Inmate Systems - Audio Asylum

Quint's An exercise in balance System
IP Address: 97.70.6.49	Last Update: June 28, 2017 at 06:27:03
Amplifier:	Coda S12.5 stereo amp (lightly modded): 125Wpc/8, 250Wpc/4, 500Wpc/2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	None
Speakers:	Jena Labs Studio Reference; Rythmik Audio F15 15" subwoofer (EQ'd with DSPeaker Anti-Mode 8033)
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Marantz SA-7S1 (selectively modded)
Turntable/Phono Stage:	n/a
Other Source(s):	n/a
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Jena Labs Awakening (balanced, between SA-7S1 and amp), Jena Labs Dreamdancer speaker cables
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Silent Running Audio Craz-4 rack and platforms, 6 dedicated 20-amp lines, Jena Labs Sequoia Sapling line conditioner, Jena Model One PCs, Dussun X800 AC regenerator
Tweaks:	Ultrabit Diamond-Plus CD treatment, Acoustic Revive RR-777
Room Size (LxWxH):	24' x 20' x 7'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Basement space ASC tube traps near speakers; Echobuster panels throughout
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Classic rock, new wave, 70s funk/soul, old-style country, most blues, etc. If it moves me and my feet, I'll listen to it, regardless of genre.
System Goals/Comments:	After a series of very expensive but ultimately unsatisfying systems, for this rig, I worked especially hard to find components that worked in harmony with one another to create a sonic sense of balance and even-handedness. I think I succeeded in achieving my most important goal. There are many systems and designs that do this or that better (horns are more dynamic, great tubes might be lusher and more dimensional, etc.), but this system does everything pretty well, and no sonic trait necessarily stands out.
System Strengths:	Most importantly, balance. Every element is nicely integrated and in harmony with the other. Also capable of throwing a very nice image, with excellent dimensionality and openness. Quite transparent as well. Does a credible job of making me FEEL like I'm hearing a mic feed of the recording, but without the hype or edge I hear from some uber rigs. Also, I do mainly nearfield listening, which gives the system great intimacy and presence. Finally, I wanted this system to provide a form of emotional therapy for me, and in that sense it succeeds fabulously.
System Weaknesses:	Every system has weaknesses, and mine is no exception. Doesn't possess the initial wow factor and dynamic wallop of my mega-buck older systems. Ceiling height might be an issue, but I think the nearfield-listening approach and the construction of the ceiling tend to minimize the drawbacks. The combination of the Jena speakers and Rythmik sub doesn't have the wall-collapsing bass of my old Von Schweikert VR-9s, but is pretty good nonetheless--and the low frequencies are much better integrated with the rest of the spectrum.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Panasonic 50' plasma
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Coda CSi-B integrated
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	ELAC Debut F5, Dayton 15" subwoofer
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Oppo 103D
Comments on HT System:	No fuss, no muss. Nothing particularly great, but adequate picture and decent sound for the price.
URL Link: http://solidgrooves.wordpress.com
Other Interests/Hobbies/Occupation:	Rock biographies, marine biology, naval history, microbrews.