cones under all components Mission Iso-Plat platforms Michal Green Designs Amp Clamps Townsend inflatable Seismic sink for CDP
Room Size (LxWxH):	34 x 34 x 12
Room Comments/Treatments:	Update: Starting to treat room based on some things that I saw at the recent trade show. I'll post more later... This room is HUGE!!
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classical / Folk / Acoustic / Blues / some classic rock / Grateful Dead.
System Goals/Comments:	'proper' balance between Bass/Mids/Highs. Revealing soundstage and 'punch' at lower volumes. Long listening sessions that leave me refreshed / NOT fatigued!
System Strengths:	A great combination of vintage (ampex, Fisher and Quads)and modern high end (Manley, Musical Fidelity Perpetual Tech, Bybee) Great value for the money. Some rare / unusual pieces, and the overall sound is astonishingly good.
System Weaknesses:	A relatively complex system with a LOT of parts that can potentially cause problems. Diganosis of problems can be a REAL, REAL pain!! However, I am VERY satisfied with the overall sound, and one good listening session can easily overcome a few hours of frustration....
Video/HT System: None
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Skydiving / Information Design /