Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Len_'s MAIN SYSTEM: Merlin + Art Audio + Supratek + Accuphase System
IP Address: 69.234.199.150	Last Update: October 17, 2007 at 13:06:46
Amplifier:	Art Audio Jota BX monoblocks (23W x 2) * Current tube compliment: Emission Labs Reference 520B V3 Siemens CCa RCA 12BH7A black plates Mullard CV378/GZ37
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Supratek Chardonnay Modified with: - DACT CT2 stepped attenuator - Silver internal cables * Current tube compliment: Sylvania 1952 6SN7GT Bad Boys National Union 350B Philips metal base GZ34
Speakers:	Merlin VSM-SE (M updated) (89db/w, 8 ohms) w/ BAM module
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Accuphase DP-75V
Turntable/Phono Stage:	* abandoned analog in 2006 * Nottingham Spacedeck with Ace Spacearm Koetsu Black Goldline catridge Dynavector 20XH cartridge Whest PS.20 phono stage
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Audience Au24 speaker cables w/ Merlin jumpers Audience Au24 interconnects
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	Audio Magic Stealth XXX Power Cables: Silver Audio Wattmaster, Virtual Dynamics Reference power cable Lovan Sovereign Rack Mills Designs Isolation 'sandbox' amp stands Mills Designs Isolation 'sandbox' speaker stands
Tweaks:	CDP is isolated via a Brightstar Big Rock sandbox. Brightstar is elevated via Black Diamond Racing Cones. ERS paper treatments Power Wraps Amplifers sits atop Mills Designs Isolation 'sandbox' amp stands which are supported above the ground via Sistrum SP-01. Preamp rests on Aurios 1.1 rollerblocks. Neaunce isolation platform below preamp. Preamp power supply sits atop Sorbothane and Black Diamond Racing Cones and pucks. Merlins are raised above the ground with Z-feet which are sunk into Mills Designs Isolation 'sandbox' speaker stands.
Room Size (LxWxH):	18' x 18' x 8'
Room Comments/Treatments:	ASC 9 inch Tube Traps GIK Acoustics 4' thick sound panels Echobuster 6 feet tall sound panels in corner Sonex 2 inch thick panels on the rear wall Melanin sound absorber panels
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	vocals, jazz, electronica (particularly trip-hop), acoustic/small ensembles instrumentals
System Goals/Comments:	To be immersed in the music.
System Strengths:	Amazingly agile and expressive; the Merlins and Jotas have a sense of ease that is hard to put into words. The soundstage is unbelievably deep, wide, and three dimensional with precise imaging. Great, linear and full tonality. Tight, controlled bass. Grainless airy treble. A rich, natural midrange. Very fast and resolved.
System Weaknesses:	I honestly believe this is THE system for me. Listening room has subfloors, an odd shape, and in-wall closets, so bass pressurization is uneven. But I'm truly appreciating everything else. The system is a keeper. The room is another story.
Video/HT System: Separate
TV/Projector:	Toshiba 65' rear projection 16:9 television
Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:	Proceed AVP, Proceed Amp5
Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):	Thiel CS2.3 main speakers Thiel SCS3 center speaker B&W Rock Solid rear speakers Sunfire True Sub Signature subwoofer
Sources (DVD/VCR):	Sony NS999ES DVD/SACD/CD player
Other HT Gear:	Audio Prism Power Pack V AC conditioner Poth Audio Green interconnects Audioquest Quartzx3 interconnects Tara Labs Decade digital cable Audioquest Forest speaker cables Poth Audio Purple power cables Bright Star isolation air mass for Sony source and Proceed AVP processor Lovan Sovereign Rack Lovan Director for center channel
Comments on HT System:	Not much to say other then I love watching movies at home