Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

s.hum's Audiostatic Valve Magic System
IP Address: 99.239.206.112	Last Update: March 06, 2009 at 11:56:33
Amplifier:	Audiomat Prelude Reference, 30w Class 'A' PP EL34 valve integrated - the 'heart and soul' of the system - HAL-O Damping Instruments on valves - ESP Essence Power Cord - Symposium Svelte Shelf
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	(Michael Geschka GmbH) Audiostatic ESL 'Wings' with 'Fins' - Blue Circle BC68 Power Cords with In-Line Filter - Polished black granite base
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Audio Note CDT-TWO transport - ESP PowerFlo Pro Power Cord; - Symposium Rollerblock 2's with tungsten carbide bearings; - 3/4' acrylic base; Stello DA220 MkII - ESP PowerFlo Pro Power Cord; - Symposium Point Pods and Couplers; - 3/4' acrylic base
Other Source(s):	For the few times I am not listening to music, DVD; Looking to add an analog valve tuner and analogue setup to access extensive vinyl collection... some day.
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Luminous Audio Technology Renaissance OFC speaker cables; Digital - Luminous Audio Technology Synchestra Reference CCC IC (DAC, DVD) - Luminous Audio Technology Allegro Signature silver AES/EBU digital IC (transport)
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Equi-Tech 1.5Q Balanced AC Power to all components - ESP PowerFlo Pro Power Cord Blue Circle BC86-MKII Noise Hound; ESP PowerFlo PRO Power Distributor
Tweaks:	Herbie's Audio Lab Grungebuster CD dampening mat (a great cheap tweak)
Room Size (LxWxH):	13 x 21 x 8.5
Room Comments/Treatments:	Speakers arranged 8' from back wall, 7' apart, 2 degree toe in, 12' to listening position; Equipment stand along side wall acoustic shadow; Carpeted floor in fully furnished living room with stucco ceiling and non-symmetrical room corners
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	35% Opera; 30% Classical (period, chamber, choral, orchestral, avantgarde, minimalist); 25% Jazz (trio, vocal, ensemble, band); 10% Other (alternative, world, celtic, folk, country, sound tracks, ambient)
System Goals/Comments:	To hear into the musical performance (in all its emotional depth and nuance) without notice of any system deficiencies (artifacts and distractions); Collect more s/w
System Strengths:	The fluidity of valves with the articulation and top to bottom authority of the Prelude Reference resulting in stunning musicality expressed through the utterly transparent 'Wings'; Tonality, musicality and presentation of the AN CDT and Stello DAC; Noiseless background, clarity, tonality, dynamic contrast and power reserve of the Equi-Tech 1.5Q; Simplicity and economy of design
System Weaknesses:	Room (treatment - a constant source of tweaking and experimentation) isn't 'absolutely' perfect; Previous minor room modes significantly reduced with 'Wings'+'Fins'; Multi-function room and personal aesthetic dictate room treatment approaches (but result in a lot more time listening to music)
Video/HT System: None
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Fly fishing, metaphysics, reading, writing; When I have to: telecommunications network consulting