Audio Asylum - Inmate Systems

Aaron Boyer's -- System
IP Address: 76.194.240.195	Last Update: August 30, 2008 at 01:19:30
Amplifier:	Tripath stereo amplifier. My own extremist build. It's basically a 6W Red Wine Audio 30.2 Signature.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Bottlehead Foreplay II with all the trimmings.
Speakers:	Zu Tones (96dB) Definitive SuperCube 2
Sources:
CD Player/DAC:	Modwright Level II Pioneer DVD transport Metronome C20 Signature DAC
Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:
Speaker Cables/Interconnects:	Zu Ash Zu Gede Zu Disco Acoustic Zen Satori
Other (Power Conditioner, Racks etc.):	PS Audio Power Plant Premier PS Audio Prelude Zu Bok Lovan Sovreign rack Parts Express high-mass speaker stands
Tweaks:	If it impacts vibration and you can build it at home, I've probably tried it. Long-term winners are solutions involving maple, brass, and cork.
Room Size (LxWxH):	16' x 13' x 9'
Room Comments/Treatments:	Short-wall setup, with speakers close to walls, listening couch mid-room.
Music Preferences and Comments:
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	--
System Goals/Comments:	I've been a rabid DIYer since I was in high school, and only a few years ago did I hit my stride and deliver soul-moving music. If you're new to designing and building your own stuff, expect it to take many years, and be honest with yourself when a commercial product is better for you than what you have (or can) make. My success rate was 1/9 projects before I got 4 in a row. I can heartily recommend the commercial analogs of the technologies I'm using, if lovingly implemented.
System Strengths:	A friend of mine who doesn't sit and listen to music was on the arm of the couch reading a book while the stereo was playing. Then he was in the sweet spot reading the book. Then the book was gone, his eyes were closed, and he was playing air-drums.
System Weaknesses:	We are our systems' biggest weaknesses. Listen with your heart, not your brain. When your heart answers, you know you've hit your gear. That's what I do now... I just do it with smaller pieces. Ignore reviewers, spend less than you can, and ROCK. OUT.
Video/HT System: Integrated